Magician by Raymond E. Feist — Fantasy Book Review

 

Art by Don Maitz

I don't think I've ever seen a story evolve as much as the Riftwar Saga. From the beginning of Magician: Apprentice to the end of Magician: Master, Raymond E. Feist goes from telling a classic arthurian tale to a sweeping, multidimensional (literally) fantasy epic.

The first two books in this series were originally published as one—albeit, a much more edited version. This is the author's definitive edition, and it is published it two volumes in the United States. I like the idea of this being one book, though it does work well enough as two. When I picture this as one story, I love considering where it started to where this story ends.

As with the previous book, the worldbuilding is very fun (or in this case, worldSbuilding). There is an excellent balance of the familiar and the unknown. Feist utilizes the tried-and-true tropes of elves, dwarves, goblins, etc. of Tolkien, while telling a completely original tale of a war between worlds.

If there's one thing that stood out to me in this book, it would be the characters. There are SO many, but somehow, I cared about them all. I loved seeing how these once-children in the early chapters of the first book have grown to be heroes.

Overall, Magician: Apprentice/Master is a wonderful story. Feist strikes a brilliant balance of classic with creative. If you like traditional fantasy epics, but want something more original, look no further than the Riftwar Saga.

-H.