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The Worst Warlock
Elijah Muddle’s life changed in an instant. The son of a spiteful and mean manure farmer, Elijah now has become an apprentice to the town’s warlock, Caliban. The chance to escape his terrible father and learn magic? It’s a dream come true! Until...it turns out that Elijah’s internal magic is wonky, and he is the absolute worst warlock ever - all his spells go wildly wrong, causing both hilarious and disastrous consequences all over town.
Now, everyone in town is furious at Elijah, including Caliban and his dangerous jaguar familiar. Elijah tries desperately to correct his magic with the help of his best friends Marcus the thief and Tori the blacksmithing barbarian. The trio contends with the Nighty-Knights, angry mobs, and a ridiculously dangerous and forbidden spell. Will Elijah succeed? Find out in this clever and funny audiobook from A. A. Livingston & Dan Livingston.
Now, everyone in town is furious at Elijah, including Caliban and his dangerous jaguar familiar. Elijah tries desperately to correct his magic with the help of his best friends Marcus the thief and Tori the blacksmithing barbarian. The trio contends with the Nighty-Knights, angry mobs, and a ridiculously dangerous and forbidden spell. Will Elijah succeed? Find out in this clever and funny audiobook from A. A. Livingston & Dan Livingston.
Audible Audio
Published December 10, 2020
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About the author
A.A. Livingston
5 books8 followersA. A. Livingston is a New York Times bestselling author of over two hundred books, written under the pen name Annie Auerbach. She lives in Oregon with her family and has stolen nine Caldecott medals, three Emmys, a Grammy, four Oscars, and a Nobel Prize in medicine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 25, 2020
A fun story about Elijah Muddle, the son of a bad tempered and abusive manure farmer, who in an act desperation, becomes the hapless apprentice of the King's warlock. The problem is every one of Elijah's spells go awry and according to Caliban, the warlock, it's because the channel through which Elijah's magic flows is twisted and full of kinks.
Elijah works out a spell to fix his magic, only to cause more havoc and accidentally kills his teacher in the process. Our young hero isn't one to give up, however, and with help of his friends, Marcus and Tori, Elijah sets out to make things right.
While not a laugh out loud funny story, this has just the right amount of humor, absurd situations, and Tori's unique worldview to keep the story from getting too bogged down by the genuine issues it covers: growing up, accepting responsibility for actions taken, and being able to ask for help, among other things.
Elijah works out a spell to fix his magic, only to cause more havoc and accidentally kills his teacher in the process. Our young hero isn't one to give up, however, and with help of his friends, Marcus and Tori, Elijah sets out to make things right.
While not a laugh out loud funny story, this has just the right amount of humor, absurd situations, and Tori's unique worldview to keep the story from getting too bogged down by the genuine issues it covers: growing up, accepting responsibility for actions taken, and being able to ask for help, among other things.
January 19, 2021
A fun and humorous coming of age tale. I thought at first it was geared towards kids, but I must say - by the end and some of the things which occurred - not so much for kids. Clean language, just a bit of violence.. yeah. I liked the turning on the head and thinking beyond the standard hero and person who can just do things well. Its not totally original, but what is - though this was fresh for me and I enjoyed it.
December 19, 2020
This was a fun story. I liked seeing how the Warlock would get out of trouble. I will have to find the next one and see what else can happen to this poor Warlock, who has wonderful friends.
June 8, 2021
I fully believe adults should take the time to read kids books for the pure enjoyment of them. There is a certain innocence in them and they help keep your inner kid alive. If you're lucky, you may even have a bit of nostalgia. The Worst Warlock is an easy, interesting listen that was excellent! Several lessons to be learned in this fantasy. Laughs to be had as well.
July 11, 2022
3.5 stars-very solid, fun.
July 21, 2021
I would extremely not recommend this audiobook for a car ride with your children. This really was unusually bad.
This went to some surprisingly dark places for that particular brand of middle grade where the villain immediately monologues all of their evil plans as soon as anyone leaves the room.
The deaths were pretty graphic, disgusting, and there were no takebacks. I kind of thought some people would maybe show up again or be able to come back using magic or plot or something.
...this is not that kind of story. The people who die will stay dead. It really is a bit much for middle grade, where deaths tend to be at the very beginning of the story as the inciting incident.
There were several points where I expected something to happen because it seemed like the authors were foreshadowing or hinting at future events, but I think those were unintentional breadcrumbs that I was hoping for. For example, I thought that the source of chaos was going to end up being Caliban. Nope. That other evil wizard who just happened to show up? Nope.
