Somewhere beyond the Real World, but before you reach the unpredictable, magical, Uncertain World, lies the Lost Isle, a place forever trapped in the middle, bearing many of the trappings of the Real World, yet threatened by bizarre, shadowy dangers. However, the Lost Isle is protected, by the Knights of the Wind, and by powerful Sorcerers, whose swords and magic are all that stand against the ever-present threat of the Shadow, a powerful being from the Uncertain World.

Robin Penmarch is just another normal kid living on the Lost Isle. He plays computer games, watches TV, and hangs out with his friends. He’s also tormented by bullies, one of whom dares to steal something from him, the only tangible memento he has of his long-lost father. If anything, Robin hopes to become a Knight of the Wind when he grows up. But fate has other plans. When Robin’s magical potential is revealed, he becomes the apprentice of the legendary Sorcerer, Quadehar, beginning an intense education in the runes and the ways of magic, and also thrusting him into a life of unpredictability and danger. For someone else has an interest in Robin, a very unhealthy interest.

Ultimately, Robin and his friends journey into the Uncertain World, to rescue a lost companion. Though they have a number of adventures, both singular and together, nothing can prepare them for the enemy that lies in wait for them. Even if they escape, it’s only the beginning of a much larger story.

Quadehar the Sorcerer is the first book in the Book of the Stars trilogy by Erik L’Homme, and already a bestseller in its native France. However, this may clearly be a case of different tastes for different people, because while Quadehar has a lot of potential, it never seems to really tap into it. The blending of elements is occasionally awkward, and the pacing uneven. The characters are likeable, but I never really got a feeling for them. However, since this is the author’s first book, these are all things which can be rectified. While Quadehar didn’t particularly light my own fires, I suspect it’ll appeal to the 9-12 crowd. I’ll be looking for the rest of the trilogy, to see if reading the whole story changes my perspective.