Wizard for Hire, 1 - by Obert Skye (Hardcover)

About the Book

The author of the bestselling Leven Thumps series launches a new middle-grade fantasy/adventure series about a teen in modern-day Portland, Oregon, who hires a self-proclaimed wizard to help him find his missing scientist parents.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"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 wont' be disappointed."-- "Booklist"

2020-2021 nomination-- "Wyoming Soaring Eagle Award"

"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" (1/1/2018 12:00:00 AM)

"A novel of magic and wonder that will leave fans of Harry Potter excited for this new adventure into the realm of magic, mystery, and adventure. Skye's skill as a storyteller brings the reader in to his world... The depth of the characters and how they grow throughout the book--learning from their mistakes, opening up to relationships even if it leaves them vulnerable, and learning to trust--is what sticks with the reader, leaving them to think about the book long after the last page is turned."-- "Compass Book Ratings" (3/15/2018 12:00:00 AM)

"A thoroughly clever and unabashedly entertaining read from first page to last...Will prove to be an enduringly popular addition. Written with a depth of heart and breadth of appeal that transcends generations. Highly recommended."
-- "Midwest Book Review" (3/22/2018 12:00:00 AM)

"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" (2/1/2018 12:00:00 AM)

"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" (1/22/2018 12:00:00 AM)

"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" (1/1/2018 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Obert Skye has traveled to all fifty states, visiting with children and librarians in hundreds of schools and inspiring people to read. Besides traveling and writing, he enjoys solving mysteries and collecting old maps. His bestselling Leven Thumps series has sold hundreds of thousands of copies nationwide, and he is also the author of The Creature in My Closet series, the Witherwood Reform School series, and the Pillagy trilogy. "Imagination is one of the most powerful things in the world," he declares. "It's the vehicle that opens your mind to the impossible."