It is so interresting to me to see other peoples thoughts on this series. I just finished the last book and i absolutely loooved it!! I didnt know it was a love it or hate it kind of series. It actually really suprises me. I loved every page of it and even though i can see why poeple might not like the characters i think they are more than realistic and i liked that. If you are thinking about reading it, do it. Whether you will like it or not you will get something out of it.
Brilliant review. You're so exactly in the right mind space with the book and how it plays with you and with other fantasy stories. I had a similar experience with the being bored/not enjoying during the reading but afterwards you can't not think about it or not read the other books because it's so damn clever.
For me this book represents the Harry Potter Word in a way that I really really wanted to go to Hogwarts.... But I missed my Letter. This Quinten really wanted to go to Fillory. He ended up in Brakebills, which is super cool. So basically this book made me feel like there is still a chance to go to a magic school, (even though i missed my letter when i was 11). :D
I completely agree with your view on this book. I wasn't able to finish it though. I think I might achieve it if it wasn't written in Quentin's point of view all the time. It's weird because I did not hate the book or the story ahahah but there was a moment where I COULD NOT keep on reading. And yet, as you, I like to talk about my experience with this book. WEIRD.
this was an awesome review! i didn't hate this book but i didn't super enjoy the reading experience either... i think part of the problem was that i went into it under the impression that it was just a standard fantasy so i wasn't expecting all the genre deconstruction elements going on. it's definitely a great book for discussion though!
Don't take this the wrong way, but it's interesting to see you sorta squirm and be unable to pinpoint your exact thoughts/feelings. LOL For someone so ...on point and focused in your reviews...I like that this got to you :p It makes it intriguing. It must be a brilliant book, though I'm not sure if it's for me or not. I like the easy, light fantasy/fast paced kinda books. Great review!! I think this is honestly the best review I've seen yet on this book. I'll highly recommend it to others (your review). Although its difficult to nail down, you did a great job breaking it down. So fun to watch!!
Totally agree about the Harry Potter comparison! This was a good book for me, but not great. I'll definitely read the next book in the series, but it's not on the top of my TBR. I also agree that it is a more "realistic" fantasy novel, which is the main reason I'll continue with the subsequent books. Your makeup is awesome!
Girl, your reviews are amazing. I started watching the series in Netflix and remembered that you talked about the book series so here I am. I really wanna read them.
I really wanted to join in the readathon you guys are doing for this but I haven't been able to get a hold of the books yet. I've heard a lot of people say this is best enjoyed as a whole series too so hopefully I can get them and read them in time for your liveshow. It's interesting that you rated it low-ish but it seems like you really like it. I've heard so many mixed reviews of this and it's got me so intrigued! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the other two books.
I like discussing it in retrospect but actually reading it I was mostly bored. Sitting with it makes me like it more but again, I felt a higher rating would not have given a clear picture since so much of it I didn't enjoy. Such an odd book to discuss :) I hope you can join us!
I wasn't planning on reading this book because of the low Goodreads rating, but now that I've heard your review I'm really interested in picking it up! It seems like a book that's different from everything I've ever read
Loved your review. I remember I gave the first book 3 stars on GR but overall it's one of my favorite fantasy series. I love to nit pick it so I'm looking forward to your discussion and the live show. Also, I would recommend watching the show after reading all the books if you care for spoilers. Really good adaptation, though. I haven't seen fans of the books not liking it.
I definitely want to at least watch the first episode before the liveshow to see how it compares. I heard the first episode spoils for the second book so I'll definitely be waiting until the end.
I really love this book - especially the magic system that's been created. I haven't read the second or the third one yet - because I would prefer to kind of binge the whole series, but I can never find the right parts of the series at the library at the right time.
This seems like such an interesting book to me, even tho it may not be enjoyable to read as you've mentioned! Would love to read it at some point to see what I think of it.
