Reviews

The Magicians by Lev Grossman

dmacfrick's review against another edition

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No

3.75

It's a pretty good read. I don't really love the characters as people, but I think that's kinda the point. I will say that I agree with the majority of the reviews that say the tv show is a bit better than the book in this case. But it's still fun to read!

readingwithstardust's review

3.5

There is something very odd about the way this book was written but I just can't quite put my finger on it (the fact that I've seen most of the series, and therefore had to contend with overlapping contradictory threads, probably didn't help).  I went in with fairly low expectations so I didn't dislike this -- and actually was quite entertained with how unlikeable Quentin is as a protagonist, not that show!Quentin was the epitome of charisma -- and I'd be curious to finish the trilogy just to see exactly how much further it diverges from what I know of the show.

smakdonald's review against another edition

4.0

Rather than rate this book based on anything so frivolous as plot, prose, or poignancy, I've instead docked it 0.25 stars each time the phrases "heavy breasts" or "autistically" were used.

fairycakes666's review against another edition

2.0

This book could have been awesome. Instead, the author just keeps on running through events, with no time to spare for actual character development or anything like it. Things just sort of happen all the time.

victorianicole's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

nowuseemia's review

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

matheamae's review against another edition

4.0

Enjoyable fast read! Can't say the characters were as rounded as in the show but I guess that's understandable as we get more time with whole seasons vs a limited amount of words in a book, still very enjoyable though! Love the realistic depiction of depression even amidst magic

emilyb_chicago's review against another edition

3.0

I started off loving this book, it is fun with lots of potential and moves just at the right pace. Around halfway the story became different... a little more action, a lot more fantasy, some pretty big story leaps. Definitely more angst from the main character which is probably why my attention started to wonder.

I enjoyed it, will read the next one and would recommend it if someone asked, but wouldn't bring it up as a recommendation.

tomasthanes's review against another edition

3.0

A more post-modern, depressing, American version of Harry Potter. No heroes.

pennygale's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this, especially the Harry Potter/Narnia feel at a more grown-up level.