This super-readable juvenile fiction story was imaginative and fresh. I appreciated the writing as it didn't talk down to the reader. This story would make an excellent anime feature film. ( )

Running away from his abusive uncle, Nick stumbles upon Evil Wizard Books, and its crusty proprietor. Could the old man really be a wizard? Nick doubts it -- until the evil wizard declares Nick his apprentice and enchants him so that he can't leave the property. Nick is sure that Smallbone doesn't mean to teach him any magic -- but maybe he's stubborn enough to learn on his own...

This is an enjoyable read for fans of children's fantasy. It's quirky, with hints of darkness, but not anything that will be too scary or upsetting for sensitive readers. I enjoyed it, but didn't find it so compelling that I couldn't put it down. I think it would be a good, cozy wintertime read. ( )

I'm not sure why it's being referred to as "hilarious" because, although it has moments of humor, it's not a funny book. It's quirky and oddly sweet and touching, but with a dark undercurrent. It's smart and thrilling and deeply satisfying. It is not, however, "hilarious". That aside, though, it is the kind of middle grade fantasy that finds its readers and holds on to them forever and ever and becomes a beloved childhood favorite. Twenty years (and more) from now, the kids who read it are going to be sharing it with their own children and getting nostalgic remembering where they were when they first discovered the world of the Smallbones. ( )

Fleeing his neglectful and abusive uncle in a brutally cold, blinding New England blizzard, Nick ends up on the porch of an eccentric old man who appears to be the owner of the Evil Wizard Bookstore. In exchange for a warm place to live and plenty to eat, the snarly old man orders him to clean the house, make meals and take care of the animals. The only problem is, Nick cannot leave no matter how hard he tries. He soon discovers that this old man, Zachariah Smallbone, is really a three-hundred-year-old wizard with a penchant for turning people into spiders, mice, foxes and other creatures. Drawn to magic out of self-defense, Nick learns magic with the help of the magical bookstore. But when the idyllic town of Smallbone Cove becomes threatened by the evil wizard Fidelou and his fearsome pack, and the evil wizard Smallbone appears to be unable to protect it, will Nick know enough magic to save himself and the rest of Smallbone Cove? I loved this exciting, enjoyable tween fantasy/adventure novel that speaks of home, family, kindness and finding one’s place in the world.

Sharyn H. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.

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I received thia book from one of the Godreads giveaways , as a note I only enter the giveaways for books that seem interesting .

Ths is a YA book with main character being 12 years old. It has a bit of a dark undercurrent however this is broken up with bits of humor. The story has action and view point that I think will appeal to the intended audience .

I enjoyed the story and liked the growth of the character and did not see the twist at/near the end .

I will be passing it on to my young cousins to encourage the children to read more . ( )