The Wizard's Dilemma (2001)

see http://www.sfsite.com/09b/yw112.htm ( )

I will forever be glad I was warned of the subject matter of this particular book in the series in advance, in as spoiler-less a way as possible. It didn't ruin the book for me, and I don't think it made it hit less hard either.

The title of this book is truly fitting. When you struggle to find any way but destroying life to save other life, there's not always a clean and happy way out. It may take you places you'd never imagined going.

I went through a very similar situation - minus the wizardry, and I honestly don't know what my choice would have been either - when I was just two years older than Nita is here, and reading this, I cried buckets. Perhaps that was a given. But have tissues ready, just in case... ( )

Duane Duane's wonderful YA'Young Wizardry' series is an imaginative, engaging retelling of the adventures of two budding wizards, Nita and Kit, as they journey through space and time, while still having to cope with the daily mundaneities of life and school. 'The Wizard's Dilemma' is perhaps the most rewarding yet.

For the first time, a rift seems to have developed between the two friends, one borne of misunderstandings and the natural emotional upheavals that are just a part of life when you're their ages (13-15). They're both faced with individual challenges – even staggeringly overwhelming ones – without managing to reach out to each other. Can they reconnect before the Lone One manages to destroy Nita?

Emotionally meaty as this book is (and it does indeed become heartbreaking, especially near the end when Nita is being torn apart inside), there are many lighthearted aspects that are just plain delightful to read about. We meet a variety of extremely colorful alien creatures so imaginative you just know Duane had a great time inventing them. You also get to know Kit's playful dog Ponch a little better and join the two as they adventure through various colorful universes. You can really tell Duane's imagination was running full gear here. So many little details to enjoy.

Now, since mortality is a key theme in this book, it does run to super-saccharine at the end, unfortunately, which is the main reason this is a four-star review instead of five. But overall, its a delightful, wildly imaginative chapter in the series, and I finished wanting more. ( )

Nita's battle with The Lone Power becomes a lot more personal in a head-to-head over the life of one of her loved ones. Meanwhile, Kit is busy exploring a new part of the creative universe... one which has even the Senior Wizards baffled!

Another entertaining volume in the series that will be enjoyed by anyone who liked the previous 4! :) ( )

Nita has to face up to her mother being very sick and Kit has been distracted by other matters. She's convinced that their relationship has trouble, but it's those troubles of finding places in their partnership and how they work with each other. The Lone Power offers her choices but what are the costs of those choices.

I like the solidity of this series. The charcters are interesting and the world consistent. ( )