Nick didn’t believe in wizards, evil or otherwise. Not in the real world, and certainly not in Maine.

Plot & Premise

Taking up temporary shelter at Evil Wizard Books during a terrible snowstorm turns to regret when runaway Nick finds he cannot leave. His new job as Smallbone’s apprentice turns out to be more of a cleaning job than an education, so Nick takes it upon himself to suss out the wizard’s secrets and, perhaps, gain some magical mastery on his own.

Things to Love

~Foxkin
~the motorcycle gang
~E-Z Spelz for Little Wizardz
~Smallbone Cove
~an ancient rivalry

Personal Thoughts

Evil Wizard Smallbone embodies the timeless intrigue of a classic–bringing out, dusting off, and breathing new life into something quite familiar. This hero’s journey meets magician’s apprentice story has every hallmark of an unforgettable adventure. Sentient libraries, loup-garou, lovable-if-unlikable characters, quirky coastal Maine, and magic rituals make this an excellent choice for a chilly winter afternoon.

Content Warning: After his mother’s death, Nick is left in the care of an abusive uncle and bully of a cousin. Their presence in the novel is not gratuitous, but may be unsettling for readers who are sensitive to this dynamic.

Ideal Readership

Any reader with a taste for folklore, offbeat characters, and sleepy smalltown settings will find The Evil Wizard Smallbone an enchanting escape and an instant favorite.

Fans of The Evil Wizard Smallbone may also enjoy:

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• The Voyage to Magical North by Claire Fayers for its runaways, magical library, and non-traditional mentors.
• Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones for its housecleaning, ill-tempered wizards, and folktale vibes.
• The Half-A-Moon Inn by Paul Fleischman for its imprisoned characters, quick-witted heroes, and wintry backdrop.

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Have you read The Evil Wizard Smallbone? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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