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A review by rachelunabridged
Mister Magic by Kiersten White
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
[ Huge thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC! ]
I had a really great time with this read despite the fact that it assaulted me directly in my childhood trauma. I suspected going into it that it would have some kind of social commentary since I've read this author before, but the themes explored in this read hit very close to home for me. I really enjoyed all of the allegory and felt that the build-up to the climax was so well done. I love a book where I can go back to the earlier chapters and peel back more layers of the story once the context has shifted.
I also feel like White really outdid herself with these characters! I loved the circle of friends and really felt myself grow attached to all of them throughout the course of the story. They were all really nuanced and relatable, and I definitely found myself hoping for the best for them, yet fearing the worst.
Lastly, and most importantly, this book gave me feels. I might've sweated a little from my eyeballs at times, and that's a huge indicator that this story was able to engage me and get me invested enough to feel something, which is honestly more than I usually ask for in a book.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this read, with the caveat that it isn't exactly your usual horror story. Most of the horror if of the human variety, though there is a lil bit of spice mixed in there. Additionally, it's heavily steeped in allegory and social commentary, but I don't think that detracts from the storytelling at all. If you enjoyed Hide (same author), I think you'll also find this one to be a winner.
I had a really great time with this read despite the fact that it assaulted me directly in my childhood trauma. I suspected going into it that it would have some kind of social commentary since I've read this author before, but the themes explored in this read hit very close to home for me. I really enjoyed all of the allegory and felt that the build-up to the climax was so well done. I love a book where I can go back to the earlier chapters and peel back more layers of the story once the context has shifted.
I also feel like White really outdid herself with these characters! I loved the circle of friends and really felt myself grow attached to all of them throughout the course of the story. They were all really nuanced and relatable, and I definitely found myself hoping for the best for them, yet fearing the worst.
Lastly, and most importantly, this book gave me feels. I might've sweated a little from my eyeballs at times, and that's a huge indicator that this story was able to engage me and get me invested enough to feel something, which is honestly more than I usually ask for in a book.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this read, with the caveat that it isn't exactly your usual horror story. Most of the horror if of the human variety, though there is a lil bit of spice mixed in there. Additionally, it's heavily steeped in allegory and social commentary, but I don't think that detracts from the storytelling at all. If you enjoyed Hide (same author), I think you'll also find this one to be a winner.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Grief, Confinement, Death of parent, Abandonment, Gaslighting, and Misogyny
Moderate: Cursing, Child death, Child abuse, and Homophobia