Review of Magi Apprentice

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Magi Apprentice" by Dan E. Hendrickson.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Magi Apprentice is a historical fiction book written by Dan E. Hendrickson. In this story, Rassan, the main character, receives a mission from God. He has to deliver a canister to an astronomical temple, learn the ways of astronomy, and decipher the true meaning of God's next plan. However, Rassan's quest is not easy because schemers and backstabbers attempt to get in his way.

Magi Apprentice is not for the common reader. The book crafts a narrative that engages with three challenging topics. The first one is astronomy. It is a field that involves the study of the stars to solve mysteries and discover awe-inspiring revelations. The second one is biblical themes, steeped in layers of historical, cultural, and theological nuance. The third one is the political machinations of the Roman Empire, featuring power struggles, shifting allegiances, and convoluted power dynamics. Collectively, these three thematic elements represent a formidable intellectual challenge for the reader, demanding a level of specialized knowledge and analytical acumen that may not be common among the general reading public. The sheer depth and breadth of the material covered may prove to be a daunting barrier to entry for readers who seek an immediately gratifying reading experience. However, readers who are open to the richness of science, spirituality, and history will find the story captivating and rewarding.

The characters in this work demonstrate a remarkable level of agency and purposefulness in their behavior. Rassan, Master Daraya-Vous, Phraates IV, Dvandas, Varaz, and the high priestess are not merely passive accessories to the plot, but active agents whose decisions directly shape the trajectory of events. Each character is imbued with a distinct personality, set of motivations, and internal logic that informs their behavior and responses to the challenges they face. The author demonstrates a keen understanding of how to develop characters whose choices not only ring true to the reader but also serve to propel the story forward in a meaningful way.

To sum up, if you enjoy astronomy, biblical tales, and the political intrigue of the Roman Empire, Magi Apprentice will be worth your time. The only drawback of this book is the editing. I found many errors while reading, so the editing needs improvement. Therefore, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

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Magi Apprentice
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[Gerry Steen]

This story has the makings of a 5-star novel if it were not for the editing errors. I do want to read this book due to the mix of astronomy, religion, and political intrigue. Great review!

[Seetha E]

I have read reviews for this book and found yours provides clarity on what to expect. Looks like an insightful book meant for slow reading too. I am interested.thanks for a great review!