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The Elemental Magic Series #1
Sorcerer
Alec Carter is a young man being raised by his Aunt Karen. When he is admitted to the King’s Academy he hopes he will follow in the footsteps of his father. When he finds out that he has magic within him it changes everything. Forced to enroll as a sorcerer he has more of an interest in the martial studies than he does magic until he meets Christi, a fellow sorceress. The wizards at the school shun him and a few go beyond just ignoring him. With the war that killed his father on the horizon Alec must learn to blend in with the nobles and avoid the notice of the gods who fear his powers.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2014
128 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 18, 2015
Fairly typical YA fantasy, I've read worse but much better too.
The writing was ok, but it's in dire need of good editing. There was lot of typos, many sentences didn't make sense, and some words were misused. The narration was chaotic: multiple points of view in the same chapter, or even the same paragraph for no good reason.
The story was decent I guess but not very original, it lacked something to attract my attention. Too much of the story was focused on the romance which was too childish for my tastes.
The setting was a letdown, it felt too much like a fantasy world inhabited by modern americans. Case in point, the various characters' names : lenny, peter, alex, a lot of james... Some authors try too hard to invent names, but here it's the opposite. To put it bluntly, this novel's world didn't seem exotic enough and that's a shame for something flagged as fantasy.
My rating : 2. An OK read but I won't check the rest of the series.
The writing was ok, but it's in dire need of good editing. There was lot of typos, many sentences didn't make sense, and some words were misused. The narration was chaotic: multiple points of view in the same chapter, or even the same paragraph for no good reason.
The story was decent I guess but not very original, it lacked something to attract my attention. Too much of the story was focused on the romance which was too childish for my tastes.
The setting was a letdown, it felt too much like a fantasy world inhabited by modern americans. Case in point, the various characters' names : lenny, peter, alex, a lot of james... Some authors try too hard to invent names, but here it's the opposite. To put it bluntly, this novel's world didn't seem exotic enough and that's a shame for something flagged as fantasy.
My rating : 2. An OK read but I won't check the rest of the series.
November 11, 2014
A surprisingly good story! A coming of age story about a young man who starts to develop into what he will become. The reason i say starts as he still has a way to go and i will not know until the next book comes out! I really liked how the story developed and how the magic system worked. I will have to keep a watch out for more books by Mr. Nowotny. I would recommend this book to you if you like magic and coming of age stories.
February 17, 2017
A good story, December 28, 2015
This review is from: SORCERER (The Elemental Magic Series Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
I noticed that some reviewers dismissed this novel based on poor grammar, some bad sentence and paragraph structure and poor editing. Some ask how this could be a best seller. The answer is simple. The author may not be a great writer but he is a very good story teller with a good story to tell. I am partial to stories of no name, no family, no connections underdogs who just happen to possess amazing talents but keep their oh shucks attitude and persona even as they become successful and charm the people who matter. All the while staving off the best efforts of various villains.
This review is from: SORCERER (The Elemental Magic Series Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
I noticed that some reviewers dismissed this novel based on poor grammar, some bad sentence and paragraph structure and poor editing. Some ask how this could be a best seller. The answer is simple. The author may not be a great writer but he is a very good story teller with a good story to tell. I am partial to stories of no name, no family, no connections underdogs who just happen to possess amazing talents but keep their oh shucks attitude and persona even as they become successful and charm the people who matter. All the while staving off the best efforts of various villains.
November 14, 2014
Enjoyed the book
Typical story - boy discovers he has magic - quick leaner - does well at school - has unknown enemies - etc; well done - liked the characters - an enjoyable read. I'll be looking for the sequel.
Typical story - boy discovers he has magic - quick leaner - does well at school - has unknown enemies - etc; well done - liked the characters - an enjoyable read. I'll be looking for the sequel.
August 24, 2015
The potential is there.
I feel like this could have been a great book, but it is held back by a lack of character depth, development,and descriptions. Also the writing style and language used is rather rough. With a bit of polish this could have been a much better book.
I feel like this could have been a great book, but it is held back by a lack of character depth, development,and descriptions. Also the writing style and language used is rather rough. With a bit of polish this could have been a much better book.
December 7, 2014
What a book! I was highly impressed with the story line, the character building and the suspense. I really can't wait for the next book. keep us posted
February 4, 2015
I'm the type that thinks only negative criticism matters in a review. If you wanna know if the book is suited to you, read the summary.
Good well researched book. Nothing really impressive, but nothing that really pissed me off either.
Story: The author writes a very simplistic story and he overuses the third person omniscient perspective. The plot is also very convenient for the protagonist. Things just seem to go his way a little too well.
