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smittenforfiction's review against another edition
3.0
The "Trenchcoat Brigade" (Constantine, Doctor Occult, Mister E, and an unnamed stranger) take twelve year old Timothy Hunter on the most amazing journey to the past and future. I've only read one other graphic novel that I can remember, so I'm afraid I can't offer an weighted opinion. The art was fantastic, very dark DC comic feeling. The Books Of Magic reminded me of A Christmas Carol with appearances by fate, fairies, and witches. Read full review on my blog: https://amandadroverhartwick.wordpress.com/2017/07/04/the-books-of-magic-by-neil-gaiman-spoilerfree-bookreview-fantasybingo
lucie_b's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
3.75
pachypedia's review against another edition
4.0
Los cómics de Neil Gaiman son deliciosas de extraños.
teachinsci's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this tour of DC magic universe through the eyes of a boy being introduced to magic for the first time. Gaiman showed a willingness to take characters with a limited history and flesh them out in new and interesting ways. Even Gaiman's characters from Sandman make an appearance.
I gave it 4 stars because the art was fairly uneven. Sometimes hyper-realistic, other times almost impressionistic. Unfortunately, some of the impressionist parts were the ones where the most detail was needed.
If you enjoy a coming of age story with a DC magic twist, this book is for you.
I gave it 4 stars because the art was fairly uneven. Sometimes hyper-realistic, other times almost impressionistic. Unfortunately, some of the impressionist parts were the ones where the most detail was needed.
If you enjoy a coming of age story with a DC magic twist, this book is for you.
kelleemoye's review against another edition
3.0
Just like the first book of Neil Gaiman's Sandman series, I was utterly confused during some parts of this graphic novel which probably means it is truly brilliant. Of course it was well written, it is Gaiman, and beautifully illustrated (very Sandmand-esque as well). The book takes you on an adventure through time, space and different worlds, even taking us to the dream land where most of Sandman takes place. I did find, though, that this graphic novel lacked in characterization. I hardly know who anyone truly is. The characters I understand the most are minor characters such as an enchantress named Zatanna. Everyone else is a mystery, but it was a damn good adventure.
One last thing- the only thing I knew about The Books of Magic before I read it is that some people felt that J.K. Rowling took some of Harry Potter's qualities from it. I guess I can see some similarities- Tim and Harry both wear glasses, have an owl, are dealing with magic and good vs. evil; but really the similarities stop there and even the last two similarities are similar when you delve into them.
One last thing- the only thing I knew about The Books of Magic before I read it is that some people felt that J.K. Rowling took some of Harry Potter's qualities from it. I guess I can see some similarities- Tim and Harry both wear glasses, have an owl, are dealing with magic and good vs. evil; but really the similarities stop there and even the last two similarities are similar when you delve into them.
mehitabels's review against another edition
4.0
every time I think I'm going to cut down the number of books I keep I find out I had just forgotten how much I enjoyed the story or art.
getting ready to move on Saturday, and I am packing up this series for yet another house. wish me luck . . .
getting ready to move on Saturday, and I am packing up this series for yet another house. wish me luck . . .
balletbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting set of stories involving a 12 yo - Timothy - who is given the opportunity to choose a life of magic. He's shown the various aspects by the Stranger, John Constantine (who I will get to know a little better since his GN#1 is the topic of the next Graphic Novel Discussion group at the store - I've not read him before), Doctor Occult, and Mister E. Of the three, I enjoyed the story of the John Constantine section (2nd) and the art of the Doctor Occult section (3rd) the best. A number of DC characters show up - most of whom I didn't recognize but I was happy to see Dream make an appearance (and a few of his sibs appear a bit later).
captaincymru's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0