A reread.

After finishing this book, I didn't immediately pick up the other books in the saga back in 2017.

Fast forward to now, and I'm happy to report that I still have a great appreciation for the book after a second reading.

It's interesting how our perspectives can change over time, but in this case, the story still managed to captivate me.

However, it took me a full 10 days to get through it this time around.

And the reason for that was, well, uggh! Lily's Garden.

It seems that this particular aspect of the story really slowed me down and made the reading process a bit more of a challenge.

But despite that, I'm glad I took the time to reread this book and rediscover its charm.

I'm now looking forward to potentially revisiting the rest of the saga in the future.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.

It is truly fascinating to be delving into both the Belgariad by David Eddings and the Riftwar Saga by Raymond Feist simultaneously. Published in close temporal proximity, they share some remarkable similarities, which helps explain their immense popularity during their respective eras. Both narratives center around boys maturing into men and also evolving into sorcerers or magicians.

For me, the Riftwar Saga holds a greater allure. I have a stronger preference for Feist's writing style, and I observe that the plot progresses at a slightly brisker pace compared to the rather sluggish Belgariad. Feist also introduces a highly captivating plot device - a rift in time and space that enables the invasion of another culture. I am accustomed to the use of such a device in science fiction within a technological context, but I found its application in a medieval fantasy setting to be truly intriguing. As Arthur C. Clarke once said, any highly advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic, and thus it is fitting that it is seemingly magicians who掌控 this spacetime rift. (The somewhat implausible aspect of the plot is that the technologies of both civilizations on either side of the rift are virtually identical otherwise).

The pluses of the Riftwar Saga include its fast-paced plot, the innovative manner of introducing enemies, and an interesting magical system.

However, there are also some minuses. There is not much for female characters to do, and they are portrayed in a rather stereotypical manner as moody and changeable. Additionally, I simply cannot abide the name Pug for the main character.

I often wonder why we, as fantasy enthusiasts, are so enamored with medieval-type settings. What is it about swords and horses that we favor over ray guns and spaceships? Why do we romanticize that extremely arduous way of life? Mind you, I am aware that many or most science fiction and fantasy fans have an affinity for both, but I am curious as to why there are so many of these fantasy worlds with medieval technology in print.

It is also noteworthy that there are reflections of LOTR's Galadriel and Lothlorien. A settlement in the tree canopy is a common feature in these epics (as seen in Donaldson's Thomas Covenant as well as in Feist's works).

Currently, my main quandary is locating book 2, Magician: Master, which is absent from both libraries to which I have access. Looks like it's time to turn to interlibrary loan!

Words simply cannot express the depth of my adoration for this book. It holds a special place in my heart as one of the very first fantasy books that I fell head over heels in love with. When I decided to reread it, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it offered a completely different experience. The story, which I had loved so much the first time around, now seemed to have new layers and nuances that I had missed before. It was like uncovering a hidden treasure. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, regardless of their age or reading preferences. Whether you are a die-hard fantasy fan or someone who is just looking for a good read, this book is sure to capture your imagination and leave you spellbound.

One of the very first fantasy novels that I delved into during my teenage years was by Feist. Even to this day, he remains firmly among my favorite authors.

In the story, Pug starts off as a struggling magician's apprentice. Everything changes when a ship from another world washes up on the shore. The majority of this first book serves as an entryway into the captivating world of Midkemia. It painstakingly builds up the world and the complex relationships between the various races. I absolutely adore Pug's (and Tomas's) journey throughout the Riftwar Saga.

I would highly recommend this series to anyone who has already devoured other renowned fantasy adventure series such as A Song of Ice and Fire, The Kingkiller Chronicle, or The Codex Alera and is now on the hunt for another exciting series to consume. Feist's world of Midkemia has endured for some 30 odd books and over 30 years of captivating stories, bringing me unwavering joy throughout my adulthood. At this point, Feist has concluded the Riftwar Cycle and has embarked on a new series of books, which I'm eagerly anticipating.

Buddy read with the Fantasy Freaks from BB&B.


Choko has done it once again! I used to shy away from high fantasy due to the specific nature of the genre. Primarily, it takes an incredibly long time to reach the point. However, my dearest sister-wife managed to persuade me to read another one, and it was truly great. So, thank you, Choko!


This particular book was surprisingly easy to read. After just the first chapter or two, it hooks you and refuses to let go. As is the case with most Fantasy books, we have an orphan with magical potential and a mysterious past/parentage as the main character. Pug is a sweet and thoughtful boy, and I absolutely adored him. He demonstrated maturity beyond his years on numerous occasions. He is also intelligent, witty, and resourceful.


