Nick runs away from his abusive uncle in hopes of finding a better
life for himself. What he finds is a magic bookstore and its owner, who
claims to be an evil wizard. The Evil Wizard Smallbone takes Nick as his
apprentice, but refused to teach him magic. Instead Nick has to cook
and clean and tend the animals. Luckily the bookstore gives Nick just
what he needs to handle Smallbone and an even greater threat, the cruel
werewolf, Fidelou. Sherman has created a delightful magical romp that will appeal to kids who like the fantasies of Michael Buckley and Holly Black. Nick and Smallbone are both endearingly flawed and the fun of the book is watching them gradually go from being enemies to allies. Sherman's magic system is interesting and I was pleasantly surprised that there were plot twists that I hadn't expected. The book had a satisfying ending, but leaves enough open that readers can hope for a sequel. (408 p.)
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