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books4biana's review
I strongly believe that before one can write a review, one must read the entire book. This particular book has been on my nightstand for AGES. I would read a couple pages, maybe a chapter. And then I would just not care.
The plot line seemed interesting and I really was looking forward to reading it. But the characters were too shallow. The story was disjointed. And the concept, tho exciting, wasn't explained. I definitely realize that all of this might have been completed if I finished the book. I just couldn't care enough to do that.
So I'm not going to give it any stars, but that's more because I don't feel I can judge. These are just my thoughts.
The plot line seemed interesting and I really was looking forward to reading it. But the characters were too shallow. The story was disjointed. And the concept, tho exciting, wasn't explained. I definitely realize that all of this might have been completed if I finished the book. I just couldn't care enough to do that.
So I'm not going to give it any stars, but that's more because I don't feel I can judge. These are just my thoughts.
narrenkaiserin's review against another edition
5.0
Couldn't put it down! And can't wait for the next book! Loved it!
tracey_stewart's review against another edition
4.0
When I saw "John Barrowman", I clicked request. Then I read the description. It's a book by John Barrowman (and Carole E. Barrowman, his big sister, with whom I didn't realize he's written several books before besides his memoirs – where have I been?)
Honestly, and I truly mean no offense to anyone, I'm getting really tired of opening up a book's description and seeing "Janie was sixteen" and "At sixteen, Mary knew she was special" and "On Jackie's sixteenth birthday her life changed" and so on. I suppose the window for a Young Adult audience is pretty narrow, but there are so many sixteen year olds out there… In Conjuror, the three main characters are seventeen. Point to the Barrowmans. (She said sarcastically.)
That being said, I enjoyed the three young protagonists. Conjuror Remy is the first on the scene, a young man who has only just discovered his abilities to mold reality with music, fleeing from the horrific murders of his mother and aunt to try to fulfill the mission his mother was never able to see through. Unfortunately, his youth and inexperience combine with the sad reality of prejudice, and his general appearance along with his necessary actions to send him on the run again, and his disappearance into a statue of Shakespeare draws the attention of Orion, "the Animare MI5". As a conjuror can use music, animares use art to create and travel, and twins Matt and Em Calder are young prodigies sent through a painting to assess the situation. Unfortunately, it turns into a great deal more than an assessment, and soon all three kids are in deep trouble.
While I credit the Barrowmans for an excellent job at putting the story over, I do with there had been just a smidge more exposition. In addition to bringing to life what they draw, he animares enter paintings, interact with the subjects, discover that instruments are being stolen from the subjects, and leave a man (a rather surprising man) prisoner in one artwork; they are described as stepping out into museums brushing flakes of paint off their clothing, and that made me shudder a little. The idea of paint being carried away from something like a Vermeer is a terrible one; I'd have loved a little more reassurance that there's no damage to paintings used in this way. And I'd have loved to have learned whether that prisoner would ever be visible in the painting; whether the missing instruments left blank spots in the paintings (plain canvas or underpainting, or spaces where the background was visible, as if the objects had never been included at all?), and a few other details of the system of magic. No, a lot more details. Apparently the twins were featured in earlier books – which explains a lot, hopefully.
There are some very effective – by which I mean really gross – horror scenes throughout, and the villain of the story is effectively alarming. Setting is nicely done, from Remy's home in New Orleans (New Orleans?) to Edinborough. The characterization for the three kids in the middle of it all is nicely done. I enjoyed the casual knowledge of art (and, unsurprisingly, music) that allowed that system of magic. I did not enjoy the occasional not-so-subtle glimpse of what I take to be authorial opinion ("'That’s terrible,’ said Em. ‘The Church has done a lot of nasty stuff.'").
But I absolutely loved the Doctor Who reference(s).
I look forward to more.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
Honestly, and I truly mean no offense to anyone, I'm getting really tired of opening up a book's description and seeing "Janie was sixteen" and "At sixteen, Mary knew she was special" and "On Jackie's sixteenth birthday her life changed" and so on. I suppose the window for a Young Adult audience is pretty narrow, but there are so many sixteen year olds out there… In Conjuror, the three main characters are seventeen. Point to the Barrowmans. (She said sarcastically.)
