The Wizard Test

by Hilari Bell

Dayven has passed the test he wanted most desperately to fail – he's been proven to have the powers of a wizard. He always swore he would never become one of the deceitful, disloyal sorcerers who alter people's true destinies, but now it seems he has no choice. The path that was once clear – his friendships, his future, his destiny – is now shadowed with dangerous twists and turns, and the world he knows must change forever.

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

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

As far as writing is concerned, I call myself the poster child for persistence. Songs of Power, the first novel I sold, was the 5th novel I'd written. When it sold I was working on novel #13. The next to sell, Navohar, was #12, and the next, A Matter of Profit, was #9. The Goblin Wood was #6, and the first Sorahb book, Flame (later renamed Farsala: Fall of a Kingdom), will be #15. You get the picture.

My reviews: Mea culpa! I got onto Goodreads years ago, and haven't been reviewing--but I now mean to start! I should add that as writer, I tend to read a bit more critically. Or at least, when I think a book is going off the rails I usually see technical, writer problems with it. In short, any time a book stops working for me, that author becomes an honorary member of my writing critique group--whether they want to or not! So I apologize in advance for any technical critiques my fellow writers may recieve.

Biography: My personal life? I was born in Denver in 1958—you can do the math. I'm single and live with my mother, brother and sister-in-law. I used to be a part time reference librarian for a mid-sized public library, but in the beginning of ’05 I achieved a writer’s dream and quit the day job. Librarian turned writer is a very schizophrenic state—when I try to urge people to buy my books, I have to beat down a lifetime of professional reflexes demanding that I tell them to check them out at the library instead.

I enjoy board gaming and fantasy gaming, both table top and live. But my favorite thing to do is the decadent version of camping my mom and I practice. We have a pop-up trailer with a fridge, a sink, a stove and (if electrical hookups are available) a space heater, heating pads and a toaster. Our motto is "No unnecessary work." We don't cook, we don't wash dishes, we don't...you name it. What we do is spend all day, every day, reading and hiking and reading some more. Camping is the only time I can get in enough reading. Well, I take that back—when it comes to reading, there's no such thing as enough.

Reviews

[Rhea Loire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a stand alone book that I think should become at least a trilogy, Dayven's story is not over, in fact it feels like it just began and the book ended.

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wizard's Test is a stand-alone fantasy novel about an apprentice in a feudal system who must embrace his sordid wizard heritage to spy on his lord's enemies in order to attain his goal of Guardian in the army. Bell's books are self-described as "morally ambiguous." In each that I've read, she poses ethical questions to both the characters and the reader, usually dealing with consequences, violence, or cultural enmity. This book fits that mold. Reminiscent of Lloyd Alexander's books, the author makes you care about characters from both sides of an issue, then challenges you to decide what you might do in a similar situation. She wants you to think before you act. This book is one of Bell's earlier works, and doesn't show the mature writing style of her later stories. It does however include interesting world-building, deft plotting, subtle humor, and charming characters. Thought-provoking and age-appropriate with some battle scenes.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dayven hates wizards, believing the rumors that they are sly and dishonest, but he is required to take the Wizard Test to find out if he has any magical ability. When Dayven passes the test and the magic inside him is revealed, he must choose where his loyalties lie, and discover the true meaning of destiny.

I enjoyed reading this book, and loved the magic system! Nothing and no one is quite what you expect, because we see the world through Dayven's eyes, and he has only known rumors and propaganda. He believes the enemies of his nation are stupid barbarians, and we are just as amazed as he is to observe that they have an elegant and vibrant culture. He believes that all wizards are selfish deceivers, and we are just as astonished as he is to realize that the wizards are compassionate champions of justice. I loved going on this journey of discovery with Dayven as he explores the truth of his world.

I loved the characters, and how they are described in just a few words that gives you a rich picture of who they are. I immediately connected with the main characters, and was pulled along in their emotional story.

I felt like the plot was a little too simple, and I wanted more of a conclusion at the end. Dayven makes his big decision about where his loyalties lie and what path his destiny will take, but there is great deal of the plot line that is left to the imagination. I like more closure at the end of a story, and it could have been neatly wrapped up in a short epilogue, but we're left hanging.

[Mima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprise! . . . . . turns out I read this book about a decade ago and forgot all about it. Sorry folks, I guess that means it isn't particularly memorable. It is still a good book, and relevant today with themes pertaining to the environment and overcoming one's own prejudices.

On the other hand, the cover isn't that exciting, and the blurb doesn't tell you much of anything, I never would have picked this up off the library shelf if Goodreads hadn't consistently recommended it to me for the entire time I have been using this site. So perhaps their algorithms can be useful after all!

[Nikki H · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was ok i guess nothing i would read again and some of the language in this book is not very appropriate for a children's book and the talk about taverns and drunkenness

[Trevin Swartz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and easy to read Tale with layers of internal struggle and loyalty

[Matthew Parks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for discussion. It sets up dilemma's about how to keep one's promises when they seem to conflict. It puts together a plot where additional information is important to understanding--you know, like life. It does have a swear word used three times as I recall, a reference to a donkey.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider this a children's book based on the simplicity of writing and its length, but I love how the messages in this book (and others I have read by the same author) are more complex than you'd typically find in a book intended for kids. It was great to go through the main character's journey from his black-and-white worldview, to his discovery that life and choices are much more complex.

[Tara Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd Read: This is really quite a thought provoking story. It's very concise. This and one of her other books, The Prophecy, are both very short books, probably novella length, likely very intentionally so. However I feel that the shorter length lent itself to The Prophecy, whereas I think this one with its subject matter and world would have benefited from being longer.


1st Read: What a wonderful, short, magical adventure tale. I loved it a lot.

[Etola · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fast, enjoyable read with sympathetic characters and a resolution that surprised me by its moral complexity. The book doesn't shy away from the tough questions of honor and morality that the protagonist has to face. I read it because it was recommended by a friend, and I can see why she recommended it.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This started off kind of slow to me, and I wasn't sure I was going to like it. But it was a really well told story, and the characters(while not very deep) were likable. It felt like it left things open enough for sequels, though I know there aren't any, but it also did a good enough job of wrapping things up that they aren't necessary.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know that this story won an award, but I feel that the author did so much telling and not enough showing. The story skipped around a lot and did not go very much in depth about anything. While I was entertained with the read, it was not something that I found particularly good.

[karinocapipoca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Other than the abrupt ending (which at this point I just consider the norm for Bell's works) a good ya for teens on the younger side, showing there are never simple answers to complex problems and the importance of choosing your path even if at personal cost.

[Jacob Hinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. It had an interesting concept behind it since most people only think about how great it would be to have magical powers but this book shows that it isn't that simple.

This is a book I want for my classroom library.

[Isa Tall · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ending was a little abrupt I feel like there should have been more

[Pankachu102 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Go on an adventure with Dayven, a fourteen year old whose just discovered, to his dismay, that he has the power of a wizard. He must discover his powers and the truth of the world around him.

[Heather Rauch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good YA novel with interesting characters and a relevant theme.

[Shannon Kauderer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's ok, but it could have been a lot better with a deeper relationships and more emotions.

[Matthew Hickerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a simple lovely young adult fantasy book that would have been wonderful in a longer expanded universe.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nice, quick read

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vague ending that doesn't drive home the plot or message, IMO. Otherwise, unique, enjoyable adventure/fantasy

[Jessie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great for young readers, doesn't offer anything for adults looking for an easy read to pass the time

[Aurora Dimitre · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing that Hilari Bell does really well is worldbuilding. It's super prevalent in Fall of a Kingdom and books two and three of the same trilogy, but even in her other fantasies, it's there and amazing. I was kind of wondering how a hundred-and-sixty-page standalone fantasy would work, but... I thought it was done really well.

The book follows Dayven, a thirteen-fourteen year old boy who wants to be Guardian - or, really, anything but a wizard. But when the day comes when he takes the Wizard Test... he finds out that he most definitely could be a wizard.

Honestly, I would read a book that was three or four times this size about this world and these characters - especially Vadeen, he was the best - but even in this tiny little book, the worldbuilding and the characters are done really well. I got such an amazing picture of the world and how everything worked, religion and culture and everything - it's done so well. I was honestly really blown away by how much worldbuilding could be packed into a tiny little book without dragging it down.

I would honestly be up for, if not a sequel, then like a companion novel or something, because I am seriously intrigued with this world. It's right up there with the Europe-like world of Knight and Rouge and the Persian-like world of The Farsala Trilogy... and both of those had more than a hundred and sixty pages to lay it all out for you.

Overall, this book is short, but it's well done and the world is masterfully created.

Also, Vadeen was awesome and I adored him almost immediately after meeting him. I'm such a sucker for those types of characters, and Bell creates the best ones.

[Soo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dayven's destiny has always been clear. He will work hard to become a Guardian and fight to defend his people with his best friend and cousin, Soren. To overcome the stigma of his family's past, Dayven works extra hard to become the best warrior and to vehemently deny anything with magic. Wizards cannot be trusted for they change the course of a man's destiny with magic. A true man lives his life with honor and strives to meet his destiny head on. Everything changed the day Dayven takes the Wizard Test and he passed.

You become a Wizard when you can see more than four sides.

You become a Wizard when you change a man's destiny.

My Thoughts:

I loved reading the story! It's a tale about a boy who is on the cusp of becoming a man. He ends up having to question everything he has ever believed in and winnow out the truth. Except the truth isn't clean cut and doing what's right has never been as hard.

Reddick! I wish there was a story written just for Reddick. He appears to be a useless slush that staggers around from one form of trouble to another but he's a true wizard who hides in plain sight.

The world of the Tharns and Cenzars is rich and vivid. With a few stroke of the pen, Hilari Bell creates a world and characters that I can easily envision. It was easy to fall into the world & Dayven's life. My favorite part is the way Wizards see everything around them. Many times, I've felt sad by being able to see more of my surroundings & the people in my life. Yet, being observant & open also gives me the ability to thrill in details we gloss over in life. The Wizards face a similar dilemma and joy as their powers unfold. It's very cool!

I enjoyed reading the story very much and hope to run into the characters in other books. Maybe it'll happen!

[Elora K · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been at least 10 years since I read this book. But this book has ENDURED in my memory and mind to such a firm degree that I judge a lot of YA books I encounter against it. The ending was possibly one of the first of …this type that I’d ever read that was actually satisfying/preferred over something completely happy or completely tragic, and I never knew that was necessarily possible. Or even likely, really. I want to see more characters like this book’s protagonist—and I have particularly lately in current movements of fantasy YA (and realized he really wasn’t the first I’d encountered, just the one there for me right when I needed a lesson of bittersweetness to be taught).

But I owe a lot to this book, which was there for me at the perfect time and place. Thanks, Hilari Bell.

(Also don’t remember this being middle grade? Felt more YA. But I’m p terrible at judging age appropriateness.)

[Ithlilian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Wizard Test. It's a nice, quick, fun story with a good message behind it. The world building is decent, though a bit short on details, as is to be expected from a short novel. I would say that it could be improved by adding more detail, history, and culture, but I think that would have made the novel too wordy. It's not especially unique, and there is nothing profound here, so I can't give it more than a three star rating. It is a cute story worth reading, but don't expect to think much. I read it in one sitting in a very short amount of time. A nice story to read to a child, but I didn't feel fully connected with the world presented. It wasn't too much of an escape. A good lesson though, and could have been even more enjoyable if the book continued on past the last page. Decent overall, if you are a fan of the author certainly give it a shot.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

For being a small book (under 200 pages), the characters and storyline were well developed. This book could have been made much longer and would have still been just as interesting but would have gone deeper into the main conflict. It did a very good job on teaching that just because someone is different from you doesn't mean you can walk all over them or that they are less of a person or a "barbarian." Magic was used in the book to mostly to heal others, it was a power inside each individual, not something that was called upon. There was one thing that bothered me but it would give away the ending if I tried to explain. There was just one decision a wizard made to help other that purposfully hindered others (sorry I can't give more detail). But it was a pretty good story and I would read other books by this author.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found myself picking up half a dozen older books by Hilari Bell from the YA section of the library and thinking I couldn't go wrong. Her Farsala Trilogy was nicely written and full of intrigue.

The Wizard Test was an interesting study in perspective. "Where a person stands depends on where they sit," is what my high school Government teacher used to say to us. I didn't get it then. Bell's books teach exactly that.

When his life is without tests, Dayven is sure and confident that the enemy is the enemy and wizards are to be despised. After a bit of adventure, however, honor is displaced, knowledge is questioned, and his confidence is wavering. Nevermind what he thinks. How will he act?

The end comes swiftly.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

2020 reread: I read this book for the first time when I was 11. I always told myself it was fantastic but I didn’t remember anything about it....

Now well over a decade later, I decided to pick it up again. It always tough to judge middle grade books as an adult but an enjoyable story should transfer across age.

The biggest flaws of this books at pacing and characters. The beginning throws you in full force and the end comes so fast it holds no emotional impact. All of the characters are flat and their relationships are not believable. Not to mention the only female in the entire book is dead and continually called a “liar” and a “slut.”

The themes were good but suffered greatly from the rest of the books failings. Overall, this is one childhood favorite that didn’t hold up.

[Tori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure why this didn't grab me, but perhaps it felt too predictable. The plot did have some good twists, but the ultimate end I thought was given from the premise, and nothing in the opening chapter stood out. On the plus side, I really liked seeing a book for children that showed lots of grey, with no true villains, just realistic people locked in conflict with no "win-win" solution available. Someone had to get hurt, and the protagonist is left to choose what outcome creates the most good for the least damage--a good life lesson. On the other hand, perhaps that's part of why I didn't like it. The main reason I read fantasy is to get away from the hard realities of life.