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etchlings's review
3.0
Most adored part of this book isn't the history of Wizard, or the Seattle histories woven through (though i like the latter), but the ambiguity of the magic in the world, while remaining structured all the same.
magneticcrow's review
4.0
It takes a while to really get going, but when it does it's good. I especially loved the strange, complex character of Cassie, and the tenuous rules and networks built around the wizard community.
Felt more like a novella than a novel, and I really wish it weren't a stand-alone book. Too many good ideas to cut it off so short, and leave so much unresolved.
I also disagree with the reading the one spoiler reviewer had: there is definitely a real fantasy world here, it's just a very hard one to accept, and so takes a lot of strength on the part of the wizards to do so.
Felt more like a novella than a novel, and I really wish it weren't a stand-alone book. Too many good ideas to cut it off so short, and leave so much unresolved.
I also disagree with the reading the one spoiler reviewer had: there is definitely a real fantasy world here, it's just a very hard one to accept, and so takes a lot of strength on the part of the wizards to do so.
victoriaknow's review
4.0
Great moments, but a little slow at other times. Fantastic glimpse into the life of a homeless person and feeling for Seattle as a city.
ilanderz's review
4.0
One of my favourite books despite a rather flat-footed ending, which suggests that Lindholm simply ran out of time or interest when she got to the end. It's a shame because the rest of the book is sublime. That I rate Wizard of the Pigeons so high and value it so much and continue to re-read it from time to time is testament to how good most of the book is. Sombre, moody, internal, evocative, magical, and imaginative. Deeply ambiguous in a way that draws the reader in and makes them complicit in the story-telling. A story crafted by a deeply gifted writer, though I do wish she'd re-write those last three pages.
michaelsellars's review
5.0
This was a re-read for me. And this book has lost none of its emotional impact. Lindholm (AKA Robin Hobb) creates a whole world of magical people living right under our noses. The magical element is restrained and subtle, but powerful nonetheless. The characters are vivid and sympathetic. Even on a second read my gut began to turn and tighten as things began to crash down around Wizard. If you're a fan of modern, urban fantasy, Wizard of the Pigeons is a must-read.
helensbookshelf's review
4.0
Written in the 1980's Wizard of the Pigeons is an urban fantasy set in Seattle. Wizard, the title character, is living by his wits on the streets, protecting the pigeons and telling the truth when he Knows it. He has no memory of his previous life before he arrived in Seattle and found his magic.
Megan Lindholm is very, very good at world building and creating atmosphere. She brought Seattle in the 80's to life for me and filled it with such a strong cast of characters. Cassie and Rasputin also have magic - Cassie always has a different appearance and can only be recognised if you have magic and Rasputin is constantly in motion, his hands dancing if he can't.
There are a lot of layers and hidden meanings in the story, and in the end, it leaves you to make up your own mind - is Wizard a Vietnam vet with a mental health problem imagining his magic powers or is he really a wizard? Is he protecting Seattle from the evil Mir or is the greyness in his own mind? Is Cassie real or does Wizard imagine her in the women that he meets?
Normally I don't like books where the plot and the ending are ambiguous but I think it gives you enough to be able to decide for yourself one way or the other. The layers and the ambiguity and hidden meanings seem to add to the story rather than make it murky.
It's a dark and unique urban fantasy story, and I very much enjoyed it. If you like Neil Gainman's dark and inventive style then I think you would get on with this one.
Megan Lindholm is very, very good at world building and creating atmosphere. She brought Seattle in the 80's to life for me and filled it with such a strong cast of characters. Cassie and Rasputin also have magic - Cassie always has a different appearance and can only be recognised if you have magic and Rasputin is constantly in motion, his hands dancing if he can't.
There are a lot of layers and hidden meanings in the story, and in the end, it leaves you to make up your own mind - is Wizard a Vietnam vet with a mental health problem imagining his magic powers or is he really a wizard? Is he protecting Seattle from the evil Mir or is the greyness in his own mind? Is Cassie real or does Wizard imagine her in the women that he meets?
Normally I don't like books where the plot and the ending are ambiguous but I think it gives you enough to be able to decide for yourself one way or the other. The layers and the ambiguity and hidden meanings seem to add to the story rather than make it murky.
It's a dark and unique urban fantasy story, and I very much enjoyed it. If you like Neil Gainman's dark and inventive style then I think you would get on with this one.
janetlun's review
A strange and rather wonderful book. A man in Seattle is living on the margins as part of the requirements to maintain his wizard powers. He must defend Seattle from a magical attack. Or he's a crazy, homeless guy whose family doesn't want him back.[return][return]I got caught up in each story, and uncomfortable with the portrayal of homelessness.
elderlingfool's review
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I must admit that I was a little apprehensive at first. There are some scenes that go on for too long and I was afraid I was trying to figure things out to end up with no answers. Fortunately, the last 50 pages explain everything and put a different spin on my perception of the book until that point.
I really like the writing and the idea behind the magic. The characters are good and the story is fascinating after the reveals. I didn't love the ending because there is a certain character that I think could have been developed more before that scene, but overall it is a really good book.
I really like the writing and the idea behind the magic. The characters are good and the story is fascinating after the reveals. I didn't love the ending because there is a certain character that I think could have been developed more before that scene, but overall it is a really good book.
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