Magic's Pawn
Readers rate it 4.1 (98 on Hardcover)
349 pages · Released Jun 6, 1989 · DAW
Content report card
Magic's Pawn parent’s guide: what’s inside
Substance use
What it offers
A note for parents
Magic's Pawn is a character-driven fantasy that centers on a young man discovering his identity and magical abilities while grappling with serious emotional struggles. The book handles LGBTQ+ themes maturely and prominently, with an M/M romantic relationship developing as a source of healing and self-acceptance. However, it deals frankly with depression, suicidal ideation, emotional and physical abuse, bullying, and religious bigotry—making it better suited for older teens who can process these heavy themes thoughtfully. The story offers strong positive messages about resilience, chosen family, and self-worth despite its darkness.
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From the publisher
Magic's Pawn is a wondrous sci-fi fantasy adventure that centers around Vanyel Ashkevron, young, inexperienced in life, and very sheltered from the world at large. Clashes with his father send him away from home to discover just who and what he truly is--the last Herald Mage of Valdemar for centuries to come. Magic's Pawn is a wondrous sci-fi fantasy adventure that centers around Vanyel Ashkevron, young, inexperienced in life, and very sheltered from the world at large. Clashes with his father send him away from home to discover just who and what he truly is--the last Herald Mage of Valdemar for centuries to come.
Shelved under
- M/M Romance
- emotional
- sad
- reflective
- tense
- Fantasy
- LGBTQ
- Lgbt
- Romance
- Magic
- Young Adult
- Adventure
Books in the Valdemar (Publication order) series
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ISBN 9780886773526 · DAW