Book 2), Magician: Master (Riftwar Saga

In the author's forward to this edition Feist refers to his desire to write a "ripping yarn." Using his own assessment, he has succeeded. This episodic tale rarely tarries, leaping along from one event to the next, often jumping years ahead in order to avoid any lapse in action. The end result, while entertaining, tends toward caricaturization and the conventional. Feist's players are rather one dimensional and conform to stereotypes long ago established in the genre. And the heroes of this tale - male - are readily identifiable to any reminscence of romantic, boyhood imagining. Beneath the story and characters exists a masculine and juvenile expression of boyish ideals of power and heroism, mingled with notions of fairytale romance. This is acknowledged by Feist in the quotes chosen to preface both "Magician: Apprentice" and "Master." But while appealing, perhaps, to a certain nostalgia from childhood, this approach to storytelling confines the tale within limits that are simple, and offers neither the maturity nor complexity of the better work in fantasy that is available. This is a tale to read in moments of amusement, or when seeking uncomplicated, thoughtless escape.
The adulation for this tale by previous reveiwers continues to baffle me. This is good but simplistic fun. Far better work exists in the writing of Martin, early Donaldson, Jordan, Kerr, Hobb, Kay, or Williamson. And, if you want to read a REAL page burner, turn to Steven Erickson's "Gardens of the Moon:" By comparison Feist's tale is sedate.

I bought a copy of the original Magician (with no embellishments) for $2 on a bargain table more than 15 years ago, simply for the magnificent representation of a jewelled dragon on the cover (I've never seen that edition again). It sat on the shelf, unread for months. After all, I was far to logical and practical to want to get involved in reading fantasy (even though I could appreciate an elegantly designed dragon). But all impulse book buyers suffer those times of "all these books and nothing to read", so I eventually picked it up. I must admit for the first few pages I wondered if I could really be bothered, but before I realised, I was 30+ pages beyond the 20 page barrier (... if I can't get involved within 20 pages, it gets tossed...) and realised I'd been transported - I was there, in Crydee. Then began the marathon reading sessions, including about several Midkemia and Kelewan sequels. Within a short time, I progressed from fantasy to SF fantasy, straight on to "hard core" sci-fi. Me, who had previously never seen a purpose to speculative fiction! Suddenly I found I could open my mind to absorb all these wonderful, imagined realms. Even though I can take my sci-fi straight now, I always remember I came to it via fantasy, and to a very large degree, I have Feist to thank for that.
I lent the Magician out several times, but it didn't return from the last lending. So, when I was fortunate enough to attend a book signing by Raymond E Feist in Melbourne many years ago, along with the book he was flogging, I purchased another copy, personally dedicated to me. It has never been lent, and never will be. For me, it is one of "those" books; one that helped shape my reading habits.
I don't know if the book signing was badly publicised or Melbourne only contained about 10 Feist fans, but after our books were signed, along with the other 9 or so who turned up, I was treated to a wonderful little Q&A time with this storyteller. Those we admire often take on larger-than-life proportions, and the generousity this quite ordinary bear of a man showed his (disappointingly) small group of fans revealed a man of impressive stature.
My reading tastes changed and I didn't read any Feist for years, until a recent binge when I read from the Prince's Buccaneer (which I'd owned, unread, for about six years!) up to date (from the library) in about a month. (I was a bit sick of the endless highly detailed battle scenes, but that was a small criticism - after all, most of it was the SerpentWAR series!) I slipped back into Midkemia (and the other worlds - it doesn't stop at Kelwan!) like I'd never been away and picked up with all my old friends and met new; grieving at Arutha's death and falling in love with Calis along the way.
After browsing the reviews posted here, it seems people either love the Magician or hate it. Like a lot of other books, you can easily pick it full of holes if you have particular areas of expertise, or if you refuse to give yourself over to the fantasy (fantasy, remember, is where anything can happen). In the end, it's a just a story, fortunately for us entertainingly told by an enthusiastic storyteller, leaving you wanting more from the characters who somehow endear themselves.
With all the thousands of books out there, I rarely reread, and even with 15,000 extra words, haven't been compelled to read the embellished version. However, for the hours spent frantically turning pages (sometimes all night), for introducing me to the realms of fantasy via Midkemia and Kelewan, and through it, the infinite realms of sci-fi, I can only rate this a 5-star book.

Mr. Fiest does a wonderful job of creating very realistic characters. We feel ourselves pulled along as the characters develope and grow. The story revolves around three main characters (Pug, Thomas, and Arutha). With the onset of the war these three characters are split up and we experience the growth of price Arutha into an excellant leader and general, who is responsible for defending the Western realm of the Kingdom of the Isles. Pug, the orphan of the keep, learns the poweful magic of the invading Tsurannuani while a prisoner of war. Finally, Thomas developes into a legendary warrior with the help of a dragon and elves. As the three characters develope and the fate of two worlds rests on the brink of oblivion the reader will not be able to put down the book until the very end. I recomend all the books in this series very highly. Additionally, I recomend reading the Daughter of the Empire, Servant of the Empire, and the Mistress of the Empire: These are co-written by R. Fiest and Janny Wurts. This story is written from the side of the Tsuranuan

Magician: Master sees Pug go from being a slave in the Tsuranuanni Empire, to becoming a great magician of the Assembly, a Great One, by the name of Milamber.
It is here that we learn of the intricate fascinating world of Kelewan (the Tsurani home world) where giant, intelligent insectoid creatures called Cho-Ja reside, as well as six legged bovine creatures called Needra.
Bees are not yellow and black striped but bright red, eagles have yellow bands on their wings, and hawks are purple.
Unlike Pug's homeward Midkemia, where the flora and fauna are more like our own.
The culture of Tsuranuanni is very much Japanese/Korean and we explore the intriguing politics of the five great families of the Empire, the Keda, Tonmargu, Minwanabi, Oaxatucan, and Xacatecas, the Warlord and the near godlike Emperor, the Light of Heaven. Tied up in this are the `political parties' representing the aspirations of the noble families, such as the Blue Wheel Party, the Jade Eye Party, the Golden Flower Party, the Party for Progress, the Party for War and others.
Then there is the Assembly of Magicians or Great Ones.
Milamber is to play a large part in creating great changes that will see a climax to the war between Tsurani and the Kingdom. He has become of the Empire, married to a girl, from Kelewan, Katala.
Meanwhile on Midkemia, Thomas has donned the armor, given to him in the cave of the dragon, of the great Dragon Lord, or Valheru, Ashen Shugar.
He becomes a mighty warrior, a thing of great power, but causes disconcertion among the Elves of Elvandar, where he lives, who fear the return to domination by the Valheru. This is complicated by the fact that the elf Queen Aglaranna has fallen in love with him.
Arutha must go to Krondor, to get aid from the Kingdom forces, to save Crydee, which is under siege by Tsurani armies. Here he finds, Krondor has been seized by the scheming enemy of his father, Duke Guy of Bas Tyra. He must rescue Princess Anita and flee the city.
Magician : Apprentice takes us into a deeper exploration of two world and sees a dramatic climax for the saga , while giving us material for many more novels.

"Magician: Master" is the exciting second volume in the Riftwar Saga. The tale continues to follow a splendid cast of characters from the first novel and introduce new ones, however the rise of Pug and Tomas in their respective field of power dominate the novel. The book is fast with well-timed action on both land and sea. The author conveys the magic invoked brilliantly, placing the reader in the middle of the conflicts creating a definite classic.
I dislike beginning a new chapter and apparently months or years have elapsed without an obvious note at the chapter head. Although the store.com is more than likely advertising the "Author's Preferred Edition", I am reviewing my original paperback and maybe the chronological frustration is addressed.
I had an excellent time reading the book after all these years and highly recommend the series to any fan of the fantasy genre.
Thank you.

The Entire Riftwar Saga, by Raymond E. Feist---Don't forget
this name!! This 4 book series builds with almost nothing in
the way of fast happenings... It builds like quality foreplay
to that perfect conclusion: the satisfied reader!! Hints of
happenings dropped in the first book suddenly appear in the
4th book... never a loose string dropped: and there are many!
Everything throughout the 4 book series is interconnected.
The plot pulls along a beginning reader, drawing them into
a fascinating web of intrigue that continually builds...
To the college level readers... well you'll have to read the
entire series several times to catch the hundreds of nuances
that pop up and connect not just in one book, but the entire
series. If you read Lord of the Rings when you were younger
you MUST READ THIS ENTIRE SERIES!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just read this book for the fifth time. The second book in the Riftwar Saga could be the ending of the series but why would anyone not wish to continue to read about all the wonderful characters created by Raymond Feist. The story picks up with Pug as a slave in Kelewan who is soon discovered to have the ability to become a powerful magician. Thomas continues to grow into the powers of the Valheru. Prince Arutha's struggle against the Tsuranuanni encompasses a lot of this novel as well.
In deference to the negative reviews I must say that this is not a highly thought provoking book. However, it is a very fast paced enjoyable read. I have read hundreds of fantasy novels and this series is one that I have enjoyed more than most (Top Ten). I read novels in a series as some others read chapters, so it is a little hard to just review this book. I highly recommend any fantasy lover to read this series. There are also many novels that come after this series that are just as good (i.e. Serpentwar Saga).
One last note, don't listen to any of these reviews (including mine). If you enjoy fantasy, read it yourself and form your own opinion.

MAGICIAN: MASTER had a number of good elements that I have not seen in fantasy before. I liked the exploration of societal slavery, oriental themes and unique magics.

For the most part the story moves quickly, however, there are broad departures from this fast pace. There is a major side-adventure that adds little to the story. Unfortunately, it drags on for several pages (50+).

Furthermore, the climax and denouement of the book were both uninteresting and long. Like many movies nowadays, this book could have trimmed the length of the tale (by 100 or more pages here) and improved the story. I would have liked to read the original issue of the book: MAGICIAN.

Still, the tempo of MASTER is generally fast-paced. I enjoyed the look into the villain's motives. I also liked the exploration of the villain's society, which struck me as interesting and rare in the fantasy genre.

MAGICIAN: MASTER is a book that fits squarely into the 4-out-of-5 star category. You will enjoy it, but it won't blow you away.

You'll have to excuse me if I'm blurring books here. I originally bought one large novel simply called "Magician" back in 1985 - it has since been split into two, the one I'm now reviewing being the second half of my book.

At the time, I found Feist's concept unique, his writing style compelling and his characters colourful and alive. 22 years later, I'm happy to say that I firmly maintain the same beliefs. In my eyes, this book (or now 2 books) firmly places Feist at the top of the fantasy genre, easily surpassing the rather stodgy writing of Tolkien. While this in itself is amazing for a first novel by an unknown author, Feist astounds us again in creating two distinct, vivid worlds complete with histories, cultures, societies.

The story starts out in Midkemia in a typical medeival setting, following primarily two boys - Pug (the magician the title refers to) and Tomas. Pug finds himself apprenticed to the Duke's magician, although something seems to be blocking his progression, mentally speaking. A while later, a strange ship is shipwrecked close to their town of Crydee. Upon closer inspection of what is left before the ship sinks, and a look into a dying soldier's mind, it is discovered that these people aren't merely from another land - they are from another world. The people are Tsurani from the world of Kelewan.

On a journey to warn the king of the potential invasion by these aliens, the boys become separated. Tomas is given some magical armour by a dying dragon in the depths of a mountain (and the armour turns him into a mighty warrior who is more than human). Pug later becomes captured and transported to Kelewan...and is eventually trained as a Great One - a magician of their world.

That is the gist of the 800 page novel. Obviously, there are far more characters, and much more in the way of plot development, but I wouldn't want to bore you with every single detail. Instead, I invite you to step into Feist's worlds...and be prepared to have difficulty putting the book down!

I highly recommend this book, and would dearly love to give it more than 5 stars :)

This is a very different book then the first no more boys at play no more silly princesses pacing around experiencing courtly love all the boys are men and everyone has come a long way from Crydee. The Riftwar has been raging for almost 6 years when the novel opens Tomas is now a great war leader scriting close to the edge of sanity. Pug is enslaved on the home planet of the Rift War aliens but his part in the story is not done yet.

Overall-This half of the book is much stronger then the first symbolizing both how the characters have matured and how Feist has matured as an author. The only problem I have with the book is with most Feist books later on the climax is much too convenient and comes on too quickly. Still a very enjoyable read.

Since I have read this book previously and enjoyed it, I felt like I'd be in for the same treat. Unfortunately, this series is failing to live up to what I remember it to be. Pug as a slave and a Great One was great. A powerful plot string and an intriguing look into another culture. Every other plot line in the book, however, failed to interest me. I skipped entire sailing and pirating sections of unimportant travel, as well as overly descriptive battle scenes. Tomas' plight was interesting, though having known what happened previously, I failed to pay too much attention. Some books benefit from multiple points of view, this one did not. With Pug being the only character deep enough for me to care about, I failed to enjoy glimpses of anyone else. Hopefully the secondary characters will gain a little more life and interest in future books, or I'm not reading for much longer. For Pug's journey alone this book is worth 3 stars, barely.

"Magician: Apprentice" and "Magician: Master" were entertaining, but my impression is that Feist cares more for his characters than he does his story. If you want only virtuous, very likable characters, happy endings and G rated banter between hardened warriors then he's your kind of writer. He's very good at this "safe" epic fantasy genre though (and I don't mean that disparagingly), and he does manage to keep things interesting. I prefer a little more reality and darkness and moral flavor in my fiction, personally. "Magician" was like Star Wars without the Empire. Or rather, Star Wars with a misunderstood Empire that's really good, but just set in its ways and in need of reform. It's the kind of adventure fantasy that I imagine aging, virginal, matronly English professors would enjoy ... if it had a bit more shear literary merit.

Never-the-less, if you like the kind of fiction I've described or you just want a change of pace, it's at the very least entertaining reading. Feist is a good story teller, even if he plays softball with his main characters, protecting them from any real tragedy.

Early in Magician-Apprentice, Pug joking "prophesies" that he will one day be the greatest Magician in the world. Then, when the action is reaching a peak, he disapears from the book, never to return.

In Magician-Master we discover why. Here we see Pug's growth to a Great One, a true Master of the arcane. Feist deftly tells the story of his character's growth and then returns him to the main storyline with a fluidity that is easy to follow and understand.

This book was so compelling I could scarcely put it down. Feist continues to amaze with his character development, and you truly share the characters triumphs and tragedies.

If you are a fan of high fantasy, this book will enthrall you.

This was a satisfying conclusion to the epic saga begun in Magician: Apprentice. Feist is a competent writer and he does a good job of creating a world and filling it up with a colorful cast of peoples and creatures. Although I thought this was very good, I thought the first installment was a little better. I was more interested in Pug, Tomas, Roland, Carline, et al, as they grew up together at the Keep in Crydee. In trying to keep up with the details of the war between worlds, Feist occasionally lost sight of the superb characters he so intimately brought to us in the first installment.
Feist sets the plot at a nice pace and despite the length of the two volumes they can be read relatively fast. Overall, this was entertaining and a worthwhile addition to the fantasy genre.

This book is absolutly amazing. It has been a long time since I have read a book this good. Even the first book wasn't this good. That book was Magician: Apprentence. The series is about a boy names Pug and a boy named Thomas. Pug starts out as a magicians apprentence learning spells. His master notices that he is able to do thaings that nobody has ever been able to do. Pug is captured by the enemy and sent back to their homeworld to work in the slave camps. While at the slave camps a "Black Robe" (magicain) finds him and trains him in the higher level magic of their world. When he has learned the higher level of magic, we find out that he is able to tap the power of two worlds. He is the only magican able to do this on either of the two worlds. There is a great scene in the book when Pug is outraged and calls down natures elements on the people of the world. The book provides a perfect description of how much power Pug has. "Here stood a figure to awe, arms stretched upward, body trembling with rage, eyes seemingly aglow with strength."(351) After this display of power, Pug returns to his world and helps destroy the passage that goes between the two worlds.
Feist is an amazing auther. His use of words and the way he writes are simply amazing. I am very glad that my friend turned me on to this series and auther. I recommed this auther to anyone who loves good books.

This is the 2nd book of 4 in the Riftwar series. I liked the first book a lot and like this one a little bit better. It starts off where Apprentice leaves off. Pug is now a slave in another world and Tomas is struggling with a power that can overtake him. The war continues and no one sees it ending anytime soon.
If you liked the first in this series, you'll definetly like this book. I gave it 4 stars only because when it got to the parts on the war strategies, politics, etc., it tended to bore me a bit. That's just me though. I would still highly recommend the book.

Pug a seemingly sub-average boy from the rusic duchy of Crydee. By saveing is teacher and freind Kulgan he is captured by the warrior race, the Tsurani. Accepting is fate as spending the rest of his life as a slave to Lord Kamatsu of Tsuranuanni. He is moved to his owners main estate where he is treated like a real person. One night at dinner he was attentding wiht Lord Kamatsu and his Great One brother his past studies of magic are found out. Taking him as property of the Assembly of Magician's Pug's life changes forever. The fate of EVERY world lies in the balance only Pug now Milaber does not know it.

This is the second book in Feist's original Riftwar Saga. It continues where Magian: Apprentice left off, and really develops the character introduced in that first volume.
The story is incredibly imaginative. I really would not want to say more than that about the story. The characters in this are incredible. Some you love to death, some you love to hate, and some remain mysterious. I must say Feist's character work is what makes this series stand out.
Do not read this unless you have read Magician: Apprentice. And, if you can, read this before reading the rest of the saga. As I said, it is incredibly original, imaginative, and very memorable.

As you can infer from the title of this review, I liked this book even better than Magician: Aprrentice, and I enjoyed Apprentice very much, so that's saying something for this one! In this book, we continue the tale of Pug and Tomas, as well as Arutha and the Riftwar. No longer is Pug a young boy from Crydee, but a young adult in Kelewan, where he is held as a slave. He is not alone, however, as a new friend, Laurie, stands by his side. It is in this world that Pug will find his true power.

This book has much more of a darker tone, though not overbearingly or even fully dark. Many of the horrors of war are shown throughout the book, and the characters must deal with them. One thing I liked about this book was that it gave Prince Arutha a much larger role than in the previous book (which I liked him in). He has a much greater responsibility, now, and you are able to see new traits of him show that reflect upon that. Tomas also has responsibility on his shoulders, though it is more grave than anyone can imagine. I like his role even better in this book, as well, because of the sheer emotional impact.

Enough of the characters, however, or I shall get carried away. The story in this book continues on the last one (obviously) and, in my opinion, is nothing short of epic. You literally feel like you are not simply just reading different 'scenes' of the book, but zooming in upon these instances while a living, breathing world continues on. As you read on, you can see that the Riftwar is doing much harm to both worlds. Just like the previous book, however, Feist still manages to give you an occasional breath of hope, never leaving you *entirely* downtrodden or depressed. And, I must say, I REALLY enjoyed the ending to this book (though I can't say anything more due to spoilers).

Now, for the bad, to keep this from being a mindless glowing review. Luckily, there's only one thing which I truly disliked. It is: at times, you may find yourself just a little bored with the conversations that the characters have, for Pug, in numerous places in the book, seems more of a 'political activist' than a magician (though I suppose if you enjoy reading about politics, than this is not a problem). I don't find politics boring, but it almost seems as if Feist is trying to cram this huge political system into one book.

All in all, this is a great book that I deeply enjoyed reading through. It takes you to another place, this novel. And while the conversations can be a little boring, almost jarring you out of your reverie, Feist always manages to keep each chapter interesting in it's own way.

I read Magician as combined book. I found, as I had heard, one of the best sci-fi books of all time. Following Pug and Tomas through the intergalactic war is a very interesting way of writing a book, and although I wasn't sure of it at first, it is a five star book, well worth the read. Not only does the book follow Pug and Tomas, but it also just follows the war itself, and it is a book that is incredibly hard to put down, you will find yourself walking across the road reading it.
But really, Magician is an extremely good book that you must read or you are missing out on life.

