Wizard Island

Child of the Orb

Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
311 Pages
Reviewed on 06/14/2020
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Author Biography

'Keep your pockets full of dreams and your heart full of love.'

TERRY was born at a very early age in Coogee, Australia, where he was raised at the bottom of the garden by fairies. At least that's what he believed until, at the age of two, his family relocated, first to Orange in regional NSW, then Bathurst, and finally to Adelaide where he completed his formal education, mostly on the sporting field and in the headmaster's office.
During his formative years, Terry developed a love of animated films and a desire to work in the film industry. So he headed to Sydney to join MGM and at age 23, was appointed head of national adverting and publicity for Greater Union Theatres.
After nine years promoting blockbuster movies including his favourites, Mary Poppins and The Aristocats, Terry entered a different fantasy world, the corporate world, where he held positions of Marketing Director and CEO for companies marketing nationally and internationally recognised brands. As well as holding directorships on several company Boards, Terry consulted on projects in England and the USA.
Father of three and grandfather to six, Terry, now retired and living in Perth, Western Australia with his wife, Sharna, enjoys good company, good wine, a good laugh, and writing.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Gail Kamer for Readers' Favorite

Wizard Island: Child of the Orb is a hilariously funny fantasy story by Terry Morris. Wilton, a seven-foot being, shows up on the doorstep of the Woolf family to fulfill a prophecy. He must gather the three Woolf children and take them on a perilous journey to find a magical orb and also determine which child is the “chosen” one. The chosen one will defend them against an evil sorceress. Will they find the orb, why is it important and which of the children is the chosen one? I loved the ending but won’t give it away. It was a great surprise.

Wizard Island: Child of the Orb is the first book in the Wizard Island saga. I enjoyed reading the story as it was filled with magical events and mystery that piqued my curiosity. Traveling back in time in a hologram and the clues to solve the mystery of the missing orb were handled with finesse. In addition, the artwork added a magical aura to the entire experience. Character descriptions were vivid and I really so loved Titch. The three Woolf children were well-developed and the events and mishaps they were involved in made me laugh out loud. I think children will wish they could visit Wizard Island in real life. This is the kind of book I would have loved as a child and would have loved sharing with my classroom when I was a teacher. I highly recommend Wizard Island by Terry Morris for middle-grade readers.

A. Ockwell

I loved this book. It’s funny, witty, beautifully written and brimming with imagination. Although the story is mainly aimed at younger readers, I’m sure fantasy adventure lovers of any age will also be delighted by it. It feels like one of those Disney movies the whole family can enjoy together, and the characters are so memorable that they will stick with you long after you’ve read it. I’m looking forward to the next one.

Keith Robinson

I absolutely loved the mix of magical goings-on, colorful characters, and sibling rivalry. The author has a way with words, and I think young readers (as well as older) will enjoy the aptly applied alliterations. :-)

I suspect certain adults won't find references to passing wind amusing, but adults are prudes. I bet the younger target audience will love it. Eg, here's a quick quote of the quirky prose in question:

"Casper’s farts were legendary, but this one topped the lot—a double ding danger of a doozy. It was without question a calamitous crack attack of the highest order, the longest, loudest, most fearsome fart ever heard—anytime, anywhere."

It's not all about farts though. There's a solid tale at work here, and the gas attacks are just a funny sideline. Can't wait to read the next book in this wickedly wizard series!

Nicola-Jane le Breton

Outstanding story, outrageous farts – a rollicking adventure, full of laughs. Absolutely brilliant book. Made me laugh out loud, again and again, and hang onto the edge of my seat for the next fantastic twist in the plot. Lovable characters, witty dialogue, outstandingly original prose, and of course, outrageous farts! I was gripped all the way through by this story and I can’t wait to hear more about the adventures of these budding young wizards. Even if one of them is a bit smelly.

Christina Houen

It's some time since I read this book, but the characters and the story are still vivid in my mind. It is a magical, witty and gripping story that will, like many other great children's books, delight adults as well, because it takes you back to those enchanted days of childhood when reality was just a veil to a quantum world where beings change shape and time shifts, disasters happen and all is fixed, only to be shaken like a kaleidoscope for a new story to emerge. Read it, you won't be disappointed!

Sharna Morris

I absolutely loved this book and my grandchildren were glued to my side while I read it to them. It’s full of witty banter, hilarious characters and some emotional moments which give it a very human feel. It’s beautifully edited and I loved the little dragons at the breaks in a chapter. It was a great way to end the nights read time for the kids and to be able to start fresh the following day. It’s a must read that will take you on a magical journey and we’re all looking forward to reading what comes next.

Tim thirsk

I am a 65 year old male and I Really enjoyed reading wizard island, took me back into a world I had forgotten as I normally read action and biographies books so it was refreshing
Terry Morris storytelling was fantastic, the book was funny, action packed with a touch of romance
I would recommend wizard island it’s a great read

Paul Pustina

While reading this story, vivid images of the characters, clothes they wore, situations and places they were in, were in my mind. Terry's sense of humor, imagination and writing talent make this story come alive.