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Adams, Douglas (S)
Asher, Neal (S)
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The Classics
Bradbury, Ray (S/H)
Burgess, Anthony (S)
Tolkien, JRR (F)
Raymond Feist
Author Information Reviewed Books Other Books
Notes: (R) - Riftwar Saga
(S) - Serpentwar Saga
(L) - Riftwar Legacy
(E) - Empire Trilogy
Magician: Apprentice(R) Silverthorn (R)
A Darkness at Sethanon (R)
Shadow of a Dark Queen (S)
Rise of a Merchant Prince (S)
Rage of a Demon King (S)
Shards of a Broken Crown (S)
Krondor: The Betrayal (L)
Krondor: The Assassins (L)
Krondor: Tear of the Gods (L)
Daughter of the Empire (E)
Servant of the Empire (E)
Mistress of the Empire (E)
Magician: Apprentice Added 1/8/00
Our RankingFeist's Riftwar series revolves around a young orphan, Pug, who aspires to be a magician. However, his plans are thrown into disarray when strange beings assault the castle and Pug's known world. It turns out these being are from another world entirely, and have opened a Rift into Pug's world and plan to conquer it. Plot wise, Magician proves to be the standard fare of fantasy that is being churned out today. It is nearly impossible to find a fantasy author who is creative, and maybe even bold enough, to escape out from under Tolkein's shadow that was created with the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings series. Even the basic premise, an orphan aspiring to be a magician, just stands out as typical fantasy. What saves this book is Feist's writing. He actually paints a very well thought out and developed setting for this. Both worlds are painted in a very believable fashion that brings the reader right into them. Feist also seems to have a good knowledge of how life might have been in midevil times, because throughout the book I was impressed by some of the little details he would put in. While not really adding to the plot it truly adds in painting the picture of the world the characters live in. Feist's characters are fairly strong as well. You truly do find yourself sympathizing, and understanding their motivations. The writing alone compels me to give this 4 stars. Even though it was nothing original, I found myself really enjoying the tale. If you enjoy a good fantasy read, this will probably not disappoint. However, if you are looking for something groundbreaking, look elsewhere.
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