Middlegame

by Seanan McGuire
Middlegame cover
Good Books rating 4.05
Fantasy
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  • ID: 4641
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9781250195517
  • Publisher: Tor Books
  • Published: 2019-05-07
  • Reviews: 3

Middlegame, a Hugo Award finalist and winner of the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel, weaves a tale of amoral alchemy and shadowy organizations. Roger, a linguistic prodigy, and his twin Dodger, a mathematical genius, are not entirely human. Created by Reed, a master of the alchemical arts, the twins are destined for something greater than humanity. Reed's plan to ascend to godhood with them sets the stage for a thrilling and dangerous journey. /n/n As the twins begin to unravel the mysteries of their existence, they must navigate a world of impossible cities and hidden powers. The stakes are high, and the outcome could change the very fabric of reality. Will they fulfill Reed's ambitions, or forge their own destiny?

Reviews
Elitist Book Reviews · Jane Funk · 2020-07-28
great 4.40

The story is complex but made engaging through simple character stakes. It's unusual and effective in its approach.

This reviewer found the book to be a compelling read, thanks to its intricate plot and relatable characters. The complexity of the story is balanced well, making it accessible despite its ambitious scope. They appreciate how the author uses straightforward character motivations to drive the narrative, which helps to ground the more abstract elements. The reviewer also notes that the book's uniqueness is one of its strongest assets, as it stands out in the genre with its experimental style and thoughtful execution.

Quick quotes

    It's effective because McGuire centers a complex story structure around compelling and simple character stakes to make an unusual story.

    The book's experimental style and ambitious scope are well-handled, making it a standout in the genre.

    The simplicity of the character motivations helps to ground the more abstract and complex elements of the plot.

Jake is Reading · 2020-06-18
intriguing 3.75

The book is ambitious and universal in scope, leaving the reviewer with mixed feelings. It's a thought-provoking read that requires time to process.

This reviewer found the book to be incredibly ambitious, with a scope that feels universal. They've been sitting on the review for weeks, trying to decide exactly how they feel about it. The book's complexity and thought-provoking nature are evident, but it's not a quick or easy read. The reviewer appreciates the depth and breadth of the story, even if it leaves them with mixed emotions. It's a book that stays with you long after you've finished it, inviting multiple readings and interpretations.

Quick quotes

    Middlegame is an incredibly ambitious book that is universal in scope.

    I've been sitting on this review for weeks trying to decide exactly how I feel about it.

    It is complex, it is thought-provoking and it is a book that requires time to process.

NPR · 2019-05-16
brilliant 4.00

The story explores the power of competing narrative realities, with a nod to classic tales like The Wizard of Oz.

This reviewer sees the book as a story about the power of competing narrative realities, drawing parallels to classic tales like The Wizard of Oz. The book's exploration of different realities and their impact on the characters is particularly noteworthy. The reviewer appreciates the book's unique take on familiar themes, making it a fresh and engaging read. The story's depth and complexity are balanced by its accessibility, making it a book that can be enjoyed by a wide range of readers.

Quick quotes

    It becomes a story about the power of competing narrative realities with a heavy nod to The Wizard of Oz and the fictional Over The Woodward.

    The book's unique take on familiar themes makes it a fresh and engaging read.

    The story's depth and complexity are balanced by its accessibility, making it a book that can be enjoyed by a wide range of readers.

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