Rating: 
Summary: Loved it ten years ago; love it even now
Review: Plenty of reviews on this wonderful novel already so I'll just cover some personal highlights (will avoid spoilers):CONCEPT: Epic scope here. See two young boys in a backwater Duchy rise up in power as they help the lands from an alien invasion coming through a gateway. Lots of mystery with this alien race, which is a combination of Japanese, Korean and Chinese Kingdoms. Lots of wonder, exotic and mystical places as well as a real delving into the two different cultures. Excellent to superb characters. OVERALL FEELING: epic scope; wondrous; superbly woven characters SCORING: Superb (A), Excellent (A-), Very good (B+), Good (B) Fairly Good (B-) Above Average (C+), Mediocre (C ), Barely Passable (C-) Pretty Bad (D+), Dismal (D), Waste of Time (D-), Into the Trash (F) DIALOGUE: B+ STRUCTURE: A HISTORY SETTING: B CHARACTERS: A EVIL SETUP/ANTAGONISTS: A- EMOTIONAL IMPACT: A- SURPRISES: B+ MONSTERS: B PACING: B+ THE LITTLE THINGS: A OVERALL STYLE: A- FLOW OF WORDS: B+ CHOICE OF FOCUS: A TRANSITIONS/FLASHBACKS/POV: A- COMPLEXITY OF WORDS/SYMBOLISM/THEMES: A- OVERALL GRADE: A- CONCEPT: A beautiful epic fantasy whose true strength lies in the emotional details of its characters. Story focuses on the orphan pug who starts out as an apprentice to the wizard, Kulgan, and shows little promise. As events continue to progress, the nation faces a devastating war with the Tsurani, a warrior Asian race of beings who come through a rift from another world. In the meantime, each different character must deal with the war and its effects on their territories. HISTORY: Good. Feist gets away with talking about only bits and pieces of the History. Also, one thing I appreciate about his History (unlike Robert Jordan's WHEEL OF TIME) is that he doesn't bombard it upon his readers. Instead, the History is incorporated into the storyline as it progresses. No stupid tangents where the novelist goes off talking about such things while the rest of us wait around for the details. CHARACTERS: This is Feist's forte'. Just about every character, from the main character all the way down to the sub characters, are richly detailed. Just like a tapestry that entrances the eyes and you never get tired of looking at them day after day. While it's true that all novels allow you to get inside the heads of the characters, Feist goes further; especially with the two boys (who seem to be the main characters); Pug and Tomas. We especially are privileged to get into Pug's head where we read his conflicting emotions of confusion and infatuation for Carline, the princess of the Duchy. And, it doesn't just read that pug is crestfallen or something short. Feist develops the pain and worries of each character where it feels justified, logical and stirring. I noticed he did this to a lesser extent with Tomas when it came time for the young boy to decide if he was going to leave the dwarves for home during the various raids against the Tsurani. And, so too, we see Tomas' connection with some being of old who is long gone. Each character has a clear and understandable motivation. Even better, these motivations overlap or come into conflict. For instance, there's a good deal of interplay between Pug and Carline in the beginning. DIALOGUE: Medieval dialogue is difficult to write for starters. Feist does a very good job with it for the most part. Not too many contractions and usage of medieval words that tie into the dialogue ("He came straight away" "We both played to her tune."). In other words, medieval slang that added a sense of realism to the story. The first 1/3 seems to be about Pug and his adjustments to the new challenges around him (i.e. dealing with Carline, becoming a squire, apprenticeship, the discovery of the Tsurani); the next 1/3 is Pug and allies going to Rillanon to warn the king of this new threat (this has two smaller categories when Tomas and Pug get separated; and we do both of their stories; this is also the biggest chunk of the three parts); and the last 1/3 is mostly focusing on Tomas and his magical armor but most of the focus goes back to Crydee where we concentrate on the siege, as well as Carline and Rolands' love blossoming. Again, I must STRESS that the excellent to fabulous characters enriched the structure here. There were a certain degree of cliff hangers here that leapt from one story to another in the novel, but not like a movie. Feist definitely wanted to bring us in slowly and in a world of instant gratification there's definitely something to be said for it.
