Week 27: The Wizards of Once

I have been lucky enough to be able to read a proof copy of Cressida Cowell's new book (The Wizards of Once). Total new series and characters to How to Train a Dragon series. It's a big book (over 380 pages). I didn't think I could read it all in the week but the story was captivating from the first chapter. As well as being an amazing writer she is a wonderful illustrator and although the proof doesn't have all the illustrations, I can imagine the final copy will be amazing.

The Wizard Chief's son, Xar, thinks he knows better than his dad and goes into Badwoods (a tangled, evil forest and easy to lose your way). As he goes into the forest, he finds two warriors and they try attacking each because the wizards and warriors don't like each other. Then Xar tells the warriors there are witches in the forest, but everyone thinks there are none. The two warriors take Xar to their fort, and the other warriors capture him. They take him to the magic stone that takes away magic and a witch appears. Xar has no magic, unlike his dad. Will he and the two warriors take the witch down or will the witch win?

This magical story has lots of twists and turns that will make the reader want to keep reading. When you finish you will be wanting the next book.

My Star Rating:****1/2

Make a date with your local bookshop for its worldwide release on September 19th 2017

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