Oscar has no magical powers. He's not the magician, obviously; he's not the magician's apprentice, who bullies him mercilessly. He is the magician's hand, responsible for gathering herbs and plants used for different spells. The magician, Caleb, is often called away on urgent business, leaving the apprentice--Wolf--to mind the shop. Then Wolf sneaks away, leaving Oscar in charge. Oscar, who has no people skills, salesmanship, or even desire to be anywhere but in his pantry preparing herbs with his cats. When Wolf's remains return in a bag, Oscar is forced to confront his fears just to keep the shop going. Soon, customers are the least of his concerns: city children are falling mysteriously ill, shops are being destroyed, and even the magically-hidden greenhouse has been destroyed. The magic has kept them safe for hundreds of years--but magic might not be enough this time. 
 A great middle-school fantasy, particularly for those kids who don't feel like they fit in, or really know how to interact.