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Jon Oklar #1
The King's Sorcerer
On the anniversary of his father’s passing, Jon leaves home in search of answers. The land is full of mystery and intrigue, and Jon wants to explore it all with the dream of one day becoming a sorcerer. But when Jon receives an invite to the castle for training, he starts to believe there has to be a catch.
A long time ago, Jon’s father was once a guard near the capital city. Now Jon finds himself back where his father used to work, and he’s beginning to learn why his father had wanted to raise him away from here. He will discover that, along with certain threats to the kingdom, there are also many magical arts to learn. Some seem stronger than others, but all have their use. Jon must come to understand the complexities of sorcery as he uncovers the mysteries and threats to the kingdom. But he also must learn to deal with the other sorcerers who have come to train at the castle at the same time as him...some of whom are hard to trust.
A long time ago, Jon’s father was once a guard near the capital city. Now Jon finds himself back where his father used to work, and he’s beginning to learn why his father had wanted to raise him away from here. He will discover that, along with certain threats to the kingdom, there are also many magical arts to learn. Some seem stronger than others, but all have their use. Jon must come to understand the complexities of sorcery as he uncovers the mysteries and threats to the kingdom. But he also must learn to deal with the other sorcerers who have come to train at the castle at the same time as him...some of whom are hard to trust.
473 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2020
839 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
June 20, 2020
I'm familiar with bad books and usually I can find something that keeps me reading. I'm struggling with this book. This is an extremely difficult read and I can't for the life of me understand all the 4star+ reviews. I feel like I'm reading a story written by the quiet shy kid who wishes he was big, strong, smart, and popular with the ladies and is living his fantasy through the MC.
To start, the author can't seem to figure out what tense to use. The first half of the book is all past tense and reads like we are reading the MCs journal about his life. It then changes to present tense half way through and makes for a difficult read.
The author also makes the common mistake I see from other novice authors by not trusting his audience to remember events or how the magic system works in this world. Whenever something is brought up that was explained earlier the MC goes on with "I had to remind myself..." or other such nonsense. That wouldn't be terrible if not for how the MC is written.
Jon(MC) is good at everything. His only struggle throughout the entire book is his ignorance, which is immediately resolved after a couple of sentences and suddenly he has it all figured out. He is naturally strong, kind, intelligent, and diplomatic. This is an 18 year old who spent his life in the boonies with no knowledge of magic, something that is prominent in this world, and he is suddenly thrust into the capital of a nation and living in the castle with the king. This would be an interesting premise but Jon just naturally fits into this new environment better than the nobles. And he's the first choice to be sent out to escort a high profile character that the king needs in order to set up trade between two hostile nations. And MC goes alone with no supervision and no prior experience.
The MC has no character arc. His only flaw is his knowledge and he overcomes that with no struggle. And this is the character we are expected to believe has to constantly remind himself about how the world and magic works. The MC reads a scroll with minimal information and is able to teach himself the most complicated spells. So when ever he has to "remind myself" it just comes off as obvious hand holding because the author doesn't trust his readers.
Then there is the dynamic between the female and male characters. This is obviously a world where women are seen as the weaker of the sexes but the premise of the story is 4 men and 4 women training together to become sorcerers to fight in the upcoming war. The women are competent until the plot needs them to be otherwise. For instance Eden. At one point she chops off the claw of a freshly killed big cat without much fanfare but later she squeals when another character is walking toward her with a long dead bat. There is no consistency and the women just come off as plot devices or characters just thrown in to make the world feel less empty.
Lastly, let me not exclude Jon's interaction with the female characters. He's obviously respectable and considers them equals...until it comes time to do anything. Even telling one female character to stand back and let the men fight despite admiring her capabilities and constantly seeking them out to help him throughout the book.
I can't for the life of me continue with this book and I don't understand the 4star reviews. At least I know why it was free on Amazon kindle.
To start, the author can't seem to figure out what tense to use. The first half of the book is all past tense and reads like we are reading the MCs journal about his life. It then changes to present tense half way through and makes for a difficult read.
The author also makes the common mistake I see from other novice authors by not trusting his audience to remember events or how the magic system works in this world. Whenever something is brought up that was explained earlier the MC goes on with "I had to remind myself..." or other such nonsense. That wouldn't be terrible if not for how the MC is written.
Jon(MC) is good at everything. His only struggle throughout the entire book is his ignorance, which is immediately resolved after a couple of sentences and suddenly he has it all figured out. He is naturally strong, kind, intelligent, and diplomatic. This is an 18 year old who spent his life in the boonies with no knowledge of magic, something that is prominent in this world, and he is suddenly thrust into the capital of a nation and living in the castle with the king. This would be an interesting premise but Jon just naturally fits into this new environment better than the nobles. And he's the first choice to be sent out to escort a high profile character that the king needs in order to set up trade between two hostile nations. And MC goes alone with no supervision and no prior experience.
The MC has no character arc. His only flaw is his knowledge and he overcomes that with no struggle. And this is the character we are expected to believe has to constantly remind himself about how the world and magic works. The MC reads a scroll with minimal information and is able to teach himself the most complicated spells. So when ever he has to "remind myself" it just comes off as obvious hand holding because the author doesn't trust his readers.
Then there is the dynamic between the female and male characters. This is obviously a world where women are seen as the weaker of the sexes but the premise of the story is 4 men and 4 women training together to become sorcerers to fight in the upcoming war. The women are competent until the plot needs them to be otherwise. For instance Eden. At one point she chops off the claw of a freshly killed big cat without much fanfare but later she squeals when another character is walking toward her with a long dead bat. There is no consistency and the women just come off as plot devices or characters just thrown in to make the world feel less empty.
Lastly, let me not exclude Jon's interaction with the female characters. He's obviously respectable and considers them equals...until it comes time to do anything. Even telling one female character to stand back and let the men fight despite admiring her capabilities and constantly seeking them out to help him throughout the book.
I can't for the life of me continue with this book and I don't understand the 4star reviews. At least I know why it was free on Amazon kindle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2020
Warning: Following review will contain vague spoilers regarding certain elements of the book.
A good book, but slightly weird. I was in two minds whether to give this 3* or 4*s, but ended up with 4 as it did keep me hooked till the end.
But it did leave me wondering whether the author was not very used to medieval fiction, or if his world is just that lacklustre. To give some examples of things that didn't make sense:
The first thing that strikes off is how odd the King is. In is entire castle, at any time there don't seem to be more than ten guards. He's got a single advisor, no court so speak of, and doesn't even have a throne in his throne room. We see maybe a couple of workers staffing the place. There's no mention of any barracks at all. And funniest of all, he doesn't even have an army. He apparently has a few merc companies on roll. Overall, feels more like a minor steward of a city than a king.
Also he seems to have no authority to do anything. You've just overthrown the previous king, there's no stronger moment when you should have everyone's backing, but this guy doesn't have anything. His own guard is under someone thats corrupt and has no interest of serving him, and apparently he can't do anything about it! He doesn't even have the money to hire a single good mentor for his planned sorcerer's unit, and relies on someone who spends 80% of the time yelling that he has no time rather than teaching. Overall it feels very underwhelming and poorly thought about.
The second thing that's strange is there are sorcerers in this world, and yet the king has to rely on kids who are learning the a, b, c's of sorcery (quite literally) because he cannot pay anyone experienced! You're a king! You should have the power to conscript powerful people under you, thats what makes you a king! The entire hierarchial structure just sounds too shoddy.
Then we get to the main character, Jon. He's a decent character, but there are few inconsistencies. He's written off as someone sensible and most of the times thats how he comes across. But then there are other "plot driven" moments when he becomes ridiculously obstinate about something that he should have no interest in. Like feeling that a particular branch of sorcery is the best when he has no idea what it does. Or wanting to risk his life for someone that he has talked with for barely an hour. Or believing without a doubt that a certain person will help him fight a battle when, again, they've spoken for 15 minutes.
These kinds of decisions don't make much sense. It would have been better to develop the main character's relationship with the people in question before putting him in those situations. Otherwise it just feels very thin and plot driven.
Overall, I do like the story. The characters are also okay, although they have show only a little depth yet. But there's potential there, and they at least have unique personalities with respect to each other. It all needs to start feeling more authentic though. Needs an increase in scale. The king needs to feel like a king, not a steward. The nation needs to feel like a nation, not a sparsely populated land with barely 3 towns. Its too small scale right now.
A good book, but slightly weird. I was in two minds whether to give this 3* or 4*s, but ended up with 4 as it did keep me hooked till the end.
But it did leave me wondering whether the author was not very used to medieval fiction, or if his world is just that lacklustre. To give some examples of things that didn't make sense:
The first thing that strikes off is how odd the King is. In is entire castle, at any time there don't seem to be more than ten guards. He's got a single advisor, no court so speak of, and doesn't even have a throne in his throne room. We see maybe a couple of workers staffing the place. There's no mention of any barracks at all. And funniest of all, he doesn't even have an army. He apparently has a few merc companies on roll. Overall, feels more like a minor steward of a city than a king.
Also he seems to have no authority to do anything. You've just overthrown the previous king, there's no stronger moment when you should have everyone's backing, but this guy doesn't have anything. His own guard is under someone thats corrupt and has no interest of serving him, and apparently he can't do anything about it! He doesn't even have the money to hire a single good mentor for his planned sorcerer's unit, and relies on someone who spends 80% of the time yelling that he has no time rather than teaching. Overall it feels very underwhelming and poorly thought about.
The second thing that's strange is there are sorcerers in this world, and yet the king has to rely on kids who are learning the a, b, c's of sorcery (quite literally) because he cannot pay anyone experienced! You're a king! You should have the power to conscript powerful people under you, thats what makes you a king! The entire hierarchial structure just sounds too shoddy.
Then we get to the main character, Jon. He's a decent character, but there are few inconsistencies. He's written off as someone sensible and most of the times thats how he comes across. But then there are other "plot driven" moments when he becomes ridiculously obstinate about something that he should have no interest in. Like feeling that a particular branch of sorcery is the best when he has no idea what it does. Or wanting to risk his life for someone that he has talked with for barely an hour. Or believing without a doubt that a certain person will help him fight a battle when, again, they've spoken for 15 minutes.
These kinds of decisions don't make much sense. It would have been better to develop the main character's relationship with the people in question before putting him in those situations. Otherwise it just feels very thin and plot driven.
Overall, I do like the story. The characters are also okay, although they have show only a little depth yet. But there's potential there, and they at least have unique personalities with respect to each other. It all needs to start feeling more authentic though. Needs an increase in scale. The king needs to feel like a king, not a steward. The nation needs to feel like a nation, not a sparsely populated land with barely 3 towns. Its too small scale right now.
July 17, 2020
If you are looking for a cheap teen drama you have found it.
If you want a well crafted story with developed characters keep looking. The characters are one dimensional, the situations are drawn out and unnecessary. The entire concept is a CW teen drama. I made it three quarters through before I called it. I should have quit sooner.
If you want a well crafted story with developed characters keep looking. The characters are one dimensional, the situations are drawn out and unnecessary. The entire concept is a CW teen drama. I made it three quarters through before I called it. I should have quit sooner.
April 7, 2020
No Spoilers!]
Another thrilling start to an epic fantasy series! Once again, Narro has shown how intricate world building, complex magic systems, and lovable characters can shape up to be the ultimate entertainment.
Jon Oklar isn’t your typical adventure protagonist. He’s quick witted, knows what he wants, and is dedicated on an entirely new level to achieve his goals. His zest and passion are inspiring in our current times. We follow him as he learns about his mysterious abilities, making the journey into the magic system smooth and powerfully intriguing.
If you’re looking for a world to escape into, Jon’s is the place to go. The magic system is refreshingly unique, detailed, and holds the potential for a wild series. I have no clue what’s coming next, and I’m already dying the read the second book! I highly recommend this new series for YA and up who enjoy magical fantasy, action, and just a seriously good read. If you like this book you’ll love his other series, so I suggest you check those out as well!
Another thrilling start to an epic fantasy series! Once again, Narro has shown how intricate world building, complex magic systems, and lovable characters can shape up to be the ultimate entertainment.
Jon Oklar isn’t your typical adventure protagonist. He’s quick witted, knows what he wants, and is dedicated on an entirely new level to achieve his goals. His zest and passion are inspiring in our current times. We follow him as he learns about his mysterious abilities, making the journey into the magic system smooth and powerfully intriguing.
