Editorial Content for Wandmaker
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Reviewer (text)
Margret Wiggins
Even though 11-year-old Henry Leach the Eighth is descended from a powerful line of wandmakers, he cannot get his wand to work. Just when Henry is starting to understand how to use his wand --- graciously given to him by the Grand Wand Master Coralis --- not only does he accidentally turn his younger sister, Brianna, into a hedgehog, he learns he’s the key to stopping the evil wandmaker Dai She from destroying the world.
WANDMAKER by Ed Masessa is an enchanting race against time as Henry, Brianna --- in the form of a hedgehog --- and Coralis travel across country to save the world from total destruction. Although the plot is serious in nature, it is riddled with humor. The ancient, all-powerful Dai She is a buffoon of a villain, who finds himself riding in the back of a pick-up truck filled with rotten vegetables and livestock on his way to carry out his evil plans. Although Coralis may be one of the most intelligent Grand Wand Masters alive, he suffers through the indignities of flying coach. And it takes his sister becoming a hedgehog for Henry to fully appreciate the importance of being a big brother.
"WANDMAKER is an exceptional story, one that delights from beginning to end."
The literary world of magic will forever be cast in the shadow of J.K. Rowling’s renowned Harry Potter series. However, Masessa boldly and jokingly plays right into the shadow, Coralis even references the Harry Potter series as inaccurate. But Masessa does well to distinguish this magical world as different from what readers may already know or expect. In WANDMAKER magic comes from the elements, from the sun, moon and minerals. Its energy source is natural and depends on balance. Wandmakers have specialties, as do different wands. This world of magic is just as captivating and engaging.
It is unclear how Henry and Brianna came to know of magic, as the story starts out with them already being aware of wands and wandmakers, but in the dark about their family’s legacy. The Leach family lineage and power is never fully revealed, but will hopefully unravel with later books. Throughout their journey, Henry discovers that he is far more powerful than he thinks, and both good and bad magic run through him. The dual good and evil in Henry makes him a fantastic protagonist to watch grow.
WANDMAKER is an exceptional story, one that delights from beginning to end. It has all the heart, humor, cleverness and adventure to make a great stand-alone novel, and hopefully a new favorite series. Henry, Brianna and Coralis will continue to charm readers for years to come.
Teaser
Magic is real --- and it runs in the family --- in this charming fantasy adventure about a boy who must balance his magical education with the demands of big-brotherhood, perfect for fans of Jenny Nimmo and Angie Sage. Henry Leach the Eighth doesn't know it yet, but he's descended from a long line of wandmakers. That means he has inherited mysterious powers, a trunk full of strange artifacts...and a whole host of problems. His biggest problem at the moment, however, is his little sister, Brianna. And she takes troublemaking to new heights when she's caught in the crossfire of Henry's first major spell!
Promo
Magic is real --- and it runs in the family --- in this charming fantasy adventure about a boy who must balance his magical education with the demands of big-brotherhood, perfect for fans of Jenny Nimmo and Angie Sage. Henry Leach the Eighth doesn't know it yet, but he's descended from a long line of wandmakers. That means he has inherited mysterious powers, a trunk full of strange artifacts...and a whole host of problems. His biggest problem at the moment, however, is his little sister, Brianna. And she takes troublemaking to new heights when she's caught in the crossfire of Henry's first major spell!
About the Book
Magic is real --- and it runs in the family --- in this charming fantasy adventure about a boy who must balance his magical education with the demands of big-brotherhood, perfect for fans of Jenny Nimmo and Angie Sage.
Henry Leach the Eighth doesn't know it yet, but he's descended from a long line of wandmakers. That means he has inherited mysterious powers, a trunk full of strange artifacts...and a whole host of problems.
His biggest problem at the moment, however, is his little sister, Brianna. She's always had a special talent for getting in his way. And she takes troublemaking to new heights when she's caught in the crossfire of Henry's first major spell!
Heartfelt, funny, and imaginative, WANDMAKERS is sure to leave young readers spellbound.
