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joshbrown 's review for:
The Magicians
by Lev Grossman
Really a 3.5
This book, at almost every opportunity, goes out of its way to scream into your ear that it isn't Harry Potter or Narnia. The story actually becomes a bit predictable in its constant aversion to a typical hero's journey or magical school narrative. Our "hero" really is quite a dick, and it is sometimes overwhelming how much of a self made downer he is. But still, the world building in this is pretty creative, and there are some side characters that are really compelling. The parts of the book that aren't predictable are actually quite astonishing, and I couldn't help but keep turning the page. I have a feeling this trilogy will be more one big story than most, so I am sure my opinion of the first entry will be colored by my impression of the series over all. Only time, probably from a clock tree, will tell.
This book, at almost every opportunity, goes out of its way to scream into your ear that it isn't Harry Potter or Narnia. The story actually becomes a bit predictable in its constant aversion to a typical hero's journey or magical school narrative. Our "hero" really is quite a dick, and it is sometimes overwhelming how much of a self made downer he is. But still, the world building in this is pretty creative, and there are some side characters that are really compelling. The parts of the book that aren't predictable are actually quite astonishing, and I couldn't help but keep turning the page. I have a feeling this trilogy will be more one big story than most, so I am sure my opinion of the first entry will be colored by my impression of the series over all. Only time, probably from a clock tree, will tell.