And did the main character ever get better at magic? Nope. It's not going to stop him from continuing to wreak havoc upon the landscape? Of course not. Social responsibility is for nerds.
This is also the kind of book where the main character is terrible at everything but other people seem weirdly impressed by them for being able to read or literally just existing as a white boy.
The warlock initiation ceremony was the only time I laughed. It was short. We loved it.
Honestly, I feel like the main character is the bad guy in this entire story. Maybe this was actually meant to be a villain origin story. Either way, it wasn't impressive, especially when there's so much great middle grade literature out there that you could read instead.
This went to some surprisingly dark places for that particular brand of middle grade where the villain immediately monologues all of their evil plans as soon as anyone leaves the room.
The deaths were pretty graphic, disgusting, and there were no takebacks. I kind of thought some people would maybe show up again or be able to come back using magic or plot or something.
...this is not that kind of story. The people who die will stay dead. It really is a bit much for middle grade, where deaths tend to be at the very beginning of the story as the inciting incident.
There were several points where I expected something to happen because it seemed like the authors were foreshadowing or hinting at future events, but I think those were unintentional breadcrumbs that I was hoping for. For example, I thought that the source of chaos was going to end up being Caliban. Nope. That other evil wizard who just happened to show up? Nope.
And did the main character ever get better at magic? Nope. It's not going to stop him from continuing to wreak havoc upon the landscape? Of course not. Social responsibility is for nerds.
This is also the kind of book where the main character is terrible at everything but other people seem weirdly impressed by them for being able to read or literally just existing as a white boy.
The warlock initiation ceremony was the only time I laughed. It was short. We loved it.
Honestly, I feel like the main character is the bad guy in this entire story. Maybe this was actually meant to be a villain origin story. Either way, it wasn't impressive, especially when there's so much great middle grade literature out there that you could read instead.
January 27, 2024
This is an age irrelevant tale of human error with humour.
Three friends take on the Magic in their community with laugh out loud results.
Thoroughly entertaining tale and I hope another follows.
Thank you for your collection of words AA Livingston and Dan Livingston, and your eloquence
Carey Mulligan, very much appreciated everyone. :-)
Three friends take on the Magic in their community with laugh out loud results.
Thoroughly entertaining tale and I hope another follows.
Thank you for your collection of words AA Livingston and Dan Livingston, and your eloquence
Carey Mulligan, very much appreciated everyone. :-)
January 6, 2021
Book Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3.5 / 5 stars)
Audio Book Performance: ★★★★★ (5 / 5 Stars)
Elijah Muddle has only ever had one dream: become an amazing warlock. But as the son of a manure farmer, his prospects of becoming one are virtually nonexistent. At least, until one day, when he arrives at the doorstep of Caliban on a seemingly routine manure delivery…only to be confused for Caliban’s actual apprentice. In a series of luck (or maybe bad luck), Elijah’s magic is unlocked and he enters a blood contract with Caliban to be his apprentice. But Elijah’s magic doesn’t operate properly: every time he casts a spell, even when he follows the steps exactly as Caliban teachers him, everything goes haywire. Was Elijah not meant to be a warlock? And if not, how can he set this right?
In a fun novel that wraps us in Elijah’s misfortunes, aided by the help of his friends Marcus the Thief and Tori the Barbarian, we are transported into a world where magic is flawed. This makes for a whirlwind of adventures that sends mountains upside, causes fountains to have angry fits, and makes drinks disappear. Even when Elijah acts on good intentions, his magic doesn’t want to agree, and Caliban is stuck cleaning up his mess. You’ll never know where Elijah’s adventure will take you next!
Carey Mulligan is also fantastic narrator for this audio book. Each character has a distinct voice, and she keeps you entertained throughout the entire narrative. In fact, I can’t imagine a more suitable narrator for Elijah’s tale than her!
In some ways, The Worst Warlock reminds me of Dragon Squisher by Scott McCormick, especially in relation to some of the humor, as well as how the trio of friends behave. These must be a few common tropes in humorous middle grade fantasy, and I can see why!
But, while this is a middle-grade novel, I would not recommend it for children under the age of 10. There is death (some gruesome death too), and the story shows a trio of friends who break the rules to get by. This might not be the best message for children as a whole. Granted, some younger kids may be find reading about these topics, as long as they know right from wrong.
Overall, I think most children and preteens will like this book though! While certain parts were definitely a tad ridiculous, and the plot moved fast with a lot of different events happening in one book, I think it will be just the right pace for its target audience!
The Worst Warlock is a cute, endearing story that both adults and children will find entertaining. With Carey Mulligan as the narrator, I don’t think you can get a much better production at all.
Audio Book Performance: ★★★★★ (5 / 5 Stars)
Elijah Muddle has only ever had one dream: become an amazing warlock. But as the son of a manure farmer, his prospects of becoming one are virtually nonexistent. At least, until one day, when he arrives at the doorstep of Caliban on a seemingly routine manure delivery…only to be confused for Caliban’s actual apprentice. In a series of luck (or maybe bad luck), Elijah’s magic is unlocked and he enters a blood contract with Caliban to be his apprentice. But Elijah’s magic doesn’t operate properly: every time he casts a spell, even when he follows the steps exactly as Caliban teachers him, everything goes haywire. Was Elijah not meant to be a warlock? And if not, how can he set this right?
In a fun novel that wraps us in Elijah’s misfortunes, aided by the help of his friends Marcus the Thief and Tori the Barbarian, we are transported into a world where magic is flawed. This makes for a whirlwind of adventures that sends mountains upside, causes fountains to have angry fits, and makes drinks disappear. Even when Elijah acts on good intentions, his magic doesn’t want to agree, and Caliban is stuck cleaning up his mess. You’ll never know where Elijah’s adventure will take you next!
Carey Mulligan is also fantastic narrator for this audio book. Each character has a distinct voice, and she keeps you entertained throughout the entire narrative. In fact, I can’t imagine a more suitable narrator for Elijah’s tale than her!
In some ways, The Worst Warlock reminds me of Dragon Squisher by Scott McCormick, especially in relation to some of the humor, as well as how the trio of friends behave. These must be a few common tropes in humorous middle grade fantasy, and I can see why!
But, while this is a middle-grade novel, I would not recommend it for children under the age of 10. There is death (some gruesome death too), and the story shows a trio of friends who break the rules to get by. This might not be the best message for children as a whole. Granted, some younger kids may be find reading about these topics, as long as they know right from wrong.
Overall, I think most children and preteens will like this book though! While certain parts were definitely a tad ridiculous, and the plot moved fast with a lot of different events happening in one book, I think it will be just the right pace for its target audience!
The Worst Warlock is a cute, endearing story that both adults and children will find entertaining. With Carey Mulligan as the narrator, I don’t think you can get a much better production at all.
June 29, 2021
I liked it. I didn't love it. I would be willing to listen to it again with kids in the car with a few reservations:
1. The word "crap" is used frequently. I don't consider this bad language, but if you do... now you know.
2. The name of the main character is "Elijah Muddle" which makes sense in the context of the story since his job in the beginning is to deliver... uh... manure. However, in audio it sounds like the narrator is saying "Muggle" which means an inept person or (in terms of Harry Potter) a non-magical person. That also works for the story initially, but it reminded me of Harry Potter, so I started off thinking this was going to be a Harry Potter rip-off. In fact, it was not.
3. Elijah knowingly does something wrong. He was confused at first, but once he caught on he could have stopped in time before he did something wrong... but he didn't. This was later justified in that the person he wronged was not a very nice guy, but even so... it was wrong. I don't like the logic of doing something wrong being OK if we do it to an annoying person that no one likes.
I think these are minor criticisms, but I felt compelled to mention them.
Over all I thought the story was good, not great. I might listen to this audiobook again some day to see if I change my mind. It has happened in the past.
1. The word "crap" is used frequently. I don't consider this bad language, but if you do... now you know.
2. The name of the main character is "Elijah Muddle" which makes sense in the context of the story since his job in the beginning is to deliver... uh... manure. However, in audio it sounds like the narrator is saying "Muggle" which means an inept person or (in terms of Harry Potter) a non-magical person. That also works for the story initially, but it reminded me of Harry Potter, so I started off thinking this was going to be a Harry Potter rip-off. In fact, it was not.
3. Elijah knowingly does something wrong. He was confused at first, but once he caught on he could have stopped in time before he did something wrong... but he didn't. This was later justified in that the person he wronged was not a very nice guy, but even so... it was wrong. I don't like the logic of doing something wrong being OK if we do it to an annoying person that no one likes.
I think these are minor criticisms, but I felt compelled to mention them.
Over all I thought the story was good, not great. I might listen to this audiobook again some day to see if I change my mind. It has happened in the past.
