Deep Wizardry by Diane Duane

This book was so much better than the first in the series.  Honestly, if it wasn't for the background information you need for this one, I'd suggest skipping the first and starting here.  The characters were so much better, there was an understandable plot, and even the magic was more realistic.

Nita and Kit are on vacation.  It's at the beach, and while they were hoping for a relaxing trip, their status as wizards prevent that from happening.  Strange earthquakes are rocking the seabed, and upon meeting and saving a whale wizard, Kit and Nita become a part of a special song ritual that will help stabilize things and weaken the Lone Power's powers.  Nita's role though isn't what she thinks, and despite her wanting to help, she should have read the fine print.

Nita and Kit are much more developed as characters in this book.  You can actually empathize with them, especially Nita.  Because she has to make some hard decisions in this book, deal with lying, and learn about what type of person she wants to be and what her word means.  Kit is a little more feral and aggressive and it's actually a good move for him.  Shows how youth can be confusing and that sometimes personalities change.  There's a lot of growth for both of them.  But the real standout character in this book is "Ed" the Master Shark.  His character gives me chills, in the good way, with the things he says and the emotions he expresses.  You know he's not really a good guy per say, he's actually the most neutral character you'll ever meet, but he's so powerful and wise in his own way that you are actually held in awe of him.  Duane really did a terrific job on this character.

The plot was very dark and grown up for a young adult novel.  I was surprised actually at the themes of sacrifice, love, and ruthlessness.  But it was worked very well and wasn't overly graphic.  In fact, you're so busy enjoying the characters that the wonderful descriptions of ocean life just seem like they should be there.  They fit in so well and become part of the background, but you'd definitely know if they were missing.  The book just wouldn't be as good.  And the fact that the whole thing takes place in the sea, that's a nice spin on a "wizarding" book.  The magic, while still dominated some on science, was understandable this time around as well.  You could keep up with it without having to get out a physics textbook.  So that made it more readable than the first book was.

I'm glad I didn't give up after the first book.  This one was well worth the read and has inspired me to go take a look at the 3rd book.

Deep Wizardry
Copyright 1985
356 pages