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Wizard's Helper #1
The Serpent's Orb
Through odd circumstances, Jack Winder becomes a helper for his village's healing wizard. As part of his duties, Jack is ordered to travel the length of Corand to the capital city to bring back a priceless object of power, the Serpent’s Orb. He soon finds that he is not the only one after the orb and someone is willing to kill to get it.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2019
562 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Guy Antibes
79 books140 followersI write action/adventure fiction with a definite proclivity towards Sword & Sorcery. I like magicians, but I'm less partial to unicorns, dragons, elves and dwarves. But give me a hero with a magic sword and I'll make him sing... Wait, I already have!
I've published a number of works under the CasiePress imprint and there are more to come.
I'm an older guy (Guy!), married and all my kids have grown up and given me grandkids to dote over. I've read thousands of books and found that in most cases, I'd rather write than read.
I've published a number of works under the CasiePress imprint and there are more to come.
I'm an older guy (Guy!), married and all my kids have grown up and given me grandkids to dote over. I've read thousands of books and found that in most cases, I'd rather write than read.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 16, 2019
Fun YA Sword and Sorcery adventure with an interesting magic system. The MC was a bit juvenile and naive, but he grew quite a bit during the story. The action was good, the betrayals were unexpected and the ending was humbling. Another winning tale from Guy Antibes.
November 22, 2024
What did I think? Not a lot!
I found the plotting unrealistic, the so called action sequences deadly dull, the characters paper cut outs and the author's command of English just below Junior school level. In fact, I probably skipped more than a half of the book as I moved to the next chapter after some error of English or glaringly unbelievable action, "and with a bound he was free". I think that quote's from a Superman comic.
I know of a least 2 occasions, in the parts that I did read, where the heroe awoke to find himself alone in his bedroll with all his companions kidnapped. Admittedly he survived one such event because he was wearing his armour which turned aside the attack, apparently his assailants didn't check he was dead and they clearly hadn't struck him on the head, an obvious target where someone is asleep under a bedroll and wearing armour.
OTT I know, but as I couldn't give it ZERO stars through Amazon, this review balances the overall quality. I have read some of Mr Antibe's Justin Speed novels which were a little beter, maybe 3.5 stars.
There are a lot of good books on Unlimited but too many that never would have seen the light of day and it looks as though many of the decent authors are pulling out as Amazon's compensation is so poor.
I found the plotting unrealistic, the so called action sequences deadly dull, the characters paper cut outs and the author's command of English just below Junior school level. In fact, I probably skipped more than a half of the book as I moved to the next chapter after some error of English or glaringly unbelievable action, "and with a bound he was free". I think that quote's from a Superman comic.
I know of a least 2 occasions, in the parts that I did read, where the heroe awoke to find himself alone in his bedroll with all his companions kidnapped. Admittedly he survived one such event because he was wearing his armour which turned aside the attack, apparently his assailants didn't check he was dead and they clearly hadn't struck him on the head, an obvious target where someone is asleep under a bedroll and wearing armour.
OTT I know, but as I couldn't give it ZERO stars through Amazon, this review balances the overall quality. I have read some of Mr Antibe's Justin Speed novels which were a little beter, maybe 3.5 stars.
There are a lot of good books on Unlimited but too many that never would have seen the light of day and it looks as though many of the decent authors are pulling out as Amazon's compensation is so poor.
January 22, 2025
Delightful. I shall read more.
I though I had read Guy Antibe before. But I did not recognize the writing style. No matter.
I had gotten very disenchanted, actually disgusted is more descriptive - and almost gave up trying to find good adventure and interesting magic or powers WITHOUT 1) foul language, 2) sadism, and 3) murders. Well, somewhere in my past, I had made a note of authors to read and I happened to see the note. *smile* Can't recall when or why I wrote it. (I'm past 80, you see.) Anyway, Antibes was the first name in the list. Sure enough, this book offers 2 out of 3. There's killing. But, not gory or excessive. Good enuf. So ... shall we see how the series develops?
I though I had read Guy Antibe before. But I did not recognize the writing style. No matter.
I had gotten very disenchanted, actually disgusted is more descriptive - and almost gave up trying to find good adventure and interesting magic or powers WITHOUT 1) foul language, 2) sadism, and 3) murders. Well, somewhere in my past, I had made a note of authors to read and I happened to see the note. *smile* Can't recall when or why I wrote it. (I'm past 80, you see.) Anyway, Antibes was the first name in the list. Sure enough, this book offers 2 out of 3. There's killing. But, not gory or excessive. Good enuf. So ... shall we see how the series develops?
May 3, 2020
This was a delightful and completely absorbing book--really fun, and always engaging.
The setting was excellent, and swiftly drawn, even as it changed, with just a few deft words. I am impressed! The twists and turns of the plot almost always surprised me, and even though I expected one of the betrayals, I had no idea how the betrayal would happen or why--excellent plotting.
I was very pleased with character development throughout.
The magic system and world building were wonderful, and just the right level of detail.
I love how the author writes. It is very compelling to me. His style suits me well for this type of book.
The setting was excellent, and swiftly drawn, even as it changed, with just a few deft words. I am impressed! The twists and turns of the plot almost always surprised me, and even though I expected one of the betrayals, I had no idea how the betrayal would happen or why--excellent plotting.
I was very pleased with character development throughout.
The magic system and world building were wonderful, and just the right level of detail.
I love how the author writes. It is very compelling to me. His style suits me well for this type of book.
July 12, 2020
I didn’t have too much hope for this book when I saw how simply it was written. Trying for Asimov-like get out of the way of the story, but coming across as limited depth and maturity. However, the hook showed up fairly quickly, and the characters, journey and eventually action and the “oh, that makes sense, I should have trusted the author more” moment all contributed to a fun read. The way the author chose to portray Jack’s immaturity through pranks was a bit annoying. Hopefully his first adventure got him past that.
June 14, 2019
Amazing New series!!
This book, the first of a new series, is the start of another amazing world of adventure. Like in others Guy Antibes' books the story of Jack Winder, a Wizard's Helper, is full of action and magic. Every path he chooses, every adventure helped him to learn more about himself and his powers, about friendship and the perks and cons of being and adult. It is the start of an amazing new series!!! I can't wait for the next books!!
This book, the first of a new series, is the start of another amazing world of adventure. Like in others Guy Antibes' books the story of Jack Winder, a Wizard's Helper, is full of action and magic. Every path he chooses, every adventure helped him to learn more about himself and his powers, about friendship and the perks and cons of being and adult. It is the start of an amazing new series!!! I can't wait for the next books!!
June 16, 2019
Kind of boring.
There are several reviews around the internet where this book is praised for having an older than normal MC turn the author usually writes. He is 18. So it still falls within the YA genre. Perhaps I should have known that before reading, but I'm unfamiliar with the author. My main criticism is that the book is boring and little attempt is made to describe the world around the MC.
There are several reviews around the internet where this book is praised for having an older than normal MC turn the author usually writes. He is 18. So it still falls within the YA genre. Perhaps I should have known that before reading, but I'm unfamiliar with the author. My main criticism is that the book is boring and little attempt is made to describe the world around the MC.
April 29, 2019
An enjoyable and engaging read!
A fine starting novel to another excellent series! Really like the world building and characters. Also liking the magic system.
The main character is a fine example of a coming of age story.
Looking forward to more in the series! An enjoyable and engaging read!
A fine starting novel to another excellent series! Really like the world building and characters. Also liking the magic system.
The main character is a fine example of a coming of age story.
Looking forward to more in the series! An enjoyable and engaging read!
June 25, 2019
Felt a bit let down.
This could have been a great book with Interesting characters and rapid development of main hero. But some major plot holes and dips in the story arc contribute to my overall dissatisfaction with this book ,appearing almost as if like some key chapters and villains are missing at the crucial moments.
This could have been a great book with Interesting characters and rapid development of main hero. But some major plot holes and dips in the story arc contribute to my overall dissatisfaction with this book ,appearing almost as if like some key chapters and villains are missing at the crucial moments.
November 8, 2019
Low quality
Reads more like stream of consciousness than a cohesive novel. The magic system is so soft your could use it as a pillow and the plot is so convoluted I’m surprised the main character wasn’t evil all along.
Reads more like stream of consciousness than a cohesive novel. The magic system is so soft your could use it as a pillow and the plot is so convoluted I’m surprised the main character wasn’t evil all along.
May 6, 2024
fair
I have read a number of the authors books and thoroughly enjoyed them. This book dragged and would not hold my attention. I skipped sections in chapters and whole chapters. I did finish the book. I feel that completely understood the store, but only read maybe 30%.
I have read a number of the authors books and thoroughly enjoyed them. This book dragged and would not hold my attention. I skipped sections in chapters and whole chapters. I did finish the book. I feel that completely understood the store, but only read maybe 30%.
June 11, 2019
Orb
I liked this book from the beginning
It kept my interest peaked. The adventure by this group was entertaining. It kept me guessing the entire time
I liked this book from the beginning
It kept my interest peaked. The adventure by this group was entertaining. It kept me guessing the entire time
September 20, 2020
Excellent
Good story, and the characters are real people who have been enjoyable and true to life. The betrayal is good.
Good story, and the characters are real people who have been enjoyable and true to life. The betrayal is good.
January 3, 2021
I don't know that I've ever seen the car to get kidnap so many times.
January 9, 2021
Okay
Starts very good but then starts dragging and dragging. The only twists are who is good and who is bad.
Starts very good but then starts dragging and dragging. The only twists are who is good and who is bad.
April 10, 2023
Some writing mistakes here and there, but overall a decent s&s adventure.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews