A Wizard in the Way

by Christopher Stasheff

Overview

Interplanetary liberators Magnus & Alea land on the lost colony planet Oldeira, where peasants lives in fear of the local Magician Lords, ghosts, and dragons.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781953215826
Publisher:	Stasheff Literary Enterprises
Publication date:	03/30/2024
Series:	Chronicles of the Rogue Wizard , #8
Pages:	158
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.44(d)

About the Author

In addition to his Rogue Wizard novels, Christopher Stasheff is the author of the popular Warlock series, beginning with the bestselling The Warlock in Spite of Himself. He lives in Champaign, Illinois, with his wife and four children.

Editorial Reviews

The latest chapter in Stasheff's ongoing Rogue Wizard fantasy series about well-meaning renegade Magnus d'Armand (aka Gar Pike) and his quest to free lost colony worlds from oppressive local governments stumbles in the execution, but is still likely to satisfy fans. Gar and his plucky female sidekick, Alea (introduced in A Wizard in Midgard), arrive on the forgotten Terran colony world of Oldeira to discover a medieval society in fear of its magician oppressors. These psychically talented men came to power in the void left centuries ago when Earth stopped sending supplies. They rule by force of minor psychic talents, commanding ghosts (the psychic remnants of dead colonists) and cleverly disguised technology to frighten the unruly into obedience. With help from runaway peasant girl Mira and young "ghost-leader" Blaize, Gar and Alea introduce the population to Taoism and the idea of balance in interconnecting life forces. Blaize's ability to lead ghosts and Mira's burgeoning talent as a wyvern wrangler come in handy as the team faces increasingly larger armies sent by wizard lords to quell the uprising. Fortunately, the peasants and ghosts are all willing and quick studies; most absorb Gar's version of the Tao in a few weeks or less. Evanescent, a catlike psionic who secretly stowed away in Gar's ship at the end of A Wizard and a Warlock, also manages to help the do-gooders without giving itself away. While Stasheff treats Taoism as lightly as learning to ride a bicycle, his fans are likely to forgive that in favor of his usual fast-paced storytelling, light humor and well-meaning heroes. (Sept.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Gar Pike and his galaxy-hopping companion Alea encounter a planet of downtrodden serfs suffering under the tyrannical rule of "wizard lords." With the help of a pair of fugitives, Gar and Alea strive to introduce the concepts of hope and freedom to a world too ready to accept oppression. The latest in Stasheff's popular "Wizard" series provides a fast-paced plot, likable protagonists, and the expected blend of medieval fantasy and space opera. Libraries should purchase where the series is popular. Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\

Library Journal

Another appearance for wizard Gar Pike (a.k.a. the psi-powered Magnus l'Armand: the alias is designed to throw the wrong-headed do-gooders of SCENT off the scent), his sidekick Alea, and their chatty spaceship, Herkimer (A Wizard and a Warlord, p. 28; etc.). This time, the trio visits a lost colony world of ghosts, wizards, and oppressed peasants who need enlightening and liberating. The usual brisk, lively, succinct blend of puns, one-liners, and social commentary.

Kirkus Reviews

Another entertaining combination of science fiction and fantasy in a universe where the mundane, magical, and technological live side by side. Anyone who relishes an action adventure tale set on a distant planet in a far away galaxy will want to read this book and its predecessors.” —Midwest Book Review

“A rip-roaring yarn of magic, myth, and mayhem . . . Lots of fun!” —Comics Corner

From the Publisher