The Thaumagician’s Revenge (The Rise of the Remarkables 2)

I think that in order to read this book you probably do need to have read its predecessor, ‘Brasswitch and Bot’.

A group of Remarkables (humans with special abilities) are trying to save a world from Plum, the thaumagician, who was identified as the villain at the end of book one. He is looking to rid his world of humans and has gathered an army of Remarkables around him as he collects what he needs to create a new creature programmed to kill all humans. Wrench, Bot and their friends need to mount a defense against this. The plot of this book is a complicated one and it is not easy to give a summary without giving too much away, but it is an exciting read with the main characters showing morals and always backing their friends, even when there are tough decisions to make.

I really enjoyed the humour in this book and the quirky dialogue between the characters, which will definitely appeal to intermediate students, as will the message of always backing yourself if you feel you are right even when faced with challenges. That said, this book really is pure escapism, with an imaginative, albeit complicated plot, with lighter moments of humour to keep us going.

I really enjoyed this novel and am very pleased there is to be a third.

Title: The Thaumagician’s Revenge (The Rise of the Remarkables 2)

Author: GarethWard

Publisher: Walker Books

ISBN: 978-1-760652-22-7

RRP: $22.99

Format: Paperback

Publication: August 2021

Ages: Intermediate (10+)

Do you have any advisory warnings for this book? No.

Reviewer: Angela Thompson, Library Lead Teacher, Remarkables Primary School, Queenstown

How are you recommending this book? Highly recommended.

Opening sentence: High above Wrench, the museum’s emerald glass dome shattered in a starburst of moonlit glimmered shards.

You can buy this book here