"a world of fantasy for readers of any age"
Becky Gauger's book, THE WIZARD'S WIFE, is a wondrous tale
of love and adventure. Set in a medieval time frame,
where dragons and rocs still abide and science is
wizardry; Ms Gauger describes a world that is easy to
believe in and dream of. As the book opens, Marela finds herself, once again,
alone. As a child, she lost everyone she loved to fire.
Fortunate enough to be taken in by caring foster parents,
she grew up in a loving home. However when her foster
mother, Mardk dies, followed by the Wasting Illness and
death of her foster father, the villagers burn her home on
her father's funeral pyre. There is no safe place for her
in the superstitious village. As Marela sets out for her mother's family in the South,
she meets up with an old friend, Shap, who agrees to be
her guide. However, while sleeping in the forest, the
entire group disappears with no sign of where they went or
what happened to them. After several days of walking
through the woods, Marela stumbles upon a castle. She
finds the courage to approach, only to be greeted by an
elderly wizard with brown eyes and a white beard which
reaches to his knees. AErin takes her under his wing,
offering protection through the winter. Marela is
initially shy and nervous around this strange being, but
time and his thoughtful care gradually ease her
frightened, pained heart. She is totally surprised, therefore, to discover that
AErin is not an old man. Walking in on his bath, she
discovers a man in his prime. Her attraction is
immediate, though his deception confuses her and her own
feelings are frightening. AErin explains that his
deception was for her protection, giving her time to
heal. As his actions have been gentle and protective,
Marela decides to stay. Both AErin and Marela have to deal with issues from their
pasts. AErin lost his first wife years before and has
mourned her while protecting his heart. Marela fears that
her love is a curse, dooming those she cares for to
death. Tentatively, yet ever so sweetly, the two grow
closer. When AErin proposes, Marela accepts with the
knowledge that love is not the reason for marriage in
their world. Safety, protection, companionship and
friendship are more than most are offered. The newlyweds travel as spring arrives. Adventures unfold
as they meet up with other wizards, solving problems with
the magic of science. While Marela does not understand
much of what AErin does, her trust is well placed and
wonderful scenes abound where AErin helps those around him
with a wink, sleight of hand, and knowledge of the world
far beyond those who surround him. AErin's choice of
other traveling companions is, as usual, unpredictable.
However, as the plot unfolds, the reader can see why his
choices make sense. The adventures go on, the mysteries unfold...and the story
is enchanting. Ms. Gauger has written a book which
enfolds the reader in a world of fantasy they will be
loathe to leave. It touches and soothes the frantic,
often cynical world views we so often espouse. I give
this book my highest commendations...and recommend it to
readers of any age who hide a place in their hearts where
the dreams still live on.
Reviewed by Gina Duvall
Posted June 6, 2003
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AErin of Grendelire has wed. The problem is his bride has
been kidnapped. Not a good idea. You just don't kidnap the
wizard's wife! So, armed with his knowledge of science,
and a flair for the dramatic, not to mention a roc, a few
wizards, a dragonslayer, and an army or two... Well, would you want to be the bad guy?
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