Reviews

Into the Labyrinth by John Bierce

plikesoc's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I'm probably just not the target audience for this.

The skeleton of this book is fairly generic. Insecure and socially anxious (but secretly special and gifted) teenage MC in a magic academy has an eccentric teacher, makes friends, takes exams, gains confidence, stands up to his bully, yada yada. This book spices it up a bit with interesting worldbuilding and some uncommon variants of elements, but ultimately it doesn't stray too far from the formula. 

The writing is competent but not outstanding. Similarly, the prose is good but not great.

Honestly, the book is above average in its niche, so if you're in the market for a YA progression fantasy, it's worth a shot.

earth2alaysia's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? Yes

4.25

moeffy's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

3.75

themoonreader's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

waise's review against another edition

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted 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? Yes

4.75

lux_klara's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted relaxing fast-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

4.0

Loved this book.
I literally couldn't stop putting It down.
I'm definetely curious to see more about the characters, their future adventures and to Discovery more about the magical system.

dystopian_heretic's review against another edition

5.0

I have read all 5 books as of 1/20/22 and I can really say this is a great series, I would put this in the top 3 of power progression. Its has a very interesting magic system, mythical monsters, good character development. If you like Mother of Learning, Cradle or Sufficiently Advanced Magic you will love this book.

tootiredforthis's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

malberto's review

adventurous funny inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

nmorin's review

4.0

this was so cute and nice! I'm surprised by all the furious negative reviews lol. I'd describe this as cozy (or child's lol) fantasy and I like this kind of cozy fantasy way more than something like legends and lattes - this had low stakes but really interesting and fun world building IMO. Felt a lot like diana wynne jones, which is what the author said he was trying to do. idk sometimes you just want more of your type of book and I think this delivered. I will allow that I think everything being resolved as

Spoiler

caused by an evil demon who showed up in the last two pages of the book, including his social anxiety

was kind of a fumble.