The Late Great Wizard

Ever since Tessa Andrews’ father disappeared, she and her mother have been a source of gossip and suspicion. As if she doesn’t have her hands full already, Aunt April sends Tessa to fill in for a Meals on Wheels route, which is where she meets Professor Brandard. During one of her visits, she overhears a strange conversation she doesn’t understand, and she’s getting a call in the middle of the night about a fire. She finds the professor’s house on fire and the professor nowhere to be seen, only finding a mysterious young man. Tessa is quickly swept into a world of magic when she learns the professor is a phoenix wizard and has been reborn. First, she needs to help the professor put his memories together so he can put his magic in order. They must work quickly, as an evil force is rising, and they’re the only ones standing in the way.

While Tessa helps the professor’s younger form, who she calls Brian, regain his memories to help them overcome evil, she also falls into the mystery of her missing father, who took off and was never seen again. Brian is an intriguing character, as he’s technically two people. He has a new life, but he also has remnants of his previous life as the professor, so certain memories are woven into this new personality. He both has a youthful spirit about him as he’s literally starting over, but he also still has the professor’s wisdom. Throughout the story, he faces a constant struggle, which is often crucial, as his memories hold keys to stopping different bad guys. Sara Hanover weaves magic and adventure into a modern tale of wizards and rebirth. The Late Great Wizard is an addictive read filled with action, humor, and charming characters.

The Late Great Wizard is the first book in the Wayward Mages series.