Stonefather

Orson Scott Card

Book 0.5 in the series:Mither Mages

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elemental magic

political tensions

journey of self discovery

magical talents

fantasy world

engaging storytelling

rushed pacing

political issues in magic

simplistic characters

succinct novella

magic affinity

growth and identity

About:

"Stonefather" by Orson Scott Card is a novella that sets up the Mithermages series, introducing a universe where mages control different elements such as water and stone. The story follows Runnel, a boy who discovers his affinity for stone magic and gets embroiled in political issues between water mages and stone mages in a city. The plot focuses on Runnel's journey of self-discovery and growth as he navigates through a world filled with magical talents and ancient enmities.

Characters:

Characters are largely simplistic, with Runnel’s journey of self-discovery as the focal point.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is straightforward and engaging, allowing for effective storytelling within a limited page count.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around Runnel's journey from a neglected son in his village to discovering his identity and magical talents in a new city.

Setting:

The setting encompasses a fantasy world rich in elemental magic and underlying political tensions.

Pacing:

The pacing, while mostly engaging, occasionally feels rushed, especially toward the climax.

Orson Scott Card began publishing in 1977, and by 1978 had won the John W. Campbell Award as best new writer of the year. By 1986, his famous novel Ender’s Game, one of the best-known and bestselling ...

Notes:

Orson Scott Card is a bestselling author known for both science fiction and fantasy.

'Stonefather' is a novella introducing the Mithermages world.

The story follows Runnel, a boy from a village dedicated to the water god Yeggut.

Runnel leaves his unappreciative family to find himself in the city of water mages.

The book features a blend of water and stone mages, showcasing magic connected to elements.

Runnel discovers he has a talent for stone magic, becoming a significant figure.

The novella is meant to set up a larger series with the upcoming book 'The Lost Gate'.

'Stonefather' is a quick read, lasting about three hours in audiobook form.

The characters are described as simple, which some readers found charming or unsatisfactory.

The plot follows classic fantasy tropes, including the tale of an outsider finding his place.

From The Publisher:

Runnel, a friendless peasant from a village so humble that money is a new concept, stumbles into a centuries-old feud when he travels to Mitherhome, the city of the wetwizards, seeking his fortune.

He accepts a servant's position in the household of the sole stonemage permitted within the city walls, where his untapped magical talents and his fascination with his master's abilities are a predictably dangerous combination.

October 2008

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112 pages

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