Midshipwizard Halcyon Blithe

Hogwarts goes to sea in Ward's workmanlike fantasy debut. Setting off from the land of Arcania, 12- and 13-year-old aspiring wizards learn how to sail a vessel affixed to the back of a huge sea-dragon and to battle the nasty shape-changers of the enemy Maleen. At 16, the book's hero, Halcyon, is nearly an old man, though he gives no thought to age, while the skipper calls every member of the crew, male and female alike, his "men." There's no romance and the main action focuses on Halcyon's efforts to overcome the threats of a court-martial and an unknown villain whose weird identity is saved for the climax. Ward's eager if plodding midshipwizards are unlikely to unseat Harry Potter, but they do come across as appealing and credible young teens, the novel's obvious audience. Agent, Frank Weimann at the Literary Group International . (Sept.)