What do you think?
Rate this book
Apprentice Quest
A hopeful orphan. An incredible wizard. One boy must do the impossible to change his life forever…
Ozel wonders if he'll ever escape his angry, fat caretaker. As the orphan hopes for a better future, a mysterious wizard gives him the gift of an apprenticeship and some unbelievable magic. But when Ozel discovers he's the lone heir to a massive fortune, he'll need more than a few spells to claim it.
After learning his portly caretaker plans to steal the money first, Ozel races through a forest of blacksmiths, witches, and even the undead to protect his birthright. If he survives the treacherous Tangul forest, the orphan and his wizard may just have to stop a twisted mage to go from zero to wealthy hero.
Apprentice Quest is a young adult fantasy novel full of action and humor. If you like powerful wizards, twists and turns, and coming-of-age tales, then you'll love Jim Hodgson's worthy successor to the magical genre.
Buy Apprentice Quest to cast an entertaining spell today!
Ozel wonders if he'll ever escape his angry, fat caretaker. As the orphan hopes for a better future, a mysterious wizard gives him the gift of an apprenticeship and some unbelievable magic. But when Ozel discovers he's the lone heir to a massive fortune, he'll need more than a few spells to claim it.
After learning his portly caretaker plans to steal the money first, Ozel races through a forest of blacksmiths, witches, and even the undead to protect his birthright. If he survives the treacherous Tangul forest, the orphan and his wizard may just have to stop a twisted mage to go from zero to wealthy hero.
Apprentice Quest is a young adult fantasy novel full of action and humor. If you like powerful wizards, twists and turns, and coming-of-age tales, then you'll love Jim Hodgson's worthy successor to the magical genre.
Buy Apprentice Quest to cast an entertaining spell today!
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 6, 2018
214 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Jim Hodgson
23 books17 followersJim Hodgson started writing in the mid 90s, after high school. When his adoptive mother passed in 2006, he turned to his writing as a means of coping with her loss. From there it became an invaluable part of his life.
He’s the founder and editor of The Atlanta Banana, a satirical newspaper. He’s worked as a standup comic and as a sketch writer for Sketchworks. His work has been published in Georgia Music Magazine, Creative Loafing, The Art of Manliness, Dirge Magazine, Singletracks.com, tripleblaze.com, nerdfitness.com, Georgia.org and others.
He’s the author of Dangerous Dan, a humorous science fiction novel, How To Mount Aconcagua, a mostly serious guide to climbing the tallest mountain outside the Himalayas, and Hearts Racing, a romance novel published by Soul Mate Publishing.
He’s the founder and editor of The Atlanta Banana, a satirical newspaper. He’s worked as a standup comic and as a sketch writer for Sketchworks. His work has been published in Georgia Music Magazine, Creative Loafing, The Art of Manliness, Dirge Magazine, Singletracks.com, tripleblaze.com, nerdfitness.com, Georgia.org and others.
He’s the author of Dangerous Dan, a humorous science fiction novel, How To Mount Aconcagua, a mostly serious guide to climbing the tallest mountain outside the Himalayas, and Hearts Racing, a romance novel published by Soul Mate Publishing.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 13, 2018
I have really enjoyed this book, our protagonist is a young apprentice wizard with just three spells under his belt, who has to go on a quest. He choses a fairly simple quest - to tell off his previous master, for not being a good master. That would indeed be a very short story and of course his quest became much more complicated. Ozel made some good friends, no quest can be completed without them, and went to (quite) far away places.
The writing is light hearted and entertaining. The characters are all well rounded and the story well told.
The writing is light hearted and entertaining. The characters are all well rounded and the story well told.
July 31, 2018
I love quest epic stories and this one is fun, light-hearted and thoroughly enjoyable. An orphan boy is taken into the home of a local wizard to be an apprentice, but when he discovers that the man who had previously given him a home is scamming him out of his inheritance, he sets out on a quest to regain his legacy and give the man a piece of his mind.
As all questers must, he picks up companions while having adventures along the way, solves puzzles, defeats the bad guys and sets the world to rights, all while having a good time with his newfound friends.
Apprentice Quest is the first book in Ozel's story and holds great promise for future installments in his adventures.
