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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It has the simplicity I often find myself missing in modern adult fantasy - epic quests, pure friendships, well cemented sides, very little gore and sex. Honestly felt like a breath of fresh air after all the grimdark and romantasy (yes, polar opposites) I've been reading for the past years.
However, it does read dated in other areas, namely the characterization of women and random lore-dumps.
Overall, I see why it's a favorite of so many and I will continue reading at least the remainder of the first trilogy.
However, it does read dated in other areas, namely the characterization of women and random lore-dumps.
Overall, I see why it's a favorite of so many and I will continue reading at least the remainder of the first trilogy.
Dad read this to each of us as kids and reading it 15 years later, the magic is still there. It will always hold a special place in my family and I strongly recommend reading it
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Blood, War
Moderate: Death, Violence, Death of parent, Murder
Minor: Racism, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
I don't get it. Is it you, or is it me? I never connected with any of these characters. All the dramatic events just felt like a hollow cargo-cult of a novel: fanfares at the end that are supposed to signify great climaxes and culminations, and yet I just felt nothing, or rather, I felt: "Really?"
Was there just nothing better in 1982? ...and for years after that, I guess? We're treated to cursory introductions of various people, mountains of political exposition, wars that start and stop suddenly without any articulation, and occasional things happening.
And yet, for a book **TITLED** "Magician," I could count *MAYBE* three acts of magic in which it has anything to do with anything. What the fuck? Seriously?
I didn't want to say this was a waste of time, but... I honestly don't think I got anything out of it. Sigh.
Was there just nothing better in 1982? ...and for years after that, I guess? We're treated to cursory introductions of various people, mountains of political exposition, wars that start and stop suddenly without any articulation, and occasional things happening.
And yet, for a book **TITLED** "Magician," I could count *MAYBE* three acts of magic in which it has anything to do with anything. What the fuck? Seriously?
I didn't want to say this was a waste of time, but... I honestly don't think I got anything out of it. Sigh.
I must say I am underwhelmed. This feels like a book that I would have really loved had I just gotten into reading fantasy, but since I have read quite a lot now, most of what is in this book I have seen done better in other works.
At first I liked the story and for the first half of the book I enjoyed myself enough, but I hit a wall at the half way point. I felt like the story skipped past parts that I was interested in and I didn’t like the growth or change in certain characters. Also the women in this book are so underutilized and not very well written.
I see the potential here and I can certainly see why it is a beloved book, but it wasn’t for me. I don’t think I will continue in the Riftwar Saga
*update at the bottom from my re-read 2017*
This book had everything I didn't anticipate. It was absolutely amazing.
*update*
While I do find the magic intriguing, the political game interesting and most characters well developed I can't get over how weak every woman in this novel is. Sometimes the women are portrayed as really strong but then they suddenly all break down and cries whilst the men take care of them. It gets really annoying when even one of the supposedly strongest characters just relies on others for everything because they're emotionally weak. Other than that it's a great read. 3/5
This book had everything I didn't anticipate. It was absolutely amazing.
*update*
While I do find the magic intriguing, the political game interesting and most characters well developed I can't get over how weak every woman in this novel is. Sometimes the women are portrayed as really strong but then they suddenly all break down and cries whilst the men take care of them. It gets really annoying when even one of the supposedly strongest characters just relies on others for everything because they're emotionally weak. Other than that it's a great read. 3/5
Magician is a fantasy classic that I somehow had not know until a few months ago. After reading some reviews I decided upon the audiobook read by Peter Joyce and was not disappointed.
For more experienced readers in the fantasy genre, or even older readers, the plot will probably seem cliche,the characters (specially the female ones) a little bland and very black and white. But if you approach the book with the right mindset, it is an enjoyable story.
It gets 4 stars mostly because of the amazing Peter Joyce naration of the audiobook. The guy is incredible and it's worth listening to his very smooth voice.
For more experienced readers in the fantasy genre, or even older readers, the plot will probably seem cliche,the characters (specially the female ones) a little bland and very black and white. But if you approach the book with the right mindset, it is an enjoyable story.
It gets 4 stars mostly because of the amazing Peter Joyce naration of the audiobook. The guy is incredible and it's worth listening to his very smooth voice.
I read this about 30 years ago when I was a teenager. I loved it then and it still holds up to this day.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Amazing world building but not too slow!