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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
I wound up really enjoying this book, but it took a long time for me to get into it, and I didn’t connect with the characters the way I have with other mg books. Even though it’s told in first person, there was something very distant about the writing. But there were a lot of cool, original things in this book, and I’m looking forward to seeing where the story goes next.
Is was a very good YA fantasy book. Perfect 3 hours read. I felt like the wrap up around the climax wasn't as big or nearly as complex as I expected, but the book was just so fun and easy to read. Conn goes from being a thief, lock picking boy on the streets to a wizards apprentice and having a chance to be educated. He comes into the position of apprentice right when the magic is disappearing in the city and as the main character he is central to solving this problem. I will definitely introduce this book to my daughter when she is old enough.
K so the thing tht i enjoyed about this book is the completly straightforward simple way tht it was written. (I was actually kinda dumbfounded) now the characters are good and the storyline is the typical 'eh.' Kind. But if you enjoy the magic fantasy stuff this is definitly for you.
I can't get over how good this book was to listen to. It's gauged towards 9-12 year olds, so I must really be in touch with my inner child. Sarah Prineas also must be (is) an excellent writer. I was cheering for Conn, the main character who is not sure how old he is since he was basically raised in the Twilight (read slums), didn't have much schooling or much need of it. He does know how to move fast, pick pockets and pick locks 'quick as quick'. He picks the pocket of Nevery, a wizard, and takes the wizard's locus magicalicus, a stone used to focus magic and work spells. Really, it should have killed Conn, but it doesn't. Nevery takes Conn under his wing and so begins their interestingly bumpy relationship in the town of Wellmet where the magic is slowly being drained away. It is up to the pair of them to figure out just what is causing the drain. Also for Conn to find his own locus magicalicus and get in touch with his own magic.
Conn is quick-witted and curious, Nevery is stubborn and set in his ways. This makes for some highly entertaining dialogue and action.
My DH sat in the car several times to listen to a section again or to keep listening before having to finally leave the vehicle. This is a sign of a good book for him. This is the first time he's done this since we've begun listening to the audiobooks together during our carpooling in the last couple of months. He has merely tolerated the choices before.
Conn is quick-witted and curious, Nevery is stubborn and set in his ways. This makes for some highly entertaining dialogue and action.
My DH sat in the car several times to listen to a section again or to keep listening before having to finally leave the vehicle. This is a sign of a good book for him. This is the first time he's done this since we've begun listening to the audiobooks together during our carpooling in the last couple of months. He has merely tolerated the choices before.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
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:
Complicated
I'm not quite sure it counts as reading when it's read to me but I loved this audio recording of the magic thief. The narrator has the sort of voice that draws you right in and told a compelling story. It's wonderful when such a connection can be made, both a great story offered by the author and a voice that just fit wonderfully with the story. The story is both interesting and funny, especially toward the beginning when you can see the opposing view points of Conn's first person narrative and Nevery's journal entries. The old man and the young boy look at the world from two totally different directions, but they fit together and I think beyond the magic and adventure the thing that I loved most about this book is the way Nevery, Conn and Benet go from being strangers, who irritate each other more than anything else, to being an odd sort of makeshift family that can depend on each other.
The narrative is fast paced and entertaining and I look forward to reading or listening to more of the series. Highly recommended.
The narrative is fast paced and entertaining and I look forward to reading or listening to more of the series. Highly recommended.
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
medium-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:
No
One star off because his locus magicalicus was broken in the end.
Doesnt quite hold up to nostalgia, but thats okay! Ive just very clearly aged out of the demographic here. Very cool magic system ideas though!