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Raymond E. Feist's Magician: Apprentice #1
Magician: Apprentice Volume 1
Pug and Tomas are two kitchen boys in the castle of Crydee with big dreams of being soldiers. But when choosing day arrives and Pug fails to be chosen by the swordmaster as an apprentice along with Tomas, he finds himself instead under the tutelage of Kulgan, a master magician. Kulgan instructs Pug in the arts of the mystical path of magic and discovers that the boy has an amazing talent - provided that he can work his way past an unusual mental block that is holding back his true power. Things, however, are about to change forever when Pug and Tomas stumble across the shipwreck of a vessel bearing an army from another world - strange, olive-skinned men with armor and weaponry made of sharpened wood and hide, preparing to invade the world of Midkemia through a series of rifts in time and space in search of metal. The kingdom must be warned, for a war is about to begin. And Pug and Tomas will play their own unique role in the unfolding events - one will become a master who will make both worlds tremble at his power, and the other will become something almost otherworldly, one who can command even the dragons as his servants. The Riftwar begins here Collects Magician Apprentice #1-6.
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First published January 1, 1984
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About the author
Raymond E. Feist
252 books9,540 followersRaymond E. Feist was born Raymond E. Gonzales III, but took his adoptive step-father's surname when his mother remarried Felix E. Feist. He graduated with a B.A. in Communication Arts with Honors in 1977 from the University of California at San Diego. During that year Feist had some ideas for a novel about a boy who would be a magician. He wrote the novel two years later, and it was published in 1982 by Doubleday. Feist currently lives in San Diego with his children, where he collects fine wine, DVDs, and books on a variety of topics of personal interest: wine, biographies, history, and, especially, the history of American Professional Football.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
February 15, 2019
It won’t win any fuckin oscars but it does all right
May 14, 2014
This book was OK at best. Pretty sloppy writing, fantasy by numbers. Chosen one / coming of the age story where main characters can't do no wrong and everyone has infinite amounts patience for them - be it princes, mages, kings or dragons. There are five female characters in the book - one is Queen of elfs for one of the main characters to fall in love, second in a princess to fall in love with, third - mentioned princess maid / help lady, one of the main characters mom and lastly another 9 year old princess at the castle in Krondor. Great effort. But I guess it's a man
s world.
I remember reading it as a kid and it felt great, but now I you clearly see this a s a first book author ever wrote. It's painfully obvious, from fantasy tropes (city of Valinor, evil orcs, evil dark elves, dragons, magic weapons that give you superpowers), stumbling thru adolescent romance to black and white supporting characters without any depth to them. Run of the mill western fantasy.
If you enjoy reading about other people RPG campaigns - this is a decent but flawed effort, otherwise you could have been reading something else.
s world.
I remember reading it as a kid and it felt great, but now I you clearly see this a s a first book author ever wrote. It's painfully obvious, from fantasy tropes (city of Valinor, evil orcs, evil dark elves, dragons, magic weapons that give you superpowers), stumbling thru adolescent romance to black and white supporting characters without any depth to them. Run of the mill western fantasy.
If you enjoy reading about other people RPG campaigns - this is a decent but flawed effort, otherwise you could have been reading something else.
December 5, 2016
my rating 3.75
storyline has been built on a world named midkemia. on the far westerncoast of the human kingdom of Rillanon there is a province named crydee where a ritual is maintained that as per requirement they set a day of choosing. On which day 15 year old boys are chosen under few specific masters for apprenticeship. tomas and pug are two friends who were chosen as well. this is the beginning. (don't like to tell much about the story, better read it yourself if u feel like)
there are some other characters like the princes of crydee lyam and arutha and a wonderfully described princess named carline. so, few bits of romanticism will come at firsthand. there are elves and dwarves and bit of goblins as well. you will be introduced to a dragonlike creature named firedrake oh and there is dragon as well though not covering much of the story.
let me tell crisply what I liked and didn't like which may help you take the decision whether or when you will read this riftwar series.
dislikes first: too much description of the surroundings at few of the places. though for high fantasy description is of prime importance to get the reader oriented but in comparison to the specific plot building its too much.
only 5 female characters of which only 2 of them have important roles in story. its more like a man's world.
the main characters and the achievement of their power seemed too hasty and without meeting reader's passion about a hero.
It's really bothering that there is very insufficient description about the tsurani people who invaded.
Likes now: a new world of fantasy always attracts me :D
The dislikes I mentioned can be assumed to be eliminated soon in the consecutive books. (Not at all worried about that)
Few of the characters are really adorable.
