SOLVED. YA Fantasy, Read in the early 1980s. Specific detail I remember is that the protagonist (male) learned to create a ring that would control some kind of spirit/demon and allow it to animate a clay statue. [s]

[Mary]

Likely this book was published between 1978 -1984. I think the cover was green, and it was probably less than 300 pages. I remember that the title didn't - in my mind at least - match the story very well.

The clearest part of the story I remember is where the apprentice learns that his master's beautiful companion is actually a spirit inhabiting a clay construct. This construct is controlled by means of an enchanted ring. He creates his own golem, but it's really ugly and scary looking so it has to wear a cloak all the time.

There's a definite coming of age plotline, and I seem to remember a non-human mentor (maybe a bird of some sort?)

I've been trying to remember this for years! All help greatly appreciated, TIA!

[Rainbowheart]

The Wish Giver?

[Mary]

Thank you Rainbowheart! Sadly, it's not that one. The book in question is sword n sorcery heavy, in a made-up world.

[Rainbowheart]

Maybe one of the Xanth books? I think there's a golem in Castle Roogna.

[Mary]

oof, sorry again. Definitely not Xanth - I know those books pretty well.

I'm not sure the ring/golem enchantment & control was the main plotline, but it's the part I remember most clearly. I know the golems were somewhat fleshed out (haha!) as characters, but I don't think they were major characters.

[Mary]

Also vaguely remember a brazier somehow being involved.

[Mary]

I finally figured it out, and got myself a copy! I am shocked at how little I remember of the full story, and which parts stuck in my brain after all these years :D

[Kris]

Glad you found your book, Mary. I see from the header it's Sorcerer's Son by Phyllis Eisenstein.