"CASTERS OF DOOVIK," by McKenzie Wagner, Sweetwater Books, $17.99, 304 pages (f) (ages 10 and up)
Doovik is a quiet, little community deep in the heart of a majestic forest protected on all sides by a powerful spell that keeps the rest of the world unaware of its existence. The Casters of Doovik have spent years creating this idyllic world by keeping evil and war from the tender residents of Doovik, but some residents are starting to wonder why.
Utah teen McKenzie Wagner's new book, "Casters of Doovik," which was released Sept. 8, follows the adventures of a group of young teens as they try to discover what has happened to their world. Driven by a desire to restore peace and find real answers to their questions, these intrepid searchers pass through innumerable dangers in an effort to help those they love.
Nutmeg, who goes by Meg, has lived her whole life in Doovik and loves the peace and tranquility of her environment. But things begin to gnaw at her heart as she approaches the time for Bestowing, when all the 14-year-old youth of Doovik find out if they have magical powers. Memories of her sister, who was taken in an earlier Bestowing, also stir up questions about the Casters’ true purpose for the Barrier that separates Doovik from the world.
When the unthinkable happens — the wall around Doovik is breached and destroyed — Meg knows that it is time to find some answers. Aided by her friends Peter, Eric, Tessa and Dylan, she sets out to find the Casters of Doovik and get the answers she and her people need. But to learn the truth, they must be ready to battle or make friends with elves, naiads and other mythical beasts along the way.
Though it's written primarily for middle grade readers, many young adults may also enjoy this story. "Casters of Doovik" is entertaining and full of adventure without swearing, sexual content or descriptions of excessive violence.
Fourteen-year-old Wagner is also the author of the Benotripia series for middle grade readers.
If you go ...
What: McKenzie Wagner book signing
When: Saturday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m.
Where: Layton Barnes and Noble, 1780 N. Woodland Park Drive, Layton
Web: barnesandnoble.com
Mike Whitmer lives in West Valley City and blogs at mtwhitmer.blogspot.com. His email is grundelwalken@gmail.com.