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Summoner #0
The Outcast
Set before the events of The Novice, this is the prequel to the New York Times bestselling Summoner Trilogy
ONLY THE CHOSEN FEW HAVE THE POWER TO SUMMON DEMONS
Arcturus is just an orphaned stable boy when he accidentally summons a demon. As Hominum's first common summoner, he becomes the key to a secret that the powerful nobility will do anything to keep hidden.
He is immediately whisked away to Vocans Academy where the lost arts of summoning, spell craft and demonology are taught to the noble children of the Empire. In no time, Arcturus finds himself surrounded by enemies as teachers and students question his right to be there. But before he can even attempt to make friends, his life is turned upside down once again, for the Empire is in turmoil.
Rebellion is simmering among the masses, and it will not be long before it boils over. Arcturus must choose a side...
or watch the Empire crumble.
ONLY THE CHOSEN FEW HAVE THE POWER TO SUMMON DEMONS
Arcturus is just an orphaned stable boy when he accidentally summons a demon. As Hominum's first common summoner, he becomes the key to a secret that the powerful nobility will do anything to keep hidden.
He is immediately whisked away to Vocans Academy where the lost arts of summoning, spell craft and demonology are taught to the noble children of the Empire. In no time, Arcturus finds himself surrounded by enemies as teachers and students question his right to be there. But before he can even attempt to make friends, his life is turned upside down once again, for the Empire is in turmoil.
Rebellion is simmering among the masses, and it will not be long before it boils over. Arcturus must choose a side...
or watch the Empire crumble.
408 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2018
722 people are currently reading
10784 people want to read
About the author
Taran Matharu
29 books4,595 followersTaran Matharu is the New York Times bestselling author of the Summoner series, which has been translated into 15 languages and has sold over a million copies in English. He was born in London in 1990.
Taran began to write the SUMMONER series in November 2013 at the age of 22, taking part in ‘Nanowrimo 2013’ and sharing his work on Wattpad.com. The shared sample of the story went viral, reaching over 3 million reads in less than six months. THE CHOSEN is his first book in his new CONTENDER series, out now.
His books are published by Hodder Children’s (Hachette) in the UK, Australia and Commonwealth, Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan) in the US and Canada, Hachette Jeunesse in France, Heyne in Germany, Planeta in Spain, Crown in Taiwan, Record in Brazil, EKSMO in Russia, Jaguar in Poland, Ecliptic in Bulgaria, Alpress in the Czech Republic, Ithaki in Turkey, Forlaget Forar in Denmark and Unieboek in the Netherlands.
Taran began to write the SUMMONER series in November 2013 at the age of 22, taking part in ‘Nanowrimo 2013’ and sharing his work on Wattpad.com. The shared sample of the story went viral, reaching over 3 million reads in less than six months. THE CHOSEN is his first book in his new CONTENDER series, out now.
His books are published by Hodder Children’s (Hachette) in the UK, Australia and Commonwealth, Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan) in the US and Canada, Hachette Jeunesse in France, Heyne in Germany, Planeta in Spain, Crown in Taiwan, Record in Brazil, EKSMO in Russia, Jaguar in Poland, Ecliptic in Bulgaria, Alpress in the Czech Republic, Ithaki in Turkey, Forlaget Forar in Denmark and Unieboek in the Netherlands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews
June 11, 2018
After last year concluded the original Summoner trilogy, Taran Matharu announced a fourth book, The Outcast, a prequel. Wait, didn't we already have a prequel in Summoner: Origins? Well, yeah. But now we get that prequel expanded to full novel size, and while it feels a bit strange to go back in time when we know how the original trilogy ends, it also makes me want to reread the original trilogy from the start all over again. Which, in due course, I shall soon do.
But for here, we get the origin story of Arcturus and his sweet Canid demon, Sacharissa. Here, we get more in-depth about how there can be common summoners when it's supposed to be limited to the noble classes. Here, we get more looks at the world of the orcs, reminding me a lot of World of Warcraft, especially. I'm pretty sure my buddy Koda hasn't read these books yet, but seeing how he's all about the fantasy and the WoW stuff - he got me playing for about a minute myself! - this is right up his alley. Though I think I'll start him out on the original trilogy like I did. And like I do for customers at work. Though I might have to hold off on that for a while after I sold the last copy of The Novice to this ten-year-old kid on Friday...but I digress.
I'm not sure what else Matharu has in mind for this 'verse - hell, I'm pretty sure I saw him say his next planned project was a sci-fi book. But I'll happily pick up whatever he publishes next, and until then, I hereby again bid the Summoner 'verse ave atque vale.
But for here, we get the origin story of Arcturus and his sweet Canid demon, Sacharissa. Here, we get more in-depth about how there can be common summoners when it's supposed to be limited to the noble classes. Here, we get more looks at the world of the orcs, reminding me a lot of World of Warcraft, especially. I'm pretty sure my buddy Koda hasn't read these books yet, but seeing how he's all about the fantasy and the WoW stuff - he got me playing for about a minute myself! - this is right up his alley. Though I think I'll start him out on the original trilogy like I did. And like I do for customers at work. Though I might have to hold off on that for a while after I sold the last copy of The Novice to this ten-year-old kid on Friday...but I digress.
I'm not sure what else Matharu has in mind for this 'verse - hell, I'm pretty sure I saw him say his next planned project was a sci-fi book. But I'll happily pick up whatever he publishes next, and until then, I hereby again bid the Summoner 'verse ave atque vale.
June 2, 2024
WITH the Summoner trilogy done and dusted, its talented author, Taran Matharu has given fans exactly what they have been begging for and dipped his toes back into the vivid universe he painstakingly created.
As the first commoner gifted with the ability to summon demons from the ether, Arcturus (remember him?) enters Vocans Academy amid a torrent of drama and soon deep lines are drawn in the sand as allies and enemies are quickly made.
I was slightly hesitant to pick up this read at first as prequels tend to feel more like a rushed cash grab than a fully realised, deep novel. I will also be the first to admit I was wrong. The book is positively addictive and Matharu’s easy flowing writing style just adds to the pace and tone of the book. While not particularly deep, the characters are strong, the story is intriguing and filled with more than a few action scenes.
