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huckabees222's review against another edition
4.0
Even better than the first one. It felt both like it was a completely different series and a natural continuation of the story. And without giving anything away, the ending more than makes me want to read the third and final book of the series.
pfreeland's review against another edition
3.0
Better than the first book. Still didnt make a lot of sense.
vauxtheox's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
birdhops's review against another edition
3.0
My enjoyment of the book is dampened by god-rape as a device to help a woman find her divinity. I get that it's a definite trope in religion, especially the early classical/pagan thing he was going for, but find a more creative, modern, and interesting way to spin it, Grossman.
michyisreading's review
4.0
I'm hesitant to even rate this book yet. I just finished it, and as with the first one, I don't really know how I feel about it. I definitely enjoyed reading it, but I will say that it is not for the faint of heart in some ways. There are definitely some parts that are more than a little disturbing, particularly in Julia's narrative. I do like that we finally get to see what happened to Julia, but it isn't a pretty story. Not at all. But overall, points to Grossman for creativity. These books definitely keep me guessing and I literally have no idea where he will take Quentin in the next one.
That said, as a sidenote, I would like to revoke Grossman's license to reference things. Oh my goodness. Every other sentence references something it seems. I could give a chuckle to the occasional Harry Potter nod in the first book but every time something happens there's a reference there, to Harry Potter and other things. I get it. You're a nerd. So am I. Stop referencing other people's work so much. It's annoying. You're a great writer, you don't need those cushions.
Overall, great book. But approach with caution. Not a fluffy book.
That said, as a sidenote, I would like to revoke Grossman's license to reference things. Oh my goodness. Every other sentence references something it seems. I could give a chuckle to the occasional Harry Potter nod in the first book but every time something happens there's a reference there, to Harry Potter and other things. I get it. You're a nerd. So am I. Stop referencing other people's work so much. It's annoying. You're a great writer, you don't need those cushions.
Overall, great book. But approach with caution. Not a fluffy book.
rickwren's review against another edition
4.0
Julia is goth. But why? What turned her into a surly bitch with a chip on her shoulder for all other magicians? Have you been wondering this after reading The Magicians? This is the book for you then, since it's basically her story.
If the first book was a satirical look at the wealthy trust-fund kids that drip through the halls, clubs, and beaches of America, then The Magician King explores the Goth subculture through the metaphor of magic as a drug, a scarce commodity only found in seedy clubs in the possession of unsavory characters. It's an addiction and a matter of street credibility. What would you do for magic? What would you give up for your passion? What sacrifice is too much? Finally, how angry would it make you to meet others who have what you've given your life for, and they take it for granted, they were given it, they had to sacrifice nothing. Wouldn't you be surly? Wouldn't you be Julia? I would.
Grossman's talent is in his social commentary. It's also in his themes. The main theme in this volume is sacrifice. The only question left is: What is most important? When you answer that, you know what each character must give up.
Another strong book from Lev Grossman. I'm impressed.
If the first book was a satirical look at the wealthy trust-fund kids that drip through the halls, clubs, and beaches of America, then The Magician King explores the Goth subculture through the metaphor of magic as a drug, a scarce commodity only found in seedy clubs in the possession of unsavory characters. It's an addiction and a matter of street credibility. What would you do for magic? What would you give up for your passion? What sacrifice is too much? Finally, how angry would it make you to meet others who have what you've given your life for, and they take it for granted, they were given it, they had to sacrifice nothing. Wouldn't you be surly? Wouldn't you be Julia? I would.
Grossman's talent is in his social commentary. It's also in his themes. The main theme in this volume is sacrifice. The only question left is: What is most important? When you answer that, you know what each character must give up.
Another strong book from Lev Grossman. I'm impressed.
audiobebop's review against another edition
2.0
There seems to be a theme in this series that involves the women who are more talented than the men, having to suffer or die for some fucking reason.
I was enjoying this installment more than the first one which was a surprise to me. I honestly didn't think I'd begin to like the series mainly because of how annoying and aggravating Quentin is.
Then chapter 25 came.
Don't get me wrong, I have read plenty of similar scenes such as the one that takes place here and had no issue with it because it was necessary to the plot. But this event was honestly pointless and stupid, in my opinion. Where's the justification? I can name several other ways this could have played out that would have been better.
Also, why? I feel like since Quentin is the protagonist, he should suffer more. The people around him are the ones who end up suffering, dying, losing and it doesn't make sense. Even the boat they're traveling in gives up portions of herself (yes! HERSELF) for his benefit. Should he not also be fucked in some way? And not the lame shit that has happened to him already. I mean a real, earth shattering tragedy. I swear that's going to be the only thing propelling me through this last book; it's the hope that this fucker will have something terrible happen to him.
/end rant review.
I was enjoying this installment more than the first one which was a surprise to me. I honestly didn't think I'd begin to like the series mainly because of how annoying and aggravating Quentin is.
Then chapter 25 came.
Spoiler
Don't get me wrong, I have read plenty of similar scenes such as the one that takes place here and had no issue with it because it was necessary to the plot. But this event was honestly pointless and stupid, in my opinion. Where's the justification? I can name several other ways this could have played out that would have been better.
Also, why? I feel like since Quentin is the protagonist, he should suffer more. The people around him are the ones who end up suffering, dying, losing and it doesn't make sense. Even the boat they're traveling in gives up portions of herself (yes! HERSELF) for his benefit. Should he not also be fucked in some way? And not the lame shit that has happened to him already. I mean a real, earth shattering tragedy. I swear that's going to be the only thing propelling me through this last book; it's the hope that this fucker will have something terrible happen to him.
/end rant review.
bellarosereichart's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75