It's simple in that things go in a very predictable direction. There aren't really any big surprises, there's no big plot twists. It's just a fun read to gloss through once if you have nothing else to read.
It overuses third person omniscient by making us aware of everything at all times. For instance, you know who the secret not-so-secret villain is almost the moment he's introduced in the story. The author switches to his perspective almost as soon as he's introduced and is shown betraying the good guys. Then it flips back to him whenever he's about to do something bad guyish so you know everything before it even happens. In short, the book is it's own spoiler.
The plot is convenient because when the protagonist sets out to do something, he does it effortlessly. From learning magic, to fighting, to convincing a girl to marry him and getting permission from her whole family, to recovering from near death.
Characters: The characters are pretty well written. They all behave in a believable medieval manner. Their problem is that they're too accommodating to the protagonist.
For instance, all but five people in a school for nobles have absolutely no problem not being racist ass hats against the commoners. That group of five, is pretty much there as token bullies. They don't really feel like they've been adopted into the story, they're just there to provide the bare minimum of conflict.
Good well researched book. Nothing really impressive, but nothing that really pissed me off either.
Story: The author writes a very simplistic story and he overuses the third person omniscient perspective. The plot is also very convenient for the protagonist. Things just seem to go his way a little too well.
It's simple in that things go in a very predictable direction. There aren't really any big surprises, there's no big plot twists. It's just a fun read to gloss through once if you have nothing else to read.
It overuses third person omniscient by making us aware of everything at all times. For instance, you know who the secret not-so-secret villain is almost the moment he's introduced in the story. The author switches to his perspective almost as soon as he's introduced and is shown betraying the good guys. Then it flips back to him whenever he's about to do something bad guyish so you know everything before it even happens. In short, the book is it's own spoiler.
The plot is convenient because when the protagonist sets out to do something, he does it effortlessly. From learning magic, to fighting, to convincing a girl to marry him and getting permission from her whole family, to recovering from near death.
Characters: The characters are pretty well written. They all behave in a believable medieval manner. Their problem is that they're too accommodating to the protagonist.
For instance, all but five people in a school for nobles have absolutely no problem not being racist ass hats against the commoners. That group of five, is pretty much there as token bullies. They don't really feel like they've been adopted into the story, they're just there to provide the bare minimum of conflict.
November 13, 2014
Very good book
this book was chosen just. for it's name but it turned out to be very good but over to soon .You must read next one
this book was chosen just. for it's name but it turned out to be very good but over to soon .You must read next one
November 29, 2014
Good read...Bad grammar
Good story. Bad grammar, punctuation and sentence structure through. If you want an easy read and don't mind the other errors.
Good story. Bad grammar, punctuation and sentence structure through. If you want an easy read and don't mind the other errors.
December 4, 2019
lots of spelling mistakes, bad spacing, lots of sudden and unannounced changes in POV which were also extremely short. No build-up and everything plot related is thrown at you at the speed of light, almost as if wanting it to be over so that the author doesn't have to write more.
finished it but didn't particularly enjoy it.
finished it but didn't particularly enjoy it.
February 9, 2022
Nice
A very enjoyable book! I'd rather enjoyed most of the hints, innuendos, and brief foreshadowing of what is to come. All in all well written, nicely executed, lovable characters, and enjoyable setting. I'm really looking forward to what comes next. I just hope I don't have to wait a year for it to get in.
A very enjoyable book! I'd rather enjoyed most of the hints, innuendos, and brief foreshadowing of what is to come. All in all well written, nicely executed, lovable characters, and enjoyable setting. I'm really looking forward to what comes next. I just hope I don't have to wait a year for it to get in.
October 31, 2022
Great story.
I would like to give it five stars. The characters are good and together with a really decent magic system the author has written a great story. However, the level of editing needed has me giving only four stars.
I am hoping to read more of the series and would recommend this book to those interested in cool magic and plenty of action.
I would like to give it five stars. The characters are good and together with a really decent magic system the author has written a great story. However, the level of editing needed has me giving only four stars.
I am hoping to read more of the series and would recommend this book to those interested in cool magic and plenty of action.
October 16, 2019
Start isn't so good, persevere, it gets lots better! :)
Beginning of this tale isn't so engrossing and as well done as the rest, no offense to the author sorry!
But after that it really does improve in both writing quality and interest.
Well worth a read IMHO :)
Beginning of this tale isn't so engrossing and as well done as the rest, no offense to the author sorry!
But after that it really does improve in both writing quality and interest.
Well worth a read IMHO :)
October 14, 2020
This is very obviously the author's first attempt at writing and it shows. There are a lot of editing issues and grammar mistakes. Having said that though there is a fun story buried underneath all the mistakes. You'll just need some patience to find it.
December 1, 2017
Amazing book read it in a day. MUST READDDDDDD!!!
June 18, 2020
This is a dead unfinished cliffhanger series! Do not start because there is no end.
March 5, 2021
Great Start
This is a great start to series. There are surprises with twists and turns. I will be reading the next book and if it is as good as the first I will be wanting a third.
This is a great start to series. There are surprises with twists and turns. I will be reading the next book and if it is as good as the first I will be wanting a third.
June 12, 2023
Couldn't put the book down until if read it all.
its awesome, the character, the plot.....
everything just captures the readers attention.
its awesome, the character, the plot.....
everything just captures the readers attention.
January 21, 2025
great book
I really enjoyed this book and stayed up late to finish it.
Can’t wait to read book 2 for the next instalment
I really enjoyed this book and stayed up late to finish it.
Can’t wait to read book 2 for the next instalment
July 22, 2021
Not bad, but not 5 stars.
I like the book, there where a few typos but nothing huge.
The characters are good, but wish the was better world building.
I like the book, there where a few typos but nothing huge.
The characters are good, but wish the was better world building.
June 8, 2015
Overall, I felt this was a pretty solid book, though it could still use some editing. The scene most blatantly in need of edits is the scene on the ship, where a vernacular was being used. One of the comments on Amazon mentioned that there were too many of the word "yah" used and suggested they be replaced with "yeah" or "yes," and while it looks like this was done, in this scene what I would have read if it were "yah" would have been "you" from context, not the "yeah" that was substituted in during what was likely a replace all the author used on the text. There are other editing issues, but this is a scene I believe the author should correct if he is going to run another edit pass through the novel.
The characters were solid, and I liked the the magic system. I also like the fact the reader knows a bit more than the character, as it made the ending less depressing. The book does end at a decent stopping point, with several story-lines set up to start book two, which I hope is on the way sometime soon.
If you are one who likes a fantasy series to be complete before starting it, then do yourself a favor and drop this on your "to read" list and keep an eye on the series. While the author doesn't do anything earth shattering with the conventions, this is a solid tale with characters who are interesting to spend time with. Too bad summer is here, or I would consider making a pot of chili.
The characters were solid, and I liked the the magic system. I also like the fact the reader knows a bit more than the character, as it made the ending less depressing. The book does end at a decent stopping point, with several story-lines set up to start book two, which I hope is on the way sometime soon.
If you are one who likes a fantasy series to be complete before starting it, then do yourself a favor and drop this on your "to read" list and keep an eye on the series. While the author doesn't do anything earth shattering with the conventions, this is a solid tale with characters who are interesting to spend time with. Too bad summer is here, or I would consider making a pot of chili.
March 8, 2015
Started out with horrible grammar making it hard for me to follow. The text was also the very old computer font you see in Notepad which was just icing on the cake. I walked away from it about 15% in and didn't look back until yesterday. I stumbled upon it again and saw that it has a stupidly high amount of reviews for a book I honestly thought wasn't going to be popular at all. I noticed the author also stated that the book has been edited since my original read.
Well I decided what the hell and picked it up again and was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel at this point. This book is a 4/5 star book (you have to be exceptional to get a 5/5 from me) but I deducted one star from my rating simply for the poor experience I had with it the first time I tried to read it.
Really dunno if I would recommend the book to others yet though. This is Michael Nowotny's first book afaik and I always heard you shouldn't actually publish your first book. Whether or not I recommend the series will depend completely on how well book 2 is and if Michael has improved his writing and learned from his past mistakes with book 1.
Well I decided what the hell and picked it up again and was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel at this point. This book is a 4/5 star book (you have to be exceptional to get a 5/5 from me) but I deducted one star from my rating simply for the poor experience I had with it the first time I tried to read it.
Really dunno if I would recommend the book to others yet though. This is Michael Nowotny's first book afaik and I always heard you shouldn't actually publish your first book. Whether or not I recommend the series will depend completely on how well book 2 is and if Michael has improved his writing and learned from his past mistakes with book 1.
April 8, 2016
Alec Carter is a young man being raised by his Aunt Karen. When he is admitted to the King’s Academy he hopes he will follow in the footsteps of his father. When he finds out that he has magic within him it changes everything. Forced to enroll as a sorcerer he has more of an interest in the martial studies than he does magic until he meets Christi, a fellow sorceress. The wizards at the school shun him and a few go beyond just ignoring him. With the war that killed his father on the horizon Alec must learn to blend in with the nobles and avoid the notice of the gods who fear his powers.
This is one of those books that when you pick it up you can not put it down! I read the whole thing in one sitting, loved the characters and how they come together. This is the first, can't wait for the second one. Great reading!Just an update I still agree with what I wrote above, I just finished rereading it. Great book.
