Witch & Wizard - Book One (Excerpt)

By: James Patterson, Gabrielle Charbonnet

Narrated by: Spencer Locke, Elijah Wood

Length: 1 hr and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

The world is changing - the government has seized control of almost everything, and kids are disappearing. For 15-year-old Wisty and her older brother, Whit, life turns upside-down when they are hauled out of bed one night, separated from their parents, and thrown into a secret compound for no reason they can comprehend, except that the new government is clearly trying to suppress Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Imprisoned together in a decrepit cell, Wisty and Whit cling to the only things they have left - a blank book, a drum stick, and each other. While searching for ways to escape, both begin exhibiting strange abilities. Maybe there is a reason they were singled out!

Can Wisty and Whit, a witch and a wizard, master their skills in time to save themselves, their parents - and maybe the world?

From James Patterson, the creator of the best-selling Maximum Ride and Daniel X novels, comes Witch and Wizard, his most terrifying and awe-inspiring series yet.

©2009 James Patterson (P)2009 Hachette

Wake up teens of today! Take note.

Similar to the Michael Vey stories, but as if happening today. Fun and easy to read.

Was that it? It really needs to be finished.

This sounds like it will be a great book & I am really interested in hearing the rest of it. Thank you.

Calling all Harry Potter fans!

If you are a Harry Potter fan, you may be very interested in this story. If you are not, you will still appreciate the good writing and fine narration.

This excerpt was a detailed introduction to a series of books about a brother and sister who have newly discovered magical abilities. At the beginning of the story, Whit and Wisty believe they are ordinary teenagers. When their home is raided at night by people intent on their capture they learn they will be tried - and possibly executed - for practicing witchcraft. This seems absurd, until they begin to discover that they do have powers that ordinary teens don't have. Imprisoned, they must rely on each other, a few mysterious objects given to them by their parents, and their unfamiliar powers to try to escape.

While this hour long excerpt held my attention, I wouldn't say that it hooked me. I am not going to rush out and buy the series because I'm just dying to know what happens. I would probably listen to the series if it went on sale, but it is not at the top of my list of books to purchase. Others who really enjoy stories of magic teens will feel differently, since this story has the potential to evolve into a modern day Harry Potter series.

Such an exciting story.

Loved this excerpt. I was not sure if I wanted to buy the book but now I can't wait to read the whole series. It was so exciting I listened over and over again.

a reflection on the world

if you take away the witch craft/elemental aspect and though in whats happening now. its like staring into the future of this country. you will do as we say or die! how apocalyptic.

For young adults

I enjoyed this :) think it's positioned for a younger crowd, easier read but all in all I liked it.

Love this book

very entertaining and entralling story very well read and fun to read I am going to listen to the other books again too

Got my attention

The story is unique and is like to hear more! I think as the story develops the plot will become more interesting.

Cas

The female person reading through me off, but I was able to move past it.

Was expecting more

Thought it would be interesting, but really just seemed like a regurgitation of Nazi-like behaviors leading up to WW2. The readers did well, but the text seemed to be written in the manner my 13 year old daughter speaks. Almost had a valley girl flashback. I also thought this was an unabridged short story, but apparently it's just an intro to the series. I'll pay more attention to the fine print before I chose something for a quick ride home.