A Wizard in Mind (Rogue Wizard) [Hardcover]

Christopher Stasheff (Author)

Book Description

Series: Rogue Wizard | Publication Date: March 1995

A new series from the author of The Warlock in Spite of Himself stars Magnus Gallowglass, son of the Warlock, leaving his home planet to find his own destiny, spread democracy everywhere, and destroy petty planetary tyrants.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This volume kicks off a new series dedicated to the travels of Magnus d'Armand, who is rebelling against his famous father, Rod Gallowglass, hero of several Stasheff novels (The Warlock in Spite of Himself). Magnus, under the alias of Gar Pike, travels to the island of Pirogia on the planet Petrarch, which he wishes to convert into a democracy. There, he befriends Gianni Braccalese, the son of a leading merchant. Gianni's attempts to trade his father's goods with other lands are impeded by the Stiletto Company, mercenaries in the employ of one Prince Raginaldi. (At one point, to disguise themselves from marauding soldiers, Magnus (as Gar) suggests that he and Gianni call themselves Giorgio and Lenni-and does several riffs on rabbits, just in case the reader misses the point.) During his quest Magnus encounters several competing factions-with more than one originating off-world-to be overcome. But battle scenes are either described after the fact or rendered in lackluster exposition, and too many familiar names are invoked (Vladimir; Estragon; Feste) but generally ill used. While this series may develop into something interesting, this first volume doesn't bode well.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Magnus Gallowglass, scion of technological warlock Rod Gallowglass, leaves the shelter of his father's reputation as he sets out for distant planets in need of delivery from oppressive governments. On a distant planet, Magnus encounters a complex web of political intrigue and despotism that has been made worse by the ill-informed meddlings of a rival group of intergalactic interventionists. As a spin-off from the author's popular Warlock novels (begun in 1969 with The Warlock in Spite of Himself), this series opener should find a built-in readership. Stasheff has a knack for crafting a lighthearted, action-filled tale.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Tor Books; First Edition edition (March 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312856954
• ISBN-13: 978-0312856953
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,184,103 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent First Outing For Magnus, March 29, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: A Wizard In Mind: The First Chronicle of Magnus D'Armand, Rogue Wizard (Chronicles of the Rogue Wizard) (Mass Market Paperback)

While the first outing for Magnus holds the same wit and humor as the Warlock series, there are times when it is seen that a new series is being brought to life. Finding himself on a world very much like Renaissance Italy, Magnus takes a guise that will become well know to readers of the later books in this series, Gar Pike. 'Renasissance Italy' finds itself at war, where those left of the former government are fighting each other as their world plunges further into the dark ages. While attempting to help bring peace to this world, as well as a new stable government Magnus (Gar) is also faced with a personal problem. A shadow from his past out to destroy him.

While perhaps the setting up of Magnus on his own leaves the reader feeling out of place with a character that had become regular in the 'Warlock' series, 'A Wizard In Mind,' is still one not to be missed. The introduction of Magnus as both 'Gar' and the 'Rouge Wizard' in his own right helps to establish a little better the character for later stories. However I still encourage you to read 'A Wizard in Absentia' as well to gain more insight to the longing that sometimes fills Magnus and why he seems to continually desire and yet fear relationships with women. Be sure not to miss Any of Stasheff's books, including 'A Wizard In Mind.'

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth reading, nice start the whole adventure, May 30, 2006

By 

B. Welch (Midwest USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Wizard In Mind: The First Chronicle of Magnus D'Armand, Rogue Wizard (Chronicles of the Rogue Wizard) (Mass Market Paperback)

The start of the series, this has a good plot and characters. I'd call this fun and relaxing fantasy. Worth reading at least once and likely will make you want to read the whole series.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Weak for Stasheff, April 16, 2001

By 

Steven J. Schuchart Jr. (Green Bay, WI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Wizard In Mind: The First Chronicle of Magnus D'Armand, Rogue Wizard (Chronicles of the Rogue Wizard) (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is kind of weak, especially for for his "Gallowglass" series of books. Its almost as if Stasheff himself is kind of done with the "demcracy vs. dictatorship" thing. A lot of the plot points he starts peter out and are wrapped up is a somewhat lame fashion at the end. Its almost as if he did not have the time or interest to properly finish the book. Stasheff is a great author, but this one is lacking.