A Wizard

De: R. F. Whittaker

Narrado por: Jake Urry

When his experiment goes horribly wrong, leaving an innocent man dead, Ambrose leaves the Wizard's Guild low in confidence and filled with guilt, for a wilderness rife with dastardly hunters and the surrealist of creatures, in search of a new purpose in life.

In his search for redemption, Ambrose wanders to the campfire of Bertold, a brute of a man who harbors a sadistic fixation with the torture of Bloodsuckers. This discovery opens a door for Ambrose in which he is forced to take a stand. A woman, the most beautiful Ambrose has ever laid eyes upon, is bolted to the ground by her wrists and ankles as Bertold waits for the sun to rise and roast her alive.

The wizard, displaying instant sympathy, calls his morals and magic into action in a bid to rescue the Bloodsucker from the brutal hands of the hunter...and what follows leads Ambrose on the most dangerous adventure of his life.

©2015, 2016 Richard Francis Whittaker (P)2016 Jake Urry

Such a great mix of gore and optimism :D

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I would. I'd say: "Want to read something that has Rincewind's hairy cousin, loveable monsters and a metallic Clint Eastwood in it?"

Basically, if you're hankering for a fast-paced, light-hearted adventure story (where things go boom and blood splatters everywhere), you're at the right place!

The Wizard is a perfect book for a reader that likes to be swept by action (and some ultra-quick romance). It has imperfections of form that somewhat distract from the story, but not too many. We don't get to see much of the internal monologue or background for the characters - these folks just go and do epic stuff. But the author makes us care about them anyway, which is very good.

I appreciate that the author took time to think through the mechanics of magical transformations (think turning into a werewolf on full stomach). And there are lovely plot twists. They would have had a greater impact if they were set up a bit forward in the story, but you're going to like them anyway.

Have you listened to any of Jake Urry’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Indeed I have not, but I'm not opposed to it at all for the future. He's got a nice tempo and quite the array of voices and accents. I'd add more urgency to the narration in places, but that's just me. Jake's performance makes this book richer and more engaging.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Watch this as a movie? Of course not. This is a TV series. Duh!

I hope we'll see other stories of Ambrose and Reggie in this universe. And Bertold - gosh, he's my favorite. Ambrose is fine, but Bertold needs his own book! Read The Wizard, you'll see why.

I'm a huge lover of worldbuilding and the world of The Wizard has great potential. I'm curious about the magic system, the creatures and the characters, too. Nice job, mister Whittaker, for making me picture the Tookingtons :D

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com.

Interesting Fantasy Story

On the surface this is an interesting fantasy novel about love and revenge, but once you start listening there is a lot more. The author weaves several story arcs together to make it an interesting listen. The basic premise of the story is a wizard who sets out to find a cure for his lady friend’s vampirism. One of the things I found interesting is that the wizard can’t seem to accomplish anything in the manner he intended and ends up overdoing it, every time. The author also introduced other characters, like werewolves, shape shifters, undead, and something called Tookingtons, which I like to imagine as giant Pikmin. He combined it all to make it an interesting listen that I finished in one sitting. The narrator did really well as well. I enjoyed all the voices he chose for the characters, and he kept them all distinguishable enough that I had no difficulties following who was talking. Lastly, as a word of warning, I don’t think that this book is kid friendly. Overall, this was an enjoyable listen, and I would gladly listen to more books if the author ever chose to continue this story.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com.

Fast Paced with an array of different Creatures..

Any additional comments?

This is an adventure story about retribution and second chances.

Ambrose, the male lead, is on a soul searching journey where he encounters Florentina, a vampire, who
is in search of a cure for her "infection".

An odd romance develops between the pair, however, their paths must split but they hope to meet up again soon.

Overall, this was an interesting book, the story had a little bit of everything and was quit an entertaining read or listen.


Jake Urry did a good job with the narration.

Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."

nothing ventured nothing gained seems to me.

the Forrest Gump of wizards.
do yourself a favor and crank up the listening speed.

A horrific wizard story

I've read many stories about wizard's and this one took me by surprise in many places. Quite a few situations in this story is unexpected and uconventional. However, it's an entertaining story in every way and will keep you listening.

Ambrose is a wizard followed by good intentions and bad luck. He fails many times in using his magic the intended way and that will make you smile and sometimes laugh.

I couldn't quite figure out the plot in this story and it could go one way or the other in my head. I had a problem with the term 'bloodsuckers' - just call them for what they are - vampires!

You'll meet many other creatures, that will give Ambrose the time of the day. You'll also get some light romance and I don't think this book is for kids, because you'll run into some horror elements.

Jake Urry did a great narration once again and he always gives me the chills when he comes up with his horror voices. When Jake is narrating he is a wolf in sheep's clothing! From the sweet and good Ambrose to a horrible creature makes me gasp, when Jake is performing!

*This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review.