Wizard for Hire

Overview

Fourteen-year-old Ozzy lives near Portland, Oregon, and is desperate for help. His scientist parents have been kidnapped after discovering a formula that enables mind control. Their work was so top secret Ozzy is afraid to go to the police, but without help, he fears he’ll never find his parents. Then he stumbles across a classified ad in the local newspaper that says “Wizard for Hire. Call 555-SPEL.” Ozzy has read about wizards in books like Harry Potter, but wizards couldn’t actually exist today, could they? After Ozzy meets the wizard Labyrinth–aka Rin–he’s even more skeptical.

Sure, Rin dresses like a wizard, but the short robe and high-top tennis shoes seem unorthodox, as does Rin’s habit of writing notes on his shoes and eating breakfast for every meal. Plus, Rin doesn’t even cast any magic spells, which means that the unexplained coincidences that start happening around Ozzy are just that–coincidences.

With the help of a robotic-talking raven invented by Ozzy’s father, a kind and curious girl at school who decides to help Ozzy, and, of course, a self-proclaimed wizard who may or may not have a magical wand, Ozzy begins an unforgettable quest that will lead him closer to the answers he desperately seeks about his missing parents.

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Details

ISBN: 978-1-62972-412-6
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Publish Date: 2018
Page Count: 416

"A captivating novel that straddles the line between fantasy and reality. Skye's pages rollick with charm and exciting encounters. Phrasing plays entrancingly with truisms. Characterizations tackle the casual racism of small town America with frank sensitivity. The story's twists hold at their fore one important thought: the truest kind of magic may come from honoring our individuality. That sense of wonder permeates Wizard for Hire's irresistible pages, which celebrate the irrepressible magic of being authentic and unique."
-Foreword Reviews, starred review

"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. A stand-alone standout for fans of Leven Thumps."
-Kirkus

"A wild adventure that involves everything from magic spells to malevolent corporations. Rin is both everything expected from a wizard and nothing at all like the magical men from books. Like other books by Skye, 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."
-Booklist

"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...Skye 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...successful, thanks to the tongue-in-cheek humor Skye weaves throughout the story."
-Publishers Weekly

"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. Winning characters and witty humor elevate the plot. A solid purchase for large collections where light magical fantasy circulates."
-School Library Journal