The Wizards of Once: Knock Three Times: Book 3

The Wizards of Once #3

by Cressida Cowell

Wens en Xar moet nou soos misdadigers vlug. Almal maak op hulle jag: krygers, towenaars en die ergste van almal: HEKSE …

Kan hulle die geheime bestanddele vir die towerspreuk wat van hekse ontslae raak in die hande kry voordat die heksekoning sy kloue op towerkrag-wat-op-yster-werk kry?

Hulle volgende sending is nog meer skrikwekkend en gevaarlik as ooit … En iemand gaan hulle verraai … Is jy gereed om drie keer te klop?

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Audiobook, Fiction, Magic, Childrens, Adventure

384 pages, Paperback

First published September 19, 2019

About the author

Cressida Cowell grew up in London and on a small, uninhabited island off the west coast of Scotland. She was convinced that there were dragons living on this island, and has been fascinated by dragons ever since. She has a BA in English Literature from Oxford University, a BA in Graphic Design from St Martin's and an MA in Narrative Illustration from Brighton. Cressida loves illustrating her own work, but also loves writing books for other people to illustrate as the end result can be so unexpected and inspiring. Cressida has written and illustrated eight books in the popular Hiccup series. The unique blend of child centred humour and sublime prose made Hiccup an instant hit. How to Train Your Dragon is now published in over 30 languages. A DreamWorks Animation feature film is out in March 2010. Also the author of picture books, Cressida has won the Nestle Children's Book Prize 2006 and has been shortlisted for many others. Cressida lives in Hammersmith with her husband and three children.

Her Books:
1. How to Train Your Dragon (2003)
2. How to Be a Pirate (2004)
3. How to Speak Dragonese (2005)
4. How to Cheat a Dragon’s Curse (2006)
5. How to Twist a Dragon’s Tale (2007)
6. A Hero’s Guide to Deadly Dragons (2008)
7. How to Ride a Dragon’s Storm (2008)
8. How to Break a Dragon’s Heart (2010)
9. How to Steal a Dragon's Sword (2011)
10. How to Seize a Dragon's Jewel (2012)

Reviews

[Gavin Hetherington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being the third in a series I don't want to spoil anything that happens, because the plot is ticking along nicely and it's setting up for the fourth and final book (and I am so excited to read it!). This was a very good instalment in the series and I think it just edges Twice Magic as my favourite so far. The series has gotten better and better with each book.

[Hanieh Sadat Shobeiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5

🍊🍊🍊

زندگی دقیقاً نیمی از اشک و نیمی از لبخند است و برای همین، اشک از مواد اولیه‌ی مهم در بسیاری از طلسم‌هاست. ممکن است با تمام توانتان تلاش کنید ولی باز هم شکست بخورید. مهم این است که بعد از هر شکستی روی پای خودتان بایستید و به خودتان بگویید: "باید ثابت کنم که من هم می‌تونم قهرمان باشم."
آدم‌ها با خواندن قصه‌ها تغییر می‌کنند و اگر تغییر کنند می‌توانند دنیای اطرافشان را هم تغییر بدهند. قصه‌ی ما هم قصه‌ای از همین تغییرات است...

🍊🍊🍊

مجموعه‌ی زمانه‌ی جادو، نوشته‌ی کرسیدا کاول، ترجمه چکامه چکامیان، نشر پرتقال🍊

[April (Aprilius Maximus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

1.) The Wizards of Once ★★★★★
2.) Twice Magic ★★★★
3.) Knock Three Times ★★★★
4.) Never and Forever [ON TBR]

-----------------------------------------------

“Notice how the crucible of the story changes those who listen to it, those who are within it, and the person who is telling it, all at the same time.”

representation: none that i can remember!

[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]

★★★★

these are SO much fun.

trigger warnings: fantasy violence, loss of loved ones (in the past).

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a proof copy of Knock Three Times and I am so blessed.

I feel like Cressida took this to a new level.
The emotions, twists and reveals hit harder, or maybe that’s just because I was so excited to read it.
This book is also a lot darker. It’s not every day there is a (minor) named character death in the first 50 pages and a cold blooded murder on-page.
The first few chapters were INTENSE

I won’t say too much about the story yet, but I feel like the majority of it is character driven instead of quest-driven. Unlike the previous two books, where the main goal was achieving something, this time they got sidetracked by their own character shenanigans, and they became the main plot.
It was a good thing, because it led to some of the character moments I really needed. (I love that they have called themself the Wizzwar Outlaws.)

While the first book had far more similarities to httyd than I liked, with this one the series is becoming its own thing.
The world and setting have always been different, and now the characters start to move away from Hiccup, Fishlegs and Camicazi too.
The plot twists were not too big, just like in book 1 and 2. (Certainly not httyd level) However, getting my vague suspicions and speculations confirmed was still astounding enough to make me cheer.
It did end with a bit of a cliffhanger this time, so I am already looking forward to book 4.

I love the new major character of this book. She is exactly the kind of lady I aspire to be, and the scene where she tells both parents off is one of the most satisfying things in the entire series.
Where in the previous book, Wish got the character development to speak against her mother, this time it’s everyone else’s turn.
Nonetheless each and every character is a Fule at some point in the story, and I wanted to shout “You are so STUPID” multiple times.

Unlike the first two books, where Xar was the ‘main’ main character, this time it was more balanced. If there was a lead character, I would say it’s Wish, though Xar got some iconic scenes only he could make work. Both Bodkin and Encanzo, who previously only got a few character lines each, are a major part of the story this time, and each got some rewarding character development.
Queen Sychorax is now steadily going down the villain route.
I find a lot of the things she does unsettling, but I love how complex she has become.
Encanzo, too, has joined the ranks of questionable yet impossible-not-to-adore characters.
These parents feel like the fourth and fifth main characters and boi are they good at what they do.
They are infuriating beyond words, and very shady in their own way, but their scenes together are gold.


This story answered a lot of minor and major questions (one of which I have had since book 1), though many MANY more still remain.
The most important question is how the magic works, because I have some SERIOUS plot holes.
Cressida’s writing is fantastic, as per usual.
A few old favourite lines make their comeback, like ‘X marks the spot’ and WhyisitalwaysMEwhohastodoeverything?
There also seems to be a new line on the horizon: ‘Love is a weakness’ and I am incredibly curious as to where it will go.

This is a proof copy, so most of the illustrations are missing (I am DYING to see the Nuckalavee) and there are a few editing cues too.
Over all I feel like this is the best one yet.
There was suspense, magic, savage burns, beautiful quotes, deeper questions, and the glorious return of nose comments.
It is the first book in the series that can live up to the magnificence that is httyd.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are SO FREAKING ADORABLE.

I especially loved meeting Caliburn's sister Perdita, and Bodkin's storyline in this one! It seems like we're in the endgame now, the fourth one comes out soon and I am willing to bet it's the last. *sobs* I will miss my little friends! But I do want to know who the narrator is! I have my suspicions . . .

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting how the story progressed in this one, but i can't ignore that it took me so long to read the last ~200 pages. I lost interest for a bit in the middle, and it didn't pick up again until the last 50-100 pages.
Think this was just middle of the road, didn't enjoy it as much as Twice Magic.

[Robin Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant, magical book in Cressida Cowell's Wizards of Once series. I'm her biggest fan! (7+)

*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. If you use it in any marketing material, online or anywhere on a published book without asking permission from me first, I will ask you to remove that use immediately. Thank you!*

[Evelyn Evertsen-Romp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ik geloof dat ik een nieuw doel in mijn leven heb: op z'n minst één keer zo briljant grappig zijn als Cressida Cowell.

Deze serie is van het soort genialiteit waarvan je niet wist dat het kon bestaan.

[Daya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realise how much I missed Cressida Cowell's writing until I read this book. Her books always feel like home.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third book and what a ride it was!

I just adore the book’s titles they are always so much fun and I love how they fit with the number of the book. I am quite curious about what the fourth, and I am guessing last, book will be called. I can’t wait!

In this book our trio and all their fairies/sprites/animals, and oh yes Crusher the giant are out to find the last ingredients they need for the spell to finally get rid of the witches. We meet new people, see them have a semblance of normal lives which made me delightfully happy as these 3 could use some rest and relaxation. Plus, this time away from this meant they could also learn some new skills, something that may come in handy when they finally get to the final battle.

I loved seeing all the characters develop further. Bodkin became braver and actually tried to get stronger and be more of a hero. I was pissed when we found out THAT about him, it made me want to kick his ass. How could you do that?
Then there is Xar who is still cocky, but we can see he is trying to be more caring and more kind. Yes, he still makes a mess out of things, but he is also changing a lot. In the beginning he was just a tad annoying and didn’t really seem to care about anything but himself, but now he is actually being kind and trying to not say certain things.
Wish is the last one and I was so proud of her that she dared to stand up against her mom. I also love that her magic is getting stronger and that she is learning how to control her strong magic.

We also get a bit more background on the parents. We already know about how they met, how they fell in love, and how things went south. But in this one we see even more of it and I loved that these two got more attention. Their story is so interesting, and yes I am actually hoping that one day they will put aside their things and get together again. I am sure that a heart can be unstoned and that the potion the queen drank can be cancelled by pure love again. It would be fabulous if Warriors and Wizards could be together for once. I am sure that if they worked together they would be stronger, better, and have a better defence against scary stuff.

I was delighted by a certain reunion between two characters, I just had such a big smile on my face when the two got together.

Then there is the ending part, in which they have to get the scales from a giant beast. That was just pure excitement and I flew through the pages, even faster than I did while reading the other parts of the book.

I could probably talk about this book even more, it was just that good! I had tons of fun reading it, there was plenty of adventure, magic and fire, drama, and sad moments. The illustrations were once again fabulous. I love the style, it is so original, a bit unpolished but that gives it the charm.

I would highly recommend this book (and the other 2 books) to everyone in need for a magical adventure with fun characters.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Now I must be honest, I am sorry but i did not get round to reading this prior to its release so ended up reading my pre-ordered copy.

I do not want to get into the plot as this is the third book in the series but I have to say they just keep getting better and better. I loved the character development of everyone which seemed to progress so much further in this book. I even love the side stories and characters that come together as a whole within the plot.

100% recommend this series for children and adults alike. I have in fact bought this and the series for most of the children within my family.

So much excitement and joy to be found within this series. I loved it and I cannot wait for the next one. I want to know who the unknown narrator is!! 🙂

[Učitaj se! | Martina Štivičić · Rating 5 out of 5]

Želja, Xar i njihova prateća ekipa fantastičnih i čarobnih stvorenja nastavljaju potragu za sastojcima čarolije koja bi mogla jednom zauvijek uništiti zle vještice i njihovog opakog kralja. Njihova pustolovna potraga vodi ih kroz sve čudesnije, ali i opasnije krajolike, i suočava ih sa sve većim izazovima. Od vodendemona do druida (koje nikako ne biste htjeli razljutiti), Želja i Xar skupljaju sastojak po sastojak čarolije s kojom žele spasiti svijet. A taj svijet - s njihovim roditeljima na čelu - nimalo im taj pothvat ne olakšava.

Željina majka ne preza ni od čega kako bi svoju odbjeglu kćer vratila unutar zidina ratničke utvrde, pa ni od spaljivanja čitave šume. A Xarov otac s jednakim žarom (i jednakom ljutnjom) traga za svojim odbjeglim sinom. No, Željino i Xarovo prijateljstvo čvršće je nego ikad, i njihova odlučnost da svijet izbave terora vještica nikada nije bila snažnija. No, je li dovoljno snažna da nastave izmicati svojim progoniteljima - roditeljima koji ih žele uhvatiti i zaključati na sigurno, i vješticama koje ih žele ubiti i oteti Željinu magiju?

Treći nastavak fantastične pustolovne priče o prijateljstvu koje prkosi svemu i borbi protiv zla koje tek što nije sve uništilo nastavlja se u uzbudljivom tonu. Želja i Xar za dlaku izmiču pogibeljima koje ih u svakom trenutku pokušavaju ščepati, a u pomoć im pristižu neočekivani prijatelji. Ono malo predaha koje ova ekipa uspije uloviti kad im jedna šarmantna medvjedica pruži utočište u školi ispunjenoj čudesnim i magičnim bićima, biva dobro iskorišteno, ali prođe jako brzo, i nova pogibelj već kuca na vrata.

Da kucnemo o drvo, Želja i Xar zasada toj pogibelji još uvijek uspijevaju umaknuti.

Priču, kao i uvijek, prate karakteristične autoričine ilustracije, koje nas još dublje uvode u magični svijet kojim Želja i Xar neumorno plove. A iako prepuna opasnosti, i doista jezivih protivnika s kojima se ovo dvoje prijatelja mora sukobiti, priča je i dalje jako zabavna i jako uzbudljiva.

I tekstom i ilustracijama Cressida Cowell uvijek uspijeva stvoriti nove magične svjetove koji privlače i uvlače vas u sebe, dirnu vas u srce i upoznaju vas s novim prijateljima. I odvedu vas u nezaboravnu pustolovinu u kojoj u jednom trenu vrištite od iznenađenja, u drugom drhtite od straha, a u trećem se zabavljate kao nikada do sad.

Još je puno toga pred Željom i Xarom, ukoliko namjeravaju svoj naum spašavanja svijeta dovesti do kraja. Kucnimo triput o drvo i nadajmo se da će u tome i uspjeti.

[Pris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read 2021: Still obsessed! 🥰

——

Obsessed with this series. It makes me so happy. Can’t wait for the epic finale! 🖤

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish, Xar, and Bodkin continue their quest to find the ingredients for the spell to get rid of witches.

This book begins not too long after the previous installment Twice Magic left off. Wish, Wish’s enchanted objects, Bodkin, Xar, and Xar’s entourage are on the run with their respective parents as well as the witches in close pursuit. They find shelter at Pook's Hill, which is a school for magical learning, whose headmistress Perdita is the sister of Xar's talking raven Caliburn.

Pook's Hill, the Learning Place for Spectacularly Gifted Wizards, provides them with respite as well as some magical training to help prepare them to find the remaining ingredients for the spell that they discovered at the beginning of the last book. The plot also slows down and allows for quite a bit of character development, which was almost entirely abscent in the last book.

Of course, Wish's mother Queen Sychorax and Xar's father King Encanzo eventually track them down, but their children make another very narrow escape and set off on a quest to find the last spell ingredient. Sychorax and Encanzo call a truce and team up to find them, intending to bring their children home in order do what they feel is best for them.

The dynamic between Sychorax and Encanzo, since Twice Magic's big reveal with their mutual past, gradually shifts from enemies to allies to old friends who no longer have anything in common besides nostalgia. Old emotions are brought to surface, prompting Queen Sychorax to conjure up the final drops of the Spell of Love Denied, which she and Encanzo drink together.

Sychorax and Encanzo finally catch up with their wayward children only to have them elude them once again. The story ends by setting up for what seems like the final showdown between Wish, Xar, and the Kingwitch. Given how many books are in the How to Train Your Dragon series, I am unsure if this series will stop at four.

I enjoyed this book more than Twice Magic. The humor hit the mark for me. The theme of the young sometimes knowing better than the old wasn't as in your face. While there was plenty of action, there was a lot of character development, which the last book lacked. As a character reader, this is crucially important to me. I also loved the allusion to the Uffington White Horse at Pook’s Hill and the reference to William Shakespeare’s most famous stage direction “Exit, Pursued By A Bear” from The Winter's Tale.

The potential end of the world was put on pause temporarily, and the stakes were high stakes on an individual level. Bodkin went from being a third wheel to full member of the trio. Xar's and Wish's parents transcend their role as tradition-upholding, adventure-stoppers and reveal themselves to be actual people who can't do whatever they want to do because they have responsibilities and have to be adults.

I loved that the writing was clever and sophisticated as well as age appropriate. Yet again Cressida Cowell proves that writing for children doesn’t mean that the writing has to be less than.

[Matilda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Még mindig imádom Cressida Cowell stílusát, a történeteket, amiket alkot, és a tanulságokat, amiket átad vele. Eddig azonban abszolút az Így neveld a sárkányodat a favorit sorozatom tőle. A Hajdan varázslói is nagyon tetszik, de egy icipicivel számomra „gyengébb”.

Ezt a kötetet is nagyon élveztem, bár volt egy-két pont ahol kicsit összezavarodtam, mert egyszer így volt, egyszer máshogy. Pl.: a második kötetben a kulcs volt szerelmes a kanálba, a villa meg a kulcsba, itt viszont a villa és a kulcs is a kanálba. Vagy amikor a Nukkalave becsukta a száját, azt írta, hogy Bodkin kivételével mindenkit lenyelt, erre Caliburn ott repdesett Bodkin körül. Ezek a pici hibák most nagyon szemet szúrtak, és ez zavart kicsit, így fél csillagot levonok.

Ettől függetlenül nagyon izgatott vagyok már, hogyan végződik a történet, úgyhogy gyorsan bele is csapok a befejezésbe! :D

[Radha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third book in one of my favorite book serie! I can see that it’s coming to the end, and on one side I’m excited that it can come to an end when I still enjoy the entire experience of reading this saga, and on the other side it will be terribly sad not to have more books inside this world with this amazing characters. Specially spoon and squeezjoos ☹️.
As always I recommend listening to the audiobook while reading de actual book! It’s an entire whole experience. David Tennant does an amazing job narrating and bringing each character to life!
I’ve rated the first two books 5 stars, this one deserves a 4 because although I love the book there was a moment when nothing was happening and it stalled, nevertheless I still enjoyed it and look forward to the fourth book.
This is another great example of Middle Grade book excelling and being a lot more compelling and creative than a lot of new releases in YA.
100% recommend this serie if you enjoy adventurous stories, funny quirky characters, and a whole lot of magic.

[Vivone Os · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ležim bolesna u krevetu, nisam baš sposobna za neke akcije i ovaj knjižuljak mi je onako baš sjeo.
Pratimo nove pustolovine Xara, Želje i Bodkina, njihov boravak u školi za čarobnjake (gdje upoznajemo prezabavnu Perditu, Calibanovu sestru), borbu s vodendemonom i konstantno natezanje s roditeljima koji misle da su pametniji, a zapravo ne vide ono što im je pred nosom. Tj. ne žele si priznati neke stvari.
Zabavna, simpatična, puna jako lijepih pouka za djecu, ali i odrasle (nemoj odustati, iako se čini teško; ljubav je slabost, ali divna slabost…).

Orilium – Spells & Incantations: Spell: Magic Missiles – target length: 359-415
Globalni ciljevi: nastavak serijala

[Abigail McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

But sometimes it isn't the spells themselves that are important. It is the clever ways you use them.

David Tennant singing four separate songs over the course of this audiobook is now my favorite thing ever. (the last one was my favorite)

I had a realization about halfway through that this book story-wise is the equivalent of like books 8-10 of HTTYD and I suddenly was very afraid. The last book is going to hurt, I am not ready.
This one felt the most chaotic of the series so far, there was a lot to this plot and while I was having a good time, there were moments where I felt a little bit lost. It was probably my least favorite of the series so far, but Xar, Wish, and Bodkin are going to have a special place in my heart for a long time, especially after their development together in this one. The characters were fascinating, and I always love exploring more of this world.
4.5 stars from me!

[Beka Metz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my favorite in the series so far. I loved the school and the back story of the parents!
So so good!

[Marie the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this series so much! I like that the adults are hopeless and that their kids are the hope. Its dramatic, funny, scary and magical. And I adore the illustrations!

[Fi's Journey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep hoping... Keep guessing... Keep dreaming...

I love stories. I always have since I was a child especially Fantasy and Fairy-tales.

Stories like Wizards of Once are brilliant (and my favourites) as they have fantastic elements, witchcraft, nature, great characters, settings and a fun, adventurous story to tell. Stories that have morals and lessons to be learned and show that knowledge is power.

But that's not it. This is a middle-grade book but I'm a strong believer it can be read by anyone and any age. I think we are missing the point with Children's Literature. They are not just meant to be for Children but for EVERYONE. There are plenty of adults who haven't forgotten what it was like to be a child. By reading Children's Literature we can relieve these moments and remember our childhood and what it was like.

They are reminders to not forget the importance to be a child. The Wonder, the curiosity.

In Knock Three Times the third book in the Wizards of Once series we continue to follow Xar, Wish, Bodkin and Co. on their quest to find the magical ingredients to get rid of witches.

I like all the characters, the adventures and the humour in this book. I can't wait what will happen in the next book. I wish... they all make it through!

"This is Pook's Hill, the Learning Place for Spectacular Gifted Wizards," said Perdita. "A learning place is just a fancy name for a school!!!" said Xar in horror. He punched the air in panic. "I've been tricked! Let me out of here! I HATE SCHOOLS! THEY SHOULD BE BANNED! DOWN WITH SCHOOLS!!!!!"

[Tammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read- August 2019 for the Hocus Pocus Readathon (Read a book with supernatural or paranormal elements)
- I freaking love this series so much! Cressida Cowell is the most amazing story teller.

1st Re-Read- April 2020 for the O.W.Ls (History of Magic- book featuring wizards/witches) and the 24 Hour Raedathon (hosted by JadeyRaeReads)
- Every time I read a book in this series I can't get over how much I love them. Cressida Cowell is easily my favourite middle grade author of all time.

2nd Re-Read- January 2021
- I think my favourite aspect of this book was that it was set partly at a magic school, I just wish it went into more detail with it.

[Zulfiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Exciting! Wonderful! Breathtaking! Full of love and life and my childhood!

I read the book in two days, and because of everything in 2020, it has been sitting on my curently reading shelf since the beginning of the pandemic.

Two things you need to know:
a. It is a Briish book, and the nation has a cultural cushion to write wonderful books.
b. It is a juvenile book, and not the obnoxious angsty YA.

I am looking forward to the final one already. I only hope it will not take 4 months to publish it in the USA after it is published in the UK.

[Barbara Band · Rating 5 out of 5]

The continuing wonderful fantastic funny amazing magical adventures of Xar and Wish …

I love these books. So many loveable characters (but NOT the witches!), plot twists and turns, thrilling escapes, magic with unexpected consequences. What's not to love?

I actually listened to the audio book - read by David Tennant - complete with accents, music, singing!

Would give it 6 stars if I could ...

[Cassandra Hamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me just say that I LOVE Perdita. Probably my favorite character in the series. Giant bear shapeshifter who turns out to be a tiny, scattered woman scholar (with Professor Trelawney vibes except Perdita actually knows what she’s doing)? Amazing.

[Rosie]

Soooooooooooooooooo exciting!!

[Agent_bugs · Rating 4 out of 5]

.

[Kassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much fun! Excellent themes about courage, friendship, forgiveness, and love. I'm excited to read the fourth and final book, whenever I can get my hands on it.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reviewed the first book of Cressida Cowell's series, The Wizards of Once, in 2018 -- quite a while ago.

At the time, both her writing style and illustrations reminded us overwhelmingly of HTTYD (How to Train Your Dragon) series, which we loved and read (all 13 books!) so many times we practically memorized it, and I think I needed to put this series on the back burner for a while to get Hiccup and Old Wrinkly and Fishlegs' voices out of my head before I could continue reading the new series.

With some distance, the similarities aren't so striking, although they're still there. By not looking at the illustrations (which do remind me of Hiccup and Camicazi), and focusing just on the text, I was better able to get into the story this time.

Knock Three Times picks up where Twice Magic leaves off, so stop reading if you don't want a spoiler! A new ingredient has been written in the anti-Witch spell, four scales of the Nuckalavee from the Western Whirlpools, and Xar and Wish and Bodkin, her bodyguard, are off to find it.

As they make their escape across the Western Forests, Queen Sychorax lights them on fire. The kids and their companions are rescued by a giant bear, Perdita and Caliburn's sister. She takes them through Pook's Hill (knock three times and say the password to get in) to the Learning Place for Spectacularly Gifted Wizards, where they're protected and safe for a bit.

But Bodkin reveals he betrayed them to Queen Sychorax and when she sneaks off campus to find the Nuckalavee and get its scales, he rips open Perdita's powerful protection spell and inadvertently lets in a Witch.

Of course, Queen Sychorax has already penetrated the school pretending to be a teacher, and Encanto shows up at the door knocking considerably more than three times to get in, away from the attacking Witches... and Wish and Xar sneak out after Bodkin.

The Witches are watching as all three converge on the Nuckalavee's lair, where Bodkin has rudely not taken off his shoes, and it's up to Xar and Wish to outwit the tricky beast, which has a hard stone stuck in its throat and would the kids kindly go inside and get it out? They have to figure out how to save their own necks and the bodyguard's.

And all the while, the KingWitch is watching, waiting, that much closer to getting his hands on the iron-magic Wish wields...

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[Tralemaniunlibro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maghi e Guerrieri non possono più permettersi di essere acerrimi nemici, ormai è chiaro. Nonostante infatti Xar e Desideria, contro ogni pronostico, siano diventati amici a tutti gli effetti, i loro genitori continuavano a pensarla diversamente. D'altronde, non stiamo parlando di persone comuni...Il papà di Xar è il Re dei Maghi e la mamma di Desideria è la Regina dei Guerrieri ed entrambi non vedevano affatto di buon occhio la disubbidienza e l'amicizia tra i ragazzi. Ma è ne Il tempo degli Eroi che accadono due cose molto importanti: scopriamo il passato comune dei genitori di Xar e Desideria (chi l'avrebbe mai detto che dietro l'odio apparente...) e soprattutto una minaccia molto più grande di tutti loro è ormai giunta davanti ai loro occhi: le Streghe.

L'avventura precedente dei due ragazzi si era conclusa con la necessità di credere con tutte le loro forze che un incantesimo per sconfiggere le terribili Streghe sia possibile e insieme avevano deciso di trovare tutti gli ingredienti indispensabili alla sua preparazione. Il punto è che si tratta di ingredienti per nulla facili da reperire, anzi... Potrebbero rischiare le loro stesse vite nel tentativo di impossessarsene.

Ma Xar e Desideria non sono mai stati soli e in questo terzo capitolo della saga di Cressida Cowell appare evidente più che mai, al punto che non si dovrebbe più parlare di loro come dei due soli protagonisti. Stiletto, la Viceguardia del corpo di Desideria, famoso per addormentarsi di botto nelle situazioni più pericolose, si rivelerà un compagno e un amico grandioso. Caliburn, il corvo che veglia su Xar come un padrino, li condurrà da sua sorella e al famoso Colle di Pook, dove il giovane Mago e la giovane Guerriera potranno apprendere tecniche e nozioni magiche di cui non erano a conoscenza. E poi le mitiche fatine pelose, il dolce Spremucco, il buon gigante Frantumo, i fedeli Gatti dei Ghiacci, i simpatici oggetti magici di Desideria...Ognuno di loro è parte integrante della grandiosa avventura per ragazzi concepita da Cressida Cowell.
...continua sul blog: https://tralemaniunlibro.blogspot.com...