The Innocent Mage

By: Karen Miller

Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne

"The Innocent Mage is come, and we stand at the beginning of the end of everything." Being a fisherman like his father isn't a bad life, but it's not the one that Asher wants. Despite his humble roots, Asher has grand dreams. And they call him to Dorana, home of princes, beggars, and the warrior mages who have protected the kingdom for generations. Little does Asher know, however, that his arrival in the city is being closely watched by members of the Circle, people dedicated to preserving an ancient magic. Asher might have come to the city to make his fortune, but he will find his destiny.

©2007 Karen Miller (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A solid epic that posits political intrigue, ethereal prophecies and a rags-to-riches hero against a vivid if familiar fantasy backdrop." ( Publishers Weekly)

great just great

What did you love best about The Innocent Mage?

It introduces everyone in a way that you want to know everything don't want to ruin it
for anyone but some unexpected grief in the next book. Have fun reading

I love Karen Miller

Such a delight to listen to everytime. Karen Miller's characters are one of a kind.

Foundation book w/ lousy narrator

The narrator was a lousy choice. Near monotone reading of the story, however he did try to give characters life. This book of the series was slow character building and really prepares you for the next book which is more interesting. I did enjoy reading it than hearing it.

Great emotion, though the plot's a bit lacking

I have mixed feelings about this book, because while I liked the characters and felt deeply for them, there wasn't much in the way of originality here. The highlight was Asher, who defies the likable farm boy stereotype by being belligerent, selfish, self-centered...and entirely fascinating to watch crash through his version of life. His friendship with Gar is a great buddy story, but the rest of the plot lines are less defined. Also, this is only half of a book, so beware the blatant cliffhanger.

Kirby Heyborne did an excellent job at narration, and I loved his portrayal of Asher. His narration was a good part of my enjoying this story.

Interesting

Would you listen to The Innocent Mage again? Why?

I would yes, because this book is full of different human aspects, ranging from hidding secrets to sibling rivalry, desire to learn at great risk to trying to do whats right.

Who was your favorite character and why?

King Borne, even though he does not play a huge role in this book, he is what I invision a fair and just king. he cares for his subjects and does what he can to make sure they continue to be safe. Unlike most of the Doranen he accepts the Olken as a major part of his kingdom and does not look down on them. one part of the book a young man breaks a major law and must be exicuted. Borne showed compassion to the young man and kept the execution to the people who judged him only. He walks the fine line of balance in the kingdom showing justice and love at the same time.

Which character – as performed by Kirby Heyborne – was your favorite?

Prince Gar, just how Heyborne portrays Gar's acceptance of Asher, his inward laughing at the pranks but how he cant show it. to me thats well done

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did laugh at some of the things that Asher does and says.

Any additional comments?

This book is a little slower to get started, but just wait it will be worth it

Good story better narration

The story was interesting enough. I mostly enjoy Kirby's narration. There were just a few plot points that didn't convince but still worth the listen

Absolutely Phenomenal

The Innocent Mage was a joy to listen to with wonderful characters. The friendships displayed warms my heart, and the family matters ring true as well. I appreciate the focus of the book. The details and narrative flow so smoothly together. This has to be one of my favorite endings to the first book of a series. I love how it was written. Karen Miller does a great job at coloring the world and giving a unique voice to each character. What she does with vocabulary, Kirby Heyborn uses to bring them more to life. He does an outstanding job with this book. I'd never imagine one person could hold so many voices. I'm thoroughly looking forward to the second book. This series thus far has established Karen Miller as a favorite writer, and Kirby Heyborne as a narrator I want to hear more stories from.

Good, not great fantasy exposition

This story was interesting, but felt totally like exposition for the second, and final, book in the series. I've read others complain that Asher, the protagonist, is too unlikable or petulant, but he gets better as the book progresses. However, several of the other characters have no redeeming qualities whatsoever and I think those are the truly poor characters. Kirby Heyborne did a nice job narrating, and would be someone I would listen to on other books.

A World Of Fantasy That Touches the Heart

I was caught up in this tale of love, loyalty, magic and suspense. The narration was flawless and embedding into my imagination. I felt that I was living the story. I recently started the 2nd book of the series and found my emotions scattered everywhere. You will experience the same, I do not doubt.

Good enough

I liked the narrator a lot.

The story is good, though I think it doesn’t have the best distribution. The story follows a narrative that turns unexpectedly and somehow abruptly when a supposed legendary villain appears out of nowhere towards the end that never had even been mention before... he has such weight in the back story that I believe his existence should be mention earlier on.