The Magicians: A Novel

I came by The Magicians from the show, so much of my review is going to be a little biased based on my love for the show - some things good, and some things bad, and them being compared to how they are on the show. Blanket statement - after reading this book, I love the show better, and I am at a 3.5 stars for this book (but this doesn't have half stars so I rounded up from my love for the show to a 4). I will advise discretion for alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and for mention of sexual assault. Now, while the Magicians has mostly been said to be a Narnia meets Harry Potter kind of tale, or an adult Harry Potter, the thing is that it explores the darker side of both settings. What if Narnia wasn't the idyllic quest that it was? What if a whimsical land had it own set of problems, and the humans who get roped into those are out of their depth? What if you get your wish and go to Hogwarts, but you still aren't happy? The book superficially glides over the topic of Quentin's depression (which is better handled in the show, IMO) but it also talks about how magic, though seemingly a miracle, is not always a solution. Sometimes your problems are because of what you are, and not where you are. The world of Brakebills and Fillory, while explained in much detail, still feels surreal when it comes from Q's POV. Perhaps it is his failing as a protagonist, but we don't get much characterization for other characters either. The story's sole focus is Q and how his journey of being a brilliant student, a talented magician and a questor doesn't ever end - he is always on the lookout for the next adventure, thinking it will fill some hole inside him. Parental neglect is slightly touched upon with regards to him, as well as Alice, his best friend and girl friend. The other characters, Penny, Eliot, Josh and Janet get more prominence from part 2 of the book - as well as the various relationships between them, and how they affect the dynamic between Q and Alice. The overall mood of the book, though is sombre, and like a downward spiral - it doesn't have much humor, and doesn't evoke much emotions on the part of the reader (or I am just too cold a person to care much). Now, while this is about magic, the mythology of the magic itself comes across as clinical. There is no wonder as there is in Harry Potter - it is simply a tool that they study hard at, and succeed at. As my reading buddy pointed out - 'I wish there would have been more magic'. People who read the book only will perhaps be disappointed by how the magic is presented, without much description unless it is something major. It is like the book is saying - the magic? that is not important! And in some ways I agree with it - the story is not about the wonder that is magic, or the haven that is Brakebills, it is how all these kids who hit the jackpot and get to manipulate reality itself react to the powers. It is mainly about the magicians and what magic does TO THEM. Even in the case of the Beast, it is presented as the cause for his creation from what was before, though I kinda like the show's version better. (Don't blame me - I vastly prefer the show over this book, especially because how it handles some storylines better). Overall, a decent start to the series, but I need something to make me invested in the characters too, not just the storyline.

I can't believe I wasted a week on this terrible book. The book is basically the fabulous Mr Ripley, meets chronicles of Narnia, with magic and the school taking a back seat to endless drinking, sleeping around and references to Fillroy (which is essentially Narnia by another name). The School section explores a few interesting themes, which the book never really follows through on. It also never fully explores the magic (which is what you would think would make this stand out). Overall it is a longer than average read that starts promisingly enough, yet never goes anywhere. Don't wast your time.

Well, I finished it. I'm not sure if that's an accomplishment I'm proud of. Picture Hogwarts as a college, complete with binge drinking and orgies. Then they go to "not Narnia"... Aslan (as 2 goats) is a powerless figurehead, and they get to fight Eustace at the end. I kept hoping it would get better, then I was just curious to see how it ended. Then it ended. Yeah. I feel like I just wasted hours of my life.