High Wizardry facts for kids
Cover art for High 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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1990 (first printing by Delacorte Press, reprinted 1997 by Harcourt) |
| Media type | Print (Mass market paperback) |
| Pages | 368 pp |
| ISBN | 0-15-216244-5 |
| OCLC | 45835464 |
| LC Class | PZ7.D84915 Hi 1990 |
| Preceded by | Deep Wizardry |
| Followed by | A Wizard Abroad |
High Wizardry is an exciting fantasy novel written by Diane Duane. It is the third book in her popular Young Wizards series. This book was first published in 1990. It tells the story of a young girl who discovers she has magical powers.
Contents
What is High Wizardry About?
This book introduces Dairine, the younger sister of Nita, who is already a wizard. Dairine unexpectedly becomes a wizard herself. A big part of the story focuses on her special "Ordeal." This is a challenging test that all young wizards must face. It helps them prove their skills and commitment to wizardry.
Dairine's Magical Journey
The adventure begins when Dairine finds her sister Nita's wizard's manual. She decides to take the Wizard's Oath, which is a serious promise. To her surprise, Dairine gets her own wizard's manual. But it's not a book; it's a super cool computer! She quickly names her new computer friend "Spot."
Dairine uses her new powers to travel to far-off places. First, she visits the planet Mars. Then, she goes to a magical place called the Crossings. Here, she is suddenly attacked by bad guys working for the Lone Power. The Lone Power is a very old and dangerous force.
To escape, Dairine uses a special "worldgate." This is like a magical doorway to another place. An unknown man helps her get away. She finds herself on a giant planet that is made entirely of silicon. This planet is very different from Earth.
A Planet of Computers
Meanwhile, Nita and her wizard partner, Kit, realize Dairine is missing. They quickly go after her to help. On the silicon planet, Dairine wakes up a huge computer hidden inside the planet. This computer starts creating new creatures. These creatures are based on computer programs and are called "quicklife" creatures. Dairine names them "mobiles." She gives them fun names, like characters from Star Wars and computer programs.
The Lone Power tries to cause trouble on this new planet. It takes over one of the mobiles. It then convinces many other mobiles to turn against Dairine. Luckily, Nita and Kit arrive just in time to help their friend. They get help from a talking macaw named Machu Picchu, or Peach. Peach reveals she is a very important champion.
Defeating the Lone Power
With Peach's help, the wizards work together to defeat the Lone Power. They do something amazing: they stop the universe from expanding for a moment. This creates a huge burst of light. This light destroys the Lone Power's physical form.
The Lone Power then returns to its "home" with one of the powerful beings called the Powers That Be. As it leaves, it warns Kit and Nita. It tells them to destroy any "shadows" of its power that might still be around. After this big event, the universe continues to expand as it should. Nita, Kit, and Dairine return home. Dairine's computer, Spot, even sprouts legs and follows her upstairs! Nita and Kit then talk to their parents about their adventures.
