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The Wizards of Once
by Cowell, Cressida
Xar is a wizard boy without a shred of magic, and Wish is a warrior girl who secretly possesses a forbidden magical object. In a world defined by the bitter, ancient feud between their two cultures, they have no business being friends. When their paths collide in a dark, ancient forest, they are forced to stop running from their own people and start working together to survive a rising, prehistoric evil. The reading experience is frantic and funny, moving at a breakneck pace that feels like a campfire story told by someone who cannot stop embellishing the details. It is messy, whimsical, and surprisingly heartfelt. If you enjoy stories about underdogs who prove everyone wrong and have a soft spot for world-building that feels both ancient and delightfully strange, you will find a home here.
10 Books similar to 'The Wizards of Once'
Since you enjoyed the chaotic energy and unlikely alliances of Xar and Wish, these picks lean into that same spirit of the hero's journey. Whether you are looking for more secret magical societies like those in Amari and the Night Brothers, the high-stakes cultural clashes found in Wings of Fire, or the witty, underdog-driven banter of The False Prince, this list focuses on books that pair dangerous quests with genuine character growth. These stories all master the balance of lighthearted humor and heavy, world-altering consequences that make a fantasy adventure truly stick with you.
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As the author's other major series, this book shares the exact same witty, slightly chaotic, and deeply imaginative narrative voice that made The Wizards of Once a hit. Readers will recognize the blend of high-stakes adventure and humorous, underdog-centric storytelling.
This series offers the same sense of wonder and intricate, magical world-building found in Cowell's work. It features a protagonist who feels like an outsider and must navigate a strange, dangerous new reality, mirroring Xar and Wish's journeys.
by Rick Riordan
Fans of the fast-paced, quest-driven narrative of The Wizards of Once will appreciate the humor and mythological depth here. Both series excel at placing relatable, flawed children into epic, world-threatening conflicts.
This book shares the lyrical quality and deep emotional resonance found in Cowell's writing, focusing on magic, destiny, and the power of unlikely connections. It captures that same feeling of a mythic, slightly dark fairy tale.
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by Chris Colfer
Like The Wizards of Once, this book explores a world where magic is feared or misunderstood, forcing young characters to rise above their circumstances. It balances whimsical adventure with serious themes of prejudice and bravery.
This series features a young hero thrust into a hidden, dangerous underground world, much like the forest settings in Cowell's books. It perfectly captures the 'fish out of water' feeling while maintaining a high-stakes, action-oriented plot.
by B.B. Alston
Readers who enjoyed the secret societies and magical hierarchies in The Wizards of Once will love this modern fantasy adventure. It features a strong, determined protagonist who must prove herself in a world that underestimates her.
by Lauren Wolk
While more grounded in reality than high fantasy, this book shares the atmospheric, slightly mysterious tone and the theme of a child searching for their true identity. It resonates with the emotional core of Wish's desire to find her place in the world.
This series captures the epic scope and 'clash of cultures' feeling of The Wizards of Once, with multiple factions and a central prophecy driving the plot. It is perfect for readers who enjoy ensemble casts and high-stakes world-building.
This book features a witty, sarcastic, and clever protagonist who feels very similar to Xar in his bravado and hidden depths. The intricate plot twists and political maneuvering provide a slightly more mature, yet still accessible, adventure.
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