What sort of career as a wizard can you have with just one minor spell? Although it is quite unlikely to slay a dragon, win the princess and become one of the greatest wizards in the World in such case, the Fate is so unpredictable... And even more unpredictable is wizardry, and low-order spells, under certain circumstances, may turn out to be surprisingly powerful...
In my opinion, the most beautiful fantasy book ever written. Fantasy books, for me, are the stories of dreams, and I dream about living in such an unusual world as Ethshar and being such a lucky guy as Tobas. Adding to this its unique atmosphere, the reality and complexity of its world, and fascinating adventures of main character, and it's clear that everyone who reads it (well, let's say everyone who reads it sufficient number of times, as the book appears to become better with each re-reading) will call it one of their favourite books.
I have read "With A Single Spell" a couple of times. Every time I was discovering something new, going deeper into character's psyche... And every time I liked it more... Surely I'll re-read it more than once... And possibly I'll like it even more :D This is definitely one of the best fantasy novels - it belongs to the set of my favourite books.
Now all I have to do is to improve my English, restrain my disclination to dialogues written in quotes (in my country dialogues are written with hyphens - translator's note) - and I'll read "With A Single Spell" again - this time in the original language version :)
I think, that it's a wonderful book, and it's very fine to read it; light, pleasant, unforcedly...
More books like this!!!
This is the first fantasy book I have read in my life. It fell deeply into my memory and I've been going back to it in my thoughts, but I read it again at last after 15 years. It was like discovering the world again. As my predecessors have said, this is a book that amazes, encourages to thoughts, but what I find the most important it charges with positive energy. To all who need it and don't need it I recomment the journey to the "other world", the world of Ethshar, which in fact is based on the same solid life rules as our real existance is.
Saint
One of the best books I have read.
The life sometimes forces some quick decisions on human, decisions, that lead to the strangest places of the World :) The story of this book is very interesting, the events faced by the hero are surprising not only for the reader, but for Tobas himself. I really enjoyed reading it, the book is written in very light manner, there is plenty of amusing situations, there are unexpected turn in the action. I found it very funny in the beginning, when Tobas, using his unfortunate, single spell, got rid of all his belongings and roof over his head, just after his master's funeral. I thought: so now you're done... Perhaps he thought the same and wandered of, even if he wasn't welcomed in Ethshar as a son of a pirate. But I don't want to reveal too much - read, a lot of great fun is waiting for you on these pages :)
It was the first fantasy book I've read... :) I recommend it - it's extermely absorbing
One of first fantasy book I have read... What more I can say - excellent. I warmly recommend to everyone.
I liked it exceptionally! The book was amazing, and the ending and the fact that Tobas gave back the "borrowed" things fascinated me and so on. Superb!
Pretty well written book with fun action and funny moments. I totally recommend it!
About 'With A Single Spell' on author's website
A few words about how did it come to writing the novel, information about most important editions, cover scans, first chapter as a teaser to read the book and many other information
http://www.ethshar.com/withasinglespell.html
The Misenchanted Page by Lawrence Watt-Evans
Official author's website, designed by himself, containing information about all his books and a lot, really a lot of other interesting stuff.
http://www.watt-evans.com/
Ethshar Official Website
Website dedicated to Ethshar series, designed by author himself. Here you can find a lot of information about all books, and also the latest parts, written as online serials.
http://www.ethshar.com/
Background information about Ethshar
On this page, author himself describes such details, like clothing, customs, religion and cosmology, geography, history and political situation in the world of Ethshar
http://www.ethshar.com/background.html