That being said, I enjoyed the three young protagonists. Conjuror Remy is the first on the scene, a young man who has only just discovered his abilities to mold reality with music, fleeing from the horrific murders of his mother and aunt to try to fulfill the mission his mother was never able to see through. Unfortunately, his youth and inexperience combine with the sad reality of prejudice, and his general appearance along with his necessary actions to send him on the run again, and his disappearance into a statue of Shakespeare draws the attention of Orion, "the Animare MI5". As a conjuror can use music, animares use art to create and travel, and twins Matt and Em Calder are young prodigies sent through a painting to assess the situation. Unfortunately, it turns into a great deal more than an assessment, and soon all three kids are in deep trouble.
While I credit the Barrowmans for an excellent job at putting the story over, I do with there had been just a smidge more exposition. In addition to bringing to life what they draw, he animares enter paintings, interact with the subjects, discover that instruments are being stolen from the subjects, and leave a man (a rather surprising man) prisoner in one artwork; they are described as stepping out into museums brushing flakes of paint off their clothing, and that made me shudder a little. The idea of paint being carried away from something like a Vermeer is a terrible one; I'd have loved a little more reassurance that there's no damage to paintings used in this way. And I'd have loved to have learned whether that prisoner would ever be visible in the painting; whether the missing instruments left blank spots in the paintings (plain canvas or underpainting, or spaces where the background was visible, as if the objects had never been included at all?), and a few other details of the system of magic. No, a lot more details. Apparently the twins were featured in earlier books – which explains a lot, hopefully.
There are some very effective – by which I mean really gross – horror scenes throughout, and the villain of the story is effectively alarming. Setting is nicely done, from Remy's home in New Orleans (New Orleans?) to Edinborough. The characterization for the three kids in the middle of it all is nicely done. I enjoyed the casual knowledge of art (and, unsurprisingly, music) that allowed that system of magic. I did not enjoy the occasional not-so-subtle glimpse of what I take to be authorial opinion ("'That’s terrible,’ said Em. ‘The Church has done a lot of nasty stuff.'").
But I absolutely loved the Doctor Who reference(s).
I look forward to more.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
samanthajayne_x's review against another edition
4.0
Loved the story! Kept me hooked from the beginning and can't wait to read more! I loved the sibling relationship between matt and Em, it was one of my favourite things in the book! I also loved Remy's character and how determined he was to do what his mother had asked. I also loved we got an insight into the baddies plan and ideas it was very good and I really did love that!
I can't wait to read the next book!
I can't wait to read the next book!
snchard's review
3.0
Picked it because of John Barrowman, and was surprised by how well crafted the story was. Solid magic system, established universe, interesting characters.
thereadingtrashqueen's review
4.0
Amazingly good. It reminds me of Stravaganza- not that it's alike, but at the same time they share similarities, and I love both so yay!
Who the Moor was was a bit predictable, I was pretty sure from the moment the Professor was introduced, but it didn't take anything from the story for me.
Very curious to see what will happen next!
Who the Moor was was a bit predictable, I was pretty sure from the moment the Professor was introduced, but it didn't take anything from the story for me.
Very curious to see what will happen next!
diamondxgirl's review
4.0
When I started Conjuror, I thought perhaps it was better suited for middle grade readers. As I moved through the story, I realized it's more of a crossover book for MG/YA so readers who enjoy MG/YA urban fantasy, this is totally a book for you!
Conjuror has a bit of everything: powers (genetic but magical in nature), history, complex characters and relationships, and a story that moves you through with good pacing. There are three main protagonists and one antagonist, who are unraveling a more complex world throughout the story.
The book ends at a place that is satisfying but also leaves it open for future stories. Knowing there are more books coming us exciting as I can't wait to see what comes next in the world.
Conjuror has a bit of everything: powers (genetic but magical in nature), history, complex characters and relationships, and a story that moves you through with good pacing. There are three main protagonists and one antagonist, who are unraveling a more complex world throughout the story.
The book ends at a place that is satisfying but also leaves it open for future stories. Knowing there are more books coming us exciting as I can't wait to see what comes next in the world.
pagesforages's review
3.0
Alsolutely amazing book, only reason for my 3 stars was that it was just too young for me. Even though I knew it was YA when I started reading I just couldn't slip into it properly because of that. But I would recommend to anyone and everyone, the ideas and description is fantastic!
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