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The Sigilist #1
The Sigilist
Tavern keeper Lance Rein has little to care for in his life. The few patrons who pass through his tavern are often travelers looking for a cold beer and warm bed, but they move on quickly after that. The pretty noblewoman who visits from time to time, owner of the land Lance works, barely notices him, despite his efforts. But what is a peasant to do?
One night, a traveler, poor and weary, arrives with nary a coin in his pocket. Lance, ever a man of hospitality, allows him to stay. The weary traveler sleeps in one of the tavern rooms and dies overnight, leaving behind nothing except a book of spells. This spellbook, which talks, explains to Lance that this wizard had no next of kin and sought instead to grant his immense power to whoever took him in first. The spellbook now belongs to Lance, changing everything in an instant.
Within the pages of the book are sigils—carefully scribed arcane markings that transfer power. By learning to replicate a sigil in the air, Lance is able to cast spells. Magic is relatively secretive in this world; there are no wizard schools, nor books to explain how it works. All wizards are sworn to secrecy. By gaining the power of the Sigilist, Lance’s opportunities become endless.
Will Lance be able to use these spells wisely, helping the world he lives in? Can he use his power to win the heart of the fair noblewoman who has not once paid him any mind? Or will the strange powers that exist in the world lure him to serve the causes of a Sorcerer King who is slowly building his dominion to reign over the land?
One night, a traveler, poor and weary, arrives with nary a coin in his pocket. Lance, ever a man of hospitality, allows him to stay. The weary traveler sleeps in one of the tavern rooms and dies overnight, leaving behind nothing except a book of spells. This spellbook, which talks, explains to Lance that this wizard had no next of kin and sought instead to grant his immense power to whoever took him in first. The spellbook now belongs to Lance, changing everything in an instant.
Within the pages of the book are sigils—carefully scribed arcane markings that transfer power. By learning to replicate a sigil in the air, Lance is able to cast spells. Magic is relatively secretive in this world; there are no wizard schools, nor books to explain how it works. All wizards are sworn to secrecy. By gaining the power of the Sigilist, Lance’s opportunities become endless.
Will Lance be able to use these spells wisely, helping the world he lives in? Can he use his power to win the heart of the fair noblewoman who has not once paid him any mind? Or will the strange powers that exist in the world lure him to serve the causes of a Sorcerer King who is slowly building his dominion to reign over the land?
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 13, 2020
Didn’t really expect much before picking this one up. Interesting magic system but the MC was a bit too naive for me. Kudos to the author, it was one of those books I steamrolled through and couldn’t put down. At times the plot was cliche, but in general it was a fun book.
October 17, 2022
3.5 stars
I spent most of this book seriously wondering what the consequences of choosing to become a sorcerer were. We’re told, from the very first, that a wizard must follow certain oaths, but those oaths don’t seem to be binding, breaking them just makes you a sorcerer. And yet, there was no clear negative to becoming a sorcerer other than serving the Sorcerer King.
It’s not until the very end of this book that we find out that there actually are consequences. Though I have to wonder what the Sorcerer King thinks the Powers that Be are going to do to him in the event that he does succeed in his plan - it sounds to me that they are giving him enough rope to hang himself with. I mean, once he gets his way, then the special conditions that prevented them from punishing him will have been satisfied, and he will, once again, become free game.
Additionally, the magic system seems very cumbersome and childish. Maybe that’s just how Lance is using it, but making a functional spell with a mash of words and no syntax seems ridiculous. Also, I lost respect points for a character who explicitly associates astrology with charlatans and con artists, but decides to specialize one of the first areas of his power around it because the word ‘astrology’ sounds aristocratic! WTF?! How does that make any kind of sense? Or is this just supposed to show us that Lance is young and can make stupid choices?
I know that this seems really negative, but I did enjoy the story, and I will definitely be reading further in this series. I was engaged with Lance throughout, and he was surprisingly consistent in his character, even when I certainly wouldn’t have made the same choices. I hope that as the plot progresses, some of the questions that I have about what’s going on will be addressed.
I spent most of this book seriously wondering what the consequences of choosing to become a sorcerer were. We’re told, from the very first, that a wizard must follow certain oaths, but those oaths don’t seem to be binding, breaking them just makes you a sorcerer. And yet, there was no clear negative to becoming a sorcerer other than serving the Sorcerer King.
It’s not until the very end of this book that we find out that there actually are consequences. Though I have to wonder what the Sorcerer King thinks the Powers that Be are going to do to him in the event that he does succeed in his plan - it sounds to me that they are giving him enough rope to hang himself with. I mean, once he gets his way, then the special conditions that prevented them from punishing him will have been satisfied, and he will, once again, become free game.
Additionally, the magic system seems very cumbersome and childish. Maybe that’s just how Lance is using it, but making a functional spell with a mash of words and no syntax seems ridiculous. Also, I lost respect points for a character who explicitly associates astrology with charlatans and con artists, but decides to specialize one of the first areas of his power around it because the word ‘astrology’ sounds aristocratic! WTF?! How does that make any kind of sense? Or is this just supposed to show us that Lance is young and can make stupid choices?
I know that this seems really negative, but I did enjoy the story, and I will definitely be reading further in this series. I was engaged with Lance throughout, and he was surprisingly consistent in his character, even when I certainly wouldn’t have made the same choices. I hope that as the plot progresses, some of the questions that I have about what’s going on will be addressed.
December 2, 2020
Alert
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Second, I am not a bot...at least I don’t think I am. Yes this is copy pasta (just learned that term, so fun!) simply because I feel like any book I read deserves acknowledgement but at the same time my feelings on reviews conflict with the normal review process.
I enjoyed this book, so my goal is to promote it and help the author. If you are a potential reader, just stop reading now and take the above as all you need to know. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. It is my opinion that Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. Or not if you don’t think this book is for you. That choice is all yours and the beauty of art appreciation. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
If you are a member of the IAK Guild (thanks, Jason) or part of the review police, feel free to criticize me and challenge my philosophy on reviewing art. I think we all love a good debate. The forums are open and I welcome your comments. I was wrong in my previous request to get you to stop. Your blatant disregard for that request has led to some fun discussions. Growth is important for us all.
Cheers
First, my review: “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Second, I am not a bot...at least I don’t think I am. Yes this is copy pasta (just learned that term, so fun!) simply because I feel like any book I read deserves acknowledgement but at the same time my feelings on reviews conflict with the normal review process.
I enjoyed this book, so my goal is to promote it and help the author. If you are a potential reader, just stop reading now and take the above as all you need to know. I am not going to share my reasoning, thoughts on the book, or any opinions that would influence your decision to read it. It is my opinion that Art needs to be experienced at an individual level. You are the only one that can determine what you like and don’t like. Don’t let others make that decision for you. You should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews. Or not if you don’t think this book is for you. That choice is all yours and the beauty of art appreciation. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
If you are a member of the IAK Guild (thanks, Jason) or part of the review police, feel free to criticize me and challenge my philosophy on reviewing art. I think we all love a good debate. The forums are open and I welcome your comments. I was wrong in my previous request to get you to stop. Your blatant disregard for that request has led to some fun discussions. Growth is important for us all.
Cheers
December 25, 2020
I know the author can write decent work, but this one is a clumsy attempt at whimsy.
Pros:
It's nowhere near the worst thing out there
The magic system is somewhat unique for all that does to the story
It's not really overreaching so when it fails, it doesn't fail hard and often comes of as harmless at worst.
Cons:
Dialogue is poor, people don't talk this way
world building feels stunted. There was a scene near the beginning where he let an enemy go and the enemy was like "in my honor blah blah blah" and the explanation why it was okay to "trust" this enemy to just walk away was because it would reflect poorly on the enemy's boss if they didn't follow. . . but lose face to who? The MC is just some random boy in the middle of no-man's land, just chuck a knife in his face.
well again, it's not the most egregious thing out there. It didn't kill anyone's puppy, so yeah.
There's a volume 2 so maybe the MC will be less idiotic there, but when there are problems in world building, it's not like a character arc can fix that.
Pros:
It's nowhere near the worst thing out there
The magic system is somewhat unique for all that does to the story
It's not really overreaching so when it fails, it doesn't fail hard and often comes of as harmless at worst.
Cons:
Dialogue is poor, people don't talk this way
world building feels stunted. There was a scene near the beginning where he let an enemy go and the enemy was like "in my honor blah blah blah" and the explanation why it was okay to "trust" this enemy to just walk away was because it would reflect poorly on the enemy's boss if they didn't follow. . . but lose face to who? The MC is just some random boy in the middle of no-man's land, just chuck a knife in his face.
well again, it's not the most egregious thing out there. It didn't kill anyone's puppy, so yeah.
There's a volume 2 so maybe the MC will be less idiotic there, but when there are problems in world building, it's not like a character arc can fix that.
December 10, 2020
More than Mets the eye
That is a common theme in this book more than meets the eye. It doesn’t read like the typical book in this genre. There are no levels to be gained but you do see the character grow in skill and knowledge. It still reads like the genre should you’ll see once you get into it.
The story is entertaining and you can see that it definitely has potential. It is far bigger than what it seems in the beginning and by the time you get to the end of the book you will see the possibilities for yourself.
That is a common theme in this book more than meets the eye. It doesn’t read like the typical book in this genre. There are no levels to be gained but you do see the character grow in skill and knowledge. It still reads like the genre should you’ll see once you get into it.
The story is entertaining and you can see that it definitely has potential. It is far bigger than what it seems in the beginning and by the time you get to the end of the book you will see the possibilities for yourself.
January 18, 2021
Pretty good
Not going to lie, i thought this was a throwaway within the first couple chapters. Except that suddenly the author figured out how to write a better dialogue and the story snapped into place and poof.. this thing turned into a fun light read and i couldn’t put down.
I recommend this book, but just know you have to sit through at least a few odd moments to get to the good parts and eventual great parts of this book. But i felt it worth the time spent reading, especially if you are a fast reader.
Not going to lie, i thought this was a throwaway within the first couple chapters. Except that suddenly the author figured out how to write a better dialogue and the story snapped into place and poof.. this thing turned into a fun light read and i couldn’t put down.
I recommend this book, but just know you have to sit through at least a few odd moments to get to the good parts and eventual great parts of this book. But i felt it worth the time spent reading, especially if you are a fast reader.
August 7, 2023
There is really nothing of worth in this fantasy novel series. It's a guy that always wanted power and when he gets it lets everybody walk all over him. The story is not going anywhere and the main character as created by the author is just a waste of time to read and embarrassing in everything he does. Main character swears to a violent kidnapper and killer that he will not harm him??? Can anyone be more stupid than that?? Who in their right mind makes an oath to a kidnapper/killer with no ethical values, no respect for the law?? NOBODY!!!!
I do not recommend this fantasy novel series.
I do not recommend this fantasy novel series.
December 7, 2020
Very interesting
Sweet new take on magic. I like the fact that you can’t just make up spells anytime you wish but need to have a “need” for the spell. Looking forward to seeing how the lady is related to him. Sister? Cousin? Young aunt? Or heck no relation at all. Haha.
Sweet new take on magic. I like the fact that you can’t just make up spells anytime you wish but need to have a “need” for the spell. Looking forward to seeing how the lady is related to him. Sister? Cousin? Young aunt? Or heck no relation at all. Haha.
December 15, 2020
Yup
I was worried when I first looked at this book, cant tell you how many I pick up just to set down and then go looking for another.
This one kept my attention. Hopefully the next one is as good as this one.
I was worried when I first looked at this book, cant tell you how many I pick up just to set down and then go looking for another.
This one kept my attention. Hopefully the next one is as good as this one.
March 8, 2021
Enjoyable
A very enjoyable story. An interesting protagonist, an interesting magic system, and an interesting world. I had to come back to this one because the writer's style for this series wasn't what I was looking for at the time but it fits the story being told.
A very enjoyable story. An interesting protagonist, an interesting magic system, and an interesting world. I had to come back to this one because the writer's style for this series wasn't what I was looking for at the time but it fits the story being told.
April 19, 2021
A wonderful world and a chaotic twist
This is an amazing story and such a fun world I can't wait to start the next book and see were this leads as in book o e it went from no goal to kingmaker and world savior
This is an amazing story and such a fun world I can't wait to start the next book and see were this leads as in book o e it went from no goal to kingmaker and world savior
February 1, 2022
My first ever LitRPG. And surprisingly I actually really enjoyed it. It was a good book. And the magic system was great, definitely different from anything I've seen before. I am really looking forward to reading the next book
November 23, 2020
Very entertaining read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like wizards and great action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and would recommend it highly to anyone that like wizards and great action.
November 29, 2020
Good story
The story was a good one but it felt more like a fairy tail told to children than. Mabry it was ment for a younger audience than I?
The story was a good one but it felt more like a fairy tail told to children than. Mabry it was ment for a younger audience than I?
December 13, 2020
Clearly well thought through
Read it without opening another book in the period. Consistent scheme of magic,and a likeable enough protagonist. Enjoy and consider
Read it without opening another book in the period. Consistent scheme of magic,and a likeable enough protagonist. Enjoy and consider
February 18, 2021
Liked it
Fast paced page turner with interesting characters that you can instantly root for. I will definitely be getting more books in this series.
Fast paced page turner with interesting characters that you can instantly root for. I will definitely be getting more books in this series.
Read
March 3, 2021Dnf
May 11, 2021
MC with an amazing luck. A bit predictable but an ok read.
October 25, 2021
Quite fun
This book was a lot of fun to read. I liked the characters, especially the wise ass mc. Give it a shot.
This book was a lot of fun to read. I liked the characters, especially the wise ass mc. Give it a shot.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews