Magic & Wizards Books

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (Harper Fiction)

Gregory Maguire

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1491 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Ending not worth the time getting there. 2 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

For a book that was hyped as being so good, I was really disappointed. The book was well written, but after reading many pages, the book ended.

Editorial Review:

When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil?

Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who will grow up to be the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, a smart, prickly and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil.

Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, Book 1)

Ilona Andrews

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 113 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Now this is magic! 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Imagine. Living in a time where magic surrounds a whole city, where paranormal activities are common part of life. Electric bulbs explode, phones don't work and fluorescent feylamps have been invented to cope with the hard fluctuation caused by magic. Imagine a time when a horse is a more reliable form of transportation as cars refuse to start due to... yes, magic. Welcome to futuristic Atlanta. And welcome to Kate Daniels' world.

Kate is a mercenary who gets dragged into a dangerous game of cat and mouse when her guardian is savagely murdered, thus severing the last link she has with her family. Now completely orphaned, she vows to fight the scum that killed him. However in order to do so, she must seek the help of the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, in which her guardian was a divine knight. As if going back to the society that Kate once turned her back on weren't bad enough, she finds herself involved with the Pack dealing with the Master of the Beast when her investigation leads her to the possibility that the killer is a shapeshifter. The plot thickens as more of these otherworldly creatures are introduced. I believe that this is where the strength of the story shines. The characters are well thought of, fleshed out and provide a whole new dimension to this labyrinth of magic, gore and mayhem. They are not cardboard-like, seemingly miscast with no purpose.

Kate is a strong character who has her shares of vulnerabilities. One of them is her secret longing to be part of a family. But fear not as we don't see her wallowing in self-pity. She knows she has a job to do and does everything in her power to fight the monsters even if it means ruffling some feathers... or fur in the case of the Pack leader. Her interaction with Curran, the Master of the Beast, hints at a possible romance. Let us hope that the author doesn't take the same path that Hamilton did with Anita Blake.

Another fantastic aspect of the book is the concrete world-building. Ilona Andrews creates a believable futuristic Atlanta. She takes the reader in an adventurous, bumpy and terrifying ride as we see vampires and other monsters fight for supremacy in this magic-enfolded city, where people like Kate and the lycanthropes come together and battle it out with said monsters.

What a way for this author to start the series! The plot is well structured and filled with tension. The characters are well thought of and serve their purpose, adding to the magic and mystery which this book is brimming with. Magic leaps off every page and the reader actually feels transported to a whole new realm as you are sucked into this fantasy world of vampires, lycanthropes, witches and other fantastic creatures.

In summary, this was an impressive debut by Ilona Andrews and a real magical treat for dark urban fantasy readers albeit the slow start.

Editorial Review:

Mercenary Kate Daniels cleans up urban problems of a paranormal kind. But her latest prey, a pack of undead warriors, presents her greatest challenge.

The Name of the Wind (The Kingkiller Chronicle, Day 1)

Patrick Rothfuss

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 351 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Amazon.com's Best of the Year...So Far Pick for 2007: Harry Potter fans craving a new mind-blowing series should look no further than The Name of the Wind--the first book in a trilogy about an orphan boy who becomes a legend. Full of music, magic, love, and loss, Patrick Rothfuss's vivid and engaging debut fantasy knocked our socks off. --Daphne Durham

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10 Second Interview: A Few Words with Patrick Rothfuss

Q: Were you always a fan of fantasy novels?
A: Always. My first non-picture books were the Narnia Chronicles. After that my mom gave me Ihe Hobbit and Dragonriders. I grew up reading about every fantasy and sci-fi book I could find. I used to go to the local bookstore and look at the paperbacks on the shelf. I read non-fantasy stuff too, of course. But fantasy is where my heart lies. Wait... Should that be "where my heart lays?" I always screw that up.

Q: Who are some of your favorite authors? Favorite books?
A: Hmmm.... How about I post that up as a list?

Q: What are you reading now?
A: Right now I'm reading Capacity, by Tony Balantyne. He was nominated for the Philip K Dick award this last year. I heard him read a piece of the first novel, Recursion, out at Norwescon. I picked it up and got pulled right in. Capacity is the second book in the series. Good writing and cool ideas. Everything I've like best.

Q: How did Kvothe's story come to you? Did you always plan on a trilogy?
A: This story started with Kvothe's character. I knew it was going to be about him from the very beginning. In some ways it's the simplest story possible: it's the story of a man's life. It's the myth of the Hero seen from backstage. It's about the exploration and revelation of a world, but it's also about Kvothe's desire to uncover the truth hidden underneath the stories in his world. The story is a lot of things, I guess. As you can tell, I'm not very good at describing it. I always tell people, "If I could sum it up in 50 words, I wouldn't have needed to write a whole novel about it." I didn't plan it as a trilogy though. I just wrote it and it got to be so long that it had to be broken up into pieces. There were three natural breaking points in the story.... Hence the Trilogy.

Q: What is next for our hero?
A: Hmm..... I don't really believe in spoilers. But I think it's safe to say that Kvothe grows up a little in the second book. He learns more about magic. He learns how to fight, gets tangled up in some court politics, and starts to figure unravel some of the mysteries of romance and relationships, which is really just magic of a different kind, in a way.

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Patrick Rothfuss's Books You Should Read

The Last Unicorn

Neverwhere

Declare

Beatrice's Goat

Blankets

See more recommendations (with comments) from Patrick Rothfuss

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Moon Called (Mercy Thompson Series, Book 1)

Patricia Briggs

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 252 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Mercy Thompson's no Mary Sue 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I saw this book when it first came out, but resisted buying it for a long time because I was afraid it was going to be yet another "Mary Sue fights the forces of darkness!" However, I had read Patricia Briggs before and found her to be an excellent author, so I was on the fence about this for a long time.

After reading it, I'm sad that I waited so long. The character of Mercy Thompson is smart and capable, without being contrived or super powerful. Sure, she has her own special abilities that allow her to get along in this world full of werewolves, vampires, and fae. She is a skinwalker, which means she can change easily from human to coyote form. However, this ability doesn't come with the super-strength, super-speed, and super-agressiveness that comes with being a werewolf.

I found Mercy to be likable and wanted to find out what happened to her next. She is confident and independent, without being completely stupid. She knows her limitations, whether or not she likes them, and yeah, sometimes she has to let the "big boys" go play while she sulks.

The romantic triangle that's beginning to take shape between Mercy, Samuel (her old flame), and Adam (her "sexy" next door neighbor.) is very well done because she's so straightforward about her feelings.

Overall, this was an excellent book with excellent characterization. The only problem I had with the novel is that sometimes the action wasn't as intense as it could be. The only time I was genuinely afraid for any of the characters was in the vampire den. I never felt a sense of heart-stopping action, though it was interesting enough to keep me reading.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in dark fantasy, and especially those who want a heroine who isn't just another, perfect "Mary Sue."

Editorial Review:

Mercy Thompson's life is not exactly normal. Her next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she's fixing a VW bus for a vampire. But then, Mercy isn't exactly normal herself.

Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson Series, Book 2)

Patricia Briggs

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 143 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Vampires and Werewolves and Demons....Oh My! 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

"Like most people that own their own businesses, I work long hours that start early in the morning. So when someone calls me in the middle of the night, they'd better by dying. "Hello, Mercy," said Stefan's amicable voice in my ear, "I wonder if you could do me a favor." Stefan had done his dying a long time ago, so I saw no reason to be nice."

Stefan is Mercy's vampire friend. If you could possibly call a vampire a friend, that is. And yes, she owes him a favor. He had gone to bat for her with his seethe when she had some werewolf trouble, and now he is calling in that favor. Stefan has been asked to investigate the appearance of a new vampire in town. One that didn't ask permission from the seethe, which is a big no-no in the vampire community. And Stefan wants Mercy to come along as a witness, in case something happens. He needs her for 2 reasons. Because she is a Walker, she is virtually immune to the powers of a vampire. And she can shapeshift into a coyote and no one will know who she is.

So Mercy goes along on the meeting. But when they meet up with this vampire, she knows that trouble has come to the Tri-Cities. Not only is he a vampire, but a sorcerer.....that has let a demon inside. He actually had the ability to control Stefan, and he's about the most powerful vampire around. And now this new vampire's bloodlust is causing a rather large body-count. Which for a group of vampires that don't want the human world to know their existence is big trouble.

What can I say? This is one fantastic series!! Mercy is tough as nails, funny, and exceedingly humble. I just love her! Strong female characters are always good for me, and Mercy is definitely one of the best. The main storyline is fascinating, as we learn a lot more about the vampire community. And Mercy's lovelife is only getting weirder. Not only is she caught in the middle between 2 dominant werewolves, now there is a little something with Stefan the vampire! Blood Bound is ever bit as good as the first book, Moon Called. Maybe better. I can't wait to see where Mercy goes next!!

Editorial Review:

Mechanic Mercy Thompson has friends in low places-and in dark ones. And now she owes one of them a favor. Since she can shapeshift at will, she agrees to act as some extra muscle when her vampire friend Stefan goes to deliver a message to another of his kind.

But this new vampire is hardly ordinary-and neither is the demon inside of him.

