Book review: So You Want to be a Wizard
by: Diane Duane (is that her real name????)
rating: 1.5/5
I was told by just about everyone on the planet (not really) that if I liked Harry Potter, I have absolutely GOT to read these books. Well, I read the first one. And I am not impressed. Basic plot outline is the cliche next door-- a beaten down but spunky kid finds a book on wizardry and is suddenly a wizard, and by some weird cosmic coincidence, has to go off and save the world.
Wow, now *there* is an original premise. At least there was no prophecy a la Harry Potter. And no magic sword. But, frankly, I almost wish there had been a prophecy, if only for the sake of plot continuity. Because I just don't get it. I realize it's a fantasy (and especially YA fantasy) archetype, but I kept on asking "Why her?" I mean, here is a world in which the wizards are organized, they have rank, and there is, IIRC, some kind of ruling body. So, who the hell came up with the brilliant idea of sending two clueless kids off to battle Mr. Evil?
It's a shame, since part of premise IS interesting. The idea of wizards living among us has some interest in it, and the hints of the past (the trees' battling for the rights of humankind to survive) are fascinating. But a few vague hints is all we get. There is no explanation of anything in this book, not even the magic. Where does it come from? How does it work? Can anyone use it?
Then, there's the religious mumbo-jumbo. The bad guy is the destroyer, not one of the creators, though he was originally meant to be.... well, let's just say, it's a childrens' portrayal of the devil. 'Nuf said.
And then, came the plot holes and the scientific impossibility. For example, at one point, Mr. Evil (we never get his real name and at a few points, the kids actually call him "you-know-who".... snort. Good to know Voldemort has a backup if he is defeated in the Harry Potter universe). Anyways, Mr. Evil snuffs out the sun. Really. And the kids are all concerned but decide that as long as they get it back up in 8 minutes (that's how much light is left), no biggie. And no one mentions the earth's falling off its axis and the galaxy imploding. For some reason. In fact, the kids even bring a pseudo-collapsed galaxy (they call it a white hole) to Earth and name it Fred. And Fred get's the hiccups and starts creating random shit like books and airplanes. WHAT?
This is all very cute and funny, but really....what? Anyone over 8 would have some big problems with the blatant impossibilities here.
rating: 1.5/5
I was told by just about everyone on the planet (not really) that if I liked Harry Potter, I have absolutely GOT to read these books. Well, I read the first one. And I am not impressed. Basic plot outline is the cliche next door-- a beaten down but spunky kid finds a book on wizardry and is suddenly a wizard, and by some weird cosmic coincidence, has to go off and save the world.
Wow, now *there* is an original premise. At least there was no prophecy a la Harry Potter. And no magic sword. But, frankly, I almost wish there had been a prophecy, if only for the sake of plot continuity. Because I just don't get it. I realize it's a fantasy (and especially YA fantasy) archetype, but I kept on asking "Why her?" I mean, here is a world in which the wizards are organized, they have rank, and there is, IIRC, some kind of ruling body. So, who the hell came up with the brilliant idea of sending two clueless kids off to battle Mr. Evil?
It's a shame, since part of premise IS interesting. The idea of wizards living among us has some interest in it, and the hints of the past (the trees' battling for the rights of humankind to survive) are fascinating. But a few vague hints is all we get. There is no explanation of anything in this book, not even the magic. Where does it come from? How does it work? Can anyone use it?
Then, there's the religious mumbo-jumbo. The bad guy is the destroyer, not one of the creators, though he was originally meant to be.... well, let's just say, it's a childrens' portrayal of the devil. 'Nuf said.
And then, came the plot holes and the scientific impossibility. For example, at one point, Mr. Evil (we never get his real name and at a few points, the kids actually call him "you-know-who".... snort. Good to know Voldemort has a backup if he is defeated in the Harry Potter universe). Anyways, Mr. Evil snuffs out the sun. Really. And the kids are all concerned but decide that as long as they get it back up in 8 minutes (that's how much light is left), no biggie. And no one mentions the earth's falling off its axis and the galaxy imploding. For some reason. In fact, the kids even bring a pseudo-collapsed galaxy (they call it a white hole) to Earth and name it Fred. And Fred get's the hiccups and starts creating random shit like books and airplanes. WHAT?
This is all very cute and funny, but really....what? Anyone over 8 would have some big problems with the blatant impossibilities here.