Reviews

(reviewed on Romantic Times Book Reviews, 4 1/2 stars, TOP PICK: https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-review/outcast-3)

This prequel is just as fierce and thrilling as the three titles before it, and newcomers can read it before beginning the original titles in the series. The Summoner series is both addictive and fascinating, and will please adult fantasy readers as well as teens, especially fans of Holly Black and Cassandra Clare’s The Magisterium series — along with readers of Shannon Messenger’s Keeper of the Lost Cities series. You’ll leave the prequel hopeful that Matharu isn’t finished with this incredible universe.

While attempting to flee his dead-end life as an orphaned stable boy, Arcturus accidentally does the impossible: he summons a demon. After a flurry of questioning he doesn’t completely understand, he finds himself at Vocans, the academy for summoner students, with an adorable new friend, a Canid demon he names Sacharissa. Unfortunately, not all of his new classmates are pleased to meet him, and those who feel threatened by his ability and mysterious parentage go out of their way to cause him and Sacharissa harm. Elizabeth, Alice, Elaine, Edmund and even Prince Harold forge friendships with him that are soon tested both in the school and on the battleground, as a holiday at Raleighshire becomes a fierce fight for survival when rebels attack. Orcs lurk close by with threats of their own, and Arcturus finds his life a tumultuous reversal from the one he has left behind, with responsibility for those he considers his new family heavy on his adolescent shoulders.

degroot_maartje's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

waywardcrow's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Saying I read this book is a bit of a stretch tbh 😂 I half-paid attention to the audiobook enough to get most of the major plot and themes but missed a ton of details. I just couldn’t get into it as much as the original series, which I think has more to do with my mood than the quality of the writing. I will say that I t was fun to see the younger versions of a lot of the characters in the main series. Not a must read but a fun read if you really enjoy The Summoner Universe.

pennyforyourthoughts's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I remember reading an early version of this book when it was back on Wattpad, so I have a lot of nostalgia attached to it. That being said this is still a fantastic world that while being built on clichés, is remarkably fleshed out. Many of the chapters do end with the same kind of theme and a lot of the dialogue feels out of place, but it was a wonderful story that kept moving while also showing the main character isn’t perfect(a chosen one who isn't too unique) in an imperfect world. I’m a sucker for animal companions so that definitely helps as well. Can’t wait to continue on to the main trilogy.

thomas_d4091's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

logan08's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this book. It was fast paced, but not rushed, and I loved the writing style this book had. As with the other books in this series, I thought the story was really well told and Arcturus's past well laid out to fit within the already established character from the main three books in the series. Once again, I have been overwhelmingly impressed with Taran Matharu and his writing and story telling abilities. I loved this book and will be reading it and the other books of the Summoner series over and over again.

thebookedpath's review against another edition

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4.0

I picked this book up at a discount store on a whim and I am so happy that I did! I loved it! I enjoyed Arcturus as a MC. Loved Sacharissa and her personality despite being a daemon (animal familiar)! I wish it would have explored more of the education system at Vocans because I felt it left a lot out as to what the kids were able to learn. The curriculum seemed more self-instructed and seeing as to how self-absorbed and seemingly lazy the "upper crust" kids were, it was surprising they could go on to lead military units, etc. Looking forward to reading the cannon series!

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