[DarthZemus]

Being a Tolkien and Jordan fan, I'm always on the lookout for epic fantasy to rival these two, and have yet to succeed. At the recommendation of some here I decided to go with Magician by Feist.

At first I found the "borrowing" from Tolkien to be charming at first, much in the same way that Eye of the World seems to borrow a bit, to set an atmosphere of familiarity, before it takes off and Jordan tells his own story with his own world...

When this point comes in Magician, where Feist tries to "begin" his story and we get away from the character building, the "yawn" factor set in...I found the last third of Apprentice to be a drudgery, and I don't think I'll even read Master, even though I bought it.

[Liathano]

I remember being somewhat dissapointed with Apprentice too, but I persevered and was not dissappointed. He continues to build on his world and add to it's depth. I can say I truely enjoyed the books, but don't be looking for a Tolkien type read.

[sic's mom]

I just recently read Magician, maybe two months ago. I will say that yes Apprentice gets a little boring about two thirds of the way in and almost till the end. But take heart, Master is really good. Lots of things happen and lots of action. I ended up liking it so much I have read a lot more of his books. I think the only ones I haven't been able to get to are the newest ones and the Krondor ones. I really have enjoyed all of his books, so I would say keep going, you will like it in the end.

[SteveF]

Yeah, I'd stick with it. At his best, Feist is an excellent storyteller - A Darkness at Sethanon is an excellent fantasy novel so I'd persevere for that alone.

[JBI]

Personally I rather liked apprentice. When I got to master however, I read the first 100 pages and said, "good god, here comes another good v. Evil, Jesus v. Saitan illusion". I just find that he just sticks to cliche' and goes off on another one of those. At first I was under the impression that he would keep the whole thing in the grey, and maybe have some depth. But he just flipped to good v. evil and it disgusted me. So much potential ruined.

[Dutch]

I read Magician a long time ago, and remember it being a very good book.

The first half is very cookie cutter though, your typical story about a farm boy who turns out to be a mighty wizard sort of thing, but it picks up alot in the second half of the book. I think you should persist with it. You might end up liking it.

Especially since you have already payed for it.

[Hobbit]

Ray Feist has a big Forum area of his own HERE. (http://www.sffworld.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=29)

Please go there to discuss Feisty stuff.

Thread closed!

Hobbit