“The year was 999, now known as the Dark Ages and a generally rotten time to be alive.” So begins Young Wizards, chronicling the story of a teen orphan, Wirt (Wirt, no more and no less) and the Young Wizards in training at the esteemed Hellsborough Wizard’s Academy. Join young Wirt as he struggles to rise above his peasant roots, befriends a mysterious janitor, and is pitted against a fellow student intent on overthrowing the wizard faculty in order to rule side by side with His Satanic Majesty, a monstrous demon imprisoned beneath the Academy.
Each year one hundred boys were selected to attend the prestigious institute of magical learning - one hundred fresh and eager young minds and countless opportunities to twist and bend them to nefarious ends. There was no need for eleven, no need for seven, nor five, three or two - but only one - the One, the Chosen. For surely there was one among them who could be lured, bribed or tricked into betraying their smug and radiant tutors, the wizard faculty. Surely there was one among their young pupils foolish and naive enough to barter his soul for the chance to practice the black arts and rule as equals in the underworld. Was that too much to ask?
Hans Bauer is the creator of the Anaconda movie franchise and Titan A.E., among others. His novels include the award winning Fishtale, The Pet and Phantoms of Dragstrip Hollow.