The Blizzard Wizard

Reviews

Liz Jarvis, LivingwithKids, September 2010
Rating: 5/5
Read: Every night

“Frank Hinks’ books are so beautifully illustrated and written it’s a pleasure to read them again and again. Kids love them because Frank really seems to ‘get’ them. He knows they want to read classic tales of good v evil, but they also want to read about bottoms and noses and all that kind of stuff.

The Blizzard Wizard is the 14th book in the brilliant Ramion series. When the Blizzard Wizard turns the whole of the kingdom of Ramion into ice, brothers Benjamin, Julius and Alexander plus Scrooey-Looey their half-mad friend set off to gather the four elements which will bind up the Blizzard Wizard and take him back to his prison cell.

It’s a gripping adventure with plenty of scary moments and humour to keep everyone guessing right until the end. Guaranteed to enchant kids of all ages – I read it to Ben, seven, and he loved it. If you haven’t read the whole series it won’t stop you enjoying this book- but it will make you want to read the rest of the series.”

Chopsy Baby, October 2010
"Children's book The Blizzard Wizard is the latest instalment in the Ramion series, following the adventures of brothers Julius, Alexander and Benjamin. Characterised by the usual swish publication quality and illustrations worthy of an Anorak Magazine appearance, the story hits its target 7-8 year old readership with its fantastical adventures and accessible language.

'If you don't behave, the Blizzard Wizard will get you,' warn parents in the land of Ramion. Well, that's if the Princess of the Night, Venomous Vampires, germ riddled Mystic Mummies and Scary Scots don't get you first.

A literary cross between The Magic Flute meets Doctor Who monsters, this wintery adventure will be well placed in the Christmas stocking of young Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe fans."

Cheryl Pasquier: Madhouse Family Reviews: October 2010
“I’ve just finished reading The Blizzard Wizard to 9-year-old Sophie and I have to say, it's quite unlike any other book I've ever read to her!  Frank Hinks weaves an enchanting tale of adventures set in a nightmarish (but not TOO scary!) fantasy world peopled with creepy but often hilarious monsters….. There is so much going on and so many weird and wonderful characters racing across the pages that your brain almost starts fizzing!.......

The illustrations are really colourful and full of details and Sophie loved the fact that they looked like a child had drawn them.  She also loved the "rude" humour with hedgehogs farting out lethal spikes and bum scratching galore!  The villains get more and more ridiculous and hilarious and I particularly loved the Scotsmen whose bagpipe playing makes you explode!

This is certainly a book that will appeal to youngsters of both sexes and the fast pace and colourful illustrations will make even reluctant readers enthusiastic.  Some of the vocabulary is a bit complicated so it's a great book for parents and kids to share together at bedtime.  Giggles guaranteed!

Star rating : 4/5"

What's On 4 School Kids: October 2010
"The Blizzard Wizard is the 14th book in the brilliant Ramion series. When the Blizzard Wizard turns the whole of the kingdom of Ramion into ice, brothers Benjamin, Julius and Alexander plus Scrooey-Looey their half-mad friend set off to gather the four elements which will bind up the Blizzard Wizard and take him back to his prison cell. Benn says "I find it hard to sit down and read a book, my friends are the same but the cover was so funky that I thought I'd give this book a try. I really liked the story, it was very adventurous and the characters made me laugh. I haven't read any of the other books in the series but I think I will do now. I have lent Blizzard Wizard to my friend Kenny and he is enjoying it too. I'd like to write a book like this when I am older.""

Carousel: Autumn/Winter 2010
“A story set in an imaginary world, Ramion, where anything can happen, and usually does! It is a traditional tale of good versus evil and moves along at a brisk pace – especially good for readers who are just beginning to go it alone. The simplistic and colourful illustrations add to the enjoyment and the character introductions, together with the clear map, set the scene perfectly.”

Kidzone Mum's Arcade: December 2010
"I loved The Blizzard Wizard. This book is beautiful with glorious illustrations that are works of art in vibrant colours. The story is full of adventure and humour with good fighting evil and giving as good as it gets. My ten year old loved the story and my younger two liked having it read to them as a bedtime story……. £12.99 for a beautiful book with a story with heart, the latest in the Ramion series."

Inthebasket: December 2010
"Frank Hinks has done well to create just the right level of fantasy good and evil for his target audience. He also manages to inject some humour into the book, introducing 'Scary Scots' and characters like Cloud 9, who you wouldn't expect to be so mischievous. There's also a vivid scene where the boys make use of their bad habits, such as picking their noses, to help defeat the monsters they come across in the forest.

You can tell from scenes like these, and indeed the story in general, that the author has experience as a read aloud story teller; his story has that kind of feel to it….. I think Frank has the potential to further develop his storytelling into something that will further engage young children for many years to come."

Christine Fieldhouse, Journalist and author
“The story raced from adventure to adventure, sometimes a little too fast for Jack's (my young son, age 9) liking, but no one could ever accuse the author of keeping us waiting! Full of little boy humour about picking noses and scratching bottoms, Jack thinks this book would be suitable for children (especially boys) aged 5 to 7. Our favourite characters were the Racing Racoons. Lovely fun illustrations which were packed with colour!”

Robin Edwards, TV Scriptwriter  and author
“Frank Hinks invention Ramion, a place where anything could happen and does - pulls together all the classic elements essential to keep children interested, in fine style.
Great stuff, especially if you’re trying to wean a recalcitrant boy off the Nintendo.”

Robin Stuart-Clark, Readers' Forum book Club
“Frank Hinks transports you to a world where good battles evil and evil gives as good as its, all with a dose of good humour and no nonsense dialogue and wonderful, mind-stopping illustrations that make you look and look again”

 

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