I couldn't help myself! I had to buy this book! I'd read the review several times and thought it would be a good one for my collection.

I wasn't wrong!

"The great white wolf ran through the woods......he was on the hunt and he was hungry.....the wolf wizard howled again..."

The Evil Wizard Smallbone by Delia Sherman is such a unique story! The main character is Nick, a boy of twelve whose down on his luck and on a bitterly cold winter night runs away. I'm sure you can guess where he ends up!

At the Evil Wizard Smallbone's bookshop/house/castle, Nick tells Smallbone he can't read and will be on his way after a hot meal and comfortable sleep. But he CAN'T leave. And so begins his relationship with Smallbone, the animals that live with him and the very magical bookstore.

The story goes much deeper with an especially dark, menacing wizard who is half man/half wolf called Fidelou. This ancient creature is determined to destroy Smallbone Cove, which was made and protected by the wizard Smallbone. And let me tell you....it's citizens are VERY interesting.

But why should Nick care? He's a kid on the run and all he cares about is getting far away.

Or maybe not?

This story has so much heart and was very exciting.

I can't find a website on Delia, but she's certainly written other books. I might have to check out

The Magic Mirror of the Mermaid Queen! Sounds wonderful!