And Then I Read: A WIZARD ABROAD by Diane Duane

© Diane Duane, illustration © Cliff Nielsen.

I’m working my way through this fantasy series about some young wizards, one that I believe predates Harry Potter by quite a few years. Unlike Harry, it’s not in a school setting. In fact, young Nita has been practicing magic all over the place, including deep in the ocean and in distant space, but this time she’s in Ireland, visiting family. It’s meant to be a simple vacation, but of course that doesn’t last long, as magic creatures from Irish mythology and time shifts into the past soon crowd into the life of Nita, her family and her friends.

I like the characters in these books, but they are plot driven. One knows there will be a gradual escalation of menaces and evil until it boils over into a major conflict, dragging in every available magical influence around, and Ireland has plenty to draw from. It’s still a fun ride, even if predictable, and there are enough small reveals and surprises to keep things interesting. The big battle at the climax of the book is exciting, and well told. In all, a good summer read.

Recommended.