fantasy book reviews science fiction book reviewsfantasy book reviews Lawrence Watt-Evans The Fall of Sorcerers 2. Above His Proper StationAbove His Proper Station by Lawrence Watt-Evans

After I finished A Young Man Without Magic, I didn’t know how Lawrence Watt-Evans was going to salvage this series. The main character, Anrel Murau, was so inconsistent and indifferent that I loathed him. In Above His Proper Station, Lawrence Watt-Evans finally gives us a reason to care.

Anrel Murau’s one redeeming characteristic is his high moral standards. When it comes to standing his ground and choosing right from wrong, he is willing to sacrifice his own comfort and security. That’s noble of him, but the problem is that Anrel can’t seem to match the determination to do something with the right moment to act.

The Walasian Empire is in the midst of a complete revolt. Anrel, as an unintentional instigator, has fled to the capital city of Lume to seek aid after his attempt to save his Beloved’s sister has gone awry. In Lume, Anrel’s deliberate naiveté continues to lead him from problem to problem. He becomes involved with the thieves of the city after he is robbed. When disaster strikes and his haven amongst the criminals is destroyed, he flees to the home of a foreign emissary and sorcerer who takes him in.

Lord Blackfield, the foreign emissary, is a powerful sorcerer and a seemingly well-intentioned benefactor for Anrel. While staying with Blackfield, Anrel is brought back to the center stage of the political process that is attempting to reshape the Empire. Anrel’s naiveté once again is such a liability… you have to wonder when he’ll ever get a clue.

Anrel’s nearly complete lack of growth in embracing his ability as a sorcerer is too glaring not to mention. It doesn’t make any sense that Anrel would abandon such an obvious source of potential power to help others. I expected him to seek training or something… That’s the problem with Anrel. He’s an idiot, and it’s hard to like him.

Above His Proper Station is mostly an interesting read because Watt-Evans’ world building is so solid – his portrayal of pre-revolutionary France just feels right. The Fall of the Sorcerers has potential and Above His Proper Station is better than A Young Man Without Magic… I just wish I liked Anrel a little better.

The Fall of the Sorcerers — (2009-2010) Publisher: Lawrence Watt-Evans, author of the acclaimed Legends of Ethshar and Worlds of Shadows novels invites readers to embark on a rollicking journey in a brand-new fantasy series. Anrel Murau is a scholar, a young man with no magical ability even though he is the son of two powerful sorcerers. Anrel’s lack of talent bars him from the ruling classes, but he is content to be a simple clerk. Upon returning to his childhood home after years of study in the capital, Anrel finds his friends and family held under the thumb of the corrupt local lord. When this lord murders a dear friend, Anrel finds that although he’s not a sorcerer, he is not without other means to demand justice. If he can survive life on the run, that is. Carrying only his sword, a few coins, and his wit, Anrel must leave behind everything he has ever known, trust himself to unexpected allies, and outmaneuver leagues of enemies who will stop at nothing to keep his dangerous ideas from ever being heard. Magic and intrigue collide in a swashbuckling tale of daring escapes, beautiful witches, and one quiet young man’s rise to hero — or traitor. Nothing will ever be simple for Anrel again, as his personal quest may provide more peril for those he holds dear.

Lawrence Watt-Evans The Fall of the Sorcerers 1. A Young Man Without Magic 2. Above His Proper Station

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  • John Hulet

    JOHN HULET is a member of the Utah Army National Guard. John’s experiences have often left a great void that has been filled by countless hours spent between the pages of a book lost in the words and images of the authors he admires. During a 12 month tour of Iraq, he spent well over $1000 on books and found sanity in the process. John lives in Utah and works slavishly to prepare soldiers to serve their country with the honor and distinction that Sturm Brightblade or Arithon s’Ffalenn would be proud of. John retired from FanLit in March 2015 after being with us for nearly 8 years. We still hear from him every once in a while.