The Magic Scales cover art

The Magic Scales

The Wizard Goldfish Series, Book 1

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About this listen

When James's father disappears up on the moor, the whole village, including James's mum, thinks David Peck has simply 'done a runner'. Unconvinced, James tries to retrace his father's steps and soon finds a weird footprint near the old circle of stones up on the moor. His mind runs riot and in his struggle to get back to the village, he has an asthma attack.

He soon encounters a wizard called Mendel, banished to Scotland in the form of a goldfish. The wizard makes a pact with James that will take the boy and many of the villagers of Drumfintley on a quest to the doomed world of Denthan.

Village rivalries and family tensions reach breaking point in a world where monsters compete to survive Denthan's inevitable destruction. Will James find his dad? Will the villagers escape Denthan in time? Which of the four ancient races of Denthan will avoid extinction?

©2023 Paul Murdoch (P)2023 Paul Murdoch Action & Adventure Village Magic Magic Users Wizardry
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Although this book will probably be categorised as ‘Young Adult’ and end up in that section in most libraries I know many adults would enjoy the story, especially if they are into fantasy.

All the elements are there – adventure, magic, excitement, drama, together with that touch of humour so characteristic of this author, who has a fantastic imagination.

All are woven together in a story packed with action which keeps the reader spellbound to the very end.

The characters are well written, distinct, and believable – even the fantasy ones. Particularly intriguing is the wizard goldfish, Mendel.

An important aspect of the book is the hero, James Peck, who lives with asthma.

This is one of those ‘hidden’ disabilities that can be ignored but James (or rather Paul) shows how a boy deals with asthma while embarking on his quest.

There are occasions, not overdone, when James’ asthma does come to the fore but with Mendel’s help, he overcomes those times.

A well-crafted book all round and a joy to read good writing.

I would recommend you join James in his truly ‘fantastic’ quest to find his father. - The Clydesider Magazine

Adventure, magic, excitement, drama, together with that touch of humour

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