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Sorcery Ascendant Sequence #1
A Crucible of Souls
When Caldan’s parents are brutally slain, he is raised by monks and taught the arcane mysteries of sorcery. Vowing to discover for himself who his parents really were, and what led to their violent end, he is thrust into the unfamiliar chaos of city life. With nothing to his name but a pair of mysterious heirlooms and a handful of coins, he must prove his talent to earn an apprenticeship with a guild of sorcerers. But he soon learns the world outside the monastery is a darker place than he ever imagined, and his treasured sorcery has disturbing depths. As a shadowed evil manipulates the unwary and forbidden powers are unleashed, Caldan is plunged into an age-old conflict that brings the world to the edge of destruction
19 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 1, 2013
425 people are currently reading
9472 people want to read
About the author
Mitchell Hogan
26 books938 followers
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When he was eleven, Mitchell Hogan was given the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to read, and a love of fantasy novels was born. He spent the next ten years reading, rolling dice, and playing computer games, with some school and university thrown in. Along the way he accumulated numerous bookcases' worth of fantasy and sci-fi novels and doesn’t look to stop anytime soon.
His first attempt at writing fantasy was an abysmal failure and abandoned after only one page. But ideas for characters and scenes continued to come to him and he kept detailed notes of his thoughts, on the off chance that one day he might have time to write a novel. For a decade he put off his dream of writing until he couldn’t stand it anymore. He knew he would regret not having tried to write the novel percolating inside his head for the rest of his life. Mitchell quit his job and lived off dwindling savings, and the support of his fiancé, until he finished the first draft of A Crucible of Souls.
He now writes full time and is eternally grateful to the readers who took a chance on an unknown author.
A Crucible of Souls won the 2013 Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel.
Mitchell lives in Sydney, Australia, with his wife, Angela, and daughters, Isabelle and Charlotte.
When he was eleven, Mitchell Hogan was given the Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings to read, and a love of fantasy novels was born. He spent the next ten years reading, rolling dice, and playing computer games, with some school and university thrown in. Along the way he accumulated numerous bookcases' worth of fantasy and sci-fi novels and doesn’t look to stop anytime soon.
His first attempt at writing fantasy was an abysmal failure and abandoned after only one page. But ideas for characters and scenes continued to come to him and he kept detailed notes of his thoughts, on the off chance that one day he might have time to write a novel. For a decade he put off his dream of writing until he couldn’t stand it anymore. He knew he would regret not having tried to write the novel percolating inside his head for the rest of his life. Mitchell quit his job and lived off dwindling savings, and the support of his fiancé, until he finished the first draft of A Crucible of Souls.
He now writes full time and is eternally grateful to the readers who took a chance on an unknown author.
A Crucible of Souls won the 2013 Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel.
Mitchell lives in Sydney, Australia, with his wife, Angela, and daughters, Isabelle and Charlotte.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 569 reviews
February 28, 2017
Having recently finished with Sanderson's Mistborn trilogy (grimdark with a little dose of grimdark, adding some grimdark on the top) i was looking for something lighter to read. I requested some recommendations on a fb group of Fantasy Readers, and they didn't fail to deliver. Among other works of famous authors (including books of Robin Hobb, Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan etc), A Crucible of Souls caught by eye (recommended by Kitvaria).
Reading the blurb i decided this was what i was looking for. After all, it was supposed to feature my favorite fantasy scheme. A young protagonist apprentices himself in a military/magic school, and proceeds to become the greatest mage/fighter the world has ever seen (Noticeable examples with this scheme: Blood Song by Anthony Ryan, The Left Hand of God by Paul Hoffman, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss).
Well, finishing the book, i can tell you with certainty that it doesn't even slightly reflect these stories. And i'm so happy it doesn't!
A Crucible of Souls is a fast pacing, yet relaxing and enjoyable read, featuring a mix number of archetypes, connotations and symbolisms, skilfully combined to present the inner troubles of the young Protagonist, trying to survive in a harsh and unknown to him environment, while having to earn his living, and eventually protect himself and those around him from a despicable evil.
"His masters always said if you were resolute and your spirit strong you could not fail. Correct in theory, but reality has a way of turning you on your head and making a fool of you sometimes"
The world building on the first book is deliberately kept at a rather low ebb (it will probably be expanded and explained in the second), focusing instead on the character development (The characters seemed rather flat at the beginning, but after the first 100 pages we get to see emotions,
thoughts & decisions reflecting the society's structure) and exceptionally developed magic system (giving a pseudo-science feel to it).
Finally, it's worth mentioning that the book ends with a huge cliffhanger, so you should probably order the second book before you finish the first, for a fast and smooth transition.
All in all, A Crucible of Souls is a great story from a relatively new author, that you should definitely add to the TOP-5 of your TBR list. Recommended to all fantasy readers.
You can find more of my reviews over at http://BookNest.eu/
Reading the blurb i decided this was what i was looking for. After all, it was supposed to feature my favorite fantasy scheme. A young protagonist apprentices himself in a military/magic school, and proceeds to become the greatest mage/fighter the world has ever seen (Noticeable examples with this scheme: Blood Song by Anthony Ryan, The Left Hand of God by Paul Hoffman, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss).
Well, finishing the book, i can tell you with certainty that it doesn't even slightly reflect these stories. And i'm so happy it doesn't!
A Crucible of Souls is a fast pacing, yet relaxing and enjoyable read, featuring a mix number of archetypes, connotations and symbolisms, skilfully combined to present the inner troubles of the young Protagonist, trying to survive in a harsh and unknown to him environment, while having to earn his living, and eventually protect himself and those around him from a despicable evil.
"His masters always said if you were resolute and your spirit strong you could not fail. Correct in theory, but reality has a way of turning you on your head and making a fool of you sometimes"
The world building on the first book is deliberately kept at a rather low ebb (it will probably be expanded and explained in the second), focusing instead on the character development (The characters seemed rather flat at the beginning, but after the first 100 pages we get to see emotions,
thoughts & decisions reflecting the society's structure) and exceptionally developed magic system (giving a pseudo-science feel to it).
Finally, it's worth mentioning that the book ends with a huge cliffhanger, so you should probably order the second book before you finish the first, for a fast and smooth transition.
All in all, A Crucible of Souls is a great story from a relatively new author, that you should definitely add to the TOP-5 of your TBR list. Recommended to all fantasy readers.
You can find more of my reviews over at http://BookNest.eu/
August 29, 2016
Have I told you how much I HATE cliffhangers???? HAVE I?!?!?!?
Well if I haven't, I HATE CLIFFHANGERS.
Takes deep breath, swigs from Coca-Cola, takes another deep breath...breaths out. Gets control of self
There, that said this is an excellent, even exceptional book. Now I've seen some lower ratings. I've seen the "there's nothing new here" complaint. Okay, well I think there is at least a hint of "newness". While actual New plots and characters are almost impossible to come by after a few thousand years of oral and written stories every now and then somebody manages to assemble all the parts just right and get a "different take" on the wizard, sorcerer, magic system, or whatever and it all just seems to come together.
Of course that said this will also be a matter of taste. I get that. BUT, if you find that your taste in books has in the past been close to mine...well I think this is an exceptional read. (Of course by the same token if you have found in the past you mostly disagree with my taste that could be a different thing...but possibly still useful to you.)
