“Kirby Heyborne narrates the story of Ozzy…Heyborne’s narration of Ozzy’s tale—along with a hilarious writing style, a clever plot, and engaging characters—will keep listeners hooked until the end.” AudioFile
Description
Fourteen-year-old Ozzy lives near Portland, Oregon, and is desperate for help. His scientist parents have been kidnapped after discovering a formula that enables mind control. Their work was so top secret that Ozzy is afraid to go to the police, but without help, he fears he’ll never find his parents. Then he stumbles across a classified ad in the local newspaper that says “Wizard for Hire. Call 555-SPEL.” Ozzy has read about wizards in books like Harry Potter, but wizards couldn’t actually exist today, could they? After Ozzy meets the wizard Labyrinth—a.k.a. Rin—he’s even more skeptical.
Sure, Rin dresses like a wizard, but the short robe and high-top tennis shoes seem unorthodox, as does Rin’s habit of writing notes on his shoes and eating breakfast for every meal. Plus, Rin doesn’t even cast any magic spells, which means that the unexplained coincidences that start happening around Ozzy are just that—coincidences.
With the help of a robotic talking raven invented by Ozzy’s father, a kind and curious girl at school who decides to help Ozzy, and of course, a self-proclaimed wizard who may or may not have a magical wand, Ozzy begins an unforgettable quest that will lead him closer to the answers he desperately seeks about his missing parents.
Praise
“Kirby Heyborne narrates the story of Ozzy…Heyborne’s narration of Ozzy’s tale—along with a hilarious writing style, a clever plot, and engaging characters—will keep listeners hooked until the end.” AudioFile
“A captivating novel that straddles the line between fantasy and reality. Skye’s pages rollick with charm and exciting encounters…That sense of wonder permeates Wizard for Hire’s irresistible pages, which celebrate the irrepressible magic of being authentic and unique.” Foreword Reviews (starred review)
“An engrossing read, it kept me turning the pages late into the night and during the days…Obert Skye keeps you guessing as the strange and the mystical weave together at a brilliant pace!” DeepMagic.co
“The juxtaposition of weird science and dodgy magic is sometimes awkward but nevertheless successful, thanks to the tongue-in-cheek humor Skye weaves throughout the story.” Publishers Weekly
“Dialogue is delightful, especially between Rin, the eccentric wizard who performs no magic, and Ozzy. While readers might expect resolutions via impressive magic, it’s strokes of luck, quick thinking, or fast-talking that often save the day. Winning characters and witty humor elevate the plot.” School Library Journal
Details
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Release Day | Mar 5, 2018 |
| Release Date | March 6, 2018 |
| Number in Series | 1 |
| Series Display String | The Wizard for Hire Series |
| Release Date Machine | 1520294400 |
| Imprint | Shadow Mountain |
| Provider | Shadow Mountain |
| Categories | Children's Books, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Children/YA, Children 8-12, Fiction - All, Fiction - Child |
Author Bio
Obert Skye was born on a stormy night in the back of a fast-moving taxi. He spends his time telling all who will listen about the existence of Foo and the importance of dreams. He is a fairly ordinary fellow who says he is simply hoping to repair what he has mistakenly undone. He is also the bestselling author of the world renowned Leven Thumps series. Though he used to live in Austria, he now lives in America near a thin, winding road.
Narrator Bio
Kirby Heyborne is a musician, actor, and professional narrator. Noted for his work in teen and juvenile audio, he has garnered over twenty Earphones Awards. His audiobook credits include Jesse Kellerman’s The Genius, Cory Doctorow’s Little Brother, and George R. R. Martin’s Selections from Dreamsongs.
Overview
Fourteen-year-old Ozzy lives near Portland, Oregon, and is desperate for help. His scientist parents have been kidnapped after discovering a formula that enables mind control. Their work was so top secret that Ozzy is afraid to go to the police, but without help, he fears he’ll never find his parents. Then he stumbles across a classified ad in the local newspaper that says “Wizard for Hire. Call 555-SPEL.” Ozzy has read about wizards in books like Harry Potter, but wizards couldn’t actually exist today, could they? After Ozzy meets the wizard Labyrinth—a.k.a. Rin—he’s even more skeptical.
Sure, Rin dresses like a wizard, but the short robe and high-top tennis shoes seem unorthodox, as does Rin’s habit of writing notes on his shoes and eating breakfast for every meal. Plus, Rin doesn’t even cast any magic spells, which means that the unexplained coincidences that start happening around Ozzy are just that—coincidences.
With the help of a robotic talking raven invented by Ozzy’s father, a kind and curious girl at school who decides to help Ozzy, and of course, a self-proclaimed wizard who may or may not have a magical wand, Ozzy begins an unforgettable quest that will lead him closer to the answers he desperately seeks about his missing parents.
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