A Wizard of Mars

Reader: Luke M
Age: 16
Title: A Wizard of Mars
Author: Diane Duane
Publisher: Harcourt Children’s Books
Pub Date: April 2010
Galley: Yes
Nominate for Teen’s Top 10: No
Recommend: No
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I liked the explanation of how people came to live on Mars, what they were like and why they were coming back. This back-story was much more believable than just saying no one had ever noticed the Martians before. I also liked how the Martians were warring among themselves and the peaceful resolution of sending them back in time, as it seemed what a wizard would do.
Were you disappointed with the book at all: I thought much of the book was very dull. Little happened until Kit was taken over. It was hard to keep reading the book. I also wished Dairine had more of a part. Having her be gone was a disappointment. She played a major role in the rest of the series and is barely mentioned here. Camela's parts could be downplayed in favor of Dairine. Dairine would be much more likely to understand the alien language than a non-wizard.
Did you finish: Yes
Did the cover tempt you and/or reflect the contents of the book: The cover was very interesting and caught my attention, but it didn't reflect the contents. The tripods aren't scorpions but the tripods are described to shoot red light, not green, and even if they are tripods, Nita never fought them. Only Darryl, Ronan and Kit did.
Comments: The back cover's synopsis needs to be changed. To quote it "If they fail, the history that left Mars lifeless will repeat itself on Earth." One, mars is not lifeless in the book and the Martians don't seem that interested in killing humans. The humans would do nothing more than panic some. It also mentions interplanetary war and violation of wizard laws. There is no interplanetary war at all and the only violation of wizard law is the possessed Kit and some insane Martians. Many characters are excluded in the story. Darryl and Ronan are important in the star and then left. Kit may want the glory but wouldn't Nita bring them with. As mentioned earlier, Dairine is also left out along with Tom and Carl.
Age Range: 14-15
Quality: 2Q Needs more work
Popularity: 3P Some teen appeal