The Magicians is a captivating blend of familiar fantasy elements and unique storytelling, with compelling characters and a multi-layered plot. The reviewer found the book engaging and thought-provoking, though they did experience some boredom in the middle. They ultimately rated it 4 out of 5 stars and are eager to continue the series.
The Magicians by Lev Grossman is a fantasy novel that cleverly weaves together elements from classic stories like the Chronicles of Narnia and Alice in Wonderland, creating a fresh and intriguing narrative. The protagonist, Quentin, discovers a world of magic and adventure at Brakebills, a secret school for magicians, and becomes entangled in a series of complex and unpredictable plotlines. The characters are well-developed and relatable, even when their choices are questionable, which adds depth to the story. The reviewer appreciated the book's realistic format, with multiple plot points that build towards a climactic ending, though they did find themselves bored at times while waiting for these points to connect. Despite this, they were thoroughly engaged by the story and the characters, and they found the writing to be beautiful and thought-provoking. The reviewer also enjoyed the TV show adaptation, which they found to be even more captivating than the book. They gave the book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars and are excited to continue the series.
Quick quotes
Quentin knew he wasn’t happy. Why not? He had painstakingly assembled all the ingredients of happiness. He had performed all the necessary rituals, spoken the words, lit the candles, made the sacrifices. But happiness, like a disobedient spirit, refused to come. He couldn’t think what else to do.
But somewhere in the heat of magic that boundary between word and thing ruptures. It cracks, and the one flows back into the other, and the two melt together and fuse. Language gets tangled up with the world it describes.
Most people are blind to magic. They move through a blank and empty world. They’re bored with their lives, and there’s nothing they can do about it. They’re eaten alive by longing, and they’re dead before they die.