Wizard of the Pigeons

By: Megan Lindholm

Narrated by: Daniel Thomas May

Seattle: a place as magical as the Emerald City. Subtle magic seeps through the cracks in the paving stones of the sprawling metropolis. But only the inhabitants who possess special gifts are open to the city's consciousness; finding portents in the graffiti, reading messages in the rubbish, or listening to warnings in the skipping-rope chants of children.

Wizard is bound to Seattle and her magic. His gift is the Knowing - a powerful enchantment allowing him to know the truth of things; to hear the life stories of ancient mummies locked behind glass cabinets, to receive true fortunes from the carnival machines, to reveal to ordinary people the answers to their troubles, and to safeguard the city's equilibrium. The magic has its price; Wizard must never have more than a dollar in his pocket, must remain celibate, and he must feed and protect the pigeons.

But a threat to Seattle has begun to emerge in the portents. A malevolent force born of Wizard's forgotten past has returned to prey upon his power and taunt him with images of his obscure history; and he is the only wizard in Seattle who can face the evil and save the city, his friends, and himself.

©1985 Megan Lindholm (P)2021 Tantor

Excellent urban fantasy

Hard to put down. This fascinating tale of magic and personal struggle of an unhoused man in 1983 Seattle kept me entranced as if by Wizard's magic.

Wonderful <3

Absolutely loved this magical tale, wonderful story and amazing narration! So so so glad I picked it up!

Never doubt Megan Lindholm aka Robin Hobb

Another wonderful book from my favorite author. At first I thought I wasn’t going to like the narrator but he’s grew on me fast! His voice is the most jarring at the beginning and then he gets into the groove.

Powerful story

The fantasy format of the toll from fighting in the Vietnam war is masterfully done. It all comes to life in this telling. I especially enjoyed the Seattle location, as I used to live near there. The narration is well done and a perfect match. I’ve only high praise for this audiobook.

phycoloogy and spirituality

Lindholm/Hobb writes with authority, as if she has studied psychology and Eastern spiritually /philosophy her whole life.