The idea of another world from where the invaders came is intriguing.
This book is just the beginning of another cool fantasy series. Till now I don't think it's a must read but who are die hard fantasy lovers I'd like to recommend this series for them.
storyline has been built on a world named midkemia. on the far westerncoast of the human kingdom of Rillanon there is a province named crydee where a ritual is maintained that as per requirement they set a day of choosing. On which day 15 year old boys are chosen under few specific masters for apprenticeship. tomas and pug are two friends who were chosen as well. this is the beginning. (don't like to tell much about the story, better read it yourself if u feel like)
there are some other characters like the princes of crydee lyam and arutha and a wonderfully described princess named carline. so, few bits of romanticism will come at firsthand. there are elves and dwarves and bit of goblins as well. you will be introduced to a dragonlike creature named firedrake oh and there is dragon as well though not covering much of the story.
let me tell crisply what I liked and didn't like which may help you take the decision whether or when you will read this riftwar series.
dislikes first: too much description of the surroundings at few of the places. though for high fantasy description is of prime importance to get the reader oriented but in comparison to the specific plot building its too much.
only 5 female characters of which only 2 of them have important roles in story. its more like a man's world.
the main characters and the achievement of their power seemed too hasty and without meeting reader's passion about a hero.
It's really bothering that there is very insufficient description about the tsurani people who invaded.
Likes now: a new world of fantasy always attracts me :D
The dislikes I mentioned can be assumed to be eliminated soon in the consecutive books. (Not at all worried about that)
Few of the characters are really adorable.
The idea of another world from where the invaders came is intriguing.
This book is just the beginning of another cool fantasy series. Till now I don't think it's a must read but who are die hard fantasy lovers I'd like to recommend this series for them.
February 5, 2020
I'm currently reading this book and frankly i'm at the point that I just want to stop reading it all together and give it to a kid. The author has good intentions of creating this new world with a portal to another dimension and discovering this alien race. The book is about 480ish pages.. I'm currently on page 211 and so far the little amount of action this book could give has barely shown after half way through the book. It's titled the magician's apprentice, and so far Pug the main character (aka the magician apprentice) has only managed to have two magic tricks up his sleeve. I thought the book not only would talk about pug's life, but have some magic action, hence the title, but so far after half way through a 400 page book, no magic from Pug other than the only two tricks mentioned. As for his Master Kulgan... no magic there either other than using magic to build fog in a forest.. which was mentioned until page 206 or so.. I purchased the book in the hopes of some more magic action in the book as the summary described or of how the title misleads for that matter, but nothing. I will continue to read the book to see if any more magic is mentioned at all through out the book and once done i'll make sure to come back and make yet another review of my thoughts.
May 16, 2021
One of my all time favourite books and also the book that solidified my interest in the Fantasy/Science Fiction genre of books.
I must have read through this book (and Magician: Master) atleast a dozen times so it really holds some nostalgic value for me.
When compared to some more hardcore Fantasy novels such as Wheel of Time, A Song of Fire and Ice, Stormlight Archive etc, this series is a bit more easier to get into as the story is more straightforward and has less characters to follow. There were less inter-woven plot points which makes it great for casual readers. The characters as well are quite interesting and its great to see them grow and change in subsequent books.
Therefore I would recommend this for those who are starting off their reading adverntures rather than the hardcore fantasy buffs!
I must have read through this book (and Magician: Master) atleast a dozen times so it really holds some nostalgic value for me.
When compared to some more hardcore Fantasy novels such as Wheel of Time, A Song of Fire and Ice, Stormlight Archive etc, this series is a bit more easier to get into as the story is more straightforward and has less characters to follow. There were less inter-woven plot points which makes it great for casual readers. The characters as well are quite interesting and its great to see them grow and change in subsequent books.
Therefore I would recommend this for those who are starting off their reading adverntures rather than the hardcore fantasy buffs!
March 1, 2015
Boooooooo.
May 10, 2020
The Graphic Novel of the adventures of Pug and Thomas.
March 1, 2017
Classic good/bad tale with orphan protagonist that overcomes odds to become ....
I ready plenty of fantasy books (TLOTR, The Belgariad etc) as a young teenager, and after a recent spate of Game of Thrones thought I'd visit this series that I overlooked a few decades ago. I probably would have liked it more then, but I see it has so many issues in writing style and story that sometimes I was a bit disappointed. Overall, it was OK - I will give the 2nd book a try and see if there is some growth in both the characters and author.
I ready plenty of fantasy books (TLOTR, The Belgariad etc) as a young teenager, and after a recent spate of Game of Thrones thought I'd visit this series that I overlooked a few decades ago. I probably would have liked it more then, but I see it has so many issues in writing style and story that sometimes I was a bit disappointed. Overall, it was OK - I will give the 2nd book a try and see if there is some growth in both the characters and author.
November 10, 2015
I remember the first time reading this. The book was passed down to me from a friend of mine. We were both in the Navy and in the process of going through electronics school. In my opinion a classic of the fantasy genre. The only downsize to this book and later the series is that it borrows to much material from other fantasy novels in order to make a lasting tale. Tolkien, Brooks, Donaldson.... their books can be seen through the riftwar saga as well.
February 25, 2020
This one is a 3.5 for me - I actually found I enjoyed it more in the beginning, and got a bit lost in the wackiness at the end. Might carry on with the series, but lots of other books to read first.
January 9, 2020
Someone recommended me this book and I was kind of afraid of reading it. “Another fantasy book”, I thought. The truth is that this book is very well written.
Just in the first part we have, maybe, a span of six years. Some chapters are days, weeks, months and even years after the previous one, which makes the action progress at a really good rhythm. The action also follows different characters, each one with a well defined personality, and different parts of the world. Several characters have a very particular humor and the drama put in some scenes feels real.
The change between perspectives sometimes has us thinking “and what about that character?”, but Feist’s way of writing the story quickly makes us forget about what’s happening in the other side of this fantastic world and focus solemnly on the new perspectives being thrown at us.
What we have here is a fast paced fantasy book, with lots of humor, lots of smart and strong characters that is, indeed, one of the best in it’s kind.
https://www.bookdepository.com/Magici...
Just in the first part we have, maybe, a span of six years. Some chapters are days, weeks, months and even years after the previous one, which makes the action progress at a really good rhythm. The action also follows different characters, each one with a well defined personality, and different parts of the world. Several characters have a very particular humor and the drama put in some scenes feels real.
The change between perspectives sometimes has us thinking “and what about that character?”, but Feist’s way of writing the story quickly makes us forget about what’s happening in the other side of this fantastic world and focus solemnly on the new perspectives being thrown at us.
What we have here is a fast paced fantasy book, with lots of humor, lots of smart and strong characters that is, indeed, one of the best in it’s kind.
https://www.bookdepository.com/Magici...
September 20, 2013
I'm coming to the conclusion that these graphic novel adaptations of important fantasy books don't really work for me. The detail of them often gets lost in the art, the stories becoming kind of diluted, and the format doesn't often lend itself to quality storytelling.
On the other hand, this made me want to read this series in its original form quite a bit. So it wasn't a complete loss, but given that it took me 10 days to want to finish this says quite a bit...
On the other hand, this made me want to read this series in its original form quite a bit. So it wasn't a complete loss, but given that it took me 10 days to want to finish this says quite a bit...
December 13, 2019
Feist is a master wordsmith, he captivated me slowly and completely while immersing me in a fantasy world. Great character development, ones who learn from their mistakes, friendship, love, understanding and family are some of the highlights. I see much of my own children sibling rivalries portrayed in the book along with my youngest feelings about frustration and boredom with subjects. I can't wait to find the third and fourth.
May 27, 2018
I finally finished this, after having it sitting around for years. It's ok. The formulas are pretty formulaic; the characters are so stereotyped it was hard to get past that. There are a couple of interesting angles, especially what is happening with one of the characters, but there was nothing here to make me want to keep reading. I hear there are over twenty novels set in this world.
June 7, 2019
Raymond E Feist creates an extremely beautiful magical war. His books make feel right at home with familiar tropes told in his unique way. This is a classic fantasy novel, that is expertly written. The main characters are right up there with all other other legends. i highly recommend reading the entire Riftwar Saga
September 19, 2011
I read this series back in High School and enjoyed it then and plan on re reading it at some point ad Feist does an excellent job of character development and story involvement.
August 8, 2012
Yeah, I read it. But why bother when there is George RR Martin?
January 13, 2018
Great page turning story filled with rich mythical characters. My only complaint is that the book ends at the apex of the story 😡.
And now on the the continuation Magician Master 🙄
And now on the the continuation Magician Master 🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2020
This book is a very interesting book.Although i had found it a little slow at the beginning after a while the pace did start to pick up.
The main characters are Pug and Tomas who both aspire to be a swordsman at the start of the story The plot of the book is very good and it is one of the most intriguing and captivating book that I have ever read.
The main characters are Pug and Tomas who both aspire to be a swordsman at the start of the story The plot of the book is very good and it is one of the most intriguing and captivating book that I have ever read.
August 10, 2021
This is another disappointing read. It features at number 89 on the Big Read list and I've no idea how it got there. It's full of Lord of the Rings type themes, journeys, wars, elves, dwarves, and two maps at the beginning to help the reader navigate the world. I read the revised addition where the author indulged himself by putting back the editor's cuts. This made it a stonking 840 page read. I didn't mind the story so much and in the end I did care about the characters. The reason it is disappointing is the writing was sloppy and poor. I felt it could do with a good edit, but I suppose that's what the original editor thought as well.
January 23, 2021
+ high fantasy, love it
+ loveable characters
+ dragons
- too much politics for my taste
- al the girls are either cooks, princesses or helpless
- there are many moments I thought was a good end yet it dragged on
+ loveable characters
+ dragons
- too much politics for my taste
- al the girls are either cooks, princesses or helpless
- there are many moments I thought was a good end yet it dragged on
March 16, 2021
While not bad another book that was fantasy 101 more suited for somebody in middle school.
April 2, 2021
It was a 5 star once
July 18, 2023
4.0 stars
February 3, 2025
Band 1 der Midkemia Saga hat Spaß und Lust auf den Rest der Reihe gemacht.
August 24, 2025
Good.read, I found it slow.to get started but the was good. finished the next book, and starting the third. love a good series!
May 13, 2020
At 680 pages, this is the kind of book that's with you for the long haul. Such is the quality of Raymond E Feist's writing, however, that the pages turn quickly. The plot sounds basic - a coming of age story about a lad apprenticed to a magician - but it's actually very intricate. There are subplots involving a long war, a young fighter whose mind is literally drawn back to a bygone age, a clash of cultures, and, and, and... Suffice to say, there's plenty happening and it's a compelling read.
July 24, 2025
This is one of my favourite fantasy books. It’s very good, I haven’t read the rest of the series yet though.
April 11, 2020
Around 7.5 stars out of 10. Stars above are rounded off.
We got a chance to listen to an audiobook [Magician] containing first two books of Magician series]
[Combined book review is available at: https://thinkerviews.com/books/englis... ]
We got a chance to listen to an audiobook [Magician] containing first two books of Magician series]
[Combined book review is available at: https://thinkerviews.com/books/englis... ]
May 17, 2017
First published in 1982, this weighty fantasy was inspired by a Dungeons and Dragons campaign, and the story lends heavily from Lord of the Rings. So, obvious, I’m completely in my element.
Some editions are edited as the story is very long, but I personally enjoyed the long scenes and character development. If you are a fan of fantasy then ‘Magician’ is in the canon, and is so for a reason.
There are a wealth of characters to keep each part of the plot interesting, although I was disappointed by a screaming lack of female characters. There is a fleeting glimpse of a Mother and two ongoing Love Interests but that is where the inclusion of women ends. It is a disappointing omission but one which the fantasy genre has started to makes amends on since the 1980s.
There is also a lot of fight-scenes. I mean a LOT of fight-scenes. But they are well written and as a seasoned D&D fan, pretty enthralling. If you enjoyed the second Hobbit film, the second LoTRs film, or any of GoT, then these fight scenes are for you.
Rating: 9/10 - for anyone who has read and enjoyed a fantasy book: fill that bath high and turn your phone off, you’re in for a treat!
Review by Vikki Heaven @ Escapology Reviews . Com
Some editions are edited as the story is very long, but I personally enjoyed the long scenes and character development. If you are a fan of fantasy then ‘Magician’ is in the canon, and is so for a reason.
There are a wealth of characters to keep each part of the plot interesting, although I was disappointed by a screaming lack of female characters. There is a fleeting glimpse of a Mother and two ongoing Love Interests but that is where the inclusion of women ends. It is a disappointing omission but one which the fantasy genre has started to makes amends on since the 1980s.
There is also a lot of fight-scenes. I mean a LOT of fight-scenes. But they are well written and as a seasoned D&D fan, pretty enthralling. If you enjoyed the second Hobbit film, the second LoTRs film, or any of GoT, then these fight scenes are for you.
Rating: 9/10 - for anyone who has read and enjoyed a fantasy book: fill that bath high and turn your phone off, you’re in for a treat!
Review by Vikki Heaven @ Escapology Reviews . Com
Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews