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The Congruent Mage Series #1
The Congruent Apprentice
Young wizards coming of age in a time of war... Will they be ready? EYNON was excited to leave his village and set off on his wander year. He’d turned sixteen today, and hoped for at least a few adventures. At high noon, he arrived a crossroads and saw a shimmer of silver in the mud. It was a thin and dirty oval, about the size of his palm. He washed it with squirts of water from his goatskin, then marveled at what was revealed. It was a silver amulet, worked with complex, interlaced designs. An oval blue gem more than an inch across, with deep facets, was set in its center. The silver danced with reflected sunlight and the gem seemed to be filled with sparks. It was the most beautifully-crafted thing he’d ever seen. Eynon noticed strange writing on the back of the amulet. As he raised it to eye level for closer inspection, one of his fingers inadvertently pressed a small stud on the edge. A tremendous blast of blue fire shot out from the gem on the opposite side, striking an ancient leafless oak and turning it into a flaming torch. Someone behind him whistled. Eynon dropped the amulet, afraid of what else it might do, and turned to see an old farmer, leaning on a shovel. “Well, young man,” said the farmer. “It looks like you’re going to need a wizard.”
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 27, 2017
294 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Dave Schroeder
11 books46 followersDave Schroeder (SHRAY-der) is a former Chief Information Officer who's done his share of tech support. He's served as Chief Technology Officer for a Bay Area dotcom and led the ecommerce division of a major Internet consulting company. He also wrote the book, music and lyrics for Softwear.com, a musical comedy produced off-off-Broadway. Dave lives in suburban Atlanta where he enjoys writing and voice acting with the Atlanta Radio Theatre Company.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 23, 2018
What a joy to be able to hear one of my brother’s books on Audible.
January 17, 2018
Nice beginning
Nice beginning of a series. Interesting characters that you instantly can connect to. Fast moving pace. The young mages may pick up their skills a little to easily but all in all an enjoyable premise and good reading. I will probably read the next installment of this story. Looking forward to finding out what happens to the young adventurers. When available I will be reading the next in the series. Eagerly awaiting the continuation of this tale. Characters are well written and enjoyable to discover. plot may be a little ambiguous but the next installment could remedy that.
Nice beginning of a series. Interesting characters that you instantly can connect to. Fast moving pace. The young mages may pick up their skills a little to easily but all in all an enjoyable premise and good reading. I will probably read the next installment of this story. Looking forward to finding out what happens to the young adventurers. When available I will be reading the next in the series. Eagerly awaiting the continuation of this tale. Characters are well written and enjoyable to discover. plot may be a little ambiguous but the next installment could remedy that.
January 18, 2018
An amazing jump into a fantastic world. This story brings you along like an old friend sitting at the bar or by the fire. The characters feel real, even in a fantasy setting and I found myself saying, "yup, I an see that" a lot!
June 19, 2018
Stop reading at around the 85% mark.
An odd book. On one hand, it is well written: clear, concise descriptions and dialogue that sounds natural, but on the other, it's plot and magic is so underdeveloped that it questions whether the author gave it any thought.
I kept wishing that the story would catch up to it's robust writing style, but as I neared the end of the book, I realised it was only getting worse.
The plot is non-existent, especially after around the half way mark when the only plot thread is severed and the characters are left to simply meander about doing what they please. The magic system eludes to having some kind of internal structure at the start, but that all gets all thrown out the window when the actual teaching begins.
Now I could forgive both those since I enjoyed the writing, but what really ticked me over the edge was how quickly Eynon and Merry learned magic. Not only did they seemingly master outrageous techniques, but they even improved upon them. Given a long time frame that's awe-inspiring, but - no joke - this all takes place within 3-4 days of them beginning their lessons and that's just ridiculous.
If there was any world where magic was this easy, wars would be fought and decided on by mage numbers alone. They'd probably drive the human race to extinction.
So why 3 stars? Because since I enjoyed most of the story up to that point, I'd hate to give it anything less.
An odd book. On one hand, it is well written: clear, concise descriptions and dialogue that sounds natural, but on the other, it's plot and magic is so underdeveloped that it questions whether the author gave it any thought.
I kept wishing that the story would catch up to it's robust writing style, but as I neared the end of the book, I realised it was only getting worse.
