James's father is missing. With no clue why his dad would run out on him and his mum, he hides out by an ancient stone circle to think. There, James discovers a dead stoat, crushed in an impossibly huge footprint. The mystery of what smashed the little animal leads James into finding Mendel, a wizard from another world called Denthan. Mendel has his own problems though. He's trapped in the body of a goldfish and Denthan's sun is about to die and destroy the planet. James is soon drawn into Mendel's plight and hopes against hope that the goldfish can somehow help him find his dad. Will Denthan be saved? Can Mendel regain his true form? But more importantly, will James ever find his father?
Exciting New Author!, June 5, 2008
By Kay Ellis - See all my reviews
I really enjoyed reading this book and learned a few things about what it would be like to have asthma to boot. I felt The Magic Scales had all the elements of a good fantasy...adventure, magic, excitement, and interesting characters. I'd recommend this book to the 8 and up crowd, and especially anyone who's interested in stories that take place in other parts of the world (this takes place in Scotland and it has some pretty cool Scottish sayings to learn, like "ye numpty!"). I believe this is going to be a series, so I look forward to the next book! -- Amazon USA
James Peck learns that his father is gone. He left without saying good-bye. One would think after eleven years as his son, his father would have left him a note.
David Peck is married to Cathy. Whereas Cathy is always outspoken, and nagging, David is reliable, and sometimes a bit boring. They are quite the opposite.
It tore a hole in James' heart with his father's disappearance. He last saw his father at the ancient circle of stones on the Bruce Moor known as Jesus Rocks. While visiting the rocks, James is thrown into a mysterious journey when he discovers a dead animal. Mysterious prints and a goldfish, that is actually a wizard, needs James to touch his scales. His asthma hits hard when he worries over his father, but Mendel, the goldfish is able to make him better. But an evil force, by the name of Sleven, is trying to get a hold of Mendel. All Mendel wishes is to find a magic crystal to save them. Mendel is certain James' dad has been taken captive by monsters but how in the world will James ever get his mum to believe such a story?
The Magic Scales is a story that will please not only children but adults as well. Sam Wilding sketches characters that almost grow on the reader. I love Mendel, the goldfish, and the quest he is on. The mother is something else, to say the least. It is hard for me to come up with one word to actually describe her. I was shocked how she thinks James almost uses his asthma as a crutch in a way. If anything, readers should read this delightful book just to see how a boy must deal with asthma while taking a magnificent journey on his own.
Cherokee
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books -- Coffee Time Romance USA
`Sam Wilding is an exciting new voice to the world of young adult writing. He brings his story to life with such wonderful details that the characters seem to jump out of the pages. Too soon I found myself at the end of the book wanting more. I look forward to his next tale.' -Stephani Hecht. -- Fantasy Author - Stephani Hecht
`The Magic Scales will suck you into James's whacky arena of characters, and that's just in his hometown! It gets worse when you head into the magical world of Denthan where all sorts of scary things lurk. The book leads you on a quest to find James's father with the aid of a wizard, or should I say goldfish, named Mendel. In the end, you won't believe where Dad ended up.
I loved reading this one. The author had me laughing. The authentic voice he lends to his characters and just their personalities will keep you clicking/turning the pages for more. Grab a copy and get ready for a twisting journey with a wee bit of mystery!' - Anastasia Rabiyah. -- American Fantasy Author - Anastasia Rabiyah
