THE LAST WIZARD by necessity, a trio comprises an “elf in pursuit of knowledge, a youngster in search of himself, and a burly dwarf embarked on his own mission to change the world.” In the story’s first half, the action is centered in Springdale’s sole tavern. As the trio become familiar with its patrons and proprietor—who’s also the leader of the village—they pick up mapmaking jobs and other odd quests in exchange for money, beer, and meals. Unbeknownst to the three, the titular unnamed wizard secretly oversees their quests and other local activities. Occupying an abandoned house, he’s prevented from materializing in the flesh, due in part to his ailing health: “My best tactic is to remain invisible, all while quietly pursuing the most unique artifact—the Aard of Being—deep within the dungeons.” With a Blood Moon on the horizon, a missing villager returns as a zombie that heralds necromancers and other dark forces converging. The trio discover a hidden dungeon entrance and embarks on their most dangerous quest yet, with the help of a fallen, a satyr, and a healer, to discover hidden artifacts and origins of evil. Mizgailo’s presents readers with a lengthy read that’s divided between accounts of village life and tales of subterranean exploration. The scenes in Springdale’s tavern are full of banter and bawdy characters, lending the characters’ relationships a greater depth. Grampy, the oft\u002Ddisgruntled dwarf, provides much of the humor in his desires for riches and alcohol: “Any free beer makes me happy.” The plucky boy soldier is engaging as he questions the elders in an attempt to learn more than the Warrior Guild permitted. In an addled dream sequence, his mind inspires some of the novel’s stronger prose: “His flame reflected from the moon, illuminating the tortured continent that was slowly devoured by darkness, calling for dawn.” The elf’s loss of faith is also a brief but compelling plot point. As the explorers descend into different dungeon levels, they encounter room after room of unholy creatures—each as deadly as the last. Readers familiar with role\u002Dplaying games, such as Dungeons \u0026amp\u003B Dragons and Warhammer, will enjoy reading about grisly battles and learning the complex, unfolding rules of the Lands of Amun. For others, the scenes may become somewhat repetitive, particularly when a second troop is dispatched to investigate the same area. The wizard provides an effective anchor for exposition, but this long and sometimes\u002Dconvoluted tale may not engage some casual readers." - Review & Purchase Guide | BookBookOwl

Name: THE LAST WIZARD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9798287293

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A young apprentice discovers she's the last hope for a dying magical world in this thrilling fantasy adventure that explores themes of destiny, courage, and the weight of unexpected responsibility. When ancient spells begin unraveling and magical creatures fade from existence, our unlikely heroine must master forgotten arcane arts while confronting dark forces that threaten to extinguish magic forever. The narrative balances heart-pounding action with thoughtful character development, creating a rich tapestry of magical realism that will captivate middle grade readers. This spellbinding journey through enchanted forests and crumbling wizard towers offers exactly the immersive escape young fantasy lovers crave.

What sets this magical quest apart is its nuanced exploration of what it truly means to bear responsibility—not as a burden, but as a sacred choice. The protagonist's growth from reluctant student to determined guardian of magic provides a powerful metaphor for young readers navigating their own coming-of-age challenges. Fantasy enthusiasts who appreciate complex world-building and morally gray characters will find much to savor here, while the pacing ensures even reluctant readers remain engaged. The emotional resonance of this wizardly adventure lingers long after the final page, leaving readers hoping this isn't truly the last we'll see of this enchanting universe.

THE LAST WIZARD

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