Le Guin's four-volume Earthsea Cycle kicked off with this story of the adventures of an apprentice wizard. His powers develop quickly, eventually getting the better of him as evil is unleashed on the land. A fascinating look at the diverse inhabitants of the many islands in an archipelago of Earthsea provides the backdrop.
The House With a Clock in its Walls by John Bellairs (1973)
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Topnotch mystery thriller for young readers. Lewis discovers that his Uncle Jonathan's old mansion is the house of his dreams - full of secret passages, hidden rooms and general mystery. Much to his delight his uncle turns out to be a wizard, but hidden within its walls the house harbours a clock ticking away to doomsday. Halloween makes things worse and time is running out.
The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett (1983)
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The first of Pratchett's hilarious Discworld novels that satirise a wide variety of fantasy literature. The series is about a flat world travelling through space on the back of a giant turtle. The basic premise of The Colour of Magic is that all events are determined by gambling gods. The key character is the bumbling wizard Rincewind who unintentionally ends up as tour guide to the naïve Twoflower.
So You Want to be a Wizard by Diane Duane (1983)
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Two young people tired of being bullied at school find refuge in a library book that sets them on a path to a wizardly Ordeal. They end up in an eerie alternate Manhattan where they discover that wizards have an indispensable role in helping to hold the Universe together. Popular with young readers, but tends towards much darker overtones than others of its ilk.
Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind (1994)
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The books in Goodkind's lengthy Sword Of Truth series share a common main character and theme, but are designed to be read as standalones. Each volume is based on one of the Wizard's Rules. In the first instalment a woodsman pits his sword against the evil incarnations of his enemy. Controversial for its scenes of graphic sado-eroticism and definitely not for the kids.
The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson (1994)
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Every nine years a portal opens between our world and the enchanted island. When a baby prince is kidnapped just before it closes the king and queen have nine years to put together their rescue team - consisting of an ancient wizard, an affable agricultural fairy, a one-eyed giant and a clever young hag. Sort of a cross between Tolkien and Dahl for young readers.
'Harry Potter' Series by J K Rowling (1997-present)
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Delightful children's series that has become a worldwide phenomenon. Planned for seven instalments, the series kicks off with Harry's aunt and uncle trying to hide his true destiny from him, but to no avail. He is summoned to an infamous school for wizards when he proves to be a shining light. Destiny awaits. Made into a blockbuster series of motion pictures loved by millions.
Magyk [S1] by Angie Sage (2005)
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Young Septimus Heap, the seventh son of a seventh son, was switched at birth with a girl who turns out to be the offspring of a murdered queen. Following an assassination attempt the girl and her family, the ExtraOrdinary Wizard, and young military guard Boy 412 flee the Necromancer DomDaniel. Deftly written Harry Potter-ish wizard story for young readers.
