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The Sigil Masters #1
The Sigil Masters
Firebird Book Awards; IndieBrag Awards; Wishing Shelf Book Awards.
Magic is as common as fire and music and starlight. It’s used by the rich and the poor, the high and low alike. Only those born feeble are incapable of invoking sigils. Or those who are sick.
Or cursed. Like Par.
With help from a misfit friend, he’s hidden this dark secret his entire young life. But they must flee imprisonment and death and all they’ve ever known when caught cheating to pass a sacred ritual. During a desperate quest to seek a wizened master who might unravel the mystery of this curse, they’ll discover an ancient secret, one so great that it could usher in a new paradise, or plunge everyone into darkness and war.
Caught in the shadow of death, pursued by sorcerers and forest witches and his own fears and doubts, can this ill-fated boy find a light to save them all?
If you enjoy memorable worlds, intricate magical systems, and the strong ties of friendship, you'll love this lively, award-winning epic fantasy adventure.
Magic is as common as fire and music and starlight. It’s used by the rich and the poor, the high and low alike. Only those born feeble are incapable of invoking sigils. Or those who are sick.
Or cursed. Like Par.
With help from a misfit friend, he’s hidden this dark secret his entire young life. But they must flee imprisonment and death and all they’ve ever known when caught cheating to pass a sacred ritual. During a desperate quest to seek a wizened master who might unravel the mystery of this curse, they’ll discover an ancient secret, one so great that it could usher in a new paradise, or plunge everyone into darkness and war.
Caught in the shadow of death, pursued by sorcerers and forest witches and his own fears and doubts, can this ill-fated boy find a light to save them all?
If you enjoy memorable worlds, intricate magical systems, and the strong ties of friendship, you'll love this lively, award-winning epic fantasy adventure.
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2024
59 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 22, 2020
This work follows the friendship and trials of two boys in a world where you're punished for not being able to perform "proper" magic. The worldbuilding was interesting, as was the way magic was used and the different types of magic. It was interesting from the beginning to end, and included excellent character development and interactions. Highly recommend for young adults and adults!
July 11, 2022
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Sigil Masters
Author: Rick Duffy
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I enjoy this this novel very much. I liked Par and I was rooting for him all the way till the end. There´s a bit of magic in the story but it´s mostly about the two central characters and how they run away. I think this is a fab story.” Male reader, aged 13
“This is a quest sort of story with lots of interesting characters, particularly Par and his pal. I thought the writing was easy to follow, and there was a lot of suspense towards the end. Readers who enjoy fantasy books will love this.” Female reader, aged 16
“Good character development, interesting magic system, cool fantasy world. A tiny bit slow to get going but gets better by page thirty or so. Excellent book for teenagers looking for a fast-paced, fantasy adventure.” Male reader, aged 14
“I wouldn´t like to be cursed like Par! Read this in three days. Liked it. Would happily read the next book.” Girl, age 13
To Sum It Up:
‘A captivating fantasy YA novel with strong characterisation. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: The Sigil Masters
Author: Rick Duffy
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I enjoy this this novel very much. I liked Par and I was rooting for him all the way till the end. There´s a bit of magic in the story but it´s mostly about the two central characters and how they run away. I think this is a fab story.” Male reader, aged 13
“This is a quest sort of story with lots of interesting characters, particularly Par and his pal. I thought the writing was easy to follow, and there was a lot of suspense towards the end. Readers who enjoy fantasy books will love this.” Female reader, aged 16
“Good character development, interesting magic system, cool fantasy world. A tiny bit slow to get going but gets better by page thirty or so. Excellent book for teenagers looking for a fast-paced, fantasy adventure.” Male reader, aged 14
“I wouldn´t like to be cursed like Par! Read this in three days. Liked it. Would happily read the next book.” Girl, age 13
To Sum It Up:
‘A captivating fantasy YA novel with strong characterisation. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
November 5, 2025
What an intriguing setup for an epic fantasy! Firebird Book Awards; IndieBrag Awards; Wishing Shelf Book Awards and after reading the sample, I can see why it’s received that recognition. The world feels alive with wonder and danger, where magic flows like starlight itself, yet one boy Par is trapped in its shadow. His secret curse, the bond with his misfit friend, and their desperate flight from a society that would condemn them pulled me in right away.
The writing has a lyrical, immersive quality, full of heart and mystery. The idea of a world where magic is both everyday and sacred is beautifully done, and Par’s struggle feels both personal and epic. It hints at deep lore, emotional stakes, and a journey that could either save or doom everything.
The writing has a lyrical, immersive quality, full of heart and mystery. The idea of a world where magic is both everyday and sacred is beautifully done, and Par’s struggle feels both personal and epic. It hints at deep lore, emotional stakes, and a journey that could either save or doom everything.
September 27, 2020
Imagine if Huck and Tom lived in a world of magic. And what a world! It's a detailed vision of a place where the religious hierarchy rules and people who can't do magic--or do impure magics--are condemned. Par and Enio find themselves condemned and have to take it on the lam. On their epic quest, they encounter mysterious beasts and must master esoteric magic if they are to survive.
But most of all it is their friendship that matters in this feel-good coming-of-age story full of chills, excitement, and surprises.
But most of all it is their friendship that matters in this feel-good coming-of-age story full of chills, excitement, and surprises.
September 17, 2024
Two outcast teen boys fleeing from their village. A society governed by the elite with supernatural powers. A young woman, a half-nymph of the woods. Two conflicting wizards with contradictory accounts of the past. All combined with the magic of strange new lands. What’s not to love?
Even to this casual reader of fantasy fiction, The Sigil Masters is a delightful tale of two friends searching for truth and acceptance. Well-developed characters, colorful descriptions, and perilous adventures are all rolled into a satisfying tale of camaraderie and bravery.
Even to this casual reader of fantasy fiction, The Sigil Masters is a delightful tale of two friends searching for truth and acceptance. Well-developed characters, colorful descriptions, and perilous adventures are all rolled into a satisfying tale of camaraderie and bravery.
October 2, 2024
What a delight! A wholesome adventure story in the spirit of Ursula K Leguin's Earthsea series or a fantasy take on Robert Heinlein's Red Planet. The worldbuilding is intricate and thorough, but Par and Enio's friendship is the heart of the story. I love how they teach the old wizards a thing or two!
January 24, 2021
Best buds, best friends?
Par and Enio are best buds. Enio would do almost anything for Par. But jealousy rears an ugly head only to be fester and brew. Oh, the peril, the mystery, and the healing, what will happen next?
Par and Enio are best buds. Enio would do almost anything for Par. But jealousy rears an ugly head only to be fester and brew. Oh, the peril, the mystery, and the healing, what will happen next?
November 4, 2021
We are proud to announce that THE SIGIL MASTERS: Coming of Age Fantasy Novel by Rick Duffy has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
September 12, 2020
Prepare to be immersed in a fascinating world of magic and adventure. But what really gives this novel its depth is the journey of childhood friendship.
August 6, 2025
Sigil Masters entangles navigating friendships with deep world-building, and it does it well. A well-crafted tale that kept me interested from beginning to end with intricacies of the world, magic, and character development. I stumbled into this read while searching for another, and I'm glad I did! A worthwhile read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews