A Wizard of Mars

A Wizard of Mars
by Diane Duane
Young Wizards series, book nine

Kit and Nita become part of an elite team investigating the mysterious "message in a bottle," which holds the first clues to the secrets of the long-lost inhabitants of Mars. But not even wizardry can help them cope with the strange events that unfold when the "bottle" is uncorked and a life form from another era emerges.

Though the Martians seem friendly, they have a plan that could change the shape of more than one world. As the shadow of interplanetary war stretches over both worlds, Kit and Nita must fight to master the strange and ancient synergy binding them to Mars and its last inhabitants. If they don't succeed, the history that left Mars lifeless will repeat itself on Earth.

It's been awhile since I read the last book in this series, but having to wait for book nine was worth it. This is a great science-fiction based magic series. Rather than fairy dust or wand waving magic, the young wizards here have to memorize long spells in the Speech, a universal language, coax machines to do what they want and keep their magical knowledge in manuals that function more like handheld PDAs.

Kit and Nita both became wizards when they were very young. The most powerful wizards start out at about eleven. Now, older and more experienced, they have been working as partners for years...and each tries not to think of the other as anything else as their best friend. When Mars threatens to split them up, they must band together to save themselves, their friends, their world, and if possible the potential Martians.

Full of funny Martian movie references and typical teenage angst, this book also delves much deeper into themes of friendship, love, morality, strength, and loyalty. An excellent addition to the series that brings Kit and Nita to the breaking point...

Full disclosure: Received audiobook to review for Audiofile Magazine