As all questers must, he picks up companions while having adventures along the way, solves puzzles, defeats the bad guys and sets the world to rights, all while having a good time with his newfound friends.
Apprentice Quest is the first book in Ozel's story and holds great promise for future installments in his adventures.
October 15, 2018
Hilarious and super fun!
This book is a conundrum of sorts. At times, the writing seems very YA, but then the young yet moral characters make a decision you wouldn't expect. Also, there's tons of cussing that I just adored! "F*ck my face!" was definitely my favorite one liner 😂😂😂 And lovable zombies that DON'T eat people?! New idea right there! Can't wait to read Ozel's next adventure!
This book is a conundrum of sorts. At times, the writing seems very YA, but then the young yet moral characters make a decision you wouldn't expect. Also, there's tons of cussing that I just adored! "F*ck my face!" was definitely my favorite one liner 😂😂😂 And lovable zombies that DON'T eat people?! New idea right there! Can't wait to read Ozel's next adventure!
November 3, 2018
Filth
I am not sorry to down grade. If this is a type of book that he lets his kids read he's a sick person and he's going after the teenager and children they hear these things in school and at home but they don't have to read about it in print to emphasize filth
I am not sorry to down grade. If this is a type of book that he lets his kids read he's a sick person and he's going after the teenager and children they hear these things in school and at home but they don't have to read about it in print to emphasize filth
August 10, 2018
Apprentice Quest delivers joy, smiles, and laughs. I've read all of Hodgson's books because his sense of humor, commentary, pacing, and characters bring me immense joy. You can really feel his passion for this world.
This is my favorite of Hodgson's books because it fulfills what I typically search for when scouring potential new reads. Fantasy, magic, wizards, and quests! I'm happy to see this is book one because I wanted to stay in this world when I finished. More Ergam, please!
You'll find yourself in a familiar setting at first with an introduction to the soon-to-be apprentice, Ozel. He's orphan being mistreated by his caretaker, like that wizard with a lightning bolt scar. But that's where the familiarity ends as Ozel goes to live with a mysterious wizard that shows up and demands to take the boy as an apprentice. The idea of wizardry is different in this world. Anyone can be a wizard, but no one has the patience or intellect to devote the amount of time it would require to become a great wizard. Or witch. Flash forward, and Ozel needs to go on a quest to become a true wizard. Naturally he thinks revenge on his caretaker, Bartu, would be fitting. This is where we find the story open up with a full cast of fun characters like Aysu, the local blacksmith's daughter, Ergam, (I don't want to spoil his introduction because he's my favorite), Guzul, the witch, and more.
With two full reads of the book finished, I've added it to my shortlist of over-and-over again books. Can't wait for book two. If you like fantasy, it's worth your time. If you like wizards, quests, and comedy, then it's definitely worth adding a new favorite to your library.
This is my favorite of Hodgson's books because it fulfills what I typically search for when scouring potential new reads. Fantasy, magic, wizards, and quests! I'm happy to see this is book one because I wanted to stay in this world when I finished. More Ergam, please!
You'll find yourself in a familiar setting at first with an introduction to the soon-to-be apprentice, Ozel. He's orphan being mistreated by his caretaker, like that wizard with a lightning bolt scar. But that's where the familiarity ends as Ozel goes to live with a mysterious wizard that shows up and demands to take the boy as an apprentice. The idea of wizardry is different in this world. Anyone can be a wizard, but no one has the patience or intellect to devote the amount of time it would require to become a great wizard. Or witch. Flash forward, and Ozel needs to go on a quest to become a true wizard. Naturally he thinks revenge on his caretaker, Bartu, would be fitting. This is where we find the story open up with a full cast of fun characters like Aysu, the local blacksmith's daughter, Ergam, (I don't want to spoil his introduction because he's my favorite), Guzul, the witch, and more.
With two full reads of the book finished, I've added it to my shortlist of over-and-over again books. Can't wait for book two. If you like fantasy, it's worth your time. If you like wizards, quests, and comedy, then it's definitely worth adding a new favorite to your library.
August 7, 2018
This is the story of Ozel and how he goes on a quest to collect his inheritance from a greedy care giver from when he was a child. The story starts out giving a quick background and set up the entertaining story of Ozel and his quest. Along the way he ends up traveling with Ergam and Aysu. How they end up together was hysterical and the story just gets better from there. The problems they run into kept me laughing as the three of them travel here and there on the way to their ultimate goal. The side characters they meet were a blast too. Just a good story that entertained me, made me laugh, and keep reading to the end to see what crazy thing would pop up next on the quest. I also thought it set up the series pretty good. I would read the next one.
August 12, 2018
This story was very entertaining and a parody of the way we treat people who are different than us. My favorite person to really like was Ergam, as I believe most people will like him. I also liked the old wizard who took Ozel in. I loved the support the old wizard gave Ozel. Like a few others, I would've given this 5-stars but for the foul language. As ex-military, it is not how people should talk so I wouldn't recommend a child Ozel's age to read something with this kind of language. I choose not to talk that way but I am not offended. Just would prefer this be open to a younger group. Anyway, great job on this book and I look forward to book #2.
I received this book as an ARC and I am giving you my honest opinion on this book.
I received this book as an ARC and I am giving you my honest opinion on this book.
August 17, 2018
This is a great fantasy adventure story for teens and preteens, except for the language. I'm sure youngsters hear and read these swear words in everyday situations but should we encourage their use by indiscriminately throwing them about in our literature. The author has written an interesting story of an apprentice magicians quest to recover a treasure. It includes a respectful position on the situation of the undead, leaving open the possibility of challenging the problem of enslavement in a future story. An interesting and thought provoking story in spite of the language.
August 7, 2018
One boy has to do something impossible to change his life. He has a chance to change his life when a magician comes to help. What will his life he like now? Can be have a better life? Will he have his own adventures? Follow him through this story
I received an advanced copy and I enjoyed it so much that I want to review
I received an advanced copy and I enjoyed it so much that I want to review
August 12, 2018
I loved everything about this book. The characters are well-fleshed out, the females are strong and smart instead of weak and dumb, the adventure is compelling and surprising, and I didn’t want it to end. I love Jim’s sense of humor and his ability to write characters who make me want to help them somehow. I’ve thought about this book a lot since I finished it and I can’t wait for the next one.
August 12, 2018
Couldn't put the book down! Received it this morning, and completed it before I went to bed. The quest of this young apprentice and the two newly found, unlikely friends was a joy to read. Romance, chivalry, honor, action, suspense, and a semi-cliff hanger to make me wish the next book was available now.
August 10, 2018
This book was such a hoot. Ozel the apprentice wizard goes on a quest. He meets some new friends along the way that join him. His quest becomes something much bigger and together they have a chance to change many lives. I can't wait to see what happens to them next.
June 24, 2020
We all know the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover”, but on this occasion I was instantly drawn to this book by the wonderful cover art which personified adventure and childhood wonder and really did grab my attention.
The story surrounds young Ozel, an orphan living at a ‘foster home’ under the tyrannical rule of Bartu, a portly, violent man who uses the children he ‘cares for’ as child labour. One day Wagast the Wizard visits Bartu seeking a young man to act as an apprentice and chooses Ozel to accompany him.
Over the next few years we see how Ozel is given a home and treated with kindness and care while acting as gardener, cook and taught how to cast and channel magics. The aim is that, through his teachings, Ozel will, one day, becoming a fully fledged wizard himself but for now he helps around the house and with Wagasts ministrations of local folk, like the local blacksmith who's daughter is unwell and Wagast suggests a change of diet as a cure.
This changes one day when Wagast receives a pigeon from a fellow wizard Gurzes, who has heard that Ozel's parents identity have been discovered and an inheritance awaits him in the nearby city of Callan and so Wasgast suggests he go on an adventure to recover his identity and become a man.
What follows is a wonderfully enjoyable tale of Ozel's adventure which, while initially less than Gurzes had expected, expands into a most grand tale of wizard, maidens and the undead.
I really can't express how impressed I was with this story. The primary characters are all extremely likeable, while the supporting cast are equally as well rounded and interesting. Also, while we don't see an awful lot of the world in this tale, what is shown is very well written and believable.
This is all brought to life excellently by the narrator Robert Powell who gave every character a distinct voice, style and even affectation which really aided in making the whole adventure so very enjoyable.
A lot of sites seem to have this listed as a Teen or Young Adult book but I would warn that there is some explicit gore and language but at no point does the story turn dark or scary. It truly does succeed at marrying danger with comedic timing in a way rarely seen outside of the Discworld.
The story surrounds young Ozel, an orphan living at a ‘foster home’ under the tyrannical rule of Bartu, a portly, violent man who uses the children he ‘cares for’ as child labour. One day Wagast the Wizard visits Bartu seeking a young man to act as an apprentice and chooses Ozel to accompany him.
Over the next few years we see how Ozel is given a home and treated with kindness and care while acting as gardener, cook and taught how to cast and channel magics. The aim is that, through his teachings, Ozel will, one day, becoming a fully fledged wizard himself but for now he helps around the house and with Wagasts ministrations of local folk, like the local blacksmith who's daughter is unwell and Wagast suggests a change of diet as a cure.
This changes one day when Wagast receives a pigeon from a fellow wizard Gurzes, who has heard that Ozel's parents identity have been discovered and an inheritance awaits him in the nearby city of Callan and so Wasgast suggests he go on an adventure to recover his identity and become a man.
What follows is a wonderfully enjoyable tale of Ozel's adventure which, while initially less than Gurzes had expected, expands into a most grand tale of wizard, maidens and the undead.
I really can't express how impressed I was with this story. The primary characters are all extremely likeable, while the supporting cast are equally as well rounded and interesting. Also, while we don't see an awful lot of the world in this tale, what is shown is very well written and believable.
This is all brought to life excellently by the narrator Robert Powell who gave every character a distinct voice, style and even affectation which really aided in making the whole adventure so very enjoyable.
A lot of sites seem to have this listed as a Teen or Young Adult book but I would warn that there is some explicit gore and language but at no point does the story turn dark or scary. It truly does succeed at marrying danger with comedic timing in a way rarely seen outside of the Discworld.
December 26, 2018
Excellent story sullied by profanity
Apprentice Quest by Jim Hodgson tells us the first tale of Ozel the Wizard. Ozel was found wandering down a street as a child. He was taken to what passes for an orphanage. Enter the Wizard Wagast to take him on as an apprentice. Word comes to them that Ozel is to inherit a great deal of money. His Q shaped birthmark is the sign leading him to wealth! Unfortunately, the scheming master of the orphanage decides he deserves the gold more. Along the road, Ozel saves an undead Prince and is joined by the blacksmiths daughter.
Their adventures to complete their quest are told VERY well, for the most part. The story is fast paced, exciting, and laced with humor. Unfortunately, Mr. Hobson chooses to tell this YA story using a great deal of profanity. Hince the three stars. I am not a prude and I realize that society today finds this language acceptable. However, there is still a time and place...
I, personally, would not label this a YA story and would not recommend it. Sadly, this excellent story is sullied by profanity.
Apprentice Quest by Jim Hodgson tells us the first tale of Ozel the Wizard. Ozel was found wandering down a street as a child. He was taken to what passes for an orphanage. Enter the Wizard Wagast to take him on as an apprentice. Word comes to them that Ozel is to inherit a great deal of money. His Q shaped birthmark is the sign leading him to wealth! Unfortunately, the scheming master of the orphanage decides he deserves the gold more. Along the road, Ozel saves an undead Prince and is joined by the blacksmiths daughter.
Their adventures to complete their quest are told VERY well, for the most part. The story is fast paced, exciting, and laced with humor. Unfortunately, Mr. Hobson chooses to tell this YA story using a great deal of profanity. Hince the three stars. I am not a prude and I realize that society today finds this language acceptable. However, there is still a time and place...
I, personally, would not label this a YA story and would not recommend it. Sadly, this excellent story is sullied by profanity.
September 30, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this light & fun fantasy novel. lt's not quite your normal run of the mill story, and other readers seem to have been put off by the odd bit of swearing, but for me I found it added to the humour, breaking away from the standard loosely based on an alternative Celtic history fantasy. The writing style was more in line with Terry Pratchett or Neil Gaiman with the dry sense of humour, although not particularly puntastic, nor did there seem to be hidden depths, but still really enjoyable.
November 20, 2018
Awesome!!
