Young Wizards Books in Order

Young Wizards Series by Diane Duane

The Young Wizards series by Diane Duane is a magical and thought-provoking collection of books. It follows two young protagonists, Nita Callahan and Kit Rodriguez, as they discover their wizardry and take on the responsibility of protecting the universe. The series blends science, magic, and philosophy, creating a unique and captivating world. Each book is filled with adventure, heart, and the challenges of growing up.

Publication Order of Young Wizards Books

1. So You Want to Be a Wizard (1983)
2. Deep Wizardry (1985)
3. High Wizardry (1990)
4. A Wizard Abroad (1993)
5. The Wizard’s Dilemma (2001)
6. A Wizard Alone (2002)
7. Wizard’s Holiday (2003)
8. Wizards at War (2005)
9. A Wizard of Mars (2010)
10. Games Wizards Play (2016)

1. So You Want to Be a Wizard (1983)

Nita Callahan stumbles upon a mysterious book titled So You Want to Be a Wizard. To her surprise, it’s not a joke. She discovers she has the potential to become a wizard. Along with Kit Rodriguez, another young wizard, she embarks on her first mission. Together, they must stop the Lone Power, a force of destruction, from wreaking havoc. This thrilling introduction sets the stage for a magical journey filled with danger and wonder.

2. Deep Wizardry (1985)

Nita and Kit’s next adventure takes them underwater. They join forces with marine wizards to stop a deadly threat to the ocean. The stakes are high, and the cost of failure is immense. This book explores themes of sacrifice and responsibility, all while immersing readers in a beautifully crafted underwater world.

3. High Wizardry (1990)

When Nita’s younger sister, Dairine, discovers wizardry, chaos ensues. Dairine’s first mission takes her to the stars, where she faces challenges far beyond her experience. Nita and Kit must race to save her. This book expands the series’ scope, introducing intergalactic adventures and new magical concepts.

4. A Wizard Abroad (1993)

Nita is sent to Ireland to spend time with her relatives, but her trip is far from ordinary. She becomes involved in an ancient magical conflict that threatens the land. This book combines Irish mythology with the series’ unique magical system, creating a rich and engaging story.

5. The Wizard’s Dilemma (2001)

Nita faces a personal crisis when her mother falls ill. As she struggles to find a magical solution, she learns that wizardry has its limits. This emotional and introspective book delves into themes of love, loss, and the difficult choices wizards must make.

6. A Wizard Alone (2002)

Kit takes on a solo mission to help a young autistic wizard who is struggling with his powers. Meanwhile, Nita is still grieving her mother’s illness. This book explores themes of isolation, understanding, and the power of connection.

7. Wizard’s Holiday (2003)

Nita and Kit are sent on a “wizardly exchange program” to a peaceful alien world. But their vacation turns into another mission when they uncover a hidden danger. This book is a mix of humor, adventure, and thought-provoking ideas about utopia and responsibility.

8. Wizards at War (2005)

The universe is on the brink of destruction, and it’s up to Nita, Kit, and their allies to stop it. This epic installment is filled with action, high stakes, and emotional moments. It’s a turning point in the series, showcasing the growth of the characters and the depth of their bond.

9. A Wizard of Mars (2010)

Kit’s fascination with Mars leads him and Nita to an ancient Martian civilization. But their exploration awakens a long-dormant conflict. This book combines science fiction with the series’ magical elements, creating a thrilling and imaginative story.

10. Games Wizards Play (2016)

Nita and Kit are mentors in a wizardly competition for young wizards. As they guide their mentees, they uncover a deeper mystery. This book is a celebration of the series’ themes, blending humor, heart, and adventure.

Publication Order of Interim Errantry Books

1. Not On My Patch

This novella is a Halloween-themed story featuring Nita and Kit. The duo must deal with a magical infestation of pumpkin-like creatures that threaten their town. It’s a fun, lighthearted adventure that still carries the depth and charm of the main series. Perfect for fans who want a seasonal twist on wizardry.

2. Lifeboats

This novella focuses on a large-scale wizardly mission to save an alien species from extinction. Nita, Kit, and other wizards work together to relocate an entire civilization. The story delves into themes of teamwork, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of wizardry.

3. How Lovely Are Thy Branches

This is a holiday-themed novella set during Christmas. It’s a heartwarming story that explores the personal lives of Nita, Kit, and their families. The tale balances magical elements with the warmth of the holiday season, making it a delightful read for fans of the series.

4. On Ordeal: Mamvish fsh Wimsih

This story is part of the On Ordeal series, which explores the wizardly initiations of characters outside the main cast. Mamvish, a lizard-like alien, undergoes her wizardly ordeal on her home planet. The story provides fascinating insights into the broader universe of wizardry and the challenges faced by non-human wizards.

5. On Ordeal: Roshaun ke Nelaid

This novella focuses on Roshaun, the prince from the Sunborn world introduced in the main series. It explores his wizardly initiation and the responsibilities he faces as both a wizard and a royal. The story adds depth to Roshaun’s character and his role in the Young Wizards universe.

These novellas and side stories are often available as e-books or part of Diane Duane’s Interim Errantry collection, which compiles shorter works set in the Young Wizards universe. They are excellent for fans who want to dive deeper into the lore and explore the lives of secondary characters.

If you’re a fan of the main series, these stories provide additional layers to the world and characters you already love!

Why You’ll Love Young Wizards

The Young Wizards series is perfect for readers who love stories about magic, friendship, and the fight between good and evil. Diane Duane’s writing is rich and imaginative, blending science and magic in a way that feels fresh and unique. The characters are relatable, and their growth over the series is deeply rewarding. The books tackle big questions about life, death, and the universe, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Books Similar to Young Wizards

If you enjoyed Young Wizards, you might also like:

• Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
  A series about a boy who discovers he’s a demigod and must navigate a world of Greek mythology.
• His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
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• Artemis Fowl Series by Eoin Colfer
  A mix of fantasy and science fiction, following a young criminal mastermind and his adventures.
• The Magicians Series by Lev Grossman
  A darker, more mature take on magic and its consequences.
• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
  A classic series about children discovering magical worlds and fighting for good.