As the war progesses Martin and Arutha head out the war...while the where abouts of master magician Pug is unknow. The where abouts of Pug are actully that there he on the home planet fo the war race Tsurani, where he spend his time in a slave camp than breaks free and rises through the ranks of the magician on the new planet. While there Pug gets a new, its now Milamber. Milamber becomes what is know as a Tsurani Great One. These magician hold power over everything and are feared by all. Well as the world gets going a new charcter reveals himself, he is called Marcos the Black. Marcos tell the court that he knows the where abous of Pug and will go find him and bring him back to there homeworld. Marcos find Pug and revels to him what is happening. Well this engrages Pug and he creates a sence. Ends up having to leave the Tsurani homeworld and help it out. In the end it comes to the attention that Marcos and PUg must use there power to close the rift if the Arutha and his troops have any chace of winning this war. Will they do? Read the book to find out

Magician: Master, is the continuing story of Pug, once a young boy living in rural Crydee, thinking himself unimportant, until one day the Duke's Magician chose him to be his apprentice. Since then Pug has undergone training, and survived a scrape or two. But now, he begins a new training, unexpected training, that will lead him to a path he never dreamed he would take. Meanwhile, the Riftwar is being wages between two worlds that Pug has grown to love.

This book is a very enjoyable read. Feist leads us down paths that we didn't see coming, throwing twists and turns in when you almost don't expect it. These stories are exciting first chapters to the Riftwar saga.

RD Williams, author of 'The Lost Gate'

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the first book in this series, Magician: Apprentice, and was hoping for more of the same out of this book. However, I found that I didn't enjoy this nearly as much.
I thought this book was a little too light on actual plot and spent too much time on the mystical transformation of Pug into Milamber, Tsurani Great One.
If you liked the first book in the series, you'll probably want to read this one as well, but don't expect it to be as good.

Feist is perhaps one of the best plot writers I've ever encountered in reading. His aging processes of characters is rapid, but well controlled. His charaacter development is not bad but I think this is the weakest area of his writing but he still does a pretty good job in a way. Despite the lowish detail description he gives, it enhances the story better in a way forcing more usage of imagination in a sense. The plot of both Magician books are great but don't read this part until the first is finished!

Magician: Master is one of the best books I have ever read.
Mr. Fiest weaves a story of magic, love, humor, and valor that proves to be extremely intense. Fiest is definatly one of the masters of fantasy. To read more of him, pick up the other three books in the Riftwar Saga, the trilogy from Kelewan, and his new books. You definatly will never want to put them down, and they will probably be the standard with which you will judge all other fantasy!

I love books like this that deal with an individual who has an inner power to do good for his people, and even manages to have a few girls with him... The most exciting parts about the book are the battles and heated discussions included in it. At times, though, I found myself reading on only to get back to the parts about Milamber. I you like fantasy books or are interested in becoming a wizard, read this book, because it is good most of the time.

feist invests a lot in making the character's personality, at this he may be one of the greatest masters. but the plot? the seemingly invincible people are turned into fractions fighting each other. there is not enough old fashioned action here. i expected much more. there's just a lot of the character's reactions as they walk around trying to fulfill whatever's expected of them. their adventure is never really that interesting. feist is uninventive, taking a little bit here, a little bit there.

I find the Raymond Fiest's books are among the best to read. Raymond is not fearful of killing of the main character of the book as some others are. However, keeping Pug as a constant in all the books is very nice. None of his books spare any details, they dive into the heart and soul of the reader and excite instincts that force the reader to turn the page. He is an awesome writer, and a legacy that will be left for ages will follow in his wake.

The orphan pug, once apprentice to the magician Kulgan, is taken from his home to another world, Kelewan, as a slave along with his boyhood friend Thomas. It is then a great order of wizards called the Black Robes discover the potential of pug's abilities and teaches his the order. Now called Milamber, he learns of a great evil that is eager to destroy the world he now serves, and his distant home world Medkemia.
One of the best novels I have read of this nature. The plots are very deep and rich. You follow main characters from boyhood to maturity and bond with them as they continue their adventures. Get lost in a world of ancient magics, evils, gods, and noble deeds.

Raymond E Feist, an author of as far as I am concerned, too little renown. This book begins what has become to my mind the ultimate definition of the fantasy genre, the Riftwar Saga. Feist somehow managed to pull off all of the required elements which are needed to make a great fantasy novel, without causing readers who are not too familiar with role-playing games of this nature any difficulty in understanding. You want magic? It's here, in phenomenal description. Some dragons? The legendary creatures of might? This book has it. Even the concepts of political intrigue are not unexplored in this book. Without a doubt one of the most gripping reads I have ever encountered, despite its size which many who are not interested in this particular genre would find daunting. It becomes one of the few great novels of all time. Feist writes in a beautifully competent manner, with many complexities and nuances which can only be discovered from reading a wonderful book. Without a doubt, a book I will always remember and hold in high regard.

This book picks right up were you were left
"hanging" in Magician: Apprentice. It lays the roadwork for what becomes the most inviting and Mystically action packed series. Where the characters become family members, generation after generation, an ability of characterization few authors master!
I have read EVERY single book in the series TWICE!, simply because Feist could not put them out fast enough!

This book started out a little slow, building the characters for you. I read it while on det in Australia in the Marines. It took me three days to finish, (I was sharing the reading with two other Marines on different shifts.) And once it was done, we went hunting the next book. Raymond Fiest twists his tales fantastically, and I am awaiting his next venture having read hmmmm... 8 of them so far? Excellent read.

