Magician: Apprentice (Riftwar Cycle: The Riftwar Saga Book 1)

Chad

Awesome!

"This is an excellent book and the author is second only to Tolkien when it comes to the fantasy genre. I highly recommend you read this. There's enough hack-n-slash to keep the younger readers excited and turning pages, but plenty of plot and character development to hold the interest of mature readers. I got as much enjoyment out of this when I first read it at 14 as I do when I reread it today at 27. Albeit, for different reasons. The story is about two boys coming of age and coming to power. It's about a war of worlds across the cosmos. It's about ancient powers and threats and new heroes. It's about the politics of a kingdom and of a empire. It is a story of people and the characters really make the book. Pug, Thomas, Father Tully, Kulgan, Swordmaster Fannon, Duke Borric, Arutha, Amos, Carline, and Jimmy the Hand are just a small handful of the characters you'll fall in love with. It is "typical" fantasy in so far as having certain characteristics familiar to fantasy fans. There a dragons, goblins, and trolls. There are dwarves, elves, and men. The elves are few in number, mysterious, and dwell in the forests. The dwarves are a gruff people with an affinity for stone. Man is engulfing the land. Magicians cast spells and religion is polytheistic. It's "typical" fantasy stuff. But then, that is what's to be expected of a novel based in a world created for a Dungeons & Dragons style RPG. While some reviewers resent this, I find it comfortable. It allows you to concentrate more on the characters and the plot and less on trying to figure out some strange system of magic, physics, flora, fauna, and/or theology. That's not to say there are no original ideas. There are plenty. The Greater and Lesser Paths of Magic come to mind. As does the Valheru and Hall of Worlds. Enough familiarity to prevent confusion but enough originality to keep it interesting. Buy it. Read it. Get the sequels. Read them. You'll love the works of Raymond E. Feist and it will set a new standard for what modern high fantasy should be. ["

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December 1, 2003 Verified Purchase

Jenniraereads

Great start to an epic story.

"4.75 ⭐️ I am so excited to continue this sweeping and epic series. This book has everything a fantasy reader could want and then some. Magic, heroes, villains, elves, dwarves, dragons, goblins and so much more. The characters are engaging and have varied storylines that keep you on the edge of your toes. The world building is massive in scope but not overdone or overwhelming. The writing is well paced intermixed with scenes of tense excitement. This story is a true beginning, introducing each character from a tender young age and allowing readers a chance to get to know their full story as they grow and follow their destiny. Lots to rave about with this book. I highly recommend to all readers, not just lovers of epic fantasy. ["

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June 18, 2025 Verified Purchase

MB

Great First Book in the Saga

"This is an almost nostalgic classic fantasy tale that really hit the spot for me. It's not perfect and there are some issues with the overall plot but I thoroughly enjoyed this and would highly recommend it to fans of old-school fantasy. The title of this book is actually a bit misleading as most of the book is not about magic at all. It might disappoint some people who buy it expecting a Harry Potter-style emphasis on the intricacies of a well-thought-out magic system. Expect instead to experience a classic fantasy tale told from multiple points of view with an ensemble cast. This was actually one of my nitpicks with this book as there is a big portion of the book where the person you think of as the main character is basically thrown out of the picture. The book is slow at times but the story is well thought out and the world building is absolutely top-notch. The other issue is that the romantic subplots are a little half-baked and uninspired. I really didn't like the author's choices when it came to that at all and if I were being picky, I'd have to point out that the female characters, in general, were poorly written. None of that takes away from what this book is though. It's really an excellent fantasy yarn and I'd highly recommend it. ["

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July 3, 2021 Verified Purchase

Jim the Mechanic

Takes me back to middle school... We could read in those days, see.

"Oh my feisty boy. I wonder if you are alive. Well I hope you are. A lovely read. ["

May 8, 2026 Verified Purchase

MGW

Fun, light, engaging.... holds up for adult fantasy lover

"I am a quite fussy fantasy reader -- I have no problem putting down a tired, poorly written magic/dragon story - I stick to the good stuff. This was a breath of fresh air!! It was fun, well-written, and although I get the idea that it's probably a great young reader book (I purchased an X library copy, duh) it is keeping me engaged. Well written characters, strong portrayal of friendship, conflict, young love and loyalty .... presented in a culture with magic, dwarves, squires and a monstrous evil army coming. As an adult who didn't realize I was buying a GP book, the plot, characters and writing is substantial enough to have me ordering the second book... and making sure it gets shipped quickly so it gets here before I finish LOL. ["

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May 16, 2024 Verified Purchase