MAGICIAN: THE AUTHOR'S PREFERRED EDITION (Riftwar Saga, Vol 1) (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: 9.8 x 6.5 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,126,537 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

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

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 designated 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.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most incredible fantasy epic you will ever read., April 4, 1997

By A Customer

"Magician" is a fascinating novel about a two young boys' dreams. Feist weaves a story that is so vivid you can see the everything. I strongly suggest this to anyone who has ever cuddles up with a book and wants to transport themselves to another world, inhabited by mad kings, powerful sorcerers, and heroic princes

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Action packed one of the best books ever!!!, March 25, 1997

By A Customer

This book by Feist is by far the best book I have ever read. From the very begining there is thrilling adventure. The characters are creative and interesting. A very adictive series. BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!