The Magician's Apprentice

by Kate Banks, Peter Sís

Baz has always dreamed about following his two older brothers out of his dusty little town, so when a stranger comes to his family's home and asks him to be a weaver's apprentice, Baz is eager to start his journey. But when he reaches the village of Kallah and starts his apprenticeship, Baz learns that his master is very cruel. And when the master trades Baz to a magician for a sword, Baz expects no better from his new owner. But as Baz travels with this kind-hearted and wise magician, their journey takes him across the desert, up a mountain, and into the depths of life's meaning. He learns to re-examine his beliefs about people, the world, and himself, discovering that the whole world is connected and no person can ever be owned.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Audiobook, Magic, Childrens

224 pages, Hardcover

First published April 28, 2012

About the author

Kate Banks has written many books for children, among them Max’s Words, And If the Moon Could Talk, winner of the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, and The Night Worker, winner of the Charlotte Zolotow Award. She grew up in Maine, where she and her two sisters and brother spent a lot of time outdoors, and where Banks developed an early love of reading. “I especially liked picture books,” she says, “and the way in which words and illustrations could create a whole new world in which sometimes real and other times magical and unexpected things could happen.” Banks attended Wellesley College and received her masters in history at Columbia University. She lived in Rome for eight years but now lives in the South of France with her husband and two sons, Peter Anton and Maximilian.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/katebanks

Reviews

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

a delightfully inspirational little jewel of a book :)

[Joy H.]

Added June 30, 2018. (Began listening June 29, 2018)
Published January 29th 2013 by AudioGO (first published April 28th 2012)

The narrator is good. The writing is appealing, clear, and thought-provoking.

After awhile I lost interest because much of it didn't make sense to me.
So in June 2018 I decided not to continue listening.

SUMMARY : "Sixteen-year-old Baz ... accepts an unknown visitor’s invitation to leave his village and become a weaver’s apprentice. ... [He meets] a wandering magician, Tadis, who dispenses magic and wisdom with equal alacrity. ... Traveling with Tadis and his cart of tricks, Baz embarks on a long physical and spiritual journey to find his true destiny. Set in an unnamed Middle Eastern land and filled with vivid descriptions of earthquakes and sandstorms, as well as physical discomforts and homesickness, the book gently traces Baz’s growing understanding of the universal truths Tadis imparts. "
FROM: https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-...

BELOW ARE SOME CUSTOMER REVIEWS WHICH I FOUND ONLINE:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"While the message is basically Buddhist, it is the journey that is the highlight. It is a testament to the author's ability that a book with very little action and complex discussions captivated a young boy."

"I picked up this book because the art looked interesting and I wanted a new book to read to my 5 1/2 year old son. ... He loved the journey and the wisdom and even dealt with the tough parts including a death to end suffering. ... it is lyrically written and a lovely story of a journey to know oneself."
FROM: https://www.amazon.com/Magicians-Appr...

"The Magician’s Apprentice will enchant children with its danger and magic, but its brilliant philosophy, reminiscent of Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha, will fascinate more mature readers. This is a story to be rediscovered again and again."
FROM: https://bookpage.com/reviews/7535-kat...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Clare Snow · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know who the intended audience is for this, certainly not children

[Emily White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buddhism meets folk story? The Magician’s Apprentice was a very well-written book full of adventure and philosophy. The main character, a boy growing into a man, is apprenticed to a rug maker and then is traded for a sword to a magician. The magician is a follower of Buddhism (although this is never said directly) and he teaches the boy to make his own choices for the right reasons and not to get hung up on things that have happened in the past. I loved the concept that the journey is just as important as the details in one’s life. The occasional illustrations strewn throughout the text were beautifully hand drawn by one of my favorite artists, Peter Sís.

[Bobbie Weaver · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I like Peter Sis' illustrations and I guess I thought from the size and title this book would be a good one to recommend to library middle school patrons. Not so much, unless you have a philosophical 7th grader who might practice meditation or Buddhism. The journey Baz, the main character, takes is one of understanding himself, his emotions and how to use his actions/circumstances for good (love, forgiveness, teaching, etc.). I don't see myself recommending this book to young patrons because I don't think I could sell its dedication to the practice of mindfulness.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Briefly, this book reminded me a lot of Paul Coelho's 'The Alchemist.' It was very philosophical and more about determining who you are than adventures (which is what I expected when I picked the book up). Not really sure who the book is aimed at.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this metaphysical gem while doing inventory in the library. It's a quick read about a young man's journey and the life lessons he learns along the way. Kate Banks is and amazing writer. Her style is engaging and the lessons learned as her character Baz travels will affect readers in many different ways depending upon where they are in their own spiritual journeys.

Here are a few examples of why I enjoyed reading The Magician's Apprentice.

"It was nearly sunset. The day was closing its large weary eye and the light was giving way to a sleepiness that made the stranger's presence even more commanding. His sudden appearance was a subtle reminder of the very enigma of existence." (Page 4)

"News of the earthquake had arrived and people spoke of nothing else. But news traveled slowly and it had been transformed much like a river that twisted and bent its course so that when it reached its destination it had changed so much that it was not the same river that left its source." (Pages 90-91)

"But he'd stopped viewing his life from old ways, realizing how much of it had been lived from habit. Habit created expectation, and when that failed, disappointment set in. This way was harder taking things as they came, but he began to notice details of his surroundings that otherwise would have escaped him." (Pages 109-109)

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyrical, mystical, and philosophical. Though it reads as a folk tale, it's really a mindfulness manual, as Baz's physical and spiritual journey instructs readers along with him. This quiet story isn't for everyone, but it will speak strongly to a reflective audience seeking understated insight.

(One note: the magic of this book is that of sleight-of-hand tricks and illusions, not supernatural wizardry.)

"I was given my power by someone much like me," said Tadis. "It is the power to create, but with this came the obligation to teach. I shall give you the power to create, Baz, just as I have. But never forget that the real power is that which we all have sleeping in our souls. It is the power to remove illusions, to see and feel who we really are. It is the power to love and forgive."

[Yuen Ying · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baz anticipates leaving for an adventure to fulfill what he thinks is his destiny, just like his brothers before him. After losing those that he loves, he meets a travelling Magician who introduces him to a wholly different worldview.

There is no gripping storyline, neither is there an evil villain with which to hate. There is instead a constant wonder and gratitude for how beautiful life can be if we learn to accept. As we follow Baz in his apprenticeship, we learn that Magic is in us - whether we know it or not, whether we believe in it or not.

This book is a reminder for the need of perspective and acceptance, for self-reflection and forgiveness. It is a tale of hope. It is a book to regulate my restless thoughts.

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Banks Vault #19
Well after eighteen short works from Kate Banks this is a novel, and there are several novels with this or similar titles, and you would normally expect this to be an entry book into a trilogy or longer series, but not in this case, it is a stand alone work, and not drawn out with a lot of padding.
It is lean and direct and yet has a lot of pathos and feeling in the text.
A really engaging and interesting read, that never takes you where you would expect, it actually left you wanting more, rather than saying get to the point old mate!
I look forward to reading more of her longer works.

[J Rich · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow wow wow… I hated this book so very much and yet, I finished it! Thank goodness it was short!

It’s a we-are-all-one-and-we-should-never-be-angry-at-abusers-because-it-was-supposed-to -happen-because-we-are-all-one didactic finger wag.

Utter rubbish. This is not a good message for kids - just take it.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

This seems like a gentle introduction to a general spiritual awareness in story form. It was not about a magician in the traditional sense, more of a wise guru. It kept the reader at an emotional arm’s-length, telling us about Baz's emotions from time to time, but I never felt engaged. I doubt that most children would find it of interest. It is a quick read, and as an adult, I found it pleasant.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not at all what we expected when we started reading it aloud with our 9yo son. But it made for a prefect prompt for discussing pantheism as a major worldview. Ends well, although some of the hardships the main character endured were difficult to handle.

[Dipa Sanatani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Although I must say, it reads like Paulo Coelho fan fiction from the Alchemist.

[Rachel Eras · Rating 1 out of 5]

Overt, cliche paganism in a boring, unimaginative plot. Do not recommend.

[Beth Dettman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this up because of the title and the cover. I finished it because it was short. I really wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. It was just odd.

[Sonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pacing is a bit slow. I think because there is not much plot. The book is more about philosophy. Teaching about forgiveness, conquering self-doubt and Love. But still told in a story.

[Lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is short, yet hard to get through. Every other character talks in riddles. "What is your name?" "I have many names! La-da-dee! What name do you think I should have? Ho-ho!" "Where are you from?" "Where are we all from? We are like this pebble from the mountain, see... " It's maddening.

If you are a "Star Trek: The Next Generation" fan, think of that episode (5x20, #52) where Lwaxana Troi is trying to cheer up Warf's kid Alexander and she takes him to this holodeck program of the Parallax colony, where everyone is a 🤬ing juggler and they practice laughing and take mud baths and it's reliably annoying. Apparently, this book is set on Shiralea VI. https://youtu.be/rxWHmECcjE0

If you took a talented philosophy major from a community college, gave them acid at a yoga retreat and asked them to write a children's story to teach Taoism, this book would be close. It's rather preachy. I can't imagine many kids liking it, although I did read "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" in the 7th grade, so maybe there is a small audience.

It's well written, but not fun unless you like to read about child slaves getting whipped and a dog getting beaten to death. 🤷

[Samuel · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are some books that shouldn't succeed, but do anyway. Maybe the number one example of all time is Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince. On its face, it sounds insufferable -- a mysteriously naive and yet truly wise space-child tells about his overtly allegorical adventures in a book full of Life Lessons and sprinkled with whimsical drawings. That it works anyway is a tribute to Saint-Exupéry's unique skill as a writer.

However, the fact that one of the all-time greats managed to pull off a seemingly impossible feat is not necessarily an invitation to try it yourself. The Magician's Apprentice is a useful cautionary tale here, because it does almost everything wrong that The Little Prince did right.

Ostensibly, The Magician's Apprentice is the story of Baz, an apprentice weaver whose cruel master trades him for a sword to an itinerant magician. But, especially from the middle of the book on, it's one of those volumes that ends up subtitled "A Fable For All Ages," or possibly one that ends up shelved in the philosophy section. The story becomes less and less important, and it's not charming or fantastic enough to hold the reader's attention anyway, as it is in The Little Prince.

The setting, a sort of quasi-Persian landscape that seems to be entirely medieval with the glaring exception of one man's handgun, aims to be shimmering and dreamlike, but manages only a sort of sub-The Horse and His Boy exoticism. The relationship between the locations and the time and scale of the action are deliberately vague, to the point where, when one character asks where Baz is from, the book simply says that he "repeated the name of his own village," rather than giving the village a name. I know it's meant to make the book more universal, but it comes across as maddeningly coy instead.

Baz's mentor, the magician Tadis, isn't really a character at all, I don't think, as much as an authorial construct He occupies a huge space in half of the book, and uses all of his time to philosophize in koans, creating a worldview that seems to be cobbled together from leftover bits of the Tao Te Ching and The Secret. Unity of all living things and power of intention are fine as far as they go, but Banks does a whole lot of telling and not very much showing, especially in the last fifty pages, where any pretense of this being a novel rather than a fable goes out the window. Again, to hark back to Saint-Exupéry, the Rose, the Fox, and the Little Prince himself aren't super-believable as characters either, but they somehow seem to preach less than Tadis does.

The best part of the book by far are the drawings by Peter Sís. Sís is on the record as listing The Little Prince as one of his all-time favorite books, and he does a good job of adapting his influences to his signature style. But it's not enough to fully redeem the book, alas. Kate Banks is a capable author of picture books -- And If the Moon Could Talk won the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, which is no mean feat -- but this foray into middle-grade fiction makes very little impact.

[Wandering Librarians · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like his older brothers before him, Baz leaves home to become a weaver's apprentice. His master is a cruel man, and all the apprentices suffer under him terribly. Then Baz is sold to a magician for a sword, and his journey truly begins.

This was a quiet and beautiful story. The language was lovely, weaving beautiful pictures with words. While it wasn't in verse, it had a rhythmic, poetic feel to it. Peter Sis' deceptively simple drawings fit perfectly.

This is a learning-a-lesson about life book, so if you don't like those you won't like this. If you're willing to just let the language and the imagery wash over you, and take whatever you can out of it, you're in for a treat.

Baz has grown up quietly, and wishes that something would happen. He looks forward to getting out in the world like his older brothers have. When he gets his chance, he learns the cruelty that is out there in the world. By the time he is sold to the magician, Baz is a much different person. He is wary and skeptical and bitter. He believes he will never see home again.

The magician doesn't have magical powers. He can do magic tricks, but what he says is really his job is banishing illusions. And almost everything is an illusion. Baz is frustrated at first by the way the magician speaks, which seem like riddles to him, but as the two travel together Baz becomes more and more aware of the world around him, and how it is made up of people who have both good and evil in them, and how people see what they wish to see. Their journey is long and hard, and Baz has much to learn.

This is written on a middle school level, and I think middle schoolers can appreciate the journey that Baz went on, if they have the patience for it. It's not action packed or flashy. Again, it's very quiet and simple. I know there are kids who would really like it, even if they don't completely understand the philosophy element of it. And teenagers and adults can appreciate it too.

The Magician's Apprentice comes out August 7, 2012.

[Kathy Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be quite an odd one. I am not sure who the audience of this one would be. The writing is lyrical and almost dream-like. The pacing is very slow and not a lot happens. A young man named Baz leaves his home, travels with a stranger, is apprenticed to a cruel master, and is bought by an itinerant magician who then takes him and travels apparently randomly through the countryside teaching Baz as he goes.

The characters are not so much people as they are archetypes - the wise old teacher and the young scholar. Many of the characters don't even have names unless Baz decides to name them.

Philosophy is much more important in this story than action. It talks about desire, a person's viewpoint, the inter-connectedness of all things. It is a "go with the flow," "live in the moment" sort of story. It almost seems like the kind of story that I read in my high school humanities class when I read Hesse and Kierkegaard or works of Eastern Philosophy. I didn't understand them either!

This book looks like a middle grade book based on the size of the book, the size of the print, and the Peter Sis illustrations. However, I don't know very many philosophical middle graders. Philosophical high school students will likely pass over it because of the way it looks. I don't know that the lyrical writing will be enough to win an audience for this one.

[Nicole Myers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kate Banks, the author of picture books like, “If the Moon Could Talk” that took the 1998 Boston Globe Book Award, writes a fable reminiscent of Antoine de Saint- Exupéry's “The Little Prince”. “The Magician’s Apprentice” is written in lyrical, dream-like rhythmic prose.
It is the story of Baz, an apprentice weaver whose cruel master trades him for a sword to a wandering magician named Tadis. Much of the book is occupied by the philosophical worldviews of Tadis, which are conveyed more by telling and not by showing.
Although the story seems to take place in a quasi-Persian landscape, the relationship between the setting, time, and the action is deliberately vague, perhaps with the intent to make the story more universal and more like a teaching tale. The story is enhanced by Peter Sis’ drawings, which help readers visualize some of the story’s characters, plot, and messages. However, structurally, the book lacks titled chapters. Additionally, all of the action is performed by boys and men, which may deter girls from reading it.
Despite the lyrical writing, the book’s pace is snail-like. Due to the abundant amount of philosophy and the lack of action and character development, this book may not impact middle-grade readers as much as high-school or even adult readers, who may have more life experience and a deeper understanding and appreciation for the humanities.

[Suzanne Dix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Baz is the third son of simple artisans who dreams of a bigger life outside of his small and quiet village. His two brothers have already been apprenticed in other villages and so Baz is both excited and anxious when a mysterious man on a horse arrives and negotiates with Baz’s parents to take him away. Soon Baz arrives at his new home, a sweat shop of horrific conditions where he must weave rugs all day long. The work is grueling, the manager is malicious and Baz is left to wonder if he’ll ever be able to return home. The manager soon realizes that Baz is unique and decides to sell Baz to another owner. It is Baz’s wonderful good fortune to swap misery for enlightenment as he becomes the apprentice to a kind and all-knowing magician. The two travel from village to village bringing joy to children and adults while they cross the miles of their trek to the mountains, where mystical understanding is attainable. Throughout, Baz is challenged to open his mind and believe in possibility.

This short story will be a challenge for many young adults who are not familiar with the beliefs and practices of meditation and mysticism. Baz is continually asked to clear his mind and let his heart dictate what is right. Many readers will be glad for the brevity of this multi-cultural story though it is unlikely that they will truly understand what they are reading.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a strange book, but I liked it. A boy goes on a journey to be an apprentice to a carpet maker, but ends up apprenticed to Tadis, a magician (juggler), who teaches him some practical and rather philosophical lessons. I liked the mystical atmosphere of the tale, and the way you never knew what Baz would encounter next. The setting seems to be a land like the Middle East, which adds to the mystical nature of the story. I like how, at the end, some of the story elements come full circle. Usually I'm not fond of the illustrations of Peter Sis, but in this case they are perfectly suited to the text.

I found this quote to be particularly apt for librarians like me (p.198):

"Real knowing is that wisdom and knowledge do not end," said Tadis. "They are infinite like all things. So don't ever think you are there. Infinity applies to all. You will never know all. I will never know all. To know this is to know all. And to accept this is wisdom."

This is a story that makes you think. I don't think it will appeal to some readers. I'm wondering if the author plans to write a sequel, because the mystery of the key in the sword is never explained. I hope so! Recommended for thoughtful readers.

[Qirat Tabir · Rating 4 out of 5]

"What distinguished a person was not duty or obligation, but capacity to love."

Although this book was not exactly what I expected, I have learned much from it. It states clearly the simple things in life, the perfect imperfections. It teaches to love, to forgive and, most importantly, to let go.

Your destiny is only yours; only you can pursue it. There are, though, things and people who will help you find what you seek. One must cease to live in the past; one must hope for a future. That is my favorite message. Today is today, in the words of Tadis.

In the end, all you have are your dreams from within. Everything beyond your soul is an illusion that you should learn to dispel. The body and its desires are temporary; the soul and its wisdom is eternal.

Again, beautifully written story. I'm giving it 4/5 stars because the ending seemed harried and abrupt, but all in all it was quite the masterpiece, rather brilliant. Kate has really touched my heart.

Note: If you've read 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho, you'll probably enjoy this book as well. :)

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baz is looking forward to getting out of his small town just like his two older brothers. So, when a stranger comes along to offer him an apprenticeship, he takes it. Turns out, the master is cruel and life outside his town is no better. Baz is eventually traded for a sword and his life finally starts to have some meaning. His adventures begin. There are sandstorms, earthquakes, and robbers to deal with.

Baz is an interesting character, but the story moves along slowly. There is enough drama and intrigue to keep you reading, but not enough to stay with you after you finish. It is well written and flows nicely. The reader learns a lot about how life is for these people. You also learn that sometimes it is the journey and not the destination that matters.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Baz leaves the gentle pattern of life at home to start his apprenticeship as a weaver. His master is cruel, and Baz loses good friends, begins to lose himself. The master attempts to sell Baz to soldiers, but Baz is instead 'purchased' by a traveling man who becomes Baz's teacher and friend. Which is one way of describing someone's life. It misses all the small moments of richness that no one ever notices, but that fill in the color of our lives.

The book could also be a description of all of us - how we have to overcome adversity, make choices about our behavior, learn about magic and illusion. There is a lot of walking in the desert and climbing mountains in real life.

[Crusoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book The Magicians Apprentice written by Kate Banks is a book that will “lock” onto you and at no time will let you stop reading until you finish the book. The Magicians Apprentice will make you feel full of despair, joyous, and will help you see life in a different way, and of coarse, magic and adventure. This is a book that will truly keep you expressing that you need to finish and wrap-up the book. Beyond doubt this is one of my favorites. I honestly like this book because it helped me see the importance of everything around me and it changed my outlook on life. I recommend this book to people who want a good book, magic, and adventure.

[Patty · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected more from this book but it could be that I really was just turned off by the reader. The story does have a lot of philosophizing which is read in a very pompous way which seemed very tedious and made me roll my eyes in the same way I do when I read some self-help books.
I will have to get the actual book and test out my hypothesis. I noticed that the book has a very good illustrator as well, so that might change my opinion of it's value.
This makes me realize that a really good reader can increase the value of a story.

[Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was just odd. It was a sweet, philosophical journey, but not a story I could imagine successfully handselling to the intended middle-grade reader audience. There's a boy who longs for adventure who is sold to a cruel carpetmaker and later to a kindly magician. They go on a journey to the top of the mountains. This sounds like a pretty jolly adventure, but it's just not. There is an almost total lack of adventure. Mostly, Baz and the magician just sort of stroll along and they encounter people who share their version of the meaning of life. I kept thinking of "Pilgrim's Progress."