In which I review a book about wizards in space

Arcana Universalis: Terminus is the first of a five part serialized novel by Chris J Randolph that follows the adventures of Caleb Gedley, an apprentice wizard aboard the Imperial spaceship Ashkalon.

That’s right, wizards in space. What now?

Caleb and his friend and fellow apprentice Bibbs are ordered to investigate the disappearance of another Imperial spaceship around an idyllic and mysterious planet. There, they discover Alia, a pixie who has been trapped in a magical vault for millennia, only to return to base camp to find themselves under attack by a war party of the Imperium’s enemies.

This first episode seems mostly to set up the cowardly and inept Caleb for a grander adventure in the coming installments, but the world here is rich enough to keep the reader engaged throughout. The author’s descriptions are as vivid and colorful as you’d expect, although they can make occasional scenes seem like a slog. Otherwise, the pacing is generally good, particularly after we meet Alia. Don’t be fooled by the overwrought beginning; the language is crisp and imaginative, and will pull fantasy fans in right away.

An hour, or two at most, should be enough to get through Arcana Universalis: Terminus and will leave the reader anxious for the followup.

4/5

In other news:

The apartment is almost unpacked. I think I said that last week, but it's more true now than it was then. Girlfriend is putting together some Ikea cabinetry because APPARENTLY it isn't "classy" to store our videogames and Star Trek DVDs on the mantlepiece.

I restarted the process with Lucky Bat this week, and my last minute tweaks to Battlesongs are coming along swimmingly. Got a good month of push left on this book, and then perhaps I can pick up The Nomad's Wilds at some point in August.

Onward~