Step into the enchanting world of Young Wizards, where magic crackles in the air and two teens wield spells to save the universe! Diane Duane’s Young Wizards series blends fantasy and science fiction, following Nita Callahan and Kit Rodriguez as they discover their wizardly powers and battle the sinister Lone Power. With a universe-spanning scope and heartfelt themes, this series has captivated readers for decades.
Unlike wizarding tales confined to schools, Young Wizards thrusts its heroes into cosmic adventures, balancing epic stakes with relatable struggles like family, friendship, and growing up. Ready to explore a saga where words shape reality and courage defies darkness? Let’s dive in!
How Young Wizards Began
In 1983, Diane Duane sparked a magical legacy with So You Want to Be a Wizard, inspired by a playful idea: what if a career guide taught you to become a wizard? Drawing from her love of science fiction and fantasy, Duane crafted a universe where magic operates like a precise science, governed by the Speech, a language that describes reality itself. Her vision blended cosmic wonder with grounded, suburban life, setting the stage for a series that’s both thrilling and deeply human.
Duane’s background as a Star Trek novelist and her knack for weaving complex themes into accessible stories shaped Young Wizards. The series grew organically, fueled by fan enthusiasm and Duane’s commitment to exploring the moral and emotional growth of her characters.
The Heart of Young Wizards
The series kicks off with So You Want to Be a Wizard (1983), where Nita, escaping bullies, finds a mysterious library book that leads her to take the Wizard’s Oath. Teamed with Kit, she faces the Lone Power in a dark, alternate Manhattan to recover a stolen book that defines the universe. Deep Wizardry (1985) plunges them into an oceanic ritual with whale wizards, exploring sacrifice. High Wizardry (1990) shifts focus to Nita’s precocious sister, Dairine, who becomes a wizard and ventures across the galaxy, chasing limitless power. Games Wizards Play (2016), the tenth book, pits young wizards in a magical tournament, testing their skills and hearts.
Young Wizards stands out for its fusion of magic and science, where spells require precise calculations and cosmic understanding. Themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the balance of good versus evil run deep, with the Lone Power—a fallen angel-like entity—embodying entropy and death. Duane’s inclusive cast, including diverse characters and non-human wizards like whales and sentient computers, adds vibrancy. The suburban New York setting grounds the cosmic stakes, making Nita and Kit’s struggles with parents and school as compelling as their battles against universal threats.
The series’ style is both adventurous and philosophical, inviting readers to ponder big questions: What does it mean to do right? Can even the darkest forces find redemption? Duane’s prose, rich with humor and heart, makes these themes accessible to young adults and beyond.
Why Young Wizards Resonates
Young Wizards has carved a niche among fantasy fans, often praised as a darker, more relatable alternative to Harry Potter. Its blend of science and magic, inspired by Madeline L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, appeals to nerdy readers who love intricate world-building. The series’ emphasis on moral complexity and diverse representation—including characters like Kit, a Hispanic wizard, and powerful autistic figures—has earned it a devoted, inclusive fanbase.
Over four decades, the series has garnered awards like the ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers and inspired fan discussions on platforms like Reddit. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to grow with readers, tackling mature themes like loss and responsibility while preserving a sense of wonder.
- Publication Years: 1983–2020
- Number of Books: 11 novels, plus novellas and short stories
- Awards: ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
- Spin-Off: Feline Wizards series
Grab So You Want to Be a Wizard and dive into a universe where magic meets science, and every spell could change the world!