The secondary characters are also very likable. At the beginning, I had my doubts about Princess Carline and the squire Rolan, but as the book progresses, they manage to redeem themselves in my eyes and develop into characters I could cheer for. I believe the reason they behaved the way they did in the beginning was due to their youth and inexperience. Once they grew up a bit (around 4 years pass in the universe during the events of this book), they showed remarkable improvement. The rest of the secondary characters quickly became favorites of mine with the way they banter with each other and their general awesomeness.


The story itself is good and holds great promise for what's to come. There are politics, battles, intrigue, and a touch of romance. And, of course, there are fire drakes. Most importantly, there are dragons. I don't think I need to say anything more to convince you, do I?

Truly not impressed.

It took me a bit longer to get through this book because I found reading it to be somewhat of a chore. The pages seemed to drag on, and I often found myself losing interest.

This book has received many good reviews, and the person who recommended it to me has raved about it for years. I had high expectations, but unfortunately, they were not met.

No spoilers here - I don't want to give away too much of the story.

Ultimately, the story's a flatline. The characters aren't believable or interesting. The protagonist is named 'Pug' for no reason at all, which just seems odd. The characters don't interact like real people, and any meaningful personal conflict is introduced and immediately resolved with reason and maturity. It all feels too neat and tidy, lacking the drama and tension that would make the story engaging.

By the time the story gets revving and we're ready to see these characters grow in a crisis, the writer sees fit to jump ahead in time. This robs us of the joy of watching everyone face conflicts and grow through the experience and suffering. Instead, we get nothing but explanations. It's a missed opportunity to really draw the reader in and make them care about the characters.

Sorry, that just doesn't cut it for me. I hear the series gets better as it goes, and I may give the next book a chance sometime in the future. But as a first book, it truly does not compel me to keep going. It's a disappointment, and I hope the author can improve in the subsequent installments.

My couple of pennies on that one.

Raymond Feist is indeed an outstanding writer, having crafted an engaging world.

However, my personal reason for not liking this book lies in my lack of interest in fictional universes filled with countless characters bearing unfamiliar names, residing in countries and cities with unheard-of monikers. Due to these strange names that have no connection to anything I'm familiar with, such books become a burden for me to follow. I have to invest time in figuring out who the secondary and tertiary characters are as they emerge in the story, and I frequently lose the plot.

Moreover, this book focuses on a nearly ten-year-long war involving characters from another dimension. I simply have no interest in books centered around land disputes. While Tolkien did something similar, his battles didn't consume the entire book.

He is a great writer, and I'm aware that this is an excellent book for many. I was enjoying it until around page 70 when I realized it was going to be a story about a conflict with an invading force. It's just not the genre that appeals to me.

Oh, I feel that a great love story is about to begin between me and this cycle of heroic-fantasy!

We find everything we love in this genre: a multitude of characters with diverse and charming personalities, heroes, battles, twists of fate... There is a real influence of Tolkien, but it's not a copy by any means. And there are these young protagonists that we see evolving and growing as we read, who change irremediably in the face of events.

What I also really like is this unfathomable, deep, and mysterious side that magic takes on in this series. There are no clear rules, magic takes on various forms and still holds many discoveries in store, I sense it.

I'm dying of impatience to know what comes next. There are so many things left unexplained at the end of this volume, so much suspense!

Magician: Apprentice is an extremely appealing introduction to an epic fantasy series that newbie readers can truly enjoy.

It presents a young hero who is just commencing his journey to discover his purpose in life. Feist crafts a fantasy world that is on the verge of war due to a threat that has the potential to bring about great change to Midkemia as they are familiar with it.

The world has a typical medieval-type atmosphere, yet the variety of races presented gives it an incredible texture. I was completely enamored with the descriptions of the elves and their way of life, observing how they are similar and different from the Dark Brotherhood, which are elves who have adopted a darker path. The dwarves truly caught my attention with their beliefs, values, and their remarkable skill at fighting and navigating the mines of the Stone Mountains. And of course, I absolutely loved the dragon!

Initially, I wasn't certain about the Tsurani storyline, but it takes the story in a different direction than I initially anticipated. It sets up an amazing culture clash that broadens the focus of this novel as the Midkemians must unite to fend off the invasion of forces from another world.

At first, it seems that Pug, our young magician apprentice, is the center of this story. However, it becomes evident that various characters gain the spotlight by Feist. Beginning like a coming-of-age story, and in some ways, it continues to be one, this story evolves into one about people dealing with their world being invaded by a formidable group of people whose values are completely foreign to their own and who seem invincible.

One drawback I would mention for this story is that it's not a standalone. Although the story doesn't end on an obvious cliffhanger, you definitely have to keep reading to find out what happens to all the crucial characters. With a massively extensive to-read list, I'm not eager to add too many series. But the strength of the story and the excellent writing here ensure that I will return for more.

Fantasy Beginner Rating (explanation: Scale is based on whether this is a good book for beginner fantasy readers or it is better for one who has read a lot of fantasy. High-Good starter book. Medium-Okay for a beginner. Low-May be confusing for a novice fantasy-reader.):

High.

Book Impressions

---(Slight spoilers you could find on the back cover)---

This is the epitome of fantasy. Do you desire an orphan with concealed magical powers? What about wise elves in forests and stocky dwarves in underground mines? And a kingdom under attack by mysterious invaders?

I adore it all.

Dimensional travel injects a sense of freshness. However, what distinguishes this book is the storytelling. It is filled with action, has a well-paced rhythm, and its scenes possess simple yet evocative emotional tones. It's just a great, comfortable story. It's a coming-of-age fantasy executed splendidly, and I can safely consider it a cornerstone of my fantasy bookshelf.

It is easily recommendable for fans of fantasy in the vein of Tolkien, Robert Jordan, and Robin Hobb. It might not capture the interest of fantasy readers seeking the grittiness of George Martin. If you prefer gruesome scenes with copious amounts of blood and heart-wrenching events that twist your mind, then this book may not be for you. But if you're content with dragons and magical powers, then open it up and take a look.

Personal Reflection

-----(Some Spoilers)-------

This type of fantasy is my home ground. I cut my teeth on it. My appetite for it was awakened early, and a book like this can effortlessly stoke that hunger. The story of a magician uncovering his powers simply grabs me like no other.

I first read this book and its sequel approximately a decade ago. I didn't recall the story in great detail, but I have a very fond memory of being entranced by a particular part in the second book. I remember reading and then rereading that scene, and being emotionally awed and nearly overwhelmed by it.

The reread has not been disappointing. The book sets the tone early with an enchanting first chapter. That first chapter is a promise, luring me into the story. The book is light and easy. Trolls, wraiths, dark elves, and castle battles. It's the kind of conflict that makes your heart race just a little, but in a fun way.

Just for the first chapter alone, I'm glad I reopened this book. Sometimes, the promise of magic to come is as fulfilling as the actual magic. The sense of foretelling, an unseen journey, a door opening.

The reread of the story rates a 4.25 out of five for me. The story did lose some momentum for me at times during the second half. I'm insatiable when it comes to magic, and although the political intrigue of the story was well told, I found myself longing for mystery and wonder. Maybe it reflects my internal discomfort with politics, but I wasn't as drawn into that part of the story compared to the rest.

Nevertheless, the book still remains a 5-star book for me. It holds a very dear memory within its pages, and I hope to revisit Midkemia again someday.

Book Summary and Synopsis

------(Pretty much nothing but spoilers)------

The young Pug is an orphan residing in the uncomplicated town of Crydee. He is doing okay in life, having a friend, Tomas, who is like a brother to him. Together, their lives are taking shape as they await their apprenticeships with the town's masters. One stormy day, Pug finds himself in trouble and fighting for survival. He is rescued by a wise magician, Kulgan, and his capable servant/companion, Meecham.

At the apprenticeship ceremony, Pug isn't chosen to be a swordsman, as he had hoped like his friend Tomas. Instead, the Magician Kulgan selects him, and he begins his life as a magician in training. Life as a magician is filled with comforts, books, and privileges. But Pug is worried, not making the progress he desires and unable to advance in cultivating his magical powers.

A twist of fate brings Princess Carline into his life as a riding companion. When the two of them are attacked by trolls during an expedition alone, Pug is able to save them by tapping into his magical abilities. Things seem to be turning around for the young Pug. He is rewarded by being elevated to the station of Squire, and it appears there is a budding romance between him and the Princess Carline herself.

But destiny strikes again when Pug and Tomas discover a mysterious ship capsized on the shores of Crydee. The contents of the wrecked ship, including a badly wounded foreign inhabitant, are like nothing they have ever seen before. With the help of the Priest, Father Tully, they learn that the dying inhabitant is from a different dimension. Realizing that their dimensional neighbors have violent designs for Midkemia and its resources, their world changes.

Duke Borric of Crydee, a competent and experienced ruler, takes action. He aligns himself and gains the support of Crydee's neighboring elven stronghold. Then he embarks east to seek the support of the Prince. With him, he takes a retinue of soldiers and advisors. Among them is his sharp younger son, Arutha, and Kulgan, accompanied by his excited young apprentice, Pug.

Their journey is long and beset by many obstacles. A battle with the Moredhel, dark cousins to the elves, leaves them hard-pressed and on the run. They are rescued by dwarves, led by the sturdy Dolgan. Dolgan guides them on their only remaining route east - underground through ancient mines.

