Shitty on several levels. Basically, the wizard's character is half baked. He behaves in an abusive fashion to the villagers/his apprentices and we get a ridiculous explanation (it wasn't really him! Even though some of it was him ie turning the boy into a spider, stone, rat etc). The villain is ridiculous and french. It's just boring and soulless and there are no significant female characters. Pass.

I'm not sure why it's being referred to as "hilarious" because, although it has moments of humor, it's not a funny book. It's quirky and oddly sweet and touching, but with a dark undercurrent. It's smart and thrilling and deeply satisfying. It is not, however, "hilarious". That aside, though, it is the kind of middle grade fantasy that finds its readers and holds on to them forever and ever and becomes a beloved childhood favorite. Twenty years (and more) from now, the kids who read it are going...

The glimmer of illusion, the crackle of magic, and the crunch of snow are forefront in this whimsical tale that is, sadly, brimming with unmet potential.Spotlight (Andre Norton audio-enhanced) video review forthcoming.

If you love Studio Ghibli films like Howl's Moving Castle or Spirited Away, I definitely recommend giving Delia Sherman's The Evil Wizard Smallbone a chance. This book is so charming and heartfelt, brimming with magic and a cast of peculiar characters. I would read a few chapters each night before bedtime like I was a little kid again, delighted in the story and Nick's journey as an unwilling apprentice to the Evil Wizard Smallbone.When Nick runs away from his uncle's home one winter night, esca...

An excellent middle grade modern fantasy with generous doses of humour.This book definitely earned it's place on theAndre Norton Award shortlist. It is well written, nicely paced and much funnier than I thought it would be. The tone of the storytelling reminded me a bit of the Percy Jackson books, and the reading level is approximately the same.I listened to the audiobook version with my two kids and they both loved it. The narration was fabulous, and we all enjoyed the voice acting which added

The bones of this story are good, though it is too long and meandering. Some of the plot developments don't really go anywhere, (view spoiler)[like the uncle joining up with the Howling Coyotes and the townspeople really being seals (hide spoiler)]. Some of the characters, like Ollie and Tom, seem extraneous. But Nick is a strong-willed protagonist who ends up in a different, and better, place than he starts. And who doesn't love shapeshifting and magical books?

This is delightful traditional contemporary fantasy - with all the thrilling trappings of fantasy - and a wonderful point of view. And though it's a traditional story, it's still got some surprises up its sleeve (view spoiler)[the truth about the Smallbone wizard, the animals, using children's games to reinforce the border protections (hide spoiler)], which is fantastic.There are some loose ends. I'm not sure why (view spoiler)[the seal aspect is necessary - these people aren't any less human -

After running away for the third time, Nick stumbles onto the dwelling of the Evil Wizard Smallbone who forces him to become his apprentice. But he doesn't teach Nick any magic. But Nick, being a rather resourceful kid, discovers that the bookstore that Smallbone supposedly runs will help him learn magic, but only if he cooperates. Meanwhile, the Evil Wizard Fidelou is working on bringing down the magical Sentries (spells) that are keeping Smallbone Cove protected, and Nick's cousin and uncle ar...

4.5 stars. $1.99 Kindle sale, August 28, 2017. What a delightful, fun middle grade fantasy! It's not really much like Harry Potter plotwise, other than being about a boy who's discovering the magic powers in himself, who has some awful relatives, but it carries the same kind of vibe for me as the first HP book, in particular. So if that sounds appealing, grab a copy of this one!Nick is a neglected, stubborn 12 year old runaway who somehow finds himself in the clutches of the evil Wizard Smallbon...

3 STARS!! I really enjoyed this one but I do have to say that it was 200 pages TOO long. I found myself getting bored and feeling like it was a chore to read and that's not a good thing. However I loved the characters and how cozy and fun this book felt. But again it felt too long and was really slow. I will be talking about it more in a Double Book Thoughts video with The Haunted House Project in October on my channel! :)

Originally posted here at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.The Evil Wizard Smallbone by Delia Sherman is a book I could not wait to read. The cover, synopsis, and praise it received seemed to make it a perfect fit for me. And it was. I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon I spent reading this book. It has a magical bookshop. A MAGICAL BOOKSHOP.Nick runs away from his abusive uncle and cousin after years living with them following his mother's death. He is not exactly prepared for his escape and finds...

Delightful! What a perfectly written children's book. It reminded me in bits and pieces of many of my favorites. The story is set in the present, though somehow I kept picturing Pip from Great Expectations and the streets and villages of the old English countryside. There were magical elements reminiscent of Narnia, a warlock that I imagined as a male version of the Wicked Witch in Oz, all based in a quaint little town like Belle's from the Disney Beauty and the Beast. Oh, and don't forget a pac...

I could not put this book down! It was one of those books that, for some inexplicable reason, it just pulls you in and will not let go until you reach the last page.While it's not one of my favorites, I still really liked it. The pace was slow, but not too slow to where you fell asleep trying to read it. It was like the book was taking a walk through the story setting, taking the time to stop and enjoy the journey but still keep things upbeat. The vibe was as cozy and warm as the book-shop itsel...

Frequently amusing, this story of Nick, an abused, almost teen, fleeing his guardian and encountering and learning to live with the Evil Wizard Smallbone, is fun. The Wizard protects a nearby small town, Smallbone Cove, and lives with a variety of animals, and an opinionated bookstore. There are a series of mysteries Nick must figure out while learning cook for the wizard, taking care of his creatures and interacting with the bookstore. And there's another evil wizard in the vicinity, with his m...

Delightful story for school-aged children!

Great fun. Reminded me at moments of Diana Wynne Jones' Chrestomanci books, in the best way.

I read this as part of the Norton finalist packet.This clever middle grade books begins with a jerk of a kid, Nick, fleeing from his abusive uncle and cousin. He ends up stumbling upon the abode of an evil wizard, who immediately takes him in as an apprentice—but really, as more as an indentured servant. Nick grows as a sympathetic character as he endures the wizard's bizarre behavior, befriends a sentient bookstore, and discovers the wizard's personal town and its captive citizens. Meanwhile, d...

Sweet, fun, funny and magical. I loved Nick, and I LOVED the magical bookstore. (Who wouldn't want one of those?) This book was so much fun to read.

Nick runs away from his abusive uncle, only to fall into the hands of an evil wizard! Nick is forced to become Smallbone's apprentice, but the old man refuses to teach him any magic. Unraveling the secrets of the Evil Wizard Bookshop and the mysterious town of Smallbone Cove, Nick will have to outwit his master before an even more evil wizard, Fidelou, terrorizes and destroys the entire town.I am delighted with this whimsical tale of wizardry! I love the enchanted town of Smallbone Cove and the

Running away from his abusive uncle, Nick stumbles upon Evil Wizard Books, and its crusty proprietor. Could the old man really be a wizard? Nick doubts it -- until the evil wizard declares Nick his apprentice and enchants him so that he can't leave the property. Nick is sure that Smallbone doesn't mean to teach him any magic -- but maybe he's stubborn enough to learn on his own...This is an enjoyable read for fans of children's fantasy. It's quirky, with hints of darkness, but not anything that