One-line summary: “Off to Be the Wizard” is a humorous and entertaining science fiction novel that follows the adventures of a young man who discovers a computer program that allows him to manipulate reality and travels back in time to become a wizard.

Discovering the Magic of Computer Code

In “Off to Be the Wizard” by Scott Meyer, the protagonist, Martin Banks, stumbles upon a hidden file on the internet that contains the source code for the universe. Intrigued by the possibilities, Martin discovers that by altering the code, he can manipulate reality itself. Realizing the potential consequences of his actions, Martin decides to use his newfound powers to become a wizard in medieval England.

A Time-Traveling Adventure

As Martin travels back in time to the Middle Ages, he finds himself in a small village where he poses as a wizard. With his knowledge of future events and his ability to perform seemingly magical feats, Martin quickly gains the trust and admiration of the villagers. However, he soon discovers that he is not the only one who has discovered the power of the code, and a group of other time-travelers, known as “The Others,” are also using their abilities to alter history.

The Consequences of Playing with Reality

As Martin becomes embroiled in a battle with “The Others,” he realizes that his actions in the past can have far-reaching consequences in the present. The more he manipulates the code, the more he risks altering the course of history and potentially erasing his own existence. Martin must navigate the complexities of time travel and make difficult choices to ensure that he and his fellow wizards can continue to exist.

• Magic can be found in unexpected places, even in computer code.
• Actions in the past can have significant consequences in the present.
• With great power comes great responsibility.

“The universe is just a big computer program, and we’re all just characters in the code.”

In “Off to Be the Wizard,” Scott Meyer combines elements of science fiction, time travel, and humor to create an entertaining and thought-provoking story. The novel explores the idea that reality may be nothing more than a computer program and raises questions about the nature of free will and the consequences of manipulating the fabric of existence.

Throughout the book, Meyer injects humor into the narrative, using witty dialogue and amusing situations to keep readers engaged. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and Martin’s journey from an ordinary computer programmer to a time-traveling wizard is both entertaining and compelling.

One of the key takeaways from “Off to Be the Wizard” is the idea that even seemingly ordinary individuals have the potential to become something extraordinary. Martin, a socially awkward computer programmer, discovers that he has the power to shape reality and becomes a hero in the process. The novel also emphasizes the importance of using power responsibly and the potential consequences of tampering with the natural order of things.

In conclusion, “Off to Be the Wizard” is a delightful and humorous science fiction novel that combines elements of time travel, magic, and computer code. Scott Meyer’s clever storytelling and engaging characters make for an enjoyable read that will leave readers pondering the nature of reality and the power of human potential.