Reviews

Off to Be the Wizard by Scott Meyer

thebookwormsfeast's review against another edition

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5.0

I guess this review could be seen as “contains spoilers”, but I don’t believe I have said any more than what the blurb reveals on the books goodreads page.

I read Off To Be The Wizard on my Kindle, so I don’t really know how big a book it is (I’ve thought I was reading a book I could burn through in a few days once, and it turned out to be a mammoth of a book), but I really enjoyed it. The pace is rather fast, and the writing rather to the point, but I picture this as a small book and rather believe the pace suits it.

We follow Martin Banks throughout, and jump straight into the story. There is no ambling along to set everything up prior to getting down to nitty-gritty. We meet him just as he makes his discovery that reality is nothing more than a computer program, and he has just found the file to manipulate it however he wants (as long as he can program it).

He gets caught out “tweaking” his bank balance and, rather than face the authorities, he uses the file to travel back in time to where they can never reach him. The time he chooses is Medieval England.

From here we follow him attempting to pose as a wizard with the use of the file (accessing it via his phone), discovering that King Arthur’s court exists in the time he has travelled back to, and generally trying not to die.

Off To Be The Wizard made me laugh on more than one occasion, and I am looking forward to reading the rest in the series.

toc's review against another edition

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3.0

OK. This not fabulous literature. It's not William Gibson or Bruce Sterling or even Robert Heinlein. But if any of them read it they would have a rollicking good time. Except for the stupid jokes. Read it quick! Before Mr. Meyer edits your portion of the file...

fushizenna's review against another edition

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adventurous funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

zaidenia's review against another edition

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5.0

Funny! Audible narrator was awesome. :D

aprilen's review against another edition

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

5.0

This is one of my go-to "safe"/lighthearted book series, scratching the same itch that makes you put The Office on while doing the dishes. Sure, it's not the best written, but the concept is fun and the narrator is spectacular. I've listened to it 5+ times and I anticipate there will be many more listenings in my future.

webempress's review against another edition

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4.0

Geeky fun. Great palate cleanser if you've been reading too many serious books

oztamir's review against another edition

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5.0

Very nice book, it doesn't focus too much on its very weird premise but rather explore the possibilities it creates. I kinda liked the humor, but it might no be for everyone (Monty Python fans will enjoy this).

runningwater's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

lbcrawford's review against another edition

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fast-paced

5.0

yellowcar2311's review against another edition

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3.0

very mediocre, although to Meyer's credit I read the whole thing.