Out of all the wizards you might encounter in your life, the ones you probably want to meet are powerful yet kind guides. Begrudgingly helpful and somewhat strong wizards are also a possibility, yet not as fun. But perhaps the number one wizard to look out for is The Garbage Wizard. This wizard is either entirely unhelpful and there just for vibes – or they could be rancid evil wizards. Take heed if you ever encounter a Garbage Wizard like the one in The Thousand Eyes by A. K. Larkwood, out February, or any of the ones below! Warning, spoilers for The Unspoken Name below.
by Lizzy Hosty
Belthandros Sethennai from The Thousand Eyes by A. K. Larkwood – Phantom Garbage
In this sequel to The Unspoken Name, two years have passed since Csorwe and Shuthmili have risked a Garbage Wizard Belthandros Sethennai’s anger in order to gain their freedom. But when they release an eldritch power that has slept undisturbed for generations, and they run into the former lover of the wizard they are escaping, they might just discover there are worse threats out there than the Phantom Garbage Wizard they fled.
Aelis de Lenti from The Warden by Daniel M. Ford – Aimless 20-something Garbage
Aelis had a plan. First, attain connections. Great, check one, she’s actually got those, wow. Second, gain prestige by graduating from the Magister’s Lyceum? Got that too. And like many Aimless 20-something Garbage-entities of any vocation, this is where everything falls apart. What does she do now? Performing local community necromancy at her assigned post in a rural mountain forest did not have a place in her two-step plan. But she’ll do it—aimlessly she will, and she’ll drink a little too. And complain. And this is where and how perilous adventure will find her.
Harrow from Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir – Goth Garbage
The second part of the Locked Tomb series, Harrow the Ninth follows Harrowhark Nonagesimus, the last necromancer of the Ninth House, and truly the Gothest Garbage Wizard to exist. After Harrow is drafted by the Emperor into an unwinnable war along with her detested rival, Harrow has to perfect her skills and become an angel of undeath. But her health is failing, her sword makes her nauseous, and even her mind is threatening to betray her. Is somebody trying to kill her? And if they succeeded, would the universe be better off?
Red King from Max Gladstone’s Craft Sequence Series – Recyclable Garbage
In this collection of the first five books of the Craft Sequence, the Red King is the Recyclable Garbage Wizard that keeps coming back for more. In a world where souls are currency, cities are powered by the fallen gods, necromantic law firms, and warrior priests exist, The Red King and Red King Consolidated continue to insert themselves into where the characters least expect – and perhaps, least want.
And check out Dead Country, Gladstone’s recent return to the world of the Craft, and a great new entry point into his mythos!
Kell from V. E. Schwab’s Shades of Magic Series – Insufferable Garbage
The most Insufferable of Garbage Wizards, Kell has the rare ability to travel between parallel Londons; Red, Grey, White, and, once upon a time, Black. Kell works a double life as an ambassador to the Maresh Empire and travels between all Londons, but also as a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they’ll never see. When Kell discovers new perilous magic, the once precarious balance of power among the four Londons might just reach its breaking point.
AND make sure to check out The Fragile Threads of Power, Schwab’s forthcoming and much-anticipated return to the world that began in the Shades of Magic!
What type of Garbage Wizard is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Uhm, Rincewind? A definite oversight!
Lol! I was looking for Rincewind on the list.