Laura P. (hemmputnam) reviewed on 9/4/2011 + 1118 more book reviews

Part of my dislike for this book may stem from having high expectations - Harry Potter and Narnia for grownups - wonderful idea! The problem is there is no overarching theme of hope from sacrificial love here, which is what makes HP and Narnia such fabulous reads (and rereads and rereads) for me. This book may be about magic, but it isn't magical. If you like dark, realistic fiction, go for it. If you're looking to recapture childlike wonder, please skip it. I think a few lines from the novel will make the point without spoiling the plot.

"He was still in the real world, where bad, bitter things happened for no reason, and people paid for things that weren't their fault."

"I think you're magicians because you're unhappy."

"If there was a moral to the story ... you can live out your dreams, but it'll only turn you into a monster."

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