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The Wizards of Once #2
Twice Magic
This was once the story of a young boy Wizard and a young girl Warrior who had been taught since birth to hate each other like poison.
But now, the boy Wizard and girl Warrior have been brought together in the Badwoods and they have witnessed the shocking consequences of the Stone That Takes Away Magic. They will need to cast aside their differences once more--for an Evil Spell has broken free.
It's up to Xar and Wish to find the ingredients. But it means entering dangerous territory unannounced...
Cressida Cowell brings her trademark wit to this spellbinding sequel, along with the stunning artwork and heartfelt adventure that has made her beloved around the world, weaving a story that is sure to transport readers to a world that will enchant and bewitch them.
But now, the boy Wizard and girl Warrior have been brought together in the Badwoods and they have witnessed the shocking consequences of the Stone That Takes Away Magic. They will need to cast aside their differences once more--for an Evil Spell has broken free.
It's up to Xar and Wish to find the ingredients. But it means entering dangerous territory unannounced...
Cressida Cowell brings her trademark wit to this spellbinding sequel, along with the stunning artwork and heartfelt adventure that has made her beloved around the world, weaving a story that is sure to transport readers to a world that will enchant and bewitch them.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published September 20, 2018
272 people are currently reading
2,465 people want to read
About the author
Cressida Cowell
240books2,339followersCressida Cowell grew up in London and on a small, uninhabited island off the west coast of Scotland. She was convinced that there were dragons living on this island, and has been fascinated by dragons ever since. She has a BA in English Literature from Oxford University, a BA in Graphic Design from St Martin's and an MA in Narrative Illustration from Brighton. Cressida loves illustrating her own work, but also loves writing books for other people to illustrate as the end result can be so unexpected and inspiring. Cressida has written and illustrated eight books in the popular Hiccup series. The unique blend of child centred humour and sublime prose made Hiccup an instant hit. How to Train Your Dragon is now published in over 30 languages. A DreamWorks Animation feature film is out in March 2010. Also the author of picture books, Cressida has won the Nestle Children's Book Prize 2006 and has been shortlisted for many others. Cressida lives in Hammersmith with her husband and three children.
Her Books:
1. How to Train Your Dragon (2003)
2. How to Be a Pirate (2004)
3. How to Speak Dragonese (2005)
4. How to Cheat a Dragon’s Curse (2006)
5. How to Twist a Dragon’s Tale (2007)
6. A Hero’s Guide to Deadly Dragons (2008)
7. How to Ride a Dragon’s Storm (2008)
8. How to Break a Dragon’s Heart (2010)
9. How to Steal a Dragon's Sword (2011)
10. How to Seize a Dragon's Jewel (2012)
Her Books:
1. How to Train Your Dragon (2003)
2. How to Be a Pirate (2004)
3. How to Speak Dragonese (2005)
4. How to Cheat a Dragon’s Curse (2006)
5. How to Twist a Dragon’s Tale (2007)
6. A Hero’s Guide to Deadly Dragons (2008)
7. How to Ride a Dragon’s Storm (2008)
8. How to Break a Dragon’s Heart (2010)
9. How to Steal a Dragon's Sword (2011)
10. How to Seize a Dragon's Jewel (2012)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 528 reviews
May 24, 2020
The Wizards of Once series is getting better with each instalment! No matter what Cressida Cowell writes, I am guaranteed a smile and a laugh when reading her books. There were some genuine moments in this that got me a little frightened for the main characters (the villains are rather scary - and David Tennant does a fantastic job with the voices), and the illustrations to match are immersive and imaginative. All the things I loved about the first Wizards of Once can be found here. And I still want to know WHO IS THE UNKNOWN NARRATOR?!
March 5, 2019
Once again, just a frickin' delight! I love Wish and Xar, but most importantly I love David Tennant as the Unknown Narrator. Crazy stuff happened, funny stuff happened, and we got to hear a song written by a werewolf, translated into English, sung by David Tennant.
November 28, 2019
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Για ακόμη μια φορά, η Κρεσίντα Κάουελ μας δίνει ένα κόσμο γεμάτο φαντασία, περιπέτεια, μυστήριο και ευρηματικότητα! Λατρεύω την εικονογράφηση στο εσωτερικό, η γραφή και η μετάφραση του βιβλίου είναι εξαιρετικές και παρακινούν τον αναγνώστη να διευρύνει τους ορίζοντες της φαντασίας και του λεξιλογίου του.
Ιδανικό για προέφηβους, αλλά στην πραγματικότητα μπορεί να διαβαστεί από μεγάλα και μικρά παιδιά κάθε ηλικίας (σαν και του λόγου μου).
Μιας και οι τελευταίες σελίδες με προϊδέασαν για τις νέες αναταραχές και αποστολές του Ζαρ, της Μάγια και της παρέας τους, ανυπομονώ για το επόμενο βιβλίο της σειράς, που κυκλοφορεί σύντομα!
Για ακόμη μια φορά, η Κρεσίντα Κάουελ μας δίνει ένα κόσμο γεμάτο φαντασία, περιπέτεια, μυστήριο και ευρηματικότητα! Λατρεύω την εικονογράφηση στο εσωτερικό, η γραφή και η μετάφραση του βιβλίου είναι εξαιρετικές και παρακινούν τον αναγνώστη να διευρύνει τους ορίζοντες της φαντασίας και του λεξιλογίου του.
Ιδανικό για προέφηβους, αλλά στην πραγματικότητα μπορεί να διαβαστεί από μεγάλα και μικρά παιδιά κάθε ηλικίας (σαν και του λόγου μου).
Μιας και οι τελευταίες σελίδες με προϊδέασαν για τις νέες αναταραχές και αποστολές του Ζαρ, της Μάγια και της παρέας τους, ανυπομονώ για το επόμενο βιβλίο της σειράς, που κυκλοφορεί σύντομα!
June 21, 2021
I’ve got an ARC of this book, Lucky me!
