Review #77 - The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell

Details:

Title: The Wizards of Once

Author: Cressida Cowell

Publisher: Hodder Children's Books

ISBN 13:  978-1444936704

Synopsis:

This is the story of a young boy Wizard and a young girl Warrior who have been taught since birth to hate each other like poison; and the thrilling tale of what happens when their two worlds collide.

Perfect for boys and girls who love fantasy adventure...

Once there was Magic, and the Magic lived in the dark forests. Until the Warriors came...

Xar is a Wizard boy who has no Magic, and will do anything to get it. Wish is a Warrior girl, but she owns a banned Magical Object, and she will do anything to conceal it.

In this whirlwind adventure, Xar and Wish must forget their differences if they're going to make it to the dungeons at Warrior Fort.

Where something that has been sleeping for hundreds of years is stirring...

Review:

I have found childrens/middle grade books to be very hit and miss with me. But I actually really enjoyed this one. It was quite good fun and set up the world well for a new series which I believe this one is. The main characters are well rounded with flaws and the supporting characters are fun too. Some of the characters feel a little pantomime-like but I think that is to do with the age it is aimed at. I did like the son/father relationship between Xar and his dad, that was very sweet and very different to the one between Wish and her mum. Overall a good series which I might look at continuing.

I gave this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.