Griffin Reads –Magician: Master (Riftwar Saga, Book 2)

Title: Magician: Master (Riftwar Saga, Book 2)

Author: Raymond E. Feist

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Summary: In “Magician: Master,” the second book of the Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist, the epic tale of Pug continues. Having survived the initial conflict with the Tsurani and his apprenticeship as a magician, Pug faces even greater challenges. As the Tsurani War rages on, Pug’s abilities as a sorcerer are tested to their limits. Captured and forced into slavery, Pug embarks on a perilous journey to the world of Kelewan, the heart of the Tsurani Empire. There, amidst political intrigue and ancient rivalries, Pug must navigate a world unlike any he’s known and confront the true depths of his magical potential. As the fate of two worlds hangs in the balance, Pug’s mastery of magic and the wisdom he gains on this journey will shape the destiny of all.

Content Guide:

• No swearing
• No explicit sexual content
• Moderate fantasy violence
• Themes of power, sacrifice, and the clash of cultures

My Thoughts:

Like the first installment of this series, “Magician: Master” takes a while to build up its pacing as it continues to explore the growth and development of its characters as well as the expansion of the meticulously crafted worlds of Midkemia and Kelewan. Luckily, Feist’s storytelling remains engaging, and his ability to blend intricate political maneuvering with epic battles showcases his mastery of the fantasy genre.

While Pug remains the focal point of the plot, there are many other subplots and characters to follow and keep track of. My favorite subplot involves Prince Arutha’s adventures in Krondor as he struggles to escape an occupied city with the help of the local thieves guild. Other subplots are less engaging, including Tomas’ story, which was one of the weaker arcs in the first book and continues to be underdeveloped here, though luckily it doesn’t take up too much of the novel.

I should mention that while this is marketed as the second installment of a four-part series, narratively it’s more accurate to call this book the second half of an epic duology. Book three introduces a completely new primary conflict, and while many characters and subplots continue to develop throughout the rest of the series, all of the major arcs from book one come to a satisfying resolution by the end of book two.

Overall, “Magician: Master” is a worthy continuation of Pug’s story, delivering on the promise of epic fantasy established in the first book. I recommend this story for fans of epic fantasy and anyone who read and enjoyed Pug’s previous adventure.