Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Book Review: "The Wizard of Odd" by Soda


$12.95 // Llumina Press // www.llumina.com

A witch. A wizard. A young boy, mourning the loss of his parents, who transforms his grief into courage to save a city in the clouds. Though the coming-of-age journey young Donovan Bale undertakes is reminiscent of Wonderland's Alice or Oz's Dorothy, author Soda makes sure it's fresh and different in all the right places, making "The Wizard of Odd" an endearingly sweet read.

"The Wizard of Odd" develops themes of childhood wonder and unquestioning belief in right versus wrong, almost as if a wise child himself were crafting the story. Donovan and his friends are quick-thinking and lucky, yet vulnerable enough to feel real. A few twists at the end make for an overall enjoyable story that children and adults of all ages can enjoy.

The piercing purity of the entire story is a reflection on the heart of its author. Soda is an artist through and through, able to breathe beauty into life whether with music or prose -- a rare ability. "The Wizard of Odd" is certainly a triumph that will leave the reader looking forward to more from multitalented Soda.

-Christine Sampson

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