Explaining Dragons: Reviews

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Friday, March 20, 2015

The Magicians or Narnia or Harry Potter?

I just finished reading the Magicians, or rather Harry Potter/Narnia, don't get me wrong, this has got to be one of the best books I've read. Immersed in fantasy with a modern twist, what more can I ask for? I'm sure some of you can understand the pain I go through to find a book even vaguely comparable to LOTR or even Ender's Game. It's been quite some time since I've found a book that's even in same field as them, until the Magicians.

It starts off rather similar to Harry Potter, although decidedly different.

a) the school is a university

b) our main character is quite loaded in terms of emotional baggage: on the edge, if not toppling over the cliff of depression, and in love with his best friend's girlfriend

c) the dark tone of this book becomes apparent rather quickly, although not explicitly. What am I saying? Finding a dead man is what starts off this entire story! So yes, quite dark.

The beginning of the book is actually quite different than other books, and this darker tone, certainly starts to seep in. In terms of the writing itself, it flows nicely and is more reminiscent of the writings of epic fantasy novelists, as opposed to the modern onslaught of simplistic science fiction. The interesting aspect of this book is this sort of removed feeling, I'm not sure if this was intentional, but I couldn't help feeling I didn't have a grip on everything. Which was actually very interesting and had me addictively reading. It's one of those books that doesn't hand you the story, you need to think a little for yourself. Which is a breath of fresh air, let me tell you.

Once we arrive at Brakebills, some similarities start to appear. Although at this point they are barely noticeable. It is a magical school for magicians so it does sound a little like Harry Potter, but believe me when I tell you it is nothing close to Potter. And sorry Potterheads, I've got to say I like this book a little more. Although I guess this is an unfair comparison, as HP is a kids' book whereas the Magicians is adult fiction (could be young-adult I'm not sure...). I'm currently on a train, so google is not really something I have access to. If you want to look it up, feel free.

So the first part of this book is absolutely fantastic, and you are never quite sure where you'll end up. Let's just say it involves geese.

It's the second part that has me asking questions. Namely when our friends graduate from Brakebills. Where do they go? The fantastical land of Fillory. I still found this second part very well written and an exemplar of story my issue is why did it have to be so similar to Narnia? As an aspiring author myself I understand the tendency to make a patchwork of other writings, however, that doesn't mean you can't mix it up a little.

Narnia: the "king/God" of nation is Aslan, a talking Lion

Fillory: king/God is Ember and Umber, talking sheep or rams or something

Narnia: 2 high kings and 2 high queens of Narnia, who are daughters of Eve and sons of Adam (from the human world)

Fillory: 2 kings and 2 queens of Fillory, who have to be from the human world

These are just some examples of how similar some aspects are. Now, the story itself is still rather different, yet there are some aspects that are so similar, and so unnecessarily similar. The book as a whole was absolutely brilliant and one of my favorites, I'm just wondering why he couldn't have changes up some of these more minor details so it doesn't sound so similar to Narnia that I feel the need to stop reading and ponder his choices

I'd recommend this book to almost anyone. Although keep in mind it is 500isch pages, not too long bit from experience some people find this difficult to manage. Let me tell you though, this book is 100% worth reading. I'm currently reading the second book of the series the Magician King.

Keep reading!

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Saturday, December 27, 2014

Reviews

Deck the Halls: a Christmas review

Anonymous 10:27 AM

Deck the halls with boughs of holly

Enough of that. I assume you're all familiar with the tune: which gets quite irritating after a few run-throughs. Anywho, I've been watching the movie Deck the Halls for at least three, probably four years. Obviously, at Christmas time.

Who moves in the middle of the night, a meth lab? -Steve Finch

Now, I feel that Christmas movies deserve a whole other genre. It isn't really possible to compare it to a fantasy epic, or a thriller, or a horror film (incidentally, I detest this genre). Thus, I won't do so. This is bound to be one of my favourite Christmas movies, as there's nothing else quite like it, Buddy Hall's interactions with his neighbour have you laughing and fuming at the same time. Whilst you watch, you can't help being in a Christmasy mood.

If you're looking for a good Christmas movie, may I suggest Deck the Halls.

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Reviews

Broken Symmetry A Mere Review

Anonymous 9:17 AM

Pixabay "labeled for reuse"

I've been, what's some people call, a bookie, for as long as I can remember. Starting off with the 50+ (original) Nancy Drew novels, I was sucked into the world of literature, and it hasn't loosened its grip since.

Over the years I've gotten a distinct sense of what I like and don't like. Of course I've had my pitfalls, for a brief and terrible time, I read the Twilight Series: hours of my life that I will never get back. I've also been through my fair share of romantic books, which are predictable, to put it lightly. Nowadays, with little time to spare, I try to stay away from insubstantial works, leaning more towards fantasy and science fiction. Nonetheless, I do occasionally read the less than 'classic' book, and I'd be lying if I didn't say I enjoy them (not always).

Somewhat recently I purchased and read a book, going by the name of Broken Symmetry by Dan Rix. I'd never heard of the book nor author, prior to this. The initial thing that struck me, was the odd formatting of the book, for some reason they used quite heavy weighted paper, making a 450 page book, feel like the hard-cover copy of Brisingr. Let's just say it took some getting used to.

We call it being orphaned. It's the worst fate imaginable.You're trapped inside the reflection.. forever. Got it?

This book, is certainly not one of my favourites, although, I never expected it to be- so it didn't really fail on that point. I point I have to make, the idea of the book is fantastic, although, Rix doesn't create a whole new world, he makes our world a whole heck of a lot more interesting. The issue, is more with the writing itself, it most certainly isn't bad, however, it isn't what I'm used to. The main character, for the most part, is unlikeable, and a number of side-characters are neglected. What's more I deduced the ending a couple chapters before it ended. Granted, this is much better than a lot of books, however, it does lose something when you can figure it out before-hand.

All in all, I'd recommend this book if you want a quick and fun read. If you want a book that you'll never forget, that you can submerse your mind into, may a recommend something else. If I'm ever in the need of such a book again, I might think about another one of Rix's.