Review by Booklist Review
It's up to Faye, the 12-year-old daughter of an enchanted estate's groundskeeper, to inform Wizard West that he has died. The ghost won't be pleased to learn of his own death, but it's imperative someone inform him, lest the magic holding the bewitched castle together lapses. She convinces the sulking spirit to hold a competition to find a worthy successor, and though Faye knows the estate better than nearly anyone, she's prohibited from participating, since commoners--especially girls--aren't allowed to wield magic. Aspiring young wizards arrive to take part in increasingly ridiculous challenges, but as the games go awry and evil appears in their midst, Faye realizes that if she doesn't figure out a fix, the entire kingdom will crumble. This fantastic duology starter conjures a world full of magic, mystery, and merriment, and wonderful world building puts readers in the thick of it. Faye is as clever as she is compassionate, and it's a particular pleasure to watch her find joy and strength in teamwork. An utterly enchanting escapade with the promise of bigger adventures to come.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
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)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4--6--Twelve-year-old Faye Gardener was feeding kitchen scraps to the castle's dragon when she was chosen to inform Wizard West that he died in his sleep and is now haunting the castle as a ghost. He is no longer able to renew the foundation spells that keep the castle Celurdur standing and needs to find an apprentice before the next full moon. West, a temperamental and self-absorbed man, decides to host a competition to choose his successor. Wizard West's bumbling efforts to maintain his reputation as one of the kingdom's four official wizards puts Celurdur and all of its inhabitants in grave danger. Not only is the semi-sentient castle beginning to collapse, but the evil Shadow Queen is stirring from her prison and sending her smoke rats to infiltrate Celurdur. Now, on top of her usual chores (such as gathering the cockatrice eggs and collecting moonfruit), Faye must try to save the only home she's ever known from ruin. Faye is an endearing, plucky, and resourceful heroine. The story's many characters show developing emotional depth at all the right times, and the descriptions of the kingdom's magic are marvelous. VERDICT An enchanting middle grade fantasy and excellent start to this adventurous duology.--Maria Martin
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
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) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
