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Sep
07
So, I Read Some Fantasy
2011 at 5am Posted by Rebecca Joines Schinsky
My Fountain 360 in 365 project, for which I’m attempting to read one book from each section of my local indie bookstore, continues with a new adventure in genre.
Enter Steve from Fountain Bookstore, who has been urging me to read Lev Grossman’s The Magicians for the better part of a year. Why? Here’s Steve explaining his choice to me:
Okay, so I’m not sure I recommended this book so much as talked about it, said it was one of my favorite books of the past five years, and asked questions like, “really? you still haven’t read The Magicians?” Since I’m all about being succinct, I often describe the book as “Holden Caulfield goes to Hogwarts,” but that doesn’t really do the book justice. Yes, Quentin Coldwater is a whiny, miserable teenager from our New York City who goes to magic college, but rather than being a solution to any of his problems, it just means his problems now involve magic; inside, he’s still a whiny, miserable, self-centered jerk. That’s what’s so great about it, though- the characters are real people rather than fantasy archetypes, and since they’re children of the early 21st century, they are incredibly—and often hilariously—self-aware, allowing non-fantasy readers to comfortably get in on the action. Fortunately, the action is pretty sweet, too, and once you open that wardrobe…
Score another one for Steve (and for my Bookrageous cohorts Josh and Jenn, who loved the hell out The Magicians as well), and score three for Lev Grossman: one for each book (more on those in a minute) and one for his most excellent recitation of “The Owl and the Pussycat” at the Bookrageous Bash in May. If I hadn’t already been planning to read Grossman’s books, that gem of a moment would have cinched it.
So, the books. I loved them! Probably *because* The Magicians begins firmly grounded in the real world. Quentin is an angsty teenager in love with his best friend’s girl when his trip to a college interview goes awry and he finds himself at Brakebills College, which is like Hogwarts if Hogwarts had booze-fueled ragers and the occasional ménage à trois. Think Harry Potter with edge and a healthy Narnia obsession.
Elements of Quentin’s life become fantastic overnight, but the shift to all-out-magical is gradual, and that really worked for me. I don’t know if that was Grossman’s intent, to create a book that appealed to hardcore fantasy fans—as the many references, call-outs, and sly winks to other works indicate—and fantasy n00bs simultaneously, but that’s what he seems to have done. And that, my friends, is no small feat. The Magicians was great fun, especially because I was able to get many of the references (I’m moderately well-versed in Narnia, Potter, and Tolkien), and though it had some funky pacing problems, it was a solid B+.
But The Magician King? That is one hell of a sequel. Pure A+ gold, it was the impetus for many “OMG, I can’t believe that just happened” emails, and people, the big reveal in this book is a motherfucker. Like, face-meltingly turn back and read the section again because you really can’t believe he did that OH SNAP HE DID THAT awesome.
And did I mention yet that Grossman’s female characters are kickass incredible? When the shit gets deep, they leave the sniveling to Quentin and get down to business. They are interesting, complex, fun to read, and for me, they were the best parts of the books. I’d love to read a “meanwhile” of the first book from Alice’s perspective and an entirely new novel about Julia. See how I’m doing this without giving any spoilers?
As I’ve thought about why these novels worked for me and what it might mean for future adventures in reading fantasy, I’ve realized that they key for me might not be so much in having a story grounded in the real world as it is in having a story anchored by humans. With the exception of Tolkien (and come on, hobbits are practically human), the fantasy novels I’ve read and enjoyed have all featured human characters discovering magical powers or other worlds (or both), and that’s a formula I’m down with. I’m not sure I’m ready for a novel in which none of the characters are human, nor am I sure I ever will be. But who knows? That’s the beauty of this reading life, isn’t it?
If you’ve ventured into fantasy and have recommendations, I’d love to hear them. And if you haven’t, I’m happy to recommend you start with The Magicians and The Magician King.
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Sounds like Among Others by Jo Walton might be a book you’d enjoy.
Val´s last [type] ..Green Mars – Kim Stanley Robinson
Ack, this review is such perfect timing for me! I just started “The Magicians” over the weekend. So far I’m liking it (I’m about 100 pages in, would have been further along but I had to work over the weekend and late last night – boo). But I had heard “The Magician King” was better, and now after reading your post I’m all that much more excited for both of the books. I’m not a big fantasy reader either (except Harry Potter, and the Narnia books are classics). But so far so good with “The Magicians.”
Jaclyn´s last [type] ..For September, An Old Favorite
I haven’t delved too much in fantasy, and this rec may borderline the sci-fi (the line is so blurred sometimes) but Ursula Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness is absolutely fantastic, really a must read if you are interested in the human side of things (all of the characters aren’t human physically, but this books speaks to humanity and human nature).
Ashley´s last [type] ..Get a Life: Isolation and Introspection
LOL, I feel the same way whenever I read fantasy. I can handle “magic” books but not vampires, dragons, etc.
I recently read “Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell” by Susanna Clarke which I thought was fantastic.
Man of la Book´s last [type] ..Giveaway of & Thoughts on: Just My Type: by Simon Garfield
Awesome review(s)! I just finished The Magician King last month and loved it, as well as the first. I love fantasy, but I think I liked these in a different way than my standard fantasy reads because, like you said, they are so grounded in the real world.
I’d second Val’s comment that you might enjoy Among Others. It’s another fantasy-ish novel, very grounded in the real world, that speaks as much to the magic of fairies and folklore in the real world as it does to the magic and power of books in transforming us. It’s like an ode to book magic. But now I’m just gushing.
Kerry´s last [type] ..Colin Meloy (of The Decemberists) Writes a Book
I read a lot of ya fantasy when I was growing up, but for no reason I can pin down I haven’t read much as an adult. It’s something I’m trying to change, though; I loved Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (I second the Man of La Book recommendation) and Game of Thrones, which I guess is in a whole different class from Grossman’s books. (high fantasy?)
I’ve seen Grossman’s stuff referenced all over, of course, but this is the first review that’s actually made me want to go out and read the books. Sometimes I feel like I’m trying to fake an interest in fantasy by piling so many fantasies onto my “must read” list but never actually reading them, but man…a cross between Hogwarts and college? I could go for that.
Ellen´s last [type] ..#Longreads : “Chronicle of a Tragedy Foretold”
I read The Magicians last year and thought it was good not great. I had been ambivalent about reading the sequel, but after reading your review, I think I’ll give it a try.
TheBookFetish´s last [type] ..Where Men Win Glory
I loved the writing of “The Magicians” but after finishing the book, wasn’t sure how I felt about it. I liked it, but hesitated recommending it because I couldn’t articulate what it was that made the book good. I just finished “The Magician King” on vacation, which may have been the best sequel book I’ve read. Beyond loving it, it made me look at “The Magician” again and recognize what it was that I loved about it. Somehow that book, made both better. Sly trick, that one.
The last fantasy I had touched before this year would have been Tolkien (unless you want to count the obligatory Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, the latter at the urging of my daughter.)
Finally thought I’d try Game of Thrones (had not watched the HBO series and for some reason had though it had been a movie and not a series) and enjoyed it, though it takes a little work keeping the various members of the families straight.
Jonathan Dalton´s last [type] ..Jonathan wrote a new blog post: Reading Challenges – It’s Never too Late
Coincidentally, I just bought The Magician as a remaindered copy…this is the world’s way of telling me I should read it NOW.
As far as other fantasy, I used to read boatloads when I was a teen (the HS library had a healthy collection, most of which tended to blend together) and just started reading fantasy-ish things again. I don’t recommend Kushiel’s series by J. Carey – thinly plotted S&M porn…and not even interesting S&M porn. I did read all of the Song of Ice and Fire books this summer (the HBO series wore me down then I couldn’t stop) – really more political dramas with a little fantasy at the beginning and more fantasy elements as you go along.
I personally love fantasy! I have the first book on my TBR. I am glad you enjoyed it!
Kailana´s last [type] ..Becoming Marie Antoinette (Marie Antoinette Trilogy, Book 1) by Juliet Grey
I really really REALLY did not like The Magicians, for a number of reasons you can check out in my review, if you so choose. However, like you I thought The Magician King was a much better book (and I liked the strong female leads as well).
jenn´s last [type] ..Reunion by Pascal Girard
Great review!
One of the first fantasy books I read that really pulled me into the genre was “The Lies of Locke Lamora” by Scott Lynch. It’s very unique and features a band of con artists, often described as “Ocean’s 11 Meets Fantasy,” but it’s supremely well written.
Tori´s last [type] ..Review: Bloodshot by Cherie Priest
Have you tried Gaiman? Neverwhere, American Gods, and Anansi Boys are all pretty terrific, and have a very human element like you mentioned.
” inside, he’s still a whiny, miserable, self-centered jerk.”
Yeah. Quentin sucks. It’s hard to like a book with an unsympathetic protagonist. I was underwhelmed by the first one, and I’m about twenty pages into the second but find it hard to care much about collecting taxes.
Will Entrekin´s last [type] ..The Prodigal Hour, Chapter Eleven
Fantasy is my junk food. I tend to read it between the dark and twisty literary stuff that I love so much. A lot of fantasy is junk, and I have high standards (in my opinion, of course). I do firmly believe, though, that some of the most imaginative and brilliant writing being done is in the fantasy genre.
I’d recommend the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson (for some really unique and interesting magic stuff) , The Lies of Locke Lamora (like Ocean’s Eleven, but with swords and shit. Very funny.), and The Prince of Nothing series by R. Scott Bakker (some of the darkest but most brilliant stuff I’ve come across, in any genre).
Just don’t take anything too seriously and you’ll enjoy it, I think.
Thanks, Joe! I’m very intrigued by “like Ocean’s Eleven, but with swords and shit.”
Keep going, Will. It gets fantastic. Then again, I’d rather have interesting characters than likable ones any day, and Grossman’s female characters are what won me over.
[...] The Magician King, Lev Grossman: uhmahgah READ THIS BOOK IMMEDIATELY. no wait, have you already read The Magicians? read that first, THEN read this. ready set go. rebecca agrees. [...]
Often when I hear wizards and magic, I instantly think of the geeky/weird character, Harry. But this novel sounds different. The setting is different and the main character’s image is different. It is a magic story held in a real world which sounds very interesting.
Steven´s last [type] ..how to flirt with a girl
I’ve had Lev’s ‘The Magicians’ on my shelf for probably close to 2 years and although I’ve heard great stuff about it (is it REALLY Harry Potter for grown ups’s?) I’ve never been tempted to pick it up. Might reconsider that though, now that you’ve put it at the front of my mind.
Thanks
Silver Thistle´s last [type] ..Blog overhaul time again…
I didn’t care for “The Magicians” (like many other commenters, I thought Quentin was just too much of a sad sack), but I’m intrigued by the idea that the other characters get to take on a bigger role in “The Magician King.” Hmm…
Erin´s last [type] ..Ten years ago today
I can’t say I have ever been a big fantasy reader unless you want to count comic books. I assumed it was not for me when I couldn’t get through The Lord of the Rings. I read the Magicians last year and while I didn’t think it was great, there were moments of brilliance that kept me slogging through the not so great parts. I agree with many that the book is at its best when Alice is part of the main focus. I had sort of a wait and see attitude about The Magician King. I didn’t want to read it if it got the same kind of reviews as the Magicians but everything I have heard has been that it is better so I have it on reserve at the library.
I can’t say I have ever been a big fantasy reader unless you want to count comic books. I assumed it was not for me when I couldn’t get through The Lord of the Rings. I read the Magicians last year and while I didn’t think it was great, there were moments of brilliance that kept me slogging through the not so great parts. I agree with many that the book is at its best when Alice is part of the main focus. I had sort of a wait and see attitude about The Magician King. I didn’t want to read it if it got the same kind of reviews as the Magicians but everything I have heard has been that it is better so I have it on reserve at the library.
I love fantasy but didn’t care for The Magicians. I’d recommend “The Name of the Wind,” which also includes a magicians’ academy but is so much better in my opinion. It’s the last fantasy book I read (and I’m now reading the sequel) so it’s top of mind rather than an all-time favorite, but it’s definitely worth checking out since you liked “The Magicians.” I’d love to hear your thoughts on it if you get around to it.
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