The Wizard's Map

Tartan Magic #1

by Jane Yolen

Welcome to Scotland, where magic runs through the land like the stripes in the colorful Scottish tartans. Everyone and everything here, it seems, has some wizardry--old folks at rest homes, dusty old card games, even cowardly dogs. The only ones without magic are American twins Jennifer and Peter, and they're the ones who need it most.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Fiction, Young Adult, Scotland, Childrens, Magic

146 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

Reviews

[Aelvana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jennifer, Peter, Molly, and their parents have come to Scotland to visit close friends of their mother. It doesn't seem much different from an ordinary vacation, until Molly finds a map with the power to change the world around them. The map's original owner, however, is an evil wizard who wants it back. Can Peter and Jennifer save their family from his grasp?

The kids are well-drawn, with Jennifer and Peter caught between believing in the magic they thought they'd outgrown and being adult and pushing magic away. The plot is pretty easy to follow, and has enough surprises and enchantments to keep readers guessing until the end.

If the plot is relatively easy, though, the setting presents some difficulties. Most of the Scottish words are explained as they come up, and there's even a glossary at the back to help. The magic, however, feels like way too much got dropped in with very little to explain it. The map is straightforward, but then there's also Major and Minor Arcana, Patience, and wizardry and witchcraft. And Peter also gets possessed, which just felt rather thrown in (I would have easily believed he'd play the game on his own, just to prove he wasn't intimidated by whatever was going on).

Overall the story feels like a poor fit for the age level for which it's written. If the magic were simpler, the simple story would complement it perfectly. If the prose and plot were bumped up to accommodate older readers, the complicated magic would get more of a chance to breathe. As it is, there's little to recommend the book, but it's not terrible, just not very good. I rate this book Neutral.

[Mary's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually closer to 3.5. This is a briskly told fantasy for kids ten+ by the master storyteller, Jane Austen. Twins Jennifer and Peter and their family are visiting Scotland for the first time. Peter is not too impressed by the house and village where they are staying, even when his grandmother tells him there is magic there. When they spend a rainy day in the attic of the old house with their four-year-old sister Molly, they find an ancient map, some playing cards, and a turban. Molly colors on the map, accidentally releasing an ancient wizard, Michael Scot, who wants the map so that he can control the world. Things rapidly spin out of control, and the rest of the family members are imprisoned by the wizard so he can bargain for the map. Jennifer and Peter use their wits, and a bit of their own magic, to bring things right again.
The story moves along swiftly, maybe too much so. There is little character development or explanation of how the magic works. The story is very straightforward and understandable. It is probably suitable mostly for younger readers who have not read Harry Potter, Narnia, or A Wrinkle in Time yet. It is part of a series of three fantasy books called Tartan Magic.

[Two BookWorms Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer and Peter may not initially believe in magic, but the ensuing events – including the appearance of Michael Scot – will change their minds, especially when he takes Molly as his captive. He wants the power of the map and the time in which to wield that power. How can two American children who know nothing about magic fight against such an evil wizard?

For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...

[Talie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Features a 4yr old, twin 13 year old boy and girl who visit relatives in magical Scotland.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantasy for younger readers.

[Hollive · Rating 3 out of 5]

a fast read

[Rebekah Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

has magic, Scotland, a cat AND a slew of other. mythical animals. a nice light read 👍

[Sarah Monsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Jennifer, her twin brother Peter, and their family go to Scotland to visit their grandparents they know they’re in for sightseeing and adventure, but magic? They never would have guessed at that. Magic, it seems, is wrapped up in the very fabric of the Scottish town they visit, and Jennifer has a way of bringing it out. In each book Jennifer and Peter encounter a different type of magic: an evil wizard who’s been bound within a map, an ancient child wrapped up in the history of an ancient battle, and ghost, a lady in white who’s searching for her lost love. The magic is as exciting as it is scary and can be raised simply by going for a walk or by playing a game of cards. And the talking animals? It’s anyone’s guess as to whether they’re a help or a hindrance.

These books are the absolute best sort of summer reading. Jennifer and Peter are on an adventure with their family, but their parents conveniently disappear for most of the important bits of the story, leaving the twins to solve their problems on their own. They’ve got a magical advisor in Gram, as she’s a witch, and a little sister to care for, which adds to the tension. There’s just the right amount of information about Scotland and its history to pique your interest and loads of new vocabulary to try (with a glossary in case you can’t quite sort it out from context). Best of all, there are three books in the series, so you’re not disappointed by being finished reading when you’re just getting to know the characters.

These books brought to mind the books of Edward Eager and E. Nesbit. They have the same sort of feeling of adventure, and the children have the same responsibility to set things right. They are more playful and less dark and involved than Susan Cooper’s The Dark is Rising series, but something of Jennifer and Peter’s relationship with Gram and their parents brought to my mind Uncle Merry and the characters in Over Sea Under Stone. In fact, Tartan Magic might be a good series to lead up to these others. Though the Scottish words raise the reading level of the text, these middle grade books are short (about 150 pages) and so would be good for reluctant readers or those who might be overwhelmed by a large book. These are great for middle grade summer reading or to add to the stack when the school year starts and 20 minutes of reading a day rules prevail.

[Books Kids Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thirteen year-old twins, Jennifer and Peter Dyer, travel to Scotland with their parents and little sister, Molly. Soon after they arrive in Fairburn, the questions begin. What is this color magic that Gran talks about when she sees Jennifer’s red hair and green eyes? How can Gran’s walled herb garden contain a dark forest with a small white summer house in a clearing? How did the circles Molly drew on an old map turn into mysterious crop circles in a neighbor’s corn field? Who finished the card game Peter left unattended in the attic? Answers come when Gran sees the old map. She tells her family that Wizard Michael Scot drew it as a mirror to his heart. Soon, the wizard comes through time to get it back, but he cannot take it by force. The possessor must give it willingly; Gran knows that disaster will follow if she does. So, one by one, Michael Scot captures Jennifer’s family, and Jennifer begins a race against time to save them from the wizard’s evil powers. As a huge Jane Yolen fan, I lapped up these pleasantly shivery ghost stories. They contain enough chills and suspense to please without the horror that can cause nightmares. And the Scottish setting adds to the overall appeal. Yolen’s powerful prose paints the magic that drips from the mystical air of this ancient land.

[Luann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always wanted to go to Scotland so I was immediately drawn into this one! I also thought it would be cool to be a twin when I was younger, so I liked that aspect of this as well. Although this was a very quick read, I quite enjoyed it. The magic was fun, especially how it related to the card game, Patience. I also really liked the concept of the map that kept changing. And it was handy that she included a list of Scottish vocabulary at the end. Of course this would have been even better as a more fleshed out story, but for a quick read I quite enjoyed it. 3.5 stars.

[Brian · Rating 1 out of 5]

This read like a cheap knock-off of the usual "Rolex" Yolen delivers. Little (read "none") character development and a loose plot led me to think a strong editor would have helped this one immensely. Maybe when you get as good as Yolen usually is, editors back off and leave you more space as a writer. If so, it's unfortunate. If you want enchanted gardens and excellent bad guys, read Brandon Mull's Fablehaven series. Of course The Wizard's Map is shorter, and an easier read, but the other is a better investment of whatever reading time a child has, IMHO.

[Ginger · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first in the Tartan Magic trilogy. Twins Jennifer and Peter, along with four-year-old Molly are pitted against Michael Scot, the most evil of Scotland’s dark wizards. An interesting plot involving Patience, an old card game, and an ancient map. However, the characters are flat, and thus, the story lacks snap. There's nothing there to prompt the reader to feel any emotion about what happens to these characters.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Yolen’s The Wizard’s Map provided welcome escape from real world problems into the magic of Scotland. Jennifer and her twin, Peter, find unexpected magic, courage, strength, and patience as they working together with family and allies. With characters to care about and lessons to learn, so-called children’s books have much to offer to all ages of readers. I’ve added the next two books of the Tartan Magic series to my TBR mountain.

[Miriam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book in my daughter's school library, and decided to give it a try. I'm sure its a great book for impatient young readers. As an adult used to complex and sometimes drawn-out books, this story felt a bit like the skeleton of a story ready to be fleshed out. But it was still a very good story. I liked it and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I personally think this book is really good. The suspense is just enough to keep you reading the book. I recommend The Wizard's Map because it's good for people of all ages. For all those people who love mysteries , this is a good one for you. Can't wait to read the next book in the series! If you want to know what is in this book, you'll just have to read it!

[Kayleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Surprised I didn't like this better. It was a little interesting at first but soon became childish and annoying. It was way too easy for them to vanquish the evil sorcerer, and it was just a bore.
I had the whole trilogy but will not be continue reading them. Rather bummed out, thought I was going to enjoy all of her books.

[Jeanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up at the library because I was intrigued by the premise. It was okay, but it seemed a bit too thin considering the potential of the underlying concept. Perhaps the sequels develop the idea further, but I don't feel compelled to read them.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute but young for YA fantasy lit. I loved Yolen's Dragon's Blood books when I was younger but I think if I'd read this, even back then I would have found it childish. Still, it's a nice quick little read entertaining enough and probably nicely accessible for a youn pre-teen.

[Tracy Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute and perhaps scary story for kids that takes place in Scotland. It took me about a day and a half to read this, but still, was enjoyable, as I love everything from Scotland! I am thinking about reading the others in the series, but feel a wee bit silly since I'm not a kid..haha.

[SR · Rating 3 out of 5]

OH HEY THIS ONE!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

children's fantasy-good fun with a bit of scariness

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to very young readers. It's pretty simple and would be good for those enjoying books like the Magic Treehouse series. Any older will find it too easy and simple.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Jane Yolen and will certainly read the other Tartan Magic books, but I much preferred the historical quartet for the flavor of Scotland

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple kids book. Reminded me of Labyrinth. 3 part series involving Scotish magic.

[Deranged · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple book yet with a great depth to it. Old tales are written anew and twins again show great strength. A good book and excellent addition to the books of Jane Yolen.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable, though for younger teens or preteens. A bit of unusual twist to the usual themes of wizards, maps, dragons, etc... Well paced.

[Amie · Rating 2 out of 5]

so much potential....

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can see the flaws on my Reread as an adult, but the story is fun and enjoyable.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Went fine.

[Krista Stevens · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too unbelievable (even for me).
Superficial adults who hand over all the reins to children with little help/supervision.
Annoying Scottish phrases.
Applies to entire series.