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Traphis: A Wizard's Tale
A year after the death of his father, fifteen-year-old Traphis stumbles across his father’s hidden collection of books. Forbidden from learning magic at a young age, he resolves to read the books in secret. Doors to a dark and formidable world begin to open, and a treacherous adventure awaits both him and his newfound friends. In their journey to fight the power of lies, betrayal, and greed, they discover that no matter how well they master their magic skills, they are powerless without the most important skills in life, such as the abilities to trust, care, and forgive.
- GenresFantasyEbooksYoung Adult
424 pages, ebook
First published June 21, 2011
44 people are currently reading
726 people want to read
About the author
James D. Maxon
9 books43 followersJames grew up in the midst of mental illness and depression. He, himself, struggled in school due to a learning disability.
Without a positive male role model, James learned how difficult it can be for children to realize their true potential. Having acquired a love for fantasy at a young age, he began to write stories of his own, providing children and teens with messages of faith, hope, and insight.
Without a positive male role model, James learned how difficult it can be for children to realize their true potential. Having acquired a love for fantasy at a young age, he began to write stories of his own, providing children and teens with messages of faith, hope, and insight.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 21, 2011
As the son of a great wizard, Traphis doesn’t understand why his mother and father have forbidden him from learning magic. Raised to tend fields, he often dreams of a bigger life–one in which he performs in front of an awe-stricken crowd.
A year after the death of his father, Traphis, now fifteen years old, spies his mother tossing a collection of magic books into a nearby creek. Unbeknownst to her, he is able to rescue them and read their contents hidden within his secret cave.
Opening himself up to the world of magic, a dark presence surfaces–one which has been seeking to track him down for years. Hidden secrets of the past unfold as Traphis joins with other trainees in hopes of learning the skills necessary to survive. The more answers he uncovers the more mysteries arise, sending him down the path of a true wizard, which is far more dangerous than he ever imagined.
A year after the death of his father, Traphis, now fifteen years old, spies his mother tossing a collection of magic books into a nearby creek. Unbeknownst to her, he is able to rescue them and read their contents hidden within his secret cave.
Opening himself up to the world of magic, a dark presence surfaces–one which has been seeking to track him down for years. Hidden secrets of the past unfold as Traphis joins with other trainees in hopes of learning the skills necessary to survive. The more answers he uncovers the more mysteries arise, sending him down the path of a true wizard, which is far more dangerous than he ever imagined.
June 24, 2011
If you liked Harry Potter and Eragon, check this one out too.
December 31, 2017
This was a fantastic fantasy story! I have no complaints!
The story centers around a young boy whose father was a magician. He is led to believe that he has no ability to do magic, however when he discovers and reads some of his deceased father's books, he discovers that he can indeed perform magic. At first he is only interested in being a magician entertainer and taking revenge on the person who killed his father.
Eventually he learns that magic is for more than just putting on a show - it is for helping those in need. Before long he finds himself entangled in a war between the good and evil factions of his world. He starts on a rescue journey, that teaches him about trusting others, discerning friend from foe, and eventually forces him to examine his own character and to make a decision about which side he is going to ally himself with.
The story was well paced, and well written. It was a good length, and had a satisfying ending. I would recommend this book to young adults and adults.
The story centers around a young boy whose father was a magician. He is led to believe that he has no ability to do magic, however when he discovers and reads some of his deceased father's books, he discovers that he can indeed perform magic. At first he is only interested in being a magician entertainer and taking revenge on the person who killed his father.
Eventually he learns that magic is for more than just putting on a show - it is for helping those in need. Before long he finds himself entangled in a war between the good and evil factions of his world. He starts on a rescue journey, that teaches him about trusting others, discerning friend from foe, and eventually forces him to examine his own character and to make a decision about which side he is going to ally himself with.
The story was well paced, and well written. It was a good length, and had a satisfying ending. I would recommend this book to young adults and adults.
April 21, 2018
I found this book on Freebooksy and something about the description just MADE me want to read it. Turns out it was JUST as good as I thought it would be. It's full of adventure and magic, heroic moments and the beginning of friendships, answers to questions and the discovery of secrets that had been kept from him throughout his life. In my opinion, well written with great characters. :) In fact, I'm kind of sad it was over so Mr Maxon, if you happen to read this, you should totally make a part 2 so I can find out what happens to Traphis. K-thanks.
July 28, 2018
This was a great story.
I really liked reading this story, it has plenty of action and adventure, along with a "morale to the story". Of you enjoy good fantasy, tailored more for young adults, then this novel is for you.
I really liked reading this story, it has plenty of action and adventure, along with a "morale to the story". Of you enjoy good fantasy, tailored more for young adults, then this novel is for you.
July 27, 2018
Excellent Book
It is a very good coming of age tale. There are many twists and turns in the story and plenty to keep it moving. It is a quick read and kept me engaged.
It is a very good coming of age tale. There are many twists and turns in the story and plenty to keep it moving. It is a quick read and kept me engaged.
December 13, 2012
This was a most enjoyable read. The author built upon the characters so that you came to feel as they did. This produced for me a desire to see some characters advance and to enjoy when some were put into their place. The magic system presented in this book is thoughtful and well designed. I could easily see a follow up book, but one is not required to fully appreciate the story line. I do recommend this book for anyone who appreciates magic and Wizards.
October 11, 2017
Wonderful
A fantastic Adventure, I enjoyed every moment of it. The story draws you in and keeps you there. You will lose yourself in this book, and wish for more.
A fantastic Adventure, I enjoyed every moment of it. The story draws you in and keeps you there. You will lose yourself in this book, and wish for more.
August 10, 2018
Traphis has always wanted to be a wizard like his father, but now that his father has died that dream seems farther away than ever. But his own experiments have given him some measure of success--and with that comes a danger he never imagined. Soon he's studying magic at a school for wizards, with one of the greatest mentoring him . . . and nothing is working the way he expected. Magic is confusing, the wizards are arguing about a brewing war, and the evil being at the heart of the conflict has designs on Traphis . . .
This was a better read than I expected, but it was also oddly stilted in some parts. I think either the punctuation on some lines of dialogue, or else the way they were worded, felt a bit off.
The plot works well. Traphis learns early on that Tyron, the mythical evil that's sunk the neighboring kingdom, has it out for him, but he has no idea why. His father was a famous wizard, but has been dead for a year now. His mother is a simple farm wife who struggles to run everything by herself in the wake of her husband's death.
Then, after a chance encounter with magic, Traphis finds himself at a school for wizards. I liked how this is fairly different from the way most wizarding schools are portrayed (although I really wasn't fond of how meals were run. You'd think they never, ever got any new students). I liked the self-study nature of it, and how it's more about asking questions than being told answers.
Traphis has a good character arc. I'm iffy on some of the other characters. Skinny Jack and Kip work well for the most part, with their sibling rivalry. And Saleena offers a nicely alien point of view. But I just did not like Titch. Traphis may be too lovestruck to see what's going on with her, but a lot of her behavior had clear warning signs for me, and I especially disliked how she treats him after the incident she initially caused. She doesn't act like she's really sorry, even though she apologizes. Once.
So I was disappointed when the bit with the amulet went down. To me Titch came across as manipulative, not pure-hearted.
I'm also not entirely sold on the magic system. I like the idea of the layers, with the Cloud and the Blue. But I'm as confused as Traphis about how one actually goes about using the Blue for real magic. Visit a tropical island and then . . . wish hard about something unrelated? How DOES Falin go from that to growing plants if he's got to manipulate sand and water? I get the concept behind intent, but the little we see of magic in action (sand in water, or Traphis figuring out another conveniently water-related spell) leaves me baffled how this would expand to something less basic.
Overall, this isn't bad, and I do like the positive direction behind it all. I like the emphasis on motive behind magic, the Founder, and the mythic undertones. It just feels like there are a few rough edges that caused it not to flow smoothly all the time, and of course being less fond of Titch made most of her scenes harder to read. I rate this book Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
This was a better read than I expected, but it was also oddly stilted in some parts. I think either the punctuation on some lines of dialogue, or else the way they were worded, felt a bit off.
The plot works well. Traphis learns early on that Tyron, the mythical evil that's sunk the neighboring kingdom, has it out for him, but he has no idea why. His father was a famous wizard, but has been dead for a year now. His mother is a simple farm wife who struggles to run everything by herself in the wake of her husband's death.
Then, after a chance encounter with magic, Traphis finds himself at a school for wizards. I liked how this is fairly different from the way most wizarding schools are portrayed (although I really wasn't fond of how meals were run. You'd think they never, ever got any new students). I liked the self-study nature of it, and how it's more about asking questions than being told answers.
Traphis has a good character arc. I'm iffy on some of the other characters. Skinny Jack and Kip work well for the most part, with their sibling rivalry. And Saleena offers a nicely alien point of view. But I just did not like Titch. Traphis may be too lovestruck to see what's going on with her, but a lot of her behavior had clear warning signs for me, and I especially disliked how she treats him after the incident she initially caused. She doesn't act like she's really sorry, even though she apologizes. Once.
So I was disappointed when the bit with the amulet went down. To me Titch came across as manipulative, not pure-hearted.
I'm also not entirely sold on the magic system. I like the idea of the layers, with the Cloud and the Blue. But I'm as confused as Traphis about how one actually goes about using the Blue for real magic. Visit a tropical island and then . . . wish hard about something unrelated? How DOES Falin go from that to growing plants if he's got to manipulate sand and water? I get the concept behind intent, but the little we see of magic in action (sand in water, or Traphis figuring out another conveniently water-related spell) leaves me baffled how this would expand to something less basic.
Overall, this isn't bad, and I do like the positive direction behind it all. I like the emphasis on motive behind magic, the Founder, and the mythic undertones. It just feels like there are a few rough edges that caused it not to flow smoothly all the time, and of course being less fond of Titch made most of her scenes harder to read. I rate this book Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
December 26, 2025
I started this on November 10th and here it is December 26th and I’m only 64% (~271 pages) in despite reading nightly before bed. The pacing is so slow to me and I find myself not really caring for any of the characters.
Traphis finally makes it to wizard school and the person teaching him never really shows him how to do anything to teach him magic, instead it’s these odd veiled lessons (ex: day 1 was go have breakfast with no mention that he’d have to use magic to feed himself so he’s embarrassed and doesn’t really eat anything but talks to a group of kids who show him how they do it (everyone is different) and that was the lesson…) and Socratic type questions that make Traphis think but it doesn’t seem like there’s any real guidance on how magic works or how to focus his intent to make magic work for him.
Then again, Traphis is only there for like 4 days before going off alone to find his mom when she’s in danger despite not knowing any magic and being unable to defend himself with a sword. I realize he’s a teen and likely not thinking things through the way an adult would approach things but this still bothered me because what in the world is he thinking he’d be able to do if his family couldn’t defend themselves even though they know goes to use weapons?
Someone else may really like this book but I won’t be finishing it.
Traphis finally makes it to wizard school and the person teaching him never really shows him how to do anything to teach him magic, instead it’s these odd veiled lessons (ex: day 1 was go have breakfast with no mention that he’d have to use magic to feed himself so he’s embarrassed and doesn’t really eat anything but talks to a group of kids who show him how they do it (everyone is different) and that was the lesson…) and Socratic type questions that make Traphis think but it doesn’t seem like there’s any real guidance on how magic works or how to focus his intent to make magic work for him.
Then again, Traphis is only there for like 4 days before going off alone to find his mom when she’s in danger despite not knowing any magic and being unable to defend himself with a sword. I realize he’s a teen and likely not thinking things through the way an adult would approach things but this still bothered me because what in the world is he thinking he’d be able to do if his family couldn’t defend themselves even though they know goes to use weapons?
Someone else may really like this book but I won’t be finishing it.
February 16, 2018
nice little magical audio book i listened to :) "i used magic today" : )
August 16, 2013
This coming of age story balances realism and escapism, to build characters who undertake heroic quests without sacrificing a sense that the reader would act as they do if placed in their circumstances.
Fifteen-year-old Traphis is a magic user, like his father; however, his mother has forbidden him to learn magic. Having found his father’s books and staff, he sets out to learn in secret. However, a youthful feud with the mayor’s son not only reveals his power to the Wizard’s Collective but also exposes him to the darkest of threats.
The story advances with at a swift pace. Although there are some diversions into exposition, the majority of the world is revealed to the reader by deduction. Those longer expositions that do occur are usually integrated naturally into conversation, so do not break the flow of the story.
The protagonists and many main characters are children, mostly teenagers. Each of them has a unique personality – yet shares the characteristics of self-interest and self-doubt common to puberty – giving their actions a feeling of being real people who have power rather than of magicians who are young. The discovery that the opposite sex are both addictive and confusing is especially well handled. While the older characters actions are reasonable when explained, they receive less exposition, adding to the sense that the protagonists are burdened with an immature understanding of human motivations.
Maxon has created two magical systems, one granting the user great power over an element and the other permitting control of any element but with less power. Although there is an underlying moral aspect to the choice of which system a magician uses, Maxon does not seek to hammer this home, relying on the contrast between high power and broad application to create conflict.
The plot is the classic fantasy narrative of a young farm-boy who becomes critical to defeating great evil; however, the characterisation and world-building make this more than a collection of stale tropes.
I enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to readers looking for an engaging mid-length fantasy novel.
Fifteen-year-old Traphis is a magic user, like his father; however, his mother has forbidden him to learn magic. Having found his father’s books and staff, he sets out to learn in secret. However, a youthful feud with the mayor’s son not only reveals his power to the Wizard’s Collective but also exposes him to the darkest of threats.
The story advances with at a swift pace. Although there are some diversions into exposition, the majority of the world is revealed to the reader by deduction. Those longer expositions that do occur are usually integrated naturally into conversation, so do not break the flow of the story.
The protagonists and many main characters are children, mostly teenagers. Each of them has a unique personality – yet shares the characteristics of self-interest and self-doubt common to puberty – giving their actions a feeling of being real people who have power rather than of magicians who are young. The discovery that the opposite sex are both addictive and confusing is especially well handled. While the older characters actions are reasonable when explained, they receive less exposition, adding to the sense that the protagonists are burdened with an immature understanding of human motivations.
Maxon has created two magical systems, one granting the user great power over an element and the other permitting control of any element but with less power. Although there is an underlying moral aspect to the choice of which system a magician uses, Maxon does not seek to hammer this home, relying on the contrast between high power and broad application to create conflict.
The plot is the classic fantasy narrative of a young farm-boy who becomes critical to defeating great evil; however, the characterisation and world-building make this more than a collection of stale tropes.
I enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to readers looking for an engaging mid-length fantasy novel.
December 27, 2012
Whew this is a long book. Here's a quick run down:
What I loved:
- everything is very detailed
- main character, Traphis, has a TON of character growth. So does Skinny Jack.
- lots of words of wisdom
- characters are likable and each have their own captivating story.
- magic
What I liked:
- realistic behavior from the main characters (Traphis, Skinny Jack, Kip, etc - even the little punk kid)
- because of the complexity of things, explanations tend to be long-winded.
What I didn't like:
- unrealistic fight scene (seriously, the villain had to literally say they were ready, after a long mid-battle pause, where both sides came up with plans)
- incomplete sentences
- the heavy emphasis on the religious aspect
Overall, this is a great book, as long as you have the patience for it - I wasn't feeling it until about 20% of the way in. That said, this book has a lot to offer if you can forgive some of the things listed above. The author has obviously put a lot of thought in to this story; from the backstory, to the setting and the characters, he has built an entire world and his care shows. Unfortunately, because there is so much explanation, it kind of bogs down the flow. Still worth a read though!
What I loved:
- everything is very detailed
- main character, Traphis, has a TON of character growth. So does Skinny Jack.
- lots of words of wisdom
- characters are likable and each have their own captivating story.
- magic
What I liked:
- realistic behavior from the main characters (Traphis, Skinny Jack, Kip, etc - even the little punk kid)
- because of the complexity of things, explanations tend to be long-winded.
What I didn't like:
- unrealistic fight scene (seriously, the villain had to literally say they were ready, after a long mid-battle pause, where both sides came up with plans)
- incomplete sentences
- the heavy emphasis on the religious aspect
Overall, this is a great book, as long as you have the patience for it - I wasn't feeling it until about 20% of the way in. That said, this book has a lot to offer if you can forgive some of the things listed above. The author has obviously put a lot of thought in to this story; from the backstory, to the setting and the characters, he has built an entire world and his care shows. Unfortunately, because there is so much explanation, it kind of bogs down the flow. Still worth a read though!
July 1, 2013
Lovely story, the storyline keeps you guessing and has some surprises. I do think the characters have more power than they should, bit of a surprise that they are faced with so much overwhelming bad guys so early in their career. I'd have liked to read more about how they learnt to use their power. But I do like the way they need each other to be successful.
There is a touch of religious overtones and a moral to the story, but its s good one so no probs.
It is easy to read and I will be looking at other books by this author.
There is a touch of religious overtones and a moral to the story, but its s good one so no probs.
It is easy to read and I will be looking at other books by this author.
October 7, 2011
Traphis is not the kind of book I normally read. However, I started this one and couldn’t put it down. I found it very entertaining and, since it is fantasy, my brain was in overdrive as it pictured all the details of this creative world. I really enjoyed it and loved the way it kept me wanting to read more. I would recommend this book.
September 14, 2012
An enjoyable fantasy with interesting characters and an unusual world. It does remind me of some other fantasies, which is why I end up with a rating of about 3.5. Had to round up to enter it.
Mostly well-written, but several wrong word issues that I found annoying.
A nice clean read that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to my nephews and nieces when it matches their reading level.
Mostly well-written, but several wrong word issues that I found annoying.
A nice clean read that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to my nephews and nieces when it matches their reading level.
February 4, 2013
Needs some major editing for both grammar and content (ore is a mineral not something you paddle a boat with, it's air of importance not heir,...). The story drags on and I never found a reason to root for the protagonist who acts like an unintelligent 11 year old rather than 15 year old destined to any sort of greatness. Glad I got this from Amazon free.
August 25, 2015
I think there are some very good parts to this book but there were so many parts that bogged down and a lot of other parts that just didn't work, like everyone stopping in the middle of battles to talk about feelings, plans and give a speech with a lot of religious overtones.
I think it is worth the read but could have benefited with a bit more editing.
I think it is worth the read but could have benefited with a bit more editing.
January 10, 2012
I'm on chapter 8, I can already see that I will be reading this over and over again and still be making new discoveries.Fast moving story rich with subtle layers.
October 2, 2011
Traphis is an adventurer. Walk along with him as his curiosity and determination to learn open up doors he never knew existed.
August 7, 2013
This book is crap...don't read it if you have any prior experience with fantasy books. You will just notice how many lame clichés there are and how bad the story is.
March 27, 2014
A good read
A good read
to fast at time,s less a classic wizard's tale.a storyline of one and friends.but still a good read.the last 3 chapters where very good
A good read
to fast at time,s less a classic wizard's tale.a storyline of one and friends.but still a good read.the last 3 chapters where very good
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews