A Most Excellent Young Wizard Adventure

The first chapter of this book was terrific. The next chapter was tedious and off-putting. But fear not, there was a method to the author's madness, and the book quickly settled down, (or picked up), and just kept getting better and better.

That first chapter is a prologue of sorts and introduces us to the two magical beings who have the duty of protecting Simon, our hero, until he "comes of age". It is atmospheric, loaded with portent, devilishly clever, and spiced with a generous does of deadpan humor and wit. As I say, terrific. In the second chapter we meet Simon, now a day short of his thirteenth birthday. He is the first person narrator, and of course the hero, of the rest of the book. He is so smarmy, full of himself, over-the-top, and self-impressed by his wit and smarts and general wonderfulness that the prospect of reading an entire book narrated by him was exceedingly unattractive. But wait, I thought, no one could have written that first chapter with the intention of then writing a book as unappealing as that second chapter. And of course, that's right.

In short order Simon is whisked away to Skelligard, a wizarding academy. Everyone else there knows about wizards and wizarding and magic and the history of the magical world, but Simon is totally and completely in the dark because only on Earth, (to the dismay and disgust of every other sentient being), is magic and wizarding kept a secret. So, Simon starts out as the dumbest, least aware, most confused, and most backward student at Skelligard. Aha!, our Simon has to step back and reevaluate himself and his situation in order to grow up, and that's what happens for the rest of the book. "Be true to yourself, but honorably, selflessly, and with humility" might as well be the watermark that shines through on every page.

But this is not a dry morality tale. It is a ripping magical fantasy. Simon starts with two classmate pals, who are smart, funny, different from him, and not the least bit inclined to defer to him or his attitude. We meet a wide array of teachers and supporting creatures who occupy a fascinating magical world. Really interesting things happen, and the twists and turns make Hogwarts look like a kindergarten. It turns out that of all Simon's wizarding skills and talents are exceptionally rare, which makes him unpredictable, a bit of a magical unexploded bomb, and arguably the "chosen one", which Simon both loves and hates. Lots of school daze action follows, then a huge ripping adventure, then more big plot advancements and friendship bonding and so on. It's all fabulous and implausible, but I like a middle grade fantasy quest book that goes big, not one that reads like a manual for your new magical camera.

And, finally, it is very funny. Every character gets a few sly lines. There are lots of funny set pieces. (One of Simon's new pals is a minotaur who hasn't hit minotaur puberty, and that's played for laughs but also some touching moments.) Once Simon settles down, he is witty and engaging instead of exaggerated and acting out for attention. There is a lot of deadpan humor and wry funny business around the edges, and the slacker too-cool-for-school mentor that Simon is assigned to steals every scene.

So, this book is fast paced, cleverly constructed, well written, funny and filled with action and surprises. It also ends up with a warmth and an embrace of chivalry and sacrifice that sneaks up on the reader, but is always in the background informing the action. This ended up being a delightful entertainment with some substance, and a fine middle grade read.

(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

The book is written in the first-person and the author makes a point of emphasising this. It is unusual in that he is writing as the author and so the book is reflective. It is rather episodic and tends to move from location to location without much preamble so the reader never really gets familiar with any one location. Characters are similarly quite transient although there is a core group, much like many other such reads.

The book is strewn with footnotes which vary in content from definitions to asides to educational content. It is here that an e-reader is beneficial as it is less of a distraction to the scanning process. A lot of the wit is contained here so is seen as recommended reading.

The style and content is appropriate for middle school years and the language used is approachable and easy to read.

Given that it is a 'reflective' story it is strange that it feels so fragmentary, perhaps it is the rapid changes of locale but it is an enjoyable read and I would be interested in reading the sequels

Excellent adventure. I am looking forward to the next four books.