Turn of the Page: 'Witch & Wizard'

by Kayla Werner and Elizabeth Ostrem

Witches and wizards have been present in the culture for many years, shown in both bad light and good. I’m sure if you asked someone they would be able to name at least a couple of famous magicians: the Wicked Witch of the West, the White Witch, Harry Potter and Merlin are a few that spring to mind.

In the book “Witch & Wizard,” written by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet, brother and sister Whit and Wisty are accused of possessing magical powers, but they are unaware of having such powers. Any person associated with magic is arrested and eventually executed under the recently implanted New Order government. In addition to dealing with their newfound abilities, they have to escape from prison, rescue their parents, who have been forced into hiding, and help a rebel alliance battle against this new unjust government.

Kayla:

I love reading, but it’s hard for me to find books that actually keep my attention. With this book, I was instantly hooked. Throughout the whole thing you could feel the intensity and the hardships that Whit and Wisty had to endure. Patterson uses strong descriptive language that sucks the reader right into the book. 

There was a point in the beginning of the book that really  caught my attention. The point was when Wisty was denying the fact that there was even a possibility of being a witch. The New Order guards took them to a psychiatric hospital that was turned into a penitentiary for dangerous criminals. She got excited because she thought that she was crazy, and it was all just in her head. The guards then pulled her out and reassured her that this was, in fact, reality. Wisty said, “You know life sucks when you’re desperately wishing to be institutionalized, drugged or shocked back to reality.”

I think that quote showed the reality of the situation that they were going through. Being separated from their parents and being sentenced to death when they turn 18 is a lot for any 15-year old or 17-year old to go through.

Liz:

Although I’m not a fan of Patterson’s work, I have to say that this was an interesting read. It’s a bit reminiscent of “Harry Potter” in areas (e.g. The One Who Is The One vs. He Who Must Not Be Named), though the difference in writing style is obvious from the get-go; where “Harry Potter” is rich in character development and fun details, “Witch & Wizard” shines in plot advancement and witty retorts. I would recommend this book if you want a shorter, uncomplicated read and love rebellious teens squaring off against controlling adults.