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kerrycat's review against another edition
5.0
(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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
pastelpageturner's review against another edition
5.0
I delayed finishing this because I knew I would enjoy it and there would be nothing after to dive into part of the Summoner Series.
It was wonderful to see how the events Outcast played a huge role in Fletcher's story. In a way if Arcturus had never stumbled across the scroll to have Sacharissa then Fletcher may have never existed. Speaking of which it makes sense reading through Arcturus' story why he would have believed Fletcher to be his half-brother with such similar backgrounds, but at the same time why he would be pleased to learn otherwise besides the fact what being his brother meant.
I want more of his story honestly.
It was wonderful to see how the events Outcast played a huge role in Fletcher's story. In a way if Arcturus had never stumbled across the scroll to have Sacharissa then Fletcher may have never existed. Speaking of which it makes sense reading through Arcturus' story why he would have believed Fletcher to be his half-brother with such similar backgrounds, but at the same time why he would be pleased to learn otherwise besides the fact what being his brother meant.
I want more of his story honestly.
d3vilxl3gacy's review against another edition
3.0
Probably should have read closer to the rest of series as most of the name drops were lost on me and definitely didn't leave the impact they were intended to. Overall enjoyable enough plot but the writing seems very disjointed like the first novel and of lesser quality than books 2 and 3. Still a very solid entry in this series that I'm glad I got to see more of.