The second part of Book One, which was first published in its original format in 1982 and then rewritten and expanded in 1992, is just as excellent as the first part and highly enjoyable.

I have a sneaky suspicion that it has served as an inspiration for some of the current generation of Fantasy writers. Indeed, when discussions about the best literary magicians take place, Pug sometimes appears on the list.

Originating from the weekly D&D sessions held during Raymond's college days, it, along with the Wild Card series and Malazan Tales series, draws its inspiration in this manner.

All things considered, it's not a bad tale for the 1980s/90s era. It has managed to stand the test of time and continues to captivate readers with its engaging story and memorable characters.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Fantasy or new to the genre, this book is definitely worth a read. It offers a unique and imaginative world that will transport you to another realm and keep you entertained from start to finish.

So, if you're looking for a great read, give the second part of Book One a try. You won't be disappointed.

\\n  4 STARs ★★★★✩\\n
\\n  

\\nThis book is for you if… you ever wondered what the mash up of classic science fiction and high fantasy would birth. Welcome to the Riftwar. Pro: extremely engaging, Con: you might end up enslaved to a people from another dimension.

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⤐ Overall.
In true Raymond fashion, we continue the Riftwar Saga with a grandeur and extravaganza that matches its beginning. The way he skillfully weaves together different storylines is truly fascinating. There is no disruption in the plot that would yank the reader around. Even though I was already aware of the rougher content from a previous read, it's safe to say that this book was well worth every single second of the many hours it took me to finish. It's like a magical journey that keeps pulling you in and won't let go.


What mainly occupied my mind while reading this book was the profound idea that one could become so deeply integrated into the society of a parallel dimension. Despite initially being held as a slave and then set free, the character sees himself as much a part of that society as the one he was abducted from. I was truly stunned to watch our favorite magician (after the famous Harry Potter, of course) shed his identity as Pug and transform into Milamber, a high-ranking wizard on Kelewan. However, this doesn't mean there isn't an identity struggle going on. Especially when Milamber comes into close contact with the aspirations of his new people, he realizes that he can't keep rooting for Kelewan. I really enjoyed this aspect of the plot as it made me think deeply about the concept of identity and belonging.


Now that I'm writing these lines, I see how my initial astonishment was perhaps a bit laughable and ignorant. What I was marvelling at is essentially the experience of many identities in the real world, both past and present. It's a humbling realization that privilege can sometimes blind us to the experiences of others.


⤐ What’s happening.

\\n  \\n    ‘You see, there are few objective limits. What they teach you is useful, but never accept the proposition that just because a solution satisfies a problem, that it must be the only solution.’\\n  \\n

I included this quote because it caught my attention, but it doesn't really have much to do with my summary. Which, by the way, is going to be horrible. The plots of \\n  Magician: Apprentice\\n and Magician: Master are basically all jumbled together in my mind, but oh well.


Pug has managed to find a rhythm in his new home, although it's punctuated by whiplashes and meager rations of food. When he gets the opportunity to climb the social ladder of his new people, he seizes it. He discovers that not all Tsurani are as war-driven and bloodthirsty as the group that advocated for the invasion of Midkemia. There might still be a chance to save his home and, thereby, return to it.

_____________________
4 STARS. Would stay up beyond my typical hours to finish it. I found some minor details I didn't like, agree with or that lacked in some way, but overall, this was an enjoyable and extraordinary read.

Oh what a remarkable read it is!!

I can firmly state that in all these years, no author has been able to outshine Raymond E Feist in my heart. He is truly unrivaled in my perspective.

The second book of Magician is simply spectacular. Pug, who has become the most powerful magician, yet still remains so humble and filled with love. Thomas, finally triumphing over the Valherus spirit and evolving into Thomas. Arutha is just amazing. And then, throughout the books, there is always this thread of romance, intertwined with the most epic fantasy adventure.

I am filled with a mix of sadness and elation to have completed this glorious book. If I could, I would毫不犹豫地 give it 10 stars. It has been an absolute pleasure to embark on this literary journey with Raymond E Feist.

His writing has the power to transport readers to a world filled with magic, adventure, and unforgettable characters. I cannot wait to explore more of his works and see where they will take me.

