The Sorcerer's Apprentice — Deirdre O'Dare

Driz aspires to be a great mage, but he's done poorly the last few years of his schooling and cannot enter the mage university. Instead, he seeks a mentor in the remnants of the once-great magical race of Melcovia, now mostly driven into hiding by the brutal government of dictator Congerson.

Cory has hidden out in a remote estate in the foothills of the great mountains and sorely misses contact with others of his kind. When he hears a telepathic call from a youth seeking a mentor and master, he feels it's a dream come true. But can the frivolous Driz buckle down enough to learn the discipline and control he needs? And can he ever become the true partner and soul-mate Cory has never found?

When Congerson's minions and a rogue mage strike against the last empowered folk in Melcovia, Driz's family is in dire peril. Which path will he choose -- staying to work with the master who is also stealing his heart, or breaking his indenture to try to save the lives of his mother and siblings?