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classicadg's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
3.5
syfywonderland's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
ryantlabee's review against another edition
4.0
What do you get when you cross It, The Stepford Wives, and an A24 Movie?
Mister Magic by Kiersten White.
Mister Magic is a classic children's program that came to a tragic end thirty years ago. Now, The five surviving former child stars, known as the Circle of Friends, reunite to uncover the secrets surrounding the show and its enigmatic host. Despite their attempts to move on, they long for the happiness and belonging they once felt. However, with no surviving video or records about the show's creators, their memories are all they have.
Fate brings them back together at a remote desert filming compound, where they feel a strong connection. As they explore the mystery of Mister Magic and their past, they question if they are here by choice or have fallen into a trap.
The novel explores pop culture fandom, '90s nostalgia, toxic faith, and the pursuit of recapturing childhood magic. Unlike Stephen King's nostalgic themes, Mister Magic offers a thought-provoking perspective about letting go and moving forward, freeing ourselves from the chains of nostalgia, societal expectations, and the systems that are put into place to keep us all little good boys and girls, coloring in the lines like we are “supposed to.”
Mister Magic delivers a tale of love, loss, trauma, and while delivering a quiet horror steeped in encroaching dread. It's less about the scares and is well in the realm of speculative fiction, which might frustrate some readers who want answers and concrete scares, but Mister Magic is truly a beautiful and memorable book that will leave a lasting impact on those open to it and with a little imagination.
Major thanks to Random House Publishing Group, Ballantine, Del Rey, and Netgalley for access to an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mister Magic by Kiersten White.
Mister Magic is a classic children's program that came to a tragic end thirty years ago. Now, The five surviving former child stars, known as the Circle of Friends, reunite to uncover the secrets surrounding the show and its enigmatic host. Despite their attempts to move on, they long for the happiness and belonging they once felt. However, with no surviving video or records about the show's creators, their memories are all they have.
Fate brings them back together at a remote desert filming compound, where they feel a strong connection. As they explore the mystery of Mister Magic and their past, they question if they are here by choice or have fallen into a trap.
The novel explores pop culture fandom, '90s nostalgia, toxic faith, and the pursuit of recapturing childhood magic. Unlike Stephen King's nostalgic themes, Mister Magic offers a thought-provoking perspective about letting go and moving forward, freeing ourselves from the chains of nostalgia, societal expectations, and the systems that are put into place to keep us all little good boys and girls, coloring in the lines like we are “supposed to.”
Mister Magic delivers a tale of love, loss, trauma, and while delivering a quiet horror steeped in encroaching dread. It's less about the scares and is well in the realm of speculative fiction, which might frustrate some readers who want answers and concrete scares, but Mister Magic is truly a beautiful and memorable book that will leave a lasting impact on those open to it and with a little imagination.
Major thanks to Random House Publishing Group, Ballantine, Del Rey, and Netgalley for access to an Advanced Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.
franklyfrank's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
nurseturkey's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
cholderly's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
ellieshay's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
nawhiskly's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
lyndseylibros's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
As an ex-Mormon from Utah myself, this book really hit home for me. Oh my heck did I cry real tears in some parts? You bet your gosh darn behind I did.
So many Mormon girls (including me) were like Val, scolded and shamed for being “bossy” and wanting to be in charge.
**I have more thoughts on this, will finish later**
So many Mormon girls (including me) were like Val, scolded and shamed for being “bossy” and wanting to be in charge.
**I have more thoughts on this, will finish later**
kirstenm707's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0