# Off to Be the Wizard

By Scott Meyer · Magic 2.0, book 1

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/off-to-be-the-wizard-3e5620f6/

Martin Banks finds the computer file that controls reality and starts making personal improvements. When those changes attract unwanted attention, he retreats to medieval England, where he hopes to pass himself off as a wizard.

## What makes it funny?

Other hackers have already had that idea. They arrive from different points in the future, so the same cultural reference does not mean the same thing to everyone. Their recurring jokes and Philip’s snark make the wizardly company less solemn than Martin might have expected.

### The comedy at work

Editing the universe creates a social problem as well as a technical one. The wizards have agreed on ways to use their powers, and their disagreements extend to whether history should be changed.

### Try this if…

Computer humor and time-travel complications sit alongside the pleasures of a group of wizards arguing. A taste for pop-culture references helps; the setting mixes medieval trappings with modern technical thinking.

## What to expect

- Genre: Fantasy · Science fiction
- On the shelf: Time travel
- Kind of humor: Banter
- Format: Novel
- Length: 373 pages
- Audiobook: 10 hr 46 min
- Published: 2013

## Sources & further reading

- Book information: [Audiobook listing](https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/off-to-be-the-wizard-magic-2-0-book-1-unabridged/id825085719)
- Review: [SFFWorld review](https://www.sffworld.com/2014/05/wizard-scott-meyer-magic-2-0-1)
- Book information: [Edition details](https://books.google.com/books/about/Off_to_Be_the_Wizard.html?id=pJUdngEACAAJ)
- Book information: [Book and series details](https://www.fantasticfiction.com/m/scott-meyer/off-to-be-wizard.htm)
- Author commentary: [Author’s book description](https://scottmeyer.rocks/off-to-be-the-wizard)