Wizard for Hire, Obert Skye
Wizard for Hire, Obert Skye
1 Rating(s)
List: $19.95 | Sale: $13.97
Club: $9.97

Wizard for Hire

Author: Obert Skye

Narrator: Kirby Heyborne

Unabridged: 9 hr 32 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/06/2018

Synopsis

Fourteen-year-old Ozzy lives near Portland, Oregon, and is desperate for help. His scientist parents have been kidnapped after discovering a formula that enables mind control. Their work was so top secret that Ozzy is afraid to go to the police, but without help, he fears he’ll never find his parents.Then he chances on to a classified advertisement in the local newspaper that says “Wizard for Hire. Call 555-SPEL.” Ozzy has read about wizards in books like Harry Potter, but wizards couldn’t actually exist today, could they? After Ozzy meets the wizard Labyrinth—also known as Rin—he is even more skeptical.Sure, Rin dresses like a wizard, but the short robe and high–top tennis shoes seem unorthodox, as does Rin’s habit of writing notes on his shoes and eating breakfast for every meal. Plus, Rin doesn’t even cast any magic spells, which means that the unexplained coincidences that start happening around Ozzy are just that—coincidences.With the help of a robotic talking raven invented by Ozzy’s father, a kind and curious girl at school who decides to help Ozzy, and of course, a self-proclaimed wizard who may or may not have a magical wand, Ozzy begins an unforgettable quest that will lead him closer to the answers he desperately seeks about his missing parents.

About Obert Skye

Obert Skye is currently writing this short bio you are now reading. He is worried that saying he has many bestselling books and has won numerous awards might sound braggy. Likewise, he is concerned that listing some of his titles—like the Leven Thumps series, or the Pillage trilogy, or the Creature from My Closet, or Mutant Bunny Island—might sound brash and uncouth. Sure, he’s good at doing underwater handstands and reciting the alphabet by memory, but pointing out things like that only feels as if he’s showing off. And is it too personal to mention that he is married and has multiple kids and lives somewhere warm? Who knows? What’s important is that Obert Skye is coming to the end of writing his current bio and is wrapping things up by saying that the best way to question or bother him is by going to ObertSkye.com or finding him @obertskye on Twitter.

About Kirby Heyborne

Kirby Heyborne is a musician, actor, and professional narrator. Noted for his work in teen and juvenile audio, he has garnered over twenty Earphones Awards. His audiobook credits include Jesse Kellerman’s The Genius, Cory Doctorow’s Little Brother, and George R. R. Martin’s Selections from Dreamsongs.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Niki Hawkes on May 25, 2018

Even though Wizard for Hire wasn’t quite what I was expecting, it surprised me (in a good way). I read middle grade books to recapture some of the magic I felt as a kid venturing into Harry Potter and many of the other amazing titles I was lucky enough to read. Wizard for Hire did an excellent job gi......more

Goodreads review by Jeff on January 04, 2018

I was fortunate to get an ARC of this book. There is much to like about Wizard for Hire. An engrossing read, it kept me turning the pages late into the night and during the days. Ozzy was left behind as a young boy after his parents were abducted in a secluded cabin in the Oregon woods. He's a smart......more

Goodreads review by Mel (Epic Reading) on November 05, 2018

Comparisons of Wizard for Hire to Harry Potter would be very appropriate. Especially the first two Harry Potter books that are a little lighter next to the ones later in the series. Obert Skye takes us on a journey to follow a child who is left alone after his parents are taken away. There are some......more

Goodreads review by Natalie on June 04, 2020

I feel like I've been duped by this one. It presents itself as a YA fantasy book where a boy hangs out with a Wizard who solves problems with magic. That's not how it goes down AT ALL. We're promised fantasy, and handed magical realism. Had I been reading this by myself, I would have put it down and......more

Quotes

“Kirby Heyborne narrates the story of Ozzy…Heyborne’s narration of Ozzy’s tale—along with a hilarious writing style, a clever plot, and engaging characters—will keep listeners hooked until the end.” AudioFile

“A captivating novel that straddles the line between fantasy and reality. Skye’s pages rollick with charm and exciting encounters…That sense of wonder permeates Wizard for Hire’s irresistible pages, which celebrate the irrepressible magic of being authentic and unique.” Foreword Reviews (starred review)

“Skye pens a clever coming-of-age tale filled with possible magic, definite mystery, and a hearty helping of humor.” Kirkus Reviews

“The juxtaposition of weird science and dodgy magic is sometimes awkward but nevertheless successful, thanks to the tongue-in-cheek humor Skye weaves throughout the story.” Publishers Weekly

“Dialogue is delightful, especially between Rin, the eccentric wizard who performs no magic, and Ozzy. While readers might expect resolutions via impressive magic, it’s strokes of luck, quick thinking, or fast-talking that often save the day. Winning characters and witty humor elevate the plot.” School Library Journal

“Like other books by Skye, this story starts out happily and is quickly turned on its ear. It’s equal parts sinister, funny, and fantastical, so longtime fans won’t be disappointed.” Booklist

“An engrossing read, it kept me turning the pages late into the night and during the days…Obert Skye keeps you guessing as the strange and the mystical weave together at a brilliant pace!” DeepMagic.co

Add to Cart
Add to Wish List