Reviews

An Unkindness of Magicians by Kat Howard

caitlinww's review

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

ridanwise's review against another edition

5.0

So here's the thing... I saw this book in B&N and the cover blew me away. I picked it up, read the back cover and began to sweat profusely, for you see I also incorporated a variance of the Unseen World (as the Blind World) in my own writing... Talk about originality...
Then I read this book and oh boy this is good. This is better than anything I will ever write, and I am not even mad. I can't be. This book has a bit of all, and just in the right quantities. Can't recommend it enough. Kat is as exceptional as advertised.

brianne_k's review

4.0

*4.5/5*

I am so glad I finally read this book..

moshalala's review

adventurous challenging mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

janeaustentatious2's review

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

being_b's review

4.0

This is a lovely book to read in a post-Kavanagh era, with angry women kicking ass, taking names, and breaking down oppressive systems. It doesn't pull any punches when describing the systematic injustice and horror at the heart of the Unseen World's magical system, which was somehow also cathartic.

I did feel the characterizations and relationships were a little rushed and one-note, but not so much that I didn't thoroughly enjoy the story.

closteroven's review

4.0

(8/10)- I LOVED this book, but I did have a few problems with it. The writing was incredible, the dialogue felt super natural and it was overall just so easy and pleasing to read. The plot and characters were interesting and very compelling. The setup was confusing, since it was a book that introduced you to things as they happen, with no info dumps or stuff like that. That meant I was super confused for almost the entire book, because I couldn’t understand the magic system, the stakes of the competition or the main conflicts very well. Also, the climax felt a bit rushed. The build up to it felt natural, and the cool down afterwards, but the actual “final conflict” happened really fast and it was hard to register what had happened fully. But overall, I loved this book and would definitely recommend it. I’m also excited about the sequel, since even though it’s a good standalone, I’m curious to see where the story could go.

nhdk's review

5.0

This book is full of familial war, magical wonder and page turning characters. A must read for any fan of magician fantasy.

I LOVED this book so much. I saw it ages ago and wanted to read it based on the cover alone. *I know, so shallow* TURNS OUT I WAS RIGHT THOUGH!! I devoured this book and was completely drawn into the urban fantasy world. I loved the magical system, I loved the characters and their complexity. I also loved that all the characters had shades of grey, no one was perfect. I really REALLY hope the author writes another book in this world.

ninabina's review

4.0

I would’ve liked a bit more character development, but definitely a fun read!

denk's review

dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

2.5