Kazumi Reads

Plot Summary:
In this story, democracy has been replaced by the "New Order" who believe that children are the downfall society; rebellion and individuality make children dangerous and they need to stopped. Whit and Wisty Allgood, two regular teenagers, are accused of being a witch and wizard, which, according to them, is completely false. However, Whit and Wisty had yet to discover their powers until the night they were pulled from their beds and taken away from the parents. After being taken to a mental hospital, which doubled as a prison with enchantments that prevented the siblings from using their powers, they discover not only the source of their power, but start honing in on their skills with the help of Whit's girlfriend, Celia, who takes them into the Shadowlands, where they meet up with a group of teens who have also managed to escape the New Order. Little do Whit and Wisty know, but they are the key to destroying the New Order and Jude Ezekiel Unger, the One Who Is The One, is desperate to stop them. 

Critical Evaluation:
James Patterson has done it again--he had created a YA series that is just as captivating as the Maximum Rider Series. Although this series is very reminiscent to Harry Potter, Patterson has managed to re-create that premise by appealing to an older audience who are looking at through different eyes; this story is actually told from the siblings points of views, which allows readers the opportunity to see who these two teens are and what makes them vital for this very dangerous task. The story is action packed so even the most reluctant reader will want to get in on this and there is a bit of romance for those who looking for a little reprieve from all of the upheaval, but the romance is short lived. This is an excellent fantasy and adventure, which will leave readers wishing for more!

Information about the Author:
According to his website,"In the past three years, James Patterson has sold more books than any other author (according to Bookscan), and in total, James's books have sold an estimated 220 million copies worldwide. Since 2006, one out of every seventeen hardcover fiction books sold was a Patterson title. He is the first author to have #1 new titles simultaneously on The New York Times adult and children's bestsellers lists and is the only author to have five new hardcover novels debut at #1 on the list in one year—a record-breaking feat he's accomplished every year since 2005" (para. 1). Born March 22, 1947, James Patterson has lived an exciting life starting with his collegiate years where he earned a BA from Manhattan College and an MA at Vanderbilt University. After retiring from Advertising, in 1985, Patterson became a full time write and his first series, Alex Cross, is not only a bestseller, but the springboard to his very successful career. Not only has he managed to dominate all of the book lists, he has taken his talent to the YA market and proved that he is a master storyteller. For those of you who have not read the Maximum Ride series get ready to be amazed.

Genre:
Teen Dystopian Thriller


Reading Level/Interest:
Grades  9 & up


Books Similar to Witch & Wizard:

• Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride Series) by James Patterson
• Truancy by Isamy Fukui
  

Awards & Recognition:

• Pacific Northwest Young Reader's Award Nominees: 2012
• Positive reviews from Booklist, Horn Book, School Library Journal, and V.O.Y.A.