The Magician's Fire (Young Houdini, 1) - Hardcover

Nicholson, Simon

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1492603325 ISBN 13: 9781492603320

Publisher: Sourcebooks Young Readers, 2014

Synopsis

Young Harry Houdini spends his days chaining himself to train tracks and teetering on wires high above the city with his two best friends, Arthur and Billie. But when Harry's friend and magical mentor, Herbie, disappears, the three friends band together, determined to rescue the beloved magician.

With nothing more than a mysterious puff of purple smoke, an ominous threat, and a menacing Bulgarian for evidence, Harry, Arthur, and Billie embark on a dangerously thrilling investigation that pushes their skill, and friendship, to the limits. But can Harry find Herbie before it's too late?

About this title

About the Author:

Simon Nicholson writes for Nick Jr. including such shows as Tickety Tock, Bob the Builder, and Zack and Quack, as well as for BBC children's programming. He lives in London. Visit him online at simonbnicholson.com.

Review:

"This series opener is action-packed and fast-paced... the book is a fun and above-average read that will appeal to fans of the '39 Clues.'" - School Library Journal

"A fast-paced mystery... Middle-grade readers... will gallop through this spellbinder." - Kirkus

"Nicholson smoothly blends Houdini's prowess as an escape artist with his fictional hero's sleuthing skills as he tracks down a missing elderly magician... A cliffhanger ending will leave readers eager for the next installment." - Publishers Weekly

"Seeing Harry brought back to life in a mystery-type series – think Alfred Hitchcock's investigators, but with magic! – that also gives him a chance to show off his developing illusionist skills, really makes me happy... good character development at work here, and interesting insights into the world of illusion that will appeal to everyone. I read the first chapter to a storytime group of middle graders, and they were captivated by the opening scene." - Mom Read It

"Complete with a mystery that was both believable and not at all predictable (rare combination for me) as well as death-defying escapes, and remarkable tricks, certain points in the book quite literally made me gasp in shock/surprise/excitement... a terrific novel with enough components to keep everyone invested, mystery lovers and history geeks alike." - Ink Bitten

"The story's really short, fun, and action-packed. Witty and easy to read." - Book Referees

"A page turner. One of the important messages of the book is the importance of team work... fun, fictionalized treatment of [a] hero having youthful adventures. " - The Jewish Book Council

About this edition

• Publisher: Sourcebooks Young Readers
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1492603325
• ISBN 13: 9781492603320
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 240