So what do we have here? For me after a long string of mediocre reads I started this one (it has been on my "to be read" list/shelf for some time). I have mentioned in the past that as a "general rule" I don't care for coming of age tales. That said it has become apparent to me that when I come across a coming of age tale done right it often ends up on my favorites shelf. This is also a tale of that type. We meet our young protagonist when his life is being forced into a change he doesn't want. Events that are out of his control force him away from the home he's always known. He discovers facts about his past and his family he was not aware of. He also begins to be aware of some odd facts about himself.
Now on the surface that does sound like the young hero finds his destiny plot line we've seen before...and there is a taste of that. But here it drew me in and didn't let go.
Look if you find you love chocolate cake do you avoid all other dishes that happen to be chocolate because the flavor isn't a new one?
This is an excellent book, I give it my highest rating...and I'm going to Audible right after I finish this review to download the next in the series. I'm doing that because it ends in a cliffhanger.
Have I told you how much I HATE cliffhangers?
Yeah, I hate cliffhangers.
Well if I haven't, I HATE CLIFFHANGERS.
Takes deep breath, swigs from Coca-Cola, takes another deep breath...breaths out. Gets control of self
There, that said this is an excellent, even exceptional book. Now I've seen some lower ratings. I've seen the "there's nothing new here" complaint. Okay, well I think there is at least a hint of "newness". While actual New plots and characters are almost impossible to come by after a few thousand years of oral and written stories every now and then somebody manages to assemble all the parts just right and get a "different take" on the wizard, sorcerer, magic system, or whatever and it all just seems to come together.
Of course that said this will also be a matter of taste. I get that. BUT, if you find that your taste in books has in the past been close to mine...well I think this is an exceptional read. (Of course by the same token if you have found in the past you mostly disagree with my taste that could be a different thing...but possibly still useful to you.)
So what do we have here? For me after a long string of mediocre reads I started this one (it has been on my "to be read" list/shelf for some time). I have mentioned in the past that as a "general rule" I don't care for coming of age tales. That said it has become apparent to me that when I come across a coming of age tale done right it often ends up on my favorites shelf. This is also a tale of that type. We meet our young protagonist when his life is being forced into a change he doesn't want. Events that are out of his control force him away from the home he's always known. He discovers facts about his past and his family he was not aware of. He also begins to be aware of some odd facts about himself.
Now on the surface that does sound like the young hero finds his destiny plot line we've seen before...and there is a taste of that. But here it drew me in and didn't let go.
Look if you find you love chocolate cake do you avoid all other dishes that happen to be chocolate because the flavor isn't a new one?
This is an excellent book, I give it my highest rating...and I'm going to Audible right after I finish this review to download the next in the series. I'm doing that because it ends in a cliffhanger.
Have I told you how much I HATE cliffhangers?
Yeah, I hate cliffhangers.
October 7, 2015
I'm setting this one to the side. Right now it is just not working for me. Not that it is a bad book, because it is not, rather it isn't a good fit for my current mood . . . which is that I want something different, not another gifted orphan training at a sorcery school who seems to enchant everyone he comes into contact with.
December 8, 2015
When young Caldan's parents are brutally slain, the boy is raised by monks who initiate him into the arcane mysteries of sorcery.
Growing up plagued by questions about his past, Caldan vows to discover who his parents were, and why they were violently killed. The search will take him beyond the walls of the monastery, into the unfamiliar and dangerous chaos of city life. With nothing to his name but a pair of mysterious heirlooms and a handful of coins, he must prove his talent to become apprenticed to a guild of sorcerers.
But the world outside the monastery is a darker place than he ever imagined, and his treasured sorcery has disturbing depths he does not fully understand. As a shadowed evil manipulates the unwary and forbidden powers are unleashed, Caldan is plunged into an age-old conflict that will bring the world to the edge of destruction.
Soon, he must choose a side, and face the true cost of uncovering his past.
I've had an itch that needed scratching for awhile now.
You see... I grew up loving big fat epic fantasy.
No joke, I couldn't get enough.
Tolkien, Williams, Eddings, Jordan, and Feist... all of them were consumed with a zeal and a love that took me on many an adventure. And then I stumbled upon Sara Douglass in my teenage years, and it was game over. A local author... writing epic fantasy... hell yes! I was hooked to the genre, bonded for life. I eagerly awaited every new release from Douglass, lining up at bookstores (the internet was still young people!) to purchase first editions as they pulled them from their boxes to put on the shelves. Epic Fantasy was on the rise here in Australia, and life was good.
And then, it wasn't.
Somewhere along the way big fat epic fantasy stumbled, and the rise of darker and edgier books such as the ASOIAF series, and the sudden growth of the YA market, saw big fat epic fantasy basically disappear in Australia by the time I had hit university. And that was ok, because I loved (and still do) the ASOIAF books.. and I enjoyed reading about the adventures of Harry Potter. And come on, who doesn't love Joe Abercrombie and his work?!? Fantasy was still chugging along and growing nicely, and there were new Australian authors appearing to satisfy my need for great local writers (Trudi Canavan, Karen Miller, and Kylie Chan spring to mind). But I still felt like something was missing. I yearned for a big fat epic fantasy that would sweep me away to another world. A book that would celebrate much loved tropes without being cliched and predictable. And a traditional story that took me on a journey filled with danger and adventure.
And so I went looking for one. I scoured the shelves at the bookstores, and searched high and low for something to fill that hole. And then one day, whilst searching Amazon, I stumbled upon a self published book called A Crucible of Souls by a fellow called Mitchell Hogan. 'Nice title', I thought.. and clicked on the link. The book seemed to be gaining good feedback from people, and the blurb sounded intriguing, so I investigated further. Upon discovering he was Australian I quickly slammed the BUY NOW button and dove in, hoping for the best.
I was not disappointed.
A Crucible of Souls scratched that itch, and then some.
And that brings me to today, with Harper Voyager's release of the paperback version of this book (Hogan was signed to HV last year following the success of his self published stories). And I must admit, I had some concerns. Would they fiddle with the story too much? Would characters and scenes that I loved be cut throughout their editing process? Would the story still be as good as it was when I first took that leap of faith in 2013?
Well I am happy to report that it still rocks. And, in fact, it may just even be better this time around.
A Crucible of Souls tells the story of Caldan, a young man whose parents were mysteriously slain years earlier by forces unknown. Raised by monks, and initiated into the arcane mysterious of sorcery and magic, Caldan eventually decides to learn more about his parents and why they were killed. Striking out from the monastery that has sheltered him for most of his life, Caldan is faced with dangers long thought buried, as the shadows of evil grow and circle around him, and the world teeters on the edge of destruction.
(Got your epic fantasy feels working in overdrive yet?!? Good... read on!)
So what did I love about this book? EVERY-DAMN-THING!
Like I mentioned earlier, A Crucible of Souls scratched that itch that was bugging me for years on end. It features everything that I love about big fat epic fantasy. It has a central character who basically embarks on a 'Hero's Journey', an enthralling and incredibly amazing world that blew my brain sideways (I mean come on... magically enhanced golems people), and a unique and captivating magic system that frankly is among my favourites ever written (and I'm a Sanderson fan!). But it also goes even further. Hogan embraces what is truly great about traditional epic and sword and sorcery fantasy and its tropes and blends it with more modern elements to make it a fantastic read. The characterisation throughout the story, from Caldan right down to the lowliest peasant, is strong and full of agency and depth (yes you want to strangle Caldan at times for his idiocy.. but that was part of his charm I found). The battles, chases, and confrontations are all exciting, tense, and extremely well written, and the story and pace of the book fluid, fast, and dynamic. Just when you think Hogan will succumb to standard cliches he twists the plot and takes you along a different avenue. I ripped through this book all over again in a frenzy, and adored every minute of it. In fact, I think this version from Harper Voyager is an improvement (which is high praise indeed seeing as I adored the self published version) over its predecessor. The story itself feels a little tighter and quicker, and some of the padding has been cut out where it wasn't needed. And the maps... oh the maps! They were a wonderful inclusion at the start that added yet another layer to an already brilliantly described world.
