Pyromancer (Paperback)

by Don Callander (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The new apprentice to the Wizard Flarman Firemaster, Douglas Brightglade is indoctrinated into a fantastic world where he unlocks his own natural-born flare for pyromancy, a skill he uses against the Ice King.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Ace (May 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0441692222
• ISBN-13: 978-0441692224
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #989,293 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #7 in

  Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Authors, A-Z > ( C ) > Callander, Don

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Simplistic, But Fun, August 9, 2001

By	September (Trevose, PA USA) - See all my reviews

The first time I read this book, I was about sixteen, and I loved it. I liked the characters and the style of the writing. I couldn't wait for the inevitable sequels. However, when I read it again, only two years later, it wasn't quite the same. I read the whole book and I couldn't put my finger on what was missing. Well, again two years passed and I read it one more time and that time I was able to identify what was less than perfect about it.

First, though, it was well-written. The book was fun. I will definitely read it again in the future and I will enjoy it. All the characters, even the little mentioned ones and the "bit players", are enjoyable and likable. The villians are bumbling and fun to laugh at and also somewhat likable. The first time I read it I got quite caught up in the plot and I enjoyed reading about the hero's training.

However, when I say the book is simplistic, I do mean it. The bad guys aren't really bad guys so much as fumbling and idiotic. They stood no chance at winning any time in the book and it was obvious. Plot holes popped up, but were ignored. It's written in such good spirit though, that it's sort of hard to complain about it.

I'd suggest this book to older children who like fantasy as a good entry point into reading more epic fantasy. (It's certainly better than a lot of the books out there for older children and teenagers, anyway.) I also suggest it for anybody who wants to read about the good guys triumph easily over the bad guys and then read about the celebration for that triumph.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fanstic story with magically jounrneys into another world., June 25, 1999

By A Customer

This fantasy adventure takes you into places you always dreamed of going to. Young Douglas and his Master, Flarman Firemaster, conquer many feats they face using their knowledge and skills. The author makes this book come alive as its readers read on. This book is highly recommended to all that have a vivid imagination and a longing for a magically journey in the lands of wizards and mystical creatures.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Light fantasy, enjoyable, March 18, 1998

By A Customer

Pyromancer marks the beginning of what at this writing is a three book series (Aquamancer, Aeromancer). Callander uses standard fantasy precepts with a light, enjoyable prose style. I.e., poor boy wizard apprentice, talking tableware. Not as annoying as writers with higher pretensions can become (i.e., Jordan *duck flames*). I would recommend this book for an afternoon's read.