I haven't played for a few years, and wasn't really knowledgeable about the high-end game when I did play. Chose a mage to main this time, mostly because I enjoy playing casters and cleric was getting a little too stale. I usually either solo or duo with a barbarian, and I'm running into issues getting new books - the zones I know that load the books I need require more than 2 people (or at least, 2 people that are higher level/better geared than we are!), but it's been a struggle getting help. No one is selling books (understandably), and most evenings I'm on, I'm the only non-clanned person online.
What's the best way to proceed? Is mage simply not a class someone who isn't clanned and/or who isn't very experienced with zones should play? I've gotten all of the low level books, so I'm learning (and definitely willing to learn more), but it feels like I've reached a wall. If it's doable, does anyone have any recommendations on zones to learn that load mid-level books that a 28 mage and 28 barb can beat? I'm concerned that if I wait until 30 to start this, I run the risk of failing a book and being somewhat screwed (relearns aside, which I also don't know where to find).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. :)