I read the Empire Trilogy and loved it, and so I turned to the 'original' Midkemia books. Unlike "Empire," which had me unable to stop turning pages--so much creativity and depth!--"Magician" failed to take me anywhere. The characters were one-dimensional and I could not care for a single one. They seemed to do no more than wave their arms and recite their lines. What disappointed me the most, however, was the lack of plot development. Situations of 'great import' and 'impending doom' were created in terrifying numbers; so many arose and were then resolved within pages or, when they spanned the entire book (the golden armor and the 'link' between it's ancient owner, for instance...and I'm sorry, gold is a soft metal, and magic or not, should NOT be worn as armor) they were transparent and flimsy. Dire and doom in lesser amounts and fuller development without abrupt resolutions would have made the plot smoother, not to mention credible...and yes, believability IS essential to the make-believe of fantasy.
In Feist's defense, I will credit "Magician" as being his early work and, as he says, 'a ripping yarn' that he wanted to tell when he had no pretensions of craft. So I will forgive the inadequacies, and yet move on to his more recent works in hopes that they possess the depth, refinement and originality that the Empire Trilogy did...or perhaps I will discover how much influence Janny Wurts had in the process of giving life to Tsuranuani.

I found Magician:Master a great and easy read with very interesting characters whom you become greatly involed with in both the first and second half of Magician. Its great to see how each of the characters grew, matured, and devoled along the way through Master. I particularly enjoyed reading about Tomas and his tranformation. Altough the story and characters are great fun, I was hoping personally that in Master there would have been more magic after Pug aka Milamber, came fully to his full understanding of his power. Maybe explaing the magic he used in more detail. Maybe i just love reading and experiencing magic greatly for its terrible fun to read, but then again anyone most likly reading a novel called magician does. And although the book does move quite fast(somethimes jumping years),it kept it fun and fresh, making dragging pretty much nil. All in all both Magicians novels are a excellent read for both beginers and long time fantasy readers. I would hands down recommend Magician to anyone looking for a great adventure!!.

Raymond E. Fiest would have to be the most enthralling author of the last decade. After reading "Magician" through to his new book "Betrayal at Krondor" I would have to say that no other author can write as he does. When reading his books you feel as if you are in them. Once you start "Magician" then you will be forever waiting for his next book!!!

I pride myself on my overly large library of fantasy novels and I have found that this is the greatest novel in it. The book is truly majestic, beginning with the chracter Pug, and although the name Pug is not exactly spectacular, the chracter is. We find that Pug goes on to reach heights never imagined of this simple keep boy when he becomes a Tsurani Great One. Aside from Pug, another of my favorite chracters is definately Macros the Black. Feist keeps us in wonder, subtlely informing us of Macros' god-like powers. The plot is engrossing, and from the first page of Pug cutting down an Ngaggi tree to the last page of the book where Pug and the other chracters are finally able to rest, you will be hooked.

I have the books and have read them Multiple times. It’s been a few years since so I thought I’d give this a try. I was not disappointed, I think when I’m done with the series I’ll listen again.

This series is wonderful. Feist takes risks with his characters and the story line that really pay off. If you want to not have a life for a few hours, read this book, because you won't be able to tear yourself away. The story of Pug and his maturing is great fun! Feist packs his story full of great detail and fast paced action. The battle scenes are breathtakingly depicted. Read it.

I found Magician:Master a great and easy read with very interesting characters whom you become greatly involed with in both the first and second half of Magician. Its great to see how each of the characters grew, matured, and devoled along the way through Master. I particularly enjoyed reading about Tomas and his tranformation. Altough the story and characters are great fun, I was hoping personally that in Master there would have been more magic after Pug aka Milamber, came fully to his full understanding of his power. Maybe explaing the magic he used in more detail. Maybe i just love reading and experiencing magic greatly for its terrible fun to read, but then again anyone most likly reading a novel called magician does. And although the book does move quite fast(somethimes jumping years),it kept it fun and fresh, making dragging pretty much nil. All in all both Magicians novels are a excellent read for both beginers and long time fantasy readers. I would hands down recommend Magician to anyone looking for a great adventure!!.

Raymond E. Fiest would have to be the most enthralling author of the last decade. After reading "Magician" through to his new book "Betrayal at Krondor" I would have to say that no other author can write as he does. When reading his books you feel as if you are in them. Once you start "Magician" then you will be forever waiting for his next book!!!

I pride myself on my overly large library of fantasy novels and I have found that this is the greatest novel in it. The book is truly majestic, beginning with the chracter Pug, and although the name Pug is not exactly spectacular, the chracter is. We find that Pug goes on to reach heights never imagined of this simple keep boy when he becomes a Tsurani Great One. Aside from Pug, another of my favorite chracters is definately Macros the Black. Feist keeps us in wonder, subtlely informing us of Macros' god-like powers. The plot is engrossing, and from the first page of Pug cutting down an Ngaggi tree to the last page of the book where Pug and the other chracters are finally able to rest, you will be hooked.

I have the books and have read them Multiple times. It’s been a few years since so I thought I’d give this a try. I was not disappointed, I think when I’m done with the series I’ll listen again.

This series is wonderful. Feist takes risks with his characters and the story line that really pay off. If you want to not have a life for a few hours, read this book, because you won't be able to tear yourself away. The story of Pug and his maturing is great fun! Feist packs his story full of great detail and fast paced action. The battle scenes are breathtakingly depicted. Read it.

In this book you'll find a compelling sequel to Magician: Apprentice. As the main character, Pug, evolves, we can truly feel his pain and his slow mastery of the arts he carries within him. The adventure across worlds and the advancing Rift-War is captivating.

This is one of the most amazing books I've read.. I've now completed the entire Riftwar Saga, and I can proclaim without doubt that this series surpases every other book in its category, including LOTR, Harry Potter, wheel of time etc. The story is beautifully weaved with enough details, intricacy and magic to satisfy even the most demanding of readers.. This is the first book I've read that has actually gone into depths about topics such as the nature of magic, concepts of time and space etc...
A definite must-read!

I would have to say that Feist starts out great and only gets better and better the more books he writes. This is the kind of book that gets you hooked on the series and doesn't let go. You wonder "Is Pug going to survive?" "Will he be able to get home?" I give this book my personal recommendation.

I just could not put the books down. Captured by new worlds and charactors. It was great getting to know all the charactors,their personalities. Imaging what they looked like and visualising every scene. I felt like I could just jump in to the book and go on the adventures as well. PLEASE KEEP WRITTING MORE AND MORE.

The book is well written and continues the tradition of Apprentice. The empire of Kelewan is even cooler then you could have imagined! Remember Macros? I hope so. We finally see magic in a light more consistent with Niven's Warlock's Era. (I recommend this too.) In comparison to the Hobbit and most TV shows, magic is done quite well here. The book has no major gaping flaws, although a couple of small logical disconnects. I think it's very good and shows what a true master Feist is. He doesn't drag you to his conclusions. It's entirely possible to miss them until Pug reveals them. The world is totally alien, yet the action continues on Midkemia. You won't believe the ending! Highly recommended.

Right from the first chapter, it grabbed my attention and I became enthralled by this amazing fantastical, medieval land. I could not wait to read the remainder of the series, which became my most precious collection. Wonderful themes and characters make this a terrific read.

This book was utterly compelling. When I first picked up this book, I was unable to put it down. I had to read all the way to the end to follow Pug and Thomas' adventures through the land of Midkemia. I could do nothing else for the duration of this book. The characters are wonderfully developed, the plot is superb. Nothing about this book is lacking in anyway. I would have to say this is my favourite book and I would strongly advise anyone to buy it and read it instantly! One thing though, I'm not sure if this is the way it is in the US or what but over here in Europe the book is called Magician and not seperated into Magician : Apprentise and Magician : Master

This is by far the greatest book I have ever read. I was first introduced to the world of Midkemmia through the book Shadow of a Dark Queen. I fell in love with the people . I felt like I knew them , like I had grown up with them.

Then I found out that I had started at the wrong end of the story line. So without hessitation I purchassed all of the previous books that Fiest had written. I have now read all the books at least twelve times, excluding The Magician, which I have read over twenty times. I was lucky enough to purchase an original hardback copy of the book.

Fiest is by far one of the greatest writers in history. I can't wait for him to write more books

This is the book all other fantasy books should be judged against. It has it all from a war that spans two worlds,
a Dragon-Lord returned on the edge of maddness, political intrigue, a magician named PUG, and more. Iv'e read
this book many times now and Raymond's incrediable characterizations and his worldly knowledge never stops
to amaze me. This book ,and the rest of the series, blow Tolkien out of the water. In fact he blows every body
out. Think about it, if all of these people are saying all of this stuff about his work, then the man must be doing
something right.

By the way no disrepect to Tolkien, he was the original. Feist just improved on it

The compelling story of Pugs rise to master magician is riveting. The developing relationship between Thomas and the Elf queen also added depth to this novel . A page turner, you will not sleep once you start this book!

I loved this book from beginning till end. A friend pulled me on to this series and I thought Apprentice was OK, not great, but a decent read. But Magician really stepped it up for me. I liked how each character stood up in the book and could carry their own section and keep it memorable and wanting to read. This is somewhat unlike Jordan in his saga, but this is just my opinion I guess. The book does come off as showing everyone kind of hooking up, but I liked it. I thought one of the best chapters I have ever read was between Tomas and his "self" I should say, trying not to ruin it.

Every time I read this series (17 books which include most or relatives of original characters)I find that I have missed something. I read the riftwar saga the first time in high school back in the late 80's now it is the new millinium and he is still writing and I am still reading. I have read the series now going on my 9th yes that is right the 9th time. I have other writers that I read i.e. (melanie rawn) but none that have captivated me and made me to love the characters (melanie rawn comes the closest) if you have not read the series do you will enjoy every second... Michael in Missouri

I Think that The Riftwar Saga is better than The Lord of the Rings.Certainly Magician and it's sequels are immense in scope in creating a vast world of magic,war,adventure,love,hate and political intrigue

I have to say that I do not understand why so many people think that Fiest writes fantastic books. I think that his stories are aimed at young adolescents. He is in no way, as good a Science Fiction as Tolkien. Maybe his next book will be okay.

Rather than growing the story further. The author created subplots that are really pointless, particularly the diatribe on this dude who want's to be king, thus affecting the war effort. But seriously, who cares. Readers want to read about how the battle between the good guys and the bad guys turns out. Not waste 50-100 pages on how the good guys are bitching about each other.

And naturally, the protagonist - Pug. After getting captured, get's trained by the enemy, absorbed into the community, and elevated to a level where he is 'above the law'. I mean, seriously, the logic is pretty flawed.

The ending was wrapped up pretty quickly as well, and naturally, against surmounting odds, the same old formula of a 'saviour' appearing from no where that cleans up the mess and saves the day was used.

Having read multitudes of fantasy works I still have to say that Magician is still my all time favourite. I have reread it countless times and still love it. I think all the other reviews sum up the book very well so all I can do is add my 5 star rating to the mix.
Magician is the beginning of a great adventure. Buy it now, but be prepared to fork out more cash to by the many sequels..all of which are definately worth it.

All the praises to Raymond E. feist who continue to excite me book after book beyond the wildest dream.
To all who haven't read this book: IT IS NOT TO LATE!
This magnificant story contains it whole - exciting plot, wonderfull characters and a thrilling imagination of the author.
In fact - the whole series of the world of mikdemia is recommanded. Once you started... there is no turning back.

When I read the rift war saga Magician Apprentice and Master were in the same book. So I don't know where Master picks up. I loved how it showed Thomas and Pug grow up and their lives start to seperate. I could barely put it down. It was simply one of the best books I read.

With his amazing description of magic and captivating writing, Feist has created a wonderfully entertaining novel. He does a great job of summing up what has happened, but yet leaving room for the plot of the next two books in the riftwar saga. This is definitely a book you will want to read again and again, and let Feist dazzle you with his masterful writing.

I started reading this book 2 years ago, since then I haven't been able to put any in the series down, each book in it's own right is a masterpiece! And the best thing is that Mr. Feist is STILL writing books for this series, he's up to about 14 so far. It may sound intimadating to have 14 or more books in a series but it's WELL worth the read!

OH YEAH! FIEST'S FIRST FORAY INTO FANTASY WAS FANTASTIC. I'VE GOT BOTH APPRENTICE & MASTER IN ONE BOOK & I CAN'T STOP READING THEM, AGAIN AND AGAIN. AFTER THIS I JUST HAD TO GO OUT & BUY SILVERTHORN, SETHANON & BLOOD (took me a year though).THIS IS GREAT PLACE TO START FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN STARTING THIS GENRE. YOU CAN'T MISS.

I have a friend that makes fun of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, saying that Feist is much better. If it weren't for Lewis and Tolkien, who are probably the fathers of fantasy, I don't think Feist's books would be around or would be so "good".

From the time I first bought Magician: apprentice I had to have more, I could barely put the books down for fear that something might happen in my absence! Feist is a truly great writer.. he most certainly has my attention!

This is a book where it has the same feel to it as lord of the rigs but is less sophistacted with characters the plot is what makes this book undroppable then when u are finished there is a whole series to follow up with

Phenomenal levels of magic are presented here. Excellent character development and resolution of multiple plots. I only wish that his more recent works were of the same caliber, as far as the magic and sorecery goes.

I used to read all the time, I didn't have much else to do. But then I stopped for years. I found this book and I couldn't but it down. I think it is definitely one of the best books I have ever read. I highly recomoned it.

From start to finish, unbelieveable... I read this novel in about 5 hours. Could not sit it down. Loved every minute of it...

Hold on to your hat Mr. Tolkein, you're about to be blown out of the water.

This is by far the greatest book I have ever read. I was first introduced to the world of Midkemmia through the book Shadow of a Dark Queen. I fell in love with the people . I felt like I knew them , like I had grown up with them.

Then I found out that I had started at the wrong end of the story line. So without hessitation I purchassed all of the previous books that Fiest had written. I have now read all the books at least twelve times, excluding The Magician, which I have read over twenty times. I was lucky enough to purchase an original hardback copy of the book.

Fiest is by far one of the greatest writers in history. I can't wait for him to write more books

This is the book all other fantasy books should be judged against. It has it all from a war that spans two worlds,
a Dragon-Lord returned on the edge of maddness, political intrigue, a magician named PUG, and more. Iv'e read
this book many times now and Raymond's incrediable characterizations and his worldly knowledge never stops
to amaze me. This book ,and the rest of the series, blow Tolkien out of the water. In fact he blows every body
out. Think about it, if all of these people are saying all of this stuff about his work, then the man must be doing
something right.

By the way no disrepect to Tolkien, he was the original. Feist just improved on it

I guess you need to read the first one before this one, otherwise youll be soooo lost. And anyway you maybe be lost in the first place. It goes off into like 4 different stories with all different characters, I couldnt even make it through. Maybe you will like it, I still keep an open mind.

It's one of the best books I've ever read. Only J.R.R Tolkien has writen better. The intrigue is good mixed with action and fantasy. There is alot of details without ever getting "long". The person gallery is good. Everyone has someone to compare themselves to.
If you has'nt read, hurry read it.