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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
115 global ratings
5 star
66%
4 star
19%
3 star
9%
2 star
3%
1 star
3%
Avis Blackthorn: Is Not an Evil Wizard! (The Wizard Magic School Series, Book 1)

Avis Blackthorn: Is Not an Evil Wizard! (The Wizard Magic School Series, Book 1)

byJack Simmonds
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Top positive review

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dlktflwr
5.0 out of 5 starsNo, not a Potter clone - A great start to a wonderful series!
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2017
Let me start by saying, the first Harry Potter book was nothing special either. The author evolved and I believe this author is doing the same. I had to start with the 3rd book (I proofread it) and yes, they get better and better.

This was a self-published SmashWords book, and if I'm not mistaken, was originally released totally free. His readers suggested he market his books. So although you will find some grammatical and/or spelling errors, it was not enough to slow me down and I am eagerly looking forward to reading book 2.

At times it feels like it's going in circles - let me remind you, this is the first book written by this author. I think he did very well.

I am an adult reader who enjoys YA Action/Adventure books and this was exciting enough for my tastes. Although predictable, it was still a fun read for me and I hated that it ended. It was only predictable in that the hero will survive!

I love what another reviewer said about "proofreading not being a requirement in the wizard's world." Perhaps people don't know that Indie-Authors rely on volunteers to proofread in return for getting the books for free. I have proofread a few books now and I only wonder how many read but never get around to the "proofing." It does take time and is still not 100%. If misspellings and grammar bother you, why not consider offering to proofread on an author you like.
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Top critical review

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L. Braun
3.0 out of 5 starsCan't recommend it until the author does something about his horrible grammar
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2018
I'm giving this series three stars because my daughter liked it enough to read through it twice. Myself, I got as far as the fifth chapter. Compared to Harry Potter, the characters are shallow, the world insipid, and it takes forever for anything interesting to happen.

But I'm not removing stars for that. Deducting stars because it doesn't measure up to Harry Potter would be unfair. I wouldn't compare it to Potter at all if it wasn't so obviously a wannabe.

No, I'm giving it three stars because the grammatical errors are atrocious. And to have the author brush it off as the writing of a boy with a limited English education...

Let me tell you something. I've read books ostensibly written by DOGS with a better grasp of the English language. So don't give me this nonsense about bad grammar being true to your POV character. If you expect people to pay money for your books, have the decency to invest your own into getting them ready for publication. If you're serious about being an author, hire an editor.
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From the United States

dlktflwr
5.0 out of 5 stars No, not a Potter clone - A great start to a wonderful series!
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2017
Verified Purchase
Let me start by saying, the first Harry Potter book was nothing special either. The author evolved and I believe this author is doing the same. I had to start with the 3rd book (I proofread it) and yes, they get better and better.

This was a self-published SmashWords book, and if I'm not mistaken, was originally released totally free. His readers suggested he market his books. So although you will find some grammatical and/or spelling errors, it was not enough to slow me down and I am eagerly looking forward to reading book 2.

At times it feels like it's going in circles - let me remind you, this is the first book written by this author. I think he did very well.

I am an adult reader who enjoys YA Action/Adventure books and this was exciting enough for my tastes. Although predictable, it was still a fun read for me and I hated that it ended. It was only predictable in that the hero will survive!

I love what another reviewer said about "proofreading not being a requirement in the wizard's world." Perhaps people don't know that Indie-Authors rely on volunteers to proofread in return for getting the books for free. I have proofread a few books now and I only wonder how many read but never get around to the "proofing." It does take time and is still not 100%. If misspellings and grammar bother you, why not consider offering to proofread on an author you like.
One person found this helpful
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L. Braun
3.0 out of 5 stars Can't recommend it until the author does something about his horrible grammar
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2018
Verified Purchase
I'm giving this series three stars because my daughter liked it enough to read through it twice. Myself, I got as far as the fifth chapter. Compared to Harry Potter, the characters are shallow, the world insipid, and it takes forever for anything interesting to happen.

But I'm not removing stars for that. Deducting stars because it doesn't measure up to Harry Potter would be unfair. I wouldn't compare it to Potter at all if it wasn't so obviously a wannabe.

No, I'm giving it three stars because the grammatical errors are atrocious. And to have the author brush it off as the writing of a boy with a limited English education...

Let me tell you something. I've read books ostensibly written by DOGS with a better grasp of the English language. So don't give me this nonsense about bad grammar being true to your POV character. If you expect people to pay money for your books, have the decency to invest your own into getting them ready for publication. If you're serious about being an author, hire an editor.
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Cathy
5.0 out of 5 stars Boys and wizard school.
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2017
Verified Purchase
Avis Blackthorn is young wizard who is ready to start wizard school. He has a problem...his family is known as evil wizards and Avis is a good wizard. Because of this he has no friends. He is hoping to make a friend in school. Hmmmm, sounds like the Other wizard story and honestly the ideas are similar. I asked myself aren't all kids the same when they start a new school. This thought behind me, I decided to just enjoy the story
There is humor, mystery, friendships, rivalry in sports, ghosts and an evil brother playing tricks on his younger brother. We also have the "evilest wizard" in all seven kingdoms. Avis and his friends are able to put a dent in his plans and stop him for a while.
This story is enjoyable to the young of heart of all ages. Well done, Jack Simmonds, for the start of a great series.
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Tyler Earp
5.0 out of 5 stars NOT A HARRY POTTER KNOCK-OFF
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2016
Verified Purchase
One of my favorite reads in a good long while. I found myself laughing, getting excited and genuinely feeling everything that Avis felt. If you're worried that this is just another re-hash of Harry Potter, don't worry. It definitely isn't. Yes, there are similar plot points, but I don't think you can have a series about a magical school without some things being present in both.

Pros:
Likeable characters that you never question their ability to exist.
Interest magic system, in comparison to Harry Potter.
Sarcasm, but not so much that you feel bashed over the head by a troll.
Interesting story that will quickly draw you into the story.

Cons:(yes, there are a few.)
You can definitely tell that this is a self-published/indie novel.
There are some spelling errors that drew me out of the story, but not jarring enough that I was distracted too badly.
It didn't feel long enough. Really, I wanted more time to attach myself to the characters.
Occasionally, it feels like certain circumstances are downplayed, or not explained as well as they should be.

If I could, I would give this a score somewhere between a 4 and 5, but closer to a 5 than a 4.
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Laura Ann Moylan
4.0 out of 5 stars A good read
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2017
Verified Purchase
I have to say for a self published first book, it is really good. It saddened me to watch poor Avis go through all of the trials and tribulations, first at home and then at his first year of magic school. Being the only good kid in a house hold of bad guys is shocking. I honestly did not like the book at first but I liked Avis and wanted to know what happened to him. There is quite a bit of dark and dreary bullying in there but I think it is all to the good. If you are reading this with a child, you can explain what Avis did right and wrong in those situations. I plan on reading it with my niece and nephew next time they are over.
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Elaigo
4.0 out of 5 stars As good as the first Harry Potter, and the third, just in a different way.
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2017
Verified Purchase
A wonderful story about a boy going to wizard school. Sound familiar, well the premise may be but this story is unique. Should be wildly popular with Potter fans who want more, but sure to up set the die hards. Sign of a good book, get people talking about it. I would recommend this book to any adult in the US, but since British grammar and ours is so different, children could pick up some really bad habits. Hahaha. After college would be a good audience. I wanted to correct the story as I read but kept reminding myself that this was a British author, so I forgave and forgot. Looking forward to the next book.
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Larry Blackman
5.0 out of 5 stars A good book of young Wizards going to Wizards School.
Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2018
Verified Purchase
If you like Harry Potter, you will probably like this also. Please note: it is not a spin-off of Harry Potter. Basically, the similarity is that a young boy is starting to go to Wizards School. That is basically the simalarities, a few little things here and there. It is a very good book in it's own right and should be judged as such. The character and plot development by the author is extremely good with just enough humor added here and there. I think this would be thoroughly enjoyed by many. I am currently on Book 2 of this series.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars I seem to find the best treasures ever doing this
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2014
Verified Purchase
I received this ebook free for a review. I seem to find the best treasures ever doing this. This one was of the top 5 I have read, loved it. I am an adult and totally enjoyed ever adventure with him. It was well written and so fun to find out what would happen next. I think the clock tower part of the story was my favorite. At times I would read and gasp out loud and my family would ask me what is going on. I would recommend this to others and I would buy any other book by this author. And I very much loved that Avis Blackhorn as a good wizard in spite of man opportunities to not be.
Thanks for writing this wonderful story Jack Simmonds
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Aisha K.S. Hashmi, NRCPT
5.0 out of 5 stars I read it, I loved it, I reviewed it, YOUR TURN
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2017
Verified Purchase
As good as Harry Potter, trust me!!! I was late getting this series, and am just on a book-series rush, back to back reading this all last weekend weekend, and today, started reading book 3. It is such a great series, starts a little bit awkwardly, yet quickly picks uo to an extremlynsmooth flow as charter takes over the author and comes to life. .Give this series a chance if you indulged in the Harry Potter series. You may find some things that seem damiliar but it is all Avis...
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bonnie DALE keckTop Contributor: Fantasy Books
5.0 out of 5 stars others Kindle Unlimited O, 1, 2 out currently, 3 soon to u.s.
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2017
Verified Purchase
Not Kindle Unlimited, think it might be permafree. Avis Blackthorn and the Ring of Enchantment (An Avis Blackthorn Magical Adventure, Prequel Book 0), Avis Blackthorn: Is Not an Evil Wizard! (The Wizard Magic School Series, Book 1), Avis Blackthorn and the Magical Multicolour Jumper (The Wizard Magic School Series, Book 2) Avis Blackthorn: The Map of Infinity (The Wizard Magic School Series, Book 3)

was ku, now seems to be not doing series any more, and are at least for now all free, including
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