The Novice (Summoner Trilogy #1)

First in Taran Matharu's New York Times bestselling epic fantasy Summoner Trilogy, The Novice is an action-packed adventure of a young man gifted — or cursed — with an extraordinary and terrifying power...

Fletcher is working as a blacksmith's apprentice when he discovers he has the rare ability to summon demons from another world. Chased from his village for a crime he did not commit, Fletcher must travel with his demon, Ignatius, to an academy for adepts, where the gifted are taught the art of summoning.

Along with nobles and commoners, Fletcher endures grueling lessons that will prepare him to serve as a Battlemage in the Empire's war against the savage Orcs. But sinister forces infect new friendships and rivalries grow. With no one but Ignatius by his side, Fletcher must decide where his loyalties lie. The fate of the Empire is in his hands. . . .

This paperback edition includes an interview with the author, a special sneak peek of the sequel, The Inquisition, and more.

The Summoner Trilogy
The Novice
The Inquisition
The Battlemage

Also in the Summoner series

The Outcast (Summoner: The Prequel)
The Summoner's Handbook
A Fine Welcome: Othello's Journey (A Summoner Short Story)

"This plot-focused fantasy adventure will be a satisfying read for a wide age range of readers, especially fans of role-playing games and Christopher Paolini." VOYA

"Fantasy readers should enjoy this entertaining, comfortably familiar-feeling adventure featuring an earnest soldier-schoolboy and his demonic sidekick." Kirkus Reviews

"The appealing characters, fast-paced plot, focus on racial politics, and interesting demon varieties (demonology addendum included) make this an enjoyable read." School Library Journal

Taran Matharu wrote his first book when he was nine years old. At twenty-two, he began posting The Novice on Wattpad (the online writing website) and reached over three million reads in less than six months. The Novice is the first book in the New York Times-bestselling Summoner series, which includes three books and a prequel, as well as the companion The Summoner's Handbook. Taran lives in London.