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Wizard Bamzooki's Election
Having won the primaries, Wizard Bamzooki is now the candidate to lead the National Conservative Party in the 2016 wizard presidential elections. But he now has to face his Social Democrat opponent, Cynthia Pluckrose, in a series of presidential debates. Pluckrose is a very well established politician with years of experience, and since Bamzooki doesn't have any real political experience, nobody, not even his own campaign team, expect him to win (and secretly he doesn't expect to win either, because of all the times his schemes have failed). But then again, nobody expected him to win the National Conservative primaries either...
46 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 9, 2025
A satirical retelling of the Trump/Clinton election in which Trump won and Clinton Lost, told from the POV that Bamzooki (Trump) stumbled his way into catchier turns of phrase, and pulled off a surprising election win that no one could believe, not even himself.
This perspective loosely tracks along the narrative with how many view the events and outcome of that election, but... it should be noted that for many who followed the election, and voted for him, the Trump win in 2016 was not a surprise, and his governance afterwards was very much in line with what they were expecting. A lot did change then, but it was not as surprising to about half the people as the other half would like them to think.
And so, my suspicion is, if you are of a left wing persuasion, you will find this to be a funny and satirical piece. If you are more on the right, you'll just shrug and say, more of the same.
Since, I would like to avoid politics, what am I to do with this review?
I saw nothing in the story that would seem offensive. I thought the author put a lot of passion into creating his characters and adapting it to a fictional wizardly world based in Britain, and went through the campaign and debate material in a way that kept it pithy and more fun to read than say...the actual debate transcripts. People who remember those debates will probably notice that the same events play out, but it's a little more entertaining to see it through the filter of fictional characters.
I think a lot of effort went into this to show the events in a more comically character focused light, and the author maintained a good voice throughout. The characters were all cartoonish, and the debate materials were presented in an understandable way. For one of my age, it was mildly fun. I am not sure what the target audience would be, I think it would be teens who are just getting wet in the world of politics. I see the story is aimed at ages 7-12...I think that is too young for this material.
Good for some amusement. Easily read in a day. Gives a small amount of familiarity with the events of the 2016 election.
This perspective loosely tracks along the narrative with how many view the events and outcome of that election, but... it should be noted that for many who followed the election, and voted for him, the Trump win in 2016 was not a surprise, and his governance afterwards was very much in line with what they were expecting. A lot did change then, but it was not as surprising to about half the people as the other half would like them to think.
And so, my suspicion is, if you are of a left wing persuasion, you will find this to be a funny and satirical piece. If you are more on the right, you'll just shrug and say, more of the same.
Since, I would like to avoid politics, what am I to do with this review?
I saw nothing in the story that would seem offensive. I thought the author put a lot of passion into creating his characters and adapting it to a fictional wizardly world based in Britain, and went through the campaign and debate material in a way that kept it pithy and more fun to read than say...the actual debate transcripts. People who remember those debates will probably notice that the same events play out, but it's a little more entertaining to see it through the filter of fictional characters.
I think a lot of effort went into this to show the events in a more comically character focused light, and the author maintained a good voice throughout. The characters were all cartoonish, and the debate materials were presented in an understandable way. For one of my age, it was mildly fun. I am not sure what the target audience would be, I think it would be teens who are just getting wet in the world of politics. I see the story is aimed at ages 7-12...I think that is too young for this material.
Good for some amusement. Easily read in a day. Gives a small amount of familiarity with the events of the 2016 election.
May 1, 2025
Wizard Bamzooki’s Election by J.R. Gibson continues the tale of Wizard Bamzooki’s bid for the Wizard Presidency of Great Britain and Ireland. He doesn’t have any political experience but that won’t stop him. He has radical ideas about how to improve the Wizarding realm, regarding “wokeness”, education and goblin immigration. But has he gone too far in his political ambitions? Tune in for Wizard Bamzooki’s satirical spoof on todays political landscape and his hilarious debates, scandals and magical election strategies of the fairytale variety.
January 22, 2026
This is a quirky, good-natured satire that reimagines a very familiar election through a whimsical, wizard‑themed lens. The concept is clever, and the author clearly put effort into capturing the absurdity of the political moment with exaggerated characters, playful names, and a light, cartoony tone. When it leans into that silliness, it works.
That said, the humor and political references feel geared toward readers who already have some understanding of the real‑world events being parodied, yet the listed target age (7–12) feels far too young for the material. Teens dipping their toes into politics might appreciate it more, but younger readers likely won’t catch the satire, and adults may find it amusing but not especially deep.
The debates and campaign moments are presented clearly, and the writing voice stays consistent, but the story never becomes more than a humorous retelling of an election. If you’re not already interested in politics, there isn’t much narrative intrigue to pull you in. It’s short, easy to read, and occasionally funny, but it doesn’t fully deliver on the adventurous, magical vibe the title suggests.
Overall, it’s an entertaining political parody with a fun premise, but its audience and tone don’t quite line up.
That said, the humor and political references feel geared toward readers who already have some understanding of the real‑world events being parodied, yet the listed target age (7–12) feels far too young for the material. Teens dipping their toes into politics might appreciate it more, but younger readers likely won’t catch the satire, and adults may find it amusing but not especially deep.
The debates and campaign moments are presented clearly, and the writing voice stays consistent, but the story never becomes more than a humorous retelling of an election. If you’re not already interested in politics, there isn’t much narrative intrigue to pull you in. It’s short, easy to read, and occasionally funny, but it doesn’t fully deliver on the adventurous, magical vibe the title suggests.
Overall, it’s an entertaining political parody with a fun premise, but its audience and tone don’t quite line up.
May 13, 2025
I read about the character of Bamzooki in a previous book of JR, so I was already familiar with that character and his comical exploits. Bamzooki was usually the villain of the story, a scheming Wizard... and his schemes always ended up failing in fantastically comical ways.
This book, however, is much more grounded in present reality than in the collections of short stories. This time, Bamzooki is going up for election.
There's obvious political satire to be had here that might fly over the heads of younger readers. But it's unmistakable to adults.
My take?
I think it's healthy to be able to laugh at yourself.
I'm from the Caribbean, and political satire like this is a huge part of our Calypso culture...and yes, even the people who the jokes allude to, can still enjoy a good Calypso and laugh at their own expense.
That's how I think one should approach this. It's funny, whimsical, and none of the jokes are offensive. I enjoyed it.
This book, however, is much more grounded in present reality than in the collections of short stories. This time, Bamzooki is going up for election.
There's obvious political satire to be had here that might fly over the heads of younger readers. But it's unmistakable to adults.
My take?
I think it's healthy to be able to laugh at yourself.
I'm from the Caribbean, and political satire like this is a huge part of our Calypso culture...and yes, even the people who the jokes allude to, can still enjoy a good Calypso and laugh at their own expense.
That's how I think one should approach this. It's funny, whimsical, and none of the jokes are offensive. I enjoyed it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2025
Wizard Bamzooki as a name indicates an adventurous and eventful story, maybe even humorous. If you anticipate the same you may be disappointed. If you are expecting a creative rendition of an actual Historical election, then you are in for a treat. The character names are fun and the atmosphere is light making the account of an election process readable. It is just that however, so if you have no interest in politics, it does not have intrigue. It could be a great read as a middle school assignment for studying the election process, though again if a student has no political interest it may be leading a horse to water. In its favor, it is a short and easy read and could be a good teaching tool. If you follow politics, I think you will find it humorous.
June 9, 2025
Playful yet impactful
Wizard Bamzooki’s Election is a breezy, morale-rich delight: equal parts giggles, satire, and inspiration. It may not reinvent the political satire wheel, but Gibson’s magical twist and Bamzooki’s pure-hearted spirit make it a thoroughly charming read. For fans of the series or anyone craving a feel-good mashup of wizardry and election-day drama.
Wizard Bamzooki’s Election is a breezy, morale-rich delight: equal parts giggles, satire, and inspiration. It may not reinvent the political satire wheel, but Gibson’s magical twist and Bamzooki’s pure-hearted spirit make it a thoroughly charming read. For fans of the series or anyone craving a feel-good mashup of wizardry and election-day drama.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews