Title: Magician
Author: Raymond E. Feist
First published October 1, 1982
681 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780586217832 (ISBN10: 0586217835)
Rating: 4.31
Overview
For over two decades, Magician by Raymond E. Feist has captivated readers with its timeless tale of magic, adventure, and destiny.
In this revised edition, celebrating its tenth anniversary, over 15,000 words of previously omitted text have been added to further immerse you in the epic story. Follow the journey of Pug, an orphan boy apprenticed to a master magician in the tranquil Kingdom of the Isles.
But when mysterious alien invaders threaten their peace, Pug and his warrior friend Tomas must embark on a dangerous quest that will lead them to discover ancient powers and civilizations beyond their wildest imagination. With both kingdoms at stake, Pug and Tomas must confront the unknown and unlock the secrets of a new world of magic.
The Washington Post hails it as a “must-read,” and Publisher’s Weekly raves that it’s “a classic fantasy epic that will leave you enchanted.”
About the Author
Raymond E. Feist, originally named Raymond E.
Gonzales III, changed his surname to Feist after his mother remarried Felix E. Feist.
He was an Honors graduate in Communication Arts from the University of California at San Diego in 1977. While studying, Feist conceived an idea for a novel about a boy who becomes a magician.
He wrote the book two years later, and Doubleday published it in 1982. Feist currently resides in San Diego with his children and has a passion for collecting fine wine, DVDs, and books on various topics like wine, biographies, history, and American Professional Football.
Editoral Review
Magician by Raymond E. Feist is a classic epic fantasy novel first published in 1982.
As a pioneer of the genre, Feist has been credited with creating a world that is richly imagined and full of complex characters. The plot of Magician centers around the young orphaned boy, Pug, who dreams of becoming a powerful magician.
Pug lives in the magical land of Midkemia, where different civilizations and kingdoms engage in constant wars and power struggles. As Pug learns the art of magic, he becomes embroiled in a complex web of political intrigue and evil forces that threaten the survival of Midkemia.
Feist weaves a tale of adventure, magic, and epic battles that make for a thrilling read. The author’s world-building skills are impressive, creating vivid descriptions of the various civilizations and creatures that populate Midkemia.
The characters are well-developed, with Pug standing out as the main protagonist whose journey from a simple peasant boy to a powerful magician is a fascinating arc.
One of the strengths of Magician is its innovative use of magic.
Rather than relying on simplistic incantations, Feist’s magic system is based on the willpower and concentration of the magician. As a result, magicians can only perform spells within their own realm of knowledge, leading to a complex and nuanced use of magic in the story.
The pacing of the book is excellent, with the narrative moving along briskly as the various plotlines converge. However, some readers may find the book’s length to be a bit daunting, as it spans over 800 pages.
Despite this minor flaw, Magician is a classic in epic fantasy, and its influence can be seen in countless other works of the genre. The themes of power, betrayal, and the limits of magic are still relevant today, making it an enduring read for those who enjoy a good adventure story.
For fans of epic fantasy or those who are curious about the genre, Magician is a must-read. Its impressive world-building, innovative use of magic, and compelling characters all make for a thrilling and memorable experience.
We give it a rating of 4/5 stars.
