MAGICIAN: THE AUTHOR'S PREFERRED EDITION (Riftwar Saga) [Hardcover]

Raymond Feist (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 681 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday; Rep Sub edition (October 18, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385426305
• ISBN-13: 978-0385426305
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.7 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,661,721 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Raymond E. Feist's previous novels include the first volume in the Darkwar Saga, Flight of the Nighthawks, as well as the Conclave of Shadows: Talon of the Silver Hawk, King of Foxes, and Exile's Return; Magician; Silverthorn; Faerie Tale; Prince of the Blood; and The King's Buccaneer; as well as the four books of the New York Times bestselling Serpentwar Saga: Shadow of a Dark Queen, Rise of a Merchant Prince, Rage of a Demon King, and Shards of a Broken Crown; and the three books of his Riftwar Legacy: Krondor: The Betrayal, Krondor: The Assassins, and Krondor: Tear of the Gods. Feist lives in Southern California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Very good but...poor writing and watch out for varying editions, March 15, 2010

By 

monsieurms "monsieurms" (USA East Coast) - See all my reviews

This review is from: MAGICIAN: THE AUTHOR'S PREFERRED EDITION (Riftwar Saga) (Hardcover)

It is useful in reviewing Magician to note some history of the book's various editions and where it stands in relation to the other Riftwar books. The first thing to get straight is what edition you are dealing with. In the USA, Magician, a very long book, was broken into two parts for initial publication, Magician: Apprentice and Magician: Master, which are sometimes then erroneously designated as books 1 and 2 of the Riftwar Saga Trilogy--except that would then make the trilogy a quadrilogy. Then, there was the 10th Anniversary edition of Magician which put everything together and restored some 50,000 words originally cut, according to the author. As the edition reviewed seems to be the author's preferred edition, go with this one, I guess. One way or another, the complete Magician is the 1st book of the Riftwar Saga Trilogy (the others are Silverthorn and Darkness at Sethanon). The Riftwar Saga is itself part of a greater whole. It is the initial series arc of a cycle which comprises several extended series arcs that stand on their own, like Legends of the Riftwar, Riftwar Legacy, Krondor's Sons, etc. As for the book itself (finally)... First, restoring cuts to this overlong book--mostly a bad idea. The book is already too long, and it needed a firm editing hand, not indulgence of the author's ego. Second, this book shows grand scope and great ideas. It is easy and fun to read, page turning prose. That said, however, it also shows some limitations in Feist's early writing abilities and craft. He is simply not that good a writer in a technical sense. The prose is often awkward, almost as if written for young teens; the dialog often stilted and cartoonish. His concepts and plots have their issues, but they far outstrip his ability to execute them all gracefully. Given those limitations, this tale of a war between two worlds linked by a mysterious portal is a ripping good yarn--as the saying goes--and a great idea. You can excuse some limitations in the author's writings, because it is a fine fantasy creation with an enormous scope that entertains greatly. Its inept prose and awkward recounting of events does grate at times, though.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Job, March 30, 2011

By 

LitWitLou (Garwood, NJ) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: MAGICIAN: THE AUTHOR'S PREFERRED EDITION (Riftwar Saga) (Hardcover)

I am pleased with the quality of this book, with the delivery time, and especially with the price. I got a sweet deal I think.

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best Action Adventure titles to be written last century, June 9, 2010

By 

Muhammad S. Ali (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: MAGICIAN: THE AUTHOR'S PREFERRED EDITION (Riftwar Saga) (Hardcover)

This is one of my favorite books as you can guess from the title :). A lot of fantasy is very much inspired by lord of the rings and while this book is not completely immune it stands on its own for the most part. The story is of a journey of self discovery and unfolds in a captivating way. This edition is the author's preferred edition which adds previously unseen passages.