Collegium Sorcerorum:Thaddeus And The Master

The College of Sorcerers #2

by Louis Sauvain

In the second book of epic fantasy in the Collegium Sorcerorum series, begun in Collegium Sorcerorum: Thaddeus of Beewicke, four boys are taken to the Sorcerer's College to learn the most powerful forms of the practice of magic. None could know the immensity of the ancient Evil that some believe dwells there unseen. It is a summer in the Dark Ages, and Master Silvestrus of the Collegium Sorcerorum has guided his three charges -- Thaddeus of Beewicke, Anders of Brightfield Manor and Rolland of Fountaindale -- safely to the school of Sorcery to begin their magical education. There they meet a fourth, Zoarr, Prince of Mauretesia, completing their circle -- the Circuitus Octipes Magnus. The boys excel in their studies until accosted by Master Perditus, a shunned Sorcerer, whose mind and heart are seldom turned from the Minaret of Power, a magical tower stolen from the land of the Cin and housed in secrecy on the school's campus. Bizarre and unexplained acts lead the apprentices to seek answers from the Goblin Mistress of the College, Lilyput, and her phantom associate, Brother Longbone. Matters come to a head when the boys are lured to the twilit town of Bannock where agents of the Thieve's Guild and the Family of the Grecoliae seek to first subdue then enslave the good friends. Their quest for knowledge is perilous and on the way the apprentices are confronted by an ancient Centaur, Gargoyle lovers, the last surviving Neanderthal, a four hundred year old parrot who can mimic any living person and assume any form, a still-living leader of the first peoples of the Northern Continent, Ice Faerrae, Excelsior Class Thieves, an albino Griffon, an Arch Daemon, a mad Hermit amputee, and the warriors of the Iron Company as they seek to unravel the mystery of the laughing presence in the Tower. The apprentices' adventures continue in the third volume of the College of Sorcery series, Collegium Sorcerorum: Thaddeus and the Daemon.

508 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 2012

About the author

Born in the Midwest to a professional family, Sauvain was early interested in the story telling of fantasy. He has often said that his high school English teacher awoke in him the passion for the writing of such fiction - a passion that remains to this day.

Reviews

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the mystical realm where sorcery holds sway, Thaddeus and his fellow Brother Apprentices embark on a perilous odyssey to master the enigmatic Sorcerous Arts. Their passage through the hallowed halls of the College of Sorcerers is fraught with formidable challenges—ranging from antagonistic upperclassmen to the insidious machinations of a twisted Master Sorcerer, all while confronting the looming specter of the Pale Horse of Death. As Thaddeus grapples with matters of trust, deciphers intricate riddles, and confronts the weight of prophetic destinies, he becomes acutely aware of the multifaceted forces at play, including the formidable obstacles posed by his own inner conflicts.

Thaddeus and the Master, penned by Louis Sauvain, emerges as an epic fantasy masterpiece that unfurls into a mesmerizing narrative of magic, camaraderie, and imminent peril. Sauvain’s latest literary offering intricately builds upon the foundation of his prior works, delving deeper into the trials and triumphs of Thaddeus and his companions on their arcane journey. The narrative casts a spell of enchantment, immersing readers in a world teeming with magic and peril, vividly depicted against a backdrop of vibrant landscapes and immersive locales.

One of Sauvain’s notable achievements lies in the creation of characters that strike a delicate balance between the familiar and the fantastical, each imbued with human flaws that serve to enrich the narrative tapestry. This infusion of relatable complexity adds layers of depth and intrigue to the story, fostering an emotional connection between the reader and the characters. Thaddeus’s personal odyssey of growth and self-discovery serves as a poignant focal point, as he grapples with challenges that test not only his sorcerous prowess but also the bonds of friendship and loyalty. The meticulous world-building evident in this installment is a testament to Sauvain’s narrative finesse, as he deftly conjures a tapestry of sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas that evoke a myriad of emotions and sensations. From the bustling corridors of the College of Sorcerers to the enigmatic realms that lie beyond, readers are seamlessly transported to a realm where adventure and magic await at every turn. The inclusion of memorable characters such as Asullus, with his sage wisdom and wry humor, serves to further enrich the narrative, offering both levity and profound insights.

Thaddeus and the Master stands as a testament to Sauvain’s narrative prowess, offering readers an enthralling sojourn into a realm of sorcery, danger, and profound personal growth. Highly recommended for aficionados of high fantasy literature such as Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings, this captivating tale of magic and mystery is certain to captivate and enthrall.

[Rox Burkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Louis Sauvain’s three apprentice sorcerers find themselves in their first year of college, unlike any college most of us might attend. The growing boys earn long, harsh hours of kitchen duty, cultivating defense expertise and meeting their missing compass point, the prince. These coming-of-age lessons are delivered with precision by the college staff. The determined young men’s curiosity takes them into perilous situations testing their conviction and honor. These young men grow in different yet positive ways as they face the challenges in a world ripe with fantasy, greed, vengeance, evil, and magic. Thaddeus, Rolland, and Anders have unique skills and personalities to create a resounding impact in this magical epic.

With strong character development and realistic dialogue, Mr. Sauvain’s strength is seconded only to the world he created with sounds, visions, tastes, and smells that evoke every emotion and sensation. Each situation the young men encounter peels back another layer of information testing their skills, bonding, and commitment to learning their craft. The twists and turns during their journey, both inside and outside the college, immerse readers in the tale. Donkey or not, Asullus is still one of my favorites, with his sagacious advice and sassy insights into daunting situations. The cast of players is brilliant to continue this epic fantasy.

Fans of Fairy Tale Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, and Lore shouldn’t miss this tale—the non-stop action, adventure, and witty situations vests readers in the story. The world Thaddeus exists within allows him to mature in ways only hinted at in book 1, Thaddeus of Beewicke, learning about unimaginable capabilities, challenges, and perhaps boundaries he will face. I highly recommend Thaddeus and the Master and can’t wait for the next adventure.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Louis Sauvain’s Thaddeus and the Master is an enthralling continuation of the College of Sorcerers Trilogy, promising an exciting adventure for readers. The novel follows Thaddeus and his two brothers, Rolland and Anders, as they face new challenges and obstacles at the College of Sorcerers. The looming threat of expulsion adds a sense of urgency to their training, forcing them to trust each other and rely on their bond as brothers to survive.

Sauvain has crafted a rich and vivid world filled with magical spells and fantastical creatures that will captivate readers. The story is expertly woven together, with each character adding depth and complexity to the overall narrative without overshadowing the central storyline. Thaddeus is a compelling protagonist, and readers will be invested in his journey from beginning to end. The supporting cast is equally intriguing, adding layers of depth and nuance to the story. Despite Master Silvestrus being less prominent than anticipated, Sauvain provides enough detail to keep readers engaged. Unfortunately, the Prophecy is only partially revealed, leaving readers anticipating the next book in the series.

Thaddeus and the Master is an engaging and immersive novel, drawing readers into the world of the College of Sorcerers and keeping them hooked until the very end. With each twist and turn in the plot, readers will be on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what comes next. Sauvain has created a captivating and entertaining fantasy series that readers will enjoy.

[Ed And · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has once again written an amazing story. Outstanding reading!!!!

In this review I will also cover my reading from the first book in the College of Sorcerers Trilogy. For some reason I wasn't given the opportunity to leave my review when I had finished it.

Both books were simply amazing and fully satisfying. They mover smoothly and had a wonderful flow. The stories began and continued the stories of Thaddeus and his newly found brothers in a quest/adventure.

The ease of moving from one from one part to another seems seamless.

Please read books One and Two. I will presume you will enjoy them as much as I did.

[Robert B Yawn Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The true epic continues

The great history of the land build and flushes fill. Lessons are learned and love blooms again. Thaddeus is proving quite the catch! The epic grows even more mysterious with the brief glimpses of the past and the frustration of love gained and lost. Outstanding and highly recommended.