September 22, 2014

Underrated Treasures Blogfest / Shelfie Blogfest

Alex J. Cavanaugh (AKA Ninja Captain Alex) has created a fun blogfest for us to share our favorite movie, band, TV show, or book that no one else has probably heard about, so we can tell the world (or at least the blogosphere) about our Underrated Treasures. Sign up and check out the other participants' treasures HERE


The Young Wizard series by Diane Duane is like a dark, more urban version of Harry Potter. It’s for young readers, but it’s written in such a way that adults can enjoy it. The science in these books, as well as the magic, is so amazing it blows my mind.

I found the first book when I was young (It was first published in 1983) in the same manner that Nita found her Wizard’s Manual. I was trailing my hand along a library’s bookshelf when I felt a little zap! I looked and saw this book:


So You Want to Be a Wizard by Diane Duane (Book One)

BLURB: 

Nita Callahan is at the end of her rope because of the bullies who've been hounding her at school... until she discovers a mysterious library book that promises her the chance to become a wizard. But she has no idea of the difference that taking the Wizard's Oath is going to make in her life. Shortly, in company with fellow beginner-wizard Kit Rodriguez, Nita's catapulted into what will be the adventure of a lifetime -- if she and Kit can both live through it. For every wizard's career starts with an Ordeal in which he or she must challenge the one power in the universe that hates wizardry more than anything else: the Lone Power that invented death and turned it loose in the worlds. Plunged into a dark and deadly alternate New York full of the Lone One's creatures, Kit and Nita must venture into the very heart of darkness to find the stolen, legendary Book of Night with Moon. Only with the dangerous power of the wizardly Book do they have a chance to save not just their own lives, but their world...



Here are the other books in the series:


Deep Wizardry (Book 2)

I adore this book because I love whales, and a whole sea of characters are in this story from whales to a dolphin and a shark.


High Wizardry (Book 3)

This book involves Nita’s little sister, Dairine, a computer geek after my own heart. And it takes place on a planet across the galaxy. 


A Wizard Abroad (Book 4)

Here is another one that I adore because it’s set in Ireland with Irish wizards.


A Wizard’s Dilemma (Book 5)

The fifth book is one of my favorites of the series because Nita’s mother is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and Nita races to save her.


A Wizard Alone (Book 6)

This one is mostly in Kit’s perspective (the other main character), and a new character is introduced, a young boy who is thought to be Autistic.


Wizard’s Holiday (Book 7)

If you like aliens, this is a pretty neat story set in an alien planet where Nita and Kit vacation for spring break. At the same time, three aliens are sent to earth to stay with Dairine, Nita’s little sister.


Wizards at War (Book 8)

In this epic book, all the wizards on Earth and across the galaxy are fighting to save the universe. The ending gets me every time. EVERY! TIME!


A Wizard of Mars (Book 9)

The latest book is a fun story set on Mars. I’ve always been a buff when it comes to the other planets in our solar system, so I enjoyed this one a lot. 


Games Wizards Play (Book 10)

Coming in 2015!

***************************************************************************************


You have until Monday, October 6th to post a picture of your shelfie! 

Enter the giveaway HERE after you post your picture on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter.

Then let one of these fabulous people knowHeather M. GardnerChristine Rains, Vikki Biram, CD Coffelt, M.J. Fifield, Elizabeth Seckman, and Rena Rocford and they'll make sure you're down for the prize and some kudos!


Here is a picture of three shelves on my bookcase. The top shelf has books by authors I know, and the books I love to reread. The second shelf contains my J.D. Robb collection. And the third shelf is packed with Nora Roberts and a few books I like to read to my nephews. I’ve added decorations like ruby red slippers and Hermione Granger’s time turner necklace. My bookcase is also my cats’ favorite sleeping spot. :)


QUESTION: What is your favorite underrated movie/band/TV show/book?


102 comments:

  1. I've never heard of The Young Wizard. Guess I've lived a sheltered life. Thanks for sharing the series in such depth.

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    1. You're welcome. And if you like science fiction/fantasy...HP...You might like these. :D

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  2. Love the Selfie Shelfie! I always like when people have fun/funky items on their bookshelves - as long as the books are the priority, of course. :)

    Madeline @ The Shellshank Redemption

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    1. Oh, yes, the books have to be a priority, but I like to add some personal touches. :)

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  3. First I've ever heard of it. Wow, quite the series too it looks like. haha cats also love to sleep on top my shelf.

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    1. I figured many haven't heard of this series, so that's why I picked it. :)

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  4. This looks like a great series. I have a ten-year-old who might be interested. I can't get her to read the Harry Potter series because she's seen the movies and already knows the plot.

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    1. This would be a good one for her then, although the spells may be hard to understand because of the scientific words, but that shouldn't take away from her experience. :)

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  5. The two books on top look a bit furry.
    A Wizard of Mars. Now that one I have to check out.
    Thanks for participating in my blogfest!

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    1. A Wizard of Mars was a fun one to read. And there's a lot of references to old movies like the original War of the Worlds that you'll like. :)

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  6. Love your bookshelf...especially the cats on top! I had never heard of this book series--it sounds interesting!

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    1. Thanks, Sarah! I am a huge fan of these books. :)

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  7. I've not read anything by this author. Thanks for sharing about these books for the Underrated Treasures Blogfest. I like your shelfie!

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    1. She's not widely known, which is why her series was perfect for this blogfest. :) Thanks, Susanne!

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  8. Looks like a great series for a young reader. Too bad my children are all grown up. Your shelf is so neatly arranged.

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  9. I've not heard of this series. Thanks for the recommendation.

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  10. Your bookshelf looks like a twin of mine!

    Those books remind me a bit of the Narnia series, which I read so long ago (and also watched and taped the old PBS adaptations of).

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    1. I've never actually read the Narnia series, but I have wanted to. :)

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  11. interesting share... I am not familiar with this series, looks like it could be fun for those who love wizards and more.

    Jeremy [HWR:OLM]
    Howlin' Wolf Records: On-Line Magazine

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    1. They certainly are fun for people who love wizards and magic! :D

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  12. Looks like a great series.

    It's nice you have an actual book shelf. I had to do a digital shelfie.

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    1. I got my bookcase for Christmas last year. Before then all of my books were in dresser drawers. lol

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  13. That looks like a very cool series, I'll have to check them out. It's always cool to find something "old" that's new to me :)

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  14. OMG, there are a lot of those young wizard books. And you read all of them? You must be a true fan.

    Shelfie blogfest. LOL.

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    1. I have read them all! Several years pass between each book though, so it's easy to catch up. :)

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  15. WOW that was some post, most enjoyable and interesting to read.

    Thanks for your most welcomed comment which was greatly appreciated,
    also thanks for joining my followers.

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    1. I'm glad you liked my post, Yvonne! And yo're very welcome for the comment and follow. Thanks for following my blog, too! :D

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  16. Those look like amazing books. Thanks for letting us know about the series.

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  17. I do love me some wizards *evil grin*

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  18. Thanks for turning us on to Diane Duane. She sure has written a ton of books! And that's a cute cats-on-the-bookshelf picture.

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    1. She's written a lot of books that I haven't ever read! I'm glad you like my shelfie pic, Catherine. :)

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  19. Yes, this is really interesting saga of Diane Duane!

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  20. Sounds like a good series. Must see if my library have them.

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    1. They might have them at your library. I hope you can find them, Jo!

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  21. Wow, this series has been going on a long time. I can't believe that as a fantasy fan -- and former fifth grade teacher (25 years) -- I've never heard of it. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. I can't believe how long it's been since the first one was published.

      You're welcome, Dianne!

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  22. Like Dianne writes: I cannot believe I haven't heard of this series. You visited my blog so you know what my underrated favorites are. I think I have found a new favorite: MADAME SECRETARY: a former CIA analyst who is dragged into being the Secretary of State and learns the prior secretary was murdered. There is something lethal behind the scene at the White House!

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    1. YES!!!!!!! I watched the pilot yesterday and I love it! It was one of the new shows coming on this fall that I was excited to see and it was better than I anticipated. :D

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  23. So you like wizards Chrys. But I prefer your JD Robb and Nora Roberts collection. I'm with the cats!

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    1. I do like wizards. And this series (all but the last two) are on the first shelf of my bookcase. ;)

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  24. Sounds like an awesome series. I think she once wrote Star Trek novels too :)

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    1. She did!!! I'm so happy that you know that, Although I haven't read them.

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  25. I love your kitties!

    I like the theming behind those books. Someone was a genius.

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  26. I like wizardry books, and those suggestions look interesting. I like the idea of the female wizard too, for a change, like in Harry Potter. Thanks for the follow, too.

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    1. Nita is awesome! I love her as a character.

      You're welcome for the follow, D.G.! :)

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  27. Awesome. Added to my Goodreads TBR :)

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  28. Where No One Has Gone Before is loosely based on Diane Duane's Star Trek novel, The Wounded Sky. Diane is well known in trek circles, she also wrote Spock's World which on average has a four to five star rating on Amazon. Great selection for the treasures fest!

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  29. Diane Duane is amazing. Great pick.

    I love the shelfie picture. Cool. :)

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  30. The Games Wizard's Play. That's hilarious. Thanks for the intro. Never heard of these books.

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  31. Wow, I've never heard of this book series, I'm embarrassed to admit. Shouldn't I have been reading it as a kid back in the day? Thanks for letting us all know. The premises of each book sound crazy fun!

    Your kitties are adorable.... :0)

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    1. I was lucky to find the first book when I did. I was then able to read each one as they came out, which is quite a while between each book.

      Thanks!

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  32. These looks like fun. Particularly #1 since I DO want to be a wizard. :)

    VR Barkowski

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    1. So do I! That's why it applied so much to me when I was younger. ;)

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  33. I definitely need to read these - they sound very good! :)

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  34. I have not read these books but my brother has read most of them. They look great.

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  35. I somehow missed these books. This is the first time I'm seeing them.

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    1. Since she's still writing them, it's not too late to start. :)

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  36. I have not read these books but I want to read them badly now. They are going into my TBR pile. I will check them on Amazon. Thanks for introducing me to these books. They sound wonderful.

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  37. That series looks so cool. Wish I would have heard about it back in '83. Seems like we didn't have nearly the great YA selection back then that kids have now, but maybe I just missed the gems. I love your kitties on the shelf, too :)

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    1. There are probably a few hidden YA gems out there. :) Thank you!

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  38. The Wizard series boasts 10 books! Wow. They have amazing cover images too!
    Your shelfie is really cool!

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  39. Aw, kitties! What a fun way to discover a new, great book---can't beat sparks.

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  40. Thank you so much for sharing this. I never heard of this series, but I want to get to know it now. Also, thanks for stopping by my list.

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  41. Chrys, this author is so prolific and sounds incredibly creative and gifted as a storyteller. I will share the link to this post with my teenage son. I think both he and I will enjoy many of Diane Duane's books. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. She sure is, Stephanie! That's great! I would love to hear what you and your son think of them. :)

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  42. Wow, sounds like a very interesting series! And how amazing that the first book was published in the 80s and there are still new titles being added today. I also love whales and dolphins, so book two definitely piques my curiosity. Will have to keep my eyes open on these. Thanks for the recommendation! :)

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  43. Well, I liked Harry Potter very much. I might as well give this series a try.

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  44. love the sound of this wizard series! how fun!
    and thanks again for joining in the shelfie fest!

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    1. I had fun taking my shelfie pictures with my cats. :D

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  45. Sounds like an interesting series! Thanks for sharing your picks.

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  46. I did read the first book in this series and enjoyed it. But I never read on. It's hard to keep up with all the series because there are so many good books out there. Thanks for sharing it.

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    1. There are a lot of good books out there. You should pick up this series again. You might enjoy them. :)

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  47. I haven't heard of this series but will have to take a look now! My favourite underrated books are, strangely, supposed to be rather well-known in their genre but I don't know of anyone who has read them: The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston and The Song of the Whales by Uri Orlev (granted, one children's writer I know does in fact know about this author, and she's the only one).

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    1. I haven't heard of those books. I'll have to check them out. :)

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  48. Okay, I haven't heard of this series either, but it sound fabulous! I'm definitely going to have to check it out.

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  49. I missed your Shelfie post! I love your bookcase! I'm waiting for the day where Luna is no longer scared and jumping all around this place, decorating bookshelves and laptops with her black body, lol

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    1. Luna will get there soon and then you won't be able to get her down off the furniture. lol

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