Lawrence Watt-Evans

The Lords of Dûs — (1980-1984) Publisher: The overman named Garth sought immortal fame. The oracle told him to serve the Forgotten King to get that fame. But this King sent Garth after a basilisk whose gaze could turn men to stone. What sane use could anyone have for a monster like that?

The Fall of the Sorcerers — (2009-2010) Publisher: Lawrence Watt-Evans, author of the acclaimed Legends of Ethshar and Worlds of Shadows novels invites readers to embark on a rollicking journey in a brand-new fantasy series. Anrel Murau is a scholar, a young man with no magical ability even though he is the son of two powerful sorcerers. Anrel’s lack of talent bars him from the ruling classes, but he is content to be a simple clerk. Upon returning to his childhood home after years of study in the capital, Anrel finds his friends and family held under the thumb of the corrupt local lord. When this lord murders a dear friend, Anrel finds that although he’s not a sorcerer, he is not without other means to demand justice. If he can survive life on the run, that is. Carrying only his sword, a few coins, and his wit, Anrel must leave behind everything he has ever known, trust himself to unexpected allies, and outmaneuver leagues of enemies who will stop at nothing to keep his dangerous ideas from ever being heard. Magic and intrigue collide in a swashbuckling tale of daring escapes, beautiful witches, and one quiet young man’s rise to hero — or traitor. Nothing will ever be simple for Anrel again, as his personal quest may provide more peril for those he holds dear.

A Young Man Without Magic

A Young Man Without Magic seems to be set in 17th century Europe with characters who could have fallen right out of an Alexandre Dumas novel. So, if you liked The Count of Monte Cristo and think a novel like that with magic added would be great, then A Young Man Without Magic would seem to be a good choice. There is a problem, though… there is no Edmond in this book.

Anrel Murau is a young man without magical talent growing up in an imperial setting where sorcerers are the aristocracy and all others are simply cattle to be cared for. While there are rules under which they have to operate, sorcerers are lightly constrained as long as they can justify how what they are doing is for the greater good. The unmagical masses seem ripe for revolt.

I don’t mind stories that spend a lot of time on talk and less on action. Lawrence Watt-Evans is an author whose previous works I have enjoyed, and so I was willing to trudge through that. The problem is that Anrel is so annoying that I could barely finish the book. It’s as if Watt-Evans is going out of his way to make Anrel resist good ideas, embrace bad ideas, hold to the moral high ground for stupid people, but then lie about things that matter. ARGH!!

Anrel has several opportunities to change things. Each time, it seems that his inclination is to hide in the background and not express an opinion; but when he does disagree with everyone, it leads to a catastrophe. His friends die, he becomes an outlaw, and his life becomes difficult, all because he has a perplexing moral code that doesn’t make any sense to me. Maybe it’s a reflection of his having studied philosophy and law for four years right before the story begins.

Watt-Evans does a good job of world building and creates three memorable characters. The story is replete with opportunities to turn the plot into something less predictable and Anrel into someone less annoying. What frustrates me most is that there’s potential for a really interesting story. A Young Man Without Magic is the first book in a series, but I don’t know if I can recommend it, even with the hope that the second book will be better. I want it to be, because the potential is there; but I feel like I have been punished, not rewarded, by reading A Young Man Without Magic. —John Hulet

Above His Proper Station

After I finished A Young Man Without Magic, I didn’t know how Lawrence Watt-Evans was going to salvage this series. The main character, Anrel Murau, was so inconsistent and indifferent that I loathed him. In Above His Proper Station, Lawrence Watt-Evans finally gives us a reason to care.

Anrel Murau’s one redeeming characteristic is his high moral standards. When it comes to standing his ground and choosing right from wrong, he is willing to sacrifice his own comfort and security. That’s noble of him, but the problem is that Anrel can’t seem to match the determination to do something with the right moment to act.

The Walasian Empire is in the midst of a complete revolt. Anrel, as an unintentional instigator, has fled to the capital city of Lume to seek aid after his attempt to save his Beloved’s sister has gone awry. In Lume, Anrel’s deliberate naiveté continues to lead him from problem to problem. He becomes involved with the thieves of the city after he is robbed. When disaster strikes and his haven amongst the criminals is destroyed, he flees to the home of a foreign emissary and sorcerer who takes him in.

Lord Blackfield, the foreign emissary, is a powerful sorcerer and a seemingly well-intentioned benefactor for Anrel. While staying with Blackfield, Anrel is brought back to the center stage of the political process that is attempting to reshape the Empire. Anrel’s naiveté once again is such a liability… you have to wonder when he’ll ever get a clue.

Anrel’s nearly complete lack of growth in embracing his ability as a sorcerer is too glaring not to mention. It doesn’t make any sense that Anrel would abandon such an obvious source of potential power to help others. I expected him to seek training or something… That’s the problem with Anrel. He’s an idiot, and it’s hard to like him.

Above His Proper Station is mostly an interesting read because Watt-Evans’ world building is so solid – his portrayal of pre-revolutionary France just feels right. The Fall of the Sorcerers has potential and Above His Proper Station is better than A Young Man Without Magic… I just wish I liked Anrel a little better. —John Hulet