ABANDONED. Modern day wizard, has a cat, magic as a lattice

[Jacob]

So I read this book over a decade ago and I have tried finding it several times over the years. It's set in relatively modern times (probably closer to late 80's/early 90's from when the book was likely written) and features a wizard who owns a cat and lights his cigars with his thumb.

That part is pretty generic, granted (and it's definitely not the Dresden Files, I've read all of those!) but one thing I remember standing out was the system of magic had something to do with a giant (possibly multi-colored) lattice that the wizard and others could somehow manipulate to create their spells/powers.

I want to say the author's last name was Wood or something like that, but I could be mistaken.

Goodreads readers, please don't fail me!

Thanks!

[Michele]

YA or adult? Short, medium, long, humungous? Do you recall anything about the cover? Anything at all about the plot, like did it center on a mystery or a quest? Anything about the world, e.g. sentient trees or flying cats?

[Jacob]

If I recall, the cover had the wizard and his cat, and the wizard was lighting his cigar with his thumb. I don't think it was YA, but I honestly don't remember.

As for the plot, only vague memories of there being some dark force trying to corrupt the lattice, which is made of of different colors, I think.

No flying cats or talking trees though, I don't think.

That's all that I remember, sorry.

Thanks!

[Jacob]

Oh and it wasn't a terribly long book either, I don't think.

[Michele]

Giving this a bump since I want to read it too :)

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Jacob, are you still looking for this or did you find it?

[Kris]

No response, moving to Abandoned folder.

Jacob (OP) was last active on the site in June 2021.