To Cast the First Spell

The Maestro Chronicles #1

by John A. Buttrick

Daniel Benhannon has finished building his cabin near the peak of Mount Tannakonna and is ready to leave home and invite Val Terrance to be his wife. But the simple life he hopes for is changed forever when he inadvertently casts a spell so powerful it draws the attention of the Grand Maestro of Aakadon and the dark Maestro Tarin Conn. The two powerful foes sense a change in the balance of power and both of them intend for it to be in their favor. Daniel wants nothing to do with either faction but must learn to master his newly discovered potential before the forces sent looking for him destroy his family and friends and every person living in the remote village of Bashierwood. But to master his potential he must learn from an Accomplished. To save the village he must accept help from Talenteds sent by Efferin Tames, or surrender to Tarin Conn. To seize control of his life he must set his priorities and arrange his chores accordingly.

Genres: Fantasy, Sci Fi Fantasy

205 pages, Paperback

First published December 19, 2008

About the author

Author John A. Buttrick was born in South Florida and is currently preaching at the Flagler Grove Church of Christ in Miami.

Discover his literary prowess as he unleashes impressive and remarkable insights in his two books, To Cast The First Spell and Fighting Temptation.

Reviews

[Raja Velloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent and engrossing story. The main character is very likable. The world is vey well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Time to read book2!

[John Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

This is a great book series, I have read this book at least several times and I never get tired of it.

[Scott Wozniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

You won't find anything original in the world building or overall plot. Teenage boy from remote mountain village discovers he had magic powers. A mentor happens to be near and he learns to wield magic super fast. (There is a clever explanation for his quick learning.) But the evil wizard (trapped in a mountain but able to influence the world through dreams) tries to recruit him--and attacks the village when refused. Even the magic system (music based) isn't new.

But I gave this book four stars.

First, have the maturity to look beyond the lame cover. Second, I love this classic plot. If you don't like this trope then you won't like this book. Third, the characters are wonderful. They aren't crazy unique but they're written with nuance and empathy and surprising depth. Finally, he sets up the rest of the series nicely. There are hints of larger and more original ideas to come. I have high hopes that now we've covered the standard opening the series will take off.

[Annezo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't remember now why I bought this entire series.

Although the story was interesting enough, it was shallow, as was the world-building. And the protagonist was a bit of a MarySue, always learning everything faster and better than anyone.

Sort of boring.