This wasn't bad, but I felt it dragged in the beginning.

The scale of the story continued to surprise me in a good way. However, there were certain aspects that bothered me.

Primarily, the way women are written, basically as an accessory to men.

For instance, when Pug/Milander is seeing the way the Rift formed, and all the magicians from EVERY universe are ALL men?

Are we really that narrow-minded, even when this book was written?

It seems rather limiting and one-sided.

The portrayal of women in this manner detracts from the overall depth and authenticity of the story.

It would have been nice to see more diverse and independent female characters.

Nonetheless, the story still has its merits and manages to engage the reader with its interesting plot and world-building.

Perhaps with a more inclusive approach to character development, it could have been an even better read.

This is the second book in the Riftwar Saga. It's a new author for me, but I've always been a big fan of fantasy novels. The first book, Magician: Apprentice, was just okay. However, this book, Magician: Master, is truly great. Just for the one scene where Pug, now known as Milamber, first unleashes his full magical powers, the book is worth recommending. Fortunately, the entire book is highly entertaining and extremely readable.

The synopsis is as follows: A rift has been opened between two worlds. In this book, Pug is a slave on Kelewan, the capital city of the Tsurani empire (the other world). He is discovered by one of the "Great Ones" to have magical talent and begins his training in the art of magic. Back in his own world (Midkemia), his friend Thomas is undergoing a mental and physical transformation while wearing the armor of the long-dead Velheru (the first race/Dragon Lords that ruled the world). The armor was never meant to be worn by humans. The storyline seamlessly weaves back and forth between the two worlds and the various characters, so you never feel "lost" or have to constantly re-read pages (which I really hate). There are many characters, but the writing follows them for a while, so you don't forget who they are. Thankfully, the book doesn't introduce a lot of named but unnecessary characters who are mentioned once and then never heard from again! The character names (in both worlds) are not complicated, making them easy to remember, which I really appreciate when reading fantasy.

After reading Magician: Master, I realized that the first book was focused on developing the characters, establishing the political climate, and setting the stage for the saga. "Master" has everything I love in a fantasy novel. Great characters, warriors, magic, interesting creatures and races, and exciting combat. If you weren't really thrilled with the first book, "Apprentice", I would highly recommend this second book. It's a solid 5+ stars.

For other highly readable fantasy authors, check out R. A. Salvatore's Icewind Dale Trilogy and Margaret Weis's Dragonlance series. The Dragonlance series is a classic, so be sure to read them in order, starting with Dragons of Autumn Twilight.

4.5 stars. This book is truly remarkable and almost deserving of a full 5 stars. However, there are some odd choices made in the beginning that slightly detract from its overall perfection. These initial decisions might have left some readers a bit puzzled or less engaged at the start. But despite this minor flaw, the book quickly picks up pace and offers a wealth of captivating content. The story unfolds in a way that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

4.5 stars. Some odd choices in the beginning are the only thing that held this book back from being a full 5 stars.

\\n  Watch my video review by clicking here.\\n

Magician: Master is the second half of a captivating story.

One could potentially read it without delving into the first book, yet it would hold far more significance with the knowledge of the first half.

(If you haven't perused the first one: Magician: Apprentice, be aware that there will be spoilers in my review for that book.)

I truly relished this book. It was a delight to return to Pug and witness the trials he had endured after being taken prisoner. His situation had not ameliorated since he was enslaved and compelled to labor in the jungle.

What initially appeared as misfortune took a turn and ultimately became a blessing. He found himself in places he could never have fathomed back in Midkemia when he was merely a boy.

Speaking of Midkemia, the war has been raging for numerous years, and both sides are under intense pressure. Arutha remains one of my favorite characters from this aspect of the story.

Overall, I felt that this second half concluded very effectively, yet it also left me eager to read more about this world and its inhabitants. Fortunately for me, I have a vast amount of reading ahead before I exhaust the books set in Midkemia and even several in Kelewan.

I found the book rather challenging to follow due to the countless and intricate names.

Perhaps it would have been more straightforward if I were reading it instead of listening.

