Epic fantasy
Magician
Two orphan boys grow up in a castle on the edge of a kingdom, one destined to become a magician and the other a warrior. An invasion from another world pulls them into an enormous war.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1982
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 528
- Format
- Book 1.2 of 3 in The Riftwar Saga
Read this if you like classic, big-canvas fantasy that mixes personal growth with armies on the march.
Skip this if you want sharply drawn modern prose or a morally complex tone.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Magician
- What is Magician about?
- Two orphan boys grow up in a castle on the edge of a kingdom, one destined to become a magician and the other a warrior. An invasion from another world pulls them into an enormous war.
- Who should read Magician?
- Read it if you like classic, big-canvas fantasy that mixes personal growth with armies on the march. Skip it if you want sharply drawn modern prose or a morally complex tone.
- How long and how fast is Magician?
- It is a medium-paced, long read of about 528 pages, first published in 1982.
- Does Magician have content warnings?
- Content we flag: War, Violence, Death.
- Can I borrow Magician for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Magician; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Magician?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Eye of the World, Pawn of Prophecy, A Wizard of Earthsea.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved Magician
-
The Eye of the World
Another long-running classic fantasy series that starts from simple beginnings and grows enormous.
-
Pawn of Prophecy
A friendlier, more comic traditional fantasy with a boy hero and a found family.
-
A Wizard of Earthsea A short, quiet story of a gifted boy learning magic and responsibility.
Epic fantasy
