01/22/2018
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. Ever since his scientist parents were abducted seven years ago, 14-year-old Ozzy Toffy has grown up alone in their remarkably well-stocked cabin in the Oregon woods, living on expired canned food and learning from the books they left behind, with Clark the raven as his only companion. When Ozzy grows curious about the outside world, he attempts to reassimilate into a society he barely knows, which inspires him to hire the wizard Labyrinth (also known as Rin) to help him find out what happened to his parents. Ozzy’s seven-year solo survival requires suspension of disbelief, but Skye (Mutant Bunny Island) 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 sometimes awkward but nevertheless successful, thanks to the tongue-in-cheek humor Skye weaves throughout the story. Ages 10–14. Agent: Laurie Liss, Sterling Lord Literistic. (Mar.)
Wizard for Hire (Wizard for Hire Series #1)
Narrated by Kirby Heyborne
Obert SkyeUnabridged — 9 hours, 31 minutes
Wizard for Hire (Wizard for Hire Series #1)
Narrated by Kirby Heyborne
Obert SkyeUnabridged — 9 hours, 31 minutes
Overview
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 that 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—a.k.a. 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.
Editorial Reviews
"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."
"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."
2020-2021 nomination
"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."
"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."
"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."
“An engrossing read, it kept me turning the pages late into the night and during the days… Obert Skye keeps you guessing as the strange and the mystical weave together at a brilliant pace!
"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."
02/01/2018
Gr 4–6—When Ozzy Toffy's family moves to the Oregon woods, the frightening kidnapping of his parents leaves him alone in a remote cabin. Years later, the 14-year-old has survived on his own, teaching himself from the collection of books and papers his parents left and eating from a well-stocked pantry of canned food. But after the discovery of a collection of tapes from his parents and a mechanical talking bird named Clark, Ozzy ventures out into the world to find his family and experience life outside the secluded cabin. He attends school, tries fast food, and buys new clothes for the first time before requesting the help of a breakfast-loving "wizard" named Rin. Ozzy's orphan story is a trope that many readers will have seen before, but his charisma and quick wits make his interaction with a world familiar to most readers—school and restaurants especially,—more interesting. 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. VERDICT Winning characters and witty humor elevate the plot. A solid purchase for large collections where light magical fantasy circulates.—Thomas Jonte, Pensacola State College, FL
Kirby Heyborne narrates the story of Ozzy, a 14-year-old boy who has lived on his own since he was 7, when his parents were kidnapped. Now, with the help of a wizard whose ad he sees, he thinks he can, maybe, find them. The story follows Ozzy; his robotic-talking raven, Clark; and the self-proclaimed wizard, Rin, on a quest to find the answers Ozzy has been looking for his whole life. Heyborne's narration of Ozzy's tale—along with a hilarious writing style, a clever plot, and engaging characters—will keep listeners hooked until the end. C.G. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine
2017-12-03
After his parents are abducted from their secluded forest home, a young boy survives alone on canned goods and the stories he finds in books. Ozzy, now 14, has learned science and psychology from his parents' texts as well as magic and wonder from Rowling and Tolkien. When the solitary white boy discovers Clark, his father's solar-powered mechanical bird, Ozzy finds the courage to explore his surroundings. There Ozzy discovers Sigi, a beautiful girl whose light brown skin he finds "more interesting than the entire sea"; high school hot lunches; and Rin, a white wizard for hire. Clark encourages Ozzy to work on his appearance as well as his social skills. With a new haircut, a fresh wardrobe, and the possibility of magic at his disposal, Ozzy decides to find his parents. But amid a whirl of car chases, pork-filled omelets, and new friendships, Ozzy worries that no amount of magic will bring his parents back. 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. While the reveal of the mystery is disappointing, it does little to diminish this story.A stand-alone standout for fans of Leven Thumps. (Fantasy. 10-13)
Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940169695441 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Blackstone Audio, Inc. |
| Publication date: | 03/06/2018 |
| Series: | Wizard for Hire Series , #1 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
| Age Range: | 10 - 14 Years |
Read an Excerpt
Ozzy's attention was stolen by a tiny classified ad on the bottom of the page.Wizard for hire Are you in a bind? Are your enemies at the gate? Is it time for some magic? Or perhaps you just need a good potion for sleeping. Call 555-spel Ozzy shivered. "Look at this!" He set the magazine down on the porch and Ozzy's mechanical raven hopped onto the page and read the small words. "'Babysitter needed. Must have strong nerves'? I don't know how good a babysitter you'd be." "No, not that one. The ad below it." Clark read the right one. "Wait, so wizards are real?" "I told you." Ozzy was excited. "And you can just call up a wizard and they do things for you?" "Well, we can't call because we don't have phone. But I could call from town." "Why do you want a wizard?" "To find my parents." Clark stared at Ozzy. "That is…the best idea I've heard in a long time." "Right?" Ozzy said. "Definitely right. This magazine has everything. Look, here's an ad for carpet cleaning." "We don't have carpets." "Sure, but if we ever did." "Let's just focus on the wizard. If anyone knows where my parents went, it's him." "Or her," Clark corrected. "Then it would be a witch." "Maybe he's married to one," Clark said. "Don't all wizards have to marry witches?" "I don't think so." "That's going to be my first question for him." "I don't know if you should come when I meet him." "Why, because a talking bird will confuse him? He's a wizard who may or may not have a witch wife." "Okay, how about I just call him first." "Good, but, it's getting dark and I haven't charged my batteries like I should. So, either light a candle or let me go settle into my nest." "Just rest, we can't do anything until tomorrow." "Goodnight, Oz." "Goodnight, C."
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