Let me begin by saying I loved this one more than I loved the first book. While the first one was pretty serious, skipped the potty humour and was around the level of How to ride a dragon’s storm / How to break a dragon’s heart, this one cranked it up a notch to How to steal a dragon’s sword -levels. Including war, a kidnapping, characters going missing and a heartbreaking, sad, tragic, magic backstory told to the main characters, Termagant style.
The book includes a map and two named parts, just like the previous one. Plus, Xar and Wish have a little different outfit. The story starts in the middle of the action with Xar (who else) in big trouble.
Speaking of Xar, he was much less annoying. In the first book 50% of me liked him for being clever and the other 50% vehemently annoyed me, while here he is much nicer. And while the two heroes don’t always get along (I liked that a lot, they’re friends but are still on opposide sides and still curse eachother when mad and stuff like that doesn’t fade with one encounter) their friendship is really sweet.
Another thing I won’t spoil too much about is that Xar is suffering terribly for one of his mistakes in book 1 (although he manages to avoid very serious consequences, stuff gets dire at one point). And it doesn’t get resolved in the end, so further suffering will commence.
This is a Cressida Cowell book after all... I am kind of excited for that.
Wish is a sweet little cupcake who only wants the best but sadly no one ever listens to her. 😩 Her relationship with her mother is elaborated on in a very beautiful way.
”In most people’s eyes, Wish’s mother Queen Sychorax was the most petrefying Warrior leader in the entire western Wildwoods, known for her savage punishments, her short temper and her dungeons of internminable depth.
In Wish’s eyes, her mother was the most wonderful, beautiful, splendid person in the entire world, and more than anything else in the world Wish longed to please her mother, get her golden approval.�
It explains SO MUCH and says a lot about the adoration that kids generally have of their parents (not wanting to see their bad sides and such). The fact that Sychorax is so disappointed in Wish is still the saddest part of the series to me. + her six sisters who are actually her stepsisters of another father (or other fathers) are really mean.
But it was Bodkin who suddenly made it to the top of my favourite character list. I really didn’t expect that. His fainting felt a little weird in book 1 but here he won me over. His thoughts of ‘I’m lonely because the other assistants bodyguards can’t stand that I got promotion� ‘that’s the problem with adventures: they bring out parts of you that you didn’t know of� ‘I want to be something else when I grow up but my family pressure forbids it� of book one are really meaningful. He’s the sassy voice of reason to slow Xar and Wish down. Plus this quote (my other favourite):
”One of the many reasons why Bodkin wanted to go home was that back in Warrior Fort, he had Wish all to himself, he and the Spoon were her only friends. But out here, in the Wildwoods with the wayward undeniably charismatic Xar, Bodkin had to share her.�
This is such a great description. It’s that feeling where you know you’re no match for all the clever/funny/awesome/charismatic people around and you feel really plain and ordinary but don’t want to show it. It’s just so relatable.
The cover was really different but it grew on me. It depicts a scene from the book that I’m not going to spoil and the Warrior Fort in the background. I particularly like the golden theme. On the back there is an alternate cover of book 1 that I’ve never seen before. It’s Wish and Xar riding a snowcat through the woods, like that one scene from book 1, even though they were never on the same snowcat.
The story was great. We start in the middle of the action with Xar in trouble. Xar cheats himself out of trouble then into even more trouble in a span of 70 pages before we catch up on Wish, who is locked in a cupboard because her mother has an important visitor and doesn’t want Wish to embarass her. Poor Wish. The two heroes meet again in a dashing fashion and embark on a quest. The middle part is a bit slower than the humorous beginning of 150 pages and the grand finale. The finale consist of a great fight scene, a party ending and a little less of a cliffhanger than the last book, even though there is plenty that screams for book 3.
When the movie comes out there will inevitably people rooting for a romance between Wish and Xar and I don’t want that. They’re so good as friends and I don’t want that ruined. (Besides it’s kind of weird knowing the contents of book 2)
However Twice Magic came up with a new option and honestly it was written so sweetly that , while I don’t ship it (I have the weird tendency not to love ANY romantic subplot) I’m actually kind of rooting for it.
This being an ARC most of the illustrations are missing and I think I’ll even buy the completed version when it’s out. (If it’s published in Australia that is)
Let me begin by saying I loved this one more than I loved the first book. While the first one was pretty serious, skipped the potty humour and was around the level of How to ride a dragon’s storm / How to break a dragon’s heart, this one cranked it up a notch to How to steal a dragon’s sword -levels. Including war, a kidnapping, characters going missing and a heartbreaking, sad, tragic, magic backstory told to the main characters, Termagant style.
The book includes a map and two named parts, just like the previous one. Plus, Xar and Wish have a little different outfit. The story starts in the middle of the action with Xar (who else) in big trouble.
Speaking of Xar, he was much less annoying. In the first book 50% of me liked him for being clever and the other 50% vehemently annoyed me, while here he is much nicer. And while the two heroes don’t always get along (I liked that a lot, they’re friends but are still on opposide sides and still curse eachother when mad and stuff like that doesn’t fade with one encounter) their friendship is really sweet.
Another thing I won’t spoil too much about is that Xar is suffering terribly for one of his mistakes in book 1 (although he manages to avoid very serious consequences, stuff gets dire at one point). And it doesn’t get resolved in the end, so further suffering will commence.
This is a Cressida Cowell book after all... I am kind of excited for that.
Wish is a sweet little cupcake who only wants the best but sadly no one ever listens to her. 😩 Her relationship with her mother is elaborated on in a very beautiful way.
”In most people’s eyes, Wish’s mother Queen Sychorax was the most petrefying Warrior leader in the entire western Wildwoods, known for her savage punishments, her short temper and her dungeons of internminable depth.
In Wish’s eyes, her mother was the most wonderful, beautiful, splendid person in the entire world, and more than anything else in the world Wish longed to please her mother, get her golden approval.�
It explains SO MUCH and says a lot about the adoration that kids generally have of their parents (not wanting to see their bad sides and such). The fact that Sychorax is so disappointed in Wish is still the saddest part of the series to me. + her six sisters who are actually her stepsisters of another father (or other fathers) are really mean.
