From Booklist
For the first time in five years, Gwyn's mother marks his birthday with a party in their Welsh farmhouse. His father is unable to celebrate, for he sees it as the anniversary of the night when Gwyn's sister, Bethan, mysteriously disappeared. A convergence of events brings about changes: Gwyn learns that he is a wizard; his grandmother gives him a collection of apparently useless but soon-to-be magical objects; and a waif of a girl joins the family for a time. Nimmo weaves elements of Welsh folklore into a story that combines magical elements with a realistic modern setting. For a somewhat younger audience than Nimmo's Charlie Bone series, the Magician Trilogy promises a child-size adventure story with likable characters that are deftly, succinctly portrayed. Offer this accessible fantasy, the first in the Magician Trilogy, to the many young readers requesting books that are "at least 100 pages" (but preferably not much more).
Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
