A maestro is a master or expert in a particular art or skill. In the realm of fantasy and magical tales, the concept of a maestro is often expanded to include individuals who possess mastery over different forms of magic. These individuals are known as the maestros of the five magics. The five magics refer to five distinct branches or types of magic that are often found in fantasy worlds. These branches usually include elemental magic, such as fire, water, earth, and air, as well as a fifth branch that can vary depending on the story or setting. This fifth branch could be dark magic, light magic, time magic, necromancy, or any other form of magic that the creator of the world envisions.
Definitely recommended for a real good overview of traditional Western European magic, wrapped up in a not very well done story.
He admits spending the Vast Majority of his time on working out the details of his magic system, and comparatively little time on plot and characters, and it certainly shows. in way that leans heavily on real world physics, Alchemy, which creates magical ungents and potions by drawing out the magical nature of ingredients, True Magic, which produces items of incredible magical power through lengthy and elaborate rituals, Sorcery, which allows sorcerers to control and manipulate other people, and Wizardry, the long dead school that focuses on summoning demons from other realms and dominating them into submission.
This fifth branch could be dark magic, light magic, time magic, necromancy, or any other form of magic that the creator of the world envisions. The maestro of the five magics is a character who has attained mastery over all five branches of magic. They are extremely rare and powerful individuals who have devoted their lives to the study and practice of magic in all its forms.
Master of the Five Magics
Vendora, the crafty queen under siege in a castle that had never fallen.
Alodar, the mere journeyman, learning the least of the five crafts of magic.
He had no right to aspire for her hand --- but aspire he did!
Wizards, sorcerers, dragons, castles, and more!
Alodar's quest takes him from one magical craft to another—each with its own distinct powers and pitfalls. Aided by a mysterious eye from deep within the earth, at a college for magicians, he discovers the secret lying behind the hypnotic flicker of common flame.
Volume 1 of the Magic by the Numbers series
Some of the Amazon reviews for the first edition:
A definite must read -- Britt
One of the greatest fantasy novels from the 1980s - Judith
Great book -- Grooveman
A truly great read -- Jeffery S. Miller
I can't say enough good things about this book.--Amazon customer
This book is flawless and fascinating. I can't wait to read it again -- Amazon customer
I grew up reading fantasy and science fiction, and one of the greatest regrets I have is that I never found more than three books written by Lyndon Hardy, an author I still consider an automatic buy. In a way, this man's work defined what I expect from fantasy -- Amazon customer
As my bookshelves continue to grow, I can name only a handful of books that I continue revisit time and time again. Duncan's Magic Casement series. Feist's Riftwar. Moon's Saga of Paksenarrion. And above all, Hardy's Master of the Five Magics . -- Amazon customer
Master of the Five Magics -- a stirring tale of adventure, action, magic -- and romance
In the tradition of Fletcher Pratt and L. Sprague deCamp
A classsic fantasy, back in print after more than forty years
Contains additional chapters, glossary, and author's afterward.
To start things off, I want to talk about a book that is, simply put, a must read for any aspiring magicbuilder. I once saw a panel on YouTube about magic systems in fantasy books, in which six prominent fantasy authors were in attendance, and the panelists were asked which magic system they wish they had invented first. One person said “Avatar: the Last Airbender” and all of the rest said “The Master of Five Magics by Lyndon Hardy”.
These characters often serve as mentors or guides to protagonists in fantasy stories, inspiring and teaching them in their own magical journeys. The purpose of the maestro of the five magics in a story is to exemplify the highest level of magical skill and knowledge. They are often portrayed as wise and enigmatic figures, possessing a deep understanding of the interconnected nature of magic and the world. Their vast abilities and knowledge make them formidable and respected beings within the magical community. The main idea behind the concept of the maestro of the five magics is the pursuit of ultimate magical power and understanding. These characters represent the pinnacle of magical achievement and serve as aspirational figures within their respective stories. They embody the idea that with enough dedication, study, and practice, one can become a true master of magic. In conclusion, the maestro of the five magics is a character in fantasy stories who possesses mastery over all five branches of magic. They serve as mentors and guides, exemplifying the highest level of magical skill and knowledge. The concept of the maestro represents the pursuit of ultimate magical power and understanding, inspiring readers and viewers to believe in the potential for mastery in their own lives..
Reviews for "The Maestro's Apprentice: Journeying with the Master of the Five Magics"
1. John Doe - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Maestro of the five magics". I found the plot to be convoluted and hard to follow. The magic system was confusing and inconsistent, making it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the story. The characters also felt flat and uninteresting, with little development throughout the book. Overall, I found this novel underwhelming and wouldn't recommend it.
2. Jane Smith - 1 star - "Maestro of the five magics" was a complete waste of time for me. The writing was dry and lacked any sense of excitement or emotion. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I struggled to stay engaged with the story. Moreover, the world-building felt underdeveloped, leaving me with little understanding or interest in the magical realm. I was highly disappointed by this book and would not recommend it to others.
3. Samantha Johnson - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "Maestro of the five magics", but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The writing style felt clunky and awkward, deterring me from fully immersing myself in the story. The characters lacked depth and remained one-dimensional throughout the book. Additionally, the author introduced too many elements and concepts without proper explanation, leaving me confused and disconnected from the plot. I cannot say I enjoyed this read and would not recommend it.
4. Robert Thompson - 1 star - I was severely disappointed by "Maestro of the five magics". The pacing was incredibly slow, and the plot lacked excitement or any real sense of purpose. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. Furthermore, the book jumped between different magical systems without proper exploration or understanding, leaving me frustrated and uninterested. I found it difficult to finish this novel and would not recommend it to others.
5. Emily Brown - 2 stars - "Maestro of the five magics" was a letdown for me. The storytelling was disjointed and lacked cohesion, making it hard to follow the overall narrative. The characters were unremarkable and failed to evoke any emotions or attachments. Additionally, the magic system felt poorly explained and inconsistent, further detracting from my enjoyment. I struggled to find enjoyment in this book and would not recommend it to fellow readers.