User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
The library of libraries makes an appearance in this one! Q:
Magical libraries tend to have a life of their own. (c)
Q:
The room they found themselves in was by far the largest room Hugh had ever seen in his life. The restricted section of the library was roughly cubical, and must have been at least four or five miles to a side. The room looked considerably bigger than the mountain Skyhold was built into. The walls were entirely lined with books, with a balcony winding completely around at around one story intervals. The balcony they were on was close to the top. If that had been all the books in the room, it would have been more books than Hugh had ever imagined even existed.
It wasn’t even close to all the books in the room.
Immense stone bookshelves, hundreds of feet high, floated in neat, orderly rows in the huge space in the center of the room. Floating islands drifting near them had bookshelves, reading rooms, and in one case, what looked to be a thriving forest atop them. Hugh spotted a couple of cubes with bookshelves on all the sides- including the bottom. There were a few paths leading out into the center room, stepping stones scattered here and there- but Hugh couldn’t see a way to get to most of the floating structures.
Thousands upon thousands of origami golems were visible, tending to tasks all over the library. Books seemed to frequently decide to fly about on their own- some simply hovering through the air, others flapping their covers and pages like wings.
All of this was lit by a profusion of glowcrystals, floating wisps of light, and even a tiny sun orbiting the floating island with the book on it, but the room was so huge the overall impression was one of general gloom and dimness.
Hugh silently walked forwards to the edge of the balcony. When he looked downwards, he couldn’t even see the bottom of the library, except for a blue-white, unearthly glow coming from far below. (c)
Wow! I'm already in love with this place. Even though it's just a booklover's fantasy. A secret immense library of one's own.Q;
They all looked incredibly intimidating. One had an arm that appeared to be made of a living treebranch, inscribed with intricate spellforms. Another was hairless, and had what looked to be glowing wires embedded in her otherwise bald scalp. The third looked to be partially covered in frost, and the final one had what looked like scarabs climbing all over them. (c) Totally freaky!
Q:
He looked back at the other apprentices in line again, and realized something.
They were all more terrified than terrifying. (c)
Q:
“You’re not going anywhere unless I say you can!”...
“Really?” ...
“Yes, really!” ...
“No, I was asking if your banter could get any more boring and unoriginal. You really have depended on your position more than your wit, haven’t you?”...
“What do your cronies think? You there, with the blue hair, are you actually that impressed with Rhodes’ insults?” ...
“You can’t…” ...
“Where you about to tell me that I can’t talk to you like that? Which, normally, would be followed by me telling you that I just had, and then you’d demand by what right I dared do so, and so on and so forth. Let’s just skip all that, shall we? We have better things to do.”
(c)
Q:
“Goatshit in a picnic basket,” Talia said. (c)
Q:
“You never give up... You haven’t failed until you do.” (c)
Q:
I want to form a warlock pact with the Index.
One moment. Processing unique request. (c)
Q:
If Hugh was going to try and describe the emotions of letters, he’d say they looked shocked. (c)
Q:
“I bet you have an affinity for sheer idiocy,” (c)
Rating: really liked it
I suspected I would hate this story when I read its very first sentence, where the author used the phrase "very, very good", but I decided to give it a shot anyway. "Look at all these positive reviews!" I thought. I should have listened to my first instinct.
I feel like the thought process behind this book is very simple: the author likes Harry Potter, and he likes Mother of Learning, and he thought, why not write a book
exactly like that. So you have an abused, bullied MC, like HP, only he's not a slacker but a nerd, and the magic he is learning in his prestigious school is of the "Hard Fantasy" kind, with strict, detailed rules on its application.
Only there is nothing driving the plot, no tension, no conflict. He thought of a world, but not the people in it, and not why this story should be told instead of any other. So in this story, things just happens. The MC does not really have any agency, at all. He starts the book unable to do magic like other students, which is a promising direction to take the story in, but that is promptly solved by someone else, with no actual effort imparted (i.e., written about) by anyone. Said teacher decides to help the MC (not because of anything the MC does, mind you) and he does that: he tells the MC exactly what the problem is, and exactly how to solve it. And he does it to the side characters, who are also magically challenged, like the MC. He just points at them one by one, gives them a few paragraphs on why they're struggling, a few more on how he will help them, takes them to the library and tosses the relevant books at them. In the first quarter or so of the book. Throughout several pages. Poof, problem solved.
Hmmm.
