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A review by celiapowell
The Innocent Mage by Karen Miller
3.0
I didn't think I would like this when I began it - the gruff young country lad (complete with rustic accent) who makes his way to the city, being "ruggedly honest" (which comes across as bloody rude) with everyone he meets, including royalty. And of course, he's destined to save the land, wouldn't you know it?
But it actually gets better - Asher becomes more bearable as we get to know him, and I found the close friendship he develops with Prince Gar very touching. Prince Gar, a man without magic living in a land where to be without is to be a cripple (although I'm sure his terribly name doesn't help), is an interesting character, torn in his relationship with his magic-bearing sister, younger than he but because of her talent, heir to the throne. The royal family's purpose is to keep strong the Wall which surrounds the kingdom, keeping at bay the ancient enemy of their ancestors. We know they're not going to be successful, as it will fall to Asher (eventually, and not in this book), to save the day. As you can see, fairly rife with fantasy cliches, but good fun all the same, if you can get past the rustic accent. I'll definitely keep reading this series.
But it actually gets better - Asher becomes more bearable as we get to know him, and I found the close friendship he develops with Prince Gar very touching. Prince Gar, a man without magic living in a land where to be without is to be a cripple (although I'm sure his terribly name doesn't help), is an interesting character, torn in his relationship with his magic-bearing sister, younger than he but because of her talent, heir to the throne. The royal family's purpose is to keep strong the Wall which surrounds the kingdom, keeping at bay the ancient enemy of their ancestors. We know they're not going to be successful, as it will fall to Asher (eventually, and not in this book), to save the day. As you can see, fairly rife with fantasy cliches, but good fun all the same, if you can get past the rustic accent. I'll definitely keep reading this series.