From a Novel in Progress

[stickmaker]

Comment from one wizard about the combat competence of another:

"Powerful magician. Terrible aim."

Comments

[filkermanque.livejournal.com]

Not quite the same, but it popped into my mind when I saw your fragment:

"Well, his mind had a way of becoming... unfocused. That's the only way I can put it. I could feel the force of his spells bursting around me or rushing past me, and once or twice I came close to being destroyed. But his concentration wavered and never built up into the kind of power I knew he could wield. It's a harrowing feeling facing someone you know could kill you if he put his mind to it."

John Bellairs, _The_Face_In_The_Frost_

[stickmaker.livejournal.com]

I make the point several times in this novel that a strong talent in magic does not by itself make for an effective magician. Neither does being an effective magic user make one suitable for combat.

"You ask about magical talent, also known as magical potential, the knack, the spark and many other terms," said the white-haired teacher. "Every one of you has shown that you do have enough potential to be worth training. Some of you have significantly more than others. Do _not_ let that evaluation affect your behavior. I listed magical ability fourth on the list because in my experience it is not of supreme importance. I have seen men and women with great potential who could barely light a candle. I have seen those with minimal talent achieve great things through study and practice. If you know you have a strong ability and think that will allow you to coast, you will be off this rock by the end of the term. If you haven't killed yourself in an accident, first, through overconfidence and ignorance."