Scan barcode
deathmetalheron's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The Magician King starts off much slower than its predecessor. It splits the narrative between POVs of Julia and Quentin. Julia's parts are all very interesting and worth reading, and in the first quarter of the book are the real incentive to continue going. Quentin's sections in the first 100 pages are quite dull and seem to be very repetitive in regards to his stasis at the beginning of the first book--it feels very retread, and there isn't enough world-building and (necessary) characterization of Julia to continue going.
However, once Julia and Quentin and thrown back to Earth the stakes are immediately raised and they continue going farther and farther, and The Magician King ramps up the same level of introspection and satire that made the first Magicians so lovely. Gone are the Harry Potter analogues, as the group is firmly in Narnia territory. Grossman's sardonic and sarcastic prose sits very well and his consistent references make it truly powerful.
About three-quarters in this book becomes near impossible to put down--Julia joining the Free Trader Beowulf culminates in the reader's realization that just as much as Brakebills, the underground magic scene is just as conceited and loopy and will guarantee Julia nothing. The climax--while unbelievably tragic and graphic--sends home the fact of Dean Fogg's assessment that magic pretty much ruins everyone.
The ending of this book is actually chef's kiss. In a complete send-up of fantasy endings, Quentin achieves all and loses everything. It is so beautifully funny and ironic that I was literally busting up laughing.
If this book were a duology or simply an 800 page story, this ending would be succinct. I know the trilogy will continue but if it ended here--I truly think it would've been a powerful story.
However, once Julia and Quentin and thrown back to Earth the stakes are immediately raised and they continue going farther and farther, and The Magician King ramps up the same level of introspection and satire that made the first Magicians so lovely. Gone are the Harry Potter analogues, as the group is firmly in Narnia territory. Grossman's sardonic and sarcastic prose sits very well and his consistent references make it truly powerful.
About three-quarters in this book becomes near impossible to put down--Julia joining the Free Trader Beowulf culminates in the reader's realization that just as much as Brakebills, the underground magic scene is just as conceited and loopy and will guarantee Julia nothing. The climax--while unbelievably tragic and graphic--sends home the fact of Dean Fogg's assessment that magic pretty much ruins everyone.
The ending of this book is actually chef's kiss. In a complete send-up of fantasy endings, Quentin achieves all and loses everything. It is so beautifully funny and ironic that I was literally busting up laughing.
If this book were a duology or simply an 800 page story, this ending would be succinct. I know the trilogy will continue but if it ended here--I truly think it would've been a powerful story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Gore and Death
Minor: Suicide attempt, Alcohol, and Vomit
starsnotshadows's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
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
4.0
the ending is a huge let down, but not in a terrible way. I suppose the series doesn't promise to have a happy ending, so I can't be mad at that. But I am sad for how it ends for Quentin. I think because I know there is a 3rd book, I am comforted that there will be more to the overall story. I was pleased with the character growth that I saw compared to the first book. While the ending was unexpected, I think it came with a good/realistic subtextual message.
Also, in the edition I read, chapter 25 is where most of the graphic action happens. editing to add that I agree with the main criticism that the rape scene was unnecessary
Also, in the edition I read, chapter 25 is where most of the graphic action happens. editing to add that I agree with the main criticism that the rape scene was unnecessary
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Rape, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Vomit
nataliii's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
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? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Sexism and Gore
Minor: Fatphobia
unlifeira's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, and Gore
Minor: Death
archaicgambit's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Please read my review of book one! It'll clarify some points I make here.
I would say all the same issues-- some slight improvements due to Quentin having worked on himself a bit. I was really looking forward to reading Julia's POV but the male gaze makes it hard and at times painful to read her.
The back and forth between julia in the past and quentin in the present is pretty cool, so I really enjoyed the structure. Lev Grossman's prose is honestly pretty solid and readable. I thought the challenging of the heroic cycle/heroism was sort of there, and the exploration of mental health was a lot stronger this time.
Julia's ending is intolerable and traumatic. As much as the show is criticized for how they handled julia's reynard/goddess arc... i think they did a pretty solid job fixing what was there in the books. I would not recommend this book for assault survivors or for people who are uncomfortable with rape scenes.
I would say all the same issues-- some slight improvements due to Quentin having worked on himself a bit. I was really looking forward to reading Julia's POV but the male gaze makes it hard and at times painful to read her.
The back and forth between julia in the past and quentin in the present is pretty cool, so I really enjoyed the structure. Lev Grossman's prose is honestly pretty solid and readable. I thought the challenging of the heroic cycle/heroism was sort of there, and the exploration of mental health was a lot stronger this time.
Julia's ending is intolerable and traumatic. As much as the show is criticized for how they handled julia's reynard/goddess arc... i think they did a pretty solid job fixing what was there in the books. I would not recommend this book for assault survivors or for people who are uncomfortable with rape scenes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Rape, Violence, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Misogyny, and Gore
Moderate: Racism and Ableism
More...