Into the Labyrinth

by John Bierce

Paperback, 214 pages

English language

Published Oct. 9, 2018 by Independently published.

ISBN:: 978-1-7315-5094-1

(20 reviews)

Hugh of Emblin is, so far as he's concerned, the worst student that the Academy at Skyhold has ever seen. He can barely cast any spells at all, and those he does cast tend to fail explosively. If that wasn't bad enough, he's also managed to attract the ire of the most promising student of his year- who also happens to be the nephew of a king. Hugh has no friends, no talent, and definitely doesn't expect a mage to choose him as an apprentice at all during the upcoming Choosing.

When a very unusual mage does choose him as apprentice, however, his life starts to take a sharp turn for the better. Now all he has to worry about is the final test for the first years- being sent into the terrifying labyrinth below Skyhold.

1 edition

nlowell@books.theunseen.city reviewed Into the Labyrinth by John Bierce (Mage Errant, #1)

Library Apprentice

5 stars

Bierce sets the stage with this series opener by introducing Hugh of Emblin and his friends. It's an interesting take on magical power, using the various "attunement" tropes along with some leveling mechanics and a dash of mysticism.

Hugh's low self-image, battered into him by the school bully and re-inforced regularly, serves the plot well. His companions - each with their own burdens to bear - work with him to overcome the most intractable obstacles.

I really liked the characters and their interactions. The setting, mostly just sketched in, provides just enough of a stage for the story to unfold on while hinting of deeper mysteries to come.

A fun set up to what promises to be a rollicking tale of magic and mayhem.

Highly recommended.