But it was Bodkin who suddenly made it to the top of my favourite character list. I really didn’t expect that. His fainting felt a little weird in book 1 but here he won me over. His thoughts of ‘I’m lonely because the other assistants bodyguards can’t stand that I got promotion� ‘that’s the problem with adventures: they bring out parts of you that you didn’t know of� ‘I want to be something else when I grow up but my family pressure forbids it� of book one are really meaningful. He’s the sassy voice of reason to slow Xar and Wish down. Plus this quote (my other favourite):
”One of the many reasons why Bodkin wanted to go home was that back in Warrior Fort, he had Wish all to himself, he and the Spoon were her only friends. But out here, in the Wildwoods with the wayward undeniably charismatic Xar, Bodkin had to share her.�
This is such a great description. It’s that feeling where you know you’re no match for all the clever/funny/awesome/charismatic people around and you feel really plain and ordinary but don’t want to show it. It’s just so relatable.
The cover was really different but it grew on me. It depicts a scene from the book that I’m not going to spoil and the Warrior Fort in the background. I particularly like the golden theme. On the back there is an alternate cover of book 1 that I’ve never seen before. It’s Wish and Xar riding a snowcat through the woods, like that one scene from book 1, even though they were never on the same snowcat.
The story was great. We start in the middle of the action with Xar in trouble. Xar cheats himself out of trouble then into even more trouble in a span of 70 pages before we catch up on Wish, who is locked in a cupboard because her mother has an important visitor and doesn’t want Wish to embarass her. Poor Wish. The two heroes meet again in a dashing fashion and embark on a quest. The middle part is a bit slower than the humorous beginning of 150 pages and the grand finale. The finale consist of a great fight scene, a party ending and a little less of a cliffhanger than the last book, even though there is plenty that screams for book 3.
When the movie comes out there will inevitably people rooting for a romance between Wish and Xar and I don’t want that. They’re so good as friends and I don’t want that ruined. (Besides it’s kind of weird knowing the contents of book 2)
However Twice Magic came up with a new option and honestly it was written so sweetly that , while I don’t ship it (I have the weird tendency not to love ANY romantic subplot) I’m actually kind of rooting for it.
This being an ARC most of the illustrations are missing and I think I’ll even buy the completed version when it’s out. (If it’s published in Australia that is)
December 1, 2020
1.) The Wizards of Once ★★★★�
2.) Twice Magic ★★★★
3.) Knock Three Times ★★★★
4.) Never and Forever [ON TBR]
-----------------------------------------------
“But then," said Caliburn, "the adults are making such an almighty mess of things maybe we have to put our faith in the children, crazy and unrealistic and reckless though they are...�
representation: none that i can remember!
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★★★
love, love, LOVE this series!!!
trigger warnings: fantasy violence, loss of loved ones (in the past).
2.) Twice Magic ★★★★
3.) Knock Three Times ★★★★
4.) Never and Forever [ON TBR]
-----------------------------------------------
“But then," said Caliburn, "the adults are making such an almighty mess of things maybe we have to put our faith in the children, crazy and unrealistic and reckless though they are...�
representation: none that i can remember!
[trigger warnings are listed at the bottom of this review and may contain spoilers]
★★★★
love, love, LOVE this series!!!
trigger warnings: fantasy violence, loss of loved ones (in the past).
January 7, 2019
Just as fun as the first one. I might even liked this one a little bit better. And the narration by David Tennant was, of course, amazing.
June 15, 2024
واییییی! من عاشق این مجموعه شدم!
انقدر دارم باهاش حال میکن� که فکر کنم آخرین بار با "نیروی اهریمنیا�" اینقدر حال کرده بودم!
با اینکه داستان راجع به جادو و جادوگری و کلا موضوعات آشنای فانتزیه، اما اصلا کلیشه و قابل پیشبین� نیست.
🍊🍊🍊
زمانه� جادو، نوشته کرسیدا کاول، ترجمه چکامه چکامیان، نشر پرتقال🍊
انقدر دارم باهاش حال میکن� که فکر کنم آخرین بار با "نیروی اهریمنیا�" اینقدر حال کرده بودم!
با اینکه داستان راجع به جادو و جادوگری و کلا موضوعات آشنای فانتزیه، اما اصلا کلیشه و قابل پیشبین� نیست.
🍊🍊🍊
زمانه� جادو، نوشته کرسیدا کاول، ترجمه چکامه چکامیان، نشر پرتقال🍊
May 28, 2018
Cressida Cowell is the most wonderful storyteller. This whips along, and it's so full of warmth and heart that I cared about every single one of the characters, no matter how minor. I am such a fan of this series, and delighted by the magical world that Cressida's created. (8+)
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
January 11, 2021
«Διπλή Μαγεία» το δεύτερο βιβλίο της τριλογίας, μου άρεσε περισσότερο και από το πρώτο.
•Ο� περιπέτειες του Ζαρ και της Μαγια συνεχίζονται,με όλους τους μαγικούς και μη φίλους τους.Σε αυτό το βιβλίο ανακαλύπτουμε τον πραγματικό λόγο, που είναι εχθροί οι Πολεμιστές με τους Μάγους όλα αυτά χρόνια, καθώς και αν υπάρχουν περισσότερες από μια μάγισσες όπως ξέραμε ήδη από το πρώτο βιβλίο.
•� συγγραφέας σε αυτό το βιβλίο τονίζει την αγάπη του γονιού προς το παιδί του.Το αποδέχεται όπως ακριβώς είναι,είτε ατίθασο ή ανυπάκουο όπως οι μικροί πρωταγωνιστές μας, είτε ήσυχο ή υπάκουο όπως πολλά αλλά παιδιά! Όσο κι αν φωνάζουν οι γονείς, ξέρουμε ότι πάντα κρύβεται αγάπη από πίσω.