The plot is non-existent, especially after around the half way mark when the only plot thread is severed and the characters are left to simply meander about doing what they please. The magic system eludes to having some kind of internal structure at the start, but that all gets all thrown out the window when the actual teaching begins.
Now I could forgive both those since I enjoyed the writing, but what really ticked me over the edge was how quickly Eynon and Merry learned magic. Not only did they seemingly master outrageous techniques, but they even improved upon them. Given a long time frame that's awe-inspiring, but - no joke - this all takes place within 3-4 days of them beginning their lessons and that's just ridiculous.
If there was any world where magic was this easy, wars would be fought and decided on by mage numbers alone. They'd probably drive the human race to extinction.
So why 3 stars? Because since I enjoyed most of the story up to that point, I'd hate to give it anything less.
June 18, 2018
Other reviews say things like 'fast paced' and 'exciting'.
After nearly three hours in I'm thinking either I am the most impatient person in the world (possible) or it's a super forgiving crowd.
After nearly three hours in I'm thinking either I am the most impatient person in the world (possible) or it's a super forgiving crowd.
August 7, 2017
Light fantasy, coming of age. It held my interest, but the ending ... isn't an ending. Cliffhanger. I will probably read the sequel when it is published, but am unlikely to reread this book.
July 27, 2018
This seemed to me as if it was written for a young adult audience. Had a hard time getting into the book but perservered through it only to have no real ending.
July 29, 2018
Hello Marty
Boring Marty Sue has things happen in just the right order to where nothing really bad happens as he wanders.
Boring Marty Sue has things happen in just the right order to where nothing really bad happens as he wanders.
August 4, 2017
Fun fluff
This is an entertaining story of light sword and sorcery. I'm looking forward to the next volume in the series.
This is an entertaining story of light sword and sorcery. I'm looking forward to the next volume in the series.
June 8, 2022
This is boring and forced.
The story drags forward in a very prescribed direction that is very unbelievable. The characters are bland and unremarkable, their interactions are very forced. This whole thing is just poorly written.
The story drags forward in a very prescribed direction that is very unbelievable. The characters are bland and unremarkable, their interactions are very forced. This whole thing is just poorly written.
August 12, 2017
I really enjoyed my venture into fantasy, a genre I usually avoid. Schroeder is such a good writer, i trusted him and am glad I did.
August 29, 2017
Five star
Eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next book. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next book. . . . . . . . . . . . .
October 26, 2017
Oddly Fantastic Story
I absolutely loved this book. It was a quick,exciting read from the first page. I love how the author was able to give a fresh spin to the coming of age, spell casting genre. I don't like giving plots away, so I won't....I just highly suggest giving this book a try if you're in to magic, romance, and a super intelligent budding wizard.
I absolutely loved this book. It was a quick,exciting read from the first page. I love how the author was able to give a fresh spin to the coming of age, spell casting genre. I don't like giving plots away, so I won't....I just highly suggest giving this book a try if you're in to magic, romance, and a super intelligent budding wizard.
September 18, 2020
I had a hard time getting into this book to start. I must have put it down a half dozen times, but I kept picking it back up again. Not sure where or when I got hooked, but got hooked I did. In the end I really enjoyed this world and the characters in it. You get teased with some information about the past that leaves you wanting to know more.
As soon as I finished I went right back and re-read it again and enjoyed it that much more. I cannot wait for the next book or two, or three,.... or more. There is definitely many areas to explore in the past, present and future.
My new favorite book.
As soon as I finished I went right back and re-read it again and enjoyed it that much more. I cannot wait for the next book or two, or three,.... or more. There is definitely many areas to explore in the past, present and future.
My new favorite book.
November 10, 2018
I admit' didn't finish it.. got bored, and the main female being an ass didn't help.. of course they become best friends or lovers or whatever' and most likely the most powerful mages in the world.. or something similar, dont have the patience for the cliche in the making.. I can say this is well written
April 8, 2019
“Searching is as much about the seeker as what’s sought.”
"The Congruent Mage" is the debut novel by Dave Schroeder and first in the Congruent Mage series. The book follows a young protagonist named Eynon as he journeys for his wonder year (16th year alive and a village/region tradition). He shortly find a magical artifact and befriends a family who has a daughter (Merry) around the same age as himself. They leave together to find out the mystery of the artifact and turn it into the proper people so no one can harm themselves with it. With the premise set I do have criticism about how the book is written but I don't think all is necessarily lost with this one.
First I 'd like to say that I do have a special place in my heart for self published fantasy books, even if they have a classic fantasy formula cliche and all. To be honest some of my favorite book series are self published gems. The being said I feel this book missed its mark a little bit for me. The first issue I had was the Merry/Eynon relationship. Its not that I dislike their relationship, but how it came about. I felt it came out of the blue with no indication at all of their interest in one another. They had spent one day travelling acting friendly towards each other them BAM, making out in front of a camp fire. To me it came out a left field and took me out of the book really fast. I think they needed much more to story/plot to develop emotion between them, and at least some form of self acknowledgment of said feelings. The way it happened was very forced, very very forced. It needs to be more natural.
The first part of the book was paced alright but the second half was much slower in my opinion. The training that the 2 went through seemed almost pieced together instead of fully thought through and I would have liked to see the magic system more fleshed out. The way that it was, it seemed dull and uninteresting. This can be said almost for the characters as well, knowing that there need to be more depth, motivation and emotion there. Even the dialogue can be stiff and cringy at times which did not help the situation.
I did find the overall story interesting and I think there is hope for the future sequels. The last few chapters piqued my interest and I hope the pace settles it self better and we get a more fleshed out story and characters. Overall it was a debut novel for a self published title and to be frank, much better than I could probably do. Typically if I give something 2 stars I don't follow up on the sequels but I might make an exception to see if it gets better for me (especially because it is on Kindle Unlimited). I do wish the best for Mr. Schroeder and his future works and hope they can evolve more in the next adventures.
“If you don’t know where you’re going, take joy in the journey.”
"The Congruent Mage" is the debut novel by Dave Schroeder and first in the Congruent Mage series. The book follows a young protagonist named Eynon as he journeys for his wonder year (16th year alive and a village/region tradition). He shortly find a magical artifact and befriends a family who has a daughter (Merry) around the same age as himself. They leave together to find out the mystery of the artifact and turn it into the proper people so no one can harm themselves with it. With the premise set I do have criticism about how the book is written but I don't think all is necessarily lost with this one.
First I 'd like to say that I do have a special place in my heart for self published fantasy books, even if they have a classic fantasy formula cliche and all. To be honest some of my favorite book series are self published gems. The being said I feel this book missed its mark a little bit for me. The first issue I had was the Merry/Eynon relationship. Its not that I dislike their relationship, but how it came about. I felt it came out of the blue with no indication at all of their interest in one another. They had spent one day travelling acting friendly towards each other them BAM, making out in front of a camp fire. To me it came out a left field and took me out of the book really fast. I think they needed much more to story/plot to develop emotion between them, and at least some form of self acknowledgment of said feelings. The way it happened was very forced, very very forced. It needs to be more natural.
The first part of the book was paced alright but the second half was much slower in my opinion. The training that the 2 went through seemed almost pieced together instead of fully thought through and I would have liked to see the magic system more fleshed out. The way that it was, it seemed dull and uninteresting. This can be said almost for the characters as well, knowing that there need to be more depth, motivation and emotion there. Even the dialogue can be stiff and cringy at times which did not help the situation.
I did find the overall story interesting and I think there is hope for the future sequels. The last few chapters piqued my interest and I hope the pace settles it self better and we get a more fleshed out story and characters. Overall it was a debut novel for a self published title and to be frank, much better than I could probably do. Typically if I give something 2 stars I don't follow up on the sequels but I might make an exception to see if it gets better for me (especially because it is on Kindle Unlimited). I do wish the best for Mr. Schroeder and his future works and hope they can evolve more in the next adventures.
“If you don’t know where you’re going, take joy in the journey.”
February 27, 2025
Starting off with a fight that leaves evidence that is found.
Why must the Fantasy genre have hard to pronounce/impossible to pronounce names?
A good mix of humor and action to keep from being too dark in the beginning. But must warn of mentions of attempted rape in ch 7 page 72-73 with the Mastland boys. A fight happened but nothing sexual but some may be uncomfortable with even that.
