The Sorcerer's Quest

The Sorcerer’s Saga #1

by Rain Oxford, J. Scott Bennett (Narrator)

It’s not easy being the youngest of seven sons in a family of notorious sorcerers, especially for Ayden Dracre. In a world where sorcerers only practice dark magic and wizards only practice light magic, Ayden has a problem; he is very bad at being bad. Try as he might, all of his spells to cause mayhem go awry. When he finds out that his family has had enough of his mistakes, he decides to take destiny into his own hands.

He has one chance to prove to his family that he is worthy of the sorcerer name or he will find himself on the unfortunate end of his mother’s wrath; he must defeat the greatest wizard of all the lands. There are only two problems: he doesn’t know how to fight with magic, and he doesn’t want to hurt anyone. If he’s going to survive this quest, he will have to rely on the most unlikely allies.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Young Adult, Dragons, Audiobook, Humor, Comedy

235 pages, Audible Audio

First published August 4, 2015

About the author

Rain Oxford is a teacher who has been writing stories since she was twelve. She attended Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan. Some of her interests include magic, psychology, and ancient history. When she’s not creating worlds, she enjoys reading, playing the piano, or photographing exotic wildlife.

Reviews

[BookLoversLife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ayden Dracre is the 7th son from a family of notorious sorcerers, but he is different. Sorcerers all have dark hair and eyes and practice dark magic whereas Wizards all have blond hair and blue eyes and practice light magic. Ayden is like the latter, he has blond hair and blue eyes and is so bad at being bad, no matter how hard he tries! Unlike his family, he has a conscience. When he realises that his mother wants to kill him because he is such a failure, he decides to go on a quest to kill a powerful Wizard before his brothers can and prove to his family he is a worthy Sorcerer.

Plot wise, this was a fun, action packed and magical read. I loved the setting and the whole feel of the world. Wizards are good and Sorcerers are bad, there is no inbetween. I loved the magical creatures they encountered and thoroughly enjoyed the adventure that Ayden was on.

Character wise, I loved Ayden!! He was such a joy to read. Despite his parents being bad, despite his brothers being bad and despite his wish for acceptance from his family, he has a conscience and actually listens to it. He knows not everything is black or white, there are multiple shades of grey in between. He listened to his head and heart and it made him all the more awesome.

In all, this was a fun and enjoyable read. It was action packed, adventurous and fun. I can't wait to read the next installment!!!

I've listened to a lot of books narrated by J. Scott Bennett and have always enjoyed them! He always delivers a great performance. He had plenty of tones and voices for each character and knows how to tell a good story. I highly recommend people check out his work!!

I was voluntarily provided this free copy by the author, narrator, or publisher. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.

[Leslie Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was exactly what I have been looking for. This is a family-friendly fantasy (think magic and Merlin) that I think would be perfect for a car trip with my family, and I look forward to listening to it again when we go on vacation this summer. Though I wouldn't normally choose a book dealing with this subject, I was thoroughly entertained. I'm glad I didn't miss out on this one. It is good, clean, and funny. Though I wouldn't consider this a "humor" book, there were definitely a few times I actually laughed out loud. I listened to the Audible version of this book, which was narrated by J. Scott Bennett. This narrator is one of my favorites, and I have listened to several book narrated by him. Though the other books I've listened to were darker and more mature in content, it was nice to see that he is versatile enough to pull off this kind of book as well. He's such a great narrator with great character differentiation and good pacing. Overall, this is a fun book, and if you're looking for something that you can enjoy as a family, or by yourself, this is a great option.

[Rabid Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this family friendly, fantasy audiobook, it was entertaining, funny and easily kept my attention. The narration was great, he captured the humour and gave distinct voices to each of the characters. I loved the tone and intonation he used for Ayden, it seemed to fit his personality just right and illustrated the conflicts he felt within himself. This story contains all the characters you would expect in a classic fantasy novel; wizards, evil sorcerers, shifters, a variety of monsters, and even some friendly ghosts. It is a fast paced adventure quest in which Ayden, the seventh son of a renowned sorcery family, learns to come to terms with who he really is, as opposed to who he thinks he should be and along the way makes some interesting friends. I look forward to listening to the next book in the series. I received this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Douglas Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun to read

What would you do if you did not fit in. This is a great quest to find ones tyre shelf with a slight twist. Your suppose to me the evil one causing all the problems. A nice story of discovery and finding your place in your world.

