SciFi and Fantasy Book Club discussion

I am trying to think of a fantasy book that I read a while back. I can't for the life of me remember the title or the character names, but the story started off with the boys of a town being selected for apprenticeships and the main character was not chosen by anyone to be an apprentice.

Does this sound familiar to anyone?

The reason I ask was because it was a library book...that I started reading, but my wife returned before I was finished, so I'd like to go check it out again, but I just can't remember the title or even the author. It was just something I grabbed off a shelf and thought I'd give it a try. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Hi -- first post here, as I've just joined.

Terry Pratchett's "Mort" starts like this, as I recall. The main character (Mort) becomes apprenticed to the Grim Reaper.

If I can figure out how to make a link, I'll come back and link it.

I can't remember but The Giver seems to have this sort of beginning.

It's not Pratchett. I'd know Pratchett...This was a thick, serious novel...

I'm almost positive this is Feist's Magician: Apprentice. Followed by Magician: Master. Or some versions contain both books and is just called "Magician".

They are the two first books in the the "Riftwar Saga"

Good call, Cairnraiser.

I went and checked out the beginning of the book on Amazon.com and it was Magician: Apprentice.

Thanks a lot!