The Auslesen Seven: In the Land of the Unicorn

Orphans Chris and James’ lives are changed forever after a chance encounter with a genie who transports them to a magical world of wizards, mystical creatures, and a centuries-old war between the Elites and the Ribelles. Chris discovers that he is the Chosen One whom the magical world has waited generations to arrive. He is their only hope for ending the war and bringing peace to the land.

Zachary Schmitz’s debut novel is full of memorable characters, magic spells, dangerous enemies, and exciting adventures. Schmitz takes the reader on a fast-paced journey through mysticism and magic. Chris and James must create entire new identities for themselves and adapt to an entirely foreign world while discovering who they are individually, as friends, and as members of the Auslesen Seven. Many of Schmitz’s themes—wizarding school, the Chosen One, wands choosing their masters, and fighting against dark forces—will be familiar to fantasy fans.

While Schmitz’s habit of addressing the reader was a bit distracting, his story is intriguing. This book is the first of an intended series, so it doesn’t come to a finite conclusion. The reader is left wondering what will happen next to the mischievous duo and what dangers will lay waiting for them along the precarious path toward freedom.