by Taran Matharu
Series: Summoner #1
Genres: Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Rating:
When blacksmith apprentice Fletcher discovers that he has the ability to summon demons from another world, he travels to Adept Military Academy. There the gifted are trained in the art of summoning. Fletcher is put through grueling training as a battlemage to fight in the Hominum Empire’s war against orcs. He must tread carefully while training alongside children of powerful nobles. The power hungry, those seeking alliances, and the fear of betrayal surround him. Fletcher finds himself caught in the middle of powerful forces, with only his demon Ignatius for help. As the pieces on the board maneuver for supremacy, Fletcher must decide where his loyalties lie. The fate of an empire is in his hands. The Novice is the first in a trilogy about Fletcher, his demon Ignatius, and the war against the Orcs.
The Novice by Taran Matharu is the first in the Summoner series and one readers will enjoy. From the stunning cover to the supernatural creatures this young adult fantasy delivered. I will warn you the cliffy is draw dropping but I promise this one is not to be missed.
First line: IT WAS NOW OR NEVER. If Fletcher didn’t make this kill, he would go hungry tonight. Dusk was fast approaching and he was already running late. He needed to make his way back to the village soon, or the gates would close. If that happened, he would either have to bribe the guards with money he didn’t have or take his chances in the woods overnight.
Five reasons to drop everything and read The Novice
- I love a good fantasy particularly when the world and characters draw me in. Matharu’s tale grabbed me from page one with its Middle Earth Harry Potter vibe. Toss in magical creatures from the cute to the downright ugly, add a few Elves, Dwarfs, Demons and Humans, and you have the makings of a cool fantasy.
- Our protagonist is an orphaned boy who was taken in by a blacksmith in the village of Pelt. Bullied by the town’s wealthy children and one snot-head in particular he is a likable character from the onset. By accident and curiosity, Fletcher discovers he has the ability to summon demons from the Ether. An encounter with the local bully has him fleeing his home and fate has him attending the Adept Military Academy. Here he will train and learn the skills necessary to become a Summoner.
- The world has a Middle Earth vibe and it made me giddy. How demons are summoned reminded me of Lord of the Rings with its use of mana to summon their companion demons. Each Summoner has levels and this determines the type and quantity of demons they can possess. Sings “Gotta catch um all!” Yep, reminded me of Pokémon. We have feuds, alliances, social classes and power hungry nobles. The Orcs are winning the war and more Summoners are needed to stop them. This war has been going on for over three hundred years. Despite familiarity Matharu made it his own. Easy to read and evenly paced this is a great crossover book for non-fantasy fans looking to dabble. Twist, turns and power struggles kept me enthralled.
- I mentioned Harry Potter the academy brought forth those vibes from classrooms on demonology to casting spells and entering the Ether. The professors are odd ducks, and we even have an arse who does not like muggles, I mean commoners. Fletcher quickly befriends others and I enjoyed the different students and their different demons. The noble students were kind of cliché with their “we rule, you drool” attitude but each had distinct enough personalities.
- The Novice was such a fun read and I consumed it in just two sittings. This book originally published on Wattpad and over six millions folks read and loved the book. It is easy to see why. I will warn you once again the ending was climatic. Just when we were cheering Mathura dropped us a curve-ball that had my jaw dropping and my blood boiling. *shakes fist* There was a prequel, which I would love to read for the history of this world and hope Macmillan makes it available soon. In the meantime, I will be awaiting news of book two!
Quotes
“What have we told you dwarves about carrying weapons in public? Why can’t you get it through you thick, dwarven skulls? Only humans have that privilege!”
“I could do with one of those flying lights right now, don’t you think, Ignatius?” he whispered.
The shadows shifted unnaturally as he moved down the corridor, the dark slits of every suit of armor staring at him as he walked past.
It seemed odd that whoever was ahead was moving so quickly, their pace closer to a jog than a midnight stroll. Fletcher hurried to keep up, his curiosity getting the better of him. Even when he reached the atrium, all he could perceive was the dim light and a swish of cloth as a figure darted out through the main entrance.
“If it wasn’t for the summoners, we would be in serious trouble.”
Adriana Garcia
Wow, The Novice sounds like the ultimate fantasy read. It makes me think of some particular video games I used to play with my brother. I like that it reminds you of so many great fantasy books because there is so much to like. I noticed that there were no negatives so this must have been really amazing. Looking forward to see what you think of book 2!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Adriana, it was fun, and a great YA fantasy
Tyler H Jolley
Oh yeah, this baby is in my TBR pile. I might need to bump it up in the queue.
