The first part of The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist. Originally published in two books, Magician: Apprentice and Magician: Master, and collectively called Magician. There are apparently two versions; be sure to get the unabridged one. The other two books of the Riftwar Saga are A Darkness at Sethanon and Silverthorn. This series is a must-read for anyone interested in fantasy. Feist's books are stunningly beautiful, and it is a matter of opinion as to whether he or Robert Jordan is a better author. If you ask me, they just have their own strengths and weaknesses.