The Novice by Taran Matharu

Fletcher is working as a blacksmith s apprentice when he discovers he has the rare ability to summon demons from another world. Chased from his village for a crime he did not commit, Fletcher must travel with his demon, Ignatius, to an academy for adepts, where the gifted are taught the art of summoning. Along with nobles and commoners, Fletcher endures grueling lessons that will prepare him to serve as a Battlemage in the Empire s war against the savage Orcs. But sinister forces infect new friendships and rivalries grow. With no one but Ignatius by his side, Fletcher must decide where his loyalties lie. The fate of the Empire is in his hands.

#0.5

Origins

#0.5

Origins

Yuck. A copy of a copy of every lame fantasy trope that exists. Boring, badly written, and offensively stereotypical (orcs have big eyebrow ridges and are evil, goblins have hooked noses and are servile, etc..these racist stereotypes have been played out for decades).

Not quite sure why it's got SUCH a high rating, but it is a decent book. I liked it because I'm a nerd who liked Pokémon and RPGs when growing up...and still do. This book caters to that very much. I didn't like this book because it felt a little rushed. There could easily have been another 200-300 pages. However, there are more books in the series which makes this much better. I did really enjoy the book and sometimes after the first book I'm not fussed about reading the second, but I'm very interested to carry on the series... especially after the ending!

The concept surrounding this story is an interesting one. An orphan raised by a blacksmith discovers he as the ability to summon demons. In this world summoners are useful tools on the battlefield and put into training to help repel the growing horde of orcs threatening to overtake the realms. Filled with magic, political unrest and plenty of action, I did however find it to be too predictable of a plot. Was it an entertaining read? Yes. A sit on the edge of my seat page turner? No. Nothing really gripped me, I sort of coasted along, taking breaks in between chapters to read other books. The characters aside from learning more about summoning, never really changed. And while the racism portrayed to the dwarves was brutal, it didn't feel real enough. It was harsh and blunt, which isn't always the case. Every character seemed to be racist in the exact same way. There was a lot of potential in this book, but if you're going to give me a world filled with war and political unrest, go all the way. Don't pull your punches and make the main character suffer and experience what this awful world has to offer and have him see through his pain what he can do to improve it. Don't just beat him up and have him whine about. I'm going to keep going and see if the true potential surfaces.

This book has some good moments but it was little longer for my tastes and ends on a cliffhanger. Will read the next for sure to atleast know what happens!