Fantasy Book Club discussion

Post here if you are planning to read this book. Give us your first impressions.

me me I'm planning on reading I just got my copy today, which is daft because i already had it on my Kindle!! I've noted to myself to check before buying now. I just need to finish the current book I'm reading. :)

I went to get my copy yesterday from the library! My prediction is that I'll enjoy this one more than Legend, but I'm hoping to like both :)

I am planning on reading along this month.

I've read it and the second and enjoyed them.

Into it just a few chapters. Not sure I like where it is going. Not too original at this point, but in a depressing sort of way.

I read Legend first because I thught I was saving the best for last. But I flew through Legend and this book is really going slow for me. There's something about it (or rther lack thereof) that doesn't make me care if I put the book down and leave it . And I am at the end of Part I, so I've given a good effort. I'll keep plowing because I don't want to miss something...I can't imagine I would buy the second one.

Well I bought a second hand copy of this to reign in the book budget a little. The book turned up a bit tattier than expected so I moaned at the seller. A refund ensued and so this book cost me nothing. Hence it will cost me nothing but time and effort to read it. Which I am about to do. Wish me luck I am going in......

Bev wrote: "Well I bought a second hand copy of this to reign in the book budget a little. The book turned up a bit tattier than expected so I moaned at the seller. A refund ensued and so this book cost me not..."

Heh heh. Good luck.

Sandra aka Sleo wrote: "Bev wrote: "Well I bought a second hand copy of this to reign in the book budget a little. The book turned up a bit tattier than expected so I moaned at the seller. A refund ensued and so this book..."

:)

Candace wrote: "I read Legend first because I thught I was saving the best for last. But I flew through Legend and this book is really going slow for me. There's something about it (or rther lack thereof) that d..."

Kathy wrote: "Into it just a few chapters. Not sure I like where it is going. Not too original at this point, but in a depressing sort of way."

I'd have to agree with both Kathy and Candace. I have read through over 100 pages of this book, and nothing excites me about it.

I'm still in part one, and unsure of what I am reading. The questions that keep plaguing me are these - Who is the antagonist? What is the conflict in this book?

I really don't see where this book is going and I find it choppy/fragmented. I really don't have any positive feedback for it, and I’m not trying to offend anyone with my thoughts, I’m just being honest.

I am about 140 pages in and to be honest the main character is a little dull and depressing. As Trent states it is hard at this point to see what the point of it all is. More to come when I read the rest.

Trent wrote: The questions that keep plaguing me are these - Who is the antagonist? What is the conflict in this book?

Exactly! It's like the Harry Potter books without Voldemort, or 'Wizard of Earthsea' without Ged's Shadow. The actual writing is very good, I think, especially the sense of place: but there's no big threat or quest driving the plot. Even so, I'm enjoying it, because of the sheer quality of the imagination and writing. But I don't think it's a keeper: I wouldn't want it on my shelves at home.

I'm on page 161 and as Trent said i'm finding it really choppy, i read a bit thinking have i missed something and go back to read the last paragraph. Also have no idea where its going, we get a glimpse of something that could be where it goes but and thats it, No hints or anything that i have read. Perhaps the fact its not leading somewhere will be a good thing, it will be a suprise and i do like suprises! Other then that is an ok read it is interesting and i'm not finding Quentin too depressive now thats its annoying me. As Chris said its not a keeper thats for sure, i will not cherish my copy.

I've stalled on this book and have set it aside, partially because of the comments made her and in the spoiler thread. Any one think I should really try and finish this book? I have hundreds of others that I am wanting to read.

It doesn't appear that many have liked this book. I am not even going to try reading it, but had already decided from what friends told me before it was nominated.

Apologies peeps I nominated it I think and it is a stinker. :(

Bev wrote: "Apologies peeps I nominated it I think and it is a stinker. :("

Not a problem, but this book really does have some great reviews. And some people I know really loved it. But I am done with the book, not planning to finish it.

doesn't matter Bev at least we now know its a stinker! every book can't be amazing or our cup of tea.

Oh no, a lot of negative feedback. I'm wondering if I should even try. I've been giving up on too many books lately (His Majesty's Dragon AND Libriomancer in that list!) and am hesitant to add another to the list :(
I wish there was a way for me to know if I'd like it or not before I waste time trying lol

Adrianna wrote: "Oh no, a lot of negative feedback. I'm wondering if I should even try. I've been giving up on too many books lately (His Majesty's Dragon AND Libriomancer in that list!) and am hesitant to add anot..."

Well, I think the most important thing I've gotten from this book is that it's not really a Fantasy novel. Even though it has magic in it, it's really rather pointless.

I know there were a lot of positive reviews on this books, so obviously some people like it. I just really didn't.

Maybe if you know some people here who have read it and you usually agree with them? Then you can judge whether or not you will like this one.

I enjoyed it when I read with another group but it divided everyone.

Kathy wrote: "I've stalled on this book and have set it aside, partially because of the comments made her and in the spoiler thread. Any one think I should really try and finish this book? "

Did you like Catcher in the Rye? If you did, you might like The Magicians. I couldn't quite put my finger on why this didn't work for me (aside from the persistent sexism), but then I read a review that said:

"Quentin is my worst nightmare coming to haunt me: he is Holden Caulfield all over again."

And that is very, very true.

I love Catcher in the Rye, and I did not like The Magician as much.

-gets ready to be pelted with rocks-
I haven't read Catcher in the Rye yet ._.

Kevin wrote: "I love Catcher in the Rye, and I did not like The Magician as much."

Rats, there goes that theory! ;)

I have to admit I almost feel like reading The Magician King, because I've spent so much time recently thinking about The Magicians, even if I know TMK contains (at least) one of my least favourite tropes ever.

I'll probably read the second book too. Even though the first book was nothing special and something just felt odd about it, i'm intrigued to see if the second is the same or maybe it will get better?

Adrianna wrote: "-gets ready to be pelted with rocks-
I haven't read Catcher in the Rye yet ._."

I haven't either! your not alone

Anna-louise wrote: "doesn't matter Bev at least we now know its a stinker! every book can't be amazing or our cup of tea."

Thanks guys!

This is interesting. I've had people tell me multiple times that I should read this book. I won't be reading it this month, purely because I don't have enough time this particular month, but it seems the book's reputation for splitting opinion is holding true here too.

I often find myself needing to read books where there is a polarizing response, so I will continue to watch this one (and the group's reaction) closely.

I read it awhile back. I really liked it Different. Thought-provoking.

I picked up The Magicians today despite having read many scathing, though thoughtful, reviews. It's keeping me interested, but I wish I hadn't read the reviews first so I could be making all of my own observations. Just because they don't tell you the plot doesn't mean it's not a spoiler.

I enjoyed this book, though like many people I had some issues with it. I actually liked the second book better, if that helps anyone.

There's a second book? Dammit! I loved the book as a stand alone. Im def gonna read 2. But I wish The Magicians were a stand alone.

the geese did it for me... but beware, I found the sequel missed the mark and changed the story into something other... though maybe you'll feel otherwise, worth the time it takes to read though, nothing of myself was lost...