The first book was outstanding, so my hopes for the sequels were... limited. You know how that is, don't you? Great first book, mediocre second, horrible third...
Fortunately, Obert Skye manages to deliver a good sequel and a proper conclusion. These are books for kids, but still enjoyable by adults. How's about that for a change?
Story
In book 1, Ozzi (the kid who grew up all alone after watching his parents being kidnapped) hires Wizard Rin (is that a pun on the other bumbling wizard Rincewind?) to help him find his parents back. What makes the book work is that you're never sure if Rin is a real wizard, or not.
Book 2 and book 3 should be read together. They're not as good as book 1 but still better than many other reads.
Rin's back, and that's a good thing because Ozzi now and again enters a dreamlike state, which leads to... complications. Evil Ray wants to get the formula to a mind control drug from Ozzi, and will go to great (any!) lengths to get his hands on it.
It's time to face the truth. Who are Ozzi's parents, why did they leave him, and is Ozzi really a wizard, as Rin claims?
Titles
- Wizard for Hire
- Apprentice Needed
- Magic Required
Nags and Niggles
Some minor remarks... Kids probably won't notice, but I did. But... if your kids start asking the following questions, you may need an answer...
1. If Clark is a mechanical contraption, then he's rather unique and 'ahead of the curve'. What if he's a magical creation (which is more likely) and wouldn't that make Ozzi's parents 'wizards' in their own way? Who knows?
2. Why does Ozzy walk into the sea? There's an answer given, but I didn't find it satisfying.
3. Can Rin really do magic like he claims he can? I'd tell my kids (who are 21 and 23, and can make up their own minds 😁 by now) that Rin is a great wizard, but that he might not always be telling the truth...
4. Books 2 and 3 are not slow, but they sometimes feel slow. That's something weird which I couldn't explain. Maybe it's a kind of... magic?
Narration
Perfect.
The Verdict
Great stuff, even for adults. A few of the jokes are aimed at parents, and why not?
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