Even though the book cover says the author
is K.E. Mills, it is actually a pen name for Karen Miller. Not sure why
Ms. Miller needs a pen name as it is not much of a secret. Anyway, after
reading her Star Wars Novel, Wild Space, I went looking for another
book written by her. Since this was a first book in a series, it looked
entertaining and it involved magic and wizards, I decided to give it a
shot.
Gerald Dunwoody is a low level, third grade wizard working for Department of Thaumaturgy. He is sent to inspect Stuttley’s Superior Staff factory due to some prior violations. Stuttley’s manufactures premier staffs for first grade wizards only. Kinda like a Ferrari for well trained race car driver. Through a series of unfortunate events Stuttley’s factory is destroyed and Gerald is left permanently changed.
When he returns the office his superiors are not happy and Gerald is sacked. Without many opportunities left, Gerald decides to take a job as Royal Court Wizard for King Lionel the Forty-Third in New Ottosland. New Ottosland is a city surrounded by desert and far from civilization. Gerald is accompanied by his friend, Reg, who is loud mouth bird that is more than she seems. Gerald’s luck holds, bad luck that is, as New Ottosland is embroiled in a dispute with the surrounding kingdom, Zazoor. King Lionel and his sister, Melissande, who is also the Prime Minister, expect Gerald to help them wade through the crisis by some very unconventional ways and nefarious means. Needless to say, Gerald has a rough time of it in his new job.
The rest of the story involves Gerald jumping from bad situation to the next until he is left to dual it out with ultimate bad guy who is responsible for the terrible events in New Ottosland.
What I liked: Ms. Mills (Miller’s) dialogue is worth the price of admission alone. I really liked reading the exchanges between the main characters as they witty and at times laugh out funny. She is one of the few authors, next to Christopher Moore, that excels at satirical speech and it is a pure joy to read.
I also enjoyed the characters as they had real personalities. King Lionel is driven matriarch out to change the direction / image of his kingdom through any means necessary. Melissande is strong willed female but has a soft spot for older brother. And my favorite, Gerald Dunwoody, is the loveable wizard who is forced to do things against his code but becomes the hero at the end of the day.
What I didn’t like: I dislike the some pretty nit picky things. The title of the book is terrible and the cover art is worse. Put a two Big Giant Dragons on the front slugging it out. Make it more visual exciting, instead of some creepy looking wizard with an itty bitty dragon.
Last word: I am glad I took a chance on this novel as it ended up being a completely enjoyable and fun read. I am really looking forward to Ms. Mills (Ms. Miller’s) next installment in the Rogue Agent trilogy, Witches Incorporated.
Gerald Dunwoody is a low level, third grade wizard working for Department of Thaumaturgy. He is sent to inspect Stuttley’s Superior Staff factory due to some prior violations. Stuttley’s manufactures premier staffs for first grade wizards only. Kinda like a Ferrari for well trained race car driver. Through a series of unfortunate events Stuttley’s factory is destroyed and Gerald is left permanently changed.
When he returns the office his superiors are not happy and Gerald is sacked. Without many opportunities left, Gerald decides to take a job as Royal Court Wizard for King Lionel the Forty-Third in New Ottosland. New Ottosland is a city surrounded by desert and far from civilization. Gerald is accompanied by his friend, Reg, who is loud mouth bird that is more than she seems. Gerald’s luck holds, bad luck that is, as New Ottosland is embroiled in a dispute with the surrounding kingdom, Zazoor. King Lionel and his sister, Melissande, who is also the Prime Minister, expect Gerald to help them wade through the crisis by some very unconventional ways and nefarious means. Needless to say, Gerald has a rough time of it in his new job.
The rest of the story involves Gerald jumping from bad situation to the next until he is left to dual it out with ultimate bad guy who is responsible for the terrible events in New Ottosland.
What I liked: Ms. Mills (Miller’s) dialogue is worth the price of admission alone. I really liked reading the exchanges between the main characters as they witty and at times laugh out funny. She is one of the few authors, next to Christopher Moore, that excels at satirical speech and it is a pure joy to read.
I also enjoyed the characters as they had real personalities. King Lionel is driven matriarch out to change the direction / image of his kingdom through any means necessary. Melissande is strong willed female but has a soft spot for older brother. And my favorite, Gerald Dunwoody, is the loveable wizard who is forced to do things against his code but becomes the hero at the end of the day.
What I didn’t like: I dislike the some pretty nit picky things. The title of the book is terrible and the cover art is worse. Put a two Big Giant Dragons on the front slugging it out. Make it more visual exciting, instead of some creepy looking wizard with an itty bitty dragon.
Last word: I am glad I took a chance on this novel as it ended up being a completely enjoyable and fun read. I am really looking forward to Ms. Mills (Ms. Miller’s) next installment in the Rogue Agent trilogy, Witches Incorporated.
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