What do you think?
Rate this book
World's First Wizard #1
Witchmarked
At what cost victory?
Milo Volkohne, orphan, criminal, conscript, and unwilling warlock could tell you but you might not like the answer.
It is 1936 and the Great War still rages on, with no armistice in 1918 when the Russian Empire crumbled in the fire and blood of stillborn revolution.
The hellish no man's land has spread like a blight over Europe as grim, unyielding leaders promise a resolve of iron and no mercy, no peace, no hope.
It would take a miracle to save humanity, but as Milo would tell you: be careful what you wish for.
Plunging into a world of sorcery, treachery, and madness the world’s first wizard will bargain with monsters, human or otherwise, fight for his life, and dare to hope that he’s selling his soul for something worthwhile.
But is any price too high to end the War to end all Wars?
Milo Volkohne, orphan, criminal, conscript, and unwilling warlock could tell you but you might not like the answer.
It is 1936 and the Great War still rages on, with no armistice in 1918 when the Russian Empire crumbled in the fire and blood of stillborn revolution.
The hellish no man's land has spread like a blight over Europe as grim, unyielding leaders promise a resolve of iron and no mercy, no peace, no hope.
It would take a miracle to save humanity, but as Milo would tell you: be careful what you wish for.
Plunging into a world of sorcery, treachery, and madness the world’s first wizard will bargain with monsters, human or otherwise, fight for his life, and dare to hope that he’s selling his soul for something worthwhile.
But is any price too high to end the War to end all Wars?
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2020
367 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Aaron D. Schneider
36 books16 followersAaron was born to parents who taught him two very important things: truth matters and imagination is not a crime.
Our protagonist has spent the rest of his life trying to live out those two maxims, much to the chagrin of every unfortunate around him (progenitors included).
As such, by age six or seven, he was writing stories about a dark, reptilian avenger who brought final, painful justice to the guilty- with unsettling illustrations to boot. His beloved and benighted parents realized that budding sociopathy would simply not do, and so they began introducing him to tales of great and good heroes. First the account of a certain carpenter, then a hairy-footed burglar, then a savior lion, and after that point our protagonist was plunging face first and arms out into a world of heroism both real and imagined. While far from a hero himself, he has endeavored to try and capture that same bowed but unbroken spirit that dwells in a dark and ugly world, because that as far as he can tell is what makes it all worth while.
Along this rambling, dreaming way he managed to find a woman he could bamboozle into loving him, and then even have children with, Lord have mercy on them all.
Now Aaron has managed to cram no few exciting jobs and hair-raising experiences into his life so far, and God help him, he hopes for many more. It is these that drive his captured glimpses of something epic. If you have the time you should pull up a chair, grab a beer, light a pipe, or whatever your pre-literary consumption ritual may be and give them a look. It's been said they are truly monstrous, but as any true hero knows, monsters often guard treasure.
Our protagonist has spent the rest of his life trying to live out those two maxims, much to the chagrin of every unfortunate around him (progenitors included).
As such, by age six or seven, he was writing stories about a dark, reptilian avenger who brought final, painful justice to the guilty- with unsettling illustrations to boot. His beloved and benighted parents realized that budding sociopathy would simply not do, and so they began introducing him to tales of great and good heroes. First the account of a certain carpenter, then a hairy-footed burglar, then a savior lion, and after that point our protagonist was plunging face first and arms out into a world of heroism both real and imagined. While far from a hero himself, he has endeavored to try and capture that same bowed but unbroken spirit that dwells in a dark and ugly world, because that as far as he can tell is what makes it all worth while.
Along this rambling, dreaming way he managed to find a woman he could bamboozle into loving him, and then even have children with, Lord have mercy on them all.
Now Aaron has managed to cram no few exciting jobs and hair-raising experiences into his life so far, and God help him, he hopes for many more. It is these that drive his captured glimpses of something epic. If you have the time you should pull up a chair, grab a beer, light a pipe, or whatever your pre-literary consumption ritual may be and give them a look. It's been said they are truly monstrous, but as any true hero knows, monsters often guard treasure.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 3, 2023
I didn’t like the MC at all. He whined and moaned the entire time and talk about self righteous. I don’t think I can push through the second book.
October 8, 2021
An alternate history, beautifully dark fantasy
I downloaded this book a while ago on a promotional deal. It is not something that would normally grab my eye but the cover was superb and whilst the ‘World’s First Wizard’ sounded a bit cliched as a series title and felt like a YA fantasy title (in my mind), reading the blurb and the subsequent ‘Look Inside’ that Amazon provides, convinced me this was a book worthy of my time because that is what reading a book is, an investment in time. I am very pleased to say it was worth every second of my investment.
First of all, this book is wonderfully and evocatively written. The execution of storytelling was top draw and the story itself was unlike anything I had read before. I have read steampunk and dark fantasy and a couple of alternate history tales before with varying results – this one sits at the top of the pile for me. I mention steampunk because it had a little flavour of that with the Zeppelin’s but other than that it is not a steampunk novel by any stretch. It is however very much dark fantasy set in an alternate history world.
The story is set in the 1930s where the war to end all wars is still raging and sucking more of the world into the conflict so that it no longer encompasses just Europe. It is told from the German side of the lines which is a refreshing twist in itself since history has a way of glorifying the victors and painting the losers as being somehow morally bankrupt or bad. That may well be the case but things are never all black or all white, more a dire-grey when it comes to war and the men and women on the front lines that fight them.
The world’s first wizard is called Milo, only he doesn’t know it yet and this story tells the tale of his awakening if you like. I should warn that it is dark fantasy and it is not YA. There is no ‘Wingardium Leviosa’ wand waving, this is an altogether more earthy and darker magic. See, Milo is gifted but he has to learn from someone or something and that something is nothing human nor very palatable to us. He must learn alchemical necromancy. There is a lot of alchemy but alchemy that does not follow the rules of the natural world, more the supernatural. There is a lot of detail written covering this in the story so that the reader gets a real sense of how the magic is worked and how it is derived.
It is really interesting seeing the fantastical, underworld magics interacting with the real world and it occurred to me that as dreadful as this dark underworld was, humanity itself is pretty bloody grim and more than a match. There is irony and a lot of subtle undertones throughout the story that I picked up on and this made my reading all the more enjoyable.
I won’t say much more because I do not wish to give any spoilers away, but this is a story you should read if you like dark fantasy. The prose is artfully written, the story wonderfully plotted and our anti-hero very likeable (to me at least) and his side-kick. Even the nasties have a certain appeal to them….after a while.
This first instalment is a self-contained story but with a continuing narrative, meaning there are more adventures to be had with Milo. Books two and three are both out and available and this series is very much on my radar now.
I downloaded this book a while ago on a promotional deal. It is not something that would normally grab my eye but the cover was superb and whilst the ‘World’s First Wizard’ sounded a bit cliched as a series title and felt like a YA fantasy title (in my mind), reading the blurb and the subsequent ‘Look Inside’ that Amazon provides, convinced me this was a book worthy of my time because that is what reading a book is, an investment in time. I am very pleased to say it was worth every second of my investment.
First of all, this book is wonderfully and evocatively written. The execution of storytelling was top draw and the story itself was unlike anything I had read before. I have read steampunk and dark fantasy and a couple of alternate history tales before with varying results – this one sits at the top of the pile for me. I mention steampunk because it had a little flavour of that with the Zeppelin’s but other than that it is not a steampunk novel by any stretch. It is however very much dark fantasy set in an alternate history world.
The story is set in the 1930s where the war to end all wars is still raging and sucking more of the world into the conflict so that it no longer encompasses just Europe. It is told from the German side of the lines which is a refreshing twist in itself since history has a way of glorifying the victors and painting the losers as being somehow morally bankrupt or bad. That may well be the case but things are never all black or all white, more a dire-grey when it comes to war and the men and women on the front lines that fight them.
The world’s first wizard is called Milo, only he doesn’t know it yet and this story tells the tale of his awakening if you like. I should warn that it is dark fantasy and it is not YA. There is no ‘Wingardium Leviosa’ wand waving, this is an altogether more earthy and darker magic. See, Milo is gifted but he has to learn from someone or something and that something is nothing human nor very palatable to us. He must learn alchemical necromancy. There is a lot of alchemy but alchemy that does not follow the rules of the natural world, more the supernatural. There is a lot of detail written covering this in the story so that the reader gets a real sense of how the magic is worked and how it is derived.
It is really interesting seeing the fantastical, underworld magics interacting with the real world and it occurred to me that as dreadful as this dark underworld was, humanity itself is pretty bloody grim and more than a match. There is irony and a lot of subtle undertones throughout the story that I picked up on and this made my reading all the more enjoyable.
I won’t say much more because I do not wish to give any spoilers away, but this is a story you should read if you like dark fantasy. The prose is artfully written, the story wonderfully plotted and our anti-hero very likeable (to me at least) and his side-kick. Even the nasties have a certain appeal to them….after a while.
This first instalment is a self-contained story but with a continuing narrative, meaning there are more adventures to be had with Milo. Books two and three are both out and available and this series is very much on my radar now.
March 24, 2021
A good story about an unwilling Warlock learning his powers. Interesting setting in an alternate 1936 where WW1 is still raging on. Monsters well crafted and the action at the end well paced. A good read.
February 19, 2021
I forced my way through reading this book. The good, I liked most of the characters most of the time I was even sorry to see how things went for one character. As for the rest, this was just not enjoyable to me at all. There is a war, I couldn't figure out which war, was it just a fictional war. I couldn't follow who was fighting the war or who we wanted to win the war. There was military information and maneuvers. Then there was a fantasy world of magic, though the word witch was throw around a bit it was more sorcery type the witchcraft. I definitely expected more magic, more witch training and less war and military. There was a possible undercurrent of romance. It felt like the author had 4 or 5 story lines or plots and couldn't decide what to write so they just threw it all together in one book.
March 15, 2021
Morally questionable
I’m not sure why the authors felt that they should write their character from the point of view of a conscripted soldier fighting for the morally bankrupt Germans of WWI. Also, I’m pretty sure the fey wouldn’t have believed a German nationalist officer would be ‘worthy’ of being approached for an alliance, no matter how mentally well-prepared he was. I kept waiting for Milo to desert or defect but he never did. He certainly had the means to do either. But since he didn’t and it looks like Milo will continue to fight on the side of imperialism, nationalism, and militarism, then I’m afraid I refuse to read this series any further. All personal feelings aside, which ruined the book for me entirely, it got three stars for originality and highly competent prose.
I’m not sure why the authors felt that they should write their character from the point of view of a conscripted soldier fighting for the morally bankrupt Germans of WWI. Also, I’m pretty sure the fey wouldn’t have believed a German nationalist officer would be ‘worthy’ of being approached for an alliance, no matter how mentally well-prepared he was. I kept waiting for Milo to desert or defect but he never did. He certainly had the means to do either. But since he didn’t and it looks like Milo will continue to fight on the side of imperialism, nationalism, and militarism, then I’m afraid I refuse to read this series any further. All personal feelings aside, which ruined the book for me entirely, it got three stars for originality and highly competent prose.
July 8, 2025
I really didn't know what I was getting into with this book.
I knew I liked Aaron's writing style and, of course, he was partnering with Michael Anderle, so I decided to give it a go.
I am SO glad I did!
This story is quite dark, and it shows a side of humanity that always seems to come out when War is around (we have our own examples of just how dark that can be, which has been shown on our TV screens, on our phones, our Tablets, or whichever device we use most, that we've watched, most of us in horror and grief, for the last 21 months)!
What this story showed, was an alternate World, where World War One didn't end, as it eventually did for us. It also shows the first Human Wizard emerging, and how he is used, and uses others, in an attempt to shorten an already too long War.
The Wizard, an Orphan called Milo, enrolls into the Army and, for reasons not very clear, as yet, ends up treated as a criminal.
What he didn't know, though, is that he IS the World's first Wizard and, because of that, his Commanding Officer, in the German Army, finds a rather unorthodox way for him to be trained in Magic - through both the Fey, and other unworldly characters.
I started this story, not sure whether I could read it through, or manage to enjoy it, but Aaron's writing is superb, and he brings thoughts and ideas to the story that I've not come across in such a way before.
So much so, that I'd finished Book One, before I realised just how involved I'd become in it! So, I'm going straight into Book Two of this trilogy; 'Sorcerybound'!
