Wizard's Key

The Darkwolf Saga #1

by Mitch Reinhardt

Finding a magical key was easy. Staying alive, however...
The dirt-encrusted key didn’t look like much, but when bullied teen Geoff inadvertently activates it, he is suddenly thrust into a strange and beautiful world. It doesn’t help that he’s accompanied by Sawyer, his chief tormentor at school, but there is a silver lining in that intelligent, compassionate Jane is also with them. Soon the three teenagers encounter evil orcs, majestic unicorns, dangerous trolls, and a mysterious elven druid who doesn’t care for humans.
Together, they must make their way back home before the new world they find themselves in erupts in war. Along the way, they’ll be tested to the limits of their endurance—and discover hidden powers deep within. But will those powers be enough to stop the ravenous werewolf that is stalking them?

* AWARD WINNING, Young Adult Fiction Book of the Year, 2017 NYC Big Book Award

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 19, 2016

Reviews

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book! I kept calling it "The Lion the Witch and the World of Warcraft" in my head because (as a WoW nerd) I appreciated the similarities it had to all thing Azeroth (which I love). Three kids go through a magic arch (accidentally) and end up in a land full or druids, orcs, goblins etc etc where they have quite a large adventure and learn a lot about this other world.

Looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Marcus Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here’s a public service announcement: if you see a grimy old artifact laying about your daddy’s house, don’t pick it up. Unless of course, you want to get caught up in the same kind of mess Geoff gets himself and his acquaintances, Sawyer and Jane into.

Destined as the ones to topple the warmongering Shadowlord, they’re torn from the modern world and thrown headfirst into Alluria, where magic permeates the air, mythical beasts roam free. Mitch Reinhardt doesn’t play coy about the kind of story he feeds us.

You’ll see other clones tout their elves and goblins as unique, only for them to wear slightly different hats (I’m looking at you, Bright). Not so with Wizard’s Key. It reads like the adventure every child wants to hear, but no one wants to live, almost like a love letter to DnD. The text knows this and isn’t ashamed. Contrary to popular ranting, this is a good thing. The less we have to worry about superficial details, deconstructionism, and the next movers and shakers of the fantasy scene, the more we get to enjoy the actual story.

Those deeply entrenched in the genre will fondly remember hours of their childhood spent delving through the worlds of Tolkien and Pullman, people new to fantastic stories will experience many of the tenets that held readers of the past spellbound.

Prosewise, Reinhardt is decent. While the text isn’t eloquent, there aren’t that many gaffs that get in the way of comprehension. He’s consistent enough with his conventions and provides enough detail to give us the full picture of every scene. The greatest problem lies in some odd phrasing here or there and filtered language. There are some cases where we don’t experience the world drawn out for us, but are told how it feels, detaching us from a scene or two. It wasn’t off putting enough to make me drop the book, however. Largely due to Wizard’s Key’s competent character development.

The children in particular, are fun to read; despite their circumstances forcing them through some early growth, they still feel like children. Not paragons with instant messianic power. They stumble, they squabble amongst themselves, and most importantly, they have thoughts and motivations beyond justice and blind heroism. Even if the plot is simple and safe, the characters display enough individualism to make the world seem less generic. They are by far, the driving force behind my interest in the story.

The way is open, should you wish to join them. Just pick up a key for yourself. It’s not like anyone heeds public service announcements anyways.

[Jay Batista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a YA series!

A well written introduction to a fantasy series with wonderful settings, portals to fantasy realms, conflicted villains and exciting action scenes. For WOW and DND fans, there was even a dungeon crawl! This story combines castaway youths in an unfamiliar, magical realm and follows their quest to find a way home. It is a fun read and moves at a good pace, perfect for YA readers. If you are looking for a good fantasy story, look no further!

[Francine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wizard’s Key is the first book in an exciting new young adult series called the Dark Wolf Saga. I’m always on the lookout for things that will entice non-readers to want to pick a book up and I think this book will do the job.
The story centers around three teens: Jane, a popular and inquisitive young lady; Geoff, small for his age and very intelligent but bullied; and Sawyer, popular and a jock who bullies Geoff. Geoff’s father deals with interesting old artifacts and when Geoff finds a strange key he ends up falling through an archway, dragging Sawyer and Jane with him. They fall into a strange and magical land where river trolls and ogres hunt humans and a mysterious elven druid named Ariel rules over the forest. Ariel believes there is something special about the three teenagers and tries to help them, albeit grudgingly, and teach them some of the ways of the new land, including magic. Unfortunately, there is also a huge werewolf after them who also knows that there is something different about the kids.
I loved this book and found it to be an easy and entertaining read. The characters are well written and the three teenagers in particular are realistic and credible. Often, teens aren’t written as they really are and are often portrayed as either too childish or too adult-like. Teenage readers will pick up on any glitches in a teenage character quicker than anyone and in this case, I think they will be satisfied with how believable Jane, Geoff and Sawyer are written. The magical world created by Mr. Reinhardt is excellent and as you read along, it is easy to picture the story unfold and imagine in your head the beautiful unicorn, the stinking orcs, and all of the other creatures. Both genders will enjoy this book because there is a little bit of everything thrown into the mix. There’s action, adventure, mystery, magic and humour. It’s the type of book that I can really see being made into a movie.
Mr. Reinhardt did an excellent job with writing Wizard’s Key and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I read this book in digital form and it formatted to my ereader perfectly. The cover is great and pertains to the story well.

[Mahita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short Take: Enjoyed the known world, with a new story.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully told story

This is the start of a new series by Reinhardt, and I must say that it was not only well-written, but well put together. I liked the way it started, giving some backstory. It was the start of a grand journey. Meant for young adults, I found this similar to other fantasy stories, but also had its own unique twist and spin on a story of mystics and magic, and wizardry. Geoff is one of those boy-turned-heroes that make the story complete, and adventurous. I look forward to future stories by Reinhardt.

[Liz (Quirky Cat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of Wizards Key in exchange for a fair and honest review.

What first caught my eye about Wizards Key was the beautiful cover – I mean really, take a minute to look at it. It’s so simple and elegant, understated almost. The description is what sold me on the novel however. If you’re looking for a Young Adult novel that is a blend of Arthurian legend and the Chronicles of Narnia, then this is the perfect book for you. It’s a quick read and perfect for anybody out there looking for a good fantasy novel, and its light enough for younger readers to appreciate it as well.



Everything starts out pretty normal; a bullied kid hanging out at his home by himself. Pretty typical, right? It doesn’t take long before this view starts to shift; Geoff’s father is an archeologist, not exactly something one would consider a typical career. Before the chapter is over, Geoff, along with Sawyer and Jane are teleported to what we can only assume is another world.
It’s pretty clear why this novel kept reminding me of Arthurian novels and the Chronicles of Narnia. We have three drastically different children (Geoff, the bookworm, Sawyer, the jock, and Jane, the overachiever) that are transported through a magical doorway to another world. Sound familiar? Because it should. The world they’re transported to reminds me much of the magical worlds we frequently see in epic fantasy novels; elves, humans, druids all at war for their lives against a great foe (almost has a Lord of the Rings feel to it, when you put it like that). There are magical (and possibly sentient) swords, prophecies, the whole nine yards.
I’ll admit it took me a little while to get into Wizards Key – it was probably for the first chapter or two I kept putting it down and getting distracted. Once I got past that part though I was wholly invested in the characters and what happened to them.
What I really loved about this book was not only the plot (more on that in a moment) but the characters and the difference between them. Each of the three main characters gets their own perspective, which we rotate between. What’s wonderful about this is that it means there’s something for everyone. The way Geoff sees the world is different from the way Sawyer sees it, and Jane sees everything different than the boys. I think this will help increase the appeal to a broader range of readers, at least in theory.
As for the plot, I believe it has a lot of potential. It is exactly what I would expect from a young adult version of an epic fantasy story; there’s the gradual buildup, basing events off of a prophecy, multiple characters trying to do what is good and right, as well as a yet unseen villain behind all the horrible events that have occurred. Once I found myself interested in what was happening, I couldn’t put the book down.
I found the writing style to be intriguing; the series reads as a lighthearted fantasy, despite all the heavy events that are occurring in the world (there’s even some pretty gruesome character deaths). In that sense it reminds me a lot of the Hobbit – heavy subject matter written in a way that a younger audience won’t be overwhelmed. Admittedly Wizards Key is targeting a slightly older audience than the Hobbit but the point still applies.
I’ll be curious to see where the next book takes us, as the ending was not a cliffhanger, but it was also very much open ended - much like the endings in Chronicles of Narnia, where the children always come home at the end, even though you know there’s more to the story. I think the three main characters will be back in the next novel, though Reinhardt could easily shift the focus onto a new set of characters if he chose to. It’ll be interesting to see which way he goes with it.


For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unicorns Do Exist!
Every once in a while, I stumble into a writer with skills that thoroughly entertains and captivates my attention. This would be Mitch Reinhardt. I just finished reading an outstanding book, Wizard's Key: The Darkwolf Saga Book 1, by this writer who possesses a remarkable and complex imagination. It's been a long time since I read a book that transported me into adolescence. What a wonderful flashback! While reading the Wizards Key, I was teleported back to a boy filled with excitement and wonder. This is a tale filled with magic and well-developed characters, including Orcs, Dwarves, Elves, and a whole cast of other mysterious and elaborate beings.

I loved the three teenagers, Geoff, Jane, and Sawyer. This very unlikely trio bonds eloquently in this unexpected mystical journey thanks to the storytelling skill of this author. My favorite cast member would be the majestic rare white unicorn. This beautiful creature made for heartfelt and touching interaction that moved me on a level that I will not soon forget. I highly recommend this compelling read to everyone and anyone that likes to be consumed and transported into a great piece of literature. I must mention that I felt that the proofing and editing were done with love and pride. The cover art was the cherry on top of this excellent piece that screamed quality.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading through Wizard’s Key by Mitch Reinhardt, the first book in his Darkwolf Saga. I picked it up because I love swords and sorcery style books and came to really love Reinhardt’s writing style. He did an excellent job of creating an engaging story that I just couldn’t put down. All of the characters were a joy to read, which can be difficult to do with both this style of fiction and a young adult book. Often it’s too easy to fall into the trope of making the main character without fault and the antagonist mean just for the sake of it. But I loved all of the characters that were introduced into the story and how they interacted with each other.

The author did a great job at making the initial plot device of the story believable but did a great job at really making sure to keep the tension of the story up. Since it’s a reasonably short book I felt like there were points where the plot was really flying along at a breakneck pace, but Reinhardt did an amazing job at keeping the story grounded and engaging. I was hooked the whole way through and loved every second of it.

In the end, I highly encourage picking up Wizard’s Key. I know I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in his series.

[Johni Brand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geoff is a geek who is of slight build. A couple of years earlier, Geoff’s lovely mother died; and his father is a professor who studies artifacts and archeological digs. His father marries a woman who is stern and cold, shortly after his mom died. In school, several teenagers, who are two years ahead of him in school, torment Geoff. Specifically, Sawyer, whose muscular body and size intimidates Geoff.
Geoff’s curiosity of a box delivered to his father leads him to discover a skeleton key one afternoon. He discovered the key, covered in dirt and soot, while rummaging through his father’s study. Doing this would cost him dearly if his father or step-mother caught him snooping. Earlier, his father had received a package that caused an unusual response by his dad. His father’s face revealed concern or shock at receiving the box; so, Geoff felt dogged determination to unearth its contents. This same afternoon, Sawyer unexpectedly returns a book he stole from Geoff while torturing him at school earlier. Upon seeing Geoff’s home, the many old artifacts fascinate Sawyer – armors and swords – displayed in the foyer. This prompts Sawyer to walk past Geoff, into his home. While discovering Geoff’s home, Jane (a young woman who knew Geoff’s mother) comes to the door. She loves their home and sees it as a magical place. So…begins the adventure.
Mitch Reinhardt has written an enchanted first book of The Wizard’s Key. Reinhardt delivers a mystical story involving unicorns, dark forces, and trolls. While the story is a young reader’s desire to be charmed and pulled into a world of fantasy and supernatural experiences; it is written to appeal to any aged reader, who enjoys sagas where the experiences reveal the characters’ inner strengths and ability to grow.

[Brendan Vu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Wizard's Key (The Darkwolf Saga) (Volume 1). With a title like that you expect a lot, It definitely delivered I really really liked this book. Mitch Reinhardt is a good writer and this book has felt very carefully researched and thought. Although it's labeled fantasy, it feels so much more.The way he presented magic is unique, I adore it. The book has a real feel for the magicians/potter vibe to it. My main aim in in reading this book for pleasure and it has been. I was hoping not for too much because it's fiction and not a real interesting read. I was pleasantly surprised it's a thought provoking book Geoff, Sawyer, and Jane are all lovely characters. I studied occult things when I was younger and wouldn't be surprised if the author did too. It's great Reinhardt can come up with a new world in a genre where everyone must create a new magical world. Compelling read I must admit. I don't want to be cliche and say "page turner" especially because it was read on my kindle app so I will say potboiler because it could serve just as well, if not better, for the sort of book where once you put it down, you can't pick it up.

[Erika Winterlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Wizard's Key, which is the first book in The Darkwolf Saga, we get to know a boy named Geoff. Geoff is a bit different and he’s bullied at school. When his bully Sawyer one day stops by Geoff’s house to return a book he stole from him at school, the two boys sneak in to Geoff’s father office. Here they find a strange key, which Geoff accidentally activates, and an archway appears in the office. A girl Geoff knows arrives at the house just when Geoff is being sucked into the archway, and in an attempt to save him the three kids get sucked into the archway and ends up in a strange new world.

Their new world is filled with dangers and all the three kids want to do is return home, something that turns out to be much more difficult than one can imagine. Not only does this new world lie on the brink of war, the kids are also stalked by a mysterious creature that will stop at nothing to end their journey.

Overall, I found this book to be really enjoyable. I was sucked in to the story and I wanted to know what happened to the kids. The writing was good and it was easy to read and it was easy to follow along in the plot.

The characters were developed fairly well and the worldbuilding was ok. I do have to admit I found the POV a bit confusing at times and I would have preferred to follow one character at a time. Perhaps Geoff in one chapter/scene and then Sawyer in the next etc. Now it kept shifting with every other sentence and paragraph and for me that took away from the enjoyment a bit. When I was into Geoff’s state of mind trying to figure out what he was feeling etc, then suddenly someone else was the main focus and I lost track of where I was. Another minor issue I has with the character development/wordbuilding was that I got major Word of Warcraft vibes when I read about the looks of the various creatures in this new world. Perhaps that’s not a bad thing per se, but for me it was a struggle at first.

I do find that the book was a tad bit hard to get into and it was a bit slow in the beginning, but as soon as the kids found themselves in the new world things took a sharp turn for the better, and I couldn’t really put the book down. I think the author did a very good job at keeping the interest in the story and everything flowed at a nice pace.

I liked the dialogue between the characters and the way they spoke to each other was a perfect way to make the reader get to know their personalities. I do, however, have a hard time picturing these kids as older than 12 years. They both spoke and acted in a very juvenile manor, and this book sort of felt more suitable in the Middle Grade genre than the Young Adult. Not that it’s a bad thing.
I’ll give this book a 3,5 stars out of 5, and I’ll of course round that up to a 4 star rating. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to read a nice and easy fantasy story. I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Wizard’s Key
Author: Mitch Reinhardt
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 28
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 28 readers:
28 would read another book by this author.
26 thought the cover was good or excellent.
28 felt it was easy to follow.
28 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
18 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
27 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
28 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
‘This is such a good fantasy book. The three characters were fun to follow. I loved all the magic and monsters. Cool book.’ Boy, aged 14
‘I liked the key; it was very clever. There’s lots happening in this story and the author is excellent at suspense. I will happily read the next in the set.’ Boy, aged 14
‘Reminded me a lot of C S Lewis and his seven magical books. Perhaps with a bit of Harry Potter thrown in. The author has an excellent imagination, and the writing style is fast-paced and kept my interest. Good plot too.’ Girl, aged 15
‘This is a long book but that’s okay. The characters are complex which I like, and the plot was full of twists which I didn’t see coming. Good book in every way.’ Girl, aged 15

To Sum It Up:
‘A powerfully-written, fantasy epic. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wizard’s Key (The Darkwolf Saga Book 1) by Mitch Reinhardt is a very entertaining read. I can see influences of some great fantasy writers, from Robert Jordan, Terry Goodkind, and even Terry Pratchett. I have to say that one thing that stand out in this adolescent read is something I have only truly seen in the Dragonlance series. The ability of the author through imagery to truly transport the readers to a magical realm. I mean one where you can feel and smell the words and you feel that if while reading you idly reach your hand you swear you can feel the stone texture of the castle walls, and if you are going to be inspired by other authors that have come before you I can think of no better company to be in then these. I can also appreciate the jab at modern misconceptions, the viking horn helmet was awesome and felt like a personal wink to the reader. I love it when modern works go back to correct these very old and still held today misconceptions, but that sidebar aside the story that is fleshed out here is very relevant to our current times in a very metaphorical sense as all good fantasy and science fiction stories are.  And I have to say I am now highly invested in just where this saga is going to head next, I am truly intrigued by Reinhardt’s writing and world building. I have to say I have not been this excited about a fantasy novel in so long. 

[Brandi Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wizard's Key might be one of the best adolescent aged books I've ever read. When Geoff finds a key that's caked in dirt, he doesn't think anything of it until he accidentally turns it on. In an instant, he, a bully, and a young lady are literally thrown into a new world full of unicorns, trolls, and even unmatched evil. Even though Geoff's mortal enemy and a girl that he really likes are with him, they have to work together if they are planning to get back to their world. The one they are in at the moment can erupt into war at any moment, and they know they probably wouldn't survive. Mitch Reinhardt does an incredible job blending the concept of The Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe with Hobbit and Harry Potter. Even though there are similar story lines to these three blockbusters, Reinhardt gives his book enough power to stand on its own as a wonderful book. Even though it comes in with 350 pages, as a reader, you will fly through this book, desperately wanting to finish one more chapter before putting it down. The author does a spectacular job at creating the complex characters and providing beautiful details in all the scenes but writing it and explaining it in a few that preteens can not only understand easily but can enjoy every single page without fear of being overwhelmed. I personally cannot wait to read the next installment by Mitch Reinhardt. It's not easy writing fantasy fiction but he does it with ease and an incredible ability. Great book!

[Sean Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a perfect addition to a growing collection of young adult fantasy series out there. While reading this book, I saw many similarities to books like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, which I loved, so I was happy to stumble upon this book because I am always on the look out for a new series to dive into. And I think I just found it.

I was able to relate to the character of Geoff a lot, especially since he is dropped into this unexpected adventure. But not only that, he has to go through it with the person who makes his life the most miserable. It just seems like he can’t get much of a break for a while and that is something I think a lot of people can understand.

Reinhardt’s writing really captured me. While a little slow in the beginning, it picked up quickly. Honestly I marked up the slow beginning just because it was the beginning of a new series and I knew it would take a little time to set up, so no points off for that. But once, the story got going, it was hard to put down. It was so easy to speed through the story, at times having to force myself to slow down.

I really recommend this book for anyone looking for a YA fantasy series to get into. Fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, and like other reviewers have said, The Narnia books, will not be disappointed in this book.

[Brian Adee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Mitch Reinhardt has put together a classic Hero's Journey tale for young adults in "Wizard's Key", Volume 1 of what I anticipate will be a fantastic series in The Darkwolf Saga. Lovingly adorned with a Tolkienesque map of the fictional world's territory, the story begins with a chapter that beautifully develops the character of Geoff, a bullied teen drawn into a world he's never imagined.

Complete with orcs, trolls, druids, and a whole host of fantastical characters, the novel reads like a true archetype of its kind of story. Geoff has led a life under the heel of imposing forces, and the sudden discovery of a dirt-covered key sets into motion a series of events destined to change his life forever. Spending a fair amount of early-book time on character development, the author waits until the scene is set to launch into the page-turning portions of the journey.

I particularly enjoyed the foil of Sawyer as an intimately relatable boy. His presence brings a reality to the story that would have been lost had Geoff gone on this adventure on his own. Instead, he is faced with just as many problems from home as new, fantastical challenges -- and through it all, is becoming the man that he is meant to be.

Highly recommended for fans of traditional "hero's journey" stories from Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.

[Renee Ashmeade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wizard Key by Mitch Reinhardt makes me think of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. There is something that echoes themes from C.S Lewis’s books, but I think of the Wizard Key as very unique in tone. The characters Sawyer, the jock and bully, Geoff, the nerd, Jane, the bookworm and Ariel the elf help to move the story along in their own unique way. Geoff curiously goes through his father’s archeological find in his father’s study and finds a key and ends up using it and inadvertently takes Sawyer and Jane with him through a portal to this land called Alluria. These three teenagers encounter, trolls, orcs, elves, a unicorn and a werewolf on their way to get back home. The werewolf poses a danger because he is hunting them. War is also about to break out in this world that they are transported to. The three teenagers also find out they had powers that they never knew they had.

I must say I couldn’t put this book down. I didn’t want to stop reading it, so I put off doing other things that I had to do in order to see how it would end. I felt connected to the characters. Their setbacks affected me immensely. I really enjoyed reading this book. I especially liked the sword fight parts. The theme of good and evil always gets me because I always root for good to win. Wizard Key is a good read. I recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy and adventure.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geoff finds school a little…different. Probably has to do with the fact the he is two years younger than everyone else. What he generally prefers to do is figure out the new stuff his dad, an archaeologist, brings home. When he’s caught playing with an old stone arch by his schoolmates Sawyer and Jane, things take a turn for the drastic as they are swept through the arch and into a whole ‘nother world. A world where they are chased by goblins, and werewolves, and just about anything else that has the notion to try to kill them.
A friend of mine wrote this and I had the chance to be a pre-reader for it. The book was quite a fun break from schoolwork, homework, and regular work.
The setting and background in the book was rather familiar to anyone who enjoys fantasy adventure. This story, though, is a fast-paced adventure story that is quite enjoyable. The characters are fun and have a distinct voice throughout the narrative. And I know he’s already hard at work at the second book. Definitely hope for a chance to read the sequel. A good read for someone in junior high looking for a good book.

[Christopher Schmitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wizard’s Key by Mitch Reinhardt and I found it well written and interesting. Geoff is a student whose dad is an archeologist, but his home has a bunch of stuff in it making it more like that place where they stashed the Ark of the Covenant at the end of the first Indiana Jones movie. It seemed a little like a YA version of Warehouse 13 goes to school.
Geoff, plus friends Jane and Sawyer, (ok, Sawyer is more of Geoff’s school bully) wind up thrust into a magical adventure with the expected tropes and bestiary. Friendships are forged and dangers are overcome in a world that feels something like Harry Potter (for writing feel/age level and appeal) adventures through Golaria (the world feels grander and more expansive than Rowling’s wizard/muggle dichotomy).
Oh, and it’s called the Darkwolf Saga for a reason. If you don’t like werewolf books, steer clear—but it’s much more HP: Prisoner of Azkaban than it is Twilight… I’m saying that’s a good thing—although I love almost any werewolf story (on that note, check out the wolves in my own dark fantasy saga, The Kakos Realm.) I’m looking forward to the next three planned stories in the story arc.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series it reminded me of a cross between The Hobbit and Harry Potter. I didn't even realize the story was ending until I hit the last page. The characters are amazing in a way that I can't even begin to explain without spoiling the story for everyone. It is so well written, and it brings you into the world that lets your imagination run wild. Not many stories can do that for me, but this series is definitely going to be one of them. It covers a lot of mythical creatures and I think that was the pull for me. It is so entertaining that you feel like you're in the book with the characters which isn't easy to do. If you enjoyed Harry Potter you would definitely enjoy this because it's along the same lines and yet very unique in its own way. Be prepared though you won't want to put it down. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series and see where the journey takes me.

[Sue Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wizard’s Key is definitely a good read. I’m not normally a reader of this genre but I wanted to keep reading! It kept me wanting to know what came next and how it would possibly end. It took me into another world that focused on different “norms” and perceptions yet similar enough for the reader to identify with varying characters. Clues are picked up throughout the story making you wonder and try to guess how they’ll go together as the full story unfolds. I guess we’ll only know as the next books come out but this book creates a good foundation for the future while building its own good story.
Glad I read it and looking forward to the next book’s arrival.

[Kathy Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vacation Paradise NOT!

Mitch, thank you so much for developing characters I could really care about! Their growth from high school kids entrenched in each of their own little worlds to young, powerful people who learned to care for each other was fluid and seamless. I can hardly wait to get my hands on the second book of this series! The adventure made me feel as if I was living it!!! A great read that truly left me wanting more.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Wizard's Key to be thoroughly enjoyable! It tells a good story; is well written and fast paced; has solid, believable characters; and has plenty of action. I look forward to book 2 in the series!

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It reminded me of The Chronicles of Narnia mixed with Lord of the Rings. Such well thought out characters. I felt drawn into it and didn't want to leave this world. I really hope the Author is working on the next one. I am really looking forward to it.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read.

If you would like a good story to spend an afternoon with, pick this one up. I really liked it.

[Kathleen Krywokulsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. Fun fast paced.young adults would like this book.

[Maricel · Rating 3 out of 5]

since, goodreads did not provide the synopsis, here is one from amazon:
Finding a magical key was easy. Staying alive, however...
The dirt-encrusted key didn’t look like much, but when bullied teen Geoff inadvertently activates it, he is suddenly thrust into a strange and beautiful world. It doesn’t help that he’s accompanied by Sawyer, his chief tormentor at school, but there is a silver lining in that intelligent, compassionate Jane is also with them. Soon the three teenagers encounter evil orcs, majestic unicorns, dangerous trolls, and a mysterious elven druid who doesn’t care for humans.
Together, they must make their way back home before the new world they find themselves in erupts in war. Along the way, they’ll be tested to the limits of their endurance—and discover hidden powers deep within. But will those powers be enough to stop the ravenous werewolf that is stalking them?

this is a fast-paced adventure of three teens who were sucked into a magical world. so fast that they were facing danger one after another and we're not given enough time to know the characters really well and be invested on them.
what attracted me to this book was the idea that a bullied teen be thrust into a world with his tormentor. i was expecting a nonstop torture from the bully (at the start at least) not necessarily physical but verbal because that's how a bully would act around his victim right? and some snarky exchange among the three. then i expect they will be refereed by the compassionate girl who was sucked in with them. and the bullied will learn to stand up for himself then they become friends because of the dangers they faced and survived...well i was wrong. the bully, Sawyer, was actually tame when he came around Geof's house who was understandably always on high alert against aggression. alert but not cowering and it seems like he wanted to impress Sawyer. I wouldn't even believe he's a bully if the other two didn't said it, he didn't in any way acted like a bully, heck, he was even protective and cooperative. i was at least expecting some explanation why. Jane, well she's compassionate because she wanted to heal others and she doesn't really need to stand between them. In short, i failed to connect with any of the characters. the book didn't give the synopsis justice. the world, too, wasn't build up properly. only their immediate environment was described. but there's a map. even the big bad wolf wasn't really terrifying. it's like he was created so that the three main characters would have a reason to run for their lives. the reason why he was created wasn't clear because he used to be a good guy.
i gave this 2 and a half stars actually but i rounded it to three instead of two because i was hoping the next book will be better. would i read the next book, probably because i wanted to know what happens next (i am ocd that way, it's hard for me to stop once i start a series). would i recommend it...well, it depends on how book two will turn out. but i am not discouraging others to give it a try.

[Misty Greene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great character development..Engaging story but a few spots that the transition was abrupt. Three 3 soon to be friends get transferred to another realm and go on a adventure to get back home.