By iamsandykay on February 5, 2019 ( Leave a comment )

Book Review – The Wizards of Once

I picked this book up because I found the second one first – completely drawn in by the cover. I thought this might be a good book for my daughter and wanted to read it first.

The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell

The Wizards of Once
by Cressida Cowell

Amazon Description:
In the first book of a new series by the bestselling author of How to Train Your Dragon, the warring worlds of Wizards and Warriors collide in a thrilling and enchanting adventure.

Once there were Wizards, who were Magic, and Warriors, who were not. But Xar, son of the King of Wizards, can’t cast a single spell. And Wish, daughter of the Warrior Queen, has a banned magical object of her own. When they collide in the wildwood, on the trail of a deadly witch, it’s the start of a grand adventure that just might change the fabric of their worlds.

With Cressida Cowell’s trademark wit, and the same stunning combination of action, adventure, humor, heart, and incredible artwork that made How to Train Your Dragon a beloved bestselling franchise, The Wizards of Once will transport and enchant readers.

My Take:

I am torn on this review.

I really like the author’s writing style. Ms. Cowell writes the perfect tempo for the setting and action taking place in the story. Along with tangents, side notes, and clarifications – all perfectly interjected – I found myself truly enjoying the reading of this book.

However, where I have trouble is with the characters. I found myself not caring about any of them. Not the main 3, nor the secondary circle, or even the comic relief. I just didn’t care if they accomplished their tasks, if they saved the day, or if they got caught. I struggled to find any redeeming qualities of the main character, Xar, as he was obnoxious and a brat and didn’t seem to learn any lesson at all throughout the book.

Favorite Line(s)

So true.

Don’t we all feel this way at times?

Favorite Chapter

Chapter 10. Fifteen Minutes Earlier, in Xar’s Room

I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter due to the wonderful pacing of the text and the way the author built suspense and fear with few words. And then the action came. I couldn’t turn the page fast enough!