From Publishers Weekly
As wizard's apprentice Jermyn Graves delves deeply into his studies of practical magic, he helps thwart a diabolical scheme to kill all of the wizards in the land. Even though this novel threatens to collapse under the weight of its numerous plots and counterplots--creaking loudly as they are jammed together--somehow events are righted and coherence achieved by the final page. Zambreno's greatest accomplishments are the creation of a highly believable world where magic follows an intriguing set of laws and a cast of delightfully eccentric, constantly feuding characters--including a temperamental Weather Wizard, a feverishly verbal master Herbalist, a brilliant Theoretician and the shrewd and talented Jermyn himself. Ages 9-14.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 7-10-- A fairly well-crafted fantasy flavored with a touch of mystery. After he forms a connection with an unusual familiar (a skunk), 15-year-old Jermyn Graves is ready to begin his apprenticeship as a wizard. When his fiery Aunt Merovice launches a damaging feud with Fulke, a cantankerous and ill-tempered weather-making magician, Jerymn continues his training with the renowned Master Eschar, a powerful wizard who will help him use his fledgling magical talents. Jerymn faces a number of challenges: extracting Aunt Merovice from Fulke's debilitating curse, moving safely through circles of court intrigue, controlling a tempest that threatens the city, and saving the Empire from a mysterious and deadly spell-induced plague. At the same time, he wrestles with personal and magical insecurities and his growing attraction to Master Eschar's attractive young ward. Unfortunately, Zambreno's well-made characters are set adrift in a convoluted plot confused by muddled scenes of magic, an undefined social hierarchy of wizards, and a complicated relationship between two conflicting kingdoms. Despite these flaws, Jerymn is an endearing character who will appeal to fantasy fans. --Joy Fleishhacker, School Library Journal
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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