Merey's parents are too trusting and I feel like Eynon and Merry are going too fast if this is meant to be a romantic relationship because they only gotten to know each other for a day and a half to two days, even if they had been if life threatening danger that bonds people.
I want to spend more time with Fercha but I get that more interesting stuff is happening besides her search for her fully tuned artifact.
One of the teachers is going to end up being evil aren't they? So far we are being convinced that Fercha is good. Eynon is not currently with Fercha.
"He followed me home. Can I keep him?" Is hilarious. Different teaching styles, traditional vs practical. Could Damon or the master be a swapped court wizard? A spy?
Derry and Doethan are the heroes in war but why be so far from the capital? Where is the princess?
HE JUST HAD TO LEAVE IT ON A CLIFFHANHER OF A BIG BATTEL?!?!?!?!
Why must the Fantasy genre have hard to pronounce/impossible to pronounce names?
A good mix of humor and action to keep from being too dark in the beginning. But must warn of mentions of attempted rape in ch 7 page 72-73 with the Mastland boys. A fight happened but nothing sexual but some may be uncomfortable with even that.
Merey's parents are too trusting and I feel like Eynon and Merry are going too fast if this is meant to be a romantic relationship because they only gotten to know each other for a day and a half to two days, even if they had been if life threatening danger that bonds people.
I want to spend more time with Fercha but I get that more interesting stuff is happening besides her search for her fully tuned artifact.
One of the teachers is going to end up being evil aren't they? So far we are being convinced that Fercha is good. Eynon is not currently with Fercha.
"He followed me home. Can I keep him?" Is hilarious. Different teaching styles, traditional vs practical. Could Damon or the master be a swapped court wizard? A spy?
Derry and Doethan are the heroes in war but why be so far from the capital? Where is the princess?
HE JUST HAD TO LEAVE IT ON A CLIFFHANHER OF A BIG BATTEL?!?!?!?!
September 12, 2018
An interesting book, with interesting and likeable characters.
The first part of the book started well, fast pace and adventurous journey. then part two everything slowed to a crawl (in my opinion) while somethings happen way to fast I felt some thing was missing, May be it because the two main characters were split up not sure.
The Elderman's words at the beginning of each chapter was interesting. I was a to figure out who a certain someone was the on set before the reveal at end.
Some unanswered questions: 1. how come all the creatures Eynon interacted with seem to bound with him.
2. The Mary and Eynon must have a magical friendship spell casted on the because 95% of characters in the were too nice. How come.
I struggle with two things that the book seem to throw around.
Underage drinking and 15/16 year olds having a private time.😐
The first part of the book started well, fast pace and adventurous journey. then part two everything slowed to a crawl (in my opinion) while somethings happen way to fast I felt some thing was missing, May be it because the two main characters were split up not sure.
The Elderman's words at the beginning of each chapter was interesting. I was a to figure out who a certain someone was the on set before the reveal at end.
Some unanswered questions: 1. how come all the creatures Eynon interacted with seem to bound with him.
2. The Mary and Eynon must have a magical friendship spell casted on the because 95% of characters in the were too nice. How come.
I struggle with two things that the book seem to throw around.
Underage drinking and 15/16 year olds having a private time.😐
August 23, 2017
Next book
First off let me say I will be reading the next book. Next let me tell you why I gave it 4 stars. This story seemed rushed to me in some areas. Don't read Amy further it may contain spoilers. Now that you have been warned. The two main characters are separated. If they really cared about the other then getting back together or at least communication should have been there top priority. This was not true
They both got wrapped in learning magic. This is not a bad thing but you get the idea. It was not handles well in the book in my opioid . That is why I gave it four stars.
First off let me say I will be reading the next book. Next let me tell you why I gave it 4 stars. This story seemed rushed to me in some areas. Don't read Amy further it may contain spoilers. Now that you have been warned. The two main characters are separated. If they really cared about the other then getting back together or at least communication should have been there top priority. This was not true
They both got wrapped in learning magic. This is not a bad thing but you get the idea. It was not handles well in the book in my opioid . That is why I gave it four stars.
June 22, 2018
Great book.
The story is written well from a believable point of view of a young man setting out into a potentially scary world.
The magic is a little weak as far as internal logic but I want to believe that our POV influences how much we understand what's going on.
It does end on a cliffhanger that hints that the next book will not be as happy or go lucky but this book is good enough I'm will ing to give it a shot.
The story is written well from a believable point of view of a young man setting out into a potentially scary world.
The magic is a little weak as far as internal logic but I want to believe that our POV influences how much we understand what's going on.
It does end on a cliffhanger that hints that the next book will not be as happy or go lucky but this book is good enough I'm will ing to give it a shot.
August 21, 2018
Unnecessary intamacy
I was reading the book and finally starting to think I might like it when all the sudden the characters who hardly knew each other, had sex. It didn't fit in the story, was totally unexpected and ruined what little I was enjoying. How tasteless to add sex to a totally fantasy story about wizards and such. Yuck and SHAME ON THE AUTHOR! WOULD NEVET RECOMMEND!!! :(
NEVER RECOMMEND!!! :(
I was reading the book and finally starting to think I might like it when all the sudden the characters who hardly knew each other, had sex. It didn't fit in the story, was totally unexpected and ruined what little I was enjoying. How tasteless to add sex to a totally fantasy story about wizards and such. Yuck and SHAME ON THE AUTHOR! WOULD NEVET RECOMMEND!!! :(
NEVER RECOMMEND!!! :(
April 5, 2018
YA magic
I gave this book 4 stars only because it was well written.... for the young crowd. The story is elementary and the apprentices have learned to do magic in a heartbeat, even before they start actually training. It's a pretty basic story and because of that, I did not enjoy it so much - my personal rating would be 3.
I gave this book 4 stars only because it was well written.... for the young crowd. The story is elementary and the apprentices have learned to do magic in a heartbeat, even before they start actually training. It's a pretty basic story and because of that, I did not enjoy it so much - my personal rating would be 3.
February 2, 2021
Interesting take on magic. I enjoyed the characters for the most part and the grass roots feeling of their training although it feels a bit rushed. I also thought the writing was exemplary except there were many unnecessary descriptions. All in all this book is worth picking up and I am ordering the second one now on Amazon.
November 8, 2017
Okay Novel nothing new
Typical young man starting his existence as the Chosen one. Readable but a bit written by numbers. The boy protagonist is a little too good at everything for real suspense but like I said it is readable.
Typical young man starting his existence as the Chosen one. Readable but a bit written by numbers. The boy protagonist is a little too good at everything for real suspense but like I said it is readable.
November 24, 2017
Very Good
I hate a good series that have the next book due out 6 months later then another year for the 3rd? It's a good story to read with good characters. Just the follow up Sucks!
I hate a good series that have the next book due out 6 months later then another year for the 3rd? It's a good story to read with good characters. Just the follow up Sucks!
January 7, 2018
Fast paced, fun book
A very enjoyable, fast paced young wizard comes of age novel. Recommended for anyone who enjoys such things - I liked it enough that I’m about to start the sequel.
A very enjoyable, fast paced young wizard comes of age novel. Recommended for anyone who enjoys such things - I liked it enough that I’m about to start the sequel.
October 19, 2018
Magic and lighthearted fun..
Slow and steady pacing with the actual action coming in quick bursts.
Action is toned down too not over the top.
Actual magic system is not explained well just left out there hanging...
Promising start for the series. Hope to read more!
Slow and steady pacing with the actual action coming in quick bursts.
Action is toned down too not over the top.
Actual magic system is not explained well just left out there hanging...
Promising start for the series. Hope to read more!
September 24, 2017
3.5 - enjoyable! liked the magic system and characters, however the ending of the last chapter definitely came out of nowhere for me, huge cliffhanger.
January 4, 2018
Good story
Likable characters.
Found only a couple of mistakes in the book. Nothing really major though.
I recommend this book for those that enjoy fantasy.
Likable characters.
Found only a couple of mistakes in the book. Nothing really major though.
I recommend this book for those that enjoy fantasy.
June 23, 2018
Enjoyable, but lacked any sort of conclusion. It just ends. I probably wouldn't mind so much if I had access to the next part, but I don't. Therefore, it only gets a three star rating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews