The Magicians by Lev GrossmanMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Unlike what the book cover blurb says, ...not "a Harry Potter book" for grown ups.
I admit my initial reactions to the book were mixed. Upon first hearing about the book, I was excited to read it. Then upon reading a few average reviews of the book, I was less excited. After reading the first chapter (and not necessarily in the mood to read fantasy/fiction), my excitement dropped even lower, and I put the book down. Eventually (maybe month or two later?) I picked up the book again, and spent the entire day reading until the final page, and happy to say, was thoroughly satisfied at the end. The kind of satisfaction that made me glad for stories, for books, for fantasy, like it nourished some part of my soul I had long neglected.
Two flaws docked a star from the final assessment:
- As I mentioned above, the beginning chapter was just flat. I didn't continue because I didn't care for the characters, or what they did, or what they felt. "Who cares?" was my reaction. If I didn't know there was a wizarding school involved, I probably would not have continued it.
- It was really two books, two very different stories. The first half, about Quinten's experience in school - great, harrowing, full of adventure, awesome, and complete. Characters grew, friends and enemies made, mysteries perceived and solved. That itself should have been its own book. I was surprised to see I was only half way through the book! The second half of the book was like starting all over, and only felt like a set up for the sequel (coming out soon!).
Aside from those two flaws, I found the book greatly imaginative, and a seamless mix between literary fic and fantasy. Even as fantasy goes, the author exercises such a great imagination rounded nicely with a great execution of said imagination. I love the Harry Potter books, most especially for the fun that a magical world invokes (anything goes!), but here Grossman takes these fantastical elements and makes them real, tangible, possible. I won't get into specifics to keep from away from spoilers.
If I had to make a comparison, this book is more accurately described as Suzanna Clark's "Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell" mixed with Donna Tartt's "A Secret History."
Overall, a very enjoyable read, and am greatly looking forward to the sequel coming out in a few months!
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