This route is not without peril, and the group is attacked by a wraith. The encounter results in casualties, and in the chaos, Tomas is lost in the mines. The group leaves the mines, but Dolgan returns to search for the missing Tomas. He finds him deep in the mines in the company of an ancient Golden Dragon on the verge of passing from this life. The dragon gifts Dolgan a mighty hammer and Tomas a magical set of armor.

The grief-stricken Pug believes Tomas to be dead as their group continues east to find support against the Tsurani. Their journey takes them across the land, and they encounter the mysterious Macros at Sorcerer's Isle. Yet, upon arriving at their destination in Krondor, they find a kingdom in disarray and inner turmoil. The Prince is estranged from his father and lacks the political power to offer the support Crydee needs. They continue further east to speak to the king himself in Rillanon. They find him in poor mental health, paranoid and delusional at times. Just when they worry that the King, influenced by the power-hungry Guy De Bas Tyra, won't offer them support, they receive word that the Tsurani has launched their first attack against the Kingdom.

Pug finds himself on a longer adventure from Crydee than he anticipated. He is swept up in the warfare, accompanying Kulgan in the mission to discover the Tsurani's intent. They推测 that the Tsurani are after Midkemia's metals, as they have none of their own. But to gain more knowledge, Kulgan leads an expedition into the heart of the Tsurani camp. They locate the interdimensional rift between the worlds, but their discovery comes at the cost of Pug's freedom. Captured, Pug uses his wits to avoid betraying information about his kingdom, but finds himself a Tsurani slave.

Tomas has his own journey. His magical armor from the dragon turns out to be a gift with hidden properties. It gives him battle prowess, and he finds himself leading the dwarves in battle against the Tsurani. Yet, the more he kills, the more he realizes he is slowly transforming into something new. He is visited by visions of the past that include a conquering Dragon Rider wearing his same armor. Tomas's battles leave him near death, but he awakens in the company of elves and moves towards the tree city of Elvandar, which seems unusually comforting and natural to him.

Crydee has not fared well over the years since the initial discovery of the Tsurani, and their town has been severely assaulted by the invaders. Arutha is frustrated with the current state of the war. He encounters and frees a Tsurani slave, Tchakallachalla.. (Charles for short), and befriends the ambiguous Captain Amos, whose ship was destroyed by the Tsurani. Princess Carline has experienced deep mourning over the loss of Pug, whom she assumes to be dead. But she finds budding love with her longtime friend Roland.

The stage is set for a major battle with the Tsurani. But Arutha is perplexed by the unusual battle tactics of the Tsurani, who seem to be sacrificing troops against the castle walls. The last-minute discovery that the attacks are a diversion to allow a subset of troops to tunnel under the castle walls saves their lives. They are able to collapse the tunnel, and the cavalry arrives to reinforce the castle. The Tsurani general, reflecting on the inner politics of his home dimension, retreats for a time, but knows the conflict is far from over.

Raymond Feist is to fantasy literature what Greg Rucka is to crime/espionage literature. He crafts his stories in a workmanlike manner. He doesn't strive for literary elegance nor does he linger overly long on elements that don't advance the story. Instead, he offers a highly enjoyable experience. His characters are all captivating, and his narrative twists maintain the reader's interest. He may not be a great author, but he is surely a good one.

And sometimes, good is precisely what is needed.

Both parts of Magician (Apprentice and Master) are incredibly entertaining. The entire story unfolds over about a decade, and the changes in character development are sometimes remarkable. As we witness the two main characters evolve from teenagers into adults who only faintly resemble their former selves, it's truly a sight to behold. The book features the typical denizens of fantasy kingdoms: elves, dwarves, goblins, kobolds, and dragons, all living within fighting distance of their more ordinary human neighbors. Magic also plays a significant role. However, things quickly escalate beyond your average sword-and-sorcery epic. Portals to entire other planets are opened, and wars erupt for both military and cultural dominance. Besides the more obvious aspects of these clashes, Feist excels at depicting the fascinating internal struggles that plague the human kingdom, in addition to the blatant conflict brought to their gates through these strange portals.

If you're seeking a light read that might encourage compulsive reading, whether in bed or the bathroom, Magician: Apprentice and Magician: Master might just be the perfect choice. (I thought since I had already unleashed a flood of clichés, a couple more wouldn't harm us any more than the first one did.)

A very typical fantasy book but I enjoyed it. The author, Feist, has a remarkable talent for creating some truly decent scenes that effortlessly capture my attention. The vivid descriptions and imaginative settings transport me into a world filled with magic and adventure.

Each page seems to unfold a new mystery or challenge, keeping me on the edge of my seat. I find myself completely immersed in the story, eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next.

Given my enjoyment of this first book, I have no hesitation in deciding that I’ll continue this series. I’m excited to see where Feist will take the characters and the plot in the upcoming installments. I’m sure there will be many more thrilling scenes and unexpected twists waiting for me.