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Wildcat Wizard #11
Sand Storm
When the disembodied head of a dead Ethiopian wizard keeps freaking out your wife, there's only one thing to do. Go get lost in the desert.
With sand in every crevice, and not enough sunscreen, I wasn't in the best of moods before everything went to hell, which it inevitably did. Treasure hunts, evil wizards, death-defying stunts, it would have been a cool adventure if it hadn't happened to me.
Hi, I'm Arthur "The Hat" Salzman. Gangster. Wizard. Praying for snow.
With sand in every crevice, and not enough sunscreen, I wasn't in the best of moods before everything went to hell, which it inevitably did. Treasure hunts, evil wizards, death-defying stunts, it would have been a cool adventure if it hadn't happened to me.
Hi, I'm Arthur "The Hat" Salzman. Gangster. Wizard. Praying for snow.
- GenresUrban Fantasy
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2019
43 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Al K. Line
84 books186 followersAl K. Line is a British author who lives in rural England with his wife, son, and dogs.
When asked to describe himself for this bio all we got was the following:
"Who am I? Degrees, jobs, living in other countries, fighting squirrels, cuddling monkeys, amused by penguins, all the usual stuff."
When asked to describe himself for this bio all we got was the following:
"Who am I? Degrees, jobs, living in other countries, fighting squirrels, cuddling monkeys, amused by penguins, all the usual stuff."
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 11, 2019
This is the eleventh book in this series, and to be truthful, I’m not sure what to say about this book. Don’t get me wrong, the book was well-written, had an interesting plot, and, of course, had one of my favorite characters. The fault mostly lies with me. I don’t like books where there isn’t much interaction with other people. There were some, but it was mostly Arthur on a quest and trying to find his way back. I did read frantically to find out what was going to happen, but I did like the book; I just missed all the other characters and the shenanigans they get up to. And, I was so angry with the author at the end because I was left in suspense (I can’t say why as I don’t want to spoil the ending). LOL! Darn it! So, if you are a fan of this series, you do need to read this one, and it’s still a good book. I recommend this book. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
April 13, 2019
Full Disclosure – I was provided a copy of the book by the author as a member of his “A-Team”, however, have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own
Sand everywhere and not a beach in sight
Sand Storm is Eleventh in the Wildcat Wizard series of books by author Al K. Line. Picking up some time after the close of Empty Heart, life for Arthur and his family have returned to semi-normalcy. That is until the screaming head of his dead mentor Zewedu starts to make unannounced appearances. What could this strange long-dead African wizard want from Arthur that he would relentlessly torture him and his family? In order to find out why the specter has returned after many years; Arthur must do the one thing he truly thought he would never have to do. With Wand tucked away in a pocket and Grace snugly on his head, Arthur boards a plane back to where it all began for him as a wizard. But for the Hat, the trip back is not a pleasant experience as he finds himself on what could arguably be the biggest artifact quest of his mortal life. Obtaining the item in question is one thing but keeping it and himself safe while attempting to leave Ethiopia is another thing entirely.
Sand Storm is a bit departure from the previous books in the series. While I have become accustomed to Arthur’s antics including, at the very least, Vicky and at the very most, half of the wizarding community this time Arthur is all on his own. Embarking on an adventure that rivals all the Indiana Jones movies combined, Arthur encounters ghostly specters, thieving adepts, crazed fanatics and if that wasn’t enough… vampires. Really, the sheer amount of craziness that goes on in this book made me tired at times just reading it. Arthur really has his work cut out for him as he tries to protect Zewedu’s final “present” to him and get back to civilization and just when it looks like he may have found an ally in all of the madness Line tosses in a twist that even though I should have seen coming, I still was surprised.
With this series winding down, it was nice to see a story that focused solely on Arthur. While I missed Vicky at times, it was a nice change of pace to have her there to complicate an already messy situation. Also taking the action out of the normal locations and moving it to Africa allowed more creativity with this book and more crazy situations for the grumpy old wizard. I really loved the storytelling in this one and with the scenery involved, I could really picture the places and events even though I had ever been in that area of the world. That is a sign of a good author, and one of the reasons that I really enjoy Al K. Line’s books so much. In returning to Arthur’s past, we were able to get not only a glimpse into his early life as a wizard but also a rare look into his heartbreaking younger years.
As I eagerly await the final book in the series, Sharp Edges, part of me wants a happy ending. A resolution where Arthur can live out the rest of his days in relative happiness with George, Vicky, Penelope, and Sasha without any more craziness or the threat of Cerberus dropping any more bombs on his house. If I have learned anything about the Hat, it is that nothing for him is easy. Even if a happy ending is in the cards, it will be one heck of a road to get there. We also mustn’t forget that Death awaits to bestow his mantle to Arthur with his next and final death. Is it possible that we will see the end of the Hat and the beginning of a new era of a Grace wearing reaper? All will be made clear soon and I’m sure whatever the outcome, it will be a fitting end of this series.
Sand everywhere and not a beach in sight
Sand Storm is Eleventh in the Wildcat Wizard series of books by author Al K. Line. Picking up some time after the close of Empty Heart, life for Arthur and his family have returned to semi-normalcy. That is until the screaming head of his dead mentor Zewedu starts to make unannounced appearances. What could this strange long-dead African wizard want from Arthur that he would relentlessly torture him and his family? In order to find out why the specter has returned after many years; Arthur must do the one thing he truly thought he would never have to do. With Wand tucked away in a pocket and Grace snugly on his head, Arthur boards a plane back to where it all began for him as a wizard. But for the Hat, the trip back is not a pleasant experience as he finds himself on what could arguably be the biggest artifact quest of his mortal life. Obtaining the item in question is one thing but keeping it and himself safe while attempting to leave Ethiopia is another thing entirely.
Sand Storm is a bit departure from the previous books in the series. While I have become accustomed to Arthur’s antics including, at the very least, Vicky and at the very most, half of the wizarding community this time Arthur is all on his own. Embarking on an adventure that rivals all the Indiana Jones movies combined, Arthur encounters ghostly specters, thieving adepts, crazed fanatics and if that wasn’t enough… vampires. Really, the sheer amount of craziness that goes on in this book made me tired at times just reading it. Arthur really has his work cut out for him as he tries to protect Zewedu’s final “present” to him and get back to civilization and just when it looks like he may have found an ally in all of the madness Line tosses in a twist that even though I should have seen coming, I still was surprised.
With this series winding down, it was nice to see a story that focused solely on Arthur. While I missed Vicky at times, it was a nice change of pace to have her there to complicate an already messy situation. Also taking the action out of the normal locations and moving it to Africa allowed more creativity with this book and more crazy situations for the grumpy old wizard. I really loved the storytelling in this one and with the scenery involved, I could really picture the places and events even though I had ever been in that area of the world. That is a sign of a good author, and one of the reasons that I really enjoy Al K. Line’s books so much. In returning to Arthur’s past, we were able to get not only a glimpse into his early life as a wizard but also a rare look into his heartbreaking younger years.
As I eagerly await the final book in the series, Sharp Edges, part of me wants a happy ending. A resolution where Arthur can live out the rest of his days in relative happiness with George, Vicky, Penelope, and Sasha without any more craziness or the threat of Cerberus dropping any more bombs on his house. If I have learned anything about the Hat, it is that nothing for him is easy. Even if a happy ending is in the cards, it will be one heck of a road to get there. We also mustn’t forget that Death awaits to bestow his mantle to Arthur with his next and final death. Is it possible that we will see the end of the Hat and the beginning of a new era of a Grace wearing reaper? All will be made clear soon and I’m sure whatever the outcome, it will be a fitting end of this series.
April 3, 2024
3.5 – 4 Stars
Sand Storm is the eleventh book in the Wildcat Wizard series by Al K. Line. The complete series is available in a boxset, twelve books for the price of one #winning. What a great way to get your book-binge on.
The Wildcat Wizard Complete Collection Box Set contains the entire Wildcat Wizard series by Al K. Line. It is an epic, original, and intriguing urban fantasy series - woven with wizards, vampires, magic, paranormal elements, action, adventure, mystery, suspense, danger, drama, humour, heists, quests, the supernatural, and interesting quirky characters.
The Hat is a great character, he’s a bit of an anti-hero, as he gets caught up in quite an adventure (or two) with a few heists, mobsters, criminals, villains, and dangerous and dramatic developments to contend with. Along with his fairy godmother, they take us on quite a ride- one you won’t forget anytime soon.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Al K. Line!
Sand Storm is the eleventh book in the Wildcat Wizard series by Al K. Line. The complete series is available in a boxset, twelve books for the price of one #winning. What a great way to get your book-binge on.
The Wildcat Wizard Complete Collection Box Set contains the entire Wildcat Wizard series by Al K. Line. It is an epic, original, and intriguing urban fantasy series - woven with wizards, vampires, magic, paranormal elements, action, adventure, mystery, suspense, danger, drama, humour, heists, quests, the supernatural, and interesting quirky characters.
The Hat is a great character, he’s a bit of an anti-hero, as he gets caught up in quite an adventure (or two) with a few heists, mobsters, criminals, villains, and dangerous and dramatic developments to contend with. Along with his fairy godmother, they take us on quite a ride- one you won’t forget anytime soon.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Al K. Line!
April 14, 2019
A big fan of the Hat, and I was pleased with the story, the quest was entertaining and well developed. I feel like this should have been either an amuse bouche or as an old fart a limited EP offfering. I am looking forward to the series wrap up, and more of the characters that I typically enjoy so much. I am overdue for a vacation and I will be looking forward to the finale, curious to see how fully the loose ends get tied off.
May 1, 2019
Wow
You have done it once again. I hated not seeing Vickie this time, but Author 's adventures left me panting for the next page. I hate the artifact had the old man in a state of nuttiness but the book was good as always
You have done it once again. I hated not seeing Vickie this time, but Author 's adventures left me panting for the next page. I hate the artifact had the old man in a state of nuttiness but the book was good as always
May 20, 2019
I have absolutely loved all of this crazy wizard’s adventures. This one shows glimpses into his past, and my only issue was that it just didn’t hold my attention the way the other books have. Probably just me personally but there it is.
June 8, 2019
What was in the box dude?
Good story though walking the sands lasted a bit too long. Seriously peeved amd want the answer of what was in the box. Play us like that again and we will quit reading the series Mr. Hat.
Good story though walking the sands lasted a bit too long. Seriously peeved amd want the answer of what was in the box. Play us like that again and we will quit reading the series Mr. Hat.
April 22, 2019
Doesn’t disappoint !
May 4, 2019
Excellent
Excellent as always. Deeply saddened to here the next one is the last. Who is going to fill my wizard adventure needs now?
Excellent as always. Deeply saddened to here the next one is the last. Who is going to fill my wizard adventure needs now?
May 10, 2019
Wasn’t as good as the others. Felt it drag on in spots.
May 28, 2019
Decent
My least favorite book of one of my favorite series. Too much running around and lack of characters and action. Seemed like a space filler.
My least favorite book of one of my favorite series. Too much running around and lack of characters and action. Seemed like a space filler.
August 26, 2019
The Hat is amazing
Penultimate book apparently. But not for lack of gripping story lines. I really like Arthur's character and his social commentary as well as his snark.
Penultimate book apparently. But not for lack of gripping story lines. I really like Arthur's character and his social commentary as well as his snark.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews