3.5 This book reminded me of a magical version of csi, or criminal minds episode. There is no romance in this book which, flirty banter/attempted pick up lines yes.

Our main character Crowley felt a walking disaster and beacon for bad luck who kept getting his self into situations of circumstance. his humor made me giggle multiple times throughout the book. And I loved the magical automaton(magical robot), he’s was everything funny,loyal, a walking database, definitely my favorite character.

For me Alanna was my least favorite character, she is our DMA agent who takes everything extremely serious. For some reason to me she just didn’t come to life for me the other characters did.

overall this was a really enjoyable book and I’m curious to see where book two will take me2 s Bill Pappy Ferrara163 3

A great example of Urban Fantasy. Fun read1 Kristen617 113

You can see this post on my blog at: superstardrifter.com~

This is the story of Jack Crowley who is a wizard living in Los Angeles. Wizards in this world have two sets of powers, a main one and then a secondary. Jack is a True Name wizard, first and foremost, which means that he can influence things that he knows the true name of. His secondary power is Elemental, meaning pretty much what it sounds .

Jack is known as the Wayward Wizard, after an incident back in wizarding school left several people dead with Jack taking the blame. He knows he’s innocent, but despite him being cleared of charges, most of the wizarding world still thinks he is guilty. So he is a pariah, more or less. He works in an occult shop selling magical flimflam to humans, when one day a human man comes in with a very magical sword and demands to know whose it is, because it was used to kill his brother. He is paired up with an agent from what is basically the wizard FBI, and her automaton friend, and they go investigating who is to blame. And there are many shenanigans to be had.

This was a quick read, and I read it in just a few hours. It always had something going on, so I was never putting it down out of boredom or anything that. It was easy to just begin and keep on reading. Jack was an easy character to cheer for, as we see this from his point of view. Alanna, the secret agent, was also a neat character, but overall my favorite was Lucas, who is the automaton. He’s more or less a magical robot, but he appears to be capable of emotion and other more human- things so it was interesting to see how he would react to certain things. I enjoyed the story, and while I did guess the identity of the baddie, it wasn’t detrimental to my enjoyment of the story at all.

The pacing was alright for the most part, but at times the novel felt a bit rushed. For example, some of the relationships between characters seemed unbelievable given the time frame of the novel. Basically, what I mean by this, is that Jack seems to go from being the sort of dude who doesn’t trust many people and absolutely does not make friends easily to having these three random friends who he risks his life (more than once) for. All the characters went from ‘I’m going to try and fight you’ to ‘I don’t really trust you’ to ‘we’re besties now’ in a matter of days. Not many days, either. Another pass of line edits might bring some cohesion to this sort of thing.

Finally, there are a whole bunch of similarities between this book and a certain series of books about a world of secret wizards concurrent to our own human world. I mean, I did expect some, but there were times where it seemed a little much. The characters in this one are adults, and this takes place in modern day Los Angeles, but all the same, this world has aspects to it that reminded me of everything from Azkaban, Diagon & Knockturn Alley, the Dark Mark, the Ministry of Magic, to the school itself. This might be in the eye of the beholder though, and I don’t think that it made it less enjoyable as much as it occasionally read a story written in that world but with original characters and the names of things changed to suit the setting.

All told, I had a good time with The Wayward Wizard, and I would recommend it to people who stories about wizards, or people who are into Urban Fantasy. And yes, fans of Harry Potter, lol. 6.5/10 stars!~spfbo71 Myriam646 25

This was a fantastic book! I loved it! I've read a couple of series by this author which were co-writes and I was wondering how her solo work would be. All I can say is that she has fulfilled all my expectations and some. 
The book is wonderfully consistent, well written, fast paced, full of suspense, great characters and situated in a very interesting world. All kinds of stuff happens in this book, apart from romance. There are new alliances, new friendships, betrayal, and secrets revealed, but not all of them, as the author leaves the reader wondering what is going to be revealed in the next book (which, as far as I'm concerned, cannot come soon enough).
The main character is a powerful wizard Jack, who is perfectly happy to quietly live his life, but it seems that everyone wants something from him, whether peacefully or by force. And he helps regardless, because he is a decent human being and he has no problem doing the right thing. I am quite enamored with him. He is a wonderful character.
Then there is Alanna from DMA, human agency policing the magical community. She is quite loaded with issues and is not the nicest person, but she learns and grows. I am yet to start liking her. The magical automaton Lucas, who is special in so many ways and is also one amazing character. And finally I have to mention Sal, a very determined human, who might start on the wrong foot but is also an amazing human being. 
There is an array or interesting characters in this book, both magical and human, and the author did a great job giving them each a unique personality. The author also did a great job in creating and developing the world which is a combination of human and magical and transcends into different realms. 
I absolutely loved this book. It is great as a standalone and it is a great beginning of a series. As I said, I can't wait for the next book, or anything else from this author. She is definitely one of my favourite urban fantasy authors.alesha-escobar Ilona Nurmela563 10

Loner wizard picking up frienemies when trying to avoide an apocalypse - loved it!

I think I found me a new fave indie author.

Imagine a Terminator with magic and you get Lucas. But he’s not the MC. Jack is - banned from the magical wizard realm, the infamous Wayward Wizard has to make do working in the human realm at Willy’s Whimsies shop in L.A. Until an ancient god barges into the shop and gives him a deadline to retrieve 3 things and avert the apocalypse. All coz the Gateway between the human and magical realms is “letting” through creatures that have no biz being in the human world.

I loved the magical realism bit - cyclops and krakens appearing & causing havoc in our “real” world. Loved how the forever loner Jack managed to pick up frienemies from Marines to magical FBI agents on the go. Loved the concept of True Name wizards and how not Latin oer se but the mage’s local language is the one in which his spells are the strongest. Hexwielder magic reminded me of genie’s wishes - twisting magic to go awry. I also d the reason why the gods were involved - I think in several religions there’s a warning of not speaking the true name of a god aloud, so humans use derivatives or variations. The bar in between worlds as a front for humans was not a new concept, but I loved it anyway. Absolutely adored the undercurrent of dry dark humour & surfacing elements of Greek myths. Can’t wait to see what side effects the “wrong disposal” of an item by Jack will engineer in subsequent books.

Though the age of the protagonist isn’t mentioned, him finding friends for the first time in his life qualifies this as a new adult issue.

Recommended for lovers of NA metaphysical and magical realism action-adventure, myths and legends and friendship fiction (since there is zero romance).action-adventure dark-fantasy indie-faves ...more S840 10

For me this book was closer to a 3.5 star, it did have moments that brought it up to a four star review plus Jack was a able enough wizard and the story for the most part held my interest.

The author gave enough description for you to be able to put yourself in the action. Jack’s self-decrypting humor also made me chuckle several times. I d how he comported himself with Lucas that he treated him as a feeling entity. Lucas and his straight man routine did make me shake my head in amusement several times. Jack’s savior complex was very much present despite having to bear the brunt of a crime he didn’t commit always coloring others perceptions of him.

There was enough magical action and fleshing out of the characters to make you care about them.

For me where it felt an eye roll was Alanna in the beginning she came across as the very clichéd female hard nose operative that wanted to put a bullet or lock Jack up simply for being alive. It did get old after a while. Thankfully towards the middle-end she unbent a bit and was more able, but still a bit stiff.

The story was progressing at a nice clip and the twists and turns were leading you to what I was hoping was an epic ending…while it wasn’t bad it seemed to lose momentum the closer we got to the end and it got turned into a bit of hodge-podge ending that wasn’t as satisfying as I had hoped. Since it was the first book hopefully the author tightens things up as the series progresses.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Lana2,425 50

The first book in a new thrilling series full of magic and mayhem as the title rightly states. In this book we encounter Jack, the wayward wizard who is a true name wizard, a rarity indeed and who is viewed by other wizards as a criminal even though he was found innocent during his trial. He forms a team with Alanna who works for the Dma and her automaton Lucas and Salvador Barraza who is searching for his brother's killer. Extinct monsters are attacking the human world and both wizards and humans are in danger and the team set out to find who is behind the bringing to life these monsters and setting them on the people. During their adventure which becomes very nerve wrecking at times they get to encounter a cyclops, a centaur, a dragon and cerberus the dire wolf. They cross into different dimensions, meet a demi-God, a hexwielder, a dark evil wizard who is supposed to be long dead as they go in search of the conjurer. Their are many unexpected twists and turns to the story which keep the reader engaged right till the end. The characters are very able and I particularly d Jack as I am a sucker for a rogue, and Lucas who though an automaton is sometimes more human than the humans! The world building of Grey Haven is truly magical and the nowhere dimension is a very creative idea which I loved. Looking forward to following Jack and the team on further adventures as they still have many questions which need answering. M'lissa52

Jack Crowley is known as the Wayward Wizard, and he definitely good at getting himself into precarious situations. Between tracking down a conjurer of mythical monsters and trying to keep his new group of allies alive, Jack has his hands full. This is a fun tale of adventure full of unexpected friendships, fast paced action, and a lesson in the importance of being your true and full self. This first book in the Magic and Mayhem series by Alesha Escobar is a great read for any YA fantasy enthusiasts.

Looking forward to the continuation of Jack and Alanna's story in the second book, Hexes and Bones. Thank you Ms. Escobar, for the opportunity to read to work. Barrie Davis508 5

Fast paced.

With a whole magical world hidden from humans and a powerful wizard steals from the gods with the intention of destroying it all, absolute mayhem ensues. Dark magic monsters and all manner of paranormals populate these pages and bring the story to life. Wonderful storylines and well written characters will keep you turning pages till the surprising ending, a great read, Baz. Sarah Coleman167 2

I was very intrigued by this book. It was an entertaining story that kept me up through the night reading as much as I possibly could. While the main character did annoy me somewhat, I did genuinely enjoy this story. The writing is what made it in my opinion, and I am glad I finished it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Scarolet Ellis7,444 48

The Wayward Wizard (Magic and Mayhem Book 1) by Alesha Escobar is a wonderful story that I have had the privilege to read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series that I have loved reading. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about magic and fantasy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Michelle9,018 22

The Wayward Wizard is about Jack a wizard who is considered the black sheep in the magic community and accused of a crime he didn't commit. The story is intriguing and filled with unexpected twists that had me on the edge of my seat from the first page until the last. I look forward to reading the next book in the Magic and Mayhem series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book. 2020 arc booksprout-arc Sharisse Normoyle15 1 follower

Interesting

I thought this was a fun and interesting book. There was a lot of magical action, and drama to keep the story going. The only thing I didn't was that there were a few typos. Still, definitely worth the time, and I'm interested in the next book in the series. Now I'm all invested in the people. J A prime40 1 follower

Good book

This is the 1st book I've read by Alesha Escobar but it won't be the last. I found myself intrigued with the story line and characters and fully intend to read the next in the series.


Reena956 3

Fast-paced, action-packed, full of plot twists, magic and humor, the book hooked me from start to finish with its well developed and lovable characters and an intriguing storyline. Can't wait for more books from this series! Alan Boggs156 1 follower

Surprising

This is a quick read. It is fast paced and well written. Jack is put through the wringer and I really felt for the guy. I will buy the next book. Scott Shjefte1,595 81

Purchased this item on October 3, 2022 from Amazon for $0.99. Wizards are a hostile and closed group. Murder and mayhem are extensive. Sn8wflake 2,259

urban

Good guys, bad guys and those accused incorrectly. Something powerful is stolen and must be returned or the known world ends Janet1,659 2

This story is very good. A lot of excitement all around. If monsters are not out to get you, you have to watch out for mad wizards. Jack is a sweetheart I think. He has a good heart. I him. Donna Willis250 1 follower

I absolutely loved this story. You can't help but be fond of Jack and everything he is. Lucas adds a special and intriguing touch to the story. I look forward to the next book in this series!! Lisa108 7

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