Genre writing has often been given short shift, which is a shame. Such books are also dismissed as mere entertainment. Strange to label them as such when most popular fiction is equal to this. Not all works are meant to be technical manuals, how-to books, or deep scholarly mysteries to ponder, as well as the wonderful coffee table books that I fully admit, I actually DO read. For me however, genre reading seems so much more rich than mainstream popular fiction, if only because they tend to be better written with more layers of meaning, and frankly, more fun.

In A Mage In The Making one is faced with the usual settings for fantasy. A young man (a child) on a quest, the quest itself, and achievement of the goal to either save the world or obtain some sense of happiness. For those of who you love the "wizard in training" books such as Harry Potter or Charlie Bone, you will enjoy this as well. But beware, this story has no sugar coating and the twist and plots are far more sinister than any other school of wizard class of story. Unlike many fantasies, A Mage In The Making, and the other books that follow, do not take place in the far past or modern times. In fact, it takes place in the far future after we reject all forms of dangerous technology. Humans instead began to develop in another way to bring out their ever love of power.

Grimm Afelnor is a young child, not more than eight, not less than seven who has been sent out on a trip far from his Gramfar and Grandmother who have been raising him since the death of his parents. Grimm knows nothing of the history of his Gramfar, who was once Loras -- a very powerful Quester Mage, one whom was disgraced and barred from practicing magic again. He sends his grandson who has begun to show the talent in hopes that the family name can be cleared. The story takes place at a school run by Lord Thorn who hungers for new Quester Mage to gain prestige for his House.

A Mage In The Making is a bold and realistically detailed story of what it must be like to become a Mage and what forms of madness can over take even the gentlest of souls on such a journey. I look forward to reading the rest of the chronicles and reviewing them as well.

Reviewed By: Nancy Louise
© September 2007