The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard


Young Adult - Fantasy - General
310 Pages
Reviewed on 04/18/2015
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Author Biography

Born in Stockton, CA, John Rallios was raised in the nearby community of French Camp. His love for stories began at a slow start around the age of 11 when his father read him just the first page of Tarzan. He was hooked, but it wasn't until the age of 14 when John read a book in its entirety (Tucker's Countryside) that his love for stories blossomed into a dream to be a writer. He wrote sporadically for the next 34 years while working as a firefighter, a detention officer at a juvenile hall, and a case manager at a mental health facility. The fulfillment of that dream, however, began about four years ago by a few simple but powerful words from his wife: "Either write or stop talking about it."
That was how the "Gopher" story came about at last

    Book Review

Reviewed by Ray Simmons for Readers' Favorite

John L. Rallios tells the story of a normal backyard gopher eating a magic carrot and becoming self aware, with a voice that is perfect for readers of all ages, but especially for young people. I was delighted as Gopher discovered the nature of things like friendship, loyalty, loneliness, and evil. The first quarter of The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard takes place in the wizard Menlo's cottage in the woods, and is the perfect place for the newly sentient Gopher to learn about himself, the world, and his human friend. But when Gopher and Menlo venture into the neighboring village for winter supplies, Gopher experiences things and learns hard lessons - just like all of us in this journey called life.

I think this book is awesome. I can't remember an animal character I have had as much empathy for as Gopher. Not since Watership Down have I cheered for an animal so much. The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard is the kind of book you hope your child discovers early as they embark on the wonderful journey of reading for pleasure. In fact, I have picked this one to read to my kids myself. John L. Rallios paints this magical world with a deft brush. Menlo the wizard, Gopher, Adia and her father, all are presented in a way that brings this world and this story to life. There is something called tone, and tone can make the difference between an okay story and a great story. This is a great story.

Great for fantasy and no

I loved this book and I don't normally like or read fantasy!! I found it very entertaining, insightful and inspiring. I loved how at the end of each chapter you want to go on to the next one. Gopher and Menlow were such likeable characters and as their friendship deepened I also felt a kinship with them. The descriptions that J.L. Rallios used are beautiful and thought provoking. I laughed and cried throughout this book and when I reached the end I wanted to re-read it. This book gives the reader hope and a desire for the best that is yet to come.

Kelp

A book worth reading
This book is in the Tolkien style of writing.It starts a little slowly but escalates after the first chapter or two. I found it to be a very enjoyable insightful
and enjoyable read. It brims with captivating twists and turns while building to an exciting climax.

Raylene

What a beautiful book! This book was a joy to read
Ordinarily, I don't read or even care for fantasy but I was surprised by The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard. What a beautiful book! This book was a joy to read, and it has changed how I feel about fantasy. I loved reading about Gopher, the Wizard and their friends. The story was full of adventure, endearing characters, battles and humor. Gopher experiences all of his adventures as he seeks to fulfill his purpose and destiny. A wonderful book for a family to read and enjoy together. Gopher is sure to win your heart as he strives to reach his goal despite the many obstacles, battles, and lessons learned along the way. It was a heart-warming book that is sure to please those who like fantasy or just good adventure stories that have plenty of heart.

Chris Gauthior

This book was really good. A very "warm and cozy" fantasy with minimal "sword clanking ".. I really liked the characters, and Farwyll was my favorite.
I look forward to more books from the author..

Chris Harvey

A Good Read
Just finished reading this book to my three girls...we all found it to be fun and inventive and unpredictable. Each chapter left us wanting more. We highly recommend.

Grace Biagini

I liked the characters in the story. My dad took me to meet the author he was very nice. Grace

Jo Ann Gilbert Stove

I finally finished reading The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard by J.L. Rallios. Mr. Rallios writes the kind of book I really enjoy reading. There is a spiritual implication that is suttle and should not offend any religious person. The book is tastefully written. I look foreward to more books by this author.

Steven

Great book! I never really liked to read growing up but this book really got my imagination into it and the story was motivating and inspirational to me. Definitely a good read for those interested in fantasy.

Josh

This should be a Movie! As a lover of fantasy, I really enjoyed reading this book! It's full of twists and turns, and the characters are Great! This book has a lot of heart, with a great spiritual message and truths we can all learn and benefit from. While I was reading the book, I realized that this would make a great movie. It'd be great for kids, teens and adults to be able to watch, as well as reading the book. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone and everyone!

Lorilyn Roberts

“The Gopher and The Erstwhile Wizard” is a delightful story I highly recommend for ages 5 to 14. My children are past this age now, but I wish they were young enough that I could read it to them. And yes, I read to my daughters into their teens—family togetherness at its best. This book is also a wonderful story for readers of all ages who love allegories and enjoy Narnia-type books with talking animals and unusual creatures.

I worried about the gopher relentlessly, who always seemed to go from bad to worse in his journey of life, but rest assured, the ending is full of redemption and fulfillment in a way you do not expect.

If you are a Christian, you will see a lot of subtle symbolism. If you are not a Christian, the story will resonate with you because Rallios is a great story-teller. “The Gopher & the Erstwhile Wizard” is well written, has characters you will love, and a classical feel. I hope readers will pick up “The Gopher and The Erstwhile Wizard” and add it to their Kindle library. Don't miss out on this one!

Winner of Best Fantasy Fa

"A pleasant and quirky read, where the dialogue between gopher and wizard is priceless. The characters are lovable and unforgettable." Judge from the Maxy Awards.

Kindle Customer

A magical journey into a world of returning magic. Gopher eats a magic carrot and goes on a whirlwind track into the world of awakened magic. Go on this magic journey by getting this book

Jason John Taylor

Some of my most favorite reads as a child were; Watership Down by Richard Adams and The Enchanted Wood by Enid Blyton. Those books were filled with a kind of magic and with amazing old-world storytelling techniques that you just don’t find very often in this day and age. The Gopher & The Erstwhile Wizard recaptures this magic through delightful and magical storytelling techniques that plainly show J.L. Raliios’s innate and most classic ability to weave a truly great yarn… I just loved it. Great storytellers rock and here you will find magical storytelling at its best.

Pam

Made me smile.
Nice unassuming tale. Greatly enjoyable. Steeped in a certain symbolism that is not at all to its detriment. Gopher is very human in his thoughts and actions. His journey is simple and great at the same time.

Rebecca McNutt

This whimsical and imaginative book reminded me a lot of Fantastic Mr. Fox and Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. It's exciting, funny and definitely unique.