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy..it was fun and a fast read
Sarah
Ohmigosh. Harry Poter you say??? I’m not generally a HUGE fan of high fantasy because I’ve read some in the past that went really, really wrong. I did love Harry Potter so maybe one of these days I’ll give in to curiosity and purchase a copy of The Novice. Great review, Kimberly, it made me laugh!
kimbacaffeinate
This reads easily Sarah, I think you would enjoy it.
Melanie Simmons
This looks a fun story. I haven’t read a good fantasy in a long time.
kimbacaffeinate
It was and a fun way to introduce YA readers to fantasy
Olivia
Reading this review there does seem to be a few cliches in here, like the main character being an orphan, but it doesn’t seem like the kind of thing I would mind too much, especially with a cover like that and knowing that the supernatural elements are handled so well. I will be looking into this book further!
Check out my most recent blog post: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/2015/05/bookish-identity-tag.html
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, somethings felt familiar or cliche but the author added his own twists and mark making it quite an enjoyable read
Keionda
*FANS SELF* OMGEE that author though. When I finished reading, his big brown eyes were like, WAM! I’ve never actually read a book by a male author, huh, strange I know. Heading over to Goodreads now to add it to my TBR:)
kimbacaffeinate
Bwahaha…all you ladies are swooning. Hope you enjoy the book too
Rita
Yes, I want it, lol! I do like me some Middle Earth similarities and the plot sounds original enough on its own from the other stories you were reminded of. And okay, we can we all agree that he is one handsome guy. If he wasn’t so talented at writing he could be a model 🙂 …now I will act my age, but I will be on the lookout for this book coming this week, so thanks, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Everyone agrees he is a hottie. Yes, this was such fun and had a nice blend while still holding its own
Tanja
I really feel bad for DNFing this book. I see why you enjoyed and I truly hope that everyone will. But it seems that both author and I grew up on same stories so that some things here seemed too predictable for me. Great review, Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yes..I can see predictability but felt it held enough to stand on its own.
Lorna
I seem to be the only one that is not a Harry Potter/Lord of the RIngs fan. I am glad you enjoyed it so much though 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
*blinks* I am speechless.
Jennifer Bielman
This sounds awesome. I love a good fantasy with a lot of supe characters. And Christy is right. Hottie author!!!
kimbacaffeinate
LOL..everyone loves the hottie and this was a fun read
Debbie Haupt
Wow, great review Kim and a child prodigy too!
I’m in
Thanks
kimbacaffeinate
thanks Debbie, enjoy your weekend
Tash
I have been dying to read this one and this review makes me want to read it more! This year seems to be the year of the epic fantasies ! I have to hunt down a copy ASAP now. There goes my ARC pile lol
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Tash it was fun.
Lindy
This sounds like such an entertaining fantasy! The Harry Potter Vibe and Lord of the Rings Reference has me intrigued! I love when an author delvers a climatic, jaw dropping ending! It makes me anticipate the next book in the series even more! Wonderful Review Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Lindy, yes I liked the vibe too and the ending gads
Michelle
Now this sounds like my sort of book! Adding it to my list now. Awesome review Kimba, you have me excited for this one!
kimbacaffeinate
I think you will like picking out all of the books, videos etc and I liked how he blended them and made them his own
Cyn
This sounds like a pretty interesting series! I do love fantasy! Happy to see you really enjoyed this! Thanks for the great review, Kim (:
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Cyn, hope things are well with you
Sophia Rose
That is a heady combination of goodness this book is promising. Glad it met with expectation and I can deal with a cliffhanger if its for a really good cause. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed Sophia 🙂
Angela Adams
This novel sounds really “deep” and thought-provoking. Thanks for the post.
kimbacaffeinate
It does address social classes and prejudiced but it is also fun and captivating
Benish
This does sound pretty intriguing – I haven’t read a good fantasy lately – hopefully this might be it. Lovely review.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope so. Thanks Benish
Bieke
I totally got those Harry Potter-with-Pokémon-in-Middle-Earth feels. ^^ LOVED this one a lot! 😀 Glad you did too!
Bieke
Also, the author told me he’s working hard on writing the sequel and the prequel is a free novella! 😀 Here: http://www.amazon.com/Summoner-Origins-Taran-Matharu-ebook/dp/B00VE73320/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1430519624&sr=8-2&keywords=taran+matharu
kimbacaffeinate
Oh awesome news Bieke, and yeah so glad you felt the same way!
Melissa (Books and Things)
I’ve been really enjoying YA fantasy. In fact I’ve read a few good fantasies lately and I’ve been getting back into them. I do think I’ll have to add this one to my list. Plus, you said HP! LOL I’m now following him on Wattpad.
kimbacaffeinate
I have too Melissa, it is a nice mix up to my usual go to in YA which is dystopian.
Lily
I’m loving the sounds of this one and it completely works for me! I can’t wait to dig into it! Lovely review Kim 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo..enjoy Lily!
Candace
This sounds fantastic and like something I would really enjoy! I think I’ll have to add this to my list!
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet, I look forward to your thoughts.
Heidi
I just added this into and upcoming Friday Forecast. It looks good and sounds great. I like the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter feel. Is it adult, YA or MG?
kimbacaffeinate
This is YA…but totally ok for MG audience.
Ramona
Hello awesomeness! I like the sound of this more than chocolate, because it ticks so many boxes for me. A fantasy that echoes both Harry Potter and LOTR – what more can a girl wish for? And you’re right, that is a stunning cover!
kimbacaffeinate
Agreed, I really had fun reading this one Ramona 🙂
Lanie
The cover looks like the Assassin Creeds games!
kimbacaffeinate
Ooo, had to go look at my son’s game…but yes, yes it doe 🙂
Lanie
😉
blodeuedd
HP fantasy…eh
kimbacaffeinate
and middle earth too
Brandi Breathes Books
Does sound like a fun and consuming read, adding to tbr
kimbacaffeinate
Enjoy Brandi 🙂
Liz
I don’t generally go for fantasy books like this. But you definitely make it sound interesting. And yes, I agree that cover is stunning!
kimbacaffeinate
This is a good book to experiment with..not high fantasy, but has an easy flow.
Ro
I don’t know that I’m a fan of the cover, Kim (lol) which I know I’m not really supposed to pay attention to, but as a serious Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings fan (Have the books and the toys), I’ve definitely got to check this one out because it sounds totally fun. Hugs…
kimbacaffeinate
This was fun Ro, and hope you give it a go 🙂 *hugs*
Micheline
I am LOVING all the positive reviews this one has been getting but to be honest, your review got me excited the most! Harry Potter + Middle Earth + Pokémon = AWESOME 😀 I love the sound of this world and the characters seem just as engrossing. Thanks for the wonderful review^^ and I’m happy you enjoyed this one so much!
kimbacaffeinate
It was a fun adventure Micheline.
Faye
Oooooh. I had thought the author was female. It’s actually a male, and a good-looking one at that, too. Go, you, Taran Matharu! I have an eARC of this and I can’t wait to get started on it myself 😀 I’ve read the first few pages and the writing was a bit simplistic for me, but I see the potential!
kimbacaffeinate
All of my followers are mooning over Taran..lol
Nick
I’m really glad you enjoyed this one, Kim. I loved the cover and was excited to read it, but I had a hard time connecting with the characters so I wound up DNFing it. But I think I’ll pick it up again because your praise makes me want to experience the same awesomeness as you did. 🙂
Lovely review!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you did, I really had fun with this
kindlemom1
Is it totally wrong that I would have picked this up for the cover alone? I love everything you mentioned Kim!
Happy Friday!
kimbacaffeinate
Nope..I do that sometimes 🙂
Braine
Middle Earth Harry Potter & an orphan boy as the hero?? Epic!! This does sound amazing!
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly..not to mention demons
Michelle
I’m super excited about this one. I have it sitting on my TBR, maybe I will add it to my clean sweep reading pile.
Great review Kimba 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Perfect for Clean Sweep Michelle
Kelsey
I’ve seen this one around a lot but you’re the first review I’ve seen. It’s definitely got my interest now! I will be adding it to my wishlist in a second 😀
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you decide to pick it up Kelsey 🙂
Christy
Well, hello there, Mr. Hottie Author! lol.
I am for sure going to read this, but I’m going to utilize self-control and wait until the 2nd book is out. Or close to the release.
kimbacaffeinate
Ok he is a cutie. Enjoy 🙂