Don Callander (1930–2008)

This book is somewhat dated, and has more of a YA feel to it, which is pretty typical of the era and genre. This is not a criticism, mind you, just a caveat to people who may hold expectations for this book.

There is no doubt I would have enjoyed this book more when I was a teen (or tween) and as an adult I could not help but find parts of it somewhat campy and I think the author could have thought out some things better, but this is a old book from an almost bygone era. It's overall still a show more pretty fun and enjoyable read. show less

This series started off more strongly, but I am sad to say that it's one of these series that started sputtering out after a couple of books. The biggest issue to me was the antiquated gender roles. I get that this was written in the early-mid 1990's and nerdom/fantasy/etc was still seen as a boys' thing, and this was written for a male audience, but it was still pretty grating at times, especially in this particular book given what is happening to the Aquamancer.

The Mancer series overall, show more while having some good bits, has not aged very well as of 2019. Teens might enjoy it, but some would object to the gender roles, or the handwavium approach to magic. All in all, the collection of 4 books garners about 3.5/5 stars. show less

Pyromancer follows Douglas Brightglade, a lively young man who responds to an advertisement for an apprentice to learn the mysteries of pyromancy from master wizard Flarman Flowerstalk, known as Flarman Firemaster, at his home, Wizard's High. Upon arriving, Douglas is immersed in a whimsical household filled with animated and talking objects: a Bronze Owl doorknocker, a Blue Teakettle, singing pots and pans, dancing fire tongs, a chanting Gravy Boat, and entertaining salt and pepper shakers show more that perform antics and assist in daily life.

Douglas begins his training in fire magic and encounters friendly talking animals: seagulls, Cerfew, Tratto, Trotta, porpoises Skimmer, Leaper, Spinner, and Oval the Giant Sea Tortoise.

Frigeon, the Ice King, a former aeromancer turned would-be conqueror, aims to freeze the world into a cold wasteland using armies of orcs, ghouls, witches, banshees, goblins, and other monsters.

Suspicious crows appear as potential spies for Frigeon. Douglas and Flarman ally with Augurian the Watermaster to rally free peoples, faeries, Dwarves, and others against the Ice King. During the adventure, Douglas meets the beautiful island maiden Myrn Manster, who becomes his love interest and eventually Augurian's apprentice in water wizardry.

Douglas applies his newly learned pyromancy to help defeat Frigeon and thwart his plans. show less

Not quite as strong as the previous two volumes, because the storyline itself is somewhat silly. However, if you enjoyed the series so far, you'll find familiar elements in here.