As I'm very eager to continue this trilogy, I'll go straight on to read it - well, at the minute that I've finished this review, anyway!
So, once I get on with reading the next book, and finish that, too, I'll catch you on the flip side, where I can let you know just what happens next!
I knew I liked Aaron's writing style and, of course, he was partnering with Michael Anderle, so I decided to give it a go.
I am SO glad I did!
This story is quite dark, and it shows a side of humanity that always seems to come out when War is around (we have our own examples of just how dark that can be, which has been shown on our TV screens, on our phones, our Tablets, or whichever device we use most, that we've watched, most of us in horror and grief, for the last 21 months)!
What this story showed, was an alternate World, where World War One didn't end, as it eventually did for us. It also shows the first Human Wizard emerging, and how he is used, and uses others, in an attempt to shorten an already too long War.
The Wizard, an Orphan called Milo, enrolls into the Army and, for reasons not very clear, as yet, ends up treated as a criminal.
What he didn't know, though, is that he IS the World's first Wizard and, because of that, his Commanding Officer, in the German Army, finds a rather unorthodox way for him to be trained in Magic - through both the Fey, and other unworldly characters.
I started this story, not sure whether I could read it through, or manage to enjoy it, but Aaron's writing is superb, and he brings thoughts and ideas to the story that I've not come across in such a way before.
So much so, that I'd finished Book One, before I realised just how involved I'd become in it! So, I'm going straight into Book Two of this trilogy; 'Sorcerybound'!
As I'm very eager to continue this trilogy, I'll go straight on to read it - well, at the minute that I've finished this review, anyway!
So, once I get on with reading the next book, and finish that, too, I'll catch you on the flip side, where I can let you know just what happens next!
September 4, 2021
This concept had so much potential. Milo is an orphan conscipted in the axis army in 1936. It's an alternate Earth where WWl is still going, pretty much at a draw.
A group of German officers are experimenting, trying to find magic in a world that has none. Milo is tested and shows a spark. Since there are no humans who practice, he is to be sent to the "monsters" to train.
All that is well and good, but the MC who's pretty much been picked on his entire life after only a few lessons is extremely full of himself and casting spells that surprise his trainer. Mind you, this is in a world without any knowledge of magic and he just dives right in.
The MC is quite unlikable, but his bodyguard is quite the interesting character. I will continue reading only because I bought the complete set.
A group of German officers are experimenting, trying to find magic in a world that has none. Milo is tested and shows a spark. Since there are no humans who practice, he is to be sent to the "monsters" to train.
All that is well and good, but the MC who's pretty much been picked on his entire life after only a few lessons is extremely full of himself and casting spells that surprise his trainer. Mind you, this is in a world without any knowledge of magic and he just dives right in.
The MC is quite unlikable, but his bodyguard is quite the interesting character. I will continue reading only because I bought the complete set.
October 7, 2020
An interesting premise
What if World War I never ended, and just kept going? Well, I for one would not be here, because my Lithvac and Hungarian ancestors would never have had a child that met the child of my Puerto Rican ancestors, and hence no me. But more importantly, the Axis nations would STILL be trying to win. Enter a man, an orphan, not at all remarkable, except...he is the first HUMAN with the ability to do magic.
This story is fantastic. I found myself cheering on a cog in what is arguably the Nazi party, sort of. Miles' story is intriguing, and I am curious to know what Tarot card it is he is hiding.
What if World War I never ended, and just kept going? Well, I for one would not be here, because my Lithvac and Hungarian ancestors would never have had a child that met the child of my Puerto Rican ancestors, and hence no me. But more importantly, the Axis nations would STILL be trying to win. Enter a man, an orphan, not at all remarkable, except...he is the first HUMAN with the ability to do magic.
This story is fantastic. I found myself cheering on a cog in what is arguably the Nazi party, sort of. Miles' story is intriguing, and I am curious to know what Tarot card it is he is hiding.
November 17, 2020
A dark story in a dark land
Based during ww1, in the land of torment, Afghanistan... the world of men is in conflict. And the conflict is threatening to spill into the world of the others. Beings who dwell beneath the surface, using magic as men use the physical world, hating and fearful of men. These beings have reached out to men, seeking to form a mutual understanding. A conscript laborer/soldier of the Imperial German Army has shown the potential of becoming a mage. This is his story. A good read.
