The Wizard's Butler

The Wizard's Butler #1

by Nathan Lowell, Tom Taylorson (Narrator)

Listening time 12h 10m

For five grand a month and a million dollar chaser, Roger Mulligan didn't care how crazy the old geezer is. All he had to do was keep Joseph Perry Shackleford alive and keep him from squandering the estate for a year.

They didn't tell him about the pixies.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Audiobook, Fiction, Magic, Cozy Fantasy, Cozy

13 pages, Audible Audio

First published March 20, 2020

About the author

Nathan Lowell has been a writer for more than forty years, and first entered the literary world by podcasting his novels. His sci-fi series, The Golden Age of the Solar Clipper grew from his long time fascination with space opera and his own experiences shipboard in the United States Coast Guard. Unlike most works which focus on a larger-than-life hero (prophesized savior, charismatic captain, or exiled prince), Nathan centers on the people behind the scenes--ordinary men and women trying to make a living in the depths of space. In his novels, there are no bug-eyed monsters, or galactic space battles, instead he paints a richly vivid and realistic world where the "hero" uses hard work and his own innate talents to improve his station and the lives of those of his community.

Dr. Nathan Lowell holds a Ph.D. in Educational Technology with specializations in Distance Education and Instructional Design. He also holds an M.A. in Educational Technology and a BS in Business Administration. He grew up on the south coast of Maine and is strongly rooted in the maritime heritage of the sea-farer. He served in the USCG from 1970 to 1975, seeing duty aboard a cutter on hurricane patrol in the North Atlantic and at a communications station in Kodiak, Alaska. He currently lives in the plains east of the Rocky Mountains with his wife and two daughters.

Awards & Recognition
2008 Parsec Award Finalist for Best Speculative Fiction for Full Share
2008 Podiobooks Founder's Choice Award for Double Share
2008 Parsec Award Finalist for Best Speculative Fiction for South Coast
2009 Podiobooks Founder's Choice Award for Captain's Share
2009 Parsec Award Finalist for Best Speculative Fiction for Double Share
4 out of 10 Books on Podiobooks.com Top Overall Rated by Votes (2. Double Share, 3. Quarter Share, 5. Full Share, 8. Half Share) -- as of Jan 4, 2009
6 out of 10 Books on Podiobooks.com Top Overall Rating (1. Ravenwood, 2. Quarter Share, 3. Double share, 4. Captain's Share, 5. Full Share, 7. South Coast) -- as of Jan 4, 2009

Reviews

[Mikhail · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading a Lowell book, and it was... interesting. There are some books which you feel like you should like, but don't. This is the opposite, a book that I feel like I shouldn't like, but I do.

It's basically a slow, leisurely slice-of-life account of a man becoming a butler, with a small sprinkling of magic and some legal shenanigans to give it at least a smidgen of a conflict.

It is, I think, very much a book that needs the right mood. There's genuine joy to be found in reading of the ways Roger grows into his role, a kind of Downton Abbey vibe. At the same time, the plot is, to put it politely, meandering, and the whole book feels like it could do with being a hundred pages shorter and with a few plot threads being picked up again.

At the same time, I did read the thing cover to cover, staying up late because I wanted to know what happened. Clearly Lowell's doing *something* right.

[Melindam · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars rounded up

Very slow, thin on plot, chokeful of details, low-angst, and yet oddly comforting at the same time with likeable characters.

The narrator -rather good- also helped me get along.

You really have to be in the mood for it to work, but me and the book had this chemistry that sometimes comes along without any credible reason or explanation.

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

"He thinks he's a wizard," they said.

For five grand a month and a million dollar chaser, Roger Mulligan didn't care how crazy the old geezer was. All he had to do was keep Joseph Perry Shackleford alive and keep him from squandering the estate for a year.

They didn't tell him about the pixies.

This is what you get as a GR cover blurb for The Wizard's Butler by Nathan Lowell.

Now the thing is that while Nathan Lowell seems to be an established sci-fi writer (according to the info on GR), I have not been aware of him until now. Which is not a criticism from my side: there are many great and not-so-great authors I have not known before I bumped into their books, but it means I had no preconceived notions what to expect.

I am not 100% sure how I bumped into this particular book. I have a vague memory that the GR algorhythm started to throw it in my way last year after I finished (which I did not like) and then again this year, after I read (which I did like). And it makes sense as both books were trying to achieve comfort and homeliness (well, L&L did manage to achieve it, The House Witch did not, or at least not for me), were high on minutia and low on angst and were (supposed to be) undemanding, relaxing reads. There were hints at possible conflict and tension, but they stayed at the hinting stage (plus the House Witch ended on a "cliffhanger" for want of a better word, but that is another review).

The Wizard's Butler has the same vibes. It is full of details of everyday happenings that you may take into your stride if you are in the mood for some very easy and soothing read, or be driven up the wall or at least throw the book at it. Both reactions would be justifiable.

I was sitting a bit on the fence about it because of the wizard/pixies mentioned in the blurb, so I kept expecting some happenings. You know...

Magic



with Pixies




In this respect, I was to meet disappointment. We never meet the Pixies, though we know that they like whisky (that's something, I guess). Also, not much magic is happening, because the book is presented fully from the POV of Roger Mulligan (ex-military and trained EMT) who is a great guy BTW and I liked him a lot, but he is as unmagical as it gets.



There are lots and lots of chapters dedicated to his getting butlering into his stride and how he is caring for and bonding with an old -and once again, very likeable- wizard and helps him "fight" his greedy, umagical relatives who try to get legal guardianship over him and his vast fortune (I guess one of the "highlights" of the story is how the internet is introduced to the house, yesss, THAT exciting! 😅), but you have to search for the plot under the myriad of details.

So the question naturally presents itself, why the 3,5 (almost 4) stars to the book.

And my answer: Dunno. Magic? Or non-magic? No idea. But I liked it.




It also helps that there is no forced romance in the book and the thin plot is concluded satisfactorily in the end. No cliffhangers.

[Laurell Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I actually bought a paperback copy that has the cover that is only listed on the audible version. I like that cover much better than the one showing. The other cover with just the super closeup of the back of the butler standing with his white gloved hands behind him seems to compliment the subtle build to the magic system and world building in the book. I loved the voice and camera on the world of the Butler, former military, former EMT who never believed in magic or dreamed he'd become anyone's butler, let alone a wizard's. All the characters are likeable and engaging, except for our villains and they are suitable unlikeable. There were a lot of minor characters that I can't wait to see more of in future books, but by the end of the book I was totally invested in the outcome. I may go back and reread this one soon, because I rushed through the first reading because I couldn't wait to finish. That doesn't happen very often for me. I will definitely be buying the next book in the series as soon as it comes out.

[Teresa Carrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very hard to put down, which left me short on sleep at work. This is set on Earth, present day (cell phones, internet, etc). No vampires, werewolves, etc. One cursed amulet, and some completely human greedy, non-magical bad guys. No romance. I’m looking forward to more in this series assuming the author writes any.

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nathan Lowell has those gifts for creating interesting situations and knowing how to tell a story. Roger Mulligan hasn’t had an unusual life (military medic and civilian EMT) but it has been stressful and circumstances have left him currently jobless. He applies for a job caring for a rich old man (Mr. Joseph Shackleford) and his very large house and, when hired, starts to learn what he has committed to.

"“One million dollars,” he said. “If you finish the year.” “Thomas!” Naomi said. Thomas leaned forward, ignoring her. “Bonus. In writing.” Roger blinked. “You’re going to pay me five grand a month to live here and look after the nutty professor in the attic. If I make it to the end of the year, I can walk away with a mill.” Thomas nodded. “Room and board, five grand pocket money, and a cool mill at the end.” “What’s the catch?” Roger asked because all the “too good to be true” alarms were going off in his head. “No catch,” Naomi said. “You have to put up with him for a year,” Thomas said. “Wear the monkey suit, keep him fed and watered.”"

Is the old man a wizard? Is the house kept clean by pixies? Those are some of the questions raised in Roger’s mind as he starts into his job. The plot get darker as it becomes clear that Naomi is bent on getting her hands on Shackleford’s property. And, there is something very unusual about the amulet that is always around Mr. Shackleford’s next. There is less compelling drama, but the path of growth for Mulligan makes an interesting story.

Fast reading, with a likeable cast; I picked up the Kindle edition but also got the Audible edition so I could get through it faster when I was driving or working out.

[Julie Davis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm a Nathan Lowell fan and in particular I enjoy his painstaking details of business or daily routine which other books might ignore. It has served him well whether telling us of an orphaned boy on a spaceship, an old woman in the forest, or a fishing community, among others. However, in this book, the penchant for detail seemed to make the author forget to put the drama in the story.

I liked the details early on about becoming a butler and I liked the end where the future of the house and resolution of the cursed amulet were resolved. However the middle sagged badly. The villain was not very effective, for one thing, so you never felt as if her target was really in any danger. The small missteps in our heroes' forward progress to a happy ending were all to easily resolved. In many ways this suffered from the same problem that I found in The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet.

The author loves her characters so much that she seemed unwilling to have anything really bad happen to them. It soon fell into the pattern of the crew or a person being in peril and then, hey presto, an easy solution is pulled out of the hat. Everyone can go on their merry way. I almost never felt a bit of interest or worry about how something would be resolved for that reason.

Ditto in this book but with fairly uninteresting characters and a lot of love for antique cars and big, ritzy houses. Some of that is ok, but when I begin counting how many times the butler has taken trays of coffee to people every day, then we know the mundane has overtaken anything interesting happening.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a hell of a lot better than I expected, though I probably should have known Lowell wouldn’t let me down. Not sure who I could recommend this to except that I really enjoyed it.

[Ineffable7980x · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was told this book was a different kind of cozy fantasy, and it is. Nothing epic happens. There is no violence or sex. And even the conflict is on the understated side. However, I also found this book a little too uneventful.

The set-up is quite good: an ex-military man down on his luck takes a job as a butler for an aging wizard, who man or may not be senile. And the first 40 or so pages really delivers on this premise, adding some deft humor.

However, as the story progresses, it focuses too much on mundane details. By this, I mean the author describes every action in some scenes. Imagine the protagonist putting together the old man's meal, and having every step of that process described. It's cute at first, but tedious after a while.

My other issue with this book is that the magic is not explored enough. It's manifestation is certainly present, but in an almost offhand manner. I was expecting more from a wizard, especially since we meet a number of "talented" people in this story. I suppose it's because magic in this world, which echoes our own in many many ways, is as understated as the story.

I understand there will be more books in this series, and I hope this is a Dresden type situation where the story improves as the writer grows with the characters. I hope so, because I really like the protagonist and the set-up.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. The protagonist spent the first chapter openly ogling a married woman in front of her husband, over the course of 2 separate meetings. I'm not sure how this was supposed to make me feel, but what it did was make me dislike both the character and the author.

Mark Nathan Lowell off the list, I guess.

[Paulette · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 Roger Mulligan, ex Army, burntout EMT, needed a job. After answering an ad and meeting Joseph Shackleford, he agreed to become his butler for a year. Shackleford's niece hired Roger to keep Joseph alive for a year until she could get him declared incompetent and dump him in a nursing home. One of the first thing Joe does is tell Roger that he's a wizard. Hard to believe but then there are the pixies and fairies who keep the huge mansion clean and the grounds groomed. And then there's the amulet that is sucking out Shackleford's memories.... I really liked the book. It's a gentle book generally and a slow and comfortable book as Roger learns his duties and immerses himself in them. Lots of repetition as Roger's days pass in a similar way. Some interesting characters and a suitably obnoxious villain as well as the amulet create dramatic tension. I'd read another in the series.

[Narilka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roger Mulligan, an ex-Army medic and certified EMT, needs a job. He answers an ad to be an elderly man's assisted living helper. During the interview, the family members doing the hiring sweeten the deal by offering $5k a month salary, in addition to room and board, plus a $1 million bonus if Roger can last a year. Suspecting a trap he asks what the catch is. The catch, it appears, is that the old man thinks he's a wizard and that they'd like Roger to act more as a butler than anything. Roger takes the job. How hard could it be looking after a "wizard?"

I loved this slice-of-life fantasy. I burned through a 12 hour audio book in a week, which is unusual for me. I kept making/finding excuses so I could keep listening I enjoyed it so much.

All of the characters are likeable. Mulligan has quite an adjustment to make as he realizes that magic is real, as are the fairies and pixies that help keep the mansion and its grounds maintained, and that there may be more than meets the eye to the dementia episodes that Mr. Shackleford is experiencing. Mulligan grows to enjoy his new role as a butler and it seems to suit his personality well.

I'm happy where everything ended and can't wait to see what the author has in store for these character's next.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a first book for me by Nathan Lowell and I was a little perplexed. 3.5 stars

No real drama, just an easy story of every day life in a man who has found his "home" and calling as a butler. It wasn't bad, in fact I usually like reading about the everyday motions, but usually it is building towards something climactic or romantic.

To me, the most exciting thing about this book was the fantasy of buying whatever car I wanted. And having pixies and fairies to care for my home and yard. Yes, the pixies for sure.

I kept waiting for something, like a romance to bloom, but it was just a gentle easy happy ending.

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.785987462054513 stars

Low stakes were never lower, but enjoy this one I still did.



➽ Review to come and stuff.

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for an urban fantasy with lots of fight scenes and splashy shows of magic and firebombs, look somewhere else. However, this is still a lot of fun and has a magic of its own.

I love that it is told from the pov of a nonmagic person--and, no, the main character doesn't develop powers later on. Magic happens off stage or very subtly in front of the reader, in a manner of speaking. This is a slower story of a man who has gotten out of the army and is looking to find what to do with himself. It is about growth and finding a profession you unexpectedly enjoy after the jolt of leaving the army life. Oh, there are shenanigans and important fights to be fought, but in the legal courts.

A very enjoyable book and unexpectedly addicting. I read it all in one sitting.

[Stacie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is a good premise but almost nothing is done with it. I found it very boring being explained normal mundane things over and over. You would think given the title more magic or interesting/funny things would happen, but it is really just a butler explaining how he makes toast, dusts, and makes work orders.

[Severina · Rating 1 out of 5]

04. The Wizard's Butler by Nathan Lowell

What it says on the tin.

Roger Mulligan, ex-military, ex-EMT, is sent by his employment office to interview for a job as… a butler. It's only the first of many inexplicable events in this story that is big on excruciating detail, but small on consistency or follow-through.

We soon learn that Mulligan is to be put in charge of Joseph Shackleford, whom his niece (Naomi, who grew to remind me more and more of Cruella deVil as the story went on) insists has dementia because he thinks he's a wizard. We also learn fairly early on that Joseph's confusion and memory loss is due to a magic amulet. He's spent years studying old books trying to find a way to lift his curse, but do we find out anything else about the amulet or whatever being is using it to steal ol' Joe's memories? Noooo. We do, however, get to follow Mulligan through each and every step-by-step moment of his day, from exactly what he makes for breakfast, to the innumerable times he serves said breakfast to Joe, to all the many times he lets guests into the house, always with something along the lines of, "Will you please wait in the parlour while I see if Mr. Shackleford is in, sir" and then the escorting to the library and then the making of coffee and oh gotta put some shortbread on there and then collecting the cups and the checking his butler book for recipes and then the daily duties of cleaning and OMG I DO NOT NEED TO READ THIS SEVENTEEN TIMES. Find another way to show me what Shackleford is doing in the library, and even then limit it to a couple of times!

And whenever there's something new to Mulligan's day, we also get to hear about THAT in extreme detail. There are *pages* devoted to Mulligan and his friend going through the house to put in the internet. PAGES that literally could have been handled in a paragraph. There are more pages describing Mulligan's morning runs, where he meets a woman from the condo across the way. After a few occasions, the woman is never heard from again. She served no purpose. She has absolutely nothing to do with the plot or with Mulligan. And then there's a long lost relative. Again, pages and pages and PAGES or discussion about what could be done to make Shackleford House earn money – this, despite the fact that ol' Joe is a gazillionaire and the house could sit there and just be a house for eternity – and then, does anything come of all those discussions? No, of course not. How about the relative? Nope, not really. Does the long-lost relative help advance the main plot about the cursed amulet in any way? Absolutely not. In fact, the amulet is hardly discussed at all.

I found this book infuriating and frustrating. I'm not even sure there was a story in there.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathan Lowell does it - AGAIN!

Wizards? Butlers? Seriously? In the interests of full disclosure, I have been an avid fan of Nathan Lowell’s from about 5 minutes after I opened up ‘Quarter Share’. As such, I was excited when I received notice about a new book. When I saw the title, I thought he had finally lost it. Wizards? Butlers? Seriously? (see above).

My uncertainty didn’t last as long as a quick cup of coffee (and I LIKE coffee!). Somehow, Mr. Lowell was able to take a (primarily) (hard) Science (and military) Fiction reader, plunk him down in a 21st Century town, inhabited by Wizards, mages, ancient forces, and all sorts of magical happenings and have me sopping it up like a particularly dry sponge. I even missed a missed an online reunion over the weekend, as I was tied up in Shackleford House. I believe the man could write the phone book (remember those?) and make it interesting and a lively read.

To the book, then. The Wizard’s Butler is a finely crafted, nuanced, and extremely well-paced read. Make some time for yourself, because - in typical Nathan Lowell style - you will find yourself drawn in, and telling yourself, “just one more page,” at 2:30 in the morning! Completely relatable (and that, in itself, is a testament to the quality of the writing - see “Wizards? Butlers?” etc, above) engaging, and thoroughly entertaining, my only gripe was that - like all truly GOOD books - it had to end. I could not attach a niche to this review, (“If you are a fan of X, Y, or Z-style, type, category books, THIS is the one for YOU!!!”). Instead, I can only say, if you want to be entertained - thoroughly and completely entertained - this is the book for you! In his Twain-like way, Nathan Lowell reaches across all the ridiculous divides we have in our society and places a book in our hands that EVERYONE can and should enjoy! Thank you, sir, an immensely enjoyable, and fulfilling read. Now, about that phone book...

[Starla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do like that Nathan Lowell makes a point of writing about people working and going about their lives. I appreciate that he deliberately breaks the cliched rules of plotting to do so. This usually makes his work feel fresh and strangely relaxing without sacrificing one iota of that feeling of not being able to wait to see what happens next.

However, in The Wizard’s Butler, the author broke an additional rule and wrote from the point of view of a secondary character. For most of the book, the central story isn’t happening to Mulligan (the butler); instead, he’s observing the key events as they happen to someone else. This makes makes the butler’s character mostly passive, or tacit, in terms of plotting, which makes for a much weaker story. At one point Mulligan has to leave the room to carry out his duties, and we miss an important conversation which is key to the plot, which is taking place in the room he just left!

The saving grace is that Mulligan is likable, so we don’t mind going along for the ride. Also, I can’t overstate how nice it was to have something so relaxing to read at this particular time in history.

On the other hand, I did have trouble getting through this novel, especially the constant monotony of Mulligan offering to bring coffee or tea, and his boss’ reaction to that query, and Mulligan’s response to his boss before he goes off to take care of it. I would love to have someone offer to bring me coffee or tea on a regular basis, but reading about it two dozen times is tedious.

Even with my quibbles, I would still recommend the novel. The setting is unique. The characters are entertaining. And, the problem that must be resolved is interesting.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit slow in parts, but pretty good despite that. I look forward to more stories in this universe.

[Julia Sarene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wizard's Butler by Nathan Lowell is on eof those books that just worked for me. There's is almost nothing happening, very little actual plot, and the "wizardry and magic" are also not much more than a sprinkling.

However the tone and voice immediately hooked me completely!

“The world is magical, my boy. Always has been. We put names to things we don’t understand and tend to avoid the things with no names. It makes them no less real because we don’t believe in them.”

Roger Mulligan was incredibly likeable in his very stoic and matter of fact way. He's been in the military first, then an EMT, but now he's learning to be a butler. His background definitely helps him with just staying polite but determined in his position, and just taking things in stride.
I quickly grew to like his new employer, an elderly wizard who is struggling with loosing his memories, and maybe himself.
The way these two interacted just made me happy. Not a direct quote but how a lot of these conversations end:

"Anything else sir?" "No thank you Mulligan, carry on."

Now don't ask me why, but I simply loved the respectful way of these conversations, especially in contrast to how Mulligan uses that exact same slightly distant tone to annoy the hell out of the evil niece, trying to get at the estate and money. The audiobook definitely added to my enjoyment here, the narrator really nailed the delivery.

I loved exploring the premises, I adored the invisible pixis, the characters were lovable and for some reason I delighted in all the tiny details and minutia of running the house.

This was just an all around cosy book that had me smile and left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling, like Becky Chambers books usually do.

[Cmoore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nathan Lowell really stepped out of his comfort zone with this Jeeves and Wooster style Urban Fantasy, leaving the beloved Deep Dark (Space) to write about Wizards and Pixies! But seriously, this story's heart is still pure Nathan Lowell... and I love it! It's one of my favorite books so far this year!

Just to give you some perspective, I've read around 60 books (novels and short stories) so far, and of the 4 books that landed as my top favorites, 2 of 'em were written by Nathan Lowell! Yes, he's that good!

My 2nd read through... What a delightful way to spend a few hours (OK... 12, it was 12 hours!) LOL! And Tom Taylorson was the perfect narrator to give Roger Mulligan his own voice in this fantastic performance!

Favorite lines:
“Don’t mind the cars,” he said, grinning at her over his shoulder and opening the door.
“Are you kidding me, Mulligan?” She froze inside the door, staring at the lineup of vehicles. “What’s that? A million dollars on twelve tires?”
“I have no idea.” (was the reply)

And: "I have suspicions, but none I’d hang a hat on."

[♥Xeni♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly this was a great read, but I took an entire star off the rating for the terrible begining. There's no reason to have your main character be so gross that he's shown lavisciously checking out a woman five times in one scene. And then in the scene after that being a gross belching-after-beer dude-bro with his army pal. This is not just disgusting to read, but it also make this character growth feel very flat and one dimensional: before magic he's gross and mean but after finding his True Calling TM he's the most charming and caring man you'll ever meet. Don't give up on this one ladies! *Wink wink*

But aside from that terrible character choose most of this book is pretty great. It's a quiet Yale, full of making coffee, collecting laundry, and figuring out how to save an old man's life. It's lovely in it's simplicity. I am looking forward to the next installment.

[Nirkatze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am discovering I like a good slice-of-life comfort read. Especially with this narrator--the juxtaposition of the ex-military mannered butler MC and the aristocratic and elderly wizard voices were quite wonderful to listen to. I also like that this had more conflict that the the other Nathan Lowell books I've read (Quarter Share 1&2), with the curse and the grasping niece. Actually reminded me a lot of Legends & Lattes--which makes sense, since it is a similar slice-of-life low-stakes genre.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful tale! Very well written and just plain fun!

Greedy, rich, bitch niece is wanting to declare her aging uncle incompetent so she can lay claim to his wealthy properties. Probably a common story, eh? Except uncle is a crafty wizard, though he does have an issue. Niece hires a young, kick ass ex-Army medic, ex-EMT to become a butler to the uncle. Butler sides with the uncle, as he learns his important duties. One of which is do not piss off the pixies and be sure to reward them with an occasional saucer of whiskey left on a counter overnight.

I am still smiling from reading this wonderful story.

[LelaineMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! Over the years I’ve read Lowell’s Traders Tales and Seekers Tales numerous times (and recently finished the Shaman Tales, not a genre I normally read). This book was so unexpected and (ignoring some irritating proofing goofs) is one of my faves for 2020. I read it on Kindle Unlimited, but plan to purchase a copy to keep in my library. Great characters, different storyline, humorous, and entertaining! What more could one ask for ! !

Please let there be a sequel: the story is too good not to continue.

[Dj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book doesn't have nearly the pacing that some other Fantasy works have. It is very well-paced, but the action is low-key. You could almost say laid back in places. Still, the book draws you in and weaves the world around you with slow and well-paced tale-telling. This is an amazing book since the story is all and the conflict is there, but not the main focus of the story. It is always there and the reader is reminded of it but it is never an in-your-face thing until the very end. A Masterwork, I am looking forward to more in this series.

[Mary Catelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle story. A former military man and a former EMT takes a job as a butler. The man's niece, who hires him, tells him the man thinks he's a wizard and is suffering from dementia.

It goes mildly on. Doctor's appointments, an internet connection so he can learn to cook on the job, pixies that get annoyed if you horn in on their job, a fire, buying a new car, the niece's unpleasant visits, DNA testing and more.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting concept. It was just a little too slow for me. The ending especially took a while to resolve and didn’t feel as well written as the first portion. Too much “Yes, sir or ma’am. Do you need any refreshments?”

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so charming. I enjoyed it and look forward to more in this series. Having the main character NOT be the one with magical powers was refreshing. Thumbs up!

[Mike Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

In theory, I shouldn't have enjoyed this book. It moved slowly, there was very little action and there were lots of detailed descriptions of the daily duties a butler performs to keep a very old, very wealthy man comfortable in his enormous house. At best, I should have been bored. At worst I should have been alienated by a life lived to reinforce the privileges enjoyed by the wealthy. 
The practical reality was nothing like the theory. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it soothing. I liked the people. I welcomed being given the time fully to understand the new life that Roger Mulligan, ex-soldier with three tours in Afghanistan, ex-EMT who lost his job and gained a criminal record when he beat up the abusive husband of a woman he'd been called to treat, has decided to embrace. 
I was charmed by Mulligan's reaction to becoming a butler. It was a job he took because he needed the money but which he then fell in love with. 
Mulligan wasn't really hired to be a butler. Mulligan was hired by the scheming niece of the wealthy old man because his medical training meant he could keep the old man alive for the twelve months it was likely to take for her to arrange to have her uncle declared incompetent and have him shipped off to a nursing home.
The job stopped being about the money when he got to know the old man, Joe Shackleford, and as he started to fall under the spell of the atmosphere of Shackleford House. Mulligan has a steep learning curve to climb to become a butler, even before he learns about the pixies who live in Shackleford House and about Shacklefored's unusual abilities. A big part of the appeal of the book was that Mulligan enjoys the climb. After decades in high adrenalin jobs, he welcomes the quiet rhythms of his job and the sense of achievement that comes from acquiring new skills. For Mulligan, becoming a butler is a balm to his troubled soul. 
Then there's the magic, which is low-key but fun. 
And the plot around helping Shackleford deal with a curse that's stealing his mind a little bit at a time.
And most fun of all: trying to frustrate the plans of the obnoxious niece to have Shackleford declared incompetent.
Mulligan rises to the challenges with a calm competence that gives him back his dignity and his sense of purpose. 
My enjoyment of the book was greatly increased by Tom Taylorson's narration. I can see why 'The Wizard's Butler' won the 2021 Voice Arts Award, Audiobook Narration — Fantasy. Taylorson brings the dialogue to life and gives the main characters recognisable and appropriate voices.