January 9, 2022
This was one of those stories that was given to us as an "Audible Original"
I think if I remember correctly there were a few special effects but I don't remember it being over the top. I actually really enjoyed this story. It is under the YA genre - but if I have learned anything in the last couple of years - it is that the YA genre has become a very wide and encompassing set of all kinds of stories. This one, was fun and sincere.
The focus - instead of showcasing a completely "perfect" warlock with talent, looks and charisma, this story gives us a boy who finds himself in a situation WAY over his head. He is not good looking, his talent has not emerged (if it is going to) and he is the son of a father in the manure business. No matter what he does, he somehow seems to make everything worse. Sounds interesting, doesn't it?
Also, another plus is the development of the character relationships. Friendship is a very strong message throughout this story. The strength of the ties between the three friends in this story is nothing short of AWESOME.
The ending also sets us up to lead us into another book, and I for one will gladly follow along to find out what is going to happen to our new (and not yet knowledgeable) warlock.
I think if I remember correctly there were a few special effects but I don't remember it being over the top. I actually really enjoyed this story. It is under the YA genre - but if I have learned anything in the last couple of years - it is that the YA genre has become a very wide and encompassing set of all kinds of stories. This one, was fun and sincere.
The focus - instead of showcasing a completely "perfect" warlock with talent, looks and charisma, this story gives us a boy who finds himself in a situation WAY over his head. He is not good looking, his talent has not emerged (if it is going to) and he is the son of a father in the manure business. No matter what he does, he somehow seems to make everything worse. Sounds interesting, doesn't it?
Also, another plus is the development of the character relationships. Friendship is a very strong message throughout this story. The strength of the ties between the three friends in this story is nothing short of AWESOME.
The ending also sets us up to lead us into another book, and I for one will gladly follow along to find out what is going to happen to our new (and not yet knowledgeable) warlock.
April 22, 2024
The imagination that went into the world building of this book is truly impressive, if a bit peculiar for my taste.
I enjoyed the story of the manure boy Elijah as he took control of his own destiny, and told a little lie about his identity to become the apprentice of the king's warlock. And things could have gone a lot better if his magical channels weren't all tangled up.
SPOILERS AHEAD
It was frustrating to listen to Elijah mess almost every single magic trick he ever attempted and it was sad when his master died, but I liked how the apprentice warlock whose spot Elijah stole came back to take his revenge with his new master who wanted to kill the king and become the king himself at the end and Elijah had to face and defeat them all on his own, despite being the worst warlock.
P.S Carey Muligan's narration was truly impressive.
I enjoyed the story of the manure boy Elijah as he took control of his own destiny, and told a little lie about his identity to become the apprentice of the king's warlock. And things could have gone a lot better if his magical channels weren't all tangled up.
SPOILERS AHEAD
It was frustrating to listen to Elijah mess almost every single magic trick he ever attempted and it was sad when his master died, but I liked how the apprentice warlock whose spot Elijah stole came back to take his revenge with his new master who wanted to kill the king and become the king himself at the end and Elijah had to face and defeat them all on his own, despite being the worst warlock.
P.S Carey Muligan's narration was truly impressive.
June 16, 2021
I kept listening, because I thought something might get better, but nothing ever really did. The story was rather hokey, but had none of the cliches I like, such as good people turning out to not really be dead, or people who aren't really good at something getting better with practice, or finding something they're better at and doing that instead. I fell asleep near the end, so I may have missed something, but it sounded as though the worst warlock would go on being the worst warlock, and couldn't even change professions, so he and everyone else had to just be miserable about it until he died. I don't see any appeal in that.
October 17, 2022
Warnings: Thematic violence, One bone-crunchingly horrifying scene in the third act.
The Worst Warlock is, except for two scenes, non-stop hilarious. The characters are intentionally stereotyped in the best way and are likable. And my kids enjoyed it almost as much as I did!
The biggest drawback is that there is no content warning for a disturbing scene in the third act. It is short and gruesome with full sound effects on audio, reminding me of a scene from Grim Company (hint: not a book for children). Fortunately this is the exception to the rule and the rest of the book was excellent.
Not recommended for the especially young or weak of stomach; highly recommended for everyone else.
The Worst Warlock is, except for two scenes, non-stop hilarious. The characters are intentionally stereotyped in the best way and are likable. And my kids enjoyed it almost as much as I did!
The biggest drawback is that there is no content warning for a disturbing scene in the third act. It is short and gruesome with full sound effects on audio, reminding me of a scene from Grim Company (hint: not a book for children). Fortunately this is the exception to the rule and the rest of the book was excellent.
Not recommended for the especially young or weak of stomach; highly recommended for everyone else.
