I read this book at least three years ago, but not more seven. I’m pretty sure it was published recently at the time that I read it.
The plot details that I remember:
boy/young man is an apprentice in a rural town.
there’s a certain degree of magical skill that some people possess, and this plays into the work he is training in with his mentor.
one particular skill is becoming invisible/unnoticeable; bandits use this to their advantage and make trouble.
our hero has magical skills as well, which puts him at odds with some of his peers with greater physical skills, as well as with the bandits; he opposes them which gets him and the town in greater trouble.
at some point, he journeys to a city in the company of traders. (perhaps to further his training? fallout from his social woes or a bandit attack on his town?)
he is interested in a girl in the city (did he bring her with him?) who is part of a female caste that reminded me of Vestal virgins.
at the end of the novel (which obviously will be continued in another story - one of the reasons I’d like to ID the book so I can reread and check out the sequel), he and his group of city friends chase a group of thieves(?) who escape pursuit in a boat; undeterred, our hero uses his innate magical skill (which has been growing steadily over time as the novel progresses) to walk on water to catch the fleeing thieves. While magical powers to a certain extent are expected, this is beyond the experience of everyone, and the hero is also somewhat surprised that he can do this, even as it happens.
It’s not a short book, a bit on the lengthy side, but that’s all I can easily remember and put into words at this point. Thanks in advance for your help!