Thomas Wildus And The Wizard of Sumeria by J.M. Bergen  ( Bookshop.org | Amazon.com )

Elandrian Press, 2019

ISBN13: 978-1732457836

Available: Paperback, Kindle edition

Fans of magic and fantasy smile! J.M. Bergen’s Book 2 of the Elandrian Chronicles, Thomas Wildus and the Wizard of Sumeria, will satisfy preteens, teens and adults who enjoy J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books. Thomas is a boy who discovers that he comes from a family with inborn magical talents, that must be developed by mysterious tutors in a faraway, mystical school. He, his friends and tutors battle sinister wizards and creatures in search of powerful, iconic weapons that can destroy the world, crystals in Book 1 and a staff in Book 2.

Bergen uses tropes, language and situations appropriate to teenagers in Southern California. Thomas and his nerdy friends are bullied at school, are discovering girls and are into comics and food. As in Book 1, they are teleported to the school of magic in the mountains of Asia to strengthen their skills. A new friend’s “skill” isn’t strictly magical, but a world class ability to hack into computers.

Thomas and his friends are following clues to find a hidden, ancient staff before the billionaire wizard whom they battled in Book 1 finds it. A fearsome, shape-shifting creature attacks the School just before they teleport to the billionaire’s fortified mansion. There they discover that another foe, the Wizard of Sumeria, is seeking the staff. The race shifts to Peru where a battle of magical forces ensues for possession of the artifact hidden in a jungle pyramid.

Bergen’s writing style is direct, and his plot moves along at a good pace. Reading Book 1 is recommended, but not necessary to enjoy Book 2. Hopefully there will be several more books in the Elandrian Chronicles. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Robert D. Yee