Book Review - So You Want To Be A Wizard

Courtesy of Raincoast Books.

Author: Diane Duane

Hooked on J.K. Rowling's books? Think Harry and his cohorts are the coolest kids at Hogworts? Wish you too could attend the secret school of wizardry or at least read more about it? Well, the waiting is over! No, J.K.'s fifth book is not available yet, but think about filling the time by reading another fantastic series about wizardry.

Diane Duane's young wizard series begins with So You Want To Be A Wizard, the first of five already available reads. Our heroes are two seemingly regular kids, Nita and Kit. Like so many kids their age, they're just trying to get by without attracting too much attention... particularly from the school bullies. One day after school, Nita outruns her nemesis by darting into the local library. While hiding, Nita discovers a book, "So You Want To Be A Wizard." It sits high upon the shelf with the others in the series - "So you want to be a Pilot," or "a Scientist" or "a Writer." There is something about the book that draws Nita to it.

Before long Nita is studying the book of wizardry, practicing some simple spells and befriending Kit, also a novice wizard. Nita no longer fears the bullies, as she and Kit quite capably cast spells that wreak playful havoc on the bullies and protect themselves. (Don't we all wish we could do that!) However, it is short order before a simple spell goes sideways, hurling Nita and Kit into the adventure of a lifetime and a challenge to save the universe from the destructive powers of the Lone One.

Nita and Kit were up to the challenge, are you? Duane's book is a great read, full of magic and monsters, laughter and suspense... but it's not for light weights. Duane pushes her readers more than J.K. ever has. (Not that I'm knockin' the antics of Harry.) Wizard deals with some pretty deep ideas... it's a different kind of wicca, but well worth the time.

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