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A review by justine_ao
Shadowland by Peter Straub
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5 stars
This was fantastic. Of course Straub’s writing is amazing, but the story is as well: dark, powerful, frightening, and imaginative. The world of magic is not a glittering place, but one where power is relentlessly sought at any cost and no quarter is given.
The feel reminded me a bit of the perilous and encompassing education taught in the brilliantly written Vita Nostra, with the magician’s apprentice learning the truest and hardest of lessons, that success is the only option.
This was fantastic. Of course Straub’s writing is amazing, but the story is as well: dark, powerful, frightening, and imaginative. The world of magic is not a glittering place, but one where power is relentlessly sought at any cost and no quarter is given.
The feel reminded me a bit of the perilous and encompassing education taught in the brilliantly written Vita Nostra, with the magician’s apprentice learning the truest and hardest of lessons, that success is the only option.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death