Sneak peek at one of next year’s Peach books… The Novice by Taran Matharu. In the donations from Dr. Drouillard, was the first book of the Summoner series - the fantasy selection out of next year’s Peach titles. Needless to say, it became my spring break reading. Nothing really new here, but the plot is well paced and the main character is likeable. Ancient power struggles between humans, orcs, elves, and dwarves set in a typical and rather generic medieval type world (the best part is the description of the dwarf homes). Unknown origins of Fletcher, the orphan boy, help keep you reading. Fletcher, raised by the village blacksmith, is forced to flee when he discovers he has magic by accidentally summoning a demon. The demon, whom Fletcher names Ignatius, is the best part - so cuddly - I want one. Fletcher ends up training in a school for battle mages - again nothing really new. He makes friends and enemies and uncovers a scheme pivotal to the future of the kingdom. Cliffhanger ending. My twelve year old read it in one day and was asking for the sequel so I think my fantasy readers will enjoy it next year.
