Merdyn the Wild is from the Dark Ages. He's the world's greatest Warlock (don't call him a wizard), banished to the 21st century for bad behaviour, and determined to wreak vengeance on his nemesis.
Rose is a totally ordinary girl, on a mission to mend her broken family.
Bubbles is Rose's guinea pig. He just poos a lot.
When Rose bumps into Merdyn and discovers what he is, she quickly realises that he could be just what she needs. Rose agrees to help Merdyn navigate the confusing ways of the modern world (things like: the lidded bowl in the bathroom is NOT a sink, it's a TOILET, so definitely DON'T wash your face in it) if Merdyn gives her a spell to fix her family in return.
Now they just need to hide him in the shed without Rose's mum noticing, track down Merdyn's magic staff and find a way to send Merdyn back through time to the Dark Ages. What could possibly go wrong...?
What a fantastic read.
I loved Simon in Horrible Histories and Yonderland; his goofy, hippy Elder was one of my favourite characters, along with Death. This book shows that he's successful at transferring that sense of humour to another medium, which is tricky to do.
Merdyn is wonderful. Perfectly pitched and confused about what's going on around him; swayed, but a good guy underneath it all. (Is that a spoiler? Sorry.) I know that some of his curses were authentic - a childhood reading every version of Robin Hood I could find pays off! - so I assume they all were. I like to imagine that Simon had a copy of Horrible Histories; Wicked Words beside him for reference.
What a great read. I wish there could be a series, but I don't see how it would work ... although if anyone can figure it out, it's Simon. Take my advice; buy this book this Christmas and gift it to anyone who loves Roald Dahl or David Walliams. They'll love it.
The Wizard in my Shed publishes on the 1st October, 2020.
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