As a result, it became quite confusing at times since I wasn't certain who was whom.

Nevertheless, the story was interesting enough and quite engaging.

The complexity of the names added an extra layer of difficulty to the overall experience.

It made it necessary for me to constantly refer back and try to remember who each character was.

Despite this, I was still drawn into the story and eager to find out what would happen next.

The engaging nature of the narrative compensated for the initial confusion caused by the names.

I'm looking forward to continuing to explore this book and seeing how the story unfolds.

Maybe with more exposure, I'll become more familiar with the names and be able to follow the plot more easily.

Overall, it's been an interesting read so far.

4/5; 4 stars; A-

I truly relished the characters and the adventure that this book had to offer. It appeared to be significantly more tightly woven than the first book in the series. I initially intended to read book three right away. However, upon further consideration, I have decided to switch to Daughter of the Empire. This will enable me to gain the perspective from Kelewan during the Riftwar.

The characters in this book were well-developed and engaging, each with their own unique personalities and motives. The adventure was filled with excitement and suspense, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The tighter plot structure added to the overall enjoyment of the story, making it a more immersive and satisfying read.

I'm looking forward to delving into Daughter of the Empire and seeing how the events of the Riftwar unfold from a different angle. I have a feeling that it will be just as captivating as this book and will provide a new and interesting perspective on the series.

**The Original Article**:

This is a short article. It is about something interesting. You might find it enjoyable to read.

**The Expanded Article**:

This is a rather short article that holds within it a certain charm.

It delves into a topic that is truly interesting.

The subject matter has the potential to captivate the reader's attention and engage their curiosity.

As you peruse through these lines, you might just find yourself pleasantly surprised.

The simplicity of the article does not detract from its appeal.

On the contrary, it makes it easily accessible and enjoyable to read.

So, take a moment, sit back, and embark on this literary journey.

You never know what interesting nuggets of information or ideas you might discover.

My rating combines both Apprentice and Master as it is essentially one book that is twice the length of books 2 and 3 of the trilogy, and someone chose to split it.

The split occurs at one of the numerous time skips. It wasn't a terrible place to split, but considering there were many smaller story arcs, the one the book ended on wasn't overly exciting.

When this book started, I was left wondering where and when we were. It was almost like beginning an entirely new book. I wasn't a fan of how the time skips were managed. They were mentioned in passing, and at times I'd be asking, "X years since which part of all this?"

It was acceptable for something in the 80s, meaning the women could have been more prominent and better developed, but it was still bearable. This part did seem to move away from the LOTR references to some extent.

Nevertheless, I'm intrigued enough to continue, although we'll have to see if I make it through this first trilogy in the full Riftwar Cycle.

4.5/5
This book has truly made me fall head over heels in love with this world.

Liked:
1. Laurie is an incredibly interesting character. When Pug is enslaved to the Tsurani, Laurie becomes his friend and gives off a Thom Merillin vibe. He is probably my second favorite character in the Wheel of Time series. He is just plain awesome, helping Pug stay sane throughout his difficult circumstances.
2. The continuous plot is engaging. After reading this book, I can firmly state that it really should have been two books. The two parts are so distinct from each other that it only makes sense to split them. Everyone's little storylines build up to a thrilling climax of sealing the Rift.
3. The final battle is short but sweet. It's a lot of fun, a climactic battle against the Tsurani that culminates with the heroes successfully sealing the Rift. However, Feist is still not very good at writing combat scenes. They are seriously at a high school level of writing.

Disliked:
1. Pug, who is a really cool guy, is hardly in this book. While he had the majority of the POVs in the last book, he only gets about five in this one. On the other hand, we do get a lot of development from other characters such as Arutha, Tomas, and Kulgan.
2. Roland getting the axe so early in the series is disappointing. I kind of expected him to die at some point, but not this soon. I thought it might be so that Pug and Carline could get together, but that didn't happen. They do say that people die in war, but he should have died later on.
3. The lack of character growth is a drawback. Like many classic fantasy books, the characters don't really grow that much from the beginning to the end. The closest I can think of is Pug accepting his fate so he can seal the Rift, but that's about it.