Magician

by Raymond E Feist
Magician cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Fantasy
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Format • £9.49
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 3614
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780525480044
  • Publisher: Spectra
  • Published: 2017-08-22
  • Formats: 7
  • Reviews: 4

Pug, an orphan, is taken under the wing of the master magician Kulgan to study in the forest on the shore of the Kingdom of the Isles. Though he wins a place at court and the heart of a princess, Pug's unconventional magic sets him apart from traditional wizardry. His journey takes a dramatic turn when dark beings from another world open a rift in spacetime, reigniting an ancient battle between Order and Chaos. Pug's strange magic becomes crucial in this cosmic struggle, promising to alter the destinies of two worlds forever. Praise for Magician: Apprentice includes accolades from The Washington Post Book World, Andre Norton, and The Dragon Magazine, highlighting its epic scope, fast-paced action, and vivid imagination. The novel is celebrated for its absorbing narrative and its potential to stand alongside the works of legendary authors like Tolkien.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-22
mediocre 2.50

The writing is bland and simple, lacking in scenery descriptions and character development. The dialogue is often annoying.

The reviewer found Feist's writing to be bland and simple, particularly noting a lack of scenery descriptions and character development. They also criticized the dialogue as being annoying at times. Despite these issues, the reviewer acknowledged that the book has its moments and can be enjoyable. The reviewer suggested that readers should approach the book with an open mind and not expect too much in terms of literary depth.

Quick quotes

    Feist`s writing is bland and simple for a big part.

    There is a lack of scenery descriptions and character development and the dialogue is just annoying at times.

    It’s not a bad book, but it’s not a great one either.

SFF Book Reviews · 2020-10-26
comforting 3.50

The writing style is enjoyable and the first half is engaging, but the second half feels less compelling. The book offers a strangely comforting yet somewhat backwards narrative.

The reviewer enjoyed the writing style and found the first half of the book very engaging, breezing through it quickly. However, they felt that the second half, which was new to them, was less compelling. They describe the book as strangely comforting, offering a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. The reviewer appreciates the comfort it provides but also notes that some aspects feel outdated or backwards. Overall, they found the book to be a mixed experience, with the first half being particularly strong.

Quick quotes

    I enjoyed the writing style and actually breezed through the first half of Magician very quickly

    It was the second half, the one that was new to me, that felt less compelling

    strangely comforting but also really backwards

Fantasy Hive · 2017-09-28
compelling 4.00

The story is hopeful and compelling, with a standout scene of arena destruction. The narrative, though rambling at times, holds a strong emotional core.

The reviewer found the story to be hopeful and compelling, with a particular highlight being the arena destruction scene. They mentioned that despite some rambling, the narrative has a strong emotional core that makes it engaging. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the characters and the world-building, even if the pacing isn't perfect. Overall, they found the book to be a worthwhile read with memorable moments that stay with the reader long after finishing it.

Quick quotes

    Amidst all the rambling lies a story that is hopeful and compelling

    one of my favourite scenes ever (two words: arena destruction)

    contains one of my favourite scenes ever

Fantasy Faction · 2014-09-28
enjoyable 4.50

The book is extremely enjoyable, offering both originality and familiar genre tropes. It sets the stage for a compelling series.

The reviewer found Magician to be an extremely enjoyable read, praising its blend of originality and familiar fantasy tropes. They appreciate how the book sets the stage for a compelling series, with well-developed characters and engaging storylines. The reviewer highlights the enjoyment derived from the narrative's ability to balance new ideas with classic elements of the genre. Overall, they recommend the book as a strong start to a beloved series.

Quick quotes

    Magician is an extremely enjoyable book, both original and providing many familiar (and welcome) tropes of the genre

    The rest of the books in the Riftwar Saga are just as good, if not better

    Magician is a book that not only stands the test of time but also introduces new readers to the wonderful world of Riftwar

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