Rating: 
Summary: Not bad, one of the better "typical" epic fantasies
Review: I call this a "typical" epic fantasy because it didn't knock my socks off with any kind of originality as far as races, magic, plot, etc. It was somewhat refreshing at first to find that the "bad guys" of the book were another race of humans rather than some omnipotent unknown evil menace with hideous henchmen as its disposal. Oh, wait, then you read books 2 - 4 of the series and find out it's actually the same old thing. You have the usual elves, dwarves, giants, trolls, goblins, etc. Nothing new there. Magic is mysterious for a time in the series but it eventually becomes a constant focus which makes me lose interest in it. He tries to be unique by creating the 'Rift' between worlds which allows the Tsurani (bad guys) to come through from a different dimension, but I didn't fall for it. Though I did like his reasoning for their assault on the kingdom. I won't give that away. One thing I did appreciate is the size of the world. Although, most of it takes place in "The Kingdom" there are other kingdoms that are mentioned or passed through briefly that make you realize that "The Kingdom" is not alone on the world. There is a lot of unexplored territory by people of "The Kingdom," and other civilizations that are about that they are not even aware of. I only wish he had explored this a bit more. Speaking of "The Kingdom," how unique is that? That is actually the name of the place. "The Kingdom" Who named that? Probably "The King." The other major civilization is "The Empire." A little boring... Having all of that said, I enjoyed Magician: Apprentice the most in the series. Magician: Master was a close second. These two complete a whole story. Books 3 & 4 are more like a follow up rather than a continuation. They tell different stories about the same people, though all are related. The characterizations are reasonably good. He doesn't get too deep into them but you learn to care for Pug. The other hero Tomas never really grew on me. It took until book 3 before I really had a good understanding about what these people were about though. I wish that could have been done a bit quicker. There is a certain predictable nature about everything that happens. Most of the time, you'll know the outcome of a certain event before you read it. Sometimes you'll figure something out long before it ever occurs in print. The author really keeps a quick pace to everything. At times, he'll skip years to get to the next important event. Personally I like this but I know some like to follow the characters progression at least a little over the years. He makes big jumps occasionally. Overall, this is one of the better typical epic fantasies I've read even after all the negative things it seems I've said. There are no outstanding innovations but it's worth reading if you don't have any other recommended books on your plate. One good thing is that you really don't have to commit to the 4 book series if you don't enjoy it. Finish the first 2 and you're done with the most interesting storyline in my opinion.
Rating:
Summary: Light Entertainment
Review: I enjoyed this book for what it is, an entertaining light read. It is not complicated and I was able to read it within two days. I will most probably read the next book of the series, I am happy for the people that rated this book so highly, however to I would like qualify why I rated it as 3 stars. I have several criteria for what makes a good book: Enjoyable - You have to enjoy it. I enjoyed it as entertainment not as a classic. Originality - I did not find a great deal of originality within the book. Dwarfs, Elves, Dragons have all been used before. Even the concept of Dark Elves and Golden Dragons has been used. Once again we have a low born, young orphan boy with some sort of special power no one else has. The concept of one universe invading another maybe original I can't be sure (given the date of first release of this book). The clash of worlds could be likened to the Roman Empire meeting the Medieval Knights of Europe. Unpredictable - If a book is predictable, I feel comfortable or unchallenged. This book made me feel comfortable because in the main it was predictable. For example, during the great siege of Crydee it was obvious that the frontal attack was a diversion for some other angle of attack. I immediately thought of using the sewage or forgotten underground tunnel system they may have found. Characters - Characters must be engaging and have depth/history or intrigue about them. Some of the better characters in this book are not the main characters. Macros the Magician, the Master woodsman and towards the end we have Thomas his special armour. Some of the more boring characters are Pug, Kulgan, the Princess and the Duke. Intrigue - There should be a number of sub-plots to keep interest. This was introduced late in the book but could have been more expanded upon and made more powerful. The issue around the King, or perhaps an alliance with a person or race in the Kingdom could have been used. Things just seemed to happen and things worked out for the best. Believable/ Realistic - I don't mean realistic from a real world point of view but what would really happen if someone were waging a war. The example I use here is related to a Tsurani slave that was captured. All through the book the Kingdom people kept saying how little they know about the invaders and that all soldiers they tried to capture fought to the death or committed suicide. Finally they capture a slave and find out he is a ex-Tsurani officer who was put into slavery. This Tsurani offers to join the Kingdom. Do they interrogate him, do they ask about the magicians from the other world, do they ask about the other world war tactics, do they ask about the head Warlord etc?? No they don't. That is the first thing any Army commander would do. If they did it interrogate him, the book did not elaborate on the outcome. Not Boring - Some books go into intricate detail about the most uninteresting things that do not add value. Some books explain at length (page after page) about the state of a hotel room. This book is not boring and does not go into long-winded descriptions that do not add value. Well Written - This depends on the target audience. This appears to be aimed at a junior audience and as such it is well written. When I go to the movies sometimes I come out and think about that movie for days. Other movies I come out and feel that I was entertained, I could see it again but ten minutes later I don't think about it. Magician Apprentice is the later. To sum up, I like a book that makes me think about what if, who or what is that person, what will happen next or how did it ever arrive at this situation.
