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The Gopher & the Erstwhile Wizard
The Age of Magic has long since ended, but now something unexpected happened. The creatures of magic, both good and evil, have started to awaken. Although it had been prophesied, it had not been foretold that the awakening would begin with a gopher doing what gophers do best: invading a garden - the garden of an ex-wizard. And in this garden grew a carrot that contained the last, and therefore greatest, magic of all.
It is a magic that respects no size or shape as it leads the gopher through many dangers and ultimately to the center of a maelstrom where good and evil collide. It was no place for a gopher, although for this particular gopher, it was the only place. The fate of the world may depend on it.
It is a magic that respects no size or shape as it leads the gopher through many dangers and ultimately to the center of a maelstrom where good and evil collide. It was no place for a gopher, although for this particular gopher, it was the only place. The fate of the world may depend on it.
- GenresFantasy
310 pages, Paperback
First published March 12, 2015
32 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Rallios
2 books14 followersBorn in Stockton, CA, John Rallios was raised in the nearby community of French Camp. His love for stories began at a slow start around the age of 11 when his father read him just the first page of Tarzan. He was hooked, but it wasn't until the age of 14 when John read a book in its entirety (Tucker's Countryside) that his love for stories blossomed into a dream to be a writer. He wrote sporadically for the next 34 years while working as a firefighter, a detention officer at a juvenile hall, and a case manager at a mental health facility. The fulfillment of that dream, however, began about four years ago by a few simple but powerful words from his wife: "Either write or stop talking about it."
That was how the "Gopher" story came about at last.
That was how the "Gopher" story came about at last.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 12, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 STARS
*Spoilers included below*
Rallios has the instincts of a natural storyteller. At the outset, this story brought immediately to mind the great T.H. White's The Once and Future King. An innocent and unsuspecting gopher is granted the power of speech--and much, much more--when he accidentally eats an enchanted carrot, a carrot that contains the totality of all the world's remaining "old" magic. Befriended by a hermit--the titular "Erstwhile Wizard," the aptly named Gopher soon finds his voice and settles down into a life of contentment alongside his friend, working everyday to maintain their cottage home. Gopher soon learns that there is more to the old man than it seems, however, for he was once a formidable wizard, a practitioner of the Art who gave up magic when it began to leave the world. Nonetheless, he regales Gopher with an endless series of tales from his wizarding days, tales that hint of fantastical creatures and mystical quests.
Unbeknownst to Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard (also known as "Menlow"), Gopher's consumption of the carrot has released a slew of magic back into the world--and not all of it good. Encounters with mischievous brownies and malicious, shadowy dryads ensue, a prelude to an apocalyptic conflagration of ogres, giants, and dragons that finds Menlow resuming his former identity as the great and powerful Merlin, King Arthur returning to bring light to the world, and Gopher finding that the path to happiness is surrendering to the love of the One true ruler of all (that would be God).
There's promise in this story. The relationship between Gopher and Menlow is delightful, and watching them learn about each other keeps pages turning even when there isn't much happening (which, I should note, is for fairly long stretches). The veiled references to the magic and creatures that exist in the wider world make you want more, and, ultimately--though it takes quite a while--more is delivered. When it is, however...
What seemed like a rousing, coming-of-age tale turns into an occasionally ham-fisted religious allegory, one where our hero Gopher does little but be acted upon by outside forces and learn, through repetitious occurrences and symbolism, that he must give himself wholly over to his true King to be able to save his friends and all that is good in the world. Even Arthur's return in the midst of a fearsome battle is anticlimactic, and when Arthur raises his hands to the heavens to give back Excalibur and watches as it's shattered by the Lord, one can't help but feel that none of what has transpired in the preceding hundreds of pages has much mattered.
I salute Mr. Rallios and his clearly noble intentions in combining his faith with an entertaining allegorical romp. I, perhaps, am not the core audience for his message, and I suspect that some may find its heavy-handedness off-putting. For those of a more spiritual bent, however, this will be a worthwhile read, particularly alongside children in the 10-13 range (though I'll caution that there are some dark and scary moments that might make it a bit intense for a younger crowd).
3.5 STARS
*Spoilers included below*
Rallios has the instincts of a natural storyteller. At the outset, this story brought immediately to mind the great T.H. White's The Once and Future King. An innocent and unsuspecting gopher is granted the power of speech--and much, much more--when he accidentally eats an enchanted carrot, a carrot that contains the totality of all the world's remaining "old" magic. Befriended by a hermit--the titular "Erstwhile Wizard," the aptly named Gopher soon finds his voice and settles down into a life of contentment alongside his friend, working everyday to maintain their cottage home. Gopher soon learns that there is more to the old man than it seems, however, for he was once a formidable wizard, a practitioner of the Art who gave up magic when it began to leave the world. Nonetheless, he regales Gopher with an endless series of tales from his wizarding days, tales that hint of fantastical creatures and mystical quests.
Unbeknownst to Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard (also known as "Menlow"), Gopher's consumption of the carrot has released a slew of magic back into the world--and not all of it good. Encounters with mischievous brownies and malicious, shadowy dryads ensue, a prelude to an apocalyptic conflagration of ogres, giants, and dragons that finds Menlow resuming his former identity as the great and powerful Merlin, King Arthur returning to bring light to the world, and Gopher finding that the path to happiness is surrendering to the love of the One true ruler of all (that would be God).
There's promise in this story. The relationship between Gopher and Menlow is delightful, and watching them learn about each other keeps pages turning even when there isn't much happening (which, I should note, is for fairly long stretches). The veiled references to the magic and creatures that exist in the wider world make you want more, and, ultimately--though it takes quite a while--more is delivered. When it is, however...
What seemed like a rousing, coming-of-age tale turns into an occasionally ham-fisted religious allegory, one where our hero Gopher does little but be acted upon by outside forces and learn, through repetitious occurrences and symbolism, that he must give himself wholly over to his true King to be able to save his friends and all that is good in the world. Even Arthur's return in the midst of a fearsome battle is anticlimactic, and when Arthur raises his hands to the heavens to give back Excalibur and watches as it's shattered by the Lord, one can't help but feel that none of what has transpired in the preceding hundreds of pages has much mattered.
I salute Mr. Rallios and his clearly noble intentions in combining his faith with an entertaining allegorical romp. I, perhaps, am not the core audience for his message, and I suspect that some may find its heavy-handedness off-putting. For those of a more spiritual bent, however, this will be a worthwhile read, particularly alongside children in the 10-13 range (though I'll caution that there are some dark and scary moments that might make it a bit intense for a younger crowd).
January 14, 2021
This is the kind of book that grows on you as you read it. Gopher is just a gopher until he burrows under a mage's garden and eats an enchanted carrot. He was just doing what gophers do, but from that point on, his life swerves out from the beaten path and he becomes something more. We aren't given a reason for the wizard's fury when he discovers his carrot is gone, but it leads to the gopher becoming the wizard's companion when the wizard couldn't bring himself to kill the rodent. Then, all of a sudden, the gopher begins to talk. Now the wizard has real conversations with his companion. Then gopher's world expands when he accompanies the wizard into town for supplies and learns he has to avoid being seen by the townsfolk. All kinds of interesting things begin to happen around gopher. We meet sprites and imps and all kinds of other creatures ranging up to and including dragons and giants. I ended up loving this book.
February 10, 2015
Ordinarily, I don't read or even care for fantasy but I was surprised by The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard. What a beautiful book! This book was a joy to read, and it has changed how I feel about fantasy. I loved reading about Gopher, the Wizard and their friends. The story was full of adventure, endearing characters, battles and humor. Gopher experiences all of his adventures as he seeks to fulfill his purpose and destiny. A wonderful book for a family to read and enjoy together. Gopher is sure to win your heart as he strives to reach his goal despite the many obstacles, battles, and lessons learned along the way. It was a heart-warming book that is sure to please those who like fantasy or just good adventure stories that have plenty of heart.
March 8, 2015
Ordinarily, I don't read or even care for fantasy but I was surprised by The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard. What a beautiful book! This book was a joy to read, and it has changed how I feel about fantasy. I loved reading about Gopher, the Wizard and their friends. The story was full of adventure, endearing characters, battles and humor. Gopher experiences all of his adventures as he seeks to fulfill his purpose and destiny. A wonderful book for a family to read and enjoy together. Gopher is sure to win you heart as he strives to reach his goal despite the many obstacles, battles, and lessons learned along the way. It was a heart-warming book that is sure to please those who like fantasy or just good adventure stories that have plenty of heart.
October 12, 2015
I finally finished reading The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard by J.L. Rallios. Mr. Rallios writes the kind of book I really enjoy reading. There is a spiritual implication that is suttle and should not offend any religious person. The book is tastefully written. I look foreward to more books by this author. Jo Ann Gilbert Stover
April 11, 2018
Excellent! Wonderful!
I was captivated from the first paragraphs to the last. This splendid story, well-developed and endearing characters, masterfully woven plot, and superb description keep every moment entrancing and moving in exciting, unanticipated directions. I thoroughly loved the worldview; a triumphant classic!
I was captivated from the first paragraphs to the last. This splendid story, well-developed and endearing characters, masterfully woven plot, and superb description keep every moment entrancing and moving in exciting, unanticipated directions. I thoroughly loved the worldview; a triumphant classic!
August 20, 2016
The Gopher & the Erstwhile Wizard
A magical journey into a world of returning magic. Gopher eats a magic carrot and goes on a whirlwind track into the world of awakened magic. Go on this magic journey by getting this book.
A magical journey into a world of returning magic. Gopher eats a magic carrot and goes on a whirlwind track into the world of awakened magic. Go on this magic journey by getting this book.
November 12, 2018
great story
I found this story to be both entertaining and well written. I liked the characters including the main character, gopher, who seemed very human.
I found this story to be both entertaining and well written. I liked the characters including the main character, gopher, who seemed very human.
September 23, 2019
A fantastic read in the same means and manner of C. S . Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia.
It is more than what you expect or imagine. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the message it reveals in the end.
It is more than what you expect or imagine. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the message it reveals in the end.
May 2, 2015
Completed on:
04/19/2015
Review Rating:
5 stars!
Reviewed By Ray Simmons for Readers’ Favorite
John L. Rallios tells the story of a normal backyard gopher eating a magic carrot and becoming self aware, with a voice that is perfect for readers of all ages, but especially for young people. I was delighted as Gopher discovered the nature of things like friendship, loyalty, loneliness, and evil. The first quarter of The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard takes place in the wizard Menlo's cottage in the woods, and is the perfect place for the newly sentient Gopher to learn about himself, the world, and his human friend. But when Gopher and Menlo venture into the neighboring village for winter supplies, Gopher experiences things and learns hard lessons - just like all of us in this journey called life.
I think this book is awesome. I can't remember an animal character I have had as much empathy for as Gopher. Not since Watership Down have I cheered for an animal so much. The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard is the kind of book you hope your child discovers early as they embark on the wonderful journey of reading for pleasure. In fact, I have picked this one to read to my kids myself. John L. Rallios paints this magical world with a deft brush. Menlo the wizard, Gopher, Adia and her father, all are presented in a way that brings this world and this story to life. There is something called tone, and tone can make the difference between an okay story and a great story. This is a great story.
(Note: this was a paid review.)
04/19/2015
Review Rating:
5 stars!
Reviewed By Ray Simmons for Readers’ Favorite
John L. Rallios tells the story of a normal backyard gopher eating a magic carrot and becoming self aware, with a voice that is perfect for readers of all ages, but especially for young people. I was delighted as Gopher discovered the nature of things like friendship, loyalty, loneliness, and evil. The first quarter of The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard takes place in the wizard Menlo's cottage in the woods, and is the perfect place for the newly sentient Gopher to learn about himself, the world, and his human friend. But when Gopher and Menlo venture into the neighboring village for winter supplies, Gopher experiences things and learns hard lessons - just like all of us in this journey called life.
I think this book is awesome. I can't remember an animal character I have had as much empathy for as Gopher. Not since Watership Down have I cheered for an animal so much. The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard is the kind of book you hope your child discovers early as they embark on the wonderful journey of reading for pleasure. In fact, I have picked this one to read to my kids myself. John L. Rallios paints this magical world with a deft brush. Menlo the wizard, Gopher, Adia and her father, all are presented in a way that brings this world and this story to life. There is something called tone, and tone can make the difference between an okay story and a great story. This is a great story.
(Note: this was a paid review.)
March 1, 2018
Completed on:
04/19/2015
Review Rating:
5 stars!
Reviewed By Ray Simmons for Readers’ Favorite
John L. Rallios tells the story of a normal backyard gopher eating a magic carrot and becoming self aware, with a voice that is perfect for readers of all ages, but especially for young people. I was delighted as Gopher discovered the nature of things like friendship, loyalty, loneliness, and evil. The first quarter of The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard takes place in the wizard Menlo's cottage in the woods, and is the perfect place for the newly sentient Gopher to learn about himself, the world, and his human friend. But when Gopher and Menlo venture into the neighboring village for winter supplies, Gopher experiences things and learns hard lessons - just like all of us in this journey called life.
I think this book is awesome. I can't remember an animal character I have had as much empathy for as Gopher. Not since Watership Down have I cheered for an animal so much. The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard is the kind of book you hope your child discovers early as they embark on the wonderful journey of reading for pleasure. In fact, I have picked this one to read to my kids myself. John L. Rallios paints this magical world with a deft brush. Menlo the wizard, Gopher, Adia and her father, all are presented in a way that brings this world and this story to life. There is something called tone, and tone can make the difference between an okay story and a great story. This is a great story.
(Note: this is a paid review.)
04/19/2015
Review Rating:
5 stars!
Reviewed By Ray Simmons for Readers’ Favorite
John L. Rallios tells the story of a normal backyard gopher eating a magic carrot and becoming self aware, with a voice that is perfect for readers of all ages, but especially for young people. I was delighted as Gopher discovered the nature of things like friendship, loyalty, loneliness, and evil. The first quarter of The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard takes place in the wizard Menlo's cottage in the woods, and is the perfect place for the newly sentient Gopher to learn about himself, the world, and his human friend. But when Gopher and Menlo venture into the neighboring village for winter supplies, Gopher experiences things and learns hard lessons - just like all of us in this journey called life.
I think this book is awesome. I can't remember an animal character I have had as much empathy for as Gopher. Not since Watership Down have I cheered for an animal so much. The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard is the kind of book you hope your child discovers early as they embark on the wonderful journey of reading for pleasure. In fact, I have picked this one to read to my kids myself. John L. Rallios paints this magical world with a deft brush. Menlo the wizard, Gopher, Adia and her father, all are presented in a way that brings this world and this story to life. There is something called tone, and tone can make the difference between an okay story and a great story. This is a great story.
(Note: this is a paid review.)
May 2, 2015
Completed on:
04/19/2015
Review Rating:
5 stars!
Reviewed By Ray Simmons for Readers’ Favorite
John L. Rallios tells the story of a normal backyard gopher eating a magic carrot and becoming self aware, with a voice that is perfect for readers of all ages, but especially for young people. I was delighted as Gopher discovered the nature of things like friendship, loyalty, loneliness, and evil. The first quarter of The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard takes place in the wizard Menlo's cottage in the woods, and is the perfect place for the newly sentient Gopher to learn about himself, the world, and his human friend. But when Gopher and Menlo venture into the neighboring village for winter supplies, Gopher experiences things and learns hard lessons - just like all of us in this journey called life.
I think this book is awesome. I can't remember an animal character I have had as much empathy for as Gopher. Not since Watership Down have I cheered for an animal so much. The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard is the kind of book you hope your child discovers early as they embark on the wonderful journey of reading for pleasure. In fact, I have picked this one to read to my kids myself. John L. Rallios paints this magical world with a deft brush. Menlo the wizard, Gopher, Adia and her father, all are presented in a way that brings this world and this story to life. There is something called tone, and tone can make the difference between an okay story and a great story. This is a great story.
(Note: this is a paid review.)
04/19/2015
Review Rating:
5 stars!
Reviewed By Ray Simmons for Readers’ Favorite
John L. Rallios tells the story of a normal backyard gopher eating a magic carrot and becoming self aware, with a voice that is perfect for readers of all ages, but especially for young people. I was delighted as Gopher discovered the nature of things like friendship, loyalty, loneliness, and evil. The first quarter of The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard takes place in the wizard Menlo's cottage in the woods, and is the perfect place for the newly sentient Gopher to learn about himself, the world, and his human friend. But when Gopher and Menlo venture into the neighboring village for winter supplies, Gopher experiences things and learns hard lessons - just like all of us in this journey called life.
I think this book is awesome. I can't remember an animal character I have had as much empathy for as Gopher. Not since Watership Down have I cheered for an animal so much. The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard is the kind of book you hope your child discovers early as they embark on the wonderful journey of reading for pleasure. In fact, I have picked this one to read to my kids myself. John L. Rallios paints this magical world with a deft brush. Menlo the wizard, Gopher, Adia and her father, all are presented in a way that brings this world and this story to life. There is something called tone, and tone can make the difference between an okay story and a great story. This is a great story.
(Note: this is a paid review.)
May 2, 2017
From the point of the Gopher?
The story itself turned out to be from the point of the gopher. Which I guess is the reason for the whole book. Was NOT expecting the ending to be something similar to the last book of the chronicles of narnia. The book just dragged on and was so repetitive at times. The ending seemed rushed, as if the author needed to wrap up the book so he could be done with it and go on to something else. Gophers character seemed to develop in spurts, with a lot of self doubt and bouts of self pity, anger, and self realisation. I love to read pretty much anything but this one was a " can't wait till its over" kind of book. So glad it did end and there is not going to be a sequel.
The story itself turned out to be from the point of the gopher. Which I guess is the reason for the whole book. Was NOT expecting the ending to be something similar to the last book of the chronicles of narnia. The book just dragged on and was so repetitive at times. The ending seemed rushed, as if the author needed to wrap up the book so he could be done with it and go on to something else. Gophers character seemed to develop in spurts, with a lot of self doubt and bouts of self pity, anger, and self realisation. I love to read pretty much anything but this one was a " can't wait till its over" kind of book. So glad it did end and there is not going to be a sequel.
May 14, 2017
Enchanting
I bought this book because of its quirky title, but as I read, it just got better and better. This lovely book was such a surprise. Enchanting. A joy to read.
I bought this book because of its quirky title, but as I read, it just got better and better. This lovely book was such a surprise. Enchanting. A joy to read.
October 25, 2017
Love the story!
...but it needs a proof reader. Unique, captivating, I read it in one night! I would have easily given it five stars if the grammar and punctuation were corrected.
...but it needs a proof reader. Unique, captivating, I read it in one night! I would have easily given it five stars if the grammar and punctuation were corrected.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews