Wandmaker

May 2, 2016
In this imaginative fantasyâwhich is drawn from the world of Masessa's bestselling 2006 novelty title, The Wandmaker's Guidebookâ11-year-old Henry Leach the Eighth learns that he is a wandmaker, capable of creating and using magical wands that confer various amazing abilities. After Henry (who has his own copy of The Wandmaker's Guidebook, naturally) accidentally transforms his younger sister into a hedgehog, he turns to the legendary sorcerer Coralis for help. The two siblings are promptly dragged into an epic confrontation between good and evil: an ancient villain named Dai She plans to destroy the world, and Henry and his allies embark on a perilous cross-country trip to find a way to thwart the apocalyptic plan. Masessa delivers a fast-paced, entertaining tale filled with humor and magical action, playfully referencing (and toying with) tropes popularized by Harry Potter (Voldemort never suffered half of the indignities that are perpetrated on Dai She, and Dumbledore never flew coach across the Atlantic). This is a clever, twisty story with plenty of potential for future installments. Ages 8â12. Agent: Marcia Wernick, Wernick & Pratt.

Narrator Ramon de Ocampo creates a magical world and voice for young Henry as he goes on an adventure to become a wand master and save the world from an evil wizard. De Ocampo's steady tone for Henry is juxtaposed with the more emotional voice of Henry's younger sister, Brianna. As Henry ventures out to harness his powers, he meets intriguing characters who help him along the way, each with a distinctive voice. If Henry is to succeed on his quest, he must learn to work with his sister and listen to the Grand Wand Master. With a fun mix of characters and plenty of imaginative elements, this fantasy makes for a perfect family listen. M.D. � AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine