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WARNING: SPOILERS BELOW
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Wellllllll, what can I say? I can see why Feist's debut is rated a classic. Now, I read the 'revised' edition, so whether this is better than the original, I can't speculate, but I CAN say that I enjoyed this book immensly.

One thing I noticed about 'Magician' was the pace of the story, in terms of years. We've seen some trilogies that barely cover a year or two over the whole series - with 'Magician', years fly by with the turn of a page. Admittedly, nothing much seems to happen during the time we've missed - the war goes on, no major characters have died, etc. Still, it does seem a little strange for time to fly past so quickly.

This isn't really a criticism, though it probably seems like one. It's more of an observation - and the pace doesn't detract from the story. The development of some of the characters (Pug from orphan keep boy to Squire to powerful Tsurani magician; and Tomas from boy soldier wannabe to cruel overlord to adored Prince Consort, for example) is fascinating, and the machinations of the Tsurani's Great Game kept me addicted right to the end.

The entire concept of going to war for political ends is almost unheard of for us (unless you're G.W. Bush), so the whole scenario was interesting to follow. The idea of two worlds set into the same story (as opposed to merely two CONTINENTS) is an entirely new one to me, and added immensly to the story. It brought aspects of Sci-Fi into the story, and the combination held me in thrall all the way through.

This is also the first time that I've come across a world/society based on the ancient Japanese way of life. I found this interesting too, because of the obvious differences this creates between the two worlds - Kelewan and Midkemia are thus SO different, the contrasts are huge.

And finally, some of the battles were compelling, too - especially, the Siege Of Crydee. I enjoyed reading about this battle, and was in awe of an army that would willingly throw away THOUSANDS of lives in a delaying tactic. The only battle scene I have enjoyed more was 'The Battle Of Chyrellos', from Edding's 'The Sapphire Rose' (book 3 of The Elenium trilogy). The idea of throwing so many lives away to prevent the defenders discovering the tunnel underneath the walls was FASCINATING, and really made this book, in my opinion.

Now, when it comes to my rating system, I'm going to hear cries of 'plagiarism', since my system is very similar to Isabeau's. But don't worry, she'll make me pay for it, so it won't come for free . And I'm not gonna flash my butt at everyone the way she does (believe me, you don't WANT me to). So, without further ado, here we go.

Rating (out of 5 flushes):

Edited by: Sparhawk From Elenia at: 2/14/04 5:41 pm

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glad you enjoyed it...
(i think there are only 30,000 words different between revised and not revised editions... the changes were detailed at the start of the edition i read)

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Yes it will cost you Mr Spar, and payment will be harsh.


bloody good read, loved it

"I was almost at the door when I realized I was wearing nothing but my nightgown. A gun, but no robe. I had my priorities in order."

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It is one of the best