SOLVED. Adult Fantasy - Pre 1989 - MC is wizard who draws power from a partner to cast spells. Partner is a dwarf.

[Joe]

So I got into fantasy books at University and was recommended this book (may have been a series). The only clear memory I have is that the magic system used required the caster to draw power from a partner to cast the spell, sort of a symbiotic relationship.

The MC was a wizard who had partnered with a dwarf to cast spells. At one point in the story the pair end up in a battle and the only way to survive is for the wizard to cast a spell that will draw so much power from their partner that it will kill them. As there is no other choice the wizard casts the spell but rather than kill the dwarf it breaks the bond and the dwarf survives.

In fact I think the story then goes on to tell the tale of the dwarf, he might have been a dwarven king or some other special person.

The book was available in the UK around 1986 to 1989 and I picked up a copy in a local bookstore, no special order or anything. So guessing it was by a well known author.

Thanks if you can help, been trying to work out what this book was for years.

[Robert]

Possibly The Fionavar Tapestry, by Guy Gavriel Kay? Originally published 1984-1986.

Loren Silvercloak is a mage who draws power from the former dwarf king Matt Soren. In the second book they travel to break the power of a cauldron and Matt is killed in the battle, which breaks the bond between them. In the third book, Matt (restored to life) returns to the dwarf kingdom to reclaim his throne.

[Joe]

Thank you Robert - That was the book I was looking for. Its on the way to my Kindle as we speak and I look forward to seeing if its as good as I remember it to be.

Again a big Thank You for your help.

[Kris]

Glad you found your book, Joe. Is it The Summer Tree (book 1) of "the Fionavar Tapestry" series by Guy Gavriel Kay? Or another book in the series - https://www.goodreads.com/series/4937... ?