The Wizards of Once

By: Cressida Cowell

Narrated by: David Tennant

In the first book of a new series by the bestselling author of How to Train Your Dragon, the warring worlds of Wizards and Warriors collide in a thrilling and enchanting adventure.

Once there were Wizards, who were Magic, and Warriors, who were not. But Xar, son of the King of Wizards, can't cast a single spell. And Wish, daughter of the Warrior Queen, has a banned magical object of her own. When they collide in the wildwood, on the trail of a deadly witch, it's the start of a grand adventure that just might change the fabric of their worlds.

With Cressida Cowell's trademark wit, and the same stunning combination of action, adventure, heart, humor, and incredible artwork that made How to Train Your Dragon a beloved bestselling franchise, The Wizards of Once will transport and enchant readers.

Critic reviews

Praise for The Wizards of Once:

"A rollicking adventure tale and coming-of-age story rolled into one enjoyable package...Readers will fall in love with the imaginative worldbuilding and humorous dialogue and asides...A delightful magical romp."
—Kirkus

"A clever and fresh new series.... Cowell fans will be elated to have a new world to get to know, and they'll welcome the author's familiar writing style and humor."
—BCCB

"A plethora of energetic illustrations keeps the excitement high...readers with a penchant for lighthearted fantasy are sure to enjoy this series opener and look forward to the next volume."—Horn Book

"The tongue-in-cheek voice combines with scribbly b&w interior illustrations...to sustain a sense of wonder and mayhem from start to finish. Cowell skillfully mixes adventure with silliness in a satisfying story."—Publishers Weekly

"Cowell crafts two believable and lovable main characters...A strong new series starter by a best-selling author."—School Library Journal

"The first in a series, this book will delight and engage readers of fantasy both young and old."—School Library Connection

"The first volume of a new series by author and illustrator of the How to Train Your Dragon series is an event....Funny, thoughtful and surprisingly wise and lively, this is another coup from Cowell."—The Sunday Times (UK)

"...a new fantasy world fizzing with evil, magic, Iron Age history, laugh-out-loud jokes and a huge cast of memorable characters. Another bestseller is born."—The Daily Mail (UK)

"The detail of Cowell's world is a delight...This one will run and run."—The Observer (UK)

"One of the most eagerly awaited children's books of the year, this magical adventure is also one of the most spellbinding....Enormously entertaining and satisfying, it's narrated and illustrated with tangible energy and verve. The fantasy world and quest-driven plot are a triumph."
—The Bookseller (UK)

Praise for How to Train Your Dragon:
IRA and CBC Children's Choices List 2005
"Short chapters, clever slapstick, kid-pleasing character names and goofy, childlike drawings will keep even reluctant readers turning these pages--and chuckling as they go."—Publishers Weekly

"Cowell crafts two believable and lovable main characters....[a] strong new series starter."
—School Library Journal

"A narrative rich in dragon muck... genuinely fierce [and] intelligent."—Kirkus

very similar to the How to Train Your Dragon books

well written, quirky and easy for an adult to listen to while driving with a child. David Tennet is, as always, animated, engaged and consistent with his voices and characters. very entertaining

fantastic!

fantastic!
This story was the bast of the best!
It was A fantastic opportunity!
I loved it! 😍

Better for kids than adults

Not a bad story, but seems aimed at 8-12 year old kids. As an adult, I was bored at times and overall found it so so. Some good inventive ideas and creatures, but only one who I could pull for.

great performance

this was not my typical reading but I wanted to give it a try because of the person reading it. Their performance was out of this world. The story itself left a little to be desired but there were times where I found myself feeling like a little kid in a lost forest amongst fairies.

Amazing Book

Love this book. Everyone should read it right this instant. It’s amazing - A Fan Guy