Master of the Five Magics [Mass Market Paperback]

Lyndon Hardy (Author)

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 374 pages
• Publisher: Del Rey; paperback / softback edition (September 12, 1980)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345276353
• ISBN-13: 978-0345276353
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,885,665 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the greatest fantasy novels from the 1980's, August 15, 2006

By 

Judah (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Master of the Five Magics (Mass Market Paperback)

I grew up reading fantasy and science fiction, and one of the greatest regrets I have is that I never found more than three books written by Lyndon Hardy, an author I still consider an automatic buy. In a way, this man's work defined what I expect from fantasy.

Of his three published works, I liked 'Master of the Five Magics' the best, followed closely with 'Secret of the Sixth Magic'. 'Riddle of the Seven Realms' comes in third, but keep in mind it's been over 20 years since I purchased the books, and I've moved six times and had to parse my book collection. I still have these wonderful novels, which I've re-read about once every five years.

Now about the book -- it follows Alodar, an apprentice Thaumaturgist. The magic system used by Lyndon Hardy is unique and self-consistent, hitting the right balance of rules vs power to make fantasy magic truly interesting. The closest modern equivlents I can think of are David Farland's Runelords or even Robert Jordan's One Power.

Alodar's journey takes him into enclaves of each magic practitioner across the land, and he meets adversaries that constantly beat him down. Yet he doesn't give up! I could really feel for Alodar by the end of the novel, so the primary characterization is wonderful.

The plotting was strong, and kept me with the book until the end. I never expected some of the twists thrown at me by Hardy.

As for the settings, I can still conjure up the inner heart of the Volcano with uncut gems waiting like burning fruit, the wizard's library with the spell barrier gongs, and the imposing black tower surrounded by minor demons. Those images have stayed with me for years, and have become benchmarks I measure new fantasy by. Lyndon Hardy hit the right mix of dialogue, pacing, and description I find lacking in so many 'modern' fantasy efforts.

If you haven't read this wonderful novel, I urge you to try it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Qucik read for wet weekend, January 14, 2008

By 

JohnA37 "Tuva or Bust" (Brisbane, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Master of the Five Magics (Mass Market Paperback)

Aldor quests from one exacting branch of magic to another; with the rewards he earned always going to others. Finally, only the branch of Wizardry remains - the great, almost lost art of controlling demons. Adventure and supernatural escapade in a fantasy setting, good for a quick read over a wet weekend.

4.0 out of 5 stars Not Free SF Reader, March 3, 2008

By 

Blue Tyson "- Research Finished" (Legion clubhouse) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Master of the Five Magics (Mass Market Paperback)

Journeyman training, many levels.

Magic here is approached somewhat more analytically, and divided into various different flavours - e.g. sorcery and wizardry are different, as is the variety that the protagonist of the piece uses.

Any one of sufficient intellect can learn them, with enough work.

However, not all studying as there is a fortress under siege, an escape to be made, and the usual sort of fantasy quest to be embarked upon, which trying to accomplish the titular feat.

3.5 out of 5