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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book COULD have been fantastic but it felt like an extra long prelude to an actual story. It was deeply disappointing and unsatisfying.
3.5 rounded up to 4. This isn't really that great a plot, or prose, it's just a story about a guy taking on a job that seems a little too good to be true, but then he learns how to be a butler and deals with a grumpy relative waiting for the old guy to die so she can get her inheritance. There are actually a lot of fairly boring descriptions of him making dinner and paying bills. There's no overt magic, and the pixies are never seen.
But somehow it just worked. It's not a demanding read and there's a comfort to that. It's mildly entertaining without giving the reader any anxious moments, and overall I quite liked it. I'd read the next one.
But somehow it just worked. It's not a demanding read and there's a comfort to that. It's mildly entertaining without giving the reader any anxious moments, and overall I quite liked it. I'd read the next one.
Enchanting
Reading this book is like enjoying a cup of hot coffee on a winter morning. Enchanting. Made me take more joy in daily chores too.
Reading this book is like enjoying a cup of hot coffee on a winter morning. Enchanting. Made me take more joy in daily chores too.
Another reviewer described this book as "cozy fantasy," and that's exactly what it is. I don't know about anyone else, but sometimes, I want a read that's just pleasant. This book was that, too. It was, perhaps, a bit lacking in conflict, but the characters and some of the things going on with them kept me engaged. It was very much the palate cleanser I needed, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's the kind of book that needs a specific mood, but it worked for me now.
informative
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A delightful story of a man's introduction to house service and finding friendship and his calling in an unusual place. The descriptions are vivid, and there is good attention to detail. The characters were easy to like. Some redundancy could've been trimmed, but overall, it was a great read.
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is cozy urban fantasy with a side of competence porn. I was a little worried at the beginning when the MC seems a bit sleazy, but that's a symptom of where he is mentally (bad place), rather than something that continues through the book. (I note that he doesn't act on these thoughts, and they aren't excused. Inside his head just isn't a great place to live at the beginning of the book.)
The world building is nice. The characters are interesting. Cozy SFF can be tough; balancing stakes while keeping the stress level down isn't easy. Lowell finds the sweet spot. The plot moved slowly but never seemed to drag. The little details in the MC's day & chores fleshed out the world without turning into Farmville TV.
Audiobook narrator Tom Taylorson does well with voices and pacing. I'm never surprised when I have to increase the speed on a cozy story with a slower plot, but Taylorson reads quickly (doesn't he realize he's being paid by the finished hour?). My only complaint is that he struggles with some pronunciations (rattan is one that stood out to me). Four stars for Taylorson.
The world building is nice. The characters are interesting. Cozy SFF can be tough; balancing stakes while keeping the stress level down isn't easy. Lowell finds the sweet spot. The plot moved slowly but never seemed to drag. The little details in the MC's day & chores fleshed out the world without turning into Farmville TV.
Audiobook narrator Tom Taylorson does well with voices and pacing. I'm never surprised when I have to increase the speed on a cozy story with a slower plot, but Taylorson reads quickly (doesn't he realize he's being paid by the finished hour?). My only complaint is that he struggles with some pronunciations (rattan is one that stood out to me). Four stars for Taylorson.
One of the most boring books I've ever read. The writing was flat and characters has zero substance.
I simply adored this book. It was such a fun slice of life story, told from the POV of a man who has no magic but is brought into a home (as a butler) where magic is all around.
The characters in The Wizard’s Butler are relatable, somewhat mysterious, and quite well developed. The plot is simple, but wonderfully executed to give it a sense of both ease and urgency. The writing itself is masterful, and quite witty at times.
While reading this book, I couldn’t help but think about all of the ways magic potentially shapes our world. And I suppose that’s the point. Magic is everywhere, even if you can’t see or feel it.
This is the first story I’ve read by this author, and it won’t be the last!
The characters in The Wizard’s Butler are relatable, somewhat mysterious, and quite well developed. The plot is simple, but wonderfully executed to give it a sense of both ease and urgency. The writing itself is masterful, and quite witty at times.
While reading this book, I couldn’t help but think about all of the ways magic potentially shapes our world. And I suppose that’s the point. Magic is everywhere, even if you can’t see or feel it.
This is the first story I’ve read by this author, and it won’t be the last!
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Good light reading. Good light hand with the magic.
Good light reading. Good light hand with the magic. Very cool characters and setting. I recommend his other books, also.
Good light reading. Good light hand with the magic. Very cool characters and setting. I recommend his other books, also.