That is the author's entire approach to exposition: to spray it with a hose at the reader at the first chance he gets until the tank runs out, and then to switch tanks and repeat. After all their problems are solved for them, the MC and side characters unload all their backstories, their insecurities, and their motivations to each other within days of meeting each other, one after the other, in long paragraphs of dialogue. Every detail about the worldbuilding, setting, or magic is explained by one character to another in the same way, in the same tone of voice, like they're reciting a textbook perfectly from memory. Sometimes the author decides to just skip that step and simply has the MC read a textbook directly. How fun.
I could go on, but I've already wasted too much time on this stupid piece of shit. It boggles the mind that some people can actually like this schlock.
Rating: really liked it
This book was a quick and enjoyable read, brought to my attention by an author post on r/fantasy.
OverviewHugh is a student at a huge magical academy - and may very well be the worst one. Nothing he does goes right - spells overload, fail entirely, or do the unexpected. He's also from Emblin, where magic is mistrusted, which sets him apart from his peers even more.
He's also attracted the attention of one of the school bullies, a noble boy and his cronies.
Luckily for him, he has attracted the attention of one of the full mages, as well.
PositivesFirst off, I liked Hugh. It would have been easy for Hugh to turn into an annoying whiner. And he does his share of whining. But it feels realistic, and it's not his main mode of operation. When the basic course work doesn't work for him, he doggedly keeps at it, even as it depresses him. He also tries to play to his strength (ward building). I felt like Hugh presented a very realistic and relatable portrait of a young man suffering from anxiety and depression.
I also liked Hugh's mentor and fellow apprentices. All of them are odd ducks, and form an unlikely sort of family. Their interactions felt very real, and had enough warts and missteps not to seem idealized.
The group's adventures were well paced and entertaining. I thought Bierce achieved a solid balance telling us about the group's training/studies without bogging down the plot with too much minutia.
Bierce's writing was solid but not particularly beautiful or artistic. But...
NegativesThere are a few editorial problems with the book. "To" instead of "too," that kind of thing.
More telling is that there are a few places (3 or 4) where he clearly gets the names of the female apprentice characters mixed up, which can be pretty confusing. Especially when "Sabae" starts haranguing Hugh, until eventually Sabae has to step in and make Talia lay off. Thankfully, with an ebook the author can make those corrections on the fly.
The cast is very small. Most of the book is just the 3 apprentices and their friend Godrick, with important but brief cameos from their two masters. The rest of the teachers are basically ciphers, with most not even getting names.
Rhodes, the bully, is entirely flat. No effort is made to explain why he's like that, or even what set him off against Hugh. Given the severity of his reactions at a couple points in the book, this seems important. You don't go that far just because someone's a country bumpkin and you don't like his face. This lack kills the emotional impact of Rhodes' scenes, leaving him feeling more like a severe storm or other dangerous event than an antagonist.
SummaryDespite its flaws, the positives more than make up for them. I had a great time reading this book, and am looking forward to seeing what comes next.
Rating: really liked it
When I see a book with magical library I simply have to read it!
This was a quick and enjoyable read.
Yes, there were some less brilliant things like some editorial issues, lack of development of the secondary characters, a lot of usual fantasy tropes and blah blah, but I just don't care.
There are mages, magical academy WITH MAGICAL LIBRARY, likeable main characters, interesting magical system so I'm really looking forward to the sequels.
A perfect read for a rainy sunday.
Rating: really liked it
Simple, plain YA fantasy with a school setting, interesting world-building, and cool magic system. Believable characters and easy-going plot with an excellent twist in the end. Not brilliant, but exactly what I need when taking a break between reading Dostoyevsky, Nobel winners, Tolkien and GRRM. I devoured it in one day.
Rating: really liked it
Great Magic and AdventureAn excellent first chapter in a magical school story. The rules of magic are fun to learn along with the heroes, and each protagonist has a creative and iinteresting specialization.
Rating: really liked it
Actual rating: 2.5/5Hugh of Emblin is a whining, unbalanced boy. He had a difficult childhood. As a result, he feels worthless all the time. He has no friends and no talent.
His mana reserves are big though. A shame he can’t cast any spells. Magical academies expect it from a student.
To Hugh’s surprise, an Errant Librarian Mage chooses him and two other unpromising students as his apprentices. They learn to trust each other and develop arcane skills. Who knows, maybe they’re not a group of losers?
Into the Labyrinth relies heavily on tropes. A country bumpkin tries to find his place in a magical academy where he’s bullied. He doesn’t realise how special he is until an eccentric teacher tutors him and unblocks his potential. He discovers people can like him and finds his inner strength.
For coming of age fantasy, it’s as formulaic as it gets. On the other hand, tight, straightforward plot and likeable (but underdeveloped) characters entertained me. I felt motivated to turn the pages and learn more about their adventures.
A complex magic system deserves praise and will appeal to hard magic systems’ enthusiasts. An interesting bestiary of creatures available for contract added much colour to the world although it felt a bit like a filler.
Characters, especially secondary ones, remain underdeveloped and lack complexity. Observing Hugh gaining confidence made me feel good, but he still has a lot of work to do. A school bully is just that - a jerk. Of course, he comes from a noble family and is crazily talented - I would say we’ve all seen it. Probably million times.
The writing feels utilitarian and flat, but it delivers the story well and makes it easily accessible. Another pass, or two, of editing, would clear the typos and overused words (everyone grins in this book. All the time). It would give ItL the feel of a finished product.
All said, the book is short and entertaining. It has flaws, but also some charm. I think it’ll do as a palate cleanser between longer / more complex books.
Rating: really liked it
Hugh of Emblin is not having an easy time at school. He has no friends, no self-esteem and can’t seem to make any of his spells work. It doesn’t help that magic users that come from Emblin (his home) are incredibly rare so he has an ingrained mistrust of its use.
This book was a real mixed bag for me, as a whole I liked it- it’s quick, very readable and fun but there were also things that maybe didn’t work as well for me, as they may for others.
This begins like a typical magic school story, but reminded me a bit of a litrpg, which is probably more to do with the fact that the only litrpg I have read up to now, followed this same kind of formula of heading off to school, learning about using your magic, and then having what’s essentially a dungeon crawl for a final exam, than to do with the actual story itself.
I am not real big on the whole magic school trope but I am a fan of the friendships that are formed in that setting and once Hugh settled in with a mentor, and a group of potential friends, I enjoyed the story a whole lot more. So, the back half of the book made up for any of the slow school parts for me, with the equivalent of a dungeon crawl and getting to see the members of the group highlight their talents while going through the Labyrinth.
Hugh’s little group, all had their own issues that affected their abilities to perform their magic correctly and on one hand- I did like their journey from feeling like they can’t do anything right, to finding that though they may be different, it doesn’t make them unteachable losers and gaining that self-confidence and respect along the way. On the other hand- the picked on outcast role felt a touch heavy-handed at times, especially in Hugh’s instance.
I also liked that even though the plot was pretty predictable, it did take one small veer off with the bonding that I liked much better than where it looked like it was headed at first. Though later, that same plot point thread/twist (not sure what to call it) could have used some foreshadowing to keep it feeling less like an “oh yeah, this is why that happened”. To be fair, I could have missed it if it was during the school sections, because I tended to skim those.
Like I said mixed bag, but despite a few flaws there is lots to love and huge potential to be a really cool series.
Other Notes-
-Younger readers will probably love the monsterology segments. I know my son would have probably felt the need to read them to me.
-There was a lot of things that happened off screen that I kind of wished had been included.
- Lots of wrong words used, spelling... etc
- Totally loved the whole idea behind the Index.
Rating: really liked it
Not impressed.
The MC is one of those that has to have it the worstestest, not only is his magic fucked (mostly due to bureaucratic incompetence), but he's also bullied by the best student, but ALSO also, he lost his parents in a fire as a child, AND SIBLINGS!! And ALSO also also, his kinfolk that took him in were MEAN to him, like WAY mean. So you just KNOW he's the specialestest martyr, since he's suffered so... QQ
Had this been a Swedish crime drama, he'd have been molested by one grandparent, his local priest and one of either football or handball coach as well. And mom'd be an alcoholic.
The number of times the mouth of the MC is hanging open from shock or incredulity, opening in shock, or otherwise not working to keep flies and other assorted insects out is downright terrifying.
The worst part really was the Harry Potter ending. Where the MC (having been terribly pointless and daft up till now) is led around having his ego stroked. You see, he's EVER SO SPECIAL. Because he FOUGHT *sniffle* so brave. The bravest. Just... SO brave you guys. And smart.
Anyway, the setting was kinda cool, though I've never been much of a fan of exclusionary affinity magic systems. The labyrinth really could have been a longer segment, felt rushed.
Overall far too short for the story it tried to tell.
PS: who the fuck gets told their teacher has been spying on them for a long while, and just... shrugs it off?
Rating: really liked it
Not perfect and it has some issues (exposition dumps, less than stellar writing at times) but man is this a fun read.
I love the magic system here (and I’m usually not the kind of person who gets super into a magic system) and I really like all the different elements of the world Bierce has created for this series.
The main characters all have neat backstories and I liked what Bierce did with the concept of educational limitations. Plus it’s nice to read something a little more low-stakes/light-hearted in the fantasy genre every once in a while.
I’m looking forward to carrying on with the series!
Rating: really liked it
4.5 of 5
Fun, Enjoyable Read.
I have been trying to figure out how to classify this book. I finally realized it reminds me of a TV pilot. It gives a introductory view of the characters and how they interact. It provides enough details to move the plot without bogging down and reveals enough glimpses of the world and its mechanics to want to know more. Like a pilot, it draws the blueprint of what is to come. Of course, the downside of this is that it leaves you wanting more. I am looking forward to future seasons/series.
Rating: really liked it
I like to read books that from time to time are not as mentally and emotionally demanding as others as kind of a break. So, this book seemed like a less intensive read and it was. However, it lacked any sort of anchor to the characters.
The main character for all intents and purposes is a royal wuss. I have very little respect for him and he seems to be an introvert who is being led around by a couple of “strong” female characters that save him from himself. He constantly is whining and crying and He doesn’t give you much to root for.
Also, it is fairly obvious that these characters have no basis in social reality and seems to be a weird example of revenge of the nerds with magic. The ever present and maligned strong female characters, that are so necessary in every book today are just annoying and forced.
We seem to be hitting all of the modern virtue targets but I was pleasantly surprised to see no gay or lesbian relationships since that was all that was missing from this modern delusion showcase.
Rating: really liked it
This was an interesting read! Lost of progression fantasy elements that I enjoyed. Hugh is a shy and socially awkward teen struggling to belong.
The way this rag-tag band comes together to form a great found family is a fun and engaging read.
I will say the structure of the book and the way it flows was fairly predictable.
Even so, I went straight into book 2. I am excited to continue on this journey now that we have started Hugh on his journey
Rating: really liked it
Progressive Fantasy I enjoyed this first book; especially the progressive fantasy and magic system. However, the plot and character development did not feel as fleshed out. This left me without any investment in the characters and story. I may pick up the next one. Hopefully this progression fantasy makes progresses in quality too!
Rating: really liked it
John Bierce has given us a very quick and fun read with
Into the Labyrinth. This is YA fantasy that maintains many of the tropes of the genre; mage school, dungeon tests, and a fascinating magic system. I normally find YA books a little hard to rate, and this one is no exception. But in the end it’s just a lot of fun.
There is quite a bit to like in this debut from Bierce. For starters, it has an interesting magic system. Mages gain affinities to various types of mana and this allows them to cast particular sorts of spells—or at least more powerful sorts of elemental spells. The specifics are unclear here in the first book, but there is a lot of potential. At its core though,
Into the Labyrinth is really a coming of age tale about Hugh of Emblin. One of the things I loved was the entire lack of confidence and fear of failure that Hugh has. To me this felt very authentic to what I struggled with myself as a teenager. One of the things I love about coming of age stories in fantasy is the way that characters are often forced to struggle with the same sorts of things many of us did as young people—they just do so with the added frustration of magic, or prophecy, or whatever else. Hugh’s friends, while not nearly as well drawn as Hugh, are still worthwhile secondary characters for a YA novel. The plot is serviceable, though nothing to write home about.
There are several weaknesses to the novel, unfortunately. To begin, there were a number of typos throughout the manuscript. More importantly, while I thought Hugh was a well drawn character, the antagonist is the most vanilla of vanilla characters. He’s basically a jerk for the sake of being a jerk with no motivation that I could distinguish. Frankly, Hugh’s own fears work better as the antagonist of the story than the actual antagonist does. In addition, while I liked the magic system and felt like it had a lot of potential, I also felt like the magic system didn’t entirely cohere based on the information we have here in the first novel in what will be a series. There are a lot of moving pieces to the system, but they aren’t always clearly explained. Some of those pieces work differently, warding versus enchanting versus spell glyphs. Eventually it all gets a little (overly) complex and I felt like the differences—and more importantly the reasons for those differences—were not adequately explained.
There is a lot to like here, and as a whole I did like this novel. Although the score rounds down to three stars I feel like I enjoyed it more than I normally do a three star. However, some of the problems described above keep me from bumping it up to a four. If you’re looking for a fun YA fantasy, definitely give this one a try. I hope to see more from John Bierce in the future. 3.4/5 stars.
5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing
