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The Magic of Zdrell #1
The Apprentice to Zdrell
He's young, but he's the only one who can learn the lost magic to save the world Twelve hundred years ago, the demons and their allies destroyed the last zdrell master, the only kind of wizard who could challenge their mastery of the world.
Master Silurian, though not a zdrell master himself, has been fighting demon magic all his considerable life and hoping against hope that a new zdrell master would enter the world.
As the demons and their wizards are nearly ready take over the continent and cement their hold over the entire human race, Jonny is discovered by Silurian, a boy, who untutored is able to manipulate magic like the zdrell masters of old.
Can Jonny learn and Silurian train this boy while keeping him alive long enough for him to become a new zdrell master before the demons sweep the continent and gain control of the entire world?
Master Silurian, though not a zdrell master himself, has been fighting demon magic all his considerable life and hoping against hope that a new zdrell master would enter the world.
As the demons and their wizards are nearly ready take over the continent and cement their hold over the entire human race, Jonny is discovered by Silurian, a boy, who untutored is able to manipulate magic like the zdrell masters of old.
Can Jonny learn and Silurian train this boy while keeping him alive long enough for him to become a new zdrell master before the demons sweep the continent and gain control of the entire world?
- GenresFantasy
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2020
274 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 5, 2019
This was a highly entertaining read. It’s well written, well paced with great characters and good storyline. Now, I’m patiently waiting for the next installment.
July 20, 2020
Magic
In the author's biography at the end of this story is a short comment that he watched Star Trek TOS. That made me think: What is the difference between science and magic? Not much more than understanding, which The Apprentice illustrates. In my world, there are some men and women who are able to grasp concepts that seem much like magic to me and perhaps most of us. Warp drives, teleporters, and food replicators are a good example of the "magic" in Star Trek. What was commonplace in Star Trek would be considered demonic or witchcraft not too long ago, as would radio, electricity, microwaves, computers, cell phones and such that are commonplace to most of us today. The Apprentice does a great job of SLOWLY walking the reader through the learning process as seen through the eyes of a young boy growing into manhood and creates a firm foundation for future adventures. There are demons, magic, spells, and force fields. I was surprised that dragons did not appear. Perhaps they will?!
In the author's biography at the end of this story is a short comment that he watched Star Trek TOS. That made me think: What is the difference between science and magic? Not much more than understanding, which The Apprentice illustrates. In my world, there are some men and women who are able to grasp concepts that seem much like magic to me and perhaps most of us. Warp drives, teleporters, and food replicators are a good example of the "magic" in Star Trek. What was commonplace in Star Trek would be considered demonic or witchcraft not too long ago, as would radio, electricity, microwaves, computers, cell phones and such that are commonplace to most of us today. The Apprentice does a great job of SLOWLY walking the reader through the learning process as seen through the eyes of a young boy growing into manhood and creates a firm foundation for future adventures. There are demons, magic, spells, and force fields. I was surprised that dragons did not appear. Perhaps they will?!
November 24, 2018
Fun New Magic For Those Feeling A Lack
This book engaged me so well I could not help but pick it up and keep reading between classes, on the bus, or sitting down to relieve myself. This is a new author and I was curious as to how his writing style would be. David's writing style is not one to lollygag on long descriptions. He delves right into the plot and dialog keeping you entranced with the story.
As a fantasy read, the book is filled with magic. The thing I love about this book is the author's new approach to magic. The magic doesn't seem to come from nowhere. There is a physics behind it and it makes it seem believable. There is enough magic to be magical, but consistent to itself to where it seems that this is how magic should be.
Overall, I highly recommend this book! I cannot wait for him to finish the second book in the trilogy.
This book engaged me so well I could not help but pick it up and keep reading between classes, on the bus, or sitting down to relieve myself. This is a new author and I was curious as to how his writing style would be. David's writing style is not one to lollygag on long descriptions. He delves right into the plot and dialog keeping you entranced with the story.
As a fantasy read, the book is filled with magic. The thing I love about this book is the author's new approach to magic. The magic doesn't seem to come from nowhere. There is a physics behind it and it makes it seem believable. There is enough magic to be magical, but consistent to itself to where it seems that this is how magic should be.
Overall, I highly recommend this book! I cannot wait for him to finish the second book in the trilogy.
February 11, 2019
A little predictable, but has some unique qualities
It started out kind of slow and predictable to me. However, I found that the more I read, the more interested in Jonny I became. The outcome was still predictable, but the uniqueness of the magic systems were intriguing. Could of given a little more detail of the different systems, but that is something that may be explored in other books. All in all a good read. Worth a few hours of reading.
It started out kind of slow and predictable to me. However, I found that the more I read, the more interested in Jonny I became. The outcome was still predictable, but the uniqueness of the magic systems were intriguing. Could of given a little more detail of the different systems, but that is something that may be explored in other books. All in all a good read. Worth a few hours of reading.
February 5, 2019
Grear read
Enjoyed this book very much, the story stayed with the main character, good vs evil was well defined as were the characters, the hero was naive without being ignorant or foolish, and no harem stuff going on that is so prevalent in books lately, can't wait for the next book.
Enjoyed this book very much, the story stayed with the main character, good vs evil was well defined as were the characters, the hero was naive without being ignorant or foolish, and no harem stuff going on that is so prevalent in books lately, can't wait for the next book.
December 14, 2018
Surprisingly good
Don't let the cover scare you away. This is an entertaining fantasy story. The plot is very typical but moved quickly and kept me engaged. Looking forward to the next volume in the story.
Don't let the cover scare you away. This is an entertaining fantasy story. The plot is very typical but moved quickly and kept me engaged. Looking forward to the next volume in the story.
December 15, 2018
It's a great book from start to finish. I like how he started with nothing and ends with all the tools and knowledge he needs.
There aren't very many people who can right a good book with mages and demons in it. I like that it's interesting all the way through.
There aren't very many people who can right a good book with mages and demons in it. I like that it's interesting all the way through.
December 18, 2018
Good book
Slow at times..but got better very interesting story ..the main character seamed to be a wimpy boy but grew up to be someone worth reading about..if you can get through the slow parts its worth reading.Hope there is a second!!!
Slow at times..but got better very interesting story ..the main character seamed to be a wimpy boy but grew up to be someone worth reading about..if you can get through the slow parts its worth reading.Hope there is a second!!!
March 13, 2020
Great book
I really enjoyed this book. I could hardly put it down. The plot flowed along nicely and the main character was easy to relate to. I am super excited about the next book.
I really enjoyed this book. I could hardly put it down. The plot flowed along nicely and the main character was easy to relate to. I am super excited about the next book.
March 31, 2020
You are a journeyman jeweler and arms smith,
The castle still felt like home, even if many of the faces had changed. Jonny went to Feldor’s office to find out where The Master was only to find that he was in the study where he had told Jonny to meet him the night previous.
The castle still felt like home, even if many of the faces had changed. Jonny went to Feldor’s office to find out where The Master was only to find that he was in the study where he had told Jonny to meet him the night previous.
April 1, 2020
Magic of zdrell
I enjoyed reading this book it seemed fast paced with many great characters. It was a page turner for me and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I enjoyed reading this book it seemed fast paced with many great characters. It was a page turner for me and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
June 14, 2020
No sleep required
I started reading this book a few days ago. Just jumping through all the books on offer with my kindle subscription. Like so man6 they were about space fights and battles and they never intrigued me until I opened this book and started reading.
Two days later and the lack of sleep made me a follower and fan airing for the next book in the series. As I am writing this review I am wondering if there is a follow-up to the story that I just read.
Got to go. Hope there is a sequel.
I started reading this book a few days ago. Just jumping through all the books on offer with my kindle subscription. Like so man6 they were about space fights and battles and they never intrigued me until I opened this book and started reading.
Two days later and the lack of sleep made me a follower and fan airing for the next book in the series. As I am writing this review I am wondering if there is a follow-up to the story that I just read.
Got to go. Hope there is a sequel.
June 26, 2020
A great start!
This is a fantastic beginning of a new series. I really enjoyed how much depth the main characters were given. Far too often, authors tell instead of show a characters personality and only show their strengths, not their weaknesses. I look forward to the rest of this story!
This is a fantastic beginning of a new series. I really enjoyed how much depth the main characters were given. Far too often, authors tell instead of show a characters personality and only show their strengths, not their weaknesses. I look forward to the rest of this story!
April 4, 2020
Interesting read!
Good and very interesting book! Love books like this! Can't wait to read the next one in the series! 5 stars for sure!
Good and very interesting book! Love books like this! Can't wait to read the next one in the series! 5 stars for sure!
July 31, 2020
Great read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like wizards and great action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like wizards and great action.
January 28, 2020
Fantastic
From start to finish this book keeps you interested. You get to watch (Eril) grow. From a youth to a journeyman. Now for the next part.
From start to finish this book keeps you interested. You get to watch (Eril) grow. From a youth to a journeyman. Now for the next part.
March 24, 2019
Good read
I picked this up on a whim and then read it in a few short hours. Looking forward to book 2.
I picked this up on a whim and then read it in a few short hours. Looking forward to book 2.
July 19, 2020
Very fun read
This is a super good book. I didn't realize it was the author's first but an very impressed. I strongly recommend it.
This is a super good book. I didn't realize it was the author's first but an very impressed. I strongly recommend it.
August 2, 2019
Couldn’t put it down
I read this in one sitting and didn’t play any games, or read email, or Facebook . I liked the boy to Master story.
I read this in one sitting and didn’t play any games, or read email, or Facebook . I liked the boy to Master story.
January 13, 2020
Surprisingly good
January 9, 2020
I really enjoy books...
I really enjoy books that start as this one did.
That said, this book also had substance and a clearly defined system to the world, while leaving room for more to be added to the system.
I am looking forward to where this series goes from here.
I really enjoy books that start as this one did.
That said, this book also had substance and a clearly defined system to the world, while leaving room for more to be added to the system.
I am looking forward to where this series goes from here.
June 8, 2020
The Poverty of Wonder: a Plain Fiction definitely NOT a Fantasy
The apprentice to Zdelle is about poverty., but it is not just the poverty of the characters it is a poverty for the reader to experience. It's not a good experience. There is no meat, nothing much happens. There is no real magic other than mundane tricks. The world is largely beteft if magic. It's bereft of wonder and fantasical things like beasts or floating castles too. It's bereft of options as long as "Jonny" our MC is obedient, which to the reader's misfortune he is. I consider the first genuine error in the book to be giving the MC the magical name 'Jonny'. Its the least interesting, lamest name that I can imagine in a fantasy setting. It's symbolic of the book itself. Simply put it's boring. In the beginning, we are told he's a ward not a slave, but that's untrue. People are paid take in Wards. Jonny, on the other hand is bought twice. He is, and remains, a slave throughout the book. Not much wonder in slavery. 'Jonny' doesn't make a single choice on his own. He has no agency. To inhabit him as a reader is to feel stifled yourself. He's kept stupid and naive, which is boring because it means the reader is largely kept ignorant and naive. We learn almost nothing of the world he lives in. If indeed living the life of a puppet can be called living at all. Then the magic happens, the terrible greul that passes for magic. The author goes on at length for pages about how awesome and magical a coin trick is, contrary to how the reader feels, which is incredulity that after pages and pages this is all that we are going to get. The poverty of wonder. It's boring, Jonny doesn't learn magic, instead a fake magician tries to learn magic from him. He is told to figure things out on his own and after getting ordered to like the slave he is he obeys. This is the least magical world you could write that isn't Earth. The author wastes massive amounts of time in gossip about incredibly mundane things as if they were wonderous events: ten times longer than the description of the event. It's extremely tedious. Even the friendships are poor. The MC promises a kid that they'll be friends forever after knowing him for barely 24 hours, while knowing the kid keeps monstrosly important secrets from him. It was creepy. The talentless roommate is made to tag along during his "lessons" for no reason other than to keep the MC from being lonely. The real reason is so that there is a peanut gallery that can tell us how awesome boring 'event X' was ad nauseam. The "master magician" teaches him nothing. We learn nothing. The author fundamentally misses every key characteristic of fantasy with this book: no deep friendships or party, no fantastical world building, no wonderous magic or beasts, no heroes journey upon which one accomplishes great deeds. No gathering of inner strength or becoming someone stronger. No interesting or mysterious characters that are entertaining to behold. It's written plainly and the grammar isn't bad, but reading it is like trying to live life off water alone. Reading this book is like starving to death.
The apprentice to Zdelle is about poverty., but it is not just the poverty of the characters it is a poverty for the reader to experience. It's not a good experience. There is no meat, nothing much happens. There is no real magic other than mundane tricks. The world is largely beteft if magic. It's bereft of wonder and fantasical things like beasts or floating castles too. It's bereft of options as long as "Jonny" our MC is obedient, which to the reader's misfortune he is. I consider the first genuine error in the book to be giving the MC the magical name 'Jonny'. Its the least interesting, lamest name that I can imagine in a fantasy setting. It's symbolic of the book itself. Simply put it's boring. In the beginning, we are told he's a ward not a slave, but that's untrue. People are paid take in Wards. Jonny, on the other hand is bought twice. He is, and remains, a slave throughout the book. Not much wonder in slavery. 'Jonny' doesn't make a single choice on his own. He has no agency. To inhabit him as a reader is to feel stifled yourself. He's kept stupid and naive, which is boring because it means the reader is largely kept ignorant and naive. We learn almost nothing of the world he lives in. If indeed living the life of a puppet can be called living at all. Then the magic happens, the terrible greul that passes for magic. The author goes on at length for pages about how awesome and magical a coin trick is, contrary to how the reader feels, which is incredulity that after pages and pages this is all that we are going to get. The poverty of wonder. It's boring, Jonny doesn't learn magic, instead a fake magician tries to learn magic from him. He is told to figure things out on his own and after getting ordered to like the slave he is he obeys. This is the least magical world you could write that isn't Earth. The author wastes massive amounts of time in gossip about incredibly mundane things as if they were wonderous events: ten times longer than the description of the event. It's extremely tedious. Even the friendships are poor. The MC promises a kid that they'll be friends forever after knowing him for barely 24 hours, while knowing the kid keeps monstrosly important secrets from him. It was creepy. The talentless roommate is made to tag along during his "lessons" for no reason other than to keep the MC from being lonely. The real reason is so that there is a peanut gallery that can tell us how awesome boring 'event X' was ad nauseam. The "master magician" teaches him nothing. We learn nothing. The author fundamentally misses every key characteristic of fantasy with this book: no deep friendships or party, no fantastical world building, no wonderous magic or beasts, no heroes journey upon which one accomplishes great deeds. No gathering of inner strength or becoming someone stronger. No interesting or mysterious characters that are entertaining to behold. It's written plainly and the grammar isn't bad, but reading it is like trying to live life off water alone. Reading this book is like starving to death.
December 26, 2020
Very Good indeed
Great story, much off the premises we know and love,
But in a way that pleased my to no end, different enough to keep me enjoying until the end.
Congratulations to bennett
Great story, much off the premises we know and love,
But in a way that pleased my to no end, different enough to keep me enjoying until the end.
Congratulations to bennett
April 13, 2023
MC is the only apprentice that learns magic without sacrificing pain or life to demons.
I wont find a connection with the characters. the learning takes endless. "move a stone", "move a stone up and down" "move a stone sidewards"...
not for me.
I wont find a connection with the characters. the learning takes endless. "move a stone", "move a stone up and down" "move a stone sidewards"...
not for me.
June 19, 2019
Found it kind of slow an boring
October 11, 2021
Try as I might
Couldn't maintain focus on this one. There was nothing compelling and the characters were paper thin and lacked any real dimension. Did not finish after 45%
Couldn't maintain focus on this one. There was nothing compelling and the characters were paper thin and lacked any real dimension. Did not finish after 45%
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews