Witch & Wizard: The Fire

Written by Jill Dembowski and James Patterson

Narrated by Spencer Locke and Elijah Wood

Whit and Wisty Allgood have sacrificed everything to lead the Resistance against the evil regime that governs their world. And now its supreme leader, The One Who Is The One, has executed the only family they had left.

Wisty knows that the time has finally come for her to face The One. But her magic and her fire only channel more power to this already formidable being. How can she and Whit possibly defeat the ruthless villain who devastated their world — before he can become truly all-powerful?

In this amazing third instalment of the epic Witch & Wizard series, the stakes have never been higher — and the consequences will change everything.

A Random House UK audio production.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House UK Audio
• Release date: Oct 13, 2011
• ISBN: 9781409099741

Reviews for Witch & Wizard

[laphenix · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Myeh at best. The jargon dates the book, and alienates readers. While the story is interesting, it's never engaging. The ending is preachy and, really, the jargon is awful.

[akmargie · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

WTH?!? You go witch!
Ughh...who writes crap like that? It was even worse because it was Elijah Wood saying these things. I just kept feeling ashamed for him.

[librarybrandy · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Ever-so-slightly dystopian in that there's a totalitarian government lurking somewhere back behind the plot contrivances. Mostly it's two teens who discover they have magic powers on the night the government comes to arrest them for it, and then the teens' escape from prison etc. I'd definitely peg this as fantasy before dystopian.

Lots of action and super-short chapters, great appeal for reluctant readers, but blaaaaaaah for me.

(Is it fair to say this is exactly what I expected, if what I'd expected was fluffy brainless not-superbly-written action sequences loosely held together with plot? Or can I only say that if I add a comma or four in there?)

[nicola26 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A very quick and easy read, but very enjoyable. It follows the story of Wisty and Whit, a sister and brother who find out they can do magic. I don't think there was enough distinction between the voice of Whit, and that of Wisty- without the chapter saying so, it was hard to realize who was narrating. It was pretty good though, and it kept me hooked from the start. I'll definitely read the next one, because I'm dying to find out what happens to them.

[shannaredwind_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I wanted to like this book, I really did. It had all of the elements that I like. Kids that don't realize they have powers. Persecution by those in the government. Capture and escape. And to be honest it was an exciting book.

The problem I had was that almost every "bad guy" that they encounter screams at them. The judge screams at them, the jailkeeper screams at them. While I don't have a problem with a couple psychotic spittle flecking people screaming at the main characters, I just had a huge problem accepting that almost all of them were like that. No coldly furious people, no superiorly righteous people, just ravening foaming at the mouth screaming people.

That said, I will probably continue to read the series because I do like the premise and besides my problem with some of the characters, I did enjoy reading it.

[creighley_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Choppy, short chapters that switch between the main characters just don;t make it.l The main characters are not well developed and the overall plot is WAY over the top. I suppose it might work for teens, but not those who have read better! Disappointing.

[kaydi35 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I really didnt care much for this book. I usually like Patterson's writing, but not this one. My brother in law encouraged me to read this and told me he thought I'd love it since I like paranormal books. But one this one, we didnt quite agree.

[bookescapest · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I did enjoy this book. Its a quick read. HOWEVER, there is very little character development. The book begins in the middle as far as I'm concerned. You are thrust into a world of confusion along with these two characters, however you aren't emotionally involved enough to really care what happens to them. As the book goes along and little tidbits are revealed it still isn't enough to really become "invested" in the storyline. I'm going to read the second book hoping to learn more about the characters themselves.

[mountie9_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Mini Book Review: Dear James, you know I love you, but what the heck? This is one of the worst pieces of fiction I have ever read. There is zero characterization and I felt absolutely nothing for ANY of the characters. The story, while fast paced, is seriously dull and I had to force myself to keep reading it. I kept hoping it would get better, but it didn't. The idea for the story is fantastic but the execution is a joke. What really bothered me is that the story is geared for teenagers, but treats them like morons. You can't tell me that these two kids never noticed what was going on in their world. Quite frankly if I was a teen I would be thouroughly offended by how little you think of them my friend. I know a lot of people pick on you for your stories, but I have always enjoyed you because at least you were a good storyteller. This is sooo not your best work sir and I will not be reading the rest of the series. That being said the series might be ok for the more reluctant reader. And don't worry James, I will keep on reading you -- just don't disappoint me again ok : ) See you at BEA, I will be waiting in line to have a chance to chat with you -- and will TRY not to ask you what Nathan Fillion is really like -- I will try, I promise!2 Dewey's

[coreyholst · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Good. A different take on a magical pair of siblings set in an altered future. In some ways the magic that happens doesn't seem to fit the society described, because it seems we are supposed to believe they all come from OUR society. But since the magic is never explained in ANY way, it seems it only appears because the title said it would. But I just went with it and enjoyed it. Enough potential to move onto the next one.

[rose2332 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Witch and wizard is about a brother and sister who are kidnapped by a group of people who think that all witches and wizards should be dead, but they actually have powers. Eventually they escape to a city that is run by teenagers that save other kids that whir sentenced to death. Personally i think this book was an excellent read and would recommend it to any one who likes adventure books or likes teens with powers.

[joybee_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Fast paced and fun read. In a future run by the political group N. O. (new order), children are targeted. Whit and Whisty are two teens who are accused of witchcraft and sentenced to death. This story follows them as they try to escape from prison, learn to control their magic, and try to save the world (as prophesized).

[scifidave · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This novel has shades of the Daniel X series and seems written for the same young adult market. Regardless, it was well paced with a slew of interesting characters and edge-of-the-precipice moments.It is very much a page turner and once I finished it, was ready for the second installment.For those adults who enjoy sci-fi with a bit more fantasy, ignore the target audience, sit back and enjoy. Thoroughly entertaining.

[ctmskyhe · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Can you imagine waking up one morning and immediately being arrested and the reason they say they're arresting you is because you're a witch and wizard? Well, thats what happened to Whit and Wisty who are the main characters in the book "Witch and Wizard" by James Patterson.   Whit and Wisty are brother and sister. They lived normal lives until one morning they were awoken by N.O. (New Order) police arresting them. Next thing you know, they were in jail. The book actually starts with a bit of forshadowing. I personally like forshadowing because it gives me an idea of what I should expect to happen next. However, in this part of the book it tells you what exactly is going to happen, which i don't really like. Whit and Wisty Allgood live in a world where everything is banned. No art, music, books or anything fun is allowed. These rules were made by the New Order. The leader of the New Order is only known as "The One Who is The One", and, throughout the book, continues to try to capture and kill Whit and Wisty. The witch and wizard and constantly learning about their powers all through the book, which i felt was very important because if they figured out all their powers in the first chapter of the book, they would easily defeat their enemies every time. This book is written in the perspetives of the two main characters, Whit and Wisty. And, much like some of James Patterson's other books, this one has a lot of chapters that are short and sweet. But, I also found some parts of this book to be a bit dry. It seemed that every fight scene was either the same or slightly different. The One Who is The One would find them, they would fight, then they would escape. Then he would find them again, and they would escape again. And so on... Although this book may be a little bland at some times, I would definately recommend it. It's got action, adventure, and a little bit of romance in it too. And this is just the first book of many in the series. The second book called "The Gift" is already out, and there will be a third book called "The Fire" that isnt out yet. And possibly more after that. With all that I've said in this review, i think this book definately deserves a four star rating. Its well written in most parts, but some parts tend to get a bit dry. But, overall, this was a fantastic book.

[gnomereads · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A good quick, light read. The first in a series where Wisty & Whit are sibling witch & wizard, just finding out about their powers. I enjoy James Patterson's because they follow dialogue groups, and are paced well. There's no lag time at the beginning, getting into sets and characters.

[swivelgal · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked this book. Many reviewers complained of confusion at chapter breaks due to change in POV. I had no trouble with this regard. My only criticism relates to the 'young adult' language inserts such as texting. There were not very many. The ones used seemed forced and awkward. I think Patterson dated himself. I would recommend this book to a teen.

[indygo88 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Written for a young adult audience, I'd say Patterson needs to avoid this genre in the future. This read more like a book for an older child or tween. As a 40-something adult, I enjoy a fair amount of young adult fiction & there are some good writers of it out there. Patterson is not one of them. The plot itself was borderline okay. Teenage brother & sister discover they're a wizard & witch, respectively, as they're kidnapped from their home by the newly formed dystopic government, the New Order. From there they slowly discover their powers as they try to escape prison & save their missing parents, as well as all the other kids who have been wrongly imprisoned for ridiculous "crimes". I generally like books with short chapters, and Patterson is known for these. However, these chapters are 1-3 pages in length & each "break" is more of a distraction than anything. Some chapters are told from Whit's point of view, and some are told from Wisty's (I hate that name, by the way). But they don't necessarily alternate back & forth -- sometimes there are several chapters from one point of view, and then it switches. It creates confusion for the reader more than anything. There's also a section at the end that parodies contemporary books, music, etc. with a "New Order" take, and that just didn't seem to fit with the rest of it. I can't see a child or tween reader getting any real appreciation out of it.I'm usually a sucker for series books (as this one is), but I don't anticipate reading any further in this one.

[sithereandread · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

WITCH AND WIZARD, by James Patterson, is a fast-paced adventure about a new government regime against children who have magical powers. Patterson created this tyrannous world where not even children are safe, but it is the children who must rise above to save the world from these rulers.This is my first full audiobook that I have ever "read", and I loved it! The appeal of Elijah Wood and Spencer Locke might have had something to do with it but I can proudly say I am hooked. Their voices were really great for the roles of Wisty and Whit. The combination of the writing and voices really made this book fantastic.Since Wisty and Whit were clueless when they found out they they were a witch and wizard, I felt that I was going along for the ride with them. They had no idea why they were taken away from their parents and why Wisty kept bursting into flames without a ash on her afterwards. It was very comical that each time they defended themselves it seemed to give the New Order a reason to confirm their suspicions about this supernatural sibling team.I thought that this government that Patterson created was extremely terrifying and completely plausible. Past history has created some unmerciful governments who do not like change or diversification of its people and this was unlike those. This was an amazing start to this series and I am interested to see where Patterson takes us in the next book in the series The Gift.

[lizard_698959 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Ok while I've loved James Patterson Books in the past I'm not totally sure I loved this one. Its almost like they just put his name on this book to sell them. I didn't hate this book but I found it very weird. There were times when I totally had to roll my eyes at how weird the book is. I think it would work if you were going to read it to one of your younger kids or if you were under 10. Otherwise I'm not sure I’d recommend it. It’s not a YA novel that transcends ages its pretty much a juvenile kids book. I’m guessing that it starts out in a time much like our own but that things have just greatly changed when there was a new president elected. Once The One Who Is The One (the new president) takes office everything goes to hell in a hand basket! The One is a Wizard I’m guessing it never comes out and says that that I remember but he has to be. While the kids never accused him of being one in public just didn’t make sense to me I would have called him on it like they do in the dinner. Anyway The One Who is The One changes everything but outlawing pretty much anything that might lead to fun. No is the new saying. No music, no bubble gum, no bad behavior, and no witches and wizard or No Hat trips. A hat trip is what they called it when a witch or wizard created or made a spell. However there is a threat to The One Who Is The Ones rule there are a young witch and a young wizard that can change what has happened. The two main characters are the witch and wizard who can bring down the one. The One takes them Captive and they must escape to save the world from THE ONE!

[pandareads · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Okay, I love short chapters as much as the next guy, but these things are two pages each and end and start rather haphazardly. The novel takes place between two different points of view, of Whit and Wisty, brother and sister, who are, incidentally, also a wizard and witch. In some cases there are several chapters in one point of view in a row that could easily, and should have been, combined to make one regular length chapter. Are kids today incapable of reading ten pages in a row? I just didn't understand the point of such minuscule chapters.Also, I'm not a fan of "text speak" in novels. We should be encouraging our youth to remain true to the English language. I rue the day that this kind of "language" becomes normal. For example, on page 23: "My parents looked horrified -- but not actually surprised. So WTH?" For goodness sakes, spell out "What the hell!"All that aside, this book had a lot of great things going for it. It's geared towards younger readers and I can definitely see this book encouraging them to read, but this novel is definitely interesting for adults too and is sure to spark some interesting discussions. The plot moves swiftly and there's never any boring down time. It reminded me a lot of The Hunger Games and other "the world as we know it has ended and Big Government is Obese" kind of novels. Overall, the plot was very interesting with lots of fun twists and turns.I've never read anything by James Patterson before, and while this was a good book to kill an afternoon/evening with, I'm sure his books for adults must be better.

[shelleyraec · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

A quick and easy read, verey much suited to the young teen market. Since I am considerably older than that I like to know more about the characters before I go plunging into the story with them. Its an interesting premise though and there are some moments of real humor and the pace is good. For me it just lacked detail. I would recommend it to a 9-12 year old age range

[amcreech · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Whisty and Whit Allgood are drug from their home in the middle of the night and they have no idea why. They soon discover that they have magical powers and that they are, in fact, a witch and wizard. The New Order is now in charge of all government and have set to rid the world of anyone they deem as different. With their newfound powers, they embark on a dangerous adventure to challenge the New Order, rescue other children taken while trying to stay alive. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the other books in this series.

[stang50logan · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Im confused, was this James Patterson for adults or for a 10 year old??? This book was not very good at all. The book lacked character development, plot & anything that would resemble a good book. Easy to read since there was a chapter break every other page. The best part was finishing it...I wont be reading the sequal.

[bclanphere · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The New Order has taken control of society and kids are starting to disappear. Teen brother and sister duo, Whit and Wisty Allgood, have been torn from their seemingly normal home and parents, and thrown into high security detention center for no apparent reason. They soon realize that they were seized because of the special powers they didn't know they possessed. Once they learn how to master their powers, they plan an escape for themselves and several other kids from the compound.Comments:Another predictable book to throw on the pile of Harry Potter-ish / Hunger Games-ish themed stories, but without all the complex character building and actual plots that go below the surface to get in the way. Teens with magical powers (who don't know they have magical powers) in a world where good and evil are turned upside-down. It was a very easy read – the chapters are short and alternate narration between Whit and Wisty, which actually helps keep the reader interested. I was entertained, and I think that younger audiences will be entertained as well. Much easier to tackle than a Harry Potter for the young wizard-wanna-be just starting out in the fantasy genre. No obvious connection to school media, aside from the political and societal oppression of the New Order government. This isn't a work of great literary depth and importance. Although it was mentioned on best seller lists, it isn't an award winning piece. There is groundwork for a series, so it might be a good pick for a reluctant reader or a developing reader, to get them interested in a new series that won't be difficult for them to finish.

[turtlesleap · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Nominally written for young adults, this book is an almost incoherent collection of trite and silly situations, absurd characters and a silly story. Most young people I know would find the book merely insulting. Not recommended.

[averysbooknook · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really haven't read any good reviews about this book (seriously, look it up on Goodreads and almost every single review on the first page has rated it as one star) and I don't understand why it has been rated so poorly. A lot of the reviews say that it was a blatant rip-off of "Harry Potter" and all I can think is, "Did we read the same book?" How are they so similar? Because they are about witches, wizards, and prophecies? Do you know how many books revolve around those themes? A lot. I don't think that it is fair to say that this book is a rip-off by any means, the differences far outweigh the similarities in this instance. I thought that it had an interesting plot line and it was very fast paced/ action-packed and by now it has probably become more than a little bit apparent that I prefer when books have a little romance aspect to them, but despite this book not having really any romance to it I personally still really liked it. I think that the main reason why I liked this book was because of (in addition to the interesting plot line, that is) Whit and Wisty. Despite all of their hardships they were really quite funny characters. I lost track of the number of times I burst out laughing at their antics, like when Wisty was learning the extent of her abilities and yelled "Ooh, I'm a bad scary witch," I said in a psycho kind of voice. I'm going to turn you into a pumpkin. Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo!" (pg.117) and accidentally turned another character in the book into an animal. And I think that the both of them were just really sweet, they obviously cared a lot about one another and it was nice to see their brother/ sister bond grow throughout the book. Furthermore, I love seeing kids develop their powers over the course of a book and there was a lot of that going on in this book, from learning how to make horseflies and leeches appear out of thin air to bursting into flames to shooting lightening out of their hands. All in all? I do think that this is a really great book. While it is mostly serious with all of the action and adventure there is most definitely a comedic aspect to it that it genuinely funny and that does help break up some of its seriousness. I am looking forward to seeing its film adaptation (my copy of the book contained a special preview of the movie screenplay and it sounded pretty awesome).

[bellamia_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was an ok story. I think it is for a younger audience. I did get through the whole book wasn't too impressed.

[mannperkins_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I had high hopes with this book. It took a bit to get into because of the way it is broken up. I liked the characters and the story line but it was not a smooth read. I am looking forward to reading The Gift. I hope it's a better read.

[dragonfreak · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

 When a new government enters into power, a person called He Who Is The One takes over everything and is determined to kill off the heroes in this book, Whit and Wisty, because they are destined to stop him from taking over the all of the worlds.Whit and Wisty aren't normal people. They are a witch and a wizard. But they aren't just ordinary Witches or Wizards, they are the most powerful ones ever. And they realize, things are going to get really tough.

[jaidahsmommy · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This wa my first book by James Patterson. I did not know it was YA when I started reading it, but it quickly became apparent. The chapters are really short, like four pages at the most, which made for a very quick read. It took only a few hours to read the entire book. The story was interesting at times, but I did have some issues with it. If you haven't read this book and plan on doing so, please don't read any further. My main issue with the plot of this book is this: the teens are taken into custody because their "friends" have apparently turned them in for being a witch and a wizard. But there is no mention again of these friends or why they were suspected of being a witch and wizard. Furthermore, the teens themselves didn't even know they were so how did their friends? And the worst part about this book is the girl's ability to turn into fire. When she gets really mad, she can burst into flames. The first time she finds this out is when she is being arrested for being a witch as a teenager. I'm sorry, but I think she would have gotten angry as a child and thrown a temper tantrum once or twice and noticed herself on fire, as would her brother and other people who probably wouldn't have just sat by and said nothing to her. So that was a plot complication. That being said, the second book of this series was just released and even though I won't be buying it, I will probably borrow it to read because I absolutely HATE not finishing a book or series. It really bothers me. I just hope the story picks up and makes more sense in the second book.