Jinx by Sage Blackwood
Synopsis:
In the Urwald, you don’t step off the path. Trolls, werewolves, and butter churn–riding witches lurk amid the clawing branches, eager to swoop up the unwary. Jinx has always feared leaving the path—then he meets the wizard Simon Magus.
Jinx knows that wizards are evil. But Simon’s kitchen is cozy, and he seems cranky rather than wicked. Staying with him appears to be Jinx’s safest, and perhaps only, option. As Jinx’s curiosity about magic grows, he learns to listen to the trees as closely as he does to Simon’s unusual visitors. The more Jinx discovers, the more determined he becomes to explore beyond the security of well-trodden paths.
But in the Urwald, a little healthy fear is never out of place, for magic—and magicians—can be as dangerous as the forest. And soon Jinx must decide which is the greater threat.
Review:
Jinx is a likeable youngster, curious with a bit of an attitude. He has the unique ability to understand any language, even that of the trees, and he can “see” the thoughts of those he meets. Orphaned at a young age, his stepparents try to leave him in the dangerous forest where Simon the Wizard finds him and takes him home. Jinx lives a tolerable life with Simon, and even convinces him to let Jinx apprentice. But after Simon works a spell on Jinx, he discovers he’s missing his ability to read the thoughts of others. Simon may not be the good wizard Jinx thought.
This is a fun, humorous, and exciting tale for all ages. With colorful characters, an imaginative world, and plenty of magic – Jinx is an exciting story from beginning to end. Full of mystery, adventure, and humor, this is a fantasy that all ages will enjoy. I’m guessing this is start of a series, as there are some minor subplots left hanging. And I certainly look forward to more of these incredible characters.