Again: this is a good 3 stars.

What keeps me from giving it 4 stars is that it is a boys-only story. In today's context, such a narrative can seem rather dull and uninteresting. I am accustomed to the outstanding character writing found in my favorite Fantasy series. The characters in those series are rich, complex, and truly captivating. However, the characters in this particular story simply cannot measure up to that standard. They lack the depth and nuance that would make them truly engaging and memorable. As a result, while the story may have its merits, the limitations in the character development prevent it from reaching the higher echelons of quality that would warrant a 4-star rating.

A very thin, emaciated (and possibly stunted) 3-star rating.

(Disclaimer: I might even lower the rating to two stars if I find myself still fuming about this book the week after I read it, like I did with Joe Abercrombie's Half A War)

This book is rather annoying, to be frank. While I appreciated the fast pacing story in Magician: Apprentice, that book has less plots and subplots compared to this one. I could not even find myself liking Pug and Tomas because their character growth was exponential (if not changed entirely) until I barely recognized them anymore. Pug became this wizard Littlefinger character and Tomas became...a total jerk. Sure, he did come out of it but the process was too quick it was unbelievable. And when Pug became Avatar Milamber, the master of all elements, it was rather ridiculous and over the top. No whoa/hellyeah moment from my side, unlike Dany's Dracarys scene in Astapor, for instance.

Macros, ugh, I hate this guy a lot. No, I know the author said more than twice(!) in his characters' dialogue that the reason Macros did what he did will be explained later when blablabla, but the thing he did still annoys me a lot. Those stuff really bug me that I don't even want to talk about Pug's stupid romantic plot. And his boring life in Kelewan. And that stupid Laurie (you only had one job!). And that stupid elf queen (like, really?). It took me a reread (yes I did that) only on those parts because at first it bogged me down and I decided to skim. Maybe, just maybe, if more pages are dedicated to clarify and expand the story, then what happened would not be so unbelievable.

One thing I really like is Arutha. I wish this book was only from his POV. He is a great character and I enjoyed watching him from other people's POV and looking at others from his. And Amos. He's fun. Ah, I always have a soft spot for pirates...I mean buccaneers. Also, I enjoyed the mini game of throne thingy at the end, although again I feel it could be more dramatic if it were longer.

Will I continue the series? I think so, at least the next two books in the saga. The whole cycle? Not sure.

I'm extremely happy to realize that my original love for these books in my youth still shines as brightly in my middle age. :)

As a matter of fact, now that I've had ample time to read and process a vast assortment of fantasy novels, both epic and derivative, and sometimes a combination of both, I can assert with confidence that this may very well be on par with the WoT series that I've been known to hold in such high regard.

Impressive, isn't it? So much occurs. Pug gets kidnapped in the previous book and dispatched to an alternate world across a rift in space and time. He spends years as a slave, is then discovered by the powerful mages there as one of their own, and gets trained and indoctrinated. What a transformation from his past life! However, while all of this is fondly recalled from before, what truly becomes a delight for me is life back at home.

There's harrowing sailing, intrigue and politics in the cities, and a long, arduous nine-year war with the peoples across the rift. Unforgettable characters, massive battles, tactics, strategy, and mind-blowing magic at all the most opportune moments. :)

Fondly remembered? Oh yes. But now it's firmly enshrined. :) I can't wait to delve into all the rest. :) I sincerely hope to designate this as one of my absolute favorite fantasy series. We'll see!

This series just keeps getting better and better. There is nonstop intrigue, betrayal, heroics, and plot twists that keep the reader on the edge of their seats.

Among all the prominent characters, Amos, the seafarer, stands out as my absolute favorite. After spending years as a pirate, he has developed an uncanny ability to read the wind and weather, not only in the literal sense but also over the political landscape of a kingdom. He is like a hidden gem among the stones, full of surprises and depth.

In this installment, two medieval worlds clash via a magical rift in the cosmos. As the saga progresses, we discover that the combatants have much more in common than meets the eye. But can they overcome their differences and settle their dispute? Alas, a nefarious sorcerer has other plans, and just when the reader thinks all is coming up roses, the thorns suddenly appear.

And now, we are onto book three, eager to see what new adventures and challenges await our heroes.

When I decided to read fantasies published in Portugal with a lower rating and that, at first glance, didn't seem so interesting to me, Raymond E. Feist's series came to my mind, especially because I had heard a lot that the narrative was gradually improving. In truth, what I read from these two books didn't deviate much from what I expected of them. I can't give them a plus sign, but certainly their quality has been growing.

