Griffin Reads – Magician: Apprentice (The Riftwar Saga Book 1)

Title: Magician: Apprentice (The Riftwar Cycle Book 1)

Author: Raymond E. Feist

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Summary: “Magician: Apprentice” is the first book in the Riftwar Cycle, following the story of Pug, an orphan boy living in the Kingdom of Crydee. Pug’s life takes an unexpected turn when he is apprenticed to the court magician, Kulgan, and begins to discover his own magical potential. But when the invading Tsurani forces attack his home, he delves into the secrets of sorcery and the dangers of interdimensional rifts, becoming entangled in an epic conflict that spans worlds. With the fate of the entire realm at stake, Pug must harness his newfound powers and embrace his destiny as a powerful magician.

Content Guide:

• No swearing
• No explicit sexual content
• Moderate fantasy violence
• Themes of coming of age, friendship, and epic warfare

My Thoughts:

Raymond E. Feist is a prolific epic fantasy author, and this is the novel that started it all. It’s a classic fantasy adventure filled with magic, war, and intriguing characters. Feist’s world-building is immersive, creating a rich tapestry of multiple realms and cultures that add a lot of depth to the narrative.

While the story starts slowly with a familiar coming of age tale of a young man with magical abilities, by the end of the novel the reader is caught up in the desperate defense of a city besieged by invaders from another world. Overall, the story’s pace is well-balanced, mixing quieter character moments with grand, sweeping battles. Pug is a likeable protagonist, though the reader may require some adjustment as the story’s scope gradually expands beyond his limited point of view to include other characters’ perspectives. Still, by the story’s end, Feist has clearly found the proper voice and structure for his series, and the next book picks up right where this one leaves off.

“Magician: Apprentice” lays a strong foundation for an epic fantasy series, making it a recommended read for fantasy enthusiasts seeking an immersive and adventurous tale filled with magic, heroism, and memorable characters.