Wizard for Hire

January 22, 2018
In this offbeat series opener, a young man searches for his parents with the aid of a self-proclaimed wizard, a resourceful girl, and a talking mechanical raven. Ever since his scientist parents were abducted seven years ago, 14-year-old Ozzy Toffy has grown up alone in their remarkably well-stocked cabin in the Oregon woods, living on expired canned food and learning from the books they left behind, with Clark the raven as his only companion. When Ozzy grows curious about the outside world, he attempts to reassimilate into a society he barely knows, which inspires him to hire the wizard Labyrinth (also known as Rin) to help him find out what happened to his parents. Ozzy’s seven-year solo survival requires suspension of disbelief, but Skye (Mutant Bunny Island) wisely keeps Rin’s nature ambiguous—is he magical or delusional?—while playing up the theme of found family. The juxtaposition of weird science and dodgy magic is sometimes awkward but nevertheless successful, thanks to the tongue-in-cheek humor Skye weaves throughout the story. Ages 10–14. Agent: Laurie Liss, Sterling Lord Literistic.

February 1, 2018

Gr 4-6-When Ozzy Toffy's family moves to the Oregon woods, the frightening kidnapping of his parents leaves him alone in a remote cabin. Years later, the 14-year-old has survived on his own, teaching himself from the collection of books and papers his parents left and eating from a well-stocked pantry of canned food. But after the discovery of a collection of tapes from his parents and a mechanical talking bird named Clark, Ozzy ventures out into the world to find his family and experience life outside the secluded cabin. He attends school, tries fast food, and buys new clothes for the first time before requesting the help of a breakfast-loving "wizard" named Rin. Ozzy's orphan story is a trope that many readers will have seen before, but his charisma and quick wits make his interaction with a world familiar to most readers-school and restaurants especially, -more interesting. Characters grow and change throughout, and dialogue is delightful, especially between Rin, the eccentric wizard who performs no magic, and Ozzy. While readers might expect resolutions via impressive magic, it's strokes of luck, quick thinking, or fast-talking that often save the day. VERDICT Winning characters and witty humor elevate the plot. A solid purchase for large collections where light magical fantasy circulates.-Thomas Jonte, Pensacola State College, FL

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2018
After his parents are abducted from their secluded forest home, a young boy survives alone on canned goods and the stories he finds in books. Ozzy, now 14, has learned science and psychology from his parents' texts as well as magic and wonder from Rowling and Tolkien. When the solitary white boy discovers Clark, his father's solar-powered mechanical bird, Ozzy finds the courage to explore his surroundings. There Ozzy discovers Sigi, a beautiful girl whose light brown skin he finds "more interesting than the entire sea"; high school hot lunches; and Rin, a white wizard for hire. Clark encourages Ozzy to work on his appearance as well as his social skills. With a new haircut, a fresh wardrobe, and the possibility of magic at his disposal, Ozzy decides to find his parents. But amid a whirl of car chases, pork-filled omelets, and new friendships, Ozzy worries that no amount of magic will bring his parents back. Skye pens a clever coming-of-age tale filled with possible magic, definite mystery, and a hearty helping of humor. Ozzy's wide-eyed optimism is heightened by Clark's wry wit and Rin's ridiculous worldview, but his boundless spirit and willingness to take risks are what will keep the pages turning. While the reveal of the mystery is disappointing, it does little to diminish this story.A stand-alone standout for fans of Leven Thumps. (Fantasy. 10-13)

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February 1, 2018
Grades 4-7 Ozzy's life is, in a word, idyllic. He lives in the woods in a little cottage with his doctor parents, where he learns and grows every day. He has a garden and a great library of books to read to his mother and father. Nothing that quietly perfect can last forever, of course, and Ozzy's world shatters when his parents are kidnapped by large, angry men. Five years after their disappearance, the boy finds secrets stashed away, and seeks help to uncover the mysteries his parents left behind. He finds it, almost accidentally, in a wizard called Rin, who is both everything he expected from a wizard and nothing at all like the magical men from his books. Along with Ozzy's new friend Sigi, they embark on a wild adventure that involves everything from magic spells to malevolent corporations. Like other books by Skye (Mutant Bunny Island, 2017), this story starts out happily and is quickly turned on its ear. It's equal parts sinister, funny, and fantastical, so longtime fans won't be disappointed.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)