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Into the Labyrinth

Book 1 in the series:Mage Errant

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'Into the Labyrinth' in the 'Mage Errant' series by John Bierce is a coming-of-age fantasy novel set in a magical academy. The story follows the protagonist, Hugh of Emberlin, a young mage who struggles with his magical abilities and faces challenges as he navigates through a complex magic system. The book introduces readers to a well-developed world with intricate world-building elements, a unique magic system, and a small cast of relatable and diverse characters. The plot revolves around Hugh's growth as a character, his journey from self-doubt to embracing his powers, and his experiences in a school setting reminiscent of other popular fantasy series.

Characters:

The characters are diverse and well-developed, reflecting unique flaws and growth, particularly through the main character Hugh's journey.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is accessible and engaging, combining humor, action, and vivid descriptions to enhance the storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows a weak student in a magic school who faces bullying and self-doubt, eventually discovering his unique abilities with the help of a mentor. It emphasizes character growth and friendship.

Setting:

The setting includes a magical academy with unique creatures and a labyrinth, contributing to a vibrant magical world.

Pacing:

The pacing starts slow to establish the world, but picks up towards the end, leading to satisfying climaxes.
Hugh slid farther back into the space behind the bookshelf. Rhodes and his friends might have chosen him as their favorite victim, but their attention span usually wasn’t too long. If he stayed hidden...

Notes:

The main character, Hugh, starts as the worst student at a magic school.
Hugh is bullied by better students and struggles with basic magic spells.
A unique mage recognizes Hugh's potential and mentors him along with other misfit apprentices.
The series has a complex magic system that combines elements and affinities, making it interesting and unique.
The world-building includes a variety of magical creatures and locations, enhancing the story's depth.
The first book is mostly about character development and sets up themes for future books.
There is a focus on LGBTQIA representation with several characters being bisexual or gay.
The narrative evolves from a single point of view to multiple perspectives, broadening the story's scope.
The series uses humor and relatable characters, making it engaging for a wide audience.
The author, John Bierce, incorporates social themes, reflecting real-life struggles through magical challenges.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of bullying and social anxiety, but they are handled in a manner that is accessible for younger audiences.

From The Publisher:

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.

Ratings (93)

Incredible (11)
Loved It (38)
Liked It (24)
It Was OK (13)
Did Not Like (7)

Reader Stats (149):

Read It (92)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (36)
Did Not Finish (7)
Not Interested (13)

1 comment(s)

Loved It
6 months

A middle grade/young adult light fantasy in the veins of Harry Potter, Rowan of Rin and Tamora Pierce's Circle of Magic books.

Hugh of Emblin might have been told he was a mage but he certainly doesn't feel like one. His first year at Skyhold Academy has been fraught with wonky and failed spells, bullying and despair. But all that changes when Alustin Haber, Librarian Errant, chooses Hugh and two other mages, Sabae Kaen Das and Talia of Clan Castis to be his apprentices and includes Godrick Wallbreaker in their training. The four become fast friends and find in each other the acceptance, care and loyalty they've been looking for.

This was a good straightforward fantasy, with your chosen one, steadfast friends, obvious evils and minor bully. There's nothing particularly unique here but it solidly delivers an engaging tale. It's on the younger side of the young adult audience and Hugh definitely sounds younger than his supposed fourteen years of age. He felt closer to the twelve mark which might make it a bit too simplistic for older readers.

The plot was a bit thin in parts but enjoyable nonetheless. The magic system is mostly familiar with a few unique twists. I don't think I've read of a crystal or scent mage before and I liked Talia's flame flavoured bone and dream affinities even if I have seen them before. Hugh can be a bit whiny at times

(and I guess there were reasons...demons influencing his thoughts, etc...)

but in general he's pretty likeable and his social anxiety is very relatable. The rest of the characters were a bit flat in parts but I liked them all too. I really loved the dynamic between them. They were all so nice to each other and supportive and it was great.

My favourite part was the magical library - because it's a MAGICAL LIBRARY!!! I mean what reader could possibly go past that? Honestly seeing that in one of the reviews was probably the main reason I picked it up to begin with. I loved the librarians using paper origami animals to find books and the concept of the Great Index. And Alustin's title - Librarian Errant was awesome - I mean a battlemage employed to retrieve rare books - freaking cool. To be fair it's not a new idea and I've seen similar concepts before (A.F. Kay's Divine Apostasy series with Ink Lords is th most recent to come to mind) but I love books. I loved Hugh's unique approach to getting

them out of the labyrinth. And the idea of bonding with the library was epic. I was only disappointed to find there's no sentient library but rather a head librarian sphinx. Still cool. But bonding with a library is hard to let go.

Overall a fun adventurous tale with likable characters and intriguing magic. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.

 
 
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