Raymond Feist's book Magician: Apprentice was a wonderful read and the first in his Riftwar Saga. Here is a review from Amazon.com: A beautiful epic fantasy whose true strength lies in the emotional details of its characters. Story focuses on the orphan pug who starts out as an apprentice to the wizard, Kulgan, and shows little promise. As events continue to progress, the nation faces a devastating war with the Tsurani, a warrior Asian race of beings who come through a rift from another world. In the meantime, each different character must deal with the war and its effects on their territories.
Author's Website: http://www.raymondfeistbooks.com/