So did I notice anything that I didn't like? No, not really. If I had one small criticism it would be that I wanted to know a little more about the magic and its various orders, but that in itself is the tiniest complaint and probably me just being too picky seeing as it's the first novel in a series (you don't want all of your secrets revealed too quick!).
A Crucible of Souls was my favourite book of 2013, and it deserved the Aurealis Award it received that year. This version is better, and it hits all the markers that epic fantasy and sword and sorcery fans want and crave. Hogan has weaved a truly sublime tale that acknowledges and embraces well loved tropes whilst also offering something new and fantastic. Not only has Hogan scratched that itch that was bugging me, he has in fact held me down and tattooed this book onto my soul.
Australia's answer to Rothfuss and Sanderson, A Crucible of Souls is an absolute must read for old and new fans of the genre alike!
5 out of 5 stars (I would give it more if I could... I love it that much!)
A review copy was provided.
Growing up plagued by questions about his past, Caldan vows to discover who his parents were, and why they were violently killed. The search will take him beyond the walls of the monastery, into the unfamiliar and dangerous chaos of city life. With nothing to his name but a pair of mysterious heirlooms and a handful of coins, he must prove his talent to become apprenticed to a guild of sorcerers.
But the world outside the monastery is a darker place than he ever imagined, and his treasured sorcery has disturbing depths he does not fully understand. As a shadowed evil manipulates the unwary and forbidden powers are unleashed, Caldan is plunged into an age-old conflict that will bring the world to the edge of destruction.
Soon, he must choose a side, and face the true cost of uncovering his past.
I've had an itch that needed scratching for awhile now.
You see... I grew up loving big fat epic fantasy.
No joke, I couldn't get enough.
Tolkien, Williams, Eddings, Jordan, and Feist... all of them were consumed with a zeal and a love that took me on many an adventure. And then I stumbled upon Sara Douglass in my teenage years, and it was game over. A local author... writing epic fantasy... hell yes! I was hooked to the genre, bonded for life. I eagerly awaited every new release from Douglass, lining up at bookstores (the internet was still young people!) to purchase first editions as they pulled them from their boxes to put on the shelves. Epic Fantasy was on the rise here in Australia, and life was good.
And then, it wasn't.
Somewhere along the way big fat epic fantasy stumbled, and the rise of darker and edgier books such as the ASOIAF series, and the sudden growth of the YA market, saw big fat epic fantasy basically disappear in Australia by the time I had hit university. And that was ok, because I loved (and still do) the ASOIAF books.. and I enjoyed reading about the adventures of Harry Potter. And come on, who doesn't love Joe Abercrombie and his work?!? Fantasy was still chugging along and growing nicely, and there were new Australian authors appearing to satisfy my need for great local writers (Trudi Canavan, Karen Miller, and Kylie Chan spring to mind). But I still felt like something was missing. I yearned for a big fat epic fantasy that would sweep me away to another world. A book that would celebrate much loved tropes without being cliched and predictable. And a traditional story that took me on a journey filled with danger and adventure.
And so I went looking for one. I scoured the shelves at the bookstores, and searched high and low for something to fill that hole. And then one day, whilst searching Amazon, I stumbled upon a self published book called A Crucible of Souls by a fellow called Mitchell Hogan. 'Nice title', I thought.. and clicked on the link. The book seemed to be gaining good feedback from people, and the blurb sounded intriguing, so I investigated further. Upon discovering he was Australian I quickly slammed the BUY NOW button and dove in, hoping for the best.
I was not disappointed.
A Crucible of Souls scratched that itch, and then some.
And that brings me to today, with Harper Voyager's release of the paperback version of this book (Hogan was signed to HV last year following the success of his self published stories). And I must admit, I had some concerns. Would they fiddle with the story too much? Would characters and scenes that I loved be cut throughout their editing process? Would the story still be as good as it was when I first took that leap of faith in 2013?
Well I am happy to report that it still rocks. And, in fact, it may just even be better this time around.
A Crucible of Souls tells the story of Caldan, a young man whose parents were mysteriously slain years earlier by forces unknown. Raised by monks, and initiated into the arcane mysterious of sorcery and magic, Caldan eventually decides to learn more about his parents and why they were killed. Striking out from the monastery that has sheltered him for most of his life, Caldan is faced with dangers long thought buried, as the shadows of evil grow and circle around him, and the world teeters on the edge of destruction.
(Got your epic fantasy feels working in overdrive yet?!? Good... read on!)
So what did I love about this book? EVERY-DAMN-THING!
Like I mentioned earlier, A Crucible of Souls scratched that itch that was bugging me for years on end. It features everything that I love about big fat epic fantasy. It has a central character who basically embarks on a 'Hero's Journey', an enthralling and incredibly amazing world that blew my brain sideways (I mean come on... magically enhanced golems people), and a unique and captivating magic system that frankly is among my favourites ever written (and I'm a Sanderson fan!). But it also goes even further. Hogan embraces what is truly great about traditional epic and sword and sorcery fantasy and its tropes and blends it with more modern elements to make it a fantastic read. The characterisation throughout the story, from Caldan right down to the lowliest peasant, is strong and full of agency and depth (yes you want to strangle Caldan at times for his idiocy.. but that was part of his charm I found). The battles, chases, and confrontations are all exciting, tense, and extremely well written, and the story and pace of the book fluid, fast, and dynamic. Just when you think Hogan will succumb to standard cliches he twists the plot and takes you along a different avenue. I ripped through this book all over again in a frenzy, and adored every minute of it. In fact, I think this version from Harper Voyager is an improvement (which is high praise indeed seeing as I adored the self published version) over its predecessor. The story itself feels a little tighter and quicker, and some of the padding has been cut out where it wasn't needed. And the maps... oh the maps! They were a wonderful inclusion at the start that added yet another layer to an already brilliantly described world.
So did I notice anything that I didn't like? No, not really. If I had one small criticism it would be that I wanted to know a little more about the magic and its various orders, but that in itself is the tiniest complaint and probably me just being too picky seeing as it's the first novel in a series (you don't want all of your secrets revealed too quick!).
A Crucible of Souls was my favourite book of 2013, and it deserved the Aurealis Award it received that year. This version is better, and it hits all the markers that epic fantasy and sword and sorcery fans want and crave. Hogan has weaved a truly sublime tale that acknowledges and embraces well loved tropes whilst also offering something new and fantastic. Not only has Hogan scratched that itch that was bugging me, he has in fact held me down and tattooed this book onto my soul.
Australia's answer to Rothfuss and Sanderson, A Crucible of Souls is an absolute must read for old and new fans of the genre alike!
5 out of 5 stars (I would give it more if I could... I love it that much!)
A review copy was provided.
August 14, 2016
I made a fuller review of the book here: http://aristeainwonderbooks.blogspot....
Please let me know what you think about it!
- - -
First and foremost, this was a surprise. I really did not know this book or the series and this was a buddy-read with some members of the Fantasy Buddy Reads.
And I was blown away.
The plot, the characters, the writing, the drama, the events - I think it is a great book. Most importantly, it has a spell: I was not able to put it down and I spent more of my Friday evening (and night) and Saturday morning to finish it. If I had one small complaint is that the book finished in a sort of cliffhanger; hence I will need to pick the other books as quickly as possible - and this adds to my always-expanding TBR list! Yet, this is a good problem to have, especially as a book enthusiast.
The story itself is just told in a very unusual way - the amount of day-to-day detail could have made the book extremely boring, instead all these details just added depth to the book! It just works and I was really positively surprised. I also believe the writing is fairly smooth but I guess it helped me I also had the audio book and the telling of the story was compelling!
There is so much more I would like to cover though but I will refrain from it. In short, this is really a good book for those who love fantasy, magic and have a day or two free because you will not be able to put the book down if/when it grips you!
Please let me know what you think about it!
- - -
First and foremost, this was a surprise. I really did not know this book or the series and this was a buddy-read with some members of the Fantasy Buddy Reads.
And I was blown away.
The plot, the characters, the writing, the drama, the events - I think it is a great book. Most importantly, it has a spell: I was not able to put it down and I spent more of my Friday evening (and night) and Saturday morning to finish it. If I had one small complaint is that the book finished in a sort of cliffhanger; hence I will need to pick the other books as quickly as possible - and this adds to my always-expanding TBR list! Yet, this is a good problem to have, especially as a book enthusiast.
The story itself is just told in a very unusual way - the amount of day-to-day detail could have made the book extremely boring, instead all these details just added depth to the book! It just works and I was really positively surprised. I also believe the writing is fairly smooth but I guess it helped me I also had the audio book and the telling of the story was compelling!
There is so much more I would like to cover though but I will refrain from it. In short, this is really a good book for those who love fantasy, magic and have a day or two free because you will not be able to put the book down if/when it grips you!
July 30, 2025
I find many fantasy books to be rather unimpressive. Few push the genre and many tag along on the typical themes. If only this book hadn't suffered from an unimaginative and over-used content I could have given it one more star. The main character is an orphan who suddenly gains magic powers. He's able to get out of scrapes through ingenuity. Let me guess - you've heard this theme before? Okay, so most fantasy readers love the same 'ol story so I guess this is the reason for the high ratings.
Characters are all pretty much the same but not very believable. The main character tends to entitlement, even though he's an orphan, but is also so gosh darn nice. His love interest - if you can call it that - was just kinda linked with him by no apparent reason. She's also completely not believable. She comes off as a rich girl with her flexibility of lifestyle and ability to pay for goods as needed. Then suddenly you are told her backstory is that her mom was a prostitute and she grew up poor. Huh?
There really isn't any bad guy in the book except for a mage lady later in the book. It's pretty much a mysterious group of "bad mages." There's mention of an evil man that consumes other people and such so that was interesting.
All in all, if you're a fan of fantasy books that just kinda tell a story that has magic, you'll probably be loving this book. My problem is that I desire big concepts and character arcs, so this book wasn't at all my thing.
Characters are all pretty much the same but not very believable. The main character tends to entitlement, even though he's an orphan, but is also so gosh darn nice. His love interest - if you can call it that - was just kinda linked with him by no apparent reason. She's also completely not believable. She comes off as a rich girl with her flexibility of lifestyle and ability to pay for goods as needed. Then suddenly you are told her backstory is that her mom was a prostitute and she grew up poor. Huh?
There really isn't any bad guy in the book except for a mage lady later in the book. It's pretty much a mysterious group of "bad mages." There's mention of an evil man that consumes other people and such so that was interesting.
All in all, if you're a fan of fantasy books that just kinda tell a story that has magic, you'll probably be loving this book. My problem is that I desire big concepts and character arcs, so this book wasn't at all my thing.
August 13, 2016
This was original and very well delivered. No information dumping in sight, which is no mean feat when setting up a new magic system and delivering all the elements you need in a complex story to take it forward into the next book.
There were a few things that niggled..but I don't feel I can mention them because I think some if not all of them could easily be resolved by the end of the trilogy. I will say the pacing seemed slightly off at times...
This book provokes more questions than it provides answers which is the perfect way to keep us reading, of course.
I will definitely be continuing with the series. Far too many intriguing questions left unanswered not to!
There were a few things that niggled..but I don't feel I can mention them because I think some if not all of them could easily be resolved by the end of the trilogy. I will say the pacing seemed slightly off at times...
This book provokes more questions than it provides answers which is the perfect way to keep us reading, of course.
I will definitely be continuing with the series. Far too many intriguing questions left unanswered not to!
January 31, 2014
Being easy to read shouldn't be a book's primary virtue, but that's really what this one has going for it. I really wanted to like it but it reads more like upper-tier fanfic than something that should have seen print.
The dialogue is the worst part. It's clunky, unbelievable and bland, just like the speakers of said dialogue. I don't expect every character to have a verbal tick but when none of them do at all, it's really hard to get past. A character has two methods for expressing personality: action and conversation. None of the supporting characters get much in the way of interesting dialogue and it remains mostly expository throughout. The main character betrays almost no personality whatsoever beyond being rather pleasant in spite of the things that go on around him. He never conveys having a strong reaction to anything, even when the narrative says he is.
Aside from the few designated villains, everyone is also far too accommodating and gushingly reasonable with the main character. Sure they may stomp their foot but he always gets to explain himself and they always get to explain themselves.
I am not sure I can finish it. Taking a break to read Dynamo 5 and His Majesty's Dragon. I'll try again after that. I hate leaving a book 3/4 unfinished. That said, I think a dialogue doctor may have been able to save this thing.
The dialogue is the worst part. It's clunky, unbelievable and bland, just like the speakers of said dialogue. I don't expect every character to have a verbal tick but when none of them do at all, it's really hard to get past. A character has two methods for expressing personality: action and conversation. None of the supporting characters get much in the way of interesting dialogue and it remains mostly expository throughout. The main character betrays almost no personality whatsoever beyond being rather pleasant in spite of the things that go on around him. He never conveys having a strong reaction to anything, even when the narrative says he is.
Aside from the few designated villains, everyone is also far too accommodating and gushingly reasonable with the main character. Sure they may stomp their foot but he always gets to explain himself and they always get to explain themselves.
I am not sure I can finish it. Taking a break to read Dynamo 5 and His Majesty's Dragon. I'll try again after that. I hate leaving a book 3/4 unfinished. That said, I think a dialogue doctor may have been able to save this thing.
October 24, 2017
This was an exceptional book.
It had been on my radar for the past few years after it won a bunch of awards but I wanted to wait until the entire series was published before starting to read it and I'm glad I did because now I can go get the 2nd book right away and not have to wait years for him to write it.
At it's core it's a story we've all heard before that is ripe with tropes - orphaned kid, raised in monastery, exiled to the big city, apprenticed at a sorcerer's guild and then comes the Big Bad which threatens everything.
But...
I don't find anything wrong with tropes, there's a reason they work and a reason they become tropes in the first place IF they are done correctly.
I fell in love with the characters.
The pacing of the book had my turning pages at a good clip and there was never a time that I was bored or wanted to put the book down.
The plot was engaging and I found myself wanting to go back and read more throughout the day.
The book just really appealed to me (I have been having a string of 3 star books lately so it's great to have a book really grab you).
Highly recommended.
It had been on my radar for the past few years after it won a bunch of awards but I wanted to wait until the entire series was published before starting to read it and I'm glad I did because now I can go get the 2nd book right away and not have to wait years for him to write it.
At it's core it's a story we've all heard before that is ripe with tropes - orphaned kid, raised in monastery, exiled to the big city, apprenticed at a sorcerer's guild and then comes the Big Bad which threatens everything.
But...
