AustLit

'Gerald is deep in training for his first official assignment—a case of espionage with international consequences. Melissande, meanwhile, has gone into business ... she′s opened a new witching locum agency. A one-stop shop where magical problems are solved—for a reasonable price. Managing her own business should be a breeze after negotiating the rough tides of New Ottosland politics.The future is looking good. Good, that is, until Witches Incorporated is offered a job that puts Melissande on a collision course with Gerald. Before long, any kind of future is looking increasingly unlikely.'

Source: publisher's website (http://www.harpercollins.com.au/). Sighted 7/2/11.

'His last assignment blew up in his face! Is New Ottosland ready for their new Grade Three Wizard?

'For the life of him, Gerald Dunwoody can't seem to keep a job or a roof over his head. When career disaster strikes again it looks like his days of being a wizard are over for good ... until his friend Monk, genius of the government's secret research department, helps him to get appointed as Royal Court Wizard to the King of New Ottosland. His offsider, Reg, an ensorcelled bird with a mysterious past, isn't so sure this is a good idea. But Gerald's choices are limited ...

'It's New Ottosland, or starve.

'But once he arrives it quickly becomes clear that King Lional isn't the vain, indolent young man he first appeared to be. And with the passing of time, it becomes even clearer that Lional's plans may not, in fact, be in Gerald's best interests ...' (Source: Publisher's blurb)