Based during ww1, in the land of torment, Afghanistan... the world of men is in conflict. And the conflict is threatening to spill into the world of the others. Beings who dwell beneath the surface, using magic as men use the physical world, hating and fearful of men. These beings have reached out to men, seeking to form a mutual understanding. A conscript laborer/soldier of the Imperial German Army has shown the potential of becoming a mage. This is his story. A good read.
November 23, 2020
I find myself hard pressed to like war stories, and this one was no exception. It had a good premise, but I don't think the author pulled it off well. It started out well enough, but after it hit the midpoint (or so), things just began to drag, events seemed random at times, and the main character didn't seem vested in his own progress, which was a bit surprising, considering that's the whole point of the story. If there are more in this series, I'll be giving them a pass, the storyline just doesn't interest me.
November 10, 2020
Another good series
This first book in the series is really good. Milo is learning to be a witch and finding out there is a lot he did not know about magic and a whole other world. Ambrose is his body guard and becomes his friend. The characters in this book are fun and there is plenty of action and surprises thrown in. I can't wait to read the next book to see where Milo and Ambrose wind up next.
This first book in the series is really good. Milo is learning to be a witch and finding out there is a lot he did not know about magic and a whole other world. Ambrose is his body guard and becomes his friend. The characters in this book are fun and there is plenty of action and surprises thrown in. I can't wait to read the next book to see where Milo and Ambrose wind up next.
December 28, 2020
A great alternative History of the War to End All Wars
Fabulous book that drew me in & captured my attention until the end! I enjoyed the way Milo was written as he could have been anyone & it was his Golden Ticket moment. He actually got an opportunity in his life, & Milo runs with it...come w NH at may. Simon Ambrose is a wonderful support character, with a protective spirit & a fierce loyalty.
If you like War novels, MilSyfy, paranormal activity, this is a book to read.
Fabulous book that drew me in & captured my attention until the end! I enjoyed the way Milo was written as he could have been anyone & it was his Golden Ticket moment. He actually got an opportunity in his life, & Milo runs with it...come w NH at may. Simon Ambrose is a wonderful support character, with a protective spirit & a fierce loyalty.
If you like War novels, MilSyfy, paranormal activity, this is a book to read.
June 22, 2022
Major points for a well-developed magic system inside a solid plot. Our wizard is an unwilling participant captured and enlisted into the Reich. Once he realizes the potential, Milo increasingly comes onboard, eagerly learning magic taught to him by an elder race relegated to myth by the humans occupying the world. The Ghul have their own reasons for cooperating with the training. Witchmarked is book one of a trilogy. Quick read with solid writing and good descriptions.
October 20, 2020
Awesome book!
What an awesome start to what will prove, I'm sure, to be an awesome series. Milo is the perfect hero, flawed but still with a heart of gold. Ambrose is the perfect bodyguard, stalwart and true. I can't wait to see what happens next! Keep churning out the awesome stories, guys!
What an awesome start to what will prove, I'm sure, to be an awesome series. Milo is the perfect hero, flawed but still with a heart of gold. Ambrose is the perfect bodyguard, stalwart and true. I can't wait to see what happens next! Keep churning out the awesome stories, guys!
June 10, 2021
Interesting first book in a series
This was a really interesting take on a first wizard kind of book. There was a lot of action, the characters are fun and you want to know more about them, and the filling in of the universe details is off to a good start. I recommend this book and look forward to the other books in the series.
This was a really interesting take on a first wizard kind of book. There was a lot of action, the characters are fun and you want to know more about them, and the filling in of the universe details is off to a good start. I recommend this book and look forward to the other books in the series.
October 5, 2020
Great
Alternate history is always so good. This story is doubly so. The Great War never ended and now the supernatural has come out to play. I didn't think there would be Nazis though. Book 2 please!
Alternate history is always so good. This story is doubly so. The Great War never ended and now the supernatural has come out to play. I didn't think there would be Nazis though. Book 2 please!
October 6, 2020
Surprised
This was a story I didn’t think I would like. An alternate history where WW1 goes on for decades & the hero a German criminal. But once I started I was drawn in to an exciting story & an a complex & strong likable hero. Don’t pSs this one up!
This was a story I didn’t think I would like. An alternate history where WW1 goes on for decades & the hero a German criminal. But once I started I was drawn in to an exciting story & an a complex & strong likable hero. Don’t pSs this one up!
October 8, 2020
Creepy Goodness!!
I'm not usually one for necromancer stories and this story almost isn't one...it's SO different!
I always trust Michael Anderle and it always pays off!!
Howard S
I'm not usually one for necromancer stories and this story almost isn't one...it's SO different!
I always trust Michael Anderle and it always pays off!!
Howard S
November 11, 2020
Enjoyed this. A bit uneven at times, but you always felt you were right there in the center of the action. I have book#2 on my to-read list. Will be nice to see how the main character Milo develops as this series continues. An interesting world concept and the magic could be awesome.
November 22, 2020
An alternative history with a sorcerous twist.
I really enjoyed the story of Milo and how he is introduced to the Folk. He is a great character and I'm looking forward to reading more about his adventures with Simon.
I really enjoyed the story of Milo and how he is introduced to the Folk. He is a great character and I'm looking forward to reading more about his adventures with Simon.
November 26, 2020
Great Read
Creative and action packed. I really liked the characters. I can't believe the Blob was incorporated into the story. At least that is how I interpreted the character. Looking forward to the next book.
Creative and action packed. I really liked the characters. I can't believe the Blob was incorporated into the story. At least that is how I interpreted the character. Looking forward to the next book.
December 8, 2020
Great story with detailed characters
A really good alternative history book, with a new and very interesting magic system. The characters are full bodied and fun to meet and I can't wait to see how Milo develops.
A really good alternative history book, with a new and very interesting magic system. The characters are full bodied and fun to meet and I can't wait to see how Milo develops.
December 30, 2020
Fantastical Read.
As Michael says in his authors notes, the prose in this book is simply breathtakingly beautiful, even though at times is very dark, surprisingly it's also uplifting. Please read this book, you won't be disappointed, it has been a pleasure to read, because it's different and not what you at first think it will be.
As Michael says in his authors notes, the prose in this book is simply breathtakingly beautiful, even though at times is very dark, surprisingly it's also uplifting. Please read this book, you won't be disappointed, it has been a pleasure to read, because it's different and not what you at first think it will be.
January 15, 2021
Great Book!
This book brought a wonderful, eye-drawing, dark twist to magic and the world that is rarely seen. I couldn't put the book down. I look forward the the next in the series.
This book brought a wonderful, eye-drawing, dark twist to magic and the world that is rarely seen. I couldn't put the book down. I look forward the the next in the series.
February 3, 2021
A kwirky twist on alternate history
Magic is not real. Nightmares do not become solid. Yet if it were and if they did and if they had done so during The Great War, then this might have been history not a novel.
Magic is not real. Nightmares do not become solid. Yet if it were and if they did and if they had done so during The Great War, then this might have been history not a novel.
February 6, 2021
Excellent
This is a very exciting new concept for a behind the scenes anti-hero hero and I am enjoying this very much. I appreciate that the author does not use childish vulgar slang cursing such as Anderle does.
This is a very exciting new concept for a behind the scenes anti-hero hero and I am enjoying this very much. I appreciate that the author does not use childish vulgar slang cursing such as Anderle does.
October 10, 2020
Not my usual style
Typically I'd not be interested in this venue but as reading preview chapters I found myself drawn in and unable to walk away. It was well worth the read.
Typically I'd not be interested in this venue but as reading preview chapters I found myself drawn in and unable to walk away. It was well worth the read.
November 5, 2020
Weird by a good first book in the series can't wait to see where they go.
February 21, 2021
Great first book
Milo is found to be the first wizard and is sent to learn magic. Ambrose is his bodyguard and friend. Who can he trust?
Milo is found to be the first wizard and is sent to learn magic. Ambrose is his bodyguard and friend. Who can he trust?
March 23, 2021
Interesting take on the alternate universe history. I also enjoyed how the different magic had different function and mechanism of action. Overall a fun read with a interesting take on WW2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews