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.
Download the accompanying reference guide.
©2009 James Patterson; (P)2009 Hachette
"Quick listen, but seems quickly written."
The narrators do as good a job as could be expected with a novel that is shallow with a simplistic plot & characters that lack any depth. For a minute I actually thought this must have been the abridged edition incorrectly labeled as unabridged but a sample download of the book on my Kindle has confirmed that this book actually is that cursorily written.
It starts off with a bang, but everything following just falls flat.
"WOW ODD!!!!"
Well, it wasn't what I expected. It was more like the telling of a 15 year old's worst nightmare. There's a strong message being sent here. I might change my mind after hearing the next installment, but for now, I have reservations. (the lingo of the kids is a bit over the top too)
"Terrible"
I am about half way through this book - it is terrible. I did not like the other book that James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet wrote together and this one is not any better. I understand this is the beginning of series well I can promise I will not be continuing the series. Don't waste your time, money or credits on this book.
"YUCK-Extremely Disapointing"
I heardt the critics were comparing this book to Harry Potter. I assure you there is no comparison. This book is badly written, and difficult to follow. Under the circumstances I should be entitled to an apology and a refund.
"Wow"
It turns our world upside down.
Hunger Games or Harry Potter
When they first meet up with Ceila and have to go crashing through the hallway
"Witch & Wizard"
great children's book with an interesting story line. Not really adult reading material
"Reserving judgement ...for now"
Apparently this is the first book in a planned series. The story line itself is slow - I didn't love the narration that added way too much teen-aged valley-girl inflection. There are vibes of 1984 throughout the story - government of the people becomes a government against the people. Order above common sense, etc.
Some reviewers mentioned Harry Potter currents - which I really didn't find to be true - perhaps only because Harry Potter also uses the terms "witch and wizard"? In my opinion, that's about where the similarity ends. Like some other reviewers I nearly stopped listening half-way through because I just wasn't getting into the story, I persisted and it did get better - but never to the level that I expect of a James Patterson novel.
I think the series has some good potential to get better and to develop the characters further (and I hope they do). The end of the this book doesn't offer any closure though. I'll read the next book in the series when it comes out - but I'm not at all "hooked" on the concept or the series yet.
"Where is Patterson?"
What is missing from this story is any semblance of Patterson's writing. It reads like a 13 year old girl composed it. The entire story seems to be missing something. Maybe a book for 10 yr olds, if they can handle the subject matter???
"Not that good"
Better story would have done some good.
I will continue with what I like, but will read reviews closer.
Narrators did a good job with what they had to work with.
This was disappointing at best. I expected much more. However I will complete the series to give it a complete chance to change my mind.
"Like Duh!"
More respect for teenagers and others that like to read fantasy stories, the plot was disjointed there is a crumb of an idea that really needs a work over.
James Patterson yes Gabrielle Charbonnet no
nothing they had nothing to work with
It would be easier to list who I would keep
This is not a series I would waste my credits on