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Certain But Unpredictable
Thaddeus and the Master follows three Brother Apprentices who have arrived at the College of Sorcerers only to face new challenges and tribulations set upon them by both the senior students and the Faculty. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Back in the 70s, I used to drive to Chicago from Milwaukee for certain post-graduate studies I was attending in the Windy City. On those drives, I began to entertain the fantasy of what it would be like to attend a Sorcerer’s school – what sort of trouble would the students get into, what sort of pranks would they attempt, and what measures would the faculty – with centuries of this sort of behavioral experience under their belts – employ.
The concept gradually evolved over time to more of a full-fledged story and the details filled themselves in.
In a lot of contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
Yes, especially in several of the characters who I ‘borrowed’ from various high school friends. I found it easier to take a person I already knew about in a way and modify them to fit the story as opposed to inventing an entire personality on the spot. Just being lazy, I suppose.
In fantasy novels, it’s easy to get carried away by the magical powers of characters. How did you balance the use of supernatural powers?
In this series, our Sorcerers are limited by the fact that each and every time they use their powers – even in the learning process – their life spans are reduced by a random, variable, and unknowable amount. One could cause a teacup to appear on Monday and lose 13 minutes of life span. On Tuesday of the same week, the same act could cost a Sorcerer 2 years of life span. The fact that it is certain but unpredictable causes a great deal of parsimony in the use of Sorcery in this world.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Thaddeus and the direction of the third book?
In Thaddeus and the Daemon, the evil plot of the corrupted Master Sorcerer and his Daemon accomplice is at last uncovered. Our Hero then goes to confront the pair knowing that he, a first-year only student, is sadly out-classed in power in facing the twain. Grasping at straws he begins to entertain the counter-intuitive idea that if he surrenders all of his Sorcerous powers he will, somehow, achieve the advantage over his antagonists. The results of this desperate move are eye-opening.
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The three Brother Apprentices have arrived at the College of Sorcerers only to face new challenges and tribulations set upon them by both the senior students and the Faculty.
Hindering their advancement at College are a collection of obstacles including a half-mad Centaur, a Green Goblin, the last living Father of Man, drug-seeking Sprites, sentient warrior statues, the Guardian of the Temple of Time, murderous attacks by Excelsior-Class brigands, Graecolian Slavers, the uncloaked evil of a twisted Master Sorcerer and the Pale Horse of Death.
. Can Thaddeus truly trust the mysterious Prince from far-distant Mauretesia?
. Can Thaddeus and his three friends solve the riddle of what lies behind the mirrors?
. Can Rolland prove how the College’s cook can claim to have fathered the leader of Fountaindale’s Thieve’s Guild?
. Can the Daemon’s challenge to Thaddeus be answered by his brother Apprentices?
. Can the ancient Lay of Man unravel the fate of the Father of Man?
. Can the four friends alter the dread fate prophesied by the Pale Horse?
In Louis Sauvain’s epic fantasy Book One, Thaddeus of Beewicke, the tortuous and danger-laden journey to the Sorcerer’s school is at last completed. In Book Two, Thaddeus and the Master, the young Apprentices at the College of Sorcerers learn first-hand the life-threatening risks of spell-casting, hand-to-hand combat and confrontation with hostile upperclassmen, disdainful Faculty and the deadly presence of the school’s Daemon.
Sauvain’s strength prevails creating a page-turner of strong and vigorous cast of characters.
Thaddeus and the Master
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.
Pages: 444 | ASIN : B0BMGGN3MN
Thaddeus and the Master
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.
Pages: 444 | ASIN : B0BMGGN3MN
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