Raymond E. Feist's writing doesn't dazzle me but it's not, by any means, a point that compromises him. The story itself was what I didn't like, not so much because of the author's incompetence (the book was written in the 80s, I imagine that at that time fantasy wasn't so full of authors with the same ideas) but because it seemed to me just another very similar variation to J. R. R. Tolkien's world.

I find here many things that I have already criticized in narratives like The Shannara Chronicles or The Wheel of Time, the visible tracing of several characters and story arcs from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, and I have to be honest and say that I'm tired of reading the same story with different stamps. Here the problem lies mainly in being a product that sells, rather than other original ideas.

If I abstract from the inevitable comparisons, because it's easier to find characters that haven't come out of Tolkien's imagination than the opposite, I can say that the story presents a problem resulting from an interdimensional hole. This is the only less Tolkienian element but that, one way or another, promotes an epic battle between the human kingdoms and the creatures of the dark.

Everything happens in the world of Midkemia, presenting us with Crydee and its characters, where the young Pug and Tomas stand out, two boys who are preparing to enter adulthood. On the Day of Choosing, the young people are the target of a selection by several masters, to determine their future trade. Pug is an orphan boy who used to spend his days in the kitchens, and when he thought that no one would choose him, the mage Kulgan appears and takes him with him.

Pug then becomes an apprentice wizard and his expectations grow enormously. But soon his enthusiasm fades as he realizes that he has no talent for it. Around those days, a ship never seen before is sighted and the idea that the kingdom may be under attack by a force from another world leads Duke Borric of Crydee on a journey to the capital. Pug and Tomas accompany him, not imagining that their whole life will take a big turn in the fight against the Tsurani.

Out of curiosity, Apprentice and Master were published as a single volume in 1982, but due to the excess of pages, several passages were cut in an initial phase. In 1986 it was first published as two separate volumes, the version that prevails today and that Emergence presents to us.

As a veteran in fantasy readings, these two books were a quick read and not necessarily unpleasant, but very weak in comparison to what has been published out there. Nevertheless, for more inexperienced readers, the Magician saga seems to me an excellent gateway, especially because it has adventure, battle scenes and very interesting confrontations for those who are not already tired of reading the same thing.

Here, I will continue to read the saga, as I promised. Raymond E. Feist has some qualities that I noted, such as competent writing, not too rushed but also without the skill of others, a very good pace and characters that, little by little, prove to be more interesting, although they are grotesquely archetypal for what fantasy has presented us with.

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The original article: Very good.

Expanded article:

It is truly very good. This simple phrase holds a lot of meaning. It can describe a situation that is excellent, a performance that is outstanding, or a result that is highly satisfactory. When we say "very good," we are expressing our approval and appreciation. It can bring a sense of joy and accomplishment. Whether it is in the context of work, study, or personal life, "very good" is a positive affirmation. It gives us the motivation to continue striving for excellence and achieving our goals. So, let's keep up the good work and always strive to be very good.

Oh hell yes!

Violence, betrayal, sex, intrigue, magic, mystery, romance, humor, and bone deep joy. This book has it all! Every time I thought the story would be bogged down by a character's trial or politics, something would be solved and another plot point would carry on. It truly flowed.

I can't say enough good things about this story. If you've never read these works of Feel-Good-Fantasy, you should. It's a captivating and engaging read that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The characters are well-developed and the world-building is rich and detailed. You'll find yourself completely immersed in this fantastical world.

I can't say I am not enjoying the story.

If I were honest, I would have loved this if I were younger (and perhaps a lesser feminist than I am).

I'm caught somewhere between: 'OMG, all this super power you have' and 'OMG, how lucky can you be!'

I am also very aware that, for this book and the book before, women are mostly non-existent, with the exception of the one love interest who is clearly playing the "not like other girls" card - which is really irking me.

While I understand that this was written in the 80s, and that as a reader in the 80s, I would have bought that thought and continued the indoctrination of the weakness of my sex... but it is 2021, I'm in my 40s, and I'm calling it what it is - stupid, deluded, ignorant, patriarchal, naïve, unrealistic, unaware... I could go on.

Sorry, but I have loads of books to read by authors who actually understand that women play more of a role than breeding. (Mean? Yes. But this tiny review will have a fraction of the effect of thousands of pages of indoctrination.)

It seems that the portrayal of women in these books is rather one-sided and limited. In today's society, we have come a long way in recognizing the true capabilities and importance of women. We expect more from literature, especially when it comes to representing different genders.

Authors should strive to create well-rounded and diverse characters, regardless of their gender. It is time to move away from the old-fashioned and inaccurate stereotypes that have been perpetuated for so long.

I look forward to reading books that offer a more realistic and empowering view of women, ones that celebrate their strength, intelligence, and individuality.

It’s a really interesting and enjoyable story.

However, it seems that all of the foreshadowing wasn't entirely necessary.

The story could have still been engaging and entertaining without all those hints and clues dropped throughout.

Perhaps the author was trying to build anticipation and keep the readers on their toes, but in some ways, it felt a bit overdone.

Despite this, the overall plot and characters were well-developed, and it was a pleasure to read.

It just goes to show that sometimes, less can be more when it comes to storytelling.

Maybe in future works, the author could consider toning down the foreshadowing and letting the story unfold more naturally.

This would allow the readers to be more surprised and engaged by the twists and turns that come their way.

Overall, it was a great read, and I look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.

This book managed to secure a place in my top 10 fantasy reads of 2021. For more details, check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9pwG...

Another engaging installment in The Riftwar Saga, this book had its pros and cons compared to the first one.

I felt the first book was better written. Early on, there were instances where Feist seemed to be telling rather than showing. For example, on page 14: “Their eyes locked briefly before Pug dropped his as a slave is expected to do. For an instant communication passed between them. It was as if the soldier had said: You do not believe that I am a friend. So be it, as long as you act your part.” I would rather have figured out the look on my own.

Also, on page 29, “The Shinazawai lord said, ‘Kasumi! It is good to see my firstborn son. When did you return?’” This kind of dialogue felt a bit forced and clumsy, like Feist was just making sure we knew who the new character was.

Of course, these are just minor nitpicks, but I didn't have such issues with the first book.

I also thought the first book had a tighter and more enjoyable plot. However, I did criticize it for being a bit generic, as it seemed to follow the footsteps of The Lord of the Rings. In contrast, Magician: Master was more unique and original, which I really appreciated.

Pug's journey in the other world and his rise to power were truly captivating. His ultimate test of worthiness, where he battles the elements of wind, rain, fire, and earth, was an awesome display of force that reminded me of the opening sequence of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

The Tsurani, as an alien race, didn't quite work for me when thought of as living in a world separated by time and space. But if seen as a very foreign country, they were quite interesting and I didn't mind spending about half the book with them.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and plan to continue the series. I would rate the story 9, language 8, ideas 8, characters 9, enjoyment 8, and overall 8.3.

Pug was enslaved by the Tsurani and had to work as a slave in Kelewan, the other world. However, his magical powers were eventually recognized by the "Great Ones" of Kelewan, who were the supreme magicians there. Meanwhile, Tomas was given a sword and mail by the dragon he befriended in the Dwarf tunnels. But it was soon discovered that the sword was magical and belonged to a dragon lord named "Valheru", who had his own story and was controlling Tomas. It was up to Pug, now known as "Milamber" in Kelewan, to close the rift between the two worlds and end the war.

This part of the book was filled with all the magic and complex twists and turns that were lacking in the first part. It was great to see Pug and Tomas, the two main characters, grow and mature into adults. This book is also known as "Milamber and Valharu", and it's no wonder, as the title sums it up perfectly.

However, there were very few female characters, and they were portrayed in a rather conservative way. None of the ladies fought; they were all treasured and kept safe, which seemed odd for an epic fantasy tale. Nevertheless, it was still a well-crafted, imaginative, and enthralling epic tale. :)

Happy Reading!!!

Oddly, considering that the two are actually a single book which was divided for this extended edition, Magician: Master is significantly better than Magician: Apprentice. The initial few chapters are more or less the same, and "immature" might still be the most accurate way to describe almost every aspect. However, chapter four suddenly elevates everything to a different and higher level. While reading it, it occurred to me that it must have been written by an entirely different person, and a much more skilled one at that.

After that, it has its ups and downs. Devoting more than two chapters to the aftermath results in a rather anticlimactic finale, but there are a fair number of good sections in between. On average, it remains a clear improvement. The genre even shifts from heroic to epic fantasy, although the story remains focused on a few characters and some small areas. A short scene towards the end emphasizes just how small. The action is still extremely rushed, a great deal is still skipped, and details are still lacking, which harms depth, immersion, and character development. However, somewhat more attention seems to be paid to the parts taking place in Kelewan, and the overall impression is of a book that had everything not essential to the story itself removed, while I was stating that Magician: Apprentice at times seemed more like a collection of connected short stories. A few bits of wisdom might even be said to have been included as well.

I kept thinking of Betrayal at Krondor while reading this. Despite technical limitations, which were made more notable by the fact that I played it several years after its release, I definitely remember how well it managed to create the feeling of immersion, and that I described it as "playing a book" when mentioning it to someone a decade or more later. Now I wonder how my impression of that outstanding game would have changed if I had played it after reading some of the relevant books... And if it's not a case of a game being better than the books.