You could see The magicians as a fantasy book. Or like me, you could see it as a story of the evolution from teenager to adult, a "coming-out-of-age" novel.
Quentin is an excellent high school student prepping for the Ivy League universities. Despite his scholar accomplishments, Quentin feels depressed with his life. The sole solace he can find is in a series of fantasy book for kids which tell the story of sisters and brothers who travel to the extraordinary world of Fillory. But, Quentin finds a new hope when he passes the test to go to the mysterious Brakebills magical Academy.
I liked The Magicians as I found the book to be more than it seems. While the story is entertaining and Lev has fun using the classic Narnia series to thicken the plot, I especially like the characters. The reader can very easily establish parallel between Quentin and himself/herself. The author asks meaningful questions: what is the point of competing to enter the best universities? What should we do with our lives? The part I liked the best is when Quentin and his friends graduate. As a magician you do no get job postings and you are entitled to a trust fund. With no material needs and the possibility to make all your wishes come true if you use a spell, what is the point of living? Quentin embarks in a destruction spiral where sex, alcohol, drugs are the only things that make him feel alive. Lev Grossman is good at depicting emotions and inner turmoil which make his characters very real.
Author: Lev Grossman
Publisher: Penguin
Quentin is an excellent high school student prepping for the Ivy League universities. Despite his scholar accomplishments, Quentin feels depressed with his life. The sole solace he can find is in a series of fantasy book for kids which tell the story of sisters and brothers who travel to the extraordinary world of Fillory. But, Quentin finds a new hope when he passes the test to go to the mysterious Brakebills magical Academy.
I liked The Magicians as I found the book to be more than it seems. While the story is entertaining and Lev has fun using the classic Narnia series to thicken the plot, I especially like the characters. The reader can very easily establish parallel between Quentin and himself/herself. The author asks meaningful questions: what is the point of competing to enter the best universities? What should we do with our lives? The part I liked the best is when Quentin and his friends graduate. As a magician you do no get job postings and you are entitled to a trust fund. With no material needs and the possibility to make all your wishes come true if you use a spell, what is the point of living? Quentin embarks in a destruction spiral where sex, alcohol, drugs are the only things that make him feel alive. Lev Grossman is good at depicting emotions and inner turmoil which make his characters very real.
Author: Lev Grossman
Publisher: Penguin