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Book Reviews of Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1)

Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1)
Witch Wizard - Witch & Wizard, Bk 1
Author: James Patterson, Gabrielle Charbonnet
ISBN-13: 9780316038348
ISBN-10: 0316038342
Publication Date: 10/31/2010
Pages: 314
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating:
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 74

3.3 stars, based on 74 ratings
Publisher: Little, Brown
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

45 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

nantuckerin avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 158 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
After my experience trudging through Pattersons Maximum Ride the first book of his much-heralded Angel Experiment series I really should have known better. I shouldnt havew asted my time on Witch and Wizard. But, the premise nabbed me. The cover art was hot. And the teaser on the back was intriguing. So, I decided to give Patterson a second chance.

My bad.

The plot of Witch and Wizard is one of the book's strong points. In the start of yet another dystopian YA series, readers are introduced to 15-year-old Wisty and 17-year-old Whit Allgood. The siblings are very special, as their parents have always told them. Unfortunately, special isnt a good thing in the New Order, an overthrow government that prosecutes people for nearly any difference. Under the rule of the One Who Is the One and the other Ones (an uber-creepy ruling body), kids with supernatural talent are the biggest criminals of all. Whit and Wisty go from normal kids to wanted criminals overnight when soldiers charge into their house, accuse them of being a witch and a wizard, and take their whole family away. Unfortunately for Wisty and Whit, the legal system is a bit different under the N.O., and so are the prisons

Really, Witch and Wizard suffers from many of the same problems that plagued Maximum Ride. The chapters are insanely, illogically short. I think if the book had been printed in a more reasonable-sized text and some of the two- and three-page chapters were condensed, Witch and Wizard probably only boasts enough actual content to warrant a short story.

Those little annoyances could be overlooked, however, if the writing were better. Even just a little bit better. Patterson writes the most awkward teenage characters Ive ever read. The dialogue is especially painful how many nearly 18-year-old high school quarterbacks do you know that say things like, Well, tough noogies! when theyre really mad? Seriously? I understand the need to keep the language family-friendly for younger audiences, but there many authors out there that infer cursing and adult themes without actually spelling them out for readers.

Patterson also likes to overload the kitch. In one scene, the brother and sister are exploring a magical book that can become anything they want to read. Like Whits favorite book, Percival Johnson and the Thunder Stealer. Or something by Wistys favorite author, K.J. Meyers. Ugh. In a similar scene, Patterson even gives himself a nod (and his ego a stroke) when one character says, Yeah. Kids with wings. Thats likely. Double ugh. This book is for Maximum Ride fans. We get it.

These are only a few of the examples of the awkwardness that is the most defining characteristic of Witch and Wizard. To me, the book was more readable than Maximum Ride, but only marginally. The writing is flat, the characters are colorless, and the authors word choice is, at times, ridiculous. It would be impossible for me to recommend it to anyone. That said, if I was absolutely forced to, I think this book would most appeal to younger, and possibly reluctant readers. The chapters are very short, and it is a quick read. So, the most positive thing I can say for the book is that it didnt take up too much of my time.
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I am a huge James Patterson fan and when I bought this book I didnt know that it was solely a children's/teen novel but I enjoyed it just the same. It is very intriguing and keeps your mind thinking all the time. There will be a sequel and I cant wait for it to come! MUST READ!
susieqmillsacoustics avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 1061 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This is a quick read. The story of the brother and sister was good, but it was disappointing and seemed incomplete. The concept of The Ones, the totalitarian state of the New Order and how these things came to be was vague, at best. Even the powers of the brother and sister, the dimensions they encountered and the others they met were all left with unanswered questions. Maybe there is a sequel, but this book felt like coming into the middle of what might have been a good story, but you missed all the background and are left floundering to figure out how to fit the pieces together. It passes the time, but not a satisfying read.
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I liked this book. It wasn't super in depth or as intricate as some others, but it was a fun, fast read. I most certainly will read the others in the series when they come out. The characters are likable, and it is action, action, action from page 1. Certainly no boring or slow parts in the book. Again, not an in-depth book, but it does get you hooked.
FiberBabble avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 33 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
The writing alternated between 'written by an adult trying to sound like a young person' and 'written by a young person with delusions of writing ability'.

At times the dialogue included words that are so out of the norm for - well, anyone who isn't a fierce reader or an English major. At other times, I marveled at how the story could be classified 'Young Adult' when the tone and plot would have been believable only to an elementary school-aged child who had lived a fairly sheltered life.

I'm not a fan of dystopian fiction, and foisting this one on a YA audience smacks of, "Hey, Hunger Games was a huge hit. Let's do something similar. It worked for the sparkly vampires!"

Listening to this on audio with male and female voices probably averted some confusion, unless in the book each chapter was prefaced wtih "Boy voice" and "Girl voice", since it jumped back and forth fairly frequently between the two.

The premise, however, was interesting and I stuck it out to see how this story would end. The two star rating is purely for the story's potential.

I won't be pursuing this series.
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I have a confession: I have never read a James Patterson book in my life. That being said, I was immediatly attracted to this book when I read about it. It was meant to be something to read on my lunchbreak at work. Once I started it I couldn't put it down. It was a fast paced novel that kept me on the edge of my seat and I ended up reading it in one day. I was very excited at the end to see the words to be continued. I can't wait!
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Absolutely loved this book, can't wait to read "The Gift" :-)
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Witch & Wizard is a fast paced book about siblings Whit and Wisty Allgood. Whit and Wisty wake up to soldiers storming their home in the middle of the night. They are considered criminals for crimes they do not know about against a government that prohibits many freedoms. They are taken away from their parents, given a trial and sentenced for being a wizard & a witch. During their confinement Whit & Wisty learn that their parents managed to escape and now make it their mission to escape and find their parents all the while learning of their new powers. They manage to obtain help from unlikely sources in their quest for freedom and discover more powers than they ever dreamed of.
This book has a lot of potential and I had high hopes for it and for the series. Unfortunately, this book fell flat. Highly predictable and cheesy throughout the story, I feel that the characters could have had much more depth and the world explored so much further. All the reader is given is the story from Whit & Wisty's point of view (which is very limited). It is easy to spot that this is the first book in the series as it is left wide open for a sequel when nothing is resolved. I am unsure as to whether or not I will bother reading the next book in the series.
I feel that this book is meant more for pre-teens than any other audience. The chapters are short (1-5 pages long) and the action is non-stop. Patterson has a website dedicated to the series with sample chapters and other activities.
www.witchandwizard.com
daly avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 32 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Good book ..kept u very interested and fast read ..would recommend
softrbreeze avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 27 more book reviews
Fast-paced cutesy thriller- NOT appropriate for someone looking for fleshed out characters and deep plot, but tweens and teens would enjoy. Makes good light beach read.
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on
My kiddo got into the Maximum Ride series and wanted to try this one out. I picked it up and figured while I had some time, I'd read it and then we could discuss.

For it's target audience of middle school aged children, it's pretty fun. It reminded me of Harry Potter some because of the witch/wizard thing and also because of the "the one who is the one" thing reminded me of "he who shall not be named". I liked the play on titles of popular artists and bands (De Glooming for De Kooning, Toasterface for Radiohead, etc). It's not as well written as say, Harry Potter or Percy Jackson series, but if you've got a middle schooler that like fantasy, they might enjoy this
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on
Was not very happy with this book. I got bored with it very quickly.
MELNELYNN avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 669 more book reviews
Witch and Wizard is about two teenagers, a brother and sister who are a wizard and witch. They get taken out of their home, thrown into prison, starved, and put through hell by a New Order or "N.O." of adults that are afraid of kids' powers but especially theirs. Throughout the book, the brother and sister, learn about their powers and their destiny to help others and to save kids from this New Order and new rules.

This book may remind some readers of the Salem witch trials, Hitler's rule, the book and "1984' by George Orwell. All of these events are times when bad things happen to good people just because they are different and have the power to influence the world in a good yet powerful way. This book helps to remind readers that things that happen in history can continue to happen if we do not learn from our mistakes and if we do not learn to accept each others' differences. We need to keep remembering that differences do not make us bad and can actually change the world in positive ways and give everyone hope. James Pattern conveys this message in a powerful way and keeps his readers guessing until the very end and wanting to know what happens next. He really lets the reader feel like they can relate to the characters and that even one person can make a difference if they are willing to stand up for what they believe in. It is not only a book about important lessons, but it has people with special powers, escape scenes and there is something for every kind of reader in this book.
ATraveler avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 193 more book reviews
Enjoyed this Young Adult book by Patterson. I liked the story line and it held a good pace. Looking forward to the next one.
dtchs avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 59 more book reviews
Great book -- 1st in series -- very strange.
nelliebly1025 avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 141 more book reviews
Reviewed by http://bibliophile-bestiary.blogspot.com/

This wasn't a horrible book, but I don't think I can say it was a good one either. One thing that made it seem like it was longer than it actually was is that the chapters were a maximum of 2 pages long. It was kind of annoying really. Some books can pull that off, but this one couldn't

The story idea was good, but it doesn't actually play out like the description says. It all just happens one day and you don't really get any type of explanation about it. Whit and Wisty are great characters and could really go a long way, but the books need to be longer and more in depth. I will continue reading them since it didn't take long reading the first, but I would probably get it from the library verses buying it. 3 out of 5 stars.
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Interesting. Not as good as I would have expected. Not enough finalization to this book... seems to just be part one unfinished waiting on part two.
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
I realized it was written for younger folks, but it is really too simplistic. Won't be reading the rest of the series.
dragoneyes avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 788 more book reviews
Love some of Patterson's work, really love YA fiction and really really love a good dystopian novel. This book though didn't have too much to love. The premise was great... the world has been taken over by "the one who is the one" and the government runs everything. Teenage siblings Whit and Wisty are taken away from their parents and put in prison for no reason that they are aware of. While in prison they discover they both have unusual powers... this all sounds great but it really wasn't. I really had a hard time with this book. For one it's a YA book but it seemed like the author really doesn't know young adults. A lot of the dialogue between characters is just ridiculous. Another problem in the book was there was really no excitement. Things happen but not in a way that you really cared to keep reading to see what was next. Also, the plot was very thin. It kind of happened but it was almost missed. Then comes the lovely (*sarcasm*) cliffhanger and the end of the book. So okay, I'm gonna read book 2 but if it doesn't get better (cliffhanger or not), I'm not going any further.
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
I read this book in two days and I couldn't put it down! It was well-paced, kept my interest, and I was making guesses the whole way. It was a little hard to remember who was telling the story because the point of view changed about every other chapter, but other than that, I found Witch & Wizard to be a great book with lovable and strong characters.
nastell avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 49 more book reviews
Such a quick read! I didn't want to put it down and couldn't believe how quickly I finished it! I can't wait to find out what happens next!
mvtrekkie avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 231 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book very much! In fact, I read it in one sitting and I'm a slow reader. I could not put it down. I didn't think I would like it at first since it has as its lead characters, teenagers, but it was fast paced and always kept my interest. Can't wait to read the next in the series.

A fun, light read that really helped me escape the real world for a time.
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on
I thought this book was a quick read for a snowy night. It's basiclly Happy Potter meets Shutters Island. I thought it was well written and a fun light hearted book. I would give it three stars
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Great book. Fall in love with the characters.
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 11 more book reviews
Another great book by James Patterson. This one like the Maximum Ride series drew me in from the beginning.You start to love these characters and I found myself talking to the book when Whisty and Whit were in situations....anyway...READ IT!!!Waithing for my turn to come up on the 2nd book now....may have to go buy it.
bothrootes avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 207 more book reviews
This one was just to far out there for me. I could not get into it. I guess I'm too old for some of JP's books.
dcmltx avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
Ok, I have to be totally honest..I wanted to like this book. I have read the Maximum Ride series, and while the last 2 books were not on par with the initial ones..I liked it. This was a total waste of time. You don't really learn about the characters. It is a very spotty story..jumping from one thing to another. Thank goodness the chapters were short, it was bad enough trying to get through them. I probably would have put the book down if they had been longer chapters. With so many other great options for Teen reading out there...I wouldn't recommend people waste their time. Read the Uglies series, or Witch Season. You would enjoy it better. I just felt like I wasted a week of my time, when I could have been enjoying something else.
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
The story line is excellent but I didn't like his style of writing anymore. The story needs to be fleshed out more. It's like reading a 1st or 2nd grade book. The chapters are only two or three pages long. He could have embellished the story more and made it more interesting. It seems that since he is writing all his latest books with a co-author, he has lost something. His story line is still excellent but I find them a little dull now. I liked it because it is still James Patterson and will continue to read his books looking for more of his beginning style.
txhockeymom avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 33 more book reviews
I can sum this book up in one sentence: I thought it was a waste of time. The plot has been done before, and much better. 1984 anyone? The characters were one-dimensional. I suppose it is written for a much younger audience. I definitely would not recommend it.
GeniusJen avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 5322 more book reviews
Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com

Sleeping, unaware of what they are capable of and how they are seen as threats, siblings Whit and Wisty are woken up one night, arrested. They have been charged with witchcraft. Of course they never knew it, but their parents did. They are thrown into prison, with a drum stick and a book, awaiting interrogation and a trial.

Turns out the New Order government, headed by The One Who is the One, have taken over and is capturing everyone, especially children, who they believe are witches and wizards. Already with a sentence to be executed, Whit and Wisty's powers are accidentally summoned at the wrong places, during the wrong times.

With the help of Whit's girlfriend, Celia, the siblings are told of Freeland, where their powers would not be seen as threats. Making their escape, they begin their journey of saving their kind, finding their parents, and trying to overthrow the new government.

Readers will be wondering how all of this will turn out, as the beginning of the novel is where the siblings and their parents are being led into an arena where their execution will commence.

A great beginning to a new and promising series. James Patterson, along with co-author Gabrielle Charbonnet, continues his style of short chapters and now with alternating narration between brother and sister. With their amazing powers, a thrilling climax, a great cast of supporting characters, and an ending that will leave you wanting more, WITCH & WIZARD is another series that fans of Patterson will enjoy.
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
I really liked the story. It was different to read because the authors wrote it in the first person of two different people. Every few pages it switches back and forth to show the view of the brother and sister main characters. I have mixed feelings about the ending. It is a cliffhanger that seems to promise at least one more book. Yay, more story, boo, I have to wait!
vavoice avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 158 more book reviews
This book reads like the middle of a high-speed police chase. Every time you think you're getting up to speed, the story takes another turn at 80 MPH. After being dropped in the middle of the story, the reader is quickly yanked forward while still trying to figure how they got there.
The chapters are designed for those of us with ADD, and especially for teen readers (two or three pages each). The story is told in first-person, switching between the two main characters, Whit and Wisty, who seem to be the single most dangerous threat to the new government, ruled by a very scary megalomaniac called THE ONE WHO IS THE ONE. I would venture to say most YA readers won't notice the abruptness of the story as they immerse themselves in the non-stop action and thrills.
I certainly hope the second book takes the time to slow down and explain how we ended up on this thrill ride. From the start, I think I enjoyed Pattersen's MAXIMUM RIDE much better than this one.
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
This book was for my granddaughter. She enjoyed it very much.
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Good but not as good as Maximum Ride
vdeere avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
An easy read even for kids, but unfortunately not in the same class as the maximum ride books. Like watching black and white instead of color.
barbsis avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 1076 more book reviews
Wisty and Whit are jailed out of blue for being a witch and a wizard (respectively). Unfortunately (for them), they had absolutely no idea until they were ripped out of bed and thrown in the psych hospital to await their 18th birthday and execution.

The good thing is that Patterson write in short little chapters which makes the reading very quick. This is what I'd classify as dystopian. It is in the US but under a regime of wackos who are terrified of anyone who doesn't believe in the New Order. It's a quick read that jumps right into the story with both feet. I liked the adventures of Wisty and Whit but I am not a fan of the dystopian novel so I won't be continuing the series.
tropikgal avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Very good story plot. It has so many twists and turns that at times it can be hard to follow the main characters in the story but you can catch on as you read along. A very good must read story.
Bizzy1 avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 59 more book reviews
Ok while I've loved James Patterson Books in the past I'm not totally sure I loved this one. Its almost like they just put his name on this book to sell them. I didn't hate this book but I found it very weird. There were times when I totally had to roll my eyes at how weird the book is. I think it would work if you were going to read it to one of your younger kids or if you were under 10. Otherwise I'm not sure Id recommend it. Its not a YA novel that transcends ages its pretty much a juvenile kids book.
Im guessing that it starts out in a time much like our own but that things have just greatly changed when there was a new president elected. Once The One Who Is The One (the new president) takes office everything goes to hell in a hand basket! The One is a Wizard Im guessing it never comes out and says that that I remember but he has to be. While the kids never accused him of being one in public just didnt make sense to me I would have called him on it like they do in the dinner. Anyway The One Who is The One changes everything but outlawing pretty much anything that might lead to fun. No is the new saying. No music, no bubble gum, no bad behavior, and no witches and wizard or No Hat trips. A hat trip is what they called it when a witch or wizard created or made a spell. However there is a threat to The One Who Is The Ones rule there are a young witch and a young wizard that can change what has happened. The two main characters are the witch and wizard who can bring down the one. The One takes them Captive and they must escape to save the world from THE ONE!
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
Quick read, was expecting more from Patterson. Probably would have enjoyed it more if I was 12.
chucker2010 avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
Please be aware this should be marked "For Young Adult Readers." I am well above that level and was caught unaware. If this is what you seek, go for it.
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
This book is awesome!!!!
buzzby avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 6062 more book reviews
The chapters are 2 pages long as is Patterson's style. Even when I was a teenager, I'd get turned off by characters that are not simply on a team, but the star quarterback, of the undefeated football team. It's sort of like a messiah syndrome. What does this person have to do with me?
camnicole avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Book wasn't bad. Have it on my bookshelf.
reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 34 more book reviews
Not really impressed with this book....it may be more for adolescents as opposed to middle aged women, LOL!!!
buzzby avatar reviewed Witch & Wizard (Witch & Wizard, Bk 1) on + 6062 more book reviews
Mildly entertaining, but when the hero is the star quarterback on an undefeated team, I turn off immediately. It makes it unrealistic and it doesn't seem to have anything to do with the story. Why can't he be the backup Tight End on a 4 and 6 team. Or as far as I went, substitute towel boy on the 7th grade basketball team?