Reviews

The Wizardry Compiled by Rick Cook

jonathanpalfrey's review against another edition

3.0

In which our reluctant and clumsy hero W. I. Zumwalt is kidnapped and in peril for most of the book, and a team of other programmers is secretly recruited from our world to try to make something more generally useful out of his initial attempts at programming with magic.

This is the second in a series of five novels, and it's the one I like best. Our hero still makes mistakes, but he's becoming gradually more competent. I enjoy the clashes between the cultures of the two worlds, and the new team of programmers introduces a greater variety of characters.

There are two parallel plots going on here: Wiz on his own, trying to survive, and the other programmers trying to adapt to their novel situation. I prefer the latter. Wiz on his own isn't boring; but, once I've read it, I'm not highly motivated to read it again any time soon.

gitarrlillan's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

lijadora's review

3.0

Entertaining - little depth. Some of the software engineering in jokes were sorta funny. Will probably read next installment as well, but first something with a little more meat to it.

laurion's review

3.0

Popcorn novel. Not much to it, lightweight fun. Especially if you've ever done any programming.

jeffy's review

(April 4, 1995)