Reviews

Wizard for Hire by Obert Skye

chantellabelle's review against another edition

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

katiemayveil's review against another edition

4.0

Obert Skye has an active imagination. It seems like anything goes in his books, which makes it super fun!
Ozzy is left to fend for himself after his parents are abducted when he's 7. At 14 he is determined to figure out what happened to them. He teams up with a wizard...who could just be a crazy guy in a felt hat and bathrobe.
Filled with twists, turns and surprises this is the perfect read for anyone from 8 to 98.

lovegirl30's review against another edition

4.0

This was a solid four star read for me.

This was one of the cutest stories I have ever read. This is an engrossing and amusing read. I read it over the course of 3 days and I honestly couldn't put the book down, my Goodreads friends can vouch for my constant updates.

In this book, we follow Ozzy who lives in a Portland forest with his parents. Shortly after we learn this, his folks are kidnapped. It has been about 10 years now and he has survived due to a seemingly endless supply of canned food and a library that seems to be stuffed to the brim. He hasn't seen a single soul in many years but he does have a solar-powered mechanical bird named Clark who is his best friend. With clues into his passed and the help of a crazy Wizard, Ozzy embarks on a journey that will change his life and hopefully find his parents.

The characters in this book were realistic and charming. My favorite character surprisingly was Clark the mechanical raven. He was hilariously charming and very witty. He had me laughing out loud at times and really had some sense. Even though he was an object and needed sunlight to come alive he felt the most honest of all the characters in this book. The second favorite character would have to be Ozzy he was such a sweet soul.

I loved all the Harry Potter references and other magical story nods. It was so fun to read about all the things Ozzy was reading thanks to his parent's library.


Overall this was a great story, yes it had its plot holes and glaring issues but for a middle-grade novel, it was pretty good. Some of the points of the book feel forced down the reader's throat but not too much. I enjoyed this book and think that you will also.

Disclaimer: I received an Arc of this from Shadow Mountian Publishing in exchange for an honest review and this post. All thoughts are my own.

bahbadook's review against another edition

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This was a fast read. I really enjoyed it. Clark brings me so much delight that I cannot express it. He's weirdly horny for being a metallic bird in a children's novel but 98% of it would go over kids' heads. But for the adults and the parents? He delighted me.
Rin was...an interesting character. I literally do not know how I feel about him. I have some theories that may get answered in later books, which I may or may not read. Haven't decided yet. 
But our main character, Ozzy? He needs all the hugs. He needs a thousand hugs. I have so much sympathy for him and he doesn't even know he deserves it all and more. I really, really love Ozzy. 

Oh, and the number of Harry Potter references or related conversations brings me so much joy I can't quite describe it.

stuhlsem's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

hales1026's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

thebookishlibrarian's review against another edition

Ozzy’s parents, who are scientists, have been kidnapped after discovering a potion that induces mind control. Ozzy is only fourteen years old, and he needs help. Afraid to go to the police, Ozzy finds an ad in the paper for a “wizard for hire.” What does he have to lose? He answers the ad, and meets Rin, the wizard on the other side of it. Ozzy is skeptical at first, when he discovers that Rin doesn’t know any spells, but he gives Rin a chance, and can never imagine the adventure that lies ahead.

Thanks to School Library Journal for a review copy of this book.

indydc's review against another edition

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Abandonment

Minor: Murder and Death of parent

troy66's review against another edition

4.0

This was my first Obert Skye book and it was great! The cover caught my eye so I decided to give it a shot. I loved the humor and the question on wether Rin was really a wizard or just crazy. I hope that there will be a sequel. Loved it!

reading_leaf's review against another edition

adventurous challenging funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious relaxing tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

What a fun and enriching book! Just a blast and so refreshing! So many contrasting elements! Very dark undertones but so damn funny with just wild characters!