Review of Magi Apprentice

[manisha patil 1]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Magi Apprentice" by Dan E. Hendrickson.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Dan E. Hendrickson’s "Magi Apprentice" is a mixture of history and mysticism. Late in B.C., Rassan, a Parthian military officer, is tasked with the mission to prevent the Magi from entering Jerusalem. Nonetheless, when he meets a wounded Magi named Vinda Farnah, his life changes forever. He is faced with themes of betrayal and loyalty, as well as the deepest truths. From being a young man of high rank to becoming an apprentice Magi, Rassan’s journey is full of twists, such as his enemy and the unknown ally.

Hendrickson’s narrative sweeps readers into a universe where the barriers between the terrestrial and the celestial become murky and the destiny of kingdoms is at hazard. However, the most striking feature of the novel is the succession of meticulously crafted characters of varying depths and complexities. From the reluctant hero Rassan to the secretive Master Vinda-Farnah or Master Daraya-Vous, all the personalities encountered form a bizarre and diverse web that pushed the cohorts across the entirety of the novel. The way Rassan and his friends, as well as his foes, communicate and interact with one another, pours more tension and suspense into the novel. 

Hendrick writes beautifully, elegantly, and emotionally, wrapping Buddhism and mysticism in heaps of historical data and expositions. Hendrickson is extremely detailed with the knowledge and plot of the story, from the details of astrology to the dynamics of politics. There is nothing that I dislike about the book. It is exceptionally well-edited. There are no grammatical errors in the book. I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Some readers have noted that the book's pace, especially in its early chapters, can be slow at times. However, this does not hamper the skillful world-building and character development, which are crucial to the overall narrative. The book cover definitely caught my attention.

Finally, the novel’s strong point is the character development. Furthermore, the relationship that he built with such an enigmatic character as Varaz and his loyalty to the death of Arsam added emotional depth to the book. They helped to reveal the unity and sacrifice themes that would be apparent with the clash of cultures from different worlds. This book was a real page turner, and I could not wait to uncover all of the secrets and the main truth of the story.

In conclusion, "Magi Apprentice" is an excellent book that will undoubtedly interest readers fascinated by historical narratives, biblical legends, and epic quests. I would recommend this book because once you start reading it, you will not be able to put it down.

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Magi Apprentice
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[Amy Luman]

I am always interested in learning about religions that are not my own and their relation to the cultural practices. I think that I would find reading this novel difficult, however, because of the unusual names. It would be hard to keep track. Thanks!