Journeyman Wizard [Paperback]

Mary Frances Zambreno (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1996

Student wizard Jermyn Graves is apprehensive but excited to be studying with the formidable master spellmaker, Lady Janes Allons. In a beguiling blend of mystery and magic, Mary Frances Zambreno continues the saga begun in A Plague of Sorcerers.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up-Like A Plague of Sorcerers (Harcourt, 1991), Zambreno's first novel to which this is a sequel of sorts, Journeyman Wizard is an interesting marriage of two genres: fantasy and mystery. Now 16, Jermyn Graves journeys to the remote and vaguely medieval village of Land's End, where he is to study with the legendary spellmaker, Lady Jean Allons. Before his training can get truly underway, he finds himself caught up in a web of intrigue, black magic, and murder, with only Lady Jean's granddaughter, Brianne, and his unusual familiar, a skunk named Delia, as allies. The author does a nice job of conjuring up a believable setting and convincingly numinous plot elements, but unfortunately the mysterious parts of the story hinge on red herrings simply too fishy to fool most readers. Moreover, the magic turns murky at the climax, as does motivation, which suffers from insufficient foreshadowing. Jermyn, however, remains an appealing protagonist and most fantasy fans will enjoy his latest adventure.
Michael Cart, formerly at Beverly Hills Public Library
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-7. Student wizard Jermyn Graves is apprehensive but excited to be studying with the formidable master spellmaker, Lady Jane Allons. Unfortunately, the death of Lady Allons' daughter in a sorcery experiment, the spellmaker's failing health, and tensions between Lady Allon and her son (the local priest) have made Lady Allon moody and demanding. The atmosphere in the manor is often strained, and Jermyn senses unexplained bursts of stray magical power. When a freak accident causes a death in the household, Jermyn is accused of the murder. Aided by Lady Allon's granddaughter, a contrary hedge-witch, and his skunk familiar, Jermyn scrambles frantically to find the true culprit and save his reputation. In a beguiling blend of mystery and magic, Zambreno continues the saga begun in A Plague of Sorcerers (1991). The strong story line, appealing characters, and well-drawn setting will charm fans of both fantasy and suspense. Candace Smith --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion (Juv) (September 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786811277
• ISBN-13: 978-0786811274
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #780,564 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Journeyman Wizard was a great book. I liked it a lot!, May 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Journeyman Wizard: A Magical Mystery (Hardcover)

Journeyman Wizard is about Jermym who wants to become a spellmaker. In order to become a spellmaker he has to study with the master spellmaker, Lady Jean or Mistress Allons. She is the last master spellmaker. She is very strict. When someone uses the backlash of Jermyn's spell to kill Lady Jean, Jermyn is accused of the murder. Jermyn, Delia(Jermyn's familiar) and Brianne, Lady Jean's granddaughter, set out to prove Jermyn's innocence. The most unlikely person turns out to be The murderer!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfectly Brilliant, November 29, 2003

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Journeyman Wizard (Paperback)

I loved both the books, the funny and coincidental thing being that I, too, share the name of Mary Frances. The books were perfectly brilliant, and amazingly intriguing.I doubt that any other author could steal my spotlight as the best, besides J.K. Rowling, and J.R.R. Tolkien.(I highly suggest these authors too!)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Journeyman wizard: Brilliant in every aspect, April 1, 2002

By 

Calvin Lo (Paris, France) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Journeyman Wizard (Paperback)

I found this book masterfully created. Not only was the initial unraveling of the mystery intrigueing, but I find the ideas fascinating. I often read fantasy that is full of unusual ideas, names, and places. Although this may add to the fantastical setting, I often find it difficult to grasp and remember all the new names and ideas. In this book, however, the ideas are concisely and clearly expressed. I absolutely adore the way Zambreno has discussed the theories behind magical spells, not to mention the wizard's guild.

Overall, this book was very cleanly written, tightly knitted, and easy to follow. It is not one of those hardcore fantasy novels; rather, Journeyman Wizard offers a fresh new perspective towards fantasy. This book kept me reading non stop late into the evening. I enthusiasticall encourage readers of all ages to read this book, and it's prequel, A Plague of Sorcerors.