The Cunning Man

The Cunning Man #1

by Christopher G. Nuttall

Adam of Beneficence wanted to be a magician, and even undertook a magical apprenticeship, but there isn't a single spark of magic in his entire body. In desperation, his master arranged for him to study at Heart's Eye University, a former school of magic that has become a university, a place where magicians and mundanes can work to combine their talents and forge the future together.

But all is not well at Heart's Eye. The magical and mundane apprentices resent and fear each other, the teaching staff is unsure how to shape the university and, outside, powerful forces are gathering to snuff out the future before it can take shape. As Adam starts his new apprenticeship, and stumbles across a secret that could reshape the world, he finds himself drawn into a deadly plot that could destroy the university ..

... And leave Lady Emily's legacy in flaming ruins.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic

503 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2021

Reviews

[Pat Dailey]

Cunning man

I love the Stuck in magic and The cunning man off shoots of the Emily universe. They are a brilliant breath of fresh air. They continue the thing I most love about your writings (I've read very thing you have written), you are constantly trying to explore the nature of magic. What it is and what it isn't. Also the change to the viewpoint of the mundaines is very refreshing.

If I had a vote the magic line of stories beats the space opera stories everytime. OK, I do love them, but magic is more intellectually interesting.

[Jared McIntyre]

a great addition

This book provides a different perspective and insights into the nameless world that can’t be ignored by those who love this series. And although our favorite character Emily isn’t in this book. We get to see what so many people think about her. And what her motives are. It’s very apparent that she’s something to everyone. If you love the SIM universe then you must pick up this book!!

[Eva Pontious]

New series in Emily's world

He has done it again! This series is best read after the original schooled in magic series. The plot essentially stands alone, but depends on details brought out in the other series and, if read alone, would give a lot of spoilers to the original series. Like the original series, violence is not detailed. There is basically no sexual content in this book ..kissing and some discussion of threats to women (not graphic by any means).

[Ruby Ridge]

Took a while for the book to really take off for me, I found Adam to be rather weak and easily lead, though Lilith is an awesome character and I hope to see more of her in the future (even with Adam, as she brings out the best in him).
While the book has a slow buildup the ending is nothing short of explosive and once it kicks off I defy you to put it down.
Once again shows why Christopher Nuttall is one of my favorite authors

[B loves books]

This is a story about a guy with an extremely unhealthy sexual relationship towards women, or a story about misogyny. Constantly horny, i didn’t need to know what is going inside the mind of a man. He did something nice for her, but if she knew what he was thinking throughout the book.
It was also trying to be a story about how the most powerful magician is the one who never had his own magic? It was a murder mystery. Honestly the plot was all over the place.

[Tom]

Excellent Exploration difficult circumstances

I don't give anything but Hugo/Nebula award winners 5 stars.
How would a very bright, creative mundane in a world of magic and very earth like physics get ahead? Go to college :)
This does a good job of telling another story from another POV about the SiM world.
Enjoy!!!

[William R. Ellis]

Goatfoot

Again, another brilliant novel that investigates the turmoil we are experiencing in our World by showing how man falls into problems in the magical world . The weaknesses men and women have and our willingness to believe what we want be true; is mirrored in this story. It is also well written and entertaining. It makes you look forward to the next story.

[Lee S.]

Cunning Man

Another look into a different side of Christopher Nuttall School of Magic universe. I like that he thinks in real world terms of human development and change. The conquests of social change in everyday life. Even his Afterwards are thought provoking. I hope this series continues and develops.

[Eelco Slierendrecht]

The Cunning Man is apparently a spin-off of the "Schooled in Magic" series. Not having read those books I cannot judge it in relation to that series, I have however read his "The Zero Enigma" series and cannot help but feel like Nuttall is reusing and, more damning, simplifying themes and motives from that series. As a stand alone book however it makes for a enjoyable read.

[Wildwind]

Another awesome Nameless World story

This is in the same realm as Schooled as Magic, and Stuck in Magic. Main character is a Mundane trying to apprentice an Alchemist, hijinx in line with the other Nuttall books ensue.

[Patrick A Terpening]

I didn't see that coming

This is a great start on a parallel series to SIM. I found myself comparing with zero a time or two. Enjoyed the story following a mundane research ways to craft magic at Heartseye University.

[Jay Wettlaufer]

Another great read

I enjoy all of Chris’ books. They are all well written and based on a believable plot. Well worth the time.

[karl audsley]

fantastical

Absolutely love the schooled in magic series. Would recommend to any one and every one. Can’t wait for more books from this world.

[Antoinette]

Great story I love it

[Mark Sprowles]

As always, a good read!

Mr. Nuttall always provides hours of entertainment with each book. I cannot recommend his works highly enough! Read and enjoy!

[Daniele Ellis]

Another reason I like his writing

The characters in this world are well done and grab my attention. As a spin-off, this book was pretty good.
I'm hoping for more to come.

[Timothy Locke]

I also prefer Mr Nuttall's magic series to the space operas. I have ben waiting for more on Hearts Eye/Ease since Emily relit it. I hope he keeps on with the whole sage of the Nameless World.

[Matthew Dolan]

Another great installment

I really liked this book. It’s a good look at how the mundane and magic worlds think differently. Can’t wait for the next installment!

[Ray Knighton]

Very good!

Great story line with lots of action and suspense. Even better with a major twist in the story line Evetything Changes!!

[LinHigley]

Fun read

A bit targeted to teens but good solid plot. At that age hormones and soul twisting hesitation is a painful mix but they work it out.