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nineteen_adze's review against another edition
3.0
This was something like 3.25 stars for me-- interesting, but frustrating and ultimately a bit vague at the climax. Full review to come.
inmyblueperiod's review
challenging
mysterious
sad
slow-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
4.25
lemonlemonster's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
gudzwabofer's review
5.0
Wizard of the Pigeons begins as a tale of mundane wonder, written as an understated classic fantasy, but set in the streets of 80's Seattle. While the climactic moments may have lost a little of their weight due to the style, despite how brilliantly woven the threads were, for me it was the gentle magic of the more relaxed parts of the tale that charmed me.
ejimenez's review
4.0
This is an odd book, in a lot of ways, but a good one.
It has some of the strangeness (in not such a good way) about gender and sexuality that Robin Hobb's Assassin's Apprentice series had. On the other hand, one of the best things about this book is the deep groundedness in its early 1980s Seattle setting.
It has some of the strangeness (in not such a good way) about gender and sexuality that Robin Hobb's Assassin's Apprentice series had. On the other hand, one of the best things about this book is the deep groundedness in its early 1980s Seattle setting.
sara_gabai's review
4.0
A well written book. Good characters and plot. But I think I don't like urban fantasy. There are at least 2 scenes that are too violent for me.
see_sadie_read's review
5.0
I picked Wizard of the Pigeons up through Hoopla, from the 'newly added' shelf. So, I assumed it was a new book. However, about halfway through I stopped by Goodreads to drop a quick status update and learned two things. One, i didn't have a new book, but a new edition of an older bookâthe 35th anniversary edition, as fate would have it. And two, Megan Lindholm is the same author who writes as Robin Hobb. Neither of these things changed anything about the book, but I did look at it a little differently.
I'd call this book more interesting than enjoyable. But the way Lindholm leaves the reader to decide where the lines lay between reality, Wizard's wizardry, and his history as a Vietnam veteran and the resulting trauma is intriguing. So is characters supposition about what causes them each to become wizards. The book really is a wonderful tribute to veterans and their struggles. It focuses on Vietnam vets, probably due to when it was written, but would work just as well for returning soldiers of more recent conflicts. Though one might quibble about whether the ending is the happiest outcome or not. I can see people having differing opinions on the question.
I liked Wizard and the rest...except Linda (who you're not supposed to like). The writing is good and the audio version is a pleasure to listen to. The book is slow at times, but I don't think I minded that too much. All in all, a success for me.
I'd call this book more interesting than enjoyable. But the way Lindholm leaves the reader to decide where the lines lay between reality, Wizard's wizardry, and his history as a Vietnam veteran and the resulting trauma is intriguing. So is characters supposition about what causes them each to become wizards. The book really is a wonderful tribute to veterans and their struggles. It focuses on Vietnam vets, probably due to when it was written, but would work just as well for returning soldiers of more recent conflicts. Though one might quibble about whether the ending is the happiest outcome or not. I can see people having differing opinions on the question.
I liked Wizard and the rest...except Linda (who you're not supposed to like). The writing is good and the audio version is a pleasure to listen to. The book is slow at times, but I don't think I minded that too much. All in all, a success for me.
lib_britannia's review against another edition
5.0
Wizard of the Pigeons lingers in the heart and mind long past the point of finishing it. Perhaps it is because I both love and live in the Pacific Northwest so the compelling and strangely intimate telling of this particular setting speaks to me, but I find myself drawn more to the blurred lines between reality and fantasy to be found here.
Beyond that, Lindholm crafts a careful examination of a topic rife with tension, especially in Seattle. As always, Lindholm respects the intelligence of her reader. She does not draw conclusions for the reader about Wizard and his life as a person without a home. Instead she provides a beautifully designed framework through which the reader glimpses pieces of that life.
The addition of subtle fantasy to an already complex tale creates a powerful tension that is hard to resist. Is Wizard merely a homeless veteran? Troubled by mental illness as so many of the vulnerable people in our communities are? Or is he truly a wizard? A man of immense power, a Guardian angel of the city and its pigeons?
There are no easy answers to be found here, only complex questions about complex issues.
Beyond that, Lindholm crafts a careful examination of a topic rife with tension, especially in Seattle. As always, Lindholm respects the intelligence of her reader. She does not draw conclusions for the reader about Wizard and his life as a person without a home. Instead she provides a beautifully designed framework through which the reader glimpses pieces of that life.
The addition of subtle fantasy to an already complex tale creates a powerful tension that is hard to resist. Is Wizard merely a homeless veteran? Troubled by mental illness as so many of the vulnerable people in our communities are? Or is he truly a wizard? A man of immense power, a Guardian angel of the city and its pigeons?
There are no easy answers to be found here, only complex questions about complex issues.
barelyspicy's review against another edition
1.0
This was such an odd story. The magic system was ridiculous, the characters felt emotionless, the story was lacking and hard to get through.
Its great to see how Robin Hobb started as an author, but thats all about it.
Its great to see how Robin Hobb started as an author, but thats all about it.
archergal's review against another edition
4.0
I have heard about this book that I wanted to read it for a couple of decades now, I guess. It was OOP for a long time, so when I saw it was going to be reissued and available for Kindle, I ordered it.
I can really see how reactions to this book might fracture along generational lines. The titular Wizard is a Vietnam vet who came back from the war changed, and not in a good way. The whole book deals with how you react to life-changing events, like wars that turn you into a killer when you're barely out of childhood.
I wasn't really happy with the role of Lynda as a woman who drags a man out of his place. But this is a fairly early work by this author, so I'll sigh and move on, I guess.
There's not a lot of magic here, but I liked the bits that were there. It's a good book about healing in the aftermath of trauma. But I'm old enough that I lived through the Vietnam war and worried about my brother being drafted. So I might have a slightly different perspective than some.
I can really see how reactions to this book might fracture along generational lines. The titular Wizard is a Vietnam vet who came back from the war changed, and not in a good way. The whole book deals with how you react to life-changing events, like wars that turn you into a killer when you're barely out of childhood.
I wasn't really happy with the role of Lynda as a woman who drags a man out of his place. But this is a fairly early work by this author, so I'll sigh and move on, I guess.
There's not a lot of magic here, but I liked the bits that were there. It's a good book about healing in the aftermath of trauma. But I'm old enough that I lived through the Vietnam war and worried about my brother being drafted. So I might have a slightly different perspective than some.