A review by fancybone
The Warlock in Spite of Himself by Christopher Stasheff

2.0

Meh. Neat idea about where "magic" comes from in this world. But full of, uh, well:

“Look,” he said tightly, “try to understand. A man has to have a dream. That’s the difference between animals and man, a dream. And a man who’s lost his dream is something less than a man, and worthy of no woman. How could I dare claim you if I wasn’t a man? “A man has to prove his worth to himself, before he can claim a woman, and the dream is the proof. As long as he’s working for it, he’s got a right to her, because he’s worth something. I could stay here and be very, very happy with you. But in my depths I’d know I didn’t deserve you. Because I’d be a drone, a male with no purpose. How could I father children if I knew their mother was more valuable to the world than I am?”

Emphasis mine. I don't remember if this character is supposed to be an asshole or not, but my eyes just about rolled out of my goddamned head.