Witch and Wizard (James Patterson) Audiobook Review

Publisher:  Hachette Audio (December 14, 2009)
Format: Audio CD
Read by Elijah Wood and Spencer Locke

The world is changing--the government has seized control of almost everything and kids are disappearing. For 15 year-old Wisty and her older brother Whit, life turns upside-down when they are hauled out of bed one night, separated from their parents, and thrown into a secret compound for no reason they can comprehend, except that the new government is clearly trying to suppress Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Imprisoned together in a decrepit cell, Wisty and Whit cling to the only things they have left--a blank book, a drum stick, and each other. While searching for ways to escape, both begin exhibiting strange abilities. Maybe there is a reason they were singled out!

Can Wisty and Whit, a witch and a wizard, master their skills in time to save themselves, their parents--and maybe the world?... (Source)

Review
WITCH AND WIZARD, by James Patterson, is a fast-paced adventure about a new government regime against children who have magical powers. Patterson created this tyrannous world where not even children are safe, but it is the children who must rise above to save the world from these rulers.

This is my first full audiobook that I have ever "read", and I loved it! The appeal of Elijah Wood and Spencer Locke might have had something to do with it but I can proudly say I am hooked. Their voices were really great for the roles of Wisty and Whit. The combination of the writing and voices really made this book fantastic.

Since Wisty and Whit were clueless when they found out they they were a witch and wizard, I felt that I was going along for the ride with them. They had no idea why they were taken away from their parents and why Wisty kept bursting into flames without a ash on her afterwards. It was very comical that each time they defended themselves it seemed to give the New Order a reason to confirm their suspicions about this supernatural sibling team.

I thought that this government that Patterson created was extremely terrifying and completely plausible. Past history has created some unmerciful governments who do not like change or diversification of its people and this was unlike those. This was an amazing start to this series and I am interested to see where Patterson takes us in the next book in the series The Gift.

For more info and clips from the audiobook check out Witch & Wizard by James Patterson