My one and only gripe is the characters found themselves in near-death situations and their sudden saving rolls felt contrived. It was as if the author hit stumbling points with his motley crew of characters and manufactured highly convenient quick-fix plans instead of a more organic approach.
After reading bits of Arcturus as a grown summoner in the main trilogy, it was interesting to see his rise to power with this prequel. If you have read any of Matharu’s other work, you are sure going to love stepping into this world. If this is your first foray with the summoner universe, expect an easy, addictive read that will have you coming back for more.
As the first commoner gifted with the ability to summon demons from the ether, Arcturus (remember him?) enters Vocans Academy amid a torrent of drama and soon deep lines are drawn in the sand as allies and enemies are quickly made.
I was slightly hesitant to pick up this read at first as prequels tend to feel more like a rushed cash grab than a fully realised, deep novel. I will also be the first to admit I was wrong. The book is positively addictive and Matharu’s easy flowing writing style just adds to the pace and tone of the book. While not particularly deep, the characters are strong, the story is intriguing and filled with more than a few action scenes.
My one and only gripe is the characters found themselves in near-death situations and their sudden saving rolls felt contrived. It was as if the author hit stumbling points with his motley crew of characters and manufactured highly convenient quick-fix plans instead of a more organic approach.
After reading bits of Arcturus as a grown summoner in the main trilogy, it was interesting to see his rise to power with this prequel. If you have read any of Matharu’s other work, you are sure going to love stepping into this world. If this is your first foray with the summoner universe, expect an easy, addictive read that will have you coming back for more.
October 28, 2020
I love this world created by Taran Matharu. When I got to know that The Battlemage was the last book in The Summoner trilogy, I was gutted. But The Outcast lifted my spirits for sure.
This tells the story of Arcturus and Sacharissa. It starts out much the same as Fletcher's story but things change quickly. Even though I knew how these characters' stories end as adults, I still very much enjoyed this. I cried when Fletcher's parents show up and they are nice people and treat Arcturus nicely. It also has King Harold but in this he is Prince Harold and of course Charles and Rook.
Arcturus is an orphan and he's had enough of the tortures of the orphaned life and he plans to escape by stealing someone's horse. That someone turns out to be a noble student Charles heading towards Vocans academy and Arcturus accidently summons a canid, Sacharissa. They instantly bond as with any other masters and their demons. Arcturus ends up at Vocans and finds out that he is not a commoner but he's the bastard son of Faversham. Edmund, Alice, Elaine and even Harold all treat him nicely but Arcturus doesn't trust them at first. But when Edmund invites him to a weekend away at his place things change as the riots start and they end up running for their lives along with Sergeant Caulder and Rotter. They get to the Orc's territory and save a baby Orc and of course save themselves. Is that the Orc from the prophecy? Hmm I wonder.
They run from Orcs and end up at Vocans only to find that the rebels have taken over and the rebels plan on using them as bait for the nobles and in turn overthrowing King Alfric. Ulfr, one of the dwarves helps them. Prince Harold becomes King Harold and the riots stop as he promises them to change things around and the rebellion stays no more.
It doesn't add anything to The Summoner Trilogy and even to this world for that matter. But I loved reading this book anyway as it gave an insight to Fletcher's parents and even Athena appears for a bit. Also, I had always wanted to know Arcturus's story. It still didn't explain Arcturus and Sacharissa's bond properly though. I mean how can he connect with her without scrying crystal. Can others do that as well or have they never tried? Also, I found Elaine to be so very annoying. Yes, she was couple years younger than them but still she was the reason they got into half the problems. But other than that I really loved this book and I will read anything set in this world. Also, I loved Alice's Vulpid, Edmund's Canid and Harold's Nandi. I'd really like to see a graphic novel for all the demons from this world.
4 stars
This tells the story of Arcturus and Sacharissa. It starts out much the same as Fletcher's story but things change quickly. Even though I knew how these characters' stories end as adults, I still very much enjoyed this. I cried when Fletcher's parents show up and they are nice people and treat Arcturus nicely. It also has King Harold but in this he is Prince Harold and of course Charles and Rook.
Arcturus is an orphan and he's had enough of the tortures of the orphaned life and he plans to escape by stealing someone's horse. That someone turns out to be a noble student Charles heading towards Vocans academy and Arcturus accidently summons a canid, Sacharissa. They instantly bond as with any other masters and their demons. Arcturus ends up at Vocans and finds out that he is not a commoner but he's the bastard son of Faversham. Edmund, Alice, Elaine and even Harold all treat him nicely but Arcturus doesn't trust them at first. But when Edmund invites him to a weekend away at his place things change as the riots start and they end up running for their lives along with Sergeant Caulder and Rotter. They get to the Orc's territory and save a baby Orc and of course save themselves. Is that the Orc from the prophecy? Hmm I wonder.
They run from Orcs and end up at Vocans only to find that the rebels have taken over and the rebels plan on using them as bait for the nobles and in turn overthrowing King Alfric. Ulfr, one of the dwarves helps them. Prince Harold becomes King Harold and the riots stop as he promises them to change things around and the rebellion stays no more.
It doesn't add anything to The Summoner Trilogy and even to this world for that matter. But I loved reading this book anyway as it gave an insight to Fletcher's parents and even Athena appears for a bit. Also, I had always wanted to know Arcturus's story. It still didn't explain Arcturus and Sacharissa's bond properly though. I mean how can he connect with her without scrying crystal. Can others do that as well or have they never tried? Also, I found Elaine to be so very annoying. Yes, she was couple years younger than them but still she was the reason they got into half the problems. But other than that I really loved this book and I will read anything set in this world. Also, I loved Alice's Vulpid, Edmund's Canid and Harold's Nandi. I'd really like to see a graphic novel for all the demons from this world.
