The Novice is an interesting fantasy read full of pokemon references and battles between races.

The beginning was slow, dull, and not all that enjoyable. It took me a week and a bit, pushing myself to the limit, to get through it. I didn't even mark it as currently reading on here until I made it to almost %10 through, and that took two or three days. I'm horrible, I know. It didn't help that the characters, unfortunately, were rather similar and had no real development, and enjoyed being bullies like little bratty 12-year-olds.

Even in the second half there was no real difference between the characters, other than half being manipulative and happy about it, and the other half feeling guilty about it. They also act dramatically, to literally everything. It was also predictable. I mean, of course Fletcher befriends the elves and the dwarves and two teachers who all support him to no end even when he makes mistakes. They get him out of trouble, they give him tips, and they help him get what he needs to win the tournament. Of course he will gain their friendship and alliance when they so obviously hate his race for being racist and power hungry. And of course Fletcher is the son of a powerful man! And let's not forget that he does hardly anything to gain such amazing power and home it into a skill. It's all reckless chance that he even survived.

*Read my full review here
*I received a free digital copy from FFBC in exchange for an honest review. Also to take part in a tour.