Rating:
Summary: An epic adventure you'll always remember
Review: This world captivated me in the very first moment I opened the book. For anyone who grew up reading fairy tales "Magician" will show a world hauntingly familiar yet full of the excitement of discovery, and a bunch of characters we get to know as if we met them in real life. Good heroes are not perfect and bad ones are not evil: all of them are so human (or elf, or dwarf...) that it makes us feel what they feel, neither of them is flat and they improve a lot, like real life people. Feist uses all the elements of classic fantasy yet his work is original and a masterpiece of imagination. The story of two empires in war is almost like real history, not the over-used "good guy" - "bad guy" conflict but a clash of two different civilizations. Warning: Don't begin to read it 'till you've bought the next book of the series, "Magician: Master", or you won't be able to think of anything but getting it after you've finished the first.
Rating:
Summary: An epic on a grand scale!!
Review: From the moment I picked it up until the moment I put it down the adventures of Pug, Tomas, and the other wonderful characters were astounding and well written. An adventure worth reading. One of the best I have read in a long time.
Rating:
Summary: High Fantasy at its best
Review: If you're looking for classic style fantasy, this is about as good as it gets. It's got the classic insignificant boy from the country growing into someone important, although in this case there are two boys with equally compelling stories. It's got powerful magic (although the magic is not overused, as it has been in some more recent fantasy books), it's got swords, Thieves' Guilds, Elves, Dragons, the whole lot. And it is well written as well, with a lot of action going on in addition to the stories of the two main characters. This was, apparently, the first thing Feist ever wrote, and it's head and shoulders above everything he's written since. This book is the first part of a trilogy, but its story actually has very little to do with the following books, apart from putting the characters into certain positions and giving you some back story. Its story is also more interesting than the larger story of the trilogy. The books following this trilogy quickly become little more than pulp fantasy. Feist has fallen into a trap of not being able to move on from this setting. However, none of that detracts from this first book (which has been split in two for this latest release), which is certainly a staple for any fantasy fan.
Rating:
Summary: Not Just Another Fantasy Novel
Review: It's not often that I come across a book that I love so much I feel compelled to read more books so I can learn how everything is truly related. This was one of those rare occasions and one of the best books I have ever read. From the introduction of the main character to the background stories for each other character the story is rich with sub-plot and an amazing main theme. "Magician: Apprentice" has all of the normal Fantasy items, elves, dwarves, and dragons. But that is where the similarities end. With a threat that seems straight out of "Stargate" it is unique. The best way to describe this book is "must read". No other words can fairly describe this awesome novel.
Rating:
Summary: The best of Feist
Review: The first two books of the "Riftwar Saga", Magician: Apprentice and Master are great fast-paced adventure, and the best of Feist's work. While many of the adventures of both Tomas and Pug are fairy typical fastasy plots, the characters are good enough that you will love them anyway. While definitely a stereotypical "unlikely hero" story, it is one of my favorite hero tales. Typical criticism of Feist is for the quality of his prose, which in later books is admitedly not top quality, while the substance of his stories are, on the other hand, praised. Newer editions of the Magician books give you the best of both. Through several re-edits and new editions the magician books have become very polished and are of high quality all around. While I would not recommend sticking with the series after these first two, you will love the Magician books.
Rating: 
Summary: magical world with lovable characters [no spoilers]
Review: "Magician: Apprentice" is the first volume in the Riftwar Saga. From the opening pages, exciting characters experience a tale in a world of sword and sorcery. Two of the primary characters epitomize the tale; Pug the orphan and best friend Tomas. As the story unfolds, a love for the characters and supporting cast build an enjoyable book. One feels the elation and frustration as the characters find themselves in a world changing due to a conquering foe from another dimension. I dislike beginning a new chapter and apparently months or years have elapsed without an obvious note at the chapter head. Although the Amazon.com version says "Author's Preferred Edition", I am reviewing my original paperback and maybe the chronological frustration is addressed. I highly recommend the series to any fan of the fantasy genre. Thank you.
Rating:
Summary: Good, solid, enjoyable fantasy
Review: This "author's preferred" edition of "Magician" includes a preface by the author which gives the lie to the breathless, over-the-top reviews that accompany this book. "On the throne next to Tolkien", forsooth! Feist makes no such claims himself, describing "Magician" simply as a "ripping yarn". That it most certainly is. A page-turning, neatly-written, exciting fantasy tale that is not exactly bursting with the most original and challenging ideas (Dragons guarding underground treasure vaults; dwarven miners and fey elves) nonetheless includes enough that's new and intriguing to keep it going.
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