Orphan

The Key to Magic #1

by H. Jonas Rhynedahll

Mar is born into an age in which magic is a mathematical science, in which technology is simply another word for magic. To escape a world wide cataclysm created by sorcerers who cannot resist the lure of ultimate power, the infant is cast into a distant mundane future. In this powerless age, Magic has become nothing more than a despised fanatical religion and those who practice Magic are persecuted, hunted, and killed. In order to escape a destiny that magicians long dead have written for him, Mar must learn to use the inborn abilities that make him the last true master of magic. Orphan is the first book in the epic fantasy series, The Key to Magic.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic

305 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2010

Reviews

[Volpot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty good book.

A young thief teams up with a mysterious scavenger of old civilization relics when they discover something that turns their life upside down. In the process, the young thief encounters adventure, mysterious people who want to kill him, and a potential girl friend; not to mention discovering he may have a talent for magic.

The characters are well drawn, the writing proficient, and the story moves at a good pace. The world-building is also well done.

It seems this is book #1 of a planned 4 book series. As the first book, as expected there is some time spent on laying the ground work for the rest of the series. However, it isn't overdone. While the plot is more or less a "coming of age" plot, the actual story is really quite unique and interesting.

Definitely a good start to a promising series.

[Eric van der Toorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great; I especially like the character's development (I always like poor boys becoming heroes) The plot really gives me a feeling of logic, making me imagine myself as Mar. Mar's origins remain a mystery to me, that I would give anything to know. I like Telriy less, as she seems, to me, like a confused girl that's out of place. The interludes don't seem at the right places in the book to me, are they supposed to be random? Still, they are essential, but It would seem better after some event that relates more to them. I'm especially intrigued by the theory about magic, with flux and colors and that.

In my read, I it's almost nothing like the description and title, which aren't explained so well, from my point of view.
Overall, a very good book that you should read, if you like magic, epic books and good heroes.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

The edition I read, like its cover art, could use some polish, but the author has an engaging style that kept me interested and entertained. An eclectic mix of well trodden tropes and unconventional plotting kept it from predictability while it retained a familiar feel throughout. There's something of the feel of a juvenile power fantasy in the way the story unfolds, but so far it has not ridden to an intolerable level. Overall, the positive qualities handily outweigh the negatives, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I look forward to the sequel.

[Discfan2 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantasy novel that follows a couple of standard tropes. Good for all of that.

Mar is an orphan thief that joins up with an old scrapper (scavenger of the fallen civilization) and through some lucky breaks and inquisitiveness learns magic. The world building is a bit forced in places, but does go to establish how all encompassing magic was in the previous civilization and what brought about the fall.

[Dennis Fahey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Badly written YA book

Badly written YA book

not worth .99, many much better efforts available for that price. Even for free I dont think id recommend it. dull + improbable

[William Mayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

good read. good pacing. and finally a main character. that isn't wracked by guilt and all whiny. he is gifted and accepts it! that is a win right there.

[Lope Nieves · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank for hero that no is stupy and whinnny