Deep Wizardry facts for kids
Cover Art for Deep Wizardry
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| Author | Diane Duane |
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| Cover artist | Cliff Nielsen |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | Young Wizards |
| Genre | Fantasy novel |
| Publisher | Harcourt Trade Publishers |
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Publication date
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1985 (first printing by Delacorte Press, reprinted 1996 by Harcourt) |
| Media type | Print (Mass market paperback) |
| Pages | 384 pp |
| ISBN | 0-15-216257-7 |
| OCLC | 45835465 |
| LC Class | PZ7.D84915 De 1985 |
| Preceded by | So You Want to Be a Wizard |
| Followed by | High Wizardry |
Deep Wizardry is the exciting second book in the popular Young Wizards series. It was written by Diane Duane and continues the adventures from So You Want to Be a Wizard.
Contents
What Happens in Deep Wizardry?
An Ocean Vacation and a Strange Discovery
The story begins with Nita's family going on a fun vacation. They head to the South Shore of Long Island, and Nita's friend Kit joins them with his dog, Ponch. One night, while swimming in the big ocean, Nita meets a friendly dolphin she calls 'Hotshot'. Kit also notices that the old rocks nearby seem to hold memories of a past disaster.
The very next night, the dolphin carries Nita and Kit to a nearby beach. There, they see a group of sharks attacking a humpback whale wizard named S'reee. Nita and Kit quickly help rescue S'reee from the sharks. Nita uses her wizardry to heal S'reee, and then she and Kit return to the shore.
The Ancient Song of the Twelve
From S'reee, Nita and Kit learn about a very old and important event called the 'Song of the Twelve'. Long ago, twelve whale wizards faced a powerful evil force known as the Lone Power. This force tried to tempt them to embrace chaos and destruction. Three whales gave in, three were unsure, and three refused.
A tenth whale, known as the Silent Lord, made a huge sacrifice instead. She allowed herself to be eaten by the Master Shark. This brave act managed to trap the Lone Power for a while. Ever since, new Songs have been performed to keep this evil force bound and powerless.
S'reee explains that there aren't enough wizards willing to join the upcoming Song. Without thinking about what it truly means, Nita volunteers to be the Silent Lord. After this, S'reee takes Nita and Kit to find other whales for the important Song. Because Nita shared blood with S'reee while healing her, Nita magically turns into a humpback whale herself! Kit is given a special 'whalesark' cloak, which changes him into a sperm whale.
Facing the Master-Shark and New Challenges
The next day, Nita and Kit sneak out of their beach house to help S'reee. They meet a powerful shark wizard named Ed'Rashekaresket, whom Nita quickly nicknames 'Ed'. Ed is the 'Master-Shark' of the Song. Nita learns from him that her role in the Song requires a great personal sacrifice. This makes her hesitant to continue.
However, Ed persuades her by explaining the terrible consequences if the Song fails. Millions of innocent lives would be destroyed. He also tells her that her memories of Kit and their adventures would be lost forever. As the Lone Power's hold weakens, giant kraken monsters attack the wizards underwater. Volcanic vents also become active, causing more danger.
Revealing Secrets and a Sister's Gift
Back at the beach house, Nita's parents demand an explanation for her strange behavior. Nita and Kit decide to tell them about wizardry, but they don't explain Nita's special role in the Song. Nita's sister, Dairine, then shows a surprising ability. She can read Nita's book of magic, which suggests that Dairine also has her own magical talents. These abilities are explored more in the next book.
The Song in the Deep Ocean
Nita and Kit return to the ocean and meet the other participants in the Song, who are called the 'Celebrants'. Nita becomes good friends with Ed. The Celebrants then dive deep into the Hudson Canyon. They are attacked by kraken and other sea monsters as they travel. Finally, they reach a special place called the Sea's Tooth, where the Song is held.
The Song begins as planned. But then, one of the whales gives in to the Lone Power's influence. This allows the Krakens to attack the Singers. Kit bravely takes the whale's place. However, the Lone Power breaks free from its binding and appears as a giant serpent.
A Heroic Sacrifice and a New Beginning
During the fierce battle, Ed asks Nita to temporarily give him her wizardry. He then finishes her part of the Song. Ed bravely attacks the giant serpent, which wounds him. This prompts all the sharks in the area to attack both Ed and the serpent. The Lone Power is forced to retreat, bound once again.
Nita and Kit return to the beach house. Nita learns that Ed's sacrifice was a way to repay a debt she owed to the powerful 'Powers' who guide wizardry. In a special ending, Ed appears in 'Timeheart', a wonderful place that keeps all loving memories safe. He visits Nita and Kit there, showing that their bond will last forever.
