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The Magician King

Book 2 in the series:The Magicians

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'The Magician King' by Lev Grossman is the second book in 'The Magicians' series, offering a dark and raw tale set in the imaginal world of Fillory. The story follows Quentin Coldwater, a character struggling with restlessness and longing for something more despite living the life of a king. The book delves into a massive quest that spans across different worlds, touching on themes of depression, maturity, and the complexities of human experiences. With a Campbellesque hero journey intertwined with a darker narrative, the book weaves together the stories of Quentin and Julia, revealing their evolution and growth throughout the fantastical adventures.

Characters:

Characters exhibit growth and complexity, particularly Quentin and Julia, with Julia's backstory providing significant emotional depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging, combining humor, depth, and vivid imagery, balancing sarcasm and seriousness effectively.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Quentin, a king in the magical land of Fillory, who seeks adventure that leads him into unexpected challenges, intertwined with Julia's dark backstory as a hedgewitch.

Setting:

The settings include the magical realm of Fillory and the mundane world, expanding the universe and enhancing its fantastical elements.

Pacing:

The pacing generally maintains engagement through brisk action and alternating storylines, though some sections may feel slow.
Quentin rode a gray horse with white socks named Dauntless. He wore black leather boots up to his knees, different-colored stockings, and a long navy-blue topcoat that was richly embroidered with seed...

Notes:

Quentin Coldwater is a character who is constantly seeking satisfaction in his life, even after becoming a king.
The book explores the darker and more complex aspects of magic, contrasting it with traditional childhood fantasies.
Julia's backstory is a significant part of the narrative, showing her struggles and rise to power as a hedge witch.
The story includes themes of ennui and the search for purpose, as Quentin grapples with his life in Fillory.
Key elements of the plot involve a quest for seven magical keys and the battle against ancient gods.
The narrative shifts between Quentin's adventures and Julia's harrowing experiences, giving depth to both characters.
Lev Grossman's writing style includes sharp humor and references to other fantasy works, demonstrating a meta-awareness.
The book addresses contemporary issues like depression and the cost of heroism, making it resonate with adult readers.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include references to sexual assault, mental health concerns, and themes of trauma and death.

Has Romance?

There are romantic elements present, particularly between Quentin and Julia, though the focus is more on their adventures and personal growth.

From The Publisher:

In a sequel to the best-selling novel The Magicians, after Quentin and his old friend Julia, leave Fillory on a magical sailing ship, they end up back in Quentin's home in Chesterton, Massachusetts, and only Julia's dark magic can get them back to the magic realm they've grown to love.

Ratings (26)

Incredible (5)
Loved It (12)
Liked It (6)
It Was OK (2)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (40):

Read It (28)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (11)

2 comment(s)

Incredible
2 months

As difficult to handle emotionally as the first book, but I loved it even more. I'm excited to continue the story in book #3.

 
Did Not Like
3 months

***2.0***

Review Soon

 
 
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