sklapheke

I have never read the Harry Potter books which is probably a good thing as I don't have to make the obvious comparisons. This story begins when a boy, Quentin, is mysteriously admitted to Brakebills, a school of magic. As with normal high school there are 4 years of study. Through the years Quentin joins a small group of other students and together they complete their magical education and go on to live in NYC. Once out of school the group relies on magic to live the high life in the City until opportunity knocks and they eventually make their way to Fillory, a supposedly fictional land from books they read as children. Even without the magic and the fantasy this is a pretty good coming-of-age book. From the moment we meet Quentin he is trying to find purpose in his life and it seems to always be just beyond his magical finger tips. I like Quentin even though he isn't especially likeable. Some of the other characters are rather one dimensional but I think that is done to emphasize the different personae Quentin tries on in his quest for a meaningful life. The end of the book finds Quentin still searching and that serves as a blatant set-up for a sequel. Sure enough a sequel is planned and should be available this summer. Even though I feel manipulated into buying the second book, and even though this is not a great book, I will get book two because this was a quick, fun read and I continue to like the not very likeable Quentin.

2020-12-31 02:22