Athragast is an average wizard, and after years of drudgery, all he wants is to retire on a beach – preferably somewhere off the magical grid. The Wizard Academy selects Athragast (everyone else was busy) for a straight-cut mission with a large enough payout to fund his retirement. Determined to have a fate different from most other wizards (who tended to fall off towers or get kidnapped by large birds), Athragast agrees to go on one last quest to defeat an old nemesis who, incidentally, can turn into a dragon. All Athragast needs is a hero to facilitate his success.

Requirements & Requests

Did the opening effectively grab your attention? Why or why not? Did the opening introduce the main character(s) in a compelling way? Did the opening establish a clear tone or mood for the story? If so, what was your initial impression? Did the humor match your expectations? Was pacing of the opening appropriate? Was it too slow, too fast, or just right? Were there any parts of the opening that confused you? Was there anything you particularly enjoyed or found memorable? Based on the opening alone, would you keep reading the story? Why or why not?

Comparable Stories:

“Running Close to the Wind” by Alexandra Rowland “Assistant to the Villain” by Hannah Nicole Maehrer “Colour of Magic” by Terry Pratchett “Darkwood” by Gabby Hutchinson Crouch