[Paula Dyches · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was great fun! I am going to listen with my kids on our next car trip as I know they will thoroughly enjoy it. The narrator did a great job. I would recommend this to any who likes Harry Potter type books or other fantasies and it is definitely kid appropriate. I am looking forward to the next in the series. 

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Deedra · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's the seventh son of a seventh son and is supposed to be a badass sorcerer.Unfornunately,he is too kind and blonde to be a proper sorcerer.He knows his mother wants him dead,so he leaves and so his quest begins.This is an awesome first book in a promising series. J Scott Bennett is the perfect narrator.

[Bookwyrm Speaks]

Ayden Dracre, the seventh son of the baddest wicked sorceress on their world, has some problems. First off, he's just bad at being bad. He has blond hair and blue eyes, unlike all the other sorcerors, who have dark hair and red eyes. He can't conjure any food other than apples and brocoli, and all his wicked spells fail. Even his wand wont stay evil looking. Being the scrawniest of the brothers doesnt help either. So when he hears his borthers being given a task to kill a powerful Wizard, he gets a jump on them to try and do it himself, to prove he's not a failure. Along the way, he meets a wolf who can talk in his mind, who happens to be a cursed wizard by the name of Merlin (yes, that Merlin). It turns out there is a multiverse of different dimensions, and Merlin was trapped and cursed on Aydens. They also run across a Wizards ghost at his castle, where Ayden aquires a magical staff. It turns out that Ayden, as the Seventh son of a Seventh son, has the ability to utilize both Sorcery and Wizardry, which his mother desperatly want to control for her own schemes. After several run ins with his brothers, he finally meets the Wizard he is searching for, and more revalations concerning him come out. With a climactic final battle that is sheer enrgetic magic weilding, the book ends on a high point, with a mystery unraveled and some others just being pointed out. The plot is fast paced, the characters are a lot of fun, and J. Scott Bennett's narrations helps bring the story to life, especially when he voices Merlin and Ayden. I recommend this for any fantasy fans who like a little humor mixed in to the quest.


I was given a copy of this book by the author, narrator or publisher at no charge in exchange for an honest review through AudiobookBoom.

[Lee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written to turn some tropes on their heads, The Sorcerer's Quest is a fresh twist to the "misfit who becomes a hero" plot. The protagonist is from a sorcerer family and sets off to prove his worth as a sorcerer. Along the way, he unintentionally makes friends and saves towns, pirates, and dwarves. (I especially liked the scene with the pirates and the dwarves. Who knew that pirates would be tired of eating fish?) However, the humorous element in this story could not save it from a 2/5 rating. For one, the transition from the protagonist being a useless weakling to one who can control his magic was too abrupt and therefore, dissatisfying. Also, the evil mother and brothers are just that, evil (and oftentimes downright stupid). If sorcerers were really mercenaries as the protagonist says, we should see some evidence of their cold calculation instead of just plain cruelty demonstrated by the Draco family. It'd be much more interesting if the protagonist had to face smarter opponents. Oh yeah, and what happened to the unicorn? How come it only appeared at the beginning? This and slightly dull writing lulled me to sleep at some points, ironically most often during the battle scenes. Sorry, but 2/5 is all I can give.

[LaSibila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ayden es el menor de 7 hermanos de una familia de hechiceros. En este mundo donde abunda la magia, la sociedad se divide y se identifica según el tipo de magia que se posea: magos y hechiceros son rivales (magia blanca y magia negra), los videntes, los nigromantes, etc.
En fin, el problema es que es malo siendo malo. No tiene la crueldad de sus hermanos ni el deseo de lastimar a otros con su magia, por lo que debe huir en el momento en que escucha a sus hermanos planear su muerte.
Decidido a vencer a un poderoso mago para probar su valor a su malvada madre &hnos, emprende un largo viaje de descubrimiento donde aprende a reconciliarse con su magia y no pretender "ponerle un color". Me encanta el poder de las decisiones y la construcción de la identidad del joven Ayden.
El lenguaje es sencillo, con sentido del humor, apto para compartir en familia y reflexionar su mensaje.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom.

Ayden Dracre is the 7th son of a family of Sorcerers. All sorcerers enjoy causing evil and mayhem except Ayden, who looks nothing like his family who all have dark hair & burgundy eyes. He instead has blond hair and blue eyes like Wizards who only practice light magic. After failing to sell magic beans and fearing his mother will kill him, Ayden goes on a quest to prove himself & while trying to do some bad deeds, they end up turning into the opposite because he sucks at being bad. All the while picking up some very interesting friends. It was cute but just not for me

[Stefie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very amusing and entertaining read. I normally don't find myself enjoying books with the ever too present in fantasy novels, Merlin, but this book was an exception. The main character, Ayden, who is doomed to mess up trying to be evil to impress his very awful family results in many friends and supporters as well as saved lives and flowers. All at his hilarious expense. I really enjoyed this book and laughed out loud quite a few times. I have yet to find the second book of this series so, in the meantime, I guess I will have to pick up on Ms. Oxford's other series for now.
Recommended.

[Emilija · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this audio book for free in exchange for an honest review.

This was a pretty fun book - the narrator is brilliant! He gives distinct voices to the different characters, especially Ayden and Merlin. It was entertaining, fun and enjoyable. I really feel for Ayden only being able to summon and eat apples and broccoli.

[Bill Tillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sorcerer's Quest

Oh, a mid-grade fantasy book. Heavy with tongue in cheek dialogue this is a fun tale of coming of age. How to decide what you want to be when you grow up is done with style and dignity.
Read it and you be a happier person.

[Eric Cerini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining read

This book is about magic but more so about a boy learning that being different and at peace with yourself is more important. The main character has a life choice to make. What will it be?

[marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! very much enjoyed it and I know little children will love it also

[kurt stenzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not to bad.

Good read.

More for the young readers, but it's well done and did take me back to days of yore.

[Ani · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is funny!!! I can't help but launghing.
Seorang penyihir dari keluarga penyihir jahat yang nggak bisa jadi jahat? Wkwkwk. Dan dia sangat berusaha keras untuk jadi jahat. Semua usahanya jadi jahat malah bikin dia terlihat baik. Cuma bisa summon makanan apel dan brokoli? Wkwkwk. Nggak pernah bisa lebih dari itu, kalau pun ada, maksimal cuma tahu!

Tapi nggak cuma itu. Sebenarnya dia kuat. Cuma dia harus menerima dirinya aja kalau dia nggak butuh jadi jahat. Dan nggak butuh jadi baik juga. Neithar Sorcerer or Wizard. Just be who you are. And who I am? He ask... Well, name yourself! Wkwkwk. I like it.

Banyak twist, tapi uniknya bukan twist yang bikin jantung copot. Malah nggak kepikir, bikin ngakak! Mau ngerampok desa malah menyelamatkan desa dari perampok? Wkwkwk. Mau ngalahkan naga tapi malah menyalamatkan penduduk desa + kasih mereka kekayaan? Well, lebih parah lagi waktu mau ngalahin si Penyihir Baik paling kuat, Magnus. Malah nyelametin dia! Wkwkwk. All of bad things he do is turn into good things. And if he want good things, it awefully become bad things.

Penyihir kuat yang nggak sadar kalau dia kuat karena dilecehin seumur hidupnya, dan semua usahanya jadi jahat yang malah membuktikan kalau sebenarnya dia itu baik, well, its really entertain!!! (If you looking for funny story and not a grim one)

[Bikram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the narrator, in exchange for an unbiased review.

What I liked about the book -
This is a great start to a new fantasy story. It's very easy to get into, largely due to the well written story that pulls you right in. The basic premise might sound "typical", but the author gives it his own treatment and makes it worth reading. The character is fun and relatable. I was rooting for him throughout. His coming-of-age journey and the weird situations he was constantly getting himself into were fun to read. Those kept me hooked till the end. And now I want more. Will surely pick up the next book in this series.

What I disliked about the book -
Nothing specific that I can think of.

Narration -
Narration by J. Scott Bennett was a good match for the content. Loved his voice rendering for the characters and his delivery. It kept me engaged in the story.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've seen a lot of "raised by a Villainous family but is good at heroic stuff" books recently, so I wasn't sure whether this would bring anything new.

I'm still not sure it brought anything new, but it was a nice balanced approach. There was some good points of catharsis throughout the book.

There's a lot left open and the last page is "this is what the sequel will be about," but the story stands alone.

Family friendly and though the dark deeds may be hard for younger children, the character doesn't cross any lines.

There's a lot to discuss about morality, honour, and obligation with younger readers.

[真里 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute, sweet story that doesn't quite seem to fit into either YA or children's fantasy. It has some wordplay and jokes that add an extra layer of entertainment or interest that will appeal to older children up to adults. The characters and storyline are pretty traditional and linear fantasy with a lighter, more kid-friendly premise.

I really enjoyed reading something light after reading a lot of heavy, tragic stories recently.

The characters are light and whimsical. Ayden is a likable and relatable protagonist, especially for kids and teens who are still coming to grips with their identities. Merlin is a typical fantasy trope, but he does provide a fun counterbalance to Ayden's cheerful, distractible personality.

At the beginning of the story, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to get into it. However, after just a few pages, Ayden's journey begins and it's easy to get caught up in it. When he fails, it's suitably endearing. When he succeeds, it's hard not to cheer for him.

[Victoria Haugen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!! Young Ayden's quest is one for the ages. Beautifully written, and J. Scott Bennett's narration is one of my all time favorites! It's hard when you want something in life, and your family has something entirely different in mind. You want to please your family of course, but at what cost? Good vs. Evil. It's nice to see a story like this develop, I enjoyed it lots and would love to hear more! :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Kate M. Van Riel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story. When the MC first encountered Merlin, I rolled my eyes, thinking another Arthur based story. But it really isn’t. It’s a funny story about 16 yo who seems to be trough and through good but wants to be through and through bad. He wishes to be feared just like the other members of his family. He goes on a massive quest to prove how bad he actually is. On his way a lot of b/weird things happen.
I really enjoyed listening to this story. It was a welcoming change. I would definitely recommend and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ayden is the 7th son of a family of sorcerers yet his curses always go wrong turning into more good magic than bad. He’s loved by his father but his mother and brothers all hate him because his magic doesn’t work like theirs. So he leaves and runs into a wolf that is Merlin in animal form to start a quest to be a better sorcerer and gain some favor in his family he runs across many sorts of people and starts to realize maybe he’s different for a reason.

[Sharri Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting adventure

This is a great beginning to a story. The characters are likeable (the good characters) and there is a mystery or two that still needs to be solved in future books. I love books that have magic and adventure and I was not disappointed after reading the first book in this series.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

** Review of Audio Format **

The Seventh Son of the Seventh Son...

Ayden is a sorcerer. That is what all of his family is and that is what he is determined to be. The only problem is that all of Ayden’s spells turn from the evil his family is renowned for into something helpful no matter how hard he tries to be evil.

When he overhears his brothers talking about his own mother trying to kill him, Ayden decides it’s time for him to leave and either prove he is a sorcerer to be feared and respected or to die trying. So begins a very good tale of a young sorcerer who sets out to be one thing and discovers he is quite something else. On the way, he will gather a good (though rather eccentric) group of friends and allies that help him see that he can be anything and anyone he chooses.

This really was a fun listen. Ayden is so sincere in wanting to be evil, and yet also so unknowingly thoughtful and kind, that it was delightful to listen and follow along as he discovers his true nature and accepts himself.

The narration by J. Scott Bennett was really top notch. He gives just the right tone and his voices are varied and many. I thoroughly enjoyed how he spun this charming tale.

I received this audiobook for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.

[Giriniss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pirate tofu, good one :P

[Random · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Maulesh · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read about the journey of a young sorcerer discovering his true identity.

[Indira Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like where the story is going.

[Ben Mcpeake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woo magic 7/10