April 22, 2021
The adult child in me loves to escape into the world of a good fantasy/magic tale. “The Worst Warlock” kept me entertained the entire 38 chapters! I listened using the Amazon Stories Audio format as I recover at home. Kudos to the narrator who successfully handled all of the many characters convincingly without me raising an eyebrow, or throwing me out of the scenes. I highly recommend this fun, lighthearted, at times a bit gory, pro-girl book that is packed full of imagination! Can’t wait to see what’s next...
March 3, 2021
This is a fun story about a Elijah who has the worst life ever cleaning manure basically. One day he is asked by his father to deliver manure to the towns warlock who mistakes him for his new apprentice. Once Elijah signs the papers saying he is the apprentice there is no way out. He is the worse warlock ever but is now due to the papers stuck to the warlocks for four years. He is turning everything in the town upside down and inside out. Fun story.
March 16, 2023
This is a charming middle grade fantasy. A boy accidentally becomes apprentice to a warlock, but nothing about his magical journey goes as he hoped. The story is funny, the characters are endearing and witty, and the plot has some nice surprises--all done quickly and with lighthearted flavor. If you're into grim dark realism, you won't like this one. But if you are up for an action comedy for kids, this is a great read.
May 15, 2025
Hilarious
Poor Elijah. He just want to live his life doing the thing he loves most without being ridiculed by his own father (who doesn't want him) and feel appreciated. However, he finds himself falling further and further into a hole he's having a difficult time digging himself out of. Poor baby! At least he has GREAT friends. Tori is my favorite . . . A female Barbarian?!?!?!
4 stars
Poor Elijah. He just want to live his life doing the thing he loves most without being ridiculed by his own father (who doesn't want him) and feel appreciated. However, he finds himself falling further and further into a hole he's having a difficult time digging himself out of. Poor baby! At least he has GREAT friends. Tori is my favorite . . . A female Barbarian?!?!?!
4 stars
November 15, 2025
Great book if you liked "The Wizard's Dog", or "The Book of Three" you'll most likely enjoy this one to. And I would not recommend the Audible audio because of the extra sounds they add it makes it very gory, and it made me wince. For example, the book said "The bad guy was smashed into a pancake, his legs where snapped, and his back twisted..... etc." Now add sounds, I'm sure you get the picture. Other than that the book was hilarious!
April 24, 2021
Main character’s snarkiness borders on rude at times, but overall a very fun story that is reminding me of Terry Pratchett. The King’s mannerisms (Chapter 24) remind me of Christopher Morris playing Denholm Reynholm in “IT Crowd” (plus a touch of Matt Berry playing his son, Douglas Reynholm). Gideon is a delight in all of his forms.
February 12, 2021
It was a fun listen but oh man did it drag. An interesting plot line and should have stopped at the 75% mark but for some reason kept going. Tori was the best character and honestly saved the book for me.
April 5, 2021
I listened to the Audible version narrated by Carey Mulligan. I can't remember enjoying a story more! She did a magnificent job voicing all of the characters. I was completely enthralled by the story, as well. It was just such a fun adventure! Perfect for my world-weary soul to escape.
April 25, 2021
2.5/5 It was an okay read but could've been better. I feel like the pacing for this was a little odd and found either nothing was happening or 3 things were at once. I thought the narrator did a good job.
December 25, 2021
The book is fun, but there's beginning to be an underlying issue with Audible originals in that they end and there's no info whatsoever on if this is a series or standalone. I'm hopeful it's the former.
February 14, 2022
It was a bit strange and dark in spots. But it was playful and quirky in others. Overall I enjoyed it. I'm not sure who it's geared towards though. It's about kids and most of it is kid friendly but some parts are a bit graphic as to people being destroyed. Not for sensitive kids. 🤷🏻♀️
October 16, 2022
This book was really funny and the characters were highly varied and entertaining. It is a good listen for kids ages 5-12 in particular, but also anyone who likes a good magical comedy-adventure. I hope the authors write a sequel!
January 4, 2021
This is a good YA read for anyone. I am far past a young adult but enjoyed the book a great deal. It a good table setter for more books.
March 2, 2021
Weird mix of humor and death. Not nearly as much fun as it tried to be.
March 12, 2021
Very fun story. I enjoyed this adventure.
“Warlocks didn’t take, they gave.”
“Warlocks didn’t take, they gave.”
March 25, 2021
An absolute must read and guaranteed to make you laugh!!
April 3, 2021
3 stars for the story but it gets an extra because of my love for Carey Mulligan :-D
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews