Friendly Neighborhood Wizard: A Cozy Fantasy

Friendly Neighborhood Wizard, Book 1

By: SmilingSatyr

Narrated by: Eric Burgher

Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

A rural village is fertile ground for a wizard sowing the seeds of magic, warding off bad vibes—and beasts—and ultimately bringing a community together.

After six years at Saint Balthazar's Academy of Magic, Wil McKenzie has returned to his hometown a bewitching but humble Mr. Fix-It. The farming community of Harper Valley has its fair share of problems, and it's counting on Wil's sigils—and dazzling flicks of the wrist—to solve them. After all, the whole of Harper Valley funded his education.

Now, Wil's back in the family fold and working hard to fill the needs of his neighbors, who all seem to want a fast return on their investment. But whether it's mending fences, ridding a house of vermin, boosting crops, or finding lost children, Wil is ready. What the magical civil servant isn't prepared for is everyone's crotchety attitudes and exasperating skepticism—not to mention a noxious, self-serving mayor who's itching for control.

But Wil remains optimistic, especially as he reconnects with his childhood crush, Darlene Johnson, and a former high school bully with a remorseful change of heart. And a good thing, too. Because there's a mystical storm a-brewing and, with it, a centuries-old conflict. Bringing peace, safety, and hope to Harper Valley isn't only the biggest challenge of Wil's young wizarding career; it just might make him the local hero he was destined to become.

The first volume of the hit fantasy adventure series—with more than 600,000 views on Royal Road—now available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible!

©2024 SmilingSatyr (P)2024 Podium Audio

Fun and cozy

Nice group of characters and situations that felt real (even with magic)
Very easy listening and engaging.

it's ok

let me start by saying it's not poorly written or anything and if you're bored pick it up but the book isn't anything special it's not bad but non of the characters stand out really and the antagonists are very two dimensional but like I said it's not a bad book just not great

Very wholesome

I don’t really do too many reviews but this book was very relaxing and I thought it deserved one. It’s a nice blend of slice of life fantasy with a touch of conflict. Would recommend with a cup of earl gray

Good start

This was a good start, I look forward to the next book in the series.

Enjoyable First Installment

Found this book because of a TikTok recommendation. Had a spare credit and figured I use it.
It was a good gamble.
This is sort of folksy fantasy. It has a very Midwestern vibe to it.
It's about a mage just returned from magic school (financed through a collection from the folks from his small farming community).
It reminds me of stories about small town doctors, except with a wizard, and "cozy" really is an apt term for it.
Eventually, as should be in any good fantasy book, strange things start happening.
Looking forward to the next installment.

So bored

This is the most boring saccharine garbage I have ever read. And I like cozy, low stakes non-threatening stuff but maybe it's just because I hate my parents so like this dude talking about how great his parents all the time bored the heck out of me. So basically what I'm saying is I need therapy, this book is probably fine.

Aimless

Even slice of life stories need a goal. This one doesn’t have one. Midway through the main character starts a business with friends in an attempt an add energy to the story, but even this lacks depth.

The story weakness is the main character. He has no personality and is a bit pathetic. The only interesting thing about him is magic, but his powers are used deus ex machina style to move the plot forward rather than a integral part of his personality.

On a technical level, the writing is fine and voice actor provides a solid performance.