If you’re looking for a world to escape into, Jon’s is the place to go. The magic system is refreshingly unique, detailed, and holds the potential for a wild series. I have no clue what’s coming next, and I’m already dying the read the second book! I highly recommend this new series for YA and up who enjoy magical fantasy, action, and just a seriously good read. If you like this book you’ll love his other series, so I suggest you check those out as well!
January 17, 2022
I have to admit the story is keeping me invested for now enough to read the next book but these characters leave a lot to be desired. The MC, Jon in my opinion is annoying. He’s whiny as hell. He has a good heart and tries to do what he thinks is right but he’s also very petulant. Another annoying character is Aliana🙄🙄 there is something “off” about her I think. I find Reuben and Kataleya more interesting than the others. My honest opinion is the characters to me are childish the majority of the time. This is pretty much your typical YA read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2020
Interesting magic system, but Poorly written
Neat idea with magic and note frequency. The main character is seeking knowledge and training and is told he will be be taught all that he wants to know. However, the mentor yells and tells them they dont have time and if you dont figure it out you'll be ask to leave. The story doesn't make any sense. The reactions and characters have are very predictable or illogical.
Neat idea with magic and note frequency. The main character is seeking knowledge and training and is told he will be be taught all that he wants to know. However, the mentor yells and tells them they dont have time and if you dont figure it out you'll be ask to leave. The story doesn't make any sense. The reactions and characters have are very predictable or illogical.
February 18, 2023
Not unlike most of the BT Narro books I have read I absorbed it quickly and immediately wanted the next one to continue the story on. I love the way they write. I love the universe these stories are created in and I love the characters we follow. So many reasons to love this book, I very much think it’s one of his best ones for sure!
June 15, 2020
A good enough fantasy story, but a little lack luster in the execution of world building and magic system.
Without spoiling too much, the magic system is based roughly on musical notes and magic caster have to learn to combine notes to form spells. An interesting idea, but we do not actually get to see much spell casting. For some reason even the evil magic user are only able to do as much as "push evil magic" around and make people fly through the air. The way people actually use the magic does not fit very well with what seams to be a highly complex magic system, which involves all elements. It seems unreasonably that super evil bad magic users are using the "super addictive dark magic which makes them super powerful", but are everything BUT powerful ...
The premise of the story, 8 untrained magic users being trained by an incompetent sorcerer, is also really far fetched. It also seems unreasonable that the protagonist knows nothing about magic and the world, despite being a young adult already and his late father knew A LOT about what is going on.
tl;dr Not well executed, hence 3 stars.
Without spoiling too much, the magic system is based roughly on musical notes and magic caster have to learn to combine notes to form spells. An interesting idea, but we do not actually get to see much spell casting. For some reason even the evil magic user are only able to do as much as "push evil magic" around and make people fly through the air. The way people actually use the magic does not fit very well with what seams to be a highly complex magic system, which involves all elements. It seems unreasonably that super evil bad magic users are using the "super addictive dark magic which makes them super powerful", but are everything BUT powerful ...
The premise of the story, 8 untrained magic users being trained by an incompetent sorcerer, is also really far fetched. It also seems unreasonable that the protagonist knows nothing about magic and the world, despite being a young adult already and his late father knew A LOT about what is going on.
tl;dr Not well executed, hence 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2020
Awesome start
I really enjoy how each series is kept in the same kind of realm but still able to build their own little worlds with each story told. I enjoy how the author takes a different perspective on magic and brings it to life. If a series is continued he builds off it and makes it relateble to have immersion but still keeps that fantasy spark alive. Also enjoy reading each series to see how the author devolops as the pages turn. I'm really excited to see where this series goes. Thank you for writing. Strongly recommend you read this book and other of his works.
I really enjoy how each series is kept in the same kind of realm but still able to build their own little worlds with each story told. I enjoy how the author takes a different perspective on magic and brings it to life. If a series is continued he builds off it and makes it relateble to have immersion but still keeps that fantasy spark alive. Also enjoy reading each series to see how the author devolops as the pages turn. I'm really excited to see where this series goes. Thank you for writing. Strongly recommend you read this book and other of his works.
