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Grade 6-8-What would a cultural exchange program be like on a galactic scale? Dairine Callahan wants to find out, and, without obtaining permission, makes plans to go, along with her older sister Nita, on a trip to another planet while alien wizards visit their home on Earth. When Dairine is found out and grounded, her surprisingly amenable father still allows her to host the guests as planned. Meanwhile, Nita; her best friend, Kit Rodriguez; and Kit's dog, Ponch, spend two weeks on Alaalu, a planet that seems halcyonic. Back at home, Dairine is thrilled to welcome Filif, a sentient tree, and Sker'ret, a large purple caterpillarlike creature, but Roshaun, an arrogant humanoid, threatens to make the entire experience miserable. However, on both Alaalu and Earth, the Lone Power continues to work in unpredictable ways. The wizards discover that they may not be on holiday after all, and that the civilizations of both planets are in danger of annihilation. While the narrative moves at a...
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
... then you will probably enjoy this one. But if you haven't read the others in the Young Wizards series, then I would recommend that you start with "So You Want To Be A Wizard" (the first in the series) or "Deep Wizardry" (a personal favourite).
This book is a pleasant enough read but the pacing is unusually uneven for Diane Duane. I enjoyed the first half which carries you along at an unhurried pace with plenty of interaction between the main characters. But when the story speeds up the plot becomes less well-thought-out and the ending felt rushed and slightly unsatifactory.
6 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Julia Frith
Format:Hardcover
I've been a fan of this series ever since I abused my privileges as a student librarian at school to take out as many books as I liked without fine if I brought them back late. I read the first three books then, and honestly thought that was the entirety of the series. Imagine my shock when I recently found a further four books! Having read through them and this, the most recent addition, Ms. Duane's status as one of my favourite authors has not been altered. I've always been impressed with how 'realistic' the usage of magic is; every usage has a consequence, nothing is trivial and there is a healthy dose of science fiction in the mix with the depiction of other planets.
This book is perhaps a bit lighter on an underlying theme than previous books in the series, perhaps due to two different storylines going on at once. With the same amount of space being handed to two stories, I will admit to feeling not as involved as I have in the past. Still, there does seem to be a great deal of foreshadowing for something going on, presumably to be depicted in the next book, which is left unexplained at the end. Indeed, it does seem to end a little abruptly, with points left hanging. And what story there is doesn't really start to get going until quite late on in the book, with the majority being set-up, it seems. It means that this book, while very enjoyable, isn't my favourite of the series.
JK Rowling has her startling popularity, but I've always found Diane Duane's depiction of wizardry to be far more interesting. I'd recommend this to any teens (or adults who can look past the 'young' label and realise this is a very good series) who want something a little more challenging.
3 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Mr Fox
Format:Hardcover
I’ve read the whole series at least 6 times each since I was young and can’t recommend this book enough. I have tried to convert my friends and family and now their avid readers.
The books story are based around two wizard partners and their fight against death in the universe. If you like Harry Potter you’ll love these, as they are a little believable. In this book the two partners help a whole civilisation to evolve to another level and defeat the ‘dark power’ in the process.
The books story are based around two wizard partners and their fight against death in the universe. If you like Harry Potter you’ll love these, as they are a little believable. In this book the two partners help a whole civilisation to evolve to another level and defeat the ‘dark power’ in the process.
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