I found this book masterfully created. Not only was the initial unraveling of the mystery intrigueing, but I find the ideas fascinating. I often read fantasy that is full of unusual ideas, names, and places. Although this may add to the fantastical setting, I often find it difficult to grasp and remember all the new names and ideas. In this book, however, the ideas are concisely and clearly expressed. I absolutely adore the way Zambreno has discussed the theories behind magical spells, not to mention the wizard's guild.

Overall, this book was very cleanly written, tightly knitted, and easy to follow. It is not one of those hardcore fantasy novels; rather, Journeyman Wizard offers a fresh new perspective towards fantasy. This book kept me reading non stop late into the evening. I enthusiasticall encourage readers of all ages to read this book, and it's prequel, A Plague of Sorcerors.

I read this book years ago, but it's wonderful plot still remains in my imagination. I reccomend this book to anyone who loves fantasy. The characters were individuals, and were unique. They were not 'classic' and that's why I enjoyed the book so much. It was different.

Journeyman Wizard is about Jermym who wants to become a spellmaker. In order to become a spellmaker he has to study with the master spellmaker, Lady Jean or Mistress Allons. She is the last master spellmaker. She is very strict. When someone uses the backlash of Jermyn's spell to kill Lady Jean, Jermyn is accused of the murder. Jermyn, Delia(Jermyn's familiar) and Brianne, Lady Jean's granddaughter, set out to prove Jermyn's innocence. The most unlikely person turns out to be The murderer!

As the title says, this book is filled with cliches. From an unlikely boy hero to an unlikely familiar (a Skunk!) to Wizards taking apprentices like Blacksmiths, etc.

Its just all too familiar.

I will admit that I did not finish this book (it was too horrible) but what I did read was so-so.

The actual writing style of the author is great, but the plot stinks and the ideas are unoriginal. If you've read Jordan, Stanek, Goodkind, Tolkien, Brooks, etc, then I might recommend this book. But I would say only people that read every fantasy book on the market should read it.

Though not the most gripping or imaginative tale of wizardry, "Plague of Sorcerers" is a nice read with some decidedly cute moments, nice twists, and a mystery that will keep readers guessing till the end.

In a country of wizards ruled by a council of wizards, a boy Jermyn wants to become one more than anything else. An orphan living with his Aunt Merry, he struggles to perform magic and can't even attract a familiar. When a feud between his aunt and the snobby weather-wizard Fulke ends in a vicious curse, Jermyn sends Fulke back to his home, and by doing so attracts an animal. Except it isn't the cat that was expected, but a skunk. Jermyn reluctantly accepts the skunk Delia as his familiar.

But the curse from Fulke has rendered Aunt Merry unable to do magic. She sends Jermyn to be apprenticed to the Theoretician Eschar, and for a while things seem to be working out fine. But then wizards begin to fall into strange magical comas, hideous weather threatens to destroy the city, and a malevolent Marquis from an anti-wizardry land seems to be connected to it all. Jermyn and Delia must uncover the truth about the magical plague before it's too late.

Jermyn is the classic "bright kid who just doesn't work well under normal circumstances." He has a lot of power, but it works under peculiar circumstances, usually under stress. Aunt Merry, Fulke, Eschar, and Eschar's pretty ward Meggan are a little less developed, but they are easily recognizable with individual personalities. Unusually endearing is Delia, with her baby-talk thoughts and willingness to spray anyone that she sees as being a threat to "Je'm'n."

The only problem, perhaps, is the pacing. Zambreno keeps pretty much the same pace throughout the book, regardless of the situation. She also needs to work a little on atmosphere. The descriptions are pretty average, while the humorous situations and dialogue are excellent. And, of course, her idea about a country that wizards emigrated to from a repressive homeland is brilliant. The mystery is twisted and well-written, with hints sprinkled through the book as to who the guilty party is, but readers probably won't guess who it is until the climax.

A nice, suspenseful story for fans of wizards and mystery. Now, if only they'd bring "Journeyman Wizard" back into print...

This book is about Jermyn Greves. Coming from a magical family he is waiting for his familiar to appear so he can start his magical training. sometimes he doubts that he has magic at all, but his aunt isn't convinced. so she isn't surprised when his familiar finally appears. what she is surprised about is what type of animal Jermyn's familiar is - a skunk.

I liked this book allot and I can't see why it got such low ratings. The plot makes sense, it has humor and good characters. advice for 9-12 year olds who like fantasy: Read it.