Magician's Apprentice

Title: Magician's Apprentice

Author: Raymond E. Feist

Summary: Pug, an orphan and his friend Thomas dream of becoming heroes in the duchy of Crydee where they live. Little do they know how true those dreams will become. Pug, while escorting the Princess Carline on a horseback luncheon outing, is confronted by trolls. When it looks hopeless, he finds that he has some magical abilities and is able to destroy the trolls before they do him or Carline any harm. During the summer festival, when all boys are chosen into their new apprenticeships, Thomas and Pug wait eagerly to find what their calling in life will be. Thomas, is chosen to work with swordmaster Fannon - as he had hoped. However, Pug, is the last one standing on the field after the last apprentice is chosen. Crushed, he is ready to accept the humiliation of having to leave Crydee to seek his own fortune when Kulgan the Magician steps forward and takes Pug as an apprentice. Meanwhile, on a different world (Tsurunanni), magicians there open a rift to the land where Pug lives, intent on conquest. Will the people of Crydee and of the larger kingdom be able to fend off this new threat? Will the internal politics and struggles for power weaken the kingdom, to where they are unable to mount a defense against the tsurunanni and their magicians?

Recommendation: Raymond E. Feist, in my opinion, is in the same category of Science Fiction/Fantasy authors as Tolkien, Orson Scott Card and Terry Brooks. He creates a world of fantasy that is easy to become a part of. His books are well written, but not easily predictable. This book, Magician's apprentice is the first of several books in his series. It is clean and well written. Excellent for Fantasy readers both young and old.

Hearts: 5