Olaf and Essex (The Magic-Competents) by Patti Calkosz : #RWYK Certified Great Read–Book Review
Congratulations to Patti Calkosz!
Olaf and Essex (The Magic-Competents) is our latest Certified Great Read!
LET’S HAVE A LOOK AT THE BOOK BLURB
A fox and bear take on bumbling witch kidnappers and the NYPD’s Chief Magic Detector to protect a magical baby and the witches of New York.
In an alternate New York City, Olaf, a bear living in Central Park, accidentally scares away two witches. They leave behind a baby, whom they’d kidnapped to force the father-the NYPD’s Chief Magic Detector-to stop harassing the magical community.
Olaf’s mother died when he was just a cub, so his natural instinct is to protect the child. When he and his best friend Essex, a fox, find the presumed parents and attempt to return the baby, they witness the female witch, in a fit of pique, turn her husband into a frog.
Now Olaf and Essex must keep the baby safe, find the real mother, keep the magical baby away from her Magic Detector father, and avoid getting turned into frogs.
About the author
As a child, Patti Calkosz would have loved to have been rescued by a talking fox and bear. Like many kids, she grew up in an environment where it didn’t feel safe to be her authentic self. She created a protective shell in which to hide, which led to deep unhappiness, social isolation, a self-perception of being “dull,” and escalating health problems.
Employing “alternative” healing practices later in life, Patti’s energy began to open up, unleashing her creativity. She loves making people laugh and writing about important social issues in an entertaining way.
HERE’S OUR REVIEW
“Olaf and Essex” by Patti Calkosz is a charming and unconventional tale that blends magic, animals, and humanity in a whimsical narrative that offers plenty of warmth and humor. The story follows Olaf, a thoughtful bear, and his best friend Essex, a clever red fox, as they find themselves wrapped up in the lives of humans—specifically, witches who are entangled in a plot that revolves around a mysterious and powerful baby.
Olaf’s deep sense of loyalty and protection toward the baby, coupled with his skepticism toward humans, drives much of the novel. His observations of human behavior—particularly their irrationality and susceptibility to violence—highlight his cautious nature. Yet, despite his misgivings, Olaf cannot stand by when he perceives that the baby is in danger. This internal conflict between distrust and his innate sense of duty makes Olaf a particularly endearing character.
Essex, the fox, adds wit and curiosity to the story, frequently introducing Olaf to human expressions and concepts she’s picked up from watching TV. Their banter offers light-hearted moments in an otherwise action-packed plot filled with witches, broomsticks, and danger. The animals’ perspective on human behavior is often amusing, as their interpretations of human expressions and habits are slightly skewed but relatable.
The human side of the story, with characters like Mabel Blackthornudder—the self-proclaimed most powerful witch in New York—and her frog-transformed husband Harvey, adds a layer of magical drama. Mabel’s desperate need to regain the baby for its amplifying powers sets the stage for a series of increasingly chaotic events. Her humorous missteps, such as accidentally turning her husband into a frog, are interwoven with darker elements of power struggles and manipulation.
The novel’s plot thickens with each chapter as both the human and animal worlds collide. From dramatic chases to moments of deep reflection, Calkosz provides a narrative that feels both magical and grounded. The emotional core of the story emerges in its quieter moments, particularly in Olaf’s loneliness and longing for connection, especially in the later chapters. His realization that his actions have led to separation from the beings he loves is heart-wrenching, and his ultimate decision to intervene in the baby’s life brings the novel to a tense and satisfying conclusion.
Final Verdict
Overall, Olaf and Essex is a delightful and imaginative book that deftly balances humor, fantasy, and heart. It’s a tale that will appeal to readers of all ages, particularly those who enjoy stories where animals, witches, and human emotions intersect in surprising and touching ways.
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