The story starts off a bit slow, but nicely detailed. There are a few curse words here and there. The characters you meet are awesome and show personal growth for each. The story flows well and you end up proud over the decisions of the three main characters. Great story and plot. It has all the points to a great journey for a hero and leaves you wanting more.
The story starts off a bit slow, but nicely detailed. There are a few curse words here and there. The characters you meet are awesome and show personal growth for each. The story flows well and you end up proud over the decisions of the three main characters. Great story and plot. It has all the points to a great journey for a hero and leaves you wanting more.
July 20, 2019
Great book moving on to book2
Description did not do this book justice. Sounded interesting but on the young side. Enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading the second book. This is a surprising find!!! Looking into other books from Jim Hodgson, may find more enjoyable reading
Description did not do this book justice. Sounded interesting but on the young side. Enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading the second book. This is a surprising find!!! Looking into other books from Jim Hodgson, may find more enjoyable reading
October 16, 2019
Great story
I give this 5 stars because the story kept me engrossed from start to finish.
The development of the main and supporting characters was well paced. As was the overall storyline. I liked the open evaluation of the different ways the church, commerce, and state can control the populace.
I give this 5 stars because the story kept me engrossed from start to finish.
The development of the main and supporting characters was well paced. As was the overall storyline. I liked the open evaluation of the different ways the church, commerce, and state can control the populace.
October 14, 2018
Very good and happily not what I expected
I was expecting a children's type story more the along the lines of Harry Potter. It is more adult than HP. Well written and has plenty of adventure .
I was expecting a children's type story more the along the lines of Harry Potter. It is more adult than HP. Well written and has plenty of adventure .
October 18, 2018
Written in a rather immature style
Story is about a young boy 's adventures growing up rescue by a wizard. It has a certain appeal and simple story line, characters are likable. Language at times is inappropriate given the setting and the characters.
Story is about a young boy 's adventures growing up rescue by a wizard. It has a certain appeal and simple story line, characters are likable. Language at times is inappropriate given the setting and the characters.
November 6, 2018
Sadly I could not get past the first page filled with profanity. I don't consider myself a prude but when you count 4 swear words within half a page, it is not a good sign of a well written book. The description sounded very intriguing, but the profanity ruined the whole thing.
December 21, 2018
Fair plot
I'm not against cursing in books for emphasis but this book just threw curse words in randomly. It felt like a good young adult book then you hear a slew of curse words used just because. Threw off the vibe of the book.
I'm not against cursing in books for emphasis but this book just threw curse words in randomly. It felt like a good young adult book then you hear a slew of curse words used just because. Threw off the vibe of the book.
July 12, 2019
Good quick read
I enjoyed the quick action and how fast the story unfolded without tons of unnecessary background information. I am looking forward to reading more about Ozel and his companions.
I enjoyed the quick action and how fast the story unfolded without tons of unnecessary background information. I am looking forward to reading more about Ozel and his companions.
February 5, 2021
Cute story about Orel
An orphan who is “adopted” from a cruel farmer to become an apprentice wizard. He begins a quest to recover his inheritance
Advertised as young adult but a lot of profanity for younger readers.
An orphan who is “adopted” from a cruel farmer to become an apprentice wizard. He begins a quest to recover his inheritance
Advertised as young adult but a lot of profanity for younger readers.
December 10, 2018
A fun, light-hearted fantasy quest story
October 25, 2018
Apprentice Quest
Enjoy it very much. Enjoy the plot. Action pack and entertaining. Like the character and their interaction with everyone. Great story line.
Enjoy it very much. Enjoy the plot. Action pack and entertaining. Like the character and their interaction with everyone. Great story line.
November 11, 2018
Pleasant little fantasy
Written simply, a cute story with a couple of very like able characters. Not an epic fantasy, just a cute story with magic.
Written simply, a cute story with a couple of very like able characters. Not an epic fantasy, just a cute story with magic.
March 25, 2019
A great start to this series. Loved it. Great story and characters will keep you reading. You will not regret reading this. Great Reading Everyone!
July 1, 2019
A fun read with some laughs. Recommended.
July 11, 2019
Pretty good
I liked it very much, kept you interested in the whole book, didn’t like the undead looking so bad eww
I liked it very much, kept you interested in the whole book, didn’t like the undead looking so bad eww
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews