fantasy book reviews science fiction book reviewsfantasy book reviews Thomas K. Martin Magelord: The AwakeningMagelord: The Awakening by Thomas K. Martin

It is interesting to read older fantasy novels and see how the genre has grown and evolved. Thomas K. Martin published Magelord: The Awakening in 1997, and it feels dated.

Bjorn Rolfsson is a young hedge-wizard. In a time when people who can use magic are hunted down and burned alive, he and his father are part of a hidden, secretive group, called a Circle, who teach each other to use magic. I felt like I was reading about early Christians under the Roman Empire, where being exposed was a sure death. There are many different groups who have been persecuted like this throughout history, but that was what jumped into my mind.

Gavin is the son of the King of Ryykvid and a decent enough guy. He is trying to do what is right, but he has a problem: one of the Magelords, the former rulers of the world who destroyed each other and almost the world too, has been discovered and has taken over the King’s mind. Gavin is desperately seeking another mage who can help him free his father from the influence of his new adviser.

Martin’s writing style is adequate. I was not swept away by the story, but he didn’t bore me to tears either. Some of the plotlines just felt like well-covered ground, even if the Magelords and the hidden community of the Circle were somewhat innovative. The best part of the story was the reaction of the nobility of the lesser clans in Reykvid when they are betrayed by the ruling house. The willingness to stand together against tyranny by an overreaching king was noble and struck a real chord with me.

Magelord: The Awakening is just an average fantasy novel. I am not really interested in reading further books in the series, because what I found here was not special enough to draw me away from other books that are out there. It’s not a bad book, but lacking anything really special can be the kiss of death for a series as well.

Magelord — (1997-1999) Publisher: Around the fires, in the cold of winter, the old tales of the Time of Madness are still told. Tales of MageLords, sorcerers near godlike in their power, who looked upon ordinary men with contempt. Who were still feared and hated — until now.

Thomas K Martin Magelord fantasy book reviews 1. The Awakening 2. The Time of Madness 3. The House of BairnThomas K Martin Magelord fantasy book reviews 1. The Awakening 2. The Time of Madness 3. The House of BairnThomas K Martin Magelord fantasy book reviews 1. The Awakening 2. The Time of Madness 3. The House of Bairn

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  • John Hulet

    JOHN HULET is a member of the Utah Army National Guard. John’s experiences have often left a great void that has been filled by countless hours spent between the pages of a book lost in the words and images of the authors he admires. During a 12 month tour of Iraq, he spent well over $1000 on books and found sanity in the process. John lives in Utah and works slavishly to prepare soldiers to serve their country with the honor and distinction that Sturm Brightblade or Arithon s’Ffalenn would be proud of. John retired from FanLit in March 2015 after being with us for nearly 8 years. We still hear from him every once in a while.

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