This is one of those books that when you pick it up you can not put it down! I read the whole thing in one sitting, loved the characters and how they come together. This is the first, can't wait for the second one. Great reading!Just an update I still agree with what I wrote above, I just finished rereading it. Great book.
January 12, 2015
Low beginning but I enjoyed it afterward, The story remain fun and it need more mysteries and intrigues, the the characters but they obviously need more depth, the romance is refreshing by it's...i don't know but after reading such complex and frustrating relation ships lately I enjoyed the simplicity, of course I strongly hope for more character building on christy else it will rapidly become boring.
World building is not there but not strongly felt through this first book which just center around the daily routine of a new sorcerer.
An introduction to other being of competence besides sorcery would add a little spice and more elaborate and intelligent use of magic is always welcome without going overboard power level.
Go ahead and make your own opinion people :)Meanwhile i'm waiting for the next one.
World building is not there but not strongly felt through this first book which just center around the daily routine of a new sorcerer.
An introduction to other being of competence besides sorcery would add a little spice and more elaborate and intelligent use of magic is always welcome without going overboard power level.
Go ahead and make your own opinion people :)Meanwhile i'm waiting for the next one.
November 7, 2014
This is a pretty simple fantasy novel. There's not a lot of world building or depth to the characters in the story though. The social conventions seem very American c1950 with a bit of magic thrown in and everybody is extremely polite, except for the bad guys who attack at every opportunity so you know who they are.
Don't expect any real tension from this story. Alec is good at everything he tries and women throw themselves at him and most people are eager to help him out and the nobility is striking for its lack of scheming. This is an easy to read story, but for me it in some ways highlights the differences between professional experienced fantasy writers and someone with the beginnings of a good story that needs a lot more work on it.
Don't expect any real tension from this story. Alec is good at everything he tries and women throw themselves at him and most people are eager to help him out and the nobility is striking for its lack of scheming. This is an easy to read story, but for me it in some ways highlights the differences between professional experienced fantasy writers and someone with the beginnings of a good story that needs a lot more work on it.
December 27, 2014
After reading it, just one thought jumps out at me and that is wow I'm pleasantly surprised. True it might not actually deserve 5 stars, it very well might only deserve 3 1/2 but i gave it five stars for the simple reason of it surprised me. I started reading it expecting a boring quick read just to pass some time. Now while Yes it is the age old coming of age story and yes it is fairly predictable. it Still has redeeming qualities like the character building i found was great, not to mention the overall plot was interesting and could easily be captivating. So to end I find that even though this wasn't the best I've read it does make me anxious for the next book which will hopefully be published soon.
May 19, 2015
I quite enjoyed this book which I think is perhaps aimed at young adults but older readers should like it too. I did. It lies within the fantasy genre and has a well put together plot with interesting characters. There are a few spelling and grammatical errors but this did not detract me from an interesting story. Alex - a young man is sent to an academy to train as a sorcerer though initially his preference is for a martial career. He need to discover his powers and how to make them grow. There are greater powers though which aim to stop him in his tracks. This is the first book in the series.
December 6, 2014
Generally a good read. It is easy to relate to the budding sorcerer that is our main character. The rather straight forward nature of the love interest s refreshing. The book ends on a down note, clearly intended to tempt the reader into book 2 and (perhaps) a more satisfying finish.
My rating system (* = star)
1* couldn't finish book
2* finished book, but didn't like it
3* a good read
4* a very good read often with a novel concept or unusual plot
5* an exceptionally good read, a prominent example of the genre
My rating system (* = star)
1* couldn't finish book
2* finished book, but didn't like it
3* a good read
4* a very good read often with a novel concept or unusual plot
5* an exceptionally good read, a prominent example of the genre
January 8, 2015
there was such potential to the storyline however the writer seemed more interested in writing a teenage romance which i found very distracting and disappointing. i was eager to see the writer develop the story around the main characters uniqueness and see more of what his connections were to the mages and gods. the writer seemed to weave bits of this into the story but i felt were over shadowed by the teenage lovestruck drama. this book was slow and frustrating. it should be priced much lower.
February 3, 2015
Entertained thoroughly. A very fine work for a first time Author. Sure there were some grammar/editing issues, but the flow worked so well it overcame them handily.
This is a wonderful story. Alec's charactar is portrayed clearly, and is enticingly inviting.
Literary snobs/grammar nazi's take a hike. If your the type that gets hung up on that your missing out on a story that will make you care what happens next.
This is a wonderful story. Alec's charactar is portrayed clearly, and is enticingly inviting.
Literary snobs/grammar nazi's take a hike. If your the type that gets hung up on that your missing out on a story that will make you care what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews