A Young Man Without Magic

In this swashbuckling fantasy series debut, an orphaned, magic-less clerk in a world of sorcerers embarks on a quest for justice against a corrupt lord.

Anrel Murau is the son of two powerful sorcerers, but he has no magical ability himself. Although this lack of talent bars him from becoming a member of the ruling classes, he is content to make his living as a simple clerk.

But Anrel's friends and family are being terrorized by a corrupt local lord, who goes so far as to murder Anrel's dear friend Lord Valin. And although he's not a sorcerer, Anrel is not without other means to demand justice.

If he can survive life on the run, that is.

Possessed with only his sword, a few coins, and his wit, Anrel must leave behind everything he has ever known in order to escape enemies who are desperate to keep his dangerous ideas from spreading. Magic and intrigue collide in a swashbuckling tale of daring escapes, beautiful witches, and one quiet young man's rise to hero—or traitor. Nothing will ever be the same again, as Anrel's personal quest provides more peril for those he holds dear.

"The author puts an astonishing amount of detail into the society he's created, and its politics are often as engrossing as the action. Though Watt-Evans' style is decidedly leisurely, it's a good fit for the material, which at its best recalls rousing old-style swashbuckling tales. A fine effort, and an intriguing set-up for future volumes." —Kirkus Reviews

© 2009 Tor Books (Ebook): 9781429973526

Release date

Ebook: 10 November 2009