I do not go so far as to give one star because as much as I myself find the tone annoying, I can imagine that my son would enjoy it more than I do, and since at least some of the information is actually sound, he might learn something valid along with the garbage I would have to remove from his brain later. A child grounded enough in reality could sort fact from fiction - but that child might feel about the "make-believe" tone the way that I do. So many Pagan books seem to be written at a junior-high-school reading level in any case that you are probably better off just buying the "adult" beginner books that are more reputable.


A drop of imagination, stirred with magic intent   September 9, 2004
 12 out of 13 found this review helpful

Is wizardry real? When you start searching for real information on wizardry there is not much to go on. Cornelius's book can be as close to the real thing as it can get for his target audience. Cornelius targets the juvenile with poise and lovely humor.

The book is an excellent introduction into the world of occult and mystery. The 20 wizardry lessons are easy to follow and a great pleasure of anticipation, but demands patience and active participation. The lessons start with the secret wizard's name, which is probably the most powerful psychological edifying concept in the book.

The practical instructions will lead to some insight, if combined with the given simple and practical advice: "Wizardry works from the inside out". The gems in between might just be missed if not looked at carefully. The lessons are an introduction into real occult ideas and concepts. The lessons introduce the five elements introducing the pentagram and ventures through methods of divination, numerology and astrology. He explains briefly how the cycles of the moon and talisman can be used to strengthen magic. Interwoven between all the artifacts of wizardry are occult disciplines like relaxation, breathing, visioning, memory enhancement and spirit guides. The book might not immediately create a lot of powerful Merlin's but it is designed to entice and intrigue. I have no doubt that it will accomplish that.

The Wizard's adventure is more than a story...it allows the young wizard to make decisions and apply the knowledge gained in the 20 lessons. The Wizard's adventure provides a simulated practice ground to apply wizardry. The story begins with an introduction into the use of a pendulum as a means of guidance and then builds a story line of survival through a labyrinth of decisions. Not knowing the wizard's secrets leads ultimately to death in the game. The odds are against the young wizard in the battles with all types of creatures. If played by the rules the wizard has a slim change of coming out of the adventure alive. Playing with dice the wizard has to focus on bringing the magic from the inside to truly reach the wizard's guild.

Cornelius provides a masterful blend between fiction and non-fiction. There is certainly enough realness to entice further exploration and there is enough mystery to keep the Wizard elusive in his mythical, enigmatic and magical character.



fun book for young adults   July 28, 2003
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

This is a cute book that has obviously been designed for a young novice in the magical arts, sort of a Harry Potteresque instruction book. It's hard to tell whether this is a serious book on the subject at first, but it does have real magic and techniques for increasing concentration and such, and half of the book is taken up by a "Choose Your Own Adventure" type of novella.

The only annoying thing about it this book is that it mixes fantasy and real magical techniques, but I suppose that might be fun for a younger reader. It's a bit like telling children about Santa Claus, though.

In short, this is a good book for a young adult who is interested in magic and fantasy (and most likely a Harry Potter fan) but doesn't know where to begin, and/or if you want to teach a young adult magical technique but want to do it in a fun way.


The Book of Wizardry   July 28, 2003
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

This is a "charming" book with all sorts of things a budding young wizard apprentice should know. It contains lessons at the end of every chapter, and the chapters are short so it moves along. After completing all of the lessons, including things such as making a wizard's cup and magic wand, there is a game you can read and play. I would highly recommend this item for young and young at heart who are fans of that famous young wizard with the initials HP.


Cute Lessons in Real Magick   October 21, 2003
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

First up, this book has nothing to do with Harry Potter. Absolutely nowhere does this book mention anything to do with Harry Potter whatsoever, or vice versa. Harry Potter is 100 percent fiction.

Secondly: Yes, this book has real, genuine magical technique in it. The first half of the book is devoted to actual magick lessons. If this sort of thing makes you uncomfortable, or is against your religious beliefs, then don't buy this. Parents concerned about their children should already be monitoring what they read, correct? so if this is against your beliefs, you can explain that to them. Some people, however, actively practice as part of their religious beliefs while others don't particularly care, therefore having no problem if their kids are reading this book. (I would ask, however, that if you're afraid of "witch craft," have you actually spoken to a practicing Witch about what they believe and what they do? You might be surprised that Witches are no scarier than Hindus or Buddhists...)

The book itself: The first half, the lessons, are written in an engaging style. They're simple and easy to understand, but even after several years of practicing magic I picked up some things I didn't know before. The second half of the book, the game/Wizard's Adventure, is magnificent fun, rather like a Choose your own adventure book, which quizzes you on the material in the first part while being highly entertaining!

From my perspective, the mix of the fictional professor "Rumstuckle" with the genuine magickal principles is original and charming; however, I do understand how young kids could confuse fact and fantasy.