The Worst Warlock

I’ll admit, I rolled my eyes at first. *Another* underdog magic kid? But *The Worst Warlock* disarms you fast—partly because Elijah isn’t just bad at magic; he’s *spectacularly* bad, in ways that feel less like plot convenience and more like a metaphor for adolescence itself. His spells don’t just fail; they *mutate*. A simple levitation charm turns his mentor’s prized teacup into a sentient, chatty nuisance. A healing incantation gives a goat the ability to recite poetry. It’s absurd, but Livingston grounds it in Elijah’s aching desire to prove himself, which keeps the humor from tipping into farce. Mulligan’s performance is what sells it. She doesn’t smooth over Elijah’s rough edges—instead, she amplifies them, letting his voice crack with frustration or dissolve into a mumble when he’s embarrassed. The supporting cast gets equal care: the warlock’s sighs are *palpable*, and even minor characters (like the goat, voiced with deadpan gravitas) feel distinct. My only critique? The pacing drags slightly in the middle, when Elijah’s training montages start to blend together. And while the ending lands emotionally, the final magical showdown feels a touch rushed, like Livingston got so caught up in the character work that the plot needed a nudge. Still, this is one of the few fantasy audiobooks where the *performance* feels as magical as the story. If you’ve ever felt like a misfit—or just loved a character who tries *too hard*—Elijah’s chaotic energy will win you over.