June 29, 2020
Great Read
Jon is the son of a deceased former chief guard. For a number of years, he felt that he has magic and wants to explore his potential. The King has recruited him and others to train to become sorcerers. Their instructor, while competent in magic, is not a good teacher. However, he learns much and with his sword skills, he is able to help protect the kingdom. What will happen if he must disobey the King, to protect him and the Kingdom? I like the action, humor, and exploratory romance. I look forward to another book
Jon is the son of a deceased former chief guard. For a number of years, he felt that he has magic and wants to explore his potential. The King has recruited him and others to train to become sorcerers. Their instructor, while competent in magic, is not a good teacher. However, he learns much and with his sword skills, he is able to help protect the kingdom. What will happen if he must disobey the King, to protect him and the Kingdom? I like the action, humor, and exploratory romance. I look forward to another book
May 13, 2020
Excellent
This was my first experience with Narro's works and it was an exceptional one at that. The magic system is one of my favorites that I've read of in my 15+ years of really exploring fantasy books. It is well written and the character development is very noticeable. Definitely worth a read and I'm excited for the next books.
This was my first experience with Narro's works and it was an exceptional one at that. The magic system is one of my favorites that I've read of in my 15+ years of really exploring fantasy books. It is well written and the character development is very noticeable. Definitely worth a read and I'm excited for the next books.
April 28, 2020
Great Read
This was a great first book to this series. How magic is mixed with action and other characters was good and kept me reading with no pause. Looking forward to next book.
This was a great first book to this series. How magic is mixed with action and other characters was good and kept me reading with no pause. Looking forward to next book.
May 9, 2022
Reader thoughts: What a fun book! I liked that Jon was genuinely good. He kept weighing his actions against his morals, although he several times bent the rules (eavesdropping on the king).
In those instances, he berated himself and apologized later. He did make too many promises, however, promises that he'll "never" do something again, but he kept doing similar things. ("I'll never let your daughter misbehave again, King!" and then he follows her in eavesdropping.)
Still, Jon kept pushing himself to be better. He always worked hard into the night, over lunch breaks, until he couldn't hold his head up. He learned ridiculously quickly (2 spells in one week!) compared to the rest of the trainees, but at least it was backed up by hard work. His sword and bow ability came from a decade of training with a master. So, that was justified.
Was Jon about 20? Maybe 19? His dad died a year ago and gave him 10 years of training with the sword and bow. Jon had a scruffy start to a beard. 16 or 17 would be too young. Besides, he lived on his own, can take care of himself, is larger than most men, looks intimidating even, and keeps stepping into leadership roles effortlessly. So, I'm guessing about 19 or 20.
Writer Thoughts: I kept trying to explain to my husband why Jon wasn't a Mary Sue (Marty Stu?), and I failed. Jon IS a Mary Sue; it just didn't both me too much (well, 4 stars instead of 5).
1, Jon is good at everything. Sword, bow, tracking, riding, leading, learning, reading, running, memorizing, magic, people, politeness, languages, and even getting the hostile foreigner to trust him when the foreigner would trust no one else.
2, People all like him. The mentally different character (maybe autistic?) sets Jon above the rest. Even the crotchety instructor likes him by the end. Even the trainee bully guy trusts and values Jon by the end. Even the King, whom Jon treasonously disobeys multiple times, looks up to Jon by the end. This isn't just other characters tolerating him. This is other characters looking to him to lead and protect them and do what's right.
3, Jon gets away with anything. He doesn't come to training and doesn't get punished because "he doesn't need it." He can't pass his test and begs for an extra day . . . twice . . . and gets it both times. He commits literal treason, putting many people's lives at risk, and then he barely gets any punishment. So, these incidents show that the world bends itself around Jon to make his life easier/better.
Very Mary Sue-ish.
In those instances, he berated himself and apologized later. He did make too many promises, however, promises that he'll "never" do something again, but he kept doing similar things. ("I'll never let your daughter misbehave again, King!" and then he follows her in eavesdropping.)
Still, Jon kept pushing himself to be better. He always worked hard into the night, over lunch breaks, until he couldn't hold his head up. He learned ridiculously quickly (2 spells in one week!) compared to the rest of the trainees, but at least it was backed up by hard work. His sword and bow ability came from a decade of training with a master. So, that was justified.
Was Jon about 20? Maybe 19? His dad died a year ago and gave him 10 years of training with the sword and bow. Jon had a scruffy start to a beard. 16 or 17 would be too young. Besides, he lived on his own, can take care of himself, is larger than most men, looks intimidating even, and keeps stepping into leadership roles effortlessly. So, I'm guessing about 19 or 20.
Writer Thoughts: I kept trying to explain to my husband why Jon wasn't a Mary Sue (Marty Stu?), and I failed. Jon IS a Mary Sue; it just didn't both me too much (well, 4 stars instead of 5).
1, Jon is good at everything. Sword, bow, tracking, riding, leading, learning, reading, running, memorizing, magic, people, politeness, languages, and even getting the hostile foreigner to trust him when the foreigner would trust no one else.
2, People all like him. The mentally different character (maybe autistic?) sets Jon above the rest. Even the crotchety instructor likes him by the end. Even the trainee bully guy trusts and values Jon by the end. Even the King, whom Jon treasonously disobeys multiple times, looks up to Jon by the end. This isn't just other characters tolerating him. This is other characters looking to him to lead and protect them and do what's right.
3, Jon gets away with anything. He doesn't come to training and doesn't get punished because "he doesn't need it." He can't pass his test and begs for an extra day . . . twice . . . and gets it both times. He commits literal treason, putting many people's lives at risk, and then he barely gets any punishment. So, these incidents show that the world bends itself around Jon to make his life easier/better.
Very Mary Sue-ish.
July 8, 2022
I feel like I must have read a different book from other reviewers. IMO, this was unbelieveable YA fiction. The characters are 8 naive and inexperienced young adults and one nasty teacher for them all. The idea that the king would trust these people to save his kingdom is laughable. And the main character, the most inexperienced, keeps ignoring the training that he's being given to do things in his own self-centered way. I didn't like him, I didn't like the teacher, and I didn't like the premise. So, for me, that's the end of this series.
April 8, 2022
One of the few books series I've opted not to continue.
The characters are childish, the MC is flat. The magic system is interesting, with an interesting means to define how different people manifest different magics.
In the end, I found the MC to be insufferable. I hate writing bad reviews, but I feel like this is a book to avoid.
The characters are childish, the MC is flat. The magic system is interesting, with an interesting means to define how different people manifest different magics.
In the end, I found the MC to be insufferable. I hate writing bad reviews, but I feel like this is a book to avoid.
April 8, 2020
The kings sorcerer
Great 1st book in series, characters and story moved at great pace,looking forward to the next book in this story, thank you.
Great 1st book in series, characters and story moved at great pace,looking forward to the next book in this story, thank you.
April 25, 2020
LOVE THE WRITING .IT IS SO VIVID.
December 8, 2022
Not For Me
Can't get past the first 8 Chapters. The setup just unbelieveable. A young man/kid from remote village, showed up in a town, with just a conversation with a stranger; our MC immediately agreed to follow this stranger to the capital. This is explained away by the MC's curiosity of this "power" of his. Then in the capital, he was asked to wait for another stranger, with a stuck up attitude, and the MC was asked to run errands. I don't know what universe this is, but if the MC is able to travel from remote village to a town, I assune our MC has some street smart. The world the MC is in, is clearly none too peaceful, so I expect some vigilance or at least some thinking/questioning before just being blindly turning into a "I'll listen to whatever you say" person. This book is just not for me.
Can't get past the first 8 Chapters. The setup just unbelieveable. A young man/kid from remote village, showed up in a town, with just a conversation with a stranger; our MC immediately agreed to follow this stranger to the capital. This is explained away by the MC's curiosity of this "power" of his. Then in the capital, he was asked to wait for another stranger, with a stuck up attitude, and the MC was asked to run errands. I don't know what universe this is, but if the MC is able to travel from remote village to a town, I assune our MC has some street smart. The world the MC is in, is clearly none too peaceful, so I expect some vigilance or at least some thinking/questioning before just being blindly turning into a "I'll listen to whatever you say" person. This book is just not for me.
August 3, 2024
A good read about Jon and his determination to become a sorcerer after having been trained as a warrior or guard of sorts by his father who died. He swears an oath to the king and trains with other sorcerers his age as he works out who he can trust, deflects threats to his life and helps protect the realm and his friends. There are some very boring long descriptions about spell casting which is really just like someone reading sheet music so be warned. I would also say that as a character Jon is lacking in some vulnerability and does have a bit of a high opinion of himself. How can he be good at everything he does - it's a bit unbelievable. But perhaps there is a reason - like he is a demi-god or something.
January 10, 2022
Fun unique approach to magic
Parents: besides mild language and some gore due to battle this is a fairly clean read
Language: mild to moderate with a handful of crass terms; no Fbombs
Violence: pg-13
Sexual content: G; flirtation and a shirtless guy
The story is a fun take on magic with constant adventure and action. The tale itself is fast paced enough that you won’t believe it when you hear “this has been book one…” You’ll be left pining for the next book if you enjoy unique magical tales. The description is well thought out so I see no need to add to that regard. Just read this one, you won’t regret it!
The narrator has good differentiations, pace, and was fun to listen to.
Parents: besides mild language and some gore due to battle this is a fairly clean read
Language: mild to moderate with a handful of crass terms; no Fbombs
Violence: pg-13
Sexual content: G; flirtation and a shirtless guy
The story is a fun take on magic with constant adventure and action. The tale itself is fast paced enough that you won’t believe it when you hear “this has been book one…” You’ll be left pining for the next book if you enjoy unique magical tales. The description is well thought out so I see no need to add to that regard. Just read this one, you won’t regret it!
The narrator has good differentiations, pace, and was fun to listen to.
July 4, 2023
Just meh
The character development is beyond glacial. I made it to 90%, and I feel no regrets abandoning this series. The MC is a nice guy, but magically he's weak and learned almost nothing. Every other character is the same. Most of them spend the entire book learning one spell.
One thing I found incongruous and I am not about to re-read to figure it out was the attack on the castle. Where was the ladder? Inner or outer wall? Only sounded like one wall during the attack.
I was very disappointed in how the book developed, and I can count on one hand the number of series I've stopped in the first book.
The character development is beyond glacial. I made it to 90%, and I feel no regrets abandoning this series. The MC is a nice guy, but magically he's weak and learned almost nothing. Every other character is the same. Most of them spend the entire book learning one spell.
One thing I found incongruous and I am not about to re-read to figure it out was the attack on the castle. Where was the ladder? Inner or outer wall? Only sounded like one wall during the attack.
I was very disappointed in how the book developed, and I can count on one hand the number of series I've stopped in the first book.
April 27, 2020
Well written but incomprehensible
I right very few of these. I unfortunately only made it halfway through. It is well written and edited. Unfortunately very difficult to follow. The MC never knows what’s going on, the other characters are two dimensional tropes. This is apparently supposed to be a growth story, however too hard to suspend belief. For example an instructor who only screams that they are stupid and weak, no actual teaching. Sorry just can’t get into a story that both bores and confuses me at the same time.
I right very few of these. I unfortunately only made it halfway through. It is well written and edited. Unfortunately very difficult to follow. The MC never knows what’s going on, the other characters are two dimensional tropes. This is apparently supposed to be a growth story, however too hard to suspend belief. For example an instructor who only screams that they are stupid and weak, no actual teaching. Sorry just can’t get into a story that both bores and confuses me at the same time.
November 8, 2020
Interesting Slow-Starter
Although a slow-starter, and a bit stiff, this book ends up being a nice first book in the series and sets the stage for further magic, mayhem, and action. I do enjoy how clueless the MC is, because it feels correct considering his background. He also has to struggle to learn, and all the other characters have their issues and flaws as well. Initially that’s a bit confusing, but again it ends up giving them all pretty good depth. I’ll be looking forward to the next book. Recommended (12+).
Although a slow-starter, and a bit stiff, this book ends up being a nice first book in the series and sets the stage for further magic, mayhem, and action. I do enjoy how clueless the MC is, because it feels correct considering his background. He also has to struggle to learn, and all the other characters have their issues and flaws as well. Initially that’s a bit confusing, but again it ends up giving them all pretty good depth. I’ll be looking forward to the next book. Recommended (12+).
April 28, 2021
A decent read, with an unusually self-aware protagonist and a set of appropriately flawed but still interesting companions.
A handful of youngsters, in their late teens, secretly recruited by a king and tasked with developing enough magic power to defend the kingdom against a looming invasion. This story had unique elements and some very interesting developments.
On the 'con' side, there's a bit of mary-sue going on with more than one of the characters--too much comes too easily.
Still, I did enjoy the series. A nice, light read.
A handful of youngsters, in their late teens, secretly recruited by a king and tasked with developing enough magic power to defend the kingdom against a looming invasion. This story had unique elements and some very interesting developments.
On the 'con' side, there's a bit of mary-sue going on with more than one of the characters--too much comes too easily.
Still, I did enjoy the series. A nice, light read.
August 2, 2021
I wanted to read this for a time, but never picked it up, and now I forgot the reason why I ignored it. I hope I don't regret this.
This wasn't too bad. The author used musical theory to make magic, I found that a little amusing. There wasn't anything eye catching or crazy that I haven't seen before (I'm jaded after reading hundreds of similar books), but the story was entertaining, and the characters had depth.
I will probably pick up the sequel sometime in the future.
3/5 Stars
This wasn't too bad. The author used musical theory to make magic, I found that a little amusing. There wasn't anything eye catching or crazy that I haven't seen before (I'm jaded after reading hundreds of similar books), but the story was entertaining, and the characters had depth.
I will probably pick up the sequel sometime in the future.
3/5 Stars
March 21, 2024
I liked it well enough. I listend to the audio, and the narrator was good, perhaps that improved it.
The writing is not great. A lot of it is obvious, and another reviewer said the characters are thin, and this is true. I listed to all 5 books in the series and it could be condensed to one novel, rather than five, I think. A lot of the stuff is just filler and unnecessary. It reads like a teen fantrasy, where the main character gets everything they want. It's not deep, it doesn't do anything new, but I still thought it was ok.
The writing is not great. A lot of it is obvious, and another reviewer said the characters are thin, and this is true. I listed to all 5 books in the series and it could be condensed to one novel, rather than five, I think. A lot of the stuff is just filler and unnecessary. It reads like a teen fantrasy, where the main character gets everything they want. It's not deep, it doesn't do anything new, but I still thought it was ok.
August 10, 2020
Ouch that was rough
The explanation of your magic system should have been provided as an appendix. That way those not interested would not be forced finally through all the tedious explanation. Freeing up all those pages would have allowed you to pace your story better. I almost felt like I had to force myself to keep reading at points. But I hung in there as I could see the hallmarks of a good story beneath it all. I am eager to see your story develop.
The explanation of your magic system should have been provided as an appendix. That way those not interested would not be forced finally through all the tedious explanation. Freeing up all those pages would have allowed you to pace your story better. I almost felt like I had to force myself to keep reading at points. But I hung in there as I could see the hallmarks of a good story beneath it all. I am eager to see your story develop.
September 14, 2020
I will purchase the second book
But I would not dare suggest that anyone else do so. It isn’t a poor story by any means. I found it to be very fun to read. The author’s use of incorrect words was easily overlooked. Just ignore them. There are many points of the plot that stick out.
If you want a cute story then read this. If you have a degree in business or history, stay away.
But I would not dare suggest that anyone else do so. It isn’t a poor story by any means. I found it to be very fun to read. The author’s use of incorrect words was easily overlooked. Just ignore them. There are many points of the plot that stick out.
If you want a cute story then read this. If you have a degree in business or history, stay away.
July 1, 2023
The first of five books in this series. Jon Oklar, a peasant dreams of being a great sorcerer, so starts his quest to learn magic. Picked as one of eight young people, he is trained under a man who Jon begins to realise is not very competent and does not really want the job. There is the old problem of good magic verses bad magic and a plot is uncovered to start a new war to wipe out the good guys. Not really a lot happens in the book but it is well written and does keep us entertained.
September 14, 2023
Really enjoyable example of the sword & sorcery genre. The world of John Oklar seems a little small at times because the world building is minimalist but that does make it more approachable than it might otherwise be. The characters, including our protagonist, are likeable and each have their quirks that make them read more 'real. The story unfolds at a good pace and is straitforward but compelling.
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