4 stars
January 16, 2025
4.2/5 ★ ★ ★ ★
꧁༺- ❝вє¢αυѕє αƒтєя αℓℓ тнє ℓσѕѕ, тнє ѕυƒƒєяιηg αη∂ вℓσσ∂ѕнє∂, нє ƒιηαℓℓу нα∂ ωнαт нє’∂ αℓωαуѕ ωαηтє∂. α ƒαмιℓу.❞ ִ ࣪𖤐˚☽˚｡⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ִ݁ ࣪𖤐˚☽˚｡⋆
⊹ ۪ 𖥔 ˑ ִ ֗ ִ ۫ ˑ⊹ ۪ ﾟ｡⋆☾ ִ ֗ ִ ۫ ˑ｡⊹ ۪ 𖥔 ˑ ִ ֗ ִ ۫ ˑ ⊹ ۪ 𖥔 ˑ ִ ֗ ִ ۫ ˑ⊹ ۪ ﾟ｡⋆☾ ִ ֗ ִ ۫ ˑ｡⊹ ۪ 𖥔 ˑ ִ ֗ ִ ۫ ˑ
꧁༺-I’ve said it once when I read The Novice, and i’ll say it again; If you love Harry Potter and/or The Lord of The Rings you’ll LOVE THIS SERIES!!! The first time I read “The Novice” I immediately made this comparison not even knowing all the way in the back of the book with the authors name and short message that this series has been compared to both HP and LOTR by multiple people so all great minds think alike and i’m glad to know i’m not the only one who was reminded of those. Anyways though, of course i’m not at all surprised that I LOVED this prequel to the first book telling Arcturus’s story of becoming a summoner as a teenager. If I would’ve known better I honestly would’ve read this one before the first actual book yes. I don’t necessarily think it’s dire for you to but it would’ve helped me connect with the world and some of the same characters from this book in The Novice. Nonetheless, the book world of summoners is always such an action packed adventurous time and this book almost reminds me of watching an actual movie but inside pages rather than on a big screen. This is one of those YA fantasy books I always talk about that even though the expectations are low because of who its marketed to, it always keeps the bar sky high. Plus I mean…who wouldn’t love demon summoners trying to learn their powers to fight in a war? It has magic, bad ass fights, tournaments and so much more in this series all while navigating the fight of classism and trying to gain equal rights for all nobles, dwarfs, and elves alike. If there’s any book I can recommend for fantasy, it would definitely be this one!
(EDIT): I also wanted to say how I hate that this series isn’t talked about…like at all? I feel like so many actually good books/hidden gems aren’t discovered enough and honestly I feel like a lot of books won’t be if they lack smut/romance of any opacity lmao. But at the same time maybe that’s good for me became I can keep this series to myself because i’m stingy anyways •~•
꧁༺- ❝вє¢αυѕє αƒтєя αℓℓ тнє ℓσѕѕ, тнє ѕυƒƒєяιηg αη∂ вℓσσ∂ѕнє∂, нє ƒιηαℓℓу нα∂ ωнαт нє’∂ αℓωαуѕ ωαηтє∂. α ƒαмιℓу.❞ ִ ࣪𖤐˚☽˚｡⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ִ݁ ࣪𖤐˚☽˚｡⋆
⊹ ۪ 𖥔 ˑ ִ ֗ ִ ۫ ˑ⊹ ۪ ﾟ｡⋆☾ ִ ֗ ִ ۫ ˑ｡⊹ ۪ 𖥔 ˑ ִ ֗ ִ ۫ ˑ ⊹ ۪ 𖥔 ˑ ִ ֗ ִ ۫ ˑ⊹ ۪ ﾟ｡⋆☾ ִ ֗ ִ ۫ ˑ｡⊹ ۪ 𖥔 ˑ ִ ֗ ִ ۫ ˑ
꧁༺-I’ve said it once when I read The Novice, and i’ll say it again; If you love Harry Potter and/or The Lord of The Rings you’ll LOVE THIS SERIES!!! The first time I read “The Novice” I immediately made this comparison not even knowing all the way in the back of the book with the authors name and short message that this series has been compared to both HP and LOTR by multiple people so all great minds think alike and i’m glad to know i’m not the only one who was reminded of those. Anyways though, of course i’m not at all surprised that I LOVED this prequel to the first book telling Arcturus’s story of becoming a summoner as a teenager. If I would’ve known better I honestly would’ve read this one before the first actual book yes. I don’t necessarily think it’s dire for you to but it would’ve helped me connect with the world and some of the same characters from this book in The Novice. Nonetheless, the book world of summoners is always such an action packed adventurous time and this book almost reminds me of watching an actual movie but inside pages rather than on a big screen. This is one of those YA fantasy books I always talk about that even though the expectations are low because of who its marketed to, it always keeps the bar sky high. Plus I mean…who wouldn’t love demon summoners trying to learn their powers to fight in a war? It has magic, bad ass fights, tournaments and so much more in this series all while navigating the fight of classism and trying to gain equal rights for all nobles, dwarfs, and elves alike. If there’s any book I can recommend for fantasy, it would definitely be this one!
(EDIT): I also wanted to say how I hate that this series isn’t talked about…like at all? I feel like so many actually good books/hidden gems aren’t discovered enough and honestly I feel like a lot of books won’t be if they lack smut/romance of any opacity lmao. But at the same time maybe that’s good for me became I can keep this series to myself because i’m stingy anyways •~•
June 27, 2018
But, what was the point of this book?
On a scale of usefulness this book is a the-universe-will-go-on-fine-without-your-existence-thank-you-bye.
That is the only problem worth any importance. Completely and utterly unnecessary this book. I loved the Summoner trilogy when I read it last year, it was fantastic. There was a novella about how Arctuturs came to Vocans called 'Origins' and while I didn't love it so much it was all fine and good.
The Outcast was a full-length novel about Arcturus that basically expanded the plot of Origins by including the novella in it for the first 1/3 of it. And it was pointless. I didn't want to know more about his past! I already know what happens to him in the end and that is all that matters, doesn't it? And it was unexciting besides. It added nothing new to the world of Hominum or the world outside it.
