The Kiss
Witch and Wizard Series
James Patterson and Jill Dembowski

Hachette Audio (Unabridged)
February 12, 2013 / ISBN: 978-1-61969-374-6
Young Adult / Fantasy - Audiobook, Unabridged / Run Time: Approximately 7 hours, 30 minutes
Amazon

Reviewed by Jo Rogers

Whit and Wisty Allgood return in "Witch and Wizard: The Kiss." The young witch and her wizard older brother have defeated and killed "The One who is the One". He had almost destroyed the city where they lived. Now the town celebrated their freedom with fireworks performed by Wisty. Whit and Wisty had been elected to the city council along with fifteen other adults and seventeen children. But their celebration was cut short.

That night, there was a party to celebrate. Wisty met a young man with stellar good looks and a charm that attracted her immediately. Wisty couldn't resist his attention. But he was pushing too hard. Wisty didn't know if she was ready for the intense relationship he wanted. Still, she couldn't get him out of her mind, especially when Whit objected so fiercely. The next night, the boy, Heath, came to Wisty's apartment, but Whit got angry. Wisty had decided she did want to date Heath. But Whit reminded her of her duty to the city and their part, but not before Heath grew a flower in the palm of his hand and laid it at Wisty's feet.

The council was to meet for the first time the next morning, but Wisty was entranced by dreams of Heath. When she finally awoke, she was already late for the meeting. She used her magic to get ready. Whit and Wisty were ready to put forth a plan for the city, only to find that General Bloom had taken charge of everything because he had the Book of Truth. He also refused to give anyone else a copy of it. The General had his own agenda and he was forcing the council to go along with him. But who could be helping him control the people?

There was a traitor in their midst, but who could it be? Then, as Whit roamed the city looking to see who was taking the city's children, Byron came to him with something big. In the night's darkness, Heath met with a giant man who reminded Heath to bring both of them. Both of who or what was he to bring where? Then, he found the giants were taking the children.

"Witch and Wizard: The Kiss" is a thriller fantasy. The plot turns swiftly and in some very unexpected directions. The characters are still growing and becoming more human. The settings go from city streets to mountain wilderness. Read by Constance Morris, Stephen Locke and Justin Long, the emotions are palpable, especially Wisty's rage. It is a fascinating story, a fantasy to be sure, but also a good lesson in responsibility. That always comes with power. Listen to "Witch and Wizard: The Kiss" and settle in for a great fairy tale.