FROM THE CRITICS

VOYA

Had this series not begun BHP (before Harry Potter), one might suspect a Rowling influence, but readers actually first met Daimbert when he graduated, by the skin of his teeth, from wizards' school in A Bad Spell In Yurt, published in 1993. Because Daimbert was hardly at the head of his class, he is stunned when the Master of the school summons him. Daimbert is further astonished to learn that he, not the brilliant wizard Elerius, has been chosen as the Master's successor. The immediate problem is how to prevent Elerius from becoming Master, King, and expert at making everything run perfectly. At first, Elerius is not evil; he simply knows better than anyone else does what is best for everyone. The need for power corrupts him. Daimbert, court wizard of Yurt, does not always take the most direct path to foiling Elerius, but he makes valuable allies along the quest to defend both the wizards' school and the right of all to make their own decisions. Daimbert, in this sixth Wizard of Yurt book, is middle aged with a loving wife and daughter. He serves a young king who has much to learn about women and courtship. There is a comfortable level of humor and family relationships to temper the sometimes-jerky pace of magical events. This fine fantasy can stand alone, but this reviewer is going to seek out the earlier books to continue keeping company with the enjoyable characters. VOYA CODES: 3Q 3P J S (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2000, Wooster Book Co., 452p, Trade pb. Ages 13 to 18. Reviewer: Lynne Hawkins VOYA, February 2001 (Vol. 23, No.6)

Carolyn Cushman - Locus