The Sigilist Series by Andrew Karevik

Tavern keeper Lance Rein has little to care for in his life. The few patrons who pass through his tavern are often travelers looking for a cold beer and warm bed, but they move on quickly after that. The pretty noblewoman who visits from time to time, owner of the land Lance works, barely notices him, despite his efforts. But what is a peasant to do?One night, a traveler, poor and weary, arrives with nary a coin in his pocket. Lance, ever a man of hospitality, allows him to stay... moreTavern keeper Lance Rein has little to care for in his life. The few patrons who pass through his tavern are often travelers looking for a cold beer and warm bed, but they move on quickly after that. The pretty noblewoman who visits from time to time, owner of the land Lance works, barely notices him, despite his efforts. But what is a peasant to do?One night, a traveler, poor and weary, arrives with nary a coin in his pocket. Lance, ever a man of hospitality, allows him to stay. The weary traveler sleeps in one of the tavern rooms and dies overnight, leaving behind nothing except a book of spells. This spellbook, which talks, explains to Lance that this wizard had no next of kin and sought instead to grant his immense power to whoever took him in first. The spellbook now belongs to Lance, changing everything in an instant.Within the pages of the book are sigils—carefully scribed arcane markings that transfer power. By learning to replicate a sigil in the air, Lance is able to cast spells. Magic is relatively secretive in this world; there are no wizard schools, nor books to explain how it works. All wizards are sworn to secrecy. By gaining the power of the Sigilist, Lance’s opportunities become endless.Will Lance be able to use these spells wisely, helping the world he lives in? Can he use his power to win the heart of the fair noblewoman who has not once paid him any mind? Or will the strange powers that exist in the world lure him to serve the causes of a Sorcerer King who is slowly building his dominion to reign over the land? less

The game is on, and there’s no turning back now!Soon after he gained the power of the Sigilist, Lance Rein could have chosen to lay low and use his newfound abilities for his own sake, to live an opulent life and command everyone’s respect with his magic tricks. But when he found out about the Sorcerer King’s plans of dominion and witnessed his cruelty firsthand, Lance felt he had no choice but to stand up to the madman... moreThe game is on, and there’s no turning back now!Soon after he gained the power of the Sigilist, Lance Rein could have chosen to lay low and use his newfound abilities for his own sake, to live an opulent life and command everyone’s respect with his magic tricks. But when he found out about the Sorcerer King’s plans of dominion and witnessed his cruelty firsthand, Lance felt he had no choice but to stand up to the madman.A few dead sorcerers later, and where did that land him? As Master Hember’s designated heir, he’s now to oppose the King in a deadly game of chess where the pawns will be other people.But Lance still has a long ways to go if he is to recruit an army big and powerful enough to tip the scales in his favor. As it stands, he’s still just a green wizard with a mere dozen Sigils and Glyphs. As it stands, he can barely escape with his own life when facing low-level sorcerers. So how could he possibly convince other, more experienced wizards to help and join his side?Will Lance be able to find the magicborn to teach a Foundling like him what a master should have? Can he extend his repertoire, gain allies and grow in power before time runs out and the Sorcerer King conquers every city in Hiyath? Or will he be checkmated before he can even move a single piece on the board? less