Deep Wizardry

This is the best of the three initial books in Duane's Wizardry series. There is plenty of thrilling action, the ethics and philosophy of wizarding is intelligently extended beyond its presentation in the first book, and Nita's evolving relationship with her family is well woven into the story of cetacean wizards and their battle with the Lone Power. The author also brings vividly to life the sights, sounds and sensations of the deep sea. Still, the characters stand out over and above the merits of the other aspects of the book. The parents and adult characters are sympathetic and believable, Nita's little sister Dairine shows up in a new light, and even the dog has a personality! Each undersea character - whale-wizards, mostly - has a distinctive personality and tone well matching his/her species and history. The crowning achievement of the book is Ed'Rashtekaresket (Ed for short) the Master-Shark, whose very name has teeth in it. His dark, complex and fascinating character is gradually revealed through his developing relationship with Nita - as she realizes, and comes to terms with, the implications of the parts the two of them will sing at the TwelveSong Ceremony. The book should appeal to adults as well as to the ten-to-teens age group to whom the book is marketed.

I received a copy of So You Want To Be a Wizard that was intended for my sister from my cousin, who had mailed it from the UK. I didn't pick it up for a while, but as soon as I read it I was totally hooked on this series, and I spent weeks used bookstore hopping to find Deep Wizardry. Deep Wizardry is not only the best book in the Young Wizards series -- it's one of the best books I've ever read.Nita is a girl that any bookworm can relate to. She's got so many characteristics that reminded me of myself that I almost felt as if I was in her place; all of her problems were my problems, her joys my joys.Kit is the perfect companion character to Nita -- innocent as she is, but strong and supportive through all her decisions.The whales and dolphins each have their own unique personalities and conflicts. Their society is complex and ancient and portrayed beautifully.And of course we can't forget Ed -- the Pale Slayer. As Nita said, "[his] name has teeth in it." The Pale Slayer is an ancient menace, shrouded in clouds of blood, with power over all the sharks in the sea. Some of his lines made such impressions on me that I don't think I'll ever forget them -- "You, young and never loving; I, old and never loved."The book takes risks with the characters and the plot that lead into an intense psychological conflict -- the question of self-sacrifice for the greater good outlines the entire book. Not only does Duane manage to fit the story of the binding of the Lone Power into history and modern society, but she also draws the reader into the story with real life conflicts that make it completely believable for anyone who's willing to take a chance with magic.I read this book for the first time when I was twelve years old, and it completely changed my outlook on life. I laughed, I cried, I stayed up *way* past my bedtime -- I was in emotional turmoil along with Nita, I felt all the emotions that the characters felt. My heart raced all through the climax of the book. For weeks after reading it, I wondered how I would have reacted if I had been in such a situation, and if I would have the strength to make the sacrifices needed to complete the binding. Suffice to say, it made me THINK, and think hard.Now, years later, I still read this book often, and I rave about it to all my friends. Each time I read it, the story is still just as great. This is one of my favorite books of all time, and I'd recommend it to readers of all ages.

The sequel to So You Want To Be A Wizard, Deep Wizardry takes up the story as Nita and Kit become sadder and wiser. Having survived the alternative Manhattan, they are now faced with the results of their actions: The Song of the Twelve, a ritual which has to be performed to bind the Lone Power. When Nita volunteers to play a key role, she doesn't realise the terrible price before it's too late. With a wrenching moral dilemma as well as Duane's trademark descriptiveness and humour, this is well worth reading.

Diane Duane takes you on an unbelievable adventure with Nita and Kit. This book put a vivid picture of what was happening into my head. While I read it, it made me feel like my soul was singing to the melody of the waves Nita and Kit traveled through. Each bit of this book I gobbled up and when I was done, I was thirsty for more. This has to be the best piece of literature I have EVER read. But for people who don't believe in magic a bit, you probably wouldn't like it. For everyone else, you have to read this book!

I've only read the first and second books in the series so far, but the second one is the best in my opinion. I got it when I was eleven and have read it so many times that I've worn the corners away. It's been years since I first got it, but I still take it out for an occasional read. The imagery is wonderful and you can really feel the danger. It's much brighter than the first one, which is why I didn't like that one as much. But they're still fantastic books and I'd recommend them to anyone. (---second one's better!---) *lol*