Θυμηθείτε ότι ακόμα και η Συκοραξ , η πιο ψυχρή βασίλισσα του κόσμου χωρίς καρδιά, αγαπάει την κόρη της όσο κι αν δεν το δείχνει
•Ο� περιπέτειες του Ζαρ και της Μαγια συνεχίζονται,με όλους τους μαγικούς και μη φίλους τους.Σε αυτό το βιβλίο ανακαλύπτουμε τον πραγματικό λόγο, που είναι εχθροί οι Πολεμιστές με τους Μάγους όλα αυτά χρόνια, καθώς και αν υπάρχουν περισσότερες από μια μάγισσες όπως ξέραμε ήδη από το πρώτο βιβλίο.
•� συγγραφέας σε αυτό το βιβλίο τονίζει την αγάπη του γονιού προς το παιδί του.Το αποδέχεται όπως ακριβώς είναι,είτε ατίθασο ή ανυπάκουο όπως οι μικροί πρωταγωνιστές μας, είτε ήσυχο ή υπάκουο όπως πολλά αλλά παιδιά! Όσο κι αν φωνάζουν οι γονείς, ξέρουμε ότι πάντα κρύβεται αγάπη από πίσω.
Θυμηθείτε ότι ακόμα και η Συκοραξ , η πιο ψυχρή βασίλισσα του κόσμου χωρίς καρδιά, αγαπάει την κόρη της όσο κι αν δεν το δείχνει
November 6, 2022
Globalni ciljevi: nastavak serijala
4,5
Iza mene je težak tjedan i imala sam čitateljsku blokadu. Svašta nešto sam započela, ali nisam imala volje nastaviti. Onda sam uzela drugi dio Čarobnjaka iz davnine i blokada prestala.
Baš sam uživala. Priča je super zabavna i poučna. Kroz nju se prožimaju teme važne za djecu, ali i za odrasle (jer i mi nekad zaboravimo koje su to bitne stvari u životu), teme prijateljstva, roditeljstva, skromnosti, prihvaćanja i priznavanja pogreške, poštivanja različitosti, timskog rada, priskakanja u pomoć... Uči nas i da se nekad trebamo odmaknuti od briga, opustiti se i zabaviti se.
Autoričine ilustracije koje se provlače kroz cijelu knjigu su odlične i jako su lijepo dočarale likove i radnju. Radujem se nastavku i baš me zanima u kakve nevolje će Xar i Želja sljedeće upasti.
4,5
Iza mene je težak tjedan i imala sam čitateljsku blokadu. Svašta nešto sam započela, ali nisam imala volje nastaviti. Onda sam uzela drugi dio Čarobnjaka iz davnine i blokada prestala.
Baš sam uživala. Priča je super zabavna i poučna. Kroz nju se prožimaju teme važne za djecu, ali i za odrasle (jer i mi nekad zaboravimo koje su to bitne stvari u životu), teme prijateljstva, roditeljstva, skromnosti, prihvaćanja i priznavanja pogreške, poštivanja različitosti, timskog rada, priskakanja u pomoć... Uči nas i da se nekad trebamo odmaknuti od briga, opustiti se i zabaviti se.
Autoričine ilustracije koje se provlače kroz cijelu knjigu su odlične i jako su lijepo dočarale likove i radnju. Radujem se nastavku i baš me zanima u kakve nevolje će Xar i Želja sljedeće upasti.
January 8, 2020
MAGIC and mayhem, or magical mayhem, are possibly the best ways to describe this book for children (and maybe a few adults too).
Xar, a young boy wizard, has been wrongfully incarcerated. Well, he is less of a prisoner and more a daily-escapee than anything else. He wants to right the wrongs he may or may have set in motion in the first book and concocts a daring plot to free himself and rid the world of the evil Witches.
Wish is Warrior-born girl and wizards and warriors are not to be friends. The two factions are sworn enemies. As fate would have it, this duo are thick as thieves.
It is only after after a over-the-top rescue mission by Xar, or abduction as some would call it, that they embark on another crazy adventure.
Expect werewolves, giants, spells, action and loads of Cressida’s spectacular artwork dotted throughout the novel. If your children loved the first one, they are going to be absolutely spellbound by book two!
Xar, a young boy wizard, has been wrongfully incarcerated. Well, he is less of a prisoner and more a daily-escapee than anything else. He wants to right the wrongs he may or may have set in motion in the first book and concocts a daring plot to free himself and rid the world of the evil Witches.
Wish is Warrior-born girl and wizards and warriors are not to be friends. The two factions are sworn enemies. As fate would have it, this duo are thick as thieves.
It is only after after a over-the-top rescue mission by Xar, or abduction as some would call it, that they embark on another crazy adventure.
Expect werewolves, giants, spells, action and loads of Cressida’s spectacular artwork dotted throughout the novel. If your children loved the first one, they are going to be absolutely spellbound by book two!
December 30, 2018
I actually think I enjoyed this more than the first one! The world and political history between all the feuding sides gets a lot more detailed. The book design is truly amazing! All the scribbles and doodles fit so well with the story and the theme. please note YOU MUST LISTEN ALONG TO THE DAVID TENANT NARRATED AUDIOBOOK TO TRULY READ THIS!
May 2, 2021
Reread 2021: I’m having the absolute best times 🥰
—�
I love all the nonsense and the quirkiness. All those hidden messages are amazing and it teach us something very important: children are way smarter than adults 😏
So I’m staying child forever! 🖤�
—�
I love all the nonsense and the quirkiness. All those hidden messages are amazing and it teach us something very important: children are way smarter than adults 😏
So I’m staying child forever! 🖤�
February 26, 2023
I was rereading this, and I enjoyed it a lot more this time than I did last time. I found it repetitive the first time, but now I’d say it isn’t. From what I remember, this is my least favorite of the series, and I do like the first one more, but still quite an enjoyable book 👌
December 31, 2018
Such a fun and crazy book! It definitely took longer than usual to read because I had to keep stopping to look at all the cool pictures!!
May 17, 2020
This book was quite on par with the first book... fun but it has its problems.
I was quite lost at the start. Xar is in prison, and I had no idea why. Several months have passed since book 1 and we are just thrown into the story without really an update. At the same time I felt that the end was dragging. We see more of the world, but still not that much happens. The big reveal about the parents was pretty obvious in the first book already, and some important plot lines were thrown in almost like an afterthought. Like 'btw character A has been in live with character B this whole time'. Xar is still an unlikable character, and the writing style is still too 'fun' for my liking.
And yet I had a good time with it. Wish is a very nice character, and I like her growth and coming to terms with her magic. I also really liked the side characters, they really make the story... the snowcats, the philosophizing giant, the good werewolf, the very cute hairy fairies. I even quite liked the witchfinder. There are some gorgeous illustrations in here, and the way they work together with the text is brilliant. The parents are more involved in this story as well, and actually get face to face with each other. I like that they don't just let their kids run of to save the world (not that they are very helpful, but at least they don't ignore it).
I have already started the third book, this time the audiobook which I already adore (because David Tennant...).
I was quite lost at the start. Xar is in prison, and I had no idea why. Several months have passed since book 1 and we are just thrown into the story without really an update. At the same time I felt that the end was dragging. We see more of the world, but still not that much happens. The big reveal about the parents was pretty obvious in the first book already, and some important plot lines were thrown in almost like an afterthought. Like 'btw character A has been in live with character B this whole time'. Xar is still an unlikable character, and the writing style is still too 'fun' for my liking.
And yet I had a good time with it. Wish is a very nice character, and I like her growth and coming to terms with her magic. I also really liked the side characters, they really make the story... the snowcats, the philosophizing giant, the good werewolf, the very cute hairy fairies. I even quite liked the witchfinder. There are some gorgeous illustrations in here, and the way they work together with the text is brilliant. The parents are more involved in this story as well, and actually get face to face with each other. I like that they don't just let their kids run of to save the world (not that they are very helpful, but at least they don't ignore it).
I have already started the third book, this time the audiobook which I already adore (because David Tennant...).
April 15, 2025
The writing and world building are excellent, the imagery is lovely, and I love the way that Xar is written, intentionally, as a bit of jerk. He is a selfish, self-centered teenager who is trying to not become a selfish, self-centered man. Xar is becoming a better person in a slow, realistic way rather than having ONE BIG MOMENT that flips his whole personality. Or, having that ONE BIG MOMENT and then it having zero effect on the rest of his character/story until the climax when the lesson is conveniently remembered.
This is an overall 3 star book but Im giving it a 4 simply for the Werewolf and Sprite songs sung by David Tennant in the audio version. The werewolf song especially has stuck with me since my first read in 2019.
This kind of character development is all over the series, but I didn't appreciate it as much there as I do here because in that series Hiccup is our underdog hero who is instantly likable and stays that way. Here, Xar, especially in the first book, is not really that likable, but he's growing and trying and is a character who you can't help but cheer.
The audiobook edition was outstanding here too. It is without a doubt one of David Tennant's best performances and I considered giving this book an extra start for it because it really does elevate the story. I am so glad I waited the extra couple of months after publication for the audiobook to come out, it was completely worth it. Tennant excels with his wide range of enjoyable voices (there is no question of "who is speaking" here), his tone, and his timing. Further the use of sound effects is very successful in accentuating the story rather than taking away from it and the songs are wonderful. I actually went back to re-listen to the songs a couple of times, they were so enjoyable.
I absolutely cannot wait for the third book to be out.
This is an overall 3 star book but Im giving it a 4 simply for the Werewolf and Sprite songs sung by David Tennant in the audio version. The werewolf song especially has stuck with me since my first read in 2019.
This kind of character development is all over the series, but I didn't appreciate it as much there as I do here because in that series Hiccup is our underdog hero who is instantly likable and stays that way. Here, Xar, especially in the first book, is not really that likable, but he's growing and trying and is a character who you can't help but cheer.
The audiobook edition was outstanding here too. It is without a doubt one of David Tennant's best performances and I considered giving this book an extra start for it because it really does elevate the story. I am so glad I waited the extra couple of months after publication for the audiobook to come out, it was completely worth it. Tennant excels with his wide range of enjoyable voices (there is no question of "who is speaking" here), his tone, and his timing. Further the use of sound effects is very successful in accentuating the story rather than taking away from it and the songs are wonderful. I actually went back to re-listen to the songs a couple of times, they were so enjoyable.
I absolutely cannot wait for the third book to be out.
September 22, 2019
Twice Magic I enjoyed this one a bit more than the first one, especially since in this book more things are happening.
I loved the interactions of all the characters. Squuezjoos and the Sprites are quite funny. Crusher the Giant has always big thoughts about something. Caliburn the Talking Raven tries to make peace between Xar and Wish (and many other things).
Our newest addition to this book is the Werewolf who Xar makes friends with in Gormincrag (Rehabilitation Centre for the Re-Education of Dark Magic and Wicked Wizards aka the jail) in the wildwoods.
I again listened to the audio (narrated by David Tennant) and read the last bit. The illustrations are a nice addition to the story and book.
I loved the interactions of all the characters. Squuezjoos and the Sprites are quite funny. Crusher the Giant has always big thoughts about something. Caliburn the Talking Raven tries to make peace between Xar and Wish (and many other things).
Our newest addition to this book is the Werewolf who Xar makes friends with in Gormincrag (Rehabilitation Centre for the Re-Education of Dark Magic and Wicked Wizards aka the jail) in the wildwoods.
I again listened to the audio (narrated by David Tennant) and read the last bit. The illustrations are a nice addition to the story and book.
May 28, 2019
This is such a fun & interesting story! I really enjoyed the first one and this was was even better! I listened to the audiobook on this one and was fantastically narrated by David Tennant!
The story just deepens in this one and it’s full of magic! Still really love Wish & Xar as characters and can’t wait to see the next instalment!
The story just deepens in this one and it’s full of magic! Still really love Wish & Xar as characters and can’t wait to see the next instalment!
February 15, 2022
Mislite li da je moguće da se jedan posve neočekivan (i posve zabranjen!) sudbonosan susret dvaju pripadnika posve različitih (i posve suprotstavljenih!) svjetova dogodi - dvaput?
Kada se radi o vječnom prijateljstvu koje je iz tog neočekivanog susreta proizašlo, i nepresušnoj mašti genijalne Cresside Cowell - naravno da jest!
I Čarobnjacima i Ratnicima jasno je sada da vještice ne samo da nisu izumrle, već su se i vratile - i to opakije nego ikad. U neizbježnom ratu koji će zasigurno uslijediti, ulozi nikada nisu bili veći. Jer, jedino što je do sada moglo poraziti vještice bilo je željezo, na koje je njihova magija slaba, ali novonastale magične moći koje djeluju i na željezo, a koje su se manifestirale u ratničkoj princezi Želji, mogle bi sve promijeniti. Pogotovo ako ih se dokopaju vještice.
Želja, pritom, čami u kaznenom ormaru u koji ju je majka poslala, dok i Ratnici i Čarobnjaci mozgaju kako poraziti vještice - na posve krivi način. Srećom, Željin prijatelj Xar, sin vrhovnog Čarobnjaka, malo je vještiji u bijegu iz zatvora u kojega je njega, zbog vlastite sigurnosti, naravno, zatvorio otac. Nakon spektakularnog upada na ratnički teritorij, i jednako spektakularnog bijega, Želja i Xar otisnut će se u pustolovinu pronalaska sastojaka za jednu vrlo posebnu čaroliju, kojom bi oni sami mogli riješiti problem vještica jednom zauvijek. A vremena za to nema baš puno, jer Kralj-Vještac već se lagano budi iz dugogodišnjeg sna - i spreman je na osvetu.
U drugom nastavku fantastičnih Čarobnjaka iz davnina, Cressida Cowell pripremila nam je još više pustolovine, još više akcije, još više uzbuđenja i još više magije. Ali, i još više opasnosti kroz koje se naši junaci moraju probiti.
Pustolovna priča o zabranjenom prijateljstvu pripadnika neprijateljskih tabora Čarobnjaka i Ratnika ponovno je popraćena maštovitim ilustracijama autorice, koje su jednako zabavne kao i sama priča. Avanture u koje se odmah na početku upuste Želja i Xar, ne prestaju sve do zadnje stranice, a osim što su nevjerojatno uzbudljive, njihove su avanture i strašno zabavne. Uz to, imaju i jasnu poruku: da pravo prijateljstvo nije moguće suzbiti niti ograničiti, niti ga i na koji način ograditi. Ono ruši sve ograde, razbija predrasude i - jednostavno rečeno - mijenja svijet. Ne odjednom, ali malo po malo... sve je moguće.
Šarolika ekipa čarobnih stvorenja na čelu s jednom posebnom i nimalo običnom žlicom, koja prati Želju i Xara, njihove avanture i cijeli taj magični svijet čini još zabavnijim i zanimljivijim. A s druge strane, opake vještice na čelu s Kraljem-Vješcem mogle bi vam itekako utjerati strah u kosti - baš su jezive. I zle.
Srećom, ni Želji ni Xaru nimalo ne manjka hrabrosti ni srčanosti kako bi ove zle spodobe porazili jednom zasvagda, i s tim ciljem ne libe se otići i preko svih granica svega što im je poznato. Njihova prava avantura ovdje je tek započela, a što ih sve čeka vidjet ćemo u daljnjim nastavcima. Ne znam za vas, ali ja ih jedva čekam čitati!
Kada se radi o vječnom prijateljstvu koje je iz tog neočekivanog susreta proizašlo, i nepresušnoj mašti genijalne Cresside Cowell - naravno da jest!
I Čarobnjacima i Ratnicima jasno je sada da vještice ne samo da nisu izumrle, već su se i vratile - i to opakije nego ikad. U neizbježnom ratu koji će zasigurno uslijediti, ulozi nikada nisu bili veći. Jer, jedino što je do sada moglo poraziti vještice bilo je željezo, na koje je njihova magija slaba, ali novonastale magične moći koje djeluju i na željezo, a koje su se manifestirale u ratničkoj princezi Želji, mogle bi sve promijeniti. Pogotovo ako ih se dokopaju vještice.
Želja, pritom, čami u kaznenom ormaru u koji ju je majka poslala, dok i Ratnici i Čarobnjaci mozgaju kako poraziti vještice - na posve krivi način. Srećom, Željin prijatelj Xar, sin vrhovnog Čarobnjaka, malo je vještiji u bijegu iz zatvora u kojega je njega, zbog vlastite sigurnosti, naravno, zatvorio otac. Nakon spektakularnog upada na ratnički teritorij, i jednako spektakularnog bijega, Želja i Xar otisnut će se u pustolovinu pronalaska sastojaka za jednu vrlo posebnu čaroliju, kojom bi oni sami mogli riješiti problem vještica jednom zauvijek. A vremena za to nema baš puno, jer Kralj-Vještac već se lagano budi iz dugogodišnjeg sna - i spreman je na osvetu.
U drugom nastavku fantastičnih Čarobnjaka iz davnina, Cressida Cowell pripremila nam je još više pustolovine, još više akcije, još više uzbuđenja i još više magije. Ali, i još više opasnosti kroz koje se naši junaci moraju probiti.
Pustolovna priča o zabranjenom prijateljstvu pripadnika neprijateljskih tabora Čarobnjaka i Ratnika ponovno je popraćena maštovitim ilustracijama autorice, koje su jednako zabavne kao i sama priča. Avanture u koje se odmah na početku upuste Želja i Xar, ne prestaju sve do zadnje stranice, a osim što su nevjerojatno uzbudljive, njihove su avanture i strašno zabavne. Uz to, imaju i jasnu poruku: da pravo prijateljstvo nije moguće suzbiti niti ograničiti, niti ga i na koji način ograditi. Ono ruši sve ograde, razbija predrasude i - jednostavno rečeno - mijenja svijet. Ne odjednom, ali malo po malo... sve je moguće.
Šarolika ekipa čarobnih stvorenja na čelu s jednom posebnom i nimalo običnom žlicom, koja prati Želju i Xara, njihove avanture i cijeli taj magični svijet čini još zabavnijim i zanimljivijim. A s druge strane, opake vještice na čelu s Kraljem-Vješcem mogle bi vam itekako utjerati strah u kosti - baš su jezive. I zle.
Srećom, ni Želji ni Xaru nimalo ne manjka hrabrosti ni srčanosti kako bi ove zle spodobe porazili jednom zasvagda, i s tim ciljem ne libe se otići i preko svih granica svega što im je poznato. Njihova prava avantura ovdje je tek započela, a što ih sve čeka vidjet ćemo u daljnjim nastavcima. Ne znam za vas, ali ja ih jedva čekam čitati!
March 19, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
After reading the first book a while ago and a new friend of mine insisted that I continue the series.
It’s so adorable and wholesome with incredible illustrations!!! Definitely continuing to the third and fourth book!!!
After reading the first book a while ago and a new friend of mine insisted that I continue the series.
It’s so adorable and wholesome with incredible illustrations!!! Definitely continuing to the third and fourth book!!!
July 10, 2021
Not as good as the first
November 21, 2018
“But then," said Caliburn, "the adults are making such an almighty mess of things maybe we have to put our faith in the children, crazy and unrealistic and reckless though they are...�
Two kids who shouldn't have met (one is a Wizard the other is a Warrior (though with magic that shouldn't exist)) will meet again, and will have to use all their wits, magic, and bravery to beat Witches and save the world.
I just loved the first book, which I found when I was visiting London (with autograph + more), and I was delighted that this series is continuing. Too bad I can't just go to London again to grab another limited edition (I am sure there is one).
Our heroes are found in two places at the start of the story. Gormincrag for Xar, due to events of the last book (and the Witchstain on his hand that is ever growing) and behind a giant wall for our Wish. But don't worry our two heroes will meet again! Albeit not in a way I thought they would, with Xar sneaking into the Warrior Fortress to steal back his Spelling Book (really, couldn't you have asked?).
The adventure was just so exciting, and I loved reading about the world, see our duo (and their friends/companions) try to find ingredients, shake off pursuers, dodge some scary witches, and oh yes, then there is the Kingswitch (who was wayyyyy to creepy).
I am so happy with Wish and Xar, they are much more adult than the adults themselves. Sure, they are bickering at times, but throughout the story we see that these two really like each other's company. And I was just absolutely squealing in delight at a certain scene and what Xar said there. Squee!
Xar at times is still an annoying little boy. HOWEVER, as the story continues we see him acting smarter, kinder, and he is seeing that things aren't just black and white (as the adults often think). I am really happy that he is making these changes, that he is growing, that he is becoming stronger. I can't wait to see the final Xar. What kind of guy will he be then?
I still love Wish the most out of the two characters. She is sweet, kind, and I just adore that she can do magic while being a warrior.
I had such a laugh when we had an enchanted spoon, a fork, and a key, and it turned into one big love triangle!
Then there is the backstory for Xar's father and Wish's mother. It was definitely a surprise to me, I just can't imagine it, but we do see some signs in this book that do confirm it to be a true backstory. Now I am just rooting for certain things to happen, though I guess it won't happen unless someone can do some unspelling. Also, this does explain some thing regarding Wish.
I loved meeting a giant even bigger and more ancient than Crusher. I hope that we see more of these giants. Yeah, I know they have left the world, went to the sea, but who knows, maybe they are still there somewhere.
The adults were pretty eh in this book. I get that they want to protect their kids, and not have them do all the things they do, but come on listen. Listen to your kids. So many things could have been prevented if people just listened. I was constantly rolling my eyes at how stupid the adults were acting in this book. I get that they may not believe Xar (due to him constantly lying and making up things left and right), but at least listen to Wish.
And urghghhhh, I hated that Witchsmeller dude. My lord, that dude was just so annoying and dumb. Come on, you should know what a Witch looks like or does, and that there is no such thing as a Fule (Fool). He kept on going on and on and on about that. In the end I just wanted to feed him to the Kingswitch.
The ending was terrific, though I also was shaking my fist. Argghhhh, now we need to wait until the next book to find out more, and see if our duo (and their friends and companions) will be able to get the ingredients. Will they defeat the evil in the world? Or will it take a few more books (which I also don't mind as these books are scrumptious).
Lastly, we have the illustrations. I definitely have to get used to their style again, it is a very unique style, but I have to say I love it. It just fits like a glove.
Oh, and I can't forget the Narrator. I am still very much guessing on who it could be, so far though I haven't got a clue as to who it could be. I am just way too immersed in the story to see the hints I guess. That is the trouble with this book, it just sucks you in. It draws you to this magical world.
We also see some spellbook pages, get the story of the giant, and some more fun extras.
All in all, I just need the next book in this series and I hope it will be out next year (although that is already such a long wait). I would HIGHLY recommend this book to all.
Review first posted at
Two kids who shouldn't have met (one is a Wizard the other is a Warrior (though with magic that shouldn't exist)) will meet again, and will have to use all their wits, magic, and bravery to beat Witches and save the world.
I just loved the first book, which I found when I was visiting London (with autograph + more), and I was delighted that this series is continuing. Too bad I can't just go to London again to grab another limited edition (I am sure there is one).
Our heroes are found in two places at the start of the story. Gormincrag for Xar, due to events of the last book (and the Witchstain on his hand that is ever growing) and behind a giant wall for our Wish. But don't worry our two heroes will meet again! Albeit not in a way I thought they would, with Xar sneaking into the Warrior Fortress to steal back his Spelling Book (really, couldn't you have asked?).
The adventure was just so exciting, and I loved reading about the world, see our duo (and their friends/companions) try to find ingredients, shake off pursuers, dodge some scary witches, and oh yes, then there is the Kingswitch (who was wayyyyy to creepy).
I am so happy with Wish and Xar, they are much more adult than the adults themselves. Sure, they are bickering at times, but throughout the story we see that these two really like each other's company. And I was just absolutely squealing in delight at a certain scene and what Xar said there. Squee!
Xar at times is still an annoying little boy. HOWEVER, as the story continues we see him acting smarter, kinder, and he is seeing that things aren't just black and white (as the adults often think). I am really happy that he is making these changes, that he is growing, that he is becoming stronger. I can't wait to see the final Xar. What kind of guy will he be then?
I still love Wish the most out of the two characters. She is sweet, kind, and I just adore that she can do magic while being a warrior.
I had such a laugh when we had an enchanted spoon, a fork, and a key, and it turned into one big love triangle!
Then there is the backstory for Xar's father and Wish's mother. It was definitely a surprise to me, I just can't imagine it, but we do see some signs in this book that do confirm it to be a true backstory. Now I am just rooting for certain things to happen, though I guess it won't happen unless someone can do some unspelling. Also, this does explain some thing regarding Wish.
I loved meeting a giant even bigger and more ancient than Crusher. I hope that we see more of these giants. Yeah, I know they have left the world, went to the sea, but who knows, maybe they are still there somewhere.
The adults were pretty eh in this book. I get that they want to protect their kids, and not have them do all the things they do, but come on listen. Listen to your kids. So many things could have been prevented if people just listened. I was constantly rolling my eyes at how stupid the adults were acting in this book. I get that they may not believe Xar (due to him constantly lying and making up things left and right), but at least listen to Wish.
And urghghhhh, I hated that Witchsmeller dude. My lord, that dude was just so annoying and dumb. Come on, you should know what a Witch looks like or does, and that there is no such thing as a Fule (Fool). He kept on going on and on and on about that. In the end I just wanted to feed him to the Kingswitch.
The ending was terrific, though I also was shaking my fist. Argghhhh, now we need to wait until the next book to find out more, and see if our duo (and their friends and companions) will be able to get the ingredients. Will they defeat the evil in the world? Or will it take a few more books (which I also don't mind as these books are scrumptious).
Lastly, we have the illustrations. I definitely have to get used to their style again, it is a very unique style, but I have to say I love it. It just fits like a glove.
Oh, and I can't forget the Narrator. I am still very much guessing on who it could be, so far though I haven't got a clue as to who it could be. I am just way too immersed in the story to see the hints I guess. That is the trouble with this book, it just sucks you in. It draws you to this magical world.
We also see some spellbook pages, get the story of the giant, and some more fun extras.
All in all, I just need the next book in this series and I hope it will be out next year (although that is already such a long wait). I would HIGHLY recommend this book to all.
Review first posted at
January 28, 2019
I loved the original audiobook SO much that I deliberately waited to read it until I could access the audiobook - and then miraculously this weekend, as though it was meant to be, I found it and listened to it pretty much nonstop. It was such a pleasure and joy to be back with Squeezjoos, Xar and Wish. But mostly Squeezejoos because he is our favorite and we'd like an entire series of books about his adventures just being adorable and hilarious and the best hairy fairy ever. Thank you. This sequel has everything that made the first book so charming - explosions, Xar's terrible decisions as the Boy of Destiny, dramatic escapes and fights, magical creatures who like to sing amazing songs (this time from a werewolf that makes your heart break), the mysterious narrator (I think it's Caliburn but would Caliburn mock himself... now I don't know for sure), a love triangle with a key, the spoon, and fork, backstories that explain a lot, and magic, lots and lots of magic. If you're looking for an audiobook series that shows the power of this storytelling medium, the Wizards of Once is your best choice. Also, Squeezejoos.
January 10, 2021
Read- August 2019 for The N.E.W.Ts (My E in Herbology)
- Cressida Cowell has quickly become one of my all time favourite authors. This series in particular is just so engaging and I can't wait to see where it goes in the 3rd book.
1st Re-Read- September 2019
- Raising my rating from a 4 Stars to a 4.5 Stars. Re-reading the first two books so I can move onto to the 3rd one.
2nd Re-Read- April 2020 for the O.W.Ls (History of Magic- A Book Featuring Wizards/Witches)
- My rating has gone up again to a 5 Star. I genuinely love this series more with every re-read. I also highly recommend the audiobooks.
3rd Re-Read- January 2021
- My rating for this is staying the same. I genuinely think this is my favourite book in this series.
- Cressida Cowell has quickly become one of my all time favourite authors. This series in particular is just so engaging and I can't wait to see where it goes in the 3rd book.
1st Re-Read- September 2019
- Raising my rating from a 4 Stars to a 4.5 Stars. Re-reading the first two books so I can move onto to the 3rd one.
2nd Re-Read- April 2020 for the O.W.Ls (History of Magic- A Book Featuring Wizards/Witches)
- My rating has gone up again to a 5 Star. I genuinely love this series more with every re-read. I also highly recommend the audiobooks.
3rd Re-Read- January 2021
- My rating for this is staying the same. I genuinely think this is my favourite book in this series.
December 31, 2021
This is the problem with meeting your enemies. Once you have met them, it's really quite difficult to carry on hating them in the way you absolutely ought to.
This book was just a delight to read, as most Cressida Cowell books are. I love the characters of Wish, Xar, and Bodkin, I laughed out loud several times, the illustrations are so fun. I enjoyed the story, I liked where the plot went, it was just fun to be along for the ride. I can't wait to read the next one.
Five stars from me!
((also, the key being in love with the spoon and the fork being in love with the key is maybe the funniest thing I've read in a hot minute, lolll))
This book was just a delight to read, as most Cressida Cowell books are. I love the characters of Wish, Xar, and Bodkin, I laughed out loud several times, the illustrations are so fun. I enjoyed the story, I liked where the plot went, it was just fun to be along for the ride. I can't wait to read the next one.
Five stars from me!
((also, the key being in love with the spoon and the fork being in love with the key is maybe the funniest thing I've read in a hot minute, lolll))
September 20, 2018
Loved it!! Even better than the first one. Definitely recommend these! Can’t believe I have to wait so long for the next one ☹️
October 30, 2018
All kinds of lovely ♥️
March 14, 2019
On the whole, not as good as the first book in the series—but it deserves equal footing with book one because of David Tennant singing a werewolf song.
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