Publishers Weekly
05/27/2024
When vainglorious Wizard West—one of the four wizards responsible for maintaining the balance of magic on the island of Solum—dies in his sleep and becomes a ghost, his pride won’t allow him to accept such a mundane death. So, it’s up to the members of his estate staff, including the groundskeeper’s 12-year-old daughter, Faye Gardner, to pretend all is well while helping West conduct a highly publicized contest to select his successor. As the contestants descend upon his castle, Faye—who reads as white and sports feline features thanks to one of West’s curses—is run ragged trying to keep the spirit focused, the contest on track, and the estate’s magical creatures safe. She must also use her own clandestine talent for spells despite a prohibition against unauthorized (i.e., non-wizard) magic. And if a successor isn’t chosen soon, the magic maintaining the castle will vanish, and the structure will crumble. Graudin (The World Between Blinks) offers a heartfelt romp featuring a resourceful heroine and an engrossing setting. Faye’s struggle to preserve her home and prove her own worth in the face of societal restrictions and Wizard West’s ego proves satisfyingly upbeat and all-around entertaining. Ages 8–12. Agent: Tracey Adams, Adams Literary. (June)
From the Publisher
This fantastic duology starter conjures a world full of magic, mystery, and merriment, and wonderful world building puts readers in the thick of it. An utterly enchanting escapade with the promise of bigger adventures to come.” — Booklist
“Marvelous. An enchanting middle grade fantasy and excellent start to this adventurous duology.” — School Library Journal
"Descriptions of magic imbue the story with life. The book replicates the whimsy and subtle feminism of Hayao Miyazaki’s work. Bursting with empathy and magical delights.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Sharp and clever. This duology opener offers plenty of resolution, while also leaving whole swaths of storylines wide open for the second volume; readers will likely eagerly anticipate seeing what Faye will do next.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Graudin offers a heartfelt romp featuring a resourceful heroine and an engrossing setting. Satisfyingly upbeat and all-around entertaining.” — Publishers Weekly
Kirkus Reviews
2024-04-05
In this duology opener, 12-year-old Faye Gardner works behind the scenes to preserve the magical castle Celurdur until a new Wizard of the West can be appointed.
The current Wizard West died in his bed, and his ghost is so cross about it that he curses Faye, partially turning her into a cat. To salvage his reputation following such a mundane demise—and safeguard the Balance of the kingdom of Solum—Wizard West holds a tournament to determine his successor, while keeping his death a secret. Ever since the Shadow Queen wrought destruction centuries ago, girls haven’t been allowed to become apprentices to Solum’s four wizards (North, South, East, and West). But Faye and other servants have secretly been performing small, forbidden acts of magic, covering narcissistic Wizard West’s duties for him. Faye loves Celurdur, so when the tournament endangers the only home she’s ever known, she must use her wits to keep it safe—more malignant forces may be at work than the rude contestants and selfish wizards. Descriptions of magic, sometimes deliciously food related, imbue the story with life, evincing Faye’s enchantment with her own world as she utilizes her knowledge of Celurdur to naturally assume a position of leadership. The book replicates the whimsy and subtle feminism of Hayao Miyazaki’s work (a tribute that’s given a nod through the eastern estate, which is named Ghibli). Major characters are coded white.
Bursting with empathy and magical delights. (map) (Fantasy. 9-13)