Consider this, the Grisha trilogy is prequel to Six of Crows, right? While the former is set in Ravka, the latter takes place in Ketterdam. Two countries in the same world, their own problems, politics, cultures and languages. You catch a reference here and there in the sequel about the 'events' but that is it. What that does is make for an incredible world-building and the concept of sequel and prequel is done justice. It's essentially two stones with one throw: you tell an original story AND expand the same world.
The Outcast did NONE of that. I would have much preferred a story from let's say the elves' point of view or the dwarves, touching more on the first dwarven rebellion or the Ether and how that came to be or even Orcs! Hell, what I REALLY would have liked was to get a prequel that went as far back as the time of the old civilizations whose traces Fletcher found in caves in the trilogy. Things like the first time humans discovered the Ether or summoned a demon or when they discovered that there were other races besides them in the world. Or just about anything that defined this world more clearly. As far as I can tell, there is only Hominum, Orc jungles and Elf settlements. Like, what? That is it?
So, yeah, wasn't feeling it.
May 6, 2018
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review!
Video Review: https://youtu.be/QaAaKN-7t5Q
Arctucus, a young orphaned stable boy discovers he has the ability to summon demons. Being the fist commoner to be able to do so, he is sent to Vocans Academy, the school where nobles learn to summon their demons and cast spells. As the first non-royal summoner, Arcturus is seen as an outcast amongst his peers at school. With no one but his demon, Sacharissa at his side, Arcturus needs to prove that he is not a threat to his royal peers.
I loved this addition to the Summoner universe! It was awesome to be able to see some of my favourite characters again as younger versions of themselves! I still love the idea of the demons and I loved exploring more of them in this story. I loved seeing Arcturus and Sacharissa's relationship grow! I would love to have a candid of my own, giant puppy?! YES PLEASE. I also really enjoyed how this book had no romance whatsoever, the main focus was on the rebellion and what was to come of the kingdom. Although, I will say I hoped that a few of the characters ended up together in the end (sadly, this did not happen).
The only major complaint I have is that the ending felt a bit rushed to me, I wish that it was fleshed out a bit more, but nonetheless, I really enjoyed this! I definitely think that you could read this without having read The Summoner Trilogy and still understand everything that was happening and how the magic system works in the books to come. Highly recommend the entire series to those who love adventure and action!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest review!
Video Review: https://youtu.be/QaAaKN-7t5Q
Arctucus, a young orphaned stable boy discovers he has the ability to summon demons. Being the fist commoner to be able to do so, he is sent to Vocans Academy, the school where nobles learn to summon their demons and cast spells. As the first non-royal summoner, Arcturus is seen as an outcast amongst his peers at school. With no one but his demon, Sacharissa at his side, Arcturus needs to prove that he is not a threat to his royal peers.
I loved this addition to the Summoner universe! It was awesome to be able to see some of my favourite characters again as younger versions of themselves! I still love the idea of the demons and I loved exploring more of them in this story. I loved seeing Arcturus and Sacharissa's relationship grow! I would love to have a candid of my own, giant puppy?! YES PLEASE. I also really enjoyed how this book had no romance whatsoever, the main focus was on the rebellion and what was to come of the kingdom. Although, I will say I hoped that a few of the characters ended up together in the end (sadly, this did not happen).
The only major complaint I have is that the ending felt a bit rushed to me, I wish that it was fleshed out a bit more, but nonetheless, I really enjoyed this! I definitely think that you could read this without having read The Summoner Trilogy and still understand everything that was happening and how the magic system works in the books to come. Highly recommend the entire series to those who love adventure and action!
February 3, 2023
Arcturus es un huerfano que lo unico que quiere es ser libre, asi que una noche decide escaparse y asi se encuentra con un pergamino que despues de leerlo trae a su vida a un hermoso cachorro demonio canido, pero tambien le trae muchisimos problemas. Al darse cuenta el rey que hay un "plebeyo" que tiene poderes de hechicero decide enviarlo a la academia Volcans a ver si es posible entrenarlo y asi evitar que mas nobles pierdan sus vidas en el ejercito. Pero su estancia en Volcans atraera el odio de algunos nobles y en medio de los disturbios por los excesos del rey, Arcturus debe decidir si estar con los nobles o con el pueblo llano, mientras lucha por encontrar su identidad como hechicero.
Este libro es una precuela de la saga Summoner, y aqui vemos el 1er ano de Arcturus como estudiante de Volcans y como iniciaron las amistades, enemistades, reinados, y el incio de las clases para los plebeyos. Tambien vemos como nacio el Orco Albino, porque el Rey Alfie se retiro del trono y como se forjaron las amistades y enemistades entre el y los nobles de la epoca.
Tambien conocemos a un par de los soldados que veremos en libros posteriores, y a un par de enanos que todavia despues tienen mucho que ver en ayudar a los humanos a defenderse de la invasion de los Orcos.
Ahora, es solo un pequeno vistazo, pero el autor intento que practicamente todos los acontecimientos previos al inicio de la serie se explicaran aqui, y aunque es una precuela, puede leerse sin problemas al final de la serie para entender un poco mas el origen de los personajes.
En fin, esta saga es interesante y entretenida, llena de magia, amigos, y aventura que te mantienen leyendo hasta el final, vale la pena leerla.
Este libro es una precuela de la saga Summoner, y aqui vemos el 1er ano de Arcturus como estudiante de Volcans y como iniciaron las amistades, enemistades, reinados, y el incio de las clases para los plebeyos. Tambien vemos como nacio el Orco Albino, porque el Rey Alfie se retiro del trono y como se forjaron las amistades y enemistades entre el y los nobles de la epoca.
Tambien conocemos a un par de los soldados que veremos en libros posteriores, y a un par de enanos que todavia despues tienen mucho que ver en ayudar a los humanos a defenderse de la invasion de los Orcos.
Ahora, es solo un pequeno vistazo, pero el autor intento que practicamente todos los acontecimientos previos al inicio de la serie se explicaran aqui, y aunque es una precuela, puede leerse sin problemas al final de la serie para entender un poco mas el origen de los personajes.
En fin, esta saga es interesante y entretenida, llena de magia, amigos, y aventura que te mantienen leyendo hasta el final, vale la pena leerla.
August 30, 2018
Full review to come.
MORE ARCTURUS?
YES PLEASE!
Am ready to see more of , Fletcher's parents?
Yup.
Bring it on Matharu! I'm ready! May 2018 can't come any time sooner.
MORE ARCTURUS?
YES PLEASE!
Am ready to see more of , Fletcher's parents?
Yup.
Bring it on Matharu! I'm ready! May 2018 can't come any time sooner.
May 10, 2018
My Video Review:
https://youtu.be/BATmaC7t2RE
https://youtu.be/BATmaC7t2RE
May 29, 2018
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
The Outcast, by author Taran Matharu, is the fourth installment in The Summoner series. Unlike the first three installments in the series, The Outcast takes a step back in time where readers will meet 15-year old Arcturus, a key player in the first trilogy. Like the first three books, this story once again takes place in a land called the Hominum Empire where first born nobles are sent to Vocan's Academy to learn the art of summoning demons.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews@
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Genre* Young Adult / Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
The Outcast, by author Taran Matharu, is the fourth installment in The Summoner series. Unlike the first three installments in the series, The Outcast takes a step back in time where readers will meet 15-year old Arcturus, a key player in the first trilogy. Like the first three books, this story once again takes place in a land called the Hominum Empire where first born nobles are sent to Vocan's Academy to learn the art of summoning demons.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews@
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
May 5, 2018
*i was sent this book for free in exchange for an honest review!*
It was so nice to see these characters that are loved and hated younger and the adventure/struggle they went through. Ive always loved arcturus but i love him even more now!
Taran truly did it again!
It was so nice to see these characters that are loved and hated younger and the adventure/struggle they went through. Ive always loved arcturus but i love him even more now!
Taran truly did it again!
April 13, 2020
4.25 Stars!
This was definitely a lot quicker read than the original trilogy, I flew through this one.
So, 'The Outcast' follows Arcturus ( Fletcher's mentor) and this is his origin story. We see him evolving as the first commoner with the ability to summon and studying in Vocans.
My favourite thing about this book was revisiting all the characters we knew or heard in the original trilogy. It was also kind of a sad experience for me, as we know the fate of most of these characters.
As usual, engaged writing and awesome battle scenes. Would love to see more in this world in future from Taran!
This was definitely a lot quicker read than the original trilogy, I flew through this one.
So, 'The Outcast' follows Arcturus ( Fletcher's mentor) and this is his origin story. We see him evolving as the first commoner with the ability to summon and studying in Vocans.
My favourite thing about this book was revisiting all the characters we knew or heard in the original trilogy. It was also kind of a sad experience for me, as we know the fate of most of these characters.
As usual, engaged writing and awesome battle scenes. Would love to see more in this world in future from Taran!
September 16, 2019
2.5 stars
Hmm...I feel like I've read this all before. I wonder where? OH! I know: "The Novice"--book 1 of the Summoner Series & also "The Battlemage" book 3
*deep sighs* This really felt like a rewrite but with the character names switched. :-(
I don't feel like anything new was added to the series that was needed. this felt so unnecessary.
But it felt like a lot of things were a little bit recycled from the original trilogy
Hmm...I feel like I've read this all before. I wonder where? OH! I know: "The Novice"--book 1 of the Summoner Series & also "The Battlemage" book 3
*deep sighs* This really felt like a rewrite but with the character names switched. :-(
I don't feel like anything new was added to the series that was needed. this felt so unnecessary.
But it felt like a lot of things were a little bit recycled from the original trilogy
May 2, 2018
I loved this book! It was so great to see more of Arcturus and Sacharissa!
It was great to be back in this world and see more of the things we hear about in the trilogy.
You can read my full review on my blog. Spoiler free!
https://thetsundokuchronicles.wordpre...
It was great to be back in this world and see more of the things we hear about in the trilogy.
You can read my full review on my blog. Spoiler free!
https://thetsundokuchronicles.wordpre...
November 5, 2020
si bien es cierto que continúo recomendando encarecidamente la trilogía La leyenda del hechicero, por lo entretenida y llena de aventuras que está, la precuela me ha dejado bastante indiferente, y no me parece que le haga mucho favor a la historia que ya conocíamos.
Reseña completa: http://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/202...
Reseña completa: http://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/202...
October 24, 2020
Disfruté mucho la trilogía principal, pero esta precuela, aunque comenzó bien, no ha llegado a engancharme demasiado: me parece que se repetía información que ya nos habían dado de sobras en la trilogía, y la trama no daba tanto de sí como para una novela tan larga.
December 3, 2023
Rating- Four Stars
I really wanted to make another dent at my tbr shelf and this time I picked up this book. The Outcast is a prequel that follows Arcturus who is 15 years old. Arcturus is a stable boy who had came from the workhouse. Whilst Arcturus is working in the stables, he accidentally comes across a summoning scroll where he accidentally summons a demon. Demons that only nobles houses in Hominium are only allowed to have. Not any other class. With Arcturus summoned to a demon, he is whisked away to Vocans Academy to learn demonology, spell craft and swordcraft where he is the only commoner in amongst the nobles.
Arcturus was a main character that I really enjoyed through the novel where I did not find him annoying or whiney. He was a strong male character. Some of the scenes in the book made me really feel for him- the way he was shocked that the nobles had invited him. I also loved Arcturus friend- Elaine as well. She was the perfect companion for Arcturus but I could also see a potential love interest for him. The author also included a character list which really helped to keep track of the characters as there is quite a few people you have to remember.
This book was really enjoyable and it was lovely to see a unique world. Although this book was released after the other books, I felt like this book really helps you to gain a strong baseline of the world and the ways the demons/magic works. This book really reminded me of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings and also gave me A Deadly Education vibes by Naomi Novik. In my opinion, this book is the one you should be starting with in the series.
I really wanted to make another dent at my tbr shelf and this time I picked up this book. The Outcast is a prequel that follows Arcturus who is 15 years old. Arcturus is a stable boy who had came from the workhouse. Whilst Arcturus is working in the stables, he accidentally comes across a summoning scroll where he accidentally summons a demon. Demons that only nobles houses in Hominium are only allowed to have. Not any other class. With Arcturus summoned to a demon, he is whisked away to Vocans Academy to learn demonology, spell craft and swordcraft where he is the only commoner in amongst the nobles.
Arcturus was a main character that I really enjoyed through the novel where I did not find him annoying or whiney. He was a strong male character. Some of the scenes in the book made me really feel for him- the way he was shocked that the nobles had invited him. I also loved Arcturus friend- Elaine as well. She was the perfect companion for Arcturus but I could also see a potential love interest for him. The author also included a character list which really helped to keep track of the characters as there is quite a few people you have to remember.
This book was really enjoyable and it was lovely to see a unique world. Although this book was released after the other books, I felt like this book really helps you to gain a strong baseline of the world and the ways the demons/magic works. This book really reminded me of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings and also gave me A Deadly Education vibes by Naomi Novik. In my opinion, this book is the one you should be starting with in the series.
June 10, 2019
4 stars
I enjoyed this although not quite as much as the Summoner series.
The world building was good although a bit light on in this one.
There weren't many locations though which probably makes sense.
The characters were good and it was really interesting to see the origin stories of some of the characters from the Summoner series. Elaine is really good and I loved reading more about her.
The plot is solid and there's plenty of Easter eggs which are great. There's a bit of a twist at the end which I really loved as well.
Overall an interesting addition to the Summoner series.
Highly recommended.
I enjoyed this although not quite as much as the Summoner series.
The world building was good although a bit light on in this one.
There weren't many locations though which probably makes sense.
The characters were good and it was really interesting to see the origin stories of some of the characters from the Summoner series. Elaine is really good and I loved reading more about her.
The plot is solid and there's plenty of Easter eggs which are great. There's a bit of a twist at the end which I really loved as well.
Overall an interesting addition to the Summoner series.
Highly recommended.
August 28, 2018
I loved it soooo much!!!!
December 20, 2020
Aunque cuando salió este libro a la venta teníamos muchas ganas de leerlo, tenemos que reconocer que nos ha defraudado bastante. Así como la trilogía original nos ha gustado mucho y tenemos un gran recuerdo de ella, la precuela se nos ha quedado floja.
De los personajes que aparecen en esta historia creemos, si no recordamos mal, que conocemos a todos de la trilogía, por lo tanto, las presentaciones no son necesarias.
En esta precuela nos encontramos a Arcturus, un joven que descubre que puede ser un mago, a pesar de que no cumple las condiciones para serlo, y eso revoluciona mucho la situación en la Academia Vocans.
Por otra parte, lo que ocurre fuera de la Academia puede influir mucho en el futuro de los nuevos alumnos de Vocans, ya que Arcturus no está solo.
Dentro de estos compañeros vamos a tener personajes de los más variopinto y algunos nos van a gustar mucho, pero otros no tanto.
El problema que le encontramos a El Elegido es el hilo argumenta. Llega un momento de la historia hacia la mitad que se nos hace un poco lenta y tediosa y eso ha sido lo que no nos ha dejado disfrutar de la lectura como queríamos.
De los personajes que aparecen en esta historia creemos, si no recordamos mal, que conocemos a todos de la trilogía, por lo tanto, las presentaciones no son necesarias.
En esta precuela nos encontramos a Arcturus, un joven que descubre que puede ser un mago, a pesar de que no cumple las condiciones para serlo, y eso revoluciona mucho la situación en la Academia Vocans.
Por otra parte, lo que ocurre fuera de la Academia puede influir mucho en el futuro de los nuevos alumnos de Vocans, ya que Arcturus no está solo.
Dentro de estos compañeros vamos a tener personajes de los más variopinto y algunos nos van a gustar mucho, pero otros no tanto.
El problema que le encontramos a El Elegido es el hilo argumenta. Llega un momento de la historia hacia la mitad que se nos hace un poco lenta y tediosa y eso ha sido lo que no nos ha dejado disfrutar de la lectura como queríamos.
May 2, 2018
Great book
This book was a great addition to the series and a must read for any fans of the original series
This book was a great addition to the series and a must read for any fans of the original series
August 3, 2018
Pretty good
This book is good. Not as good as the summoner series, but still good. It gives a good view of how things came to be for the summoner series
This book is good. Not as good as the summoner series, but still good. It gives a good view of how things came to be for the summoner series
May 30, 2018
Having read the first three Summoner books and Fletcher's story, I was really eager to see what the prequel would be like.
I was absolutely delighted to see all the familiar faces (though some I was less than enthusiastic to see but expected nonetheless). In particular I was thrilled to get to meet Alice and Edmund and get to know them a little. I did not feel we got to know them as well as we could have. Obviously there was a plethora of characters involved and a pressing storyline to get through so we got to know them as much as we needed to and saw the basis of Arcturus's friendship with them, as well as Harold and the others.
I truly did not expect anything that happened in the storyline, and just how much Arcturus and the others had a role in the events that would take place in Fletcher's life later on. You can see all the ways in which things could have been different - for better and worse --if they had chosen otherwise.
Once I saw where the plot was leading, I was braced for the anger I knew would come. Even so, reading it made me so irritated and I can fully appreciate some characters' positions in Fletcher's books and the struggles they've had to fight for so long.
I was absolutely delighted to see all the familiar faces (though some I was less than enthusiastic to see but expected nonetheless). In particular I was thrilled to get to meet Alice and Edmund and get to know them a little. I did not feel we got to know them as well as we could have. Obviously there was a plethora of characters involved and a pressing storyline to get through so we got to know them as much as we needed to and saw the basis of Arcturus's friendship with them, as well as Harold and the others.
I truly did not expect anything that happened in the storyline, and just how much Arcturus and the others had a role in the events that would take place in Fletcher's life later on. You can see all the ways in which things could have been different - for better and worse --if they had chosen otherwise.
Once I saw where the plot was leading, I was braced for the anger I knew would come. Even so, reading it made me so irritated and I can fully appreciate some characters' positions in Fletcher's books and the struggles they've had to fight for so long.
June 30, 2018
4.5/5 sterren.
AH deze serie is ZO leuk!!! yaaaaay
recensie binnenkort op myperfectbooklife
AH deze serie is ZO leuk!!! yaaaaay
recensie binnenkort op myperfectbooklife
April 30, 2018
*4.5 Stars*
Review:
Protagonist: Arcturus was just a common stable boy, with dreams of leaving and forging his own destiny, he could never have dreamed he was a Summoner, an elite group of fighters who can summon demon companions and work magic, a group believed to only be among the nobility of Hominum. As the first common Summoner in history, Arcturus finds a lot of disdain at Vocans Academy where he is sent to train his summoning skills, however, there are a few friendly faces among the stuck-up nobles. With tensions mounting between the common folk and the nobility, Arcturus may just get caught in the middle. Of course, I love Arcturus from the main series and seeing this adventure from when he was young is a lot of fun. Honestly, Arcturus felt very much like Fletcher in terms of his personality, I mean he's a brave, moral, and kind person, just like Fletcher, though their adventures are very different.
World Building: Going into this book I wasn't sure what to expect, I've never read the previous Arcturus story, entitled Origins, though from my research I'd say the first sixteen or so chapters of this book ARE Origins, with the rest being an expansion on that story and really the main plot of this book. Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised to not only see familiar characters from the series, just younger and less experienced, but we also get to see characters that are only mentioned in the main trilogy. I loved seeing the familiar characters and loved getting to know the ones I only knew by name. Still, there were a few characters I wasn't so happy to see, characters who believe if you aren't a human noble that somehow you're beneath them. While this book focused more on the class divide in Hominum from the King's heavy taxes, there is still obviously a racial divide between humans and dwarves as well, even worse so than the main trilogy. If I had one complaint about this book, it would be that there was a tad too much fan service, characters involved in the story who felt sort of crammed into the story or put in the story, just for that feeling readers sometimes get when they recognize a name or a place from the series they know and love. In the end, it was really only one bit of fan service that really bothered me, something that truly felt as if it added nothing to the overall story and felt like it served no purpose other than to be recognized.
Predictability: Even though this is a trilogy, and I know the fate of all of the main characters, not to mention the state of the kingdom at the start of the main trilogy, so I wasn't expecting to be surprised very often in this book and in all honesty that was true. That isn't to say I was never surprised, I mean this story does have a few fantastic twists that really kept me on the edge of my seat. There wasn't anything too mind-blowing if you've read the main series, but the story is still exciting nonetheless.
Ending: For some reason, I was expecting a larger final climax that we got, but honestly once it came it felt like everything fit perfectly. I mean, I couldn't see this adventure ending any other way and while we didn't get a pulse-pounding one on one action scene, the ending still has some action and again, how everything is resolved, for better or worse, makes sense, again especially if you've already read the main trilogy. The final chapter feels like an epilogue of sorts and it's a great one, you can see where things are going, but nothing it too defined, it perfectly ties up this story in a way that only really leaves open things resolved in the main trilogy.
Rating:
This prequel was (nearly) everything I hoped for and more, while I could have done with a tad less fan service, particularly in one area, I still loved this book so much and hope that the author won't leave this world forever, it's just too rich to leave alone.
Review:
Protagonist: Arcturus was just a common stable boy, with dreams of leaving and forging his own destiny, he could never have dreamed he was a Summoner, an elite group of fighters who can summon demon companions and work magic, a group believed to only be among the nobility of Hominum. As the first common Summoner in history, Arcturus finds a lot of disdain at Vocans Academy where he is sent to train his summoning skills, however, there are a few friendly faces among the stuck-up nobles. With tensions mounting between the common folk and the nobility, Arcturus may just get caught in the middle. Of course, I love Arcturus from the main series and seeing this adventure from when he was young is a lot of fun. Honestly, Arcturus felt very much like Fletcher in terms of his personality, I mean he's a brave, moral, and kind person, just like Fletcher, though their adventures are very different.
World Building: Going into this book I wasn't sure what to expect, I've never read the previous Arcturus story, entitled Origins, though from my research I'd say the first sixteen or so chapters of this book ARE Origins, with the rest being an expansion on that story and really the main plot of this book. Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised to not only see familiar characters from the series, just younger and less experienced, but we also get to see characters that are only mentioned in the main trilogy. I loved seeing the familiar characters and loved getting to know the ones I only knew by name. Still, there were a few characters I wasn't so happy to see, characters who believe if you aren't a human noble that somehow you're beneath them. While this book focused more on the class divide in Hominum from the King's heavy taxes, there is still obviously a racial divide between humans and dwarves as well, even worse so than the main trilogy. If I had one complaint about this book, it would be that there was a tad too much fan service, characters involved in the story who felt sort of crammed into the story or put in the story, just for that feeling readers sometimes get when they recognize a name or a place from the series they know and love. In the end, it was really only one bit of fan service that really bothered me, something that truly felt as if it added nothing to the overall story and felt like it served no purpose other than to be recognized.
Predictability: Even though this is a trilogy, and I know the fate of all of the main characters, not to mention the state of the kingdom at the start of the main trilogy, so I wasn't expecting to be surprised very often in this book and in all honesty that was true. That isn't to say I was never surprised, I mean this story does have a few fantastic twists that really kept me on the edge of my seat. There wasn't anything too mind-blowing if you've read the main series, but the story is still exciting nonetheless.
Ending: For some reason, I was expecting a larger final climax that we got, but honestly once it came it felt like everything fit perfectly. I mean, I couldn't see this adventure ending any other way and while we didn't get a pulse-pounding one on one action scene, the ending still has some action and again, how everything is resolved, for better or worse, makes sense, again especially if you've already read the main trilogy. The final chapter feels like an epilogue of sorts and it's a great one, you can see where things are going, but nothing it too defined, it perfectly ties up this story in a way that only really leaves open things resolved in the main trilogy.
Rating:
This prequel was (nearly) everything I hoped for and more, while I could have done with a tad less fan service, particularly in one area, I still loved this book so much and hope that the author won't leave this world forever, it's just too rich to leave alone.
December 16, 2019
Buku keempat dalam siri novel 'Summoner'. Novel ni bukan sekuel, tapi prekuel kepada 3 novel awal dalam siri ni. Bergenre high fantasy (sword and sorcery), mengabungkan tema Tolkien fantasy+monster pet (ala2 Pokemon/Digimon). Timeline novel ni berlaku lebih kurang 20-30 tahun sebelum plot novel pertama. Diceritakan dari view Arcturus, mentor kepada Fletcher (watak utama trilogi 'Summoner'). Boleh jer kalau nak skip buku ni, tapi kalau nak tahu lebih lanjut tentang backstory side characters penting dari 3 novel awal (Elaine, Rotter, Caulder, dll), bolehlah baca buku ni. Secara umumnya, plot novel ni slow dan bosan sikit pada bab2 awal. Dah nak habis baru plot laju, dan dapat baca dengan lancar.
Mengisahkan tentang Arcturus ketika remaja. Kebolehannya menyeru monster telah dikesan oleh pihak atasan, dan dia telah menjadi summoner pertama dari golongan rakyat biasa. Ketika belajar di Akademi Vocans, dia terpaksa menghadapi golongan bangsawan yg membencinya, dan golongan pemberontak yg cuba mempergunakannya.
* Kalau nak baca plot novel ni dalam versi ringkas, boleh baca 'Summoner: Origins'.
Mengisahkan tentang Arcturus ketika remaja. Kebolehannya menyeru monster telah dikesan oleh pihak atasan, dan dia telah menjadi summoner pertama dari golongan rakyat biasa. Ketika belajar di Akademi Vocans, dia terpaksa menghadapi golongan bangsawan yg membencinya, dan golongan pemberontak yg cuba mempergunakannya.
* Kalau nak baca plot novel ni dalam versi ringkas, boleh baca 'Summoner: Origins'.
July 15, 2018
4,5/5
Dit boek is een prequel van de Summoner serie. Het gaat over de jonge Arcuturus die als eerste burgersummoner naar de Volcans Academie gaat om demonen op te roepen en bezweringen te leren. Maar het feit dat hij een burger is, valt natuurlijk niet in goede aarde bij iedereen. Vooral niet bij enkele edelen die ook op Volcans zitten. Arcturus moet zien te overleven binnen de muren van de academie, maar ook buiten de muren, wanneer er plots een burgeroorlog uitbreekt...
Wat was dit een leuk boek om te lezen! 😍 Ik ben er op één dag doorheen gevlogen en heb van elke seconde genoten! Geliefde (en minder geliefde) personages uit de Summoner serie zien we hier als jonge, beginnende Summoners. Het laat je wel beseffen hoe diep de vriendschap, intrige en het verraad in de originele trilogie eigenlijk ging!
Arcturus is net als Fletcher een heel aangenaam hoofdpersonage om over te lezen, hij hecht evenveel belang aan vriendschappen en is heel dapper en loyaal! We kenden Arcturus natuurlijk al van de eerdere boeken, maar het was ontzettend leuk en interessant om meer over zijn verleden te weten te komen! 😍
De actie in dit boek kwam vrij onverwachts opzetten, maar hield je stevig in z'n greep! Taran weet hoe hij spannende actiescènes moet schrijven en dit boek heeft er dan ook meer dan genoeg! 👌❤️
Als je een fan was van de Summoner series, kan ik je dit boek zeker aanraden! Het is een ontzettend goede aanvulling op de serie die ik zeker niet had willen missen! 😍
Dit boek is een prequel van de Summoner serie. Het gaat over de jonge Arcuturus die als eerste burgersummoner naar de Volcans Academie gaat om demonen op te roepen en bezweringen te leren. Maar het feit dat hij een burger is, valt natuurlijk niet in goede aarde bij iedereen. Vooral niet bij enkele edelen die ook op Volcans zitten. Arcturus moet zien te overleven binnen de muren van de academie, maar ook buiten de muren, wanneer er plots een burgeroorlog uitbreekt...
Wat was dit een leuk boek om te lezen! 😍 Ik ben er op één dag doorheen gevlogen en heb van elke seconde genoten! Geliefde (en minder geliefde) personages uit de Summoner serie zien we hier als jonge, beginnende Summoners. Het laat je wel beseffen hoe diep de vriendschap, intrige en het verraad in de originele trilogie eigenlijk ging!
Arcturus is net als Fletcher een heel aangenaam hoofdpersonage om over te lezen, hij hecht evenveel belang aan vriendschappen en is heel dapper en loyaal! We kenden Arcturus natuurlijk al van de eerdere boeken, maar het was ontzettend leuk en interessant om meer over zijn verleden te weten te komen! 😍
De actie in dit boek kwam vrij onverwachts opzetten, maar hield je stevig in z'n greep! Taran weet hoe hij spannende actiescènes moet schrijven en dit boek heeft er dan ook meer dan genoeg! 👌❤️
Als je een fan was van de Summoner series, kan ik je dit boek zeker aanraden! Het is een ontzettend goede aanvulling op de serie die ik zeker niet had willen missen! 😍
April 28, 2018
I love this book! It was well written and caught my attention from page one. I loved the characters, the world and the adventures and hardships the characters faced. It was just a great story! I won this in a Goodreads giveaway, and since it was an advanced readers copy I'm interested to see what if any changes are made from this version and the finished book. Anyway, just a fun to read story. Since it is book 4 I'm hoping to read the first three, but you don't need to in order to understand this one.
May 14, 2019
I absolutely loved getting to see Arcturus and company when they first started at Vocans! It was great to see everything come together and to watch as they set up the world we came to know and love in the original trilogy. So much love for this story and this world!
April 14, 2020
I really enjoyed this prequel book. I love Arcturus and Sacharissa and seeing their backstory was fab. It has made me want to reread the trilogy now tho lol A solid fun and fast paced read.
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