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The Wizard's Butler Kindle Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 9,912 ratings

"He thinks he's a wizard," they said.

For five grand a month and a million dollar chaser, Roger Mulligan didn't care how crazy the old geezer was. All he had to do was keep Joseph Perry Shackleford alive and keep him from squandering the estate for a year.

They didn't tell him about the pixies.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0865326GF
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Durandus, Ltd. (March 18, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 18, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 692 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 350 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 9,912 ratings

About the author

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Nathan Lowell
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About the time I was in sixth grade, back in rural Maine, I remember telling my grandmother, "When I grow up, I wanna have a house under ground and that's where I'll keep my computer."

She asked, "What will you do with it?"

"I don't know. It hasn't been built yet."

My grandparents, being wise in the ways of young boys, nodded sagely and changed the subject.

That was 1965.

Now, half a century later, I'm sitting in my cellar--halfway across the country from my roots on the rock-bound coast--typing this on my computer.

I wasn't particularly prescient in my prediction, rather it grew from my love of all things science fiction.

Through all the changes wrought through politics, climate, and age, my love of science fiction literature remained constant. It brought me through wars, storms, sickness, health, marriage, divorce, fatherhood, failure, and success. My love for technology--which initially grew from the tiny seeds planted by Heinlein and Norton, Bradbury and Asimov, Simak and Pohl--blossomed with the advent of the internet and found full bloom with the world wide web.

Late in 2004, I discovered podcasting and the community of content creators that this new distribution channel enabled. In 2007, I joined it when I released my first science fiction novel, Quarter Share, at Podiobooks.com. Now--more than twenty novels later--I find myself a full-time novelist, happy in a career I never thought might be possible.

Welcome to my world.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
9,912 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book fascinating and different. They also find the content relaxing. Readers describe the storyline and plot as excellent and truthful. They appreciate the violence and gore, saying there’s no big terror or tensions. They find the characters delightful and the writing style elegant and well-educated. Customers also mention the pacing as well-paced and smooth.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

581 customers mention "Enjoyability"581 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, lovely, and unexpected. They also appreciate the everyday conversations and magic.

"I absolutely loved it. Engaging, fun, awesome characters… truly excellent. Plus, who wouldn’t want to be the butler in magical old Shackleford House?" Read more

"I enjoyed the characters as they developed. A fun, light read with enough magic to satisfy without the heaviness that often comes with it." Read more

"...his attention to details (learning culinary skills), and his awesome sense of humor." Read more

"Love a book that entertains, has a bit of magic and the healing of characters. Of course there is a villain, cause there is one in every group :)" Read more

540 customers mention "Storyline and plot"489 positive51 negative

Customers find the storyline interesting and unexpected, with small bits of magic. They also say the book is engaging and distinct, with room for an interesting sequel. Readers also mention the characters are likeable, believable, and excellent.

"...Loved the twists and would love MORE! I am telling you, that you should read this, and then YOU can recommend this lovely book to someone else!..." Read more

"I absolutely loved it. Engaging, fun, awesome characters… truly excellent. Plus, who wouldn’t want to be the butler in magical old Shackleford House?" Read more

"...A fun, light read with enough magic to satisfy without the heaviness that often comes with it." Read more

"...A very delightful story that was hard to put down...." Read more

338 customers mention "Characterization"333 positive5 negative

Customers find the characters engaging and distinct.

"...Great characters, friendships, secrets, new starts for several, and redemptions abound here. Loved the twists and would love MORE!..." Read more

"I absolutely loved it. Engaging, fun, awesome characters… truly excellent. Plus, who wouldn’t want to be the butler in magical old Shackleford House?" Read more

"I enjoyed the characters as they developed. A fun, light read with enough magic to satisfy without the heaviness that often comes with it." Read more

"Love a book that entertains, has a bit of magic and the healing of characters. Of course there is a villain, cause there is one in every group :)" Read more

259 customers mention "Writing style"254 positive5 negative

Customers find the writing style intriguing, enjoyable, and quick. They also appreciate the excellent work of characterization, the well done conversations, and the genuine and lovely friendship. Readers also mention that there are no typical misunderstandings or abrupt out of character behavior.

"I enjoyed the characters as they developed. A fun, light read with enough magic to satisfy without the heaviness that often comes with it." Read more

"A believable, engaging story, clean language, no sex needed as the plot keeps you so interested, you cant put down the book...." Read more

"...The author could have played it out excessively, but held back. Very readable.And the villain - he did that very well...." Read more

"...Fans of the author’s “Ishmael” stories will likely enjoy this. Writing is competent and well edited." Read more

162 customers mention "Originality"150 positive12 negative

Customers find the book fascinating, unique, and delightful. They also say the concept is good and executed well. Readers describe the world as vivid, imaginative, and pulls them into the story. They mention that the book neatly ties an old profession to the modern age. Overall, customers find the novel quite different and enjoyable.

"...Great characters, friendships, secrets, new starts for several, and redemptions abound here. Loved the twists and would love MORE!..." Read more

"Loved the whole storyline. Very different. Great for all ages. Can't wait for more. Thank you for a great story." Read more

"...The pixies and fairies were fun too." Read more

"...T’was a tiny bit magical with plenty of action, mystery and challenges to solve...." Read more

76 customers mention "Pacing"57 positive19 negative

Customers find the book well paced, moving along with ease. They also say the story flows flawlessly in a remarkably understated way. Overall, readers describe the book as a quick, fun read with an interesting story.

"...the reality of the hero’s predicament, everything realistically flows flawlessly in a remarkably understated and thoroughly delightful way...." Read more

"...is imaginative and somehow kept me enthralled even though it is not fast-paced...." Read more

"This is a fun, quick read with a interesting and great story. I listened to most of it and the audiobook was top notch and really well done. Loved it!" Read more

"Starts off a bit slow, but picks up quickly. Fun and entertaining, it moves right along and leave you happy you spent time with the Wizard's Butler." Read more

64 customers mention "Content"64 positive0 negative

Customers find the book relaxing, comfortable, and entertaining. They also say it's easy and smooth to read, and nothing feels overwhelming or heavy-handed.

"...Nothing felt overwhelming or heavy-handed and a story dealing with a niece attempting to rob her uncle and have him declared incompetent has the..." Read more

"...Yet it is a sedate read that is good for bed although you will hit those hard to stop chapters until you feel some internal relief...." Read more

"...characters, vivid world, that pull you into this slice of life, cozy book. I hope that there will be more books in this world." Read more

"I enjoyed the peacefulness and gentle grace of the characters and the plot. Just a good story with honorable people and without violence." Read more

55 customers mention "Violence/gore"55 positive0 negative

Customers find the violence in the book minimal, with no big terror or tensions. They also appreciate the civility, righteousness without pomp, and light adversity. Readers also appreciate that the book has no harems, epic battles, or fight scenes.

"...Just a good story with honorable people and without violence." Read more

"I really enjoyed the calm demeanor of the main character...." Read more

"Enjoyed this book. No blood and guts, no deaths. Just a satisfying, well writtrn read that I thought about when I was not with the book...." Read more

"...I’m glad I chose it. It was an enjoyable, clean read. No profanity, no violence, and a cute story...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2024
My sister said I needed to read this book she had recommended to her and loved- I LOVED it, too! Not at all what I expected or saw coming, and I loved every minute! Not sure if there will be a ‘Book 2’, but I sure hope there will be! Great characters, friendships, secrets, new starts for several, and redemptions abound here. Loved the twists and would love MORE! I am telling you, that you should read this, and then YOU can recommend this lovely book to someone else! You won’t be sorry!
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2024
I absolutely loved it. Engaging, fun, awesome characters… truly excellent. Plus, who wouldn’t want to be the butler in magical old Shackleford House?
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2024
I enjoyed the characters as they developed. A fun, light read with enough magic to satisfy without the heaviness that often comes with it.
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2024
The Wizard's Butler describes the adventures of a young man, Roger, who has been hired to be the butler at Shackleford house. He quickly learns that spirits (pixies and fairies) are real and can be bribed with a little whisky. He also must contend with the wizard's niece, who is trying to get control of her uncle's assets and fortune. A very delightful story that was hard to put down. I really appreciated the author setting the story in a realistic modern America, his attention to details (learning culinary skills), and his awesome sense of humor.
Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2024
Loved the whole storyline. Very different. Great for all ages. Can't wait for more. Thank you for a great story.
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2024
A heart warming story without be sappy. Roger seemed to find himself while saving Joseph and thwarting Namoi. It seems that story could be continued. What happens to the amulet? What happens to Barbara?
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2021
I bought this because Nathan Lowell was recommended to me as an author, and I wanted to try something as a standalone novel rather than commit to a long series. I thought the premise of an outsider's view of a magical word sounded interesting and I really liked the idea of mature characters facing life at their own particular crossroads.

I really enjoyed how Lowell melded the mundane plot (spoilers, but for anyone who needs to hear, it's about attempted elder abuse) with the supernatural elements. This felt to me like the end of a wonderful action/adventure pulp comic, where the Intrepid Explorer has reached the end of his career and now has to see about his remaining years. The titular butler's last name is 'Mulligan' which I found very amusing since all the characters involved in this story are 'trying again' either through new careers or new stages in their lives.

I think Lowell is a writer with a gift for discussing serious matters with humor and a gentle hand. Nothing felt overwhelming or heavy-handed and a story dealing with a niece attempting to rob her uncle and have him declared incompetent has the potential for real visceral horror. That Lowell did not dip into melodrama is to his credit.

While I kind of understood that Shackleford, the wizard, was pretending to be mentally incompetent to cover up for his magically induced dementia, I did feel like I needed a better understanding of how his niece got into the house in the first place. I sort of felt as though she had insinuated herself after the death of the previous butler and then offered to take on the job of hiring a new one, but why Shackleford would have allowed that in the first place when he clearly had some sort of magical doyenne interested in service employment (who he sends the new guy to!) already... enh. It was a weird lapse for me as a reader.

The magic in the story is very low-key and practical, which I rather enjoy. It made the magic feel like an organic part of the world that Mulligan was simply discovering, rather than something too othered for the reader to connect to. I loved to see him figuring things out in his new job and filling his world with duties and people to make life new again.

I really did like the characters, and I truly loved their interactions. I thought the book as a whole was satisfying and the ending was clever. When I finished this book, I honestly thought to myself that I would enjoy reading another in the same universe.
2 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2024
Love a book that entertains, has a bit of magic and the healing of characters. Of course there is a villain, cause there is one in every group :)
One person found this helpful
Report

Top reviews from other countries

Susan Hodge
5.0 out of 5 stars very creative
Reviewed in Brazil on September 13, 2023
Enjoyed it throughly, because it is not the usual fast pace sorcerer book!
Hope Nathan recovers soon and find Irvin Jim to give us a closing book!
Rebelle
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in Canada on July 9, 2023
I was intrigued by the butler storyline and figure this would be a nice relaxing read and it was. The writer managed to make a butler life wich in this case is mainly doing chore cooking driving etc interesting. As you read throught you get attached to him and to the wizard and others who come along. Ill make sure to look up other title of this author it was an excellent story
Gina Pond
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely charming story!
Reviewed in Germany on March 30, 2023
This story surprised me with its cozy char and unexpected narrator, but was utterly charming. I’m guessing this is a standalone novel, but I’d love it if there were more about Schackelford House and it’s butler!
One person found this helpful
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Justin Beaumont
5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected Gold
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 6, 2021
Ex army medic, ex ambulance medic and does not suffer fools gladly, unemployed as a result. It is a bleak beginning for a new career. This book was a result of an impulse buy, I had rejected it previously on account of the title, silly really. What is that phrase, "Don't judge a book by its cover"? Well I did.
I don't like spoilers so won't go there. This was a hugely relaxing, amusing and involving tale and I am SO GLAD I read it. The magic elements are low level, apart from the household management and maintenance. The tale has more in common with a 'who dunnit ' and covers the whole gamut of greedy and unscrupulous relatives, so remains utterly believable! What would you do if you are under a curse that is stealing your mind, you have unspeakable next of kin and hide secrets, who do you turn to? Hmm, well that is the question, and the answer is obviously, the Gentleman's Gentleman. As money is not an issue, resources, back up are available at the push of a button and you are given the equivalent of Mrs Beeton's Household Management (look it up, great read, but needs staff), you are good to go.
I was left hoping for a follow up book, I am still hoping!
9 people found this helpful
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Neil Stalker
5.0 out of 5 stars Another enjoyable book
Reviewed in Australia on June 12, 2022
Mr Lowell is an amazing author I have binge read the Golden Clipper series the 2 of them,read Fairport 1 and now this book. This has been an enjoyable journey no blood and guts. Just a well crafted book with well thought out and executed characters. Look forward to more.

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