I don't find anything wrong with tropes, there's a reason they work and a reason they become tropes in the first place IF they are done correctly.
I fell in love with the characters.
The pacing of the book had my turning pages at a good clip and there was never a time that I was bored or wanted to put the book down.
The plot was engaging and I found myself wanting to go back and read more throughout the day.
The book just really appealed to me (I have been having a string of 3 star books lately so it's great to have a book really grab you).
Highly recommended.
June 24, 2017
This was a really good and entertaining read!
I really clicked with the main character right away. The story was interesting, the characters well developed (though at times a bit stereotype with the male as the hero and the females often in need of being rescued, it gets better in the later books though!), the world believable and the magic was fun to read.
Why I only give four stars? First of, due to said stereotypes and secondly, a lot of the ideas I've read before. In fact I noticed quite a few things that reminded me of all kinds of books I've recently read. It's not as if this story was a copy - it was different to all of those others over all - but it felt a bit like a part from book A, a part from book B, and so on.
It still worked out fine over the whole book though - so if you are in search of a new epic fantasy to have a great time in a different world, this is just the book for you. :)
I really clicked with the main character right away. The story was interesting, the characters well developed (though at times a bit stereotype with the male as the hero and the females often in need of being rescued, it gets better in the later books though!), the world believable and the magic was fun to read.
Why I only give four stars? First of, due to said stereotypes and secondly, a lot of the ideas I've read before. In fact I noticed quite a few things that reminded me of all kinds of books I've recently read. It's not as if this story was a copy - it was different to all of those others over all - but it felt a bit like a part from book A, a part from book B, and so on.
It still worked out fine over the whole book though - so if you are in search of a new epic fantasy to have a great time in a different world, this is just the book for you. :)
October 12, 2016
Very good
This is Avery good book. Not quite five star, but not too far away. Plenty of magic and mayhem. I am looking forward to the next book.
This is Avery good book. Not quite five star, but not too far away. Plenty of magic and mayhem. I am looking forward to the next book.
August 31, 2016
I sort of expected this to be the traditional wizard school story like a Harry Potter or Name of the Wind but it was surprising in not following the norm. It was also much darker than I expected a few times which for me is a good thing.
A lot of loose ends left for the two books to come which I will be reading. Solid 4.5* effort.
A lot of loose ends left for the two books to come which I will be reading. Solid 4.5* effort.
March 22, 2023
W Tyglu Dusz poznajemy historię Caldana, nastolatka, który zmuszony jest opuścić znany mu świat wewnątrz klasztornych murów, gdzie przez ostatnie kilkanaście lat kształcił się i rozwijał swoje umiejętności. Gdy chłopak dociera do Anasomy, okazuje się, że jego dotychczasowe życie nie przygotowało go do brutalnej codzienności życia w wielkim mieście z którą musi się zmierzyć, szukając odpowiedzi związanych ze swoim dziedzictwem.
Mitchell Hogan we wspaniały sposób czerpie z klasyki gatunku magii i miecza, dodając do niej własne elementy, które sprawiają, że jest to niezwykle przyjemna historia. Opowieść nie rzuca czytelnika na głęboką wodę, a pozwala odkryć meandry opisywanego świata razem z nieco zagubionym bohaterem, który stopniowo poznaje zasady rządzące światem. Tempo akcji wrasta z numeracją rozdziałów, a kolejne zwroty akcji sprawiają, że ciężko się tej historii oderwać. Nie od samego początku byłem szalenie zainteresowany, jednak gdy już zaznajomiłem się nieco ze światem, chciałem WIĘCEJ! Bardzo podobał mi się system magii, a pomysł na rzemyślenie wydaje się jednocześnie znajomy, a jednak świeży. Autor dozuje ilość informacji, więc wciąż mam wiele pytań i jestem przekonany, że poznam na nie odpowiedź w kolejnych odsłonach tej trylogii.
Caldan jako bohater zdecydowanie mnie do siebie przekonał. Na początku jest zagubiony i nieco niepewny siebie, jednak wraz z rozwojem fabuły zmienia się jego nastawienie do świata, a pewne cechy charakteru się uwydatniają. Chłopak ciężko pracuje i systematycznie rozwija swoje umiejętności, których rozkwit śledzimy z biegiem akcji. Uwielbiam motyw „od zera do bohatera”, a tutaj został on fantastycznie wpleciony w fabułę. W książce pojawiają się rozdziały w których poznać można perspektywę innych bohaterów, co jedynie dopełnia wizję świata. Inne postaci są przedstawione w dość barwny sposób i znacznie się od siebie różnią, co powoduje, że śledzenie ich perypetii jest jeszcze ciekawsze.
Historia bardzo dobrze portretuje żyjące miasto i pozwala na poznanie jego obyczajów. Gra w dominiona, szemrane interesy i różniące się od siebie dzielnice bardzo mnie zaciekawiły. A za sprawą wydarzeń wiem, że jest to jedynie ułamek tego, co przyjdzie poznać w kolejnych tomach.
Dlaczego warto sięgnąć po Tygiel Dusz? To fantastyka pełną gębą, która czerpiąc z klasycznych opowieści i archetypów bohaterów proponuje czytelnikowi świeżą opowieść, wzbogaconą o ciekawe rozwiązania fabularne. I, przede wszystkim, to dopiero pierwszy tom z trylogii i jestem przekonany, że w kolejnych odsłonach ta historia będzie znacznie bogatsza!
Mitchell Hogan we wspaniały sposób czerpie z klasyki gatunku magii i miecza, dodając do niej własne elementy, które sprawiają, że jest to niezwykle przyjemna historia. Opowieść nie rzuca czytelnika na głęboką wodę, a pozwala odkryć meandry opisywanego świata razem z nieco zagubionym bohaterem, który stopniowo poznaje zasady rządzące światem. Tempo akcji wrasta z numeracją rozdziałów, a kolejne zwroty akcji sprawiają, że ciężko się tej historii oderwać. Nie od samego początku byłem szalenie zainteresowany, jednak gdy już zaznajomiłem się nieco ze światem, chciałem WIĘCEJ! Bardzo podobał mi się system magii, a pomysł na rzemyślenie wydaje się jednocześnie znajomy, a jednak świeży. Autor dozuje ilość informacji, więc wciąż mam wiele pytań i jestem przekonany, że poznam na nie odpowiedź w kolejnych odsłonach tej trylogii.
Caldan jako bohater zdecydowanie mnie do siebie przekonał. Na początku jest zagubiony i nieco niepewny siebie, jednak wraz z rozwojem fabuły zmienia się jego nastawienie do świata, a pewne cechy charakteru się uwydatniają. Chłopak ciężko pracuje i systematycznie rozwija swoje umiejętności, których rozkwit śledzimy z biegiem akcji. Uwielbiam motyw „od zera do bohatera”, a tutaj został on fantastycznie wpleciony w fabułę. W książce pojawiają się rozdziały w których poznać można perspektywę innych bohaterów, co jedynie dopełnia wizję świata. Inne postaci są przedstawione w dość barwny sposób i znacznie się od siebie różnią, co powoduje, że śledzenie ich perypetii jest jeszcze ciekawsze.
Historia bardzo dobrze portretuje żyjące miasto i pozwala na poznanie jego obyczajów. Gra w dominiona, szemrane interesy i różniące się od siebie dzielnice bardzo mnie zaciekawiły. A za sprawą wydarzeń wiem, że jest to jedynie ułamek tego, co przyjdzie poznać w kolejnych tomach.
Dlaczego warto sięgnąć po Tygiel Dusz? To fantastyka pełną gębą, która czerpiąc z klasycznych opowieści i archetypów bohaterów proponuje czytelnikowi świeżą opowieść, wzbogaconą o ciekawe rozwiązania fabularne. I, przede wszystkim, to dopiero pierwszy tom z trylogii i jestem przekonany, że w kolejnych odsłonach ta historia będzie znacznie bogatsza!
May 11, 2015
As a fantasy author, I'm extremely critical of other fantasy works. Rarely do I find works outside of Sanderson, Rothfuss, Ryan or Martin in this genre that intrigue me on an author's level. The magic system here is well thought out and I look forward to its depth increasing in future books. The main character, Caldan, is very likeable as is Moranda (sp?). I wanted more development of the Protector master, Simmins (sp?) but that's a minor thing.
One thing I give high praise to this story for is the side stories. In truth, I was just as intrigued, if not slightly more so, by several of those. They were expertly weaved into the main plot and I never felt like I wanted to just move on to get back to the main story. Trust me, this is a skill and something author' struggle with. Hogan does it well. I was very captivated by Lady Kaitlyn and Vacille's (sp?) stories especially.
Caldan definitely felt naive at first as a character, but guess what? He was! Others have pointed that out as a negative point, but it didn't bother me as I felt that was intentional. By the end of this first installment, he had grown and grown quickly.
I think there's just enough tying up of loose ends to satisfy any reader of the genre and leaves enough open to make me want to eagerly move on to the next book (which is out, thank goodness). Final note: this book is VERY light on foul language and contains almost no sensuality, only a few references. It is YA safe and something I value in books. Hogan, like some other well-known authors, prove again that you don't have to muck up a book with profanity and sex to be entertaining and captivating.
Truly, for a first book from a debut author, I am impressed. So will you be.
Something I neglected to say in my review on Audible is that Oliver Wyman's narration was perfect. I mean really excellent.
One thing I give high praise to this story for is the side stories. In truth, I was just as intrigued, if not slightly more so, by several of those. They were expertly weaved into the main plot and I never felt like I wanted to just move on to get back to the main story. Trust me, this is a skill and something author' struggle with. Hogan does it well. I was very captivated by Lady Kaitlyn and Vacille's (sp?) stories especially.
Caldan definitely felt naive at first as a character, but guess what? He was! Others have pointed that out as a negative point, but it didn't bother me as I felt that was intentional. By the end of this first installment, he had grown and grown quickly.
I think there's just enough tying up of loose ends to satisfy any reader of the genre and leaves enough open to make me want to eagerly move on to the next book (which is out, thank goodness). Final note: this book is VERY light on foul language and contains almost no sensuality, only a few references. It is YA safe and something I value in books. Hogan, like some other well-known authors, prove again that you don't have to muck up a book with profanity and sex to be entertaining and captivating.
Truly, for a first book from a debut author, I am impressed. So will you be.
Something I neglected to say in my review on Audible is that Oliver Wyman's narration was perfect. I mean really excellent.
April 1, 2023
4/2 - When I saw this on the 'new books and recent returns' shelf my first thought was that it would be good, really good. But at the same time I knew from experience that books that look good can often turn out to be pretty average, or worse, and so was a little nervous of coming to the GR page because a number of times I've typed in the ISBN for my new book only to find it has an average rating of below 3.5. When I see such a low average rating it sometimes colours my opinion and I go into the book expecting it to be average or worse. I try not to let the opinion of others colour my judgement, but sometimes it's not that easy. So I was pretty ecstatic to see that this has an above four star average rating - no bad vibes are going to change my opinion on this one. So far I've only read the prologue, so no comment on the book yet. To be continued...
5/2 - Fantastic storytelling! All I've done today is read this book and do housework while dreaming about the moment when I'll be able to get back to reading this book. I think that's the mark of a five star book, when all you can think about is getting back to it. Right now, I'm holding onto that final star (or really, half star) until I see what the finale is like and how annoying the 'end of the first book in a series' cliff hanger is. There have been a couple of annoying editing/grammar problems, but I was way too busy reading to take not of where they were. Clearly, they weren't enough to dampen my enjoyment for longer than it took to finish the page. I have to get back to the book now, I just wanted to write a quick update before I finish it tonight/tomorrow morning. To be continued...
6/2 - I really loved this, it was even better than I was hoping it would be when I picked it up. There were lots of different characters who each had their with their own PoV, switching between Caldan (the main character) and one of the other PoV every few chapters. Sometimes the other PoVs were a little annoying because I wanted to keep with what was happening with Caldan, but what we learned from the more minor characters' PoVs did become useful and eventually most of the characters joined together into the same PoV, leaving the story less disjointed. You know, the worst thing about this book would have to be that my library doesn't already have a copy of the second book, Blood of Innocents. I've had to make a special order for it which means that I won't get it for some weeks. Boo!!!
PopSugar 2015 Reading Challenge: A book with more than 500 pages
5/2 - Fantastic storytelling! All I've done today is read this book and do housework while dreaming about the moment when I'll be able to get back to reading this book. I think that's the mark of a five star book, when all you can think about is getting back to it. Right now, I'm holding onto that final star (or really, half star) until I see what the finale is like and how annoying the 'end of the first book in a series' cliff hanger is. There have been a couple of annoying editing/grammar problems, but I was way too busy reading to take not of where they were. Clearly, they weren't enough to dampen my enjoyment for longer than it took to finish the page. I have to get back to the book now, I just wanted to write a quick update before I finish it tonight/tomorrow morning. To be continued...
6/2 - I really loved this, it was even better than I was hoping it would be when I picked it up. There were lots of different characters who each had their with their own PoV, switching between Caldan (the main character) and one of the other PoV every few chapters. Sometimes the other PoVs were a little annoying because I wanted to keep with what was happening with Caldan, but what we learned from the more minor characters' PoVs did become useful and eventually most of the characters joined together into the same PoV, leaving the story less disjointed. You know, the worst thing about this book would have to be that my library doesn't already have a copy of the second book, Blood of Innocents. I've had to make a special order for it which means that I won't get it for some weeks. Boo!!!
PopSugar 2015 Reading Challenge: A book with more than 500 pages
May 7, 2015
A Crucible of Souls by Mitchel Hogan.
Okay, for those of you who don't read long reviews, here's the short of it...
4.5 stars. This is a return, for me as a reader, to the epic fantasy classics of old that I enjoyed so much as a child growing up. Tolkein, Brooks (yes, I'm one of the few and faithful here) Andre' Norton, Marion Zimmer Bradley and a lot of other names that I have read the books of but few seem to remember. It is a polished story without the gritty feel of steampunk, which is a plus for me. High points for having strong roles for female characters. Hogan's roles for female characters were similar to what I found, and approved of in David Weber's Honor Harrington Series. I loved the characters, Miranda, Caldon, Felice and Isaac. It seemed tome that Hogan took care to "flesh out" (make complete) even the mid-level supporting cast in a way that really helped the read.
The star of the show was the magic system. I loved how that worked out and though it used some familiar magic items, runes, and castings etc. Hogan put them together in a way that, for me, was uniquely familiar.
This is the return of the Epic Fantasy that I have been searching for as a middle aged adult but haven't found. I liked the world building, though the nature of how the world was built and the "Shattering" leaves many questions. I also appriciate romance without pages of sex and mechanical liaisons.
Good book. Lots of old-school ties here (which is a good thing for me) strong characters, and wonderful world building and magic system. Worth reading
Oh, yea, if you are an audiobook fan, Oliver Wyman ROCKS...!
Okay, for those of you who don't read long reviews, here's the short of it...
4.5 stars. This is a return, for me as a reader, to the epic fantasy classics of old that I enjoyed so much as a child growing up. Tolkein, Brooks (yes, I'm one of the few and faithful here) Andre' Norton, Marion Zimmer Bradley and a lot of other names that I have read the books of but few seem to remember. It is a polished story without the gritty feel of steampunk, which is a plus for me. High points for having strong roles for female characters. Hogan's roles for female characters were similar to what I found, and approved of in David Weber's Honor Harrington Series. I loved the characters, Miranda, Caldon, Felice and Isaac. It seemed tome that Hogan took care to "flesh out" (make complete) even the mid-level supporting cast in a way that really helped the read.
The star of the show was the magic system. I loved how that worked out and though it used some familiar magic items, runes, and castings etc. Hogan put them together in a way that, for me, was uniquely familiar.
This is the return of the Epic Fantasy that I have been searching for as a middle aged adult but haven't found. I liked the world building, though the nature of how the world was built and the "Shattering" leaves many questions. I also appriciate romance without pages of sex and mechanical liaisons.
Good book. Lots of old-school ties here (which is a good thing for me) strong characters, and wonderful world building and magic system. Worth reading
Oh, yea, if you are an audiobook fan, Oliver Wyman ROCKS...!
Read
June 5, 2015UPDATE as at June 2015:
Unfortunately A Crucible of Souls is only available for pre-order at the moment, as I signed my series with Harper Voyager earlier this year. The new HV version comes out in September 2015. I wrote a blog post about it here: http://mitchellhogan.com/sorcery-asce...
If you would like to pre-order, here are some links:
Amazon ebook: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RLVDGFC
Amazon paperback: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0062407244
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-cru...
2nd April 2014: Better late than never! As the author of this book I'm not going to rate it, but I thought I'd use this opportunity to provide an update.
When I released A Crucible of Souls in July 2013 it was in the best shape I could manage. I couldn't afford more editing, and I'd been over it so many times I couldn't see what was good or what was bad anymore.
As of 2nd April 2014 I released a revised edition. It has been through a few more editing passes and I took into account some of the valid feedback from reader reviews. Hopefully I've turned a good book a very good book! Oh and there are now maps!
If you have the kindle version Amazon should email in a couple of weeks informing you about how you can update to the latest version through the Manage My Kindle page.
Unfortunately A Crucible of Souls is only available for pre-order at the moment, as I signed my series with Harper Voyager earlier this year. The new HV version comes out in September 2015. I wrote a blog post about it here: http://mitchellhogan.com/sorcery-asce...
If you would like to pre-order, here are some links:
Amazon ebook: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RLVDGFC
Amazon paperback: http://www.amazon.com/dp/0062407244
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-cru...
2nd April 2014: Better late than never! As the author of this book I'm not going to rate it, but I thought I'd use this opportunity to provide an update.
When I released A Crucible of Souls in July 2013 it was in the best shape I could manage. I couldn't afford more editing, and I'd been over it so many times I couldn't see what was good or what was bad anymore.
As of 2nd April 2014 I released a revised edition. It has been through a few more editing passes and I took into account some of the valid feedback from reader reviews. Hopefully I've turned a good book a very good book! Oh and there are now maps!
If you have the kindle version Amazon should email in a couple of weeks informing you about how you can update to the latest version through the Manage My Kindle page.
October 18, 2014
I randomly downloaded this ebook and started reading it due to the attractiveness of its name and cover. But once I started, it wouldn't let go. It's been really long since a finished a book in less than four sittings. I finished this one in three. The writing is superb. It's fast paced. Doesn't dwell too much on minute details. Plus the language is 'urban', making reading it easy and fun unlike such extreme epic fantasy writers such as David Eddings. The book is a mixture of The Kingkiller Chronicles and HP, with a touch of Tolkien. There's so many things to like about the book. The characters are interesting. Caldan is the perfect protagonist. Miranda is a strong female character. Plus I also like the fact the writer used PoV characters. Made it even more fun to read. For a debut novel, Mitchell Hogan has really shown what a good writer he is. Excellent story surprisingly by a novice writer. Writ like a pro.
March 14, 2017
Award winning. And with just cause. Reminiscent of another great novel. Just as exceptional in my opinion. Except this one didn't take ten years to complete.
July 30, 2025
A throwback to classic fantasy. A prologue of an earlier war as a sorcerer and her protector attempting escape.
Then to the present of an orphan with a mysterious past. Possessing untold abilities.
So definitely old school.
But it’s engaging and interesting as we see dark intention and looming impending doom.
Good start. Hopefully get back to this series soon.
Then to the present of an orphan with a mysterious past. Possessing untold abilities.
So definitely old school.
But it’s engaging and interesting as we see dark intention and looming impending doom.
Good start. Hopefully get back to this series soon.
August 23, 2016
This was a reread in preparation for the release of the third book in this series however it seems that my original review had been deleted.
It's just as well because after this rereading I now believe my original review to be absolute rubbish. I still believe this book was well written but now I believe it to also be dreadfully boring. I almost couldn't finish it. I don't know if I was bored because I already knew what was going to happen or if I was a complete moron the first time I read this. Either way I didn't love it this time.
There are four POVs. Three of which seem like an after thought. They were sloppy and didn't meld with the main story. I would be going along and then it was like a cold bucket of water was dumped on my head as the POV shifted.
And the magic system is so dull! You have to craft something, inscribe it and then shoot magic will into it! Ugh.
I don't even know if I will read the third book now.
Barely Recommend
It's just as well because after this rereading I now believe my original review to be absolute rubbish. I still believe this book was well written but now I believe it to also be dreadfully boring. I almost couldn't finish it. I don't know if I was bored because I already knew what was going to happen or if I was a complete moron the first time I read this. Either way I didn't love it this time.
There are four POVs. Three of which seem like an after thought. They were sloppy and didn't meld with the main story. I would be going along and then it was like a cold bucket of water was dumped on my head as the POV shifted.
And the magic system is so dull! You have to craft something, inscribe it and then shoot magic will into it! Ugh.
I don't even know if I will read the third book now.
Barely Recommend
August 26, 2025
It doesn’t happen often that you discover a complete fantasy saga and can dive straight into it without waiting between volumes. A Crucible of Souls, the first book in a trilogy by Mitchell Hogan, was recommended to me while I was looking for something new to read, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Published a decade ago and winner of the 2013 Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel, it was a late but fortunate discovery for me.
The story Hogan tells starts from familiar premises but still manages to captivate. The plot follows classic lines: a child, orphaned after the tragic death of his parents, grows up in a monastery and, as an adult, leaves for the big city, where he becomes an apprentice in a guild of wizards and seems to find his calling. Nothing revolutionary, yet between mysteries, intrigue, unknown powers, and ambiguous characters, it’s a compelling read. Being the first installment, the story isn’t self-contained and ends on a cliffhanger that inevitably pushes you to continue with the second volume.
The writing is smooth and easy to read. The novel opens with a prologue that recounts the backstory, continues with a central section dedicated to the protagonist’s growth and his introduction to a larger world, and then accelerates into a frenetic finale. I found the author’s magical system particularly interesting: well-structured, with precise rules and tangible consequences, enriched by the creation of talismans and animated constructs, each with characteristics tied to the materials used. This aspect reminded me of Patrick Rothfuss’s The Name of the Wind.
The characters are well-drawn, starting with Caldan, though I had the impression that some were dismissed a bit hastily, leaving potential developments unexplored. Perhaps the author will return to them in subsequent volumes — I’ll find out soon.
Ultimately, A Crucible of Souls is an excellent example of classic fantasy, capable of entertaining and intriguing. If you love worlds rich in magic, intrigue, and adventure, be prepared: once you start, you’ll want to have the second book ready.
The story Hogan tells starts from familiar premises but still manages to captivate. The plot follows classic lines: a child, orphaned after the tragic death of his parents, grows up in a monastery and, as an adult, leaves for the big city, where he becomes an apprentice in a guild of wizards and seems to find his calling. Nothing revolutionary, yet between mysteries, intrigue, unknown powers, and ambiguous characters, it’s a compelling read. Being the first installment, the story isn’t self-contained and ends on a cliffhanger that inevitably pushes you to continue with the second volume.
The writing is smooth and easy to read. The novel opens with a prologue that recounts the backstory, continues with a central section dedicated to the protagonist’s growth and his introduction to a larger world, and then accelerates into a frenetic finale. I found the author’s magical system particularly interesting: well-structured, with precise rules and tangible consequences, enriched by the creation of talismans and animated constructs, each with characteristics tied to the materials used. This aspect reminded me of Patrick Rothfuss’s The Name of the Wind.
The characters are well-drawn, starting with Caldan, though I had the impression that some were dismissed a bit hastily, leaving potential developments unexplored. Perhaps the author will return to them in subsequent volumes — I’ll find out soon.
Ultimately, A Crucible of Souls is an excellent example of classic fantasy, capable of entertaining and intriguing. If you love worlds rich in magic, intrigue, and adventure, be prepared: once you start, you’ll want to have the second book ready.
dnf
May 15, 2017Stopped at 14%.. This book reads like a children's novel, like Enid Blyton kinda children's book.. Not what i signed up for..
September 29, 2015
I really wanted to like this book. The opening was strong and promised an equally inventive and yet classic feeling epic fantasy. . . . But then you get to the middle. The long long middle where you realize the main character is bland and the supporting characters poorly drawn. Where you meet random cliches to serve as proverbial redcoats to show us how awesome the main character is supposed to be. The saddest thing is that by the end it started to get good again. All this goes to make me feel that this all should have been cut way way down and just been the first few chapters of the next book.
January 8, 2024
Tygiel Dusz - Nie chcę tego czytać już
Słów kilka o pierwszym zawodzie 2024:
https://youtu.be/KkpqpIQXTsg?si=ELl7J...
Słów kilka o pierwszym zawodzie 2024:
https://youtu.be/KkpqpIQXTsg?si=ELl7J...
June 5, 2015
No spoilers here.
I am amazed that this is a debut novel that was self published. This was a 4.5 star book. Another new voice in epic fantasy. We have been truly lucky in the past few years we have had some very talented authors arise, to name a few, Ryan, Staveley, Wexler, Sullivan, McClellan, in this genre. Hogan is another.
He has created several interesting characters, both villains and the good, including our likeable hero Caldan, with an interesting magic system, that reminded me a bit of Sanderson's Mistborn series. Although the world created has been seen before, there were wonderful descriptions throughout. The book starts off and you're not sure where it's going until you piece it back, and, what a cliffhanger!!
A solid and impressive debut, I look forward to reading book two.
I am amazed that this is a debut novel that was self published. This was a 4.5 star book. Another new voice in epic fantasy. We have been truly lucky in the past few years we have had some very talented authors arise, to name a few, Ryan, Staveley, Wexler, Sullivan, McClellan, in this genre. Hogan is another.
He has created several interesting characters, both villains and the good, including our likeable hero Caldan, with an interesting magic system, that reminded me a bit of Sanderson's Mistborn series. Although the world created has been seen before, there were wonderful descriptions throughout. The book starts off and you're not sure where it's going until you piece it back, and, what a cliffhanger!!
A solid and impressive debut, I look forward to reading book two.
August 25, 2016
What a great book, it starts out as a coming of age story, then it changes. The book can be described as a coming of age story, pirate adventure, fantasy novel, and maybe even thriller. This book has so many elements that make it fresh and bring a new take on fantasy. Overall I truly enjoyed the book, word of warning the book is addicting and it leaves off in a cliffhanger.
November 9, 2013
Raised by monks after the death of his family in a suspicious fire, Caldan receives an excellent education and magical training. Upon reaching adulthood he leaves the monastery to make his own way, and try and find out who his family was, and who he really is.
Life in Anasoma is nothing that Caldan's sheltered upbringing prepared him for, and he soon finds himself homeless and penniless. In desperation he seeks and gains an apprenticeship with the Sorcerer's Guild, despite being several years older than the rest of the apprentices.
While Caldan begins to settle down into his new life, make friends and investigate the mystery of his parents, an ancient evil is stirring, and soon will lay siege to Anasoma, once again throwing Caldan into the middle of chaos.
I very much enjoyed this novel and struggled to put it down, completing it in a single weekend.
While it's yet another take on the orphan boy with a mysterious destiny, Hogan manages to keep it interesting with a combination of enjoyable world building and constant tension, building to a suitable climax.
Most of the characters were well done, although one or two seemed a bit superfluous to the plot thus far, although I expect they'll come into their own in subsequent books.
The world building was quite complex and intricate, but it was well written as background, enhancing the story rather than over shadowing it. The magic system looks very interesting and well thought out, requiring effort and having consequences, which I always appreciate.
The plot was the main driver for the story, and it flowed in a logical but occasionally surprising manner, while maintaining consistency with the characters. I can see Hogan has a good story arc in place, one which will hopefully continue with the same clarity in future novels.
If you're a fan of the fantasy genre, then I'd definitely give this one a try. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book.
prk.
Disclaimer: Whilst I read this as a judge for the 2013 Aurealis Awards, this review is my personal opinion and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging co-ordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.
Life in Anasoma is nothing that Caldan's sheltered upbringing prepared him for, and he soon finds himself homeless and penniless. In desperation he seeks and gains an apprenticeship with the Sorcerer's Guild, despite being several years older than the rest of the apprentices.
While Caldan begins to settle down into his new life, make friends and investigate the mystery of his parents, an ancient evil is stirring, and soon will lay siege to Anasoma, once again throwing Caldan into the middle of chaos.
I very much enjoyed this novel and struggled to put it down, completing it in a single weekend.
While it's yet another take on the orphan boy with a mysterious destiny, Hogan manages to keep it interesting with a combination of enjoyable world building and constant tension, building to a suitable climax.
Most of the characters were well done, although one or two seemed a bit superfluous to the plot thus far, although I expect they'll come into their own in subsequent books.
The world building was quite complex and intricate, but it was well written as background, enhancing the story rather than over shadowing it. The magic system looks very interesting and well thought out, requiring effort and having consequences, which I always appreciate.
The plot was the main driver for the story, and it flowed in a logical but occasionally surprising manner, while maintaining consistency with the characters. I can see Hogan has a good story arc in place, one which will hopefully continue with the same clarity in future novels.
If you're a fan of the fantasy genre, then I'd definitely give this one a try. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book.
prk.
Disclaimer: Whilst I read this as a judge for the 2013 Aurealis Awards, this review is my personal opinion and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging co-ordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.
September 24, 2015
Oh, my goodness! I wanted to put this book down so many times while reading it but I kept thinking that it had to get better. IT DIDN'T! The ending was a cliffhanger... and lame. So much going on in the story that is unexplained and, frankly, that I didn't care about. Sorry, not to offend those who liked this but... urgh! That's all I can say.
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