Ordinary boy, extraordinary destiny. * Sallis ti Ath lies seriously ill and only a touch-healer, usually the preserve of the wealthy, can save his life. But when Elvallon heals the sick boy, he reveals that Sallis is Gifted, one of the few born to touch the power that allows the universe to exist.
But the boy's skills turn out very differently from anything Elvallon expected. * Novella of 24 thousand words. "Gifted Hunter"
Gifted Apprentice proved a good read. For the most part, it is a well-written tale that reminded me of Ursula Le Guin's Ged/Sparrowhawk from her Earthsea series.
The narrative was relaxed, definitely not as fast as I am used to, but the story flowed like a flooded creek until the final climax. It left me wanting to read more, and that is rare for me.
Synopsis:"Sallis ti Ath lies seriously ill and only a touch-healer, usually the preserve of the wealthy, can save his life. But when Elvallon heals the sick boy, he reveals that Sallis is Gifted, one of the few born to touch the power that allows the universe to exist.
But the boy's skills turn out very differently from anything Elvallon expected.
Novella of 24 thousand words."
My Review: This was an interesting novella. The story line was interesting and I enjoyed the characters, though didn't develop a full connection with them but still am interested in where their lives lead them. I had an issue with the theology set forth in the book and the different species that were mentioned, it wasn't always all that clear to me what they were talking about. I have a feeling that the full length series might be able to clear all the questions up but I am not sure. I do want to continue following Sallis and where his new Gift will take him, I hope that we also get to encounter Lyssan again too.
This started off strong with a foreboding mystery and then kind of flatlined.
Continuous conversations of questions and explanations. It became bland; couldn't there have been more examples to express or show the boundaries and differences of the various beliefs? It would have aided the world building and creativity of this mystical time and place.
Although it wasn't a bad read, it was heavy for a short novella, lacking a dire need to continue the series. It's a solid concept, I think, but not enough pull to keep my interest in the adventures to come.
This is the first book in Nicholas' Ilvenworld series. Gifted Apprentice does a wonderful job of spinning a web of foundation for the future, and what's to come. Rose does a good job of grabbing you in the first chapter, making the rest of the book an easy read. He finishes with a gutsy cliffhanger that makes you want to read the next book in the series.
Veyr good story. The only problem I had was during the story the main character would speak and act like someone much older than he really was. I would forget he was only eleven years old and start seeing him like he was around twenty. Then suddenly someone would say something about him being eleven and I would begin to question certain actions. I would still recommend it.
A decent novella about a boy who discovers he has a gift and later on discovers that the gift he thought he had is much different than the gift he does have.
I didn't fall in love with the characters but I could see myself reading a full length novel about them.
I really enjoyed this one. Not a 5 star though because of. lack of connection to the characters. I'm hoping in book two, there will be a bit more character development. I'd gladly read this story as a full length novel.
Usually I enjoy books of this genre but with this one I am unsure. I enjoyed reading it but it was missing lots of information. Who? What? Where? Why? A little bit of everything but no real answers. Yes I will read the next just to see if it gives me more.