The Goodreads blurb for Osric's Wand:
While the world leaders of Archana gather for an unprecedented peace treaty signing, tragedy strikes, and rumors spread of war. Osric; a young, untested leader, is thrust into the chaos and must journey far with his unlikely companions to stop the inevitable world war. Circumstance brought them together, but prophecy has entwined their fates.
Now, the young Vigile Contege, the world’s greatest Wand-Maker, and a beautiful Maiden of the Unicorn must put aside their differences and work together, or watch as their homes are destroyed. Their understanding of magic will be challenged as they discover new methods and uses for their powers, and each day will only uncover more unanswerable questions to torment Osric’s mind.
Why was the signing attacked? What do the unicorns want with him? How do you read a book with no words? What is so special about his wand?
My Review:
Authors Albrecht and Delay created a world full of all of our favorite fantasy creatures and devices. Unicorns? Check. Dragons? They're in there. Swordplay? Got it. Talking animals? Done. Oh, and let us not forget magic.
The story revolves around this wand you see. A very special wand wielded by Osric, the main character. In Osric's Wand, magic is available to everyone, which makes for a somewhat interesting spin on magical stories. Usually magic is for the prized few. What happens when everyone has magic?
From the beginning, I was reminded of the Chronicles of Narnia, but without any religious undertones. The animals talk but they're not always cute. Gus, the wand-making genius, is a diminutive but acerbic prairie dog. And what are those silent unicorns really up to?
I think this story would be a particularly good read for a late elementary school to middle-grade person. While the main character is in his 20's, the book does not contain sex or graphic violence or themes that would be inappropriate. There is a dearth of books for boys that age so I highly recommend this one for boys looking for a fun read.
That's not to say adults won't enjoy it though. If you enjoy fantasy and magic, you will like find this book a worthy read.
Recommended?
Yes. If you enjoy magical stories with lots of fantasy creatures and talking animals, then check out Osric's Wand. If you love Narnia, then this book is right up your alley. And if you are a tween or teen boy looking for a fun read (or are the parent to one), then I highly recommend this book to you.
The authors are putting together the next installment of Osric's tale and I look forward to seeing how the adventure continues.
I shall head to Goodreads this very moment and add Osric's Wand to my to-read list. Since my very first Beatrix Potter book, through Wind in the Willows, Watership Down and on to Brian Jacques' Redwall series, I am enchanted by the anthropomorphic animal. (Any wonder my Savannah of Williamsburg series is about a poncy, colonial squirrel and her pals?)
ReplyDeleteI also love the use of unicorns as totems; it's a rare interpretation, outside of Barbie movies ... which, yes, I also love :D
Cheers to all!