How does a wizard who has taken an Oath of Magical Non-Violence protect his household and his village in dangerous times?  Wistril, cranky and reclusive, undertakes to do just that in this lighthearted collection.  "Stealth and guile may win", he instructs Kern, his sarcastic and dubious apprentice, "where fury and might may not."

Kern and major-domo goblin Sir Knobby; with a miscellaneous staff of goblins, phantoms, and magical creatures more or less real, are responsible for carrying out the often apparently lame-brained instructions of their irascible master. Anything from nurturing orphaned sea monsters to learning the correct cutlery arrangement for an Oomish engagement party to undermining the underpinnings of a bridge may be required of them at any time.

Kern's adolescent snark is authentic and well done, and Wistril has some great lines, ("The Oath prohibits offensive arcane actions, not malicious carpentry"); but his character could use a bit more development - rounding out as well as rotundity.  The dialogue throughout is very good, and the stories well paced.

4   Stars. There were just a few editing errors that kept me from giving this book 5 stars, but more Wistril stories would be very welcome.

Rated G - readers 8 to 80+ can enjoy this book.
How does a wizard who has taken an Oath of Magical Non-Violence protect his household and his village in dangerous times? Wistril, cranky and reclusive, undertakes to do just that in this lighthearted collection. "Stealth and guile may win", he instructs Kern, his sarcastic and dubious apprentice, "where fury and might may not. "

Kern and major-domo goblin Sir Knobby; with a miscellaneous staff of goblins, phantoms, and magical creatures more or less real, are responsible for carrying out the often apparently lame-brained instructions of their irascible master. Anything from nurturing orphaned sea monsters to learning the correct cutlery arrangement for an Oomish engagement party to undermining the underpinnings of a bridge may be required of them at any time. Kern's adolescent snark is authentic and well done, and Wistril has some great lines, ("The Oath prohibits offensive arcane actions, not malicious carpentry"); but his character could use a bit more development - rounding out as well as rotundity. The dialogue throughout is very good, and the stories well paced. 4   Stars. There were just a few editing errors that kept me from giving this book 5 stars, but more Wistril stories would be very welcome. Rated G - readers 8 to 80+ can enjoy this book.