I had the same feelings! I haven't read the third book yet but maybe I'll pick it up in August and read along with you girls :-) The second book is much more enjoyable than the first! I agree with what you said about not enjoying The Magicians but also kind of enjoying it. I think the reading experience wasn't the best until those last 100 pages, but the enjoyment for me was the discussion that I had afterward with other friends who had previously read it too.
Brian Strauch They’re very different! I like both but prefer the show. The feeling is kind of similar where it’s very aware it’s playing around with tropes. One way of looking at the books vs TV show is that both are timelines where they all survived which I really like. Timeline 40 vs 41 The characters are a lot less likeable which is ultimately what makes me prefer the show but they’re still really good, relatable, well written characters even if they annoy you. I’d recommend giving it a shot in a season break because it’ll give you your magicians fix if you like it and you have a new season coming to make up for it if you dislike it.
My main issue is that I've known people like Quentin and the other students at the school. I've dated douchebags like Quentin. I managed to cut ties with all these people. I couldn't muster the will to continue reading this book. It's a well written book, though the pacing is a problem, imho. Still, I've never enjoyed DNFing a book so much in my life!
Nice review. I am reading this book currently and I am sooo not getting hooked to it. It's frustrating. I came here to see reviews and get some motivation to continue reading, and it did work. At least, a little. :)
I am reading the book currently. I got through part one which took up 52% of the book (reading on my kindle). Anyway, It was kind of boring but then those interesting things would happen and it always intrigued me how they were glossed over. I am going to read the whole series because I've seen that reviews were better for book two. I think you've read the second book, does it get better or more interesting?
Such a hard series to sell. Its so good but the 1st 3rd of the 1st book is difficult to get through. I don't wanna spoil but ill just say Q and the others grow a lot over the series so they become less annoying.
This really reminds me of a book I had to read for a Lit Analysis course last year. The reading experience was downright torturous, the book was so freaking confusing and hard to read and parts of it were extremely boring and other parts were just painful to read because of the subject matter, and the provocative style of the author. But we spent the entire course analyzing that one novel with the entire class, and as we got further into it, everyone just got obsessed with the novel because there were so many connections and references and little clues hidden throughout the text that it became almost like a scavenger hunt, trying to figure out what different passages meant, and trying out different interpretations and it was FANTASTIC. It's still not a novel I'd recommend, because I did have a ton of problems with it, but I can't deny that it is a masterpiece in its own right.
That is absolutely how this book is. I did not enjoy reading it but taking a step back and analyzing it has been really enjoyable. But yeah until I finish the series I definitely can't recommend it yet. I wouldn't even want to reread it at this point!
I really liked the first book (I think I was a Junior or Senior in high school when I read it), and I really identified with Quinten, but then I tired the second book and I couldn't get into it. Now I'm not sure if I want to continue the series. Anyway, I hope it's the opposite for you! Also, I like your hair!
I liked the initial outset of the book , the whole learning part was super interesting (although slow paced) and then all this other world stuff came up and I just really really hated it. I have the whole series at home, but I am not continuing it.
I had to take this book as just strictly world-building and plot establishing. I agree that the pacing in this book is awful and that it drags on with insignificant details while rushing what seems more important. The plot of this book seemed really aimless; I kept asking myself- "What on earth are they trying to do? What is the point?" That said, I enjoyed the overall story enough that I continued on to the second book which I felt was fantastic, had a more cohesive plot and the author clearly found pacing.
This sounds delightfully Pratchettian. I just love atypical fantasy, and scientific magic is my thing - I'm using it in my own novel, actually. I have to buy this now. It is your fault. Expect a strongly-worded letter from my bank manager. That, or a gushing "thank you" on Twitter.
I really don't think I'm going to read this book as I adore the TV show and the characters just seem horrible in the books and I like them the way they are on the show.
Interesting thoughts! I want to read the series simply because I'm obsessed with the show & want to know what all was left out. I hate books where you can't relate or even like the characters, so I'm praying since I'm going into season 4 tonight & now love all the characters, that when I read the books they will be more enjoyable. I mean, in season 1 I really wasn't a fan of Q & he really pissed me off. But El & Margot were instantly likable to me. And I loved to hate Jules.
I tried watching the TV series but it is really bad.The book was much better but the ending was weird because Quentin seems to forget the lesson he just learned about magic making everything worse and how he and his friends were all just being manipulated like pieces in a game that they didn't even understand. The assertion by one of the main characters that they made their own choices and knew what they were doing is laughable but he doesn't even challenge it or explain what really happened to the others. Still going to read the other two books in the series though. All it all it reminds me quite a bit of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen R. Donaldson which has an even more whiny and unlikeable protagonist albeit perhaps with more reason because he's a leper. However, since the title character is also a rapist it is not something that would probably have been written nowadays.
That's the popular style nowadays. They even edit out pauses between sentences. At first, like you, I hated it, but then I watched videos spoken in a more traditional way and I almost fell asleep!
It is so interresting to me to see other peoples thoughts on this series. I just finished the last book and i absolutely loooved it!! I didnt know it was a love it or hate it kind of series. It actually really suprises me. I loved every page of it and even though i can see why poeple might not like the characters i think they are more than realistic and i liked that. If you are thinking about reading it, do it. Whether you will like it or not you will get something out of it.
Brilliant review. You're so exactly in the right mind space with the book and how it plays with you and with other fantasy stories. I had a similar experience with the being bored/not enjoying during the reading but afterwards you can't not think about it or not read the other books because it's so damn clever.
The fact that it's odd makes me want to try it so much!
Also: you're rocking the short hair!
Thank you :)
For me this book represents the Harry Potter Word in a way that I really really wanted to go to Hogwarts.... But I missed my Letter. This Quinten really wanted to go to Fillory. He ended up in Brakebills, which is super cool.
So basically this book made me feel like there is still a chance to go to a magic school, (even though i missed my letter when i was 11). :D
But yeah, for me that's the only comparison.
I completely agree with your view on this book. I wasn't able to finish it though. I think I might achieve it if it wasn't written in Quentin's point of view all the time. It's weird because I did not hate the book or the story ahahah but there was a moment where I COULD NOT keep on reading. And yet, as you, I like to talk about my experience with this book. WEIRD.
Raquel Bookish You have to read it! The second book is part from Quentin’s point of wiew, but part is talking about Julia’s story and it’s AWESOME!!!
this was an awesome review! i didn't hate this book but i didn't super enjoy the reading experience either... i think part of the problem was that i went into it under the impression that it was just a standard fantasy so i wasn't expecting all the genre deconstruction elements going on. it's definitely a great book for discussion though!
Don't take this the wrong way, but it's interesting to see you sorta squirm and be unable to pinpoint your exact thoughts/feelings. LOL For someone so ...on point and focused in your reviews...I like that this got to you :p It makes it intriguing. It must be a brilliant book, though I'm not sure if it's for me or not. I like the easy, light fantasy/fast paced kinda books. Great review!! I think this is honestly the best review I've seen yet on this book. I'll highly recommend it to others (your review). Although its difficult to nail down, you did a great job breaking it down. So fun to watch!!
Totally agree about the Harry Potter comparison! This was a good book for me, but not great. I'll definitely read the next book in the series, but it's not on the top of my TBR. I also agree that it is a more "realistic" fantasy novel, which is the main reason I'll continue with the subsequent books. Your makeup is awesome!
Girl, your reviews are amazing. I started watching the series in Netflix and remembered that you talked about the book series so here I am. I really wanna read them.
Thank you! I really loved the whole series and I'm excited to watch the show now.
I really wanted to join in the readathon you guys are doing for this but I haven't been able to get a hold of the books yet. I've heard a lot of people say this is best enjoyed as a whole series too so hopefully I can get them and read them in time for your liveshow. It's interesting that you rated it low-ish but it seems like you really like it. I've heard so many mixed reviews of this and it's got me so intrigued! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the other two books.
I like discussing it in retrospect but actually reading it I was mostly bored. Sitting with it makes me like it more but again, I felt a higher rating would not have given a clear picture since so much of it I didn't enjoy. Such an odd book to discuss :) I hope you can join us!
I wasn't planning on reading this book because of the low Goodreads rating, but now that I've heard your review I'm really interested in picking it up! It seems like a book that's different from everything I've ever read
It absolutely is!
Loved your review. I remember I gave the first book 3 stars on GR but overall it's one of my favorite fantasy series. I love to nit pick it so I'm looking forward to your discussion and the live show. Also, I would recommend watching the show after reading all the books if you care for spoilers. Really good adaptation, though. I haven't seen fans of the books not liking it.
I definitely want to at least watch the first episode before the liveshow to see how it compares. I heard the first episode spoils for the second book so I'll definitely be waiting until the end.
I really love this book - especially the magic system that's been created. I haven't read the second or the third one yet - because I would prefer to kind of binge the whole series, but I can never find the right parts of the series at the library at the right time.
This seems like such an interesting book to me, even tho it may not be enjoyable to read as you've mentioned! Would love to read it at some point to see what I think of it.
I had the same feelings! I haven't read the third book yet but maybe I'll pick it up in August and read along with you girls :-) The second book is much more enjoyable than the first! I agree with what you said about not enjoying The Magicians but also kind of enjoying it. I think the reading experience wasn't the best until those last 100 pages, but the enjoyment for me was the discussion that I had afterward with other friends who had previously read it too.
Yes! I'm so glad the second book is more enjoyable while reading.
How is it compared to the show? Saw the show first and want to read the books now. Ohhh you ever review eargon! My favorite fantasy book!
Brian Strauch They’re very different! I like both but prefer the show.
The feeling is kind of similar where it’s very aware it’s playing around with tropes.
One way of looking at the books vs TV show is that both are timelines where they all survived which I really like. Timeline 40 vs 41
The characters are a lot less likeable which is ultimately what makes me prefer the show but they’re still really good, relatable, well written characters even if they annoy you.
I’d recommend giving it a shot in a season break because it’ll give you your magicians fix if you like it and you have a new season coming to make up for it if you dislike it.
I am really intrigued by this book because its different and unexpected. Hopefully I can get to it over the summer :)
Definitely! I love discussing it with people since everyone has a vastly different outlook on it.
My main issue is that I've known people like Quentin and the other students at the school. I've dated douchebags like Quentin. I managed to cut ties with all these people. I couldn't muster the will to continue reading this book. It's a well written book, though the pacing is a problem, imho. Still, I've never enjoyed DNFing a book so much in my life!
Nice review. I am reading this book currently and I am sooo not getting hooked to it. It's frustrating. I came here to see reviews and get some motivation to continue reading, and it did work. At least, a little. :)
Push through! The next two books are worth it in my opinion!
I love all of your videos so much! Your hair is AMAZING and you have killer style!❤️❤️❤️
Thank you 💙
I am reading the book currently. I got through part one which took up 52% of the book (reading on my kindle). Anyway, It was kind of boring but then those interesting things would happen and it always intrigued me how they were glossed over. I am going to read the whole series because I've seen that reviews were better for book two. I think you've read the second book, does it get better or more interesting?
I really want to read the books before I see the Tv series!! Great review!
Thank you!
Such a hard series to sell. Its so good but the 1st 3rd of the 1st book is difficult to get through. I don't wanna spoil but ill just say Q and the others grow a lot over the series so they become less annoying.
I've seen the trailer for the syfy show, I didn't know it was a book
Yep! Although, as per usual, I hear the two are very different.
This really reminds me of a book I had to read for a Lit Analysis course last year. The reading experience was downright torturous, the book was so freaking confusing and hard to read and parts of it were extremely boring and other parts were just painful to read because of the subject matter, and the provocative style of the author. But we spent the entire course analyzing that one novel with the entire class, and as we got further into it, everyone just got obsessed with the novel because there were so many connections and references and little clues hidden throughout the text that it became almost like a scavenger hunt, trying to figure out what different passages meant, and trying out different interpretations and it was FANTASTIC.
It's still not a novel I'd recommend, because I did have a ton of problems with it, but I can't deny that it is a masterpiece in its own right.
That is absolutely how this book is. I did not enjoy reading it but taking a step back and analyzing it has been really enjoyable. But yeah until I finish the series I definitely can't recommend it yet. I wouldn't even want to reread it at this point!
I really liked the first book (I think I was a Junior or Senior in high school when I read it), and I really identified with Quinten, but then I tired the second book and I couldn't get into it. Now I'm not sure if I want to continue the series. Anyway, I hope it's the opposite for you! Also, I like your hair!
Thank you!
Thank you!
I liked the initial outset of the book , the whole learning part was super interesting (although slow paced) and then all this other world stuff came up and I just really really hated it. I have the whole series at home, but I am not continuing it.
I definitely need to pick up this series because I love the show!!
Yay :) I can't wait to watch the show when I finish reading the series.
hey girl, i was reading some of the comments did you end up watching the first show? thoughts? im on season 2 and wanna read the books!
I had to take this book as just strictly world-building and plot establishing. I agree that the pacing in this book is awful and that it drags on with insignificant details while rushing what seems more important. The plot of this book seemed really aimless; I kept asking myself- "What on earth are they trying to do? What is the point?" That said, I enjoyed the overall story enough that I continued on to the second book which I felt was fantastic, had a more cohesive plot and the author clearly found pacing.
I'm reading book one right now that Haitian witch joke on page 76 😂😂😂
Omg your makeup
💙
This sounds delightfully Pratchettian. I just love atypical fantasy, and scientific magic is my thing - I'm using it in my own novel, actually.
I have to buy this now. It is your fault. Expect a strongly-worded letter from my bank manager. That, or a gushing "thank you" on Twitter.
Hahah excellent! :)
I really don't think I'm going to read this book as I adore the TV show and the characters just seem horrible in the books and I like them the way they are on the show.
Yeah definitely don't even give these a try if you are a bit on the fence. Stick to the show. I can't wait to watch the show and compare.
Interesting thoughts! I want to read the series simply because I'm obsessed with the show & want to know what all was left out. I hate books where you can't relate or even like the characters, so I'm praying since I'm going into season 4 tonight & now love all the characters, that when I read the books they will be more enjoyable. I mean, in season 1 I really wasn't a fan of Q & he really pissed me off. But El & Margot were instantly likable to me. And I loved to hate Jules.
I liked the plot but I didn’t like that the way it was told show don’t tell he told me thing instead of showing
I tried watching the TV series but it is really bad.The book was much better but the ending was weird because Quentin seems to forget the lesson he just learned about magic making everything worse and how he and his friends were all just being manipulated like pieces in a game that they didn't even understand. The assertion by one of the main characters that they made their own choices and knew what they were doing is laughable but he doesn't even challenge it or explain what really happened to the others.
Still going to read the other two books in the series though. All it all it reminds me quite a bit of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen R. Donaldson which has an even more whiny and unlikeable protagonist albeit perhaps with more reason because he's a leper. However, since the title character is also a rapist it is not something that would probably have been written nowadays.
Wow, pretty low rating for a series that had new ideas and obviously stimulated you to think (but you warned us, so fair enough).
check out my reviews for the read of the series!
you NEED to slow down while you speak...i'm just sitting watching this video and i'm out of breath!
you NEED to not comment on how other people talk. It's super rude. If you have a problem with your listening, slow down the vide man :)
That's the popular style nowadays. They even edit out pauses between sentences. At first, like you, I hated it, but then I watched videos spoken in a more traditional way and I almost fell asleep!