Magic Burns (Kate Daniels, Book 2)

Ilona Andrews

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 52 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

The magic sizzles! The future is bright for Ilona Andrews! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Futuristic Atlanta: magic wreaks havoc in the city and citizens, human and supernatural alike, prepare for the dreaded phenomena when magic and technology refuse to co-exist and continually fight for dominance. It is a world where you wake up each day not knowing if you'll be able to start your car due to the magic fluctuation or, for those who possess magical powers, your spells will fail when the technology is up and running. It's all part of the citizens' daily life except every seven years, the magical waves intensify and all the complexities associated with it culminates into a build-up called a flare. As all hell breaks loose in Atlanta, greater forces like gods and goddesses battle it out for supremacy. And death to anyone who stands in their way...

Once again, our Kate Daniels is knee deep in supernatural drama as she finds herself helping the local Pack retrieve some stolen maps. As Kate goes map-hunting, she comes face to face with the impertinent culprit who takes delight in confounding her and the local Alpha, Curran. More obstacles are thrown her way when she unexpectedly becomes a babysitter to a young girl whose missing mother may be the key to unravelling the chaos surrounding her. And with two powerful gods vying for the chance to step into the human realm, Kate may be out of her depth. Tough as this mercenary is, she knows that she needs all the help she can get even if that means going to the very man who gives her the chills... in a good and (mostly) bad way.

MAGIC BURNS is a tautly written action thriller filled with supernatural creatures galore! The author conveys the intricacies of this alternate universe with drama and flair. Magic leaps off every page and characters come to life. I thought Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, Book 1) was an excellent read, but this book totally exceeded my expectations. Ilona Andrews' world is utterly bewitching, captivating the reader right from the start. Kate's character is continuously evolving; the same goes for the secondary characters. Every individual has their place in Andrews' magical world. No secondary character is wasted, everybody is given an opportunity to react and interact and prove their purpose. Indeed, the author has given us such intriguing characters leaving you hanging on to see what she has in store for them.

A word of caution though that the violence and mayhem in this book equates to splatter horror. It is graphic and horrific and Andrews doesn't gloss over the details. If you don't mind these, then I guarantee that this is a great reading experience that packs a terrific punch.

Editorial Review:

As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels knows how waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta's paramilitary clan of shape shifters, she quickly realizes much more is at stake. The stolen maps are only the opening gambit in an epic tug of war between two gods hoping for rebirth, and if Kate can't stop the cataclysmic showdown, the city may not survive.

Small Favor (The Dresden Files, Book 10)

Jim Butcher

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 120 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Take No Guff From Billy Goats! 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Jim Butcher's SMALL FAVOR is set in the dead of an icy Chicago winter but the plot operates on the same principle of a car with no brakes hitting the ice at 60mph. Harry Dresden, Chicago's favorite magical hero, has the Summer Queen of the Sidhe gunning for him when Mab the Winter Queen makes him an offer he can't refuse: he's got to help criminal kingpin John Marcone. In addition, the Denarians are back in town.

Fight scenes go by faster than snowflakes in a blizzard. There's some really clever action in this book! Fortunately, Harry has the aid of the Knights of the Swords, policewoman Karrin Murphy, his apprentice Molly, his vampire half-brother Thomas and Someone Else. Harry is always good company and his friends are welcome any time. In the small interludes between frantic action, almost casual insights into love, treachery, loyalty, family and religion detonate like hand grenades of wisdom.

I like the way Harry Dresden continues to learn and develop in front of our eyes. He's a man so caught up in action that he misses some of the subtler aspects of relationships--which his exasperated brother takes him to task for. Jim Butcher has left his loyal readers wondering if Harry is giving up on the idea of getting together with Karrin. I enjoyed everything about this book, while at the same time wishing for just a little more time with the inner Harry. I mean, come on, this is a book for adults. Did he or didn't he?

Editorial Review:

The new novel in the New York Times bestselling Dresden Files series.

No one's tried to kill Harry Dresden for almost an entire year, and his life finally seems to be calming down. For once, the future looks fairly bright. But the past casts one hell of a long shadow.

An old bargain has placed Harry in debt to Mab, monarch of the Winter Court of the Sidhe, the Queen of Air and Darkness-and she's calling in her marker. It's a small favor he can't refuse...one that will trap Harry Dresden between a nightmarish foe and an equally deadly ally, and one that will strain his skills- and loyalties-to their very limits.

It figures. Everything was going too well to last...

Backup

Jim Butcher

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Editorial Review:

Let's get something clear right up front.

I'm not Harry Dresden.

Harry's a wizard. A genuine, honest-to-goodness wizard. He's Gandalf on crack and an IV of Red Bull, with a big leather coat and a .44 revolver in his pocket. He'll spit in the eye of gods and demons alike if he thinks it needs to be done, and to hell with the consequences--and yet somehow my little brother manages to remain a decent human being.

I'll be damned if I know how.

But then, I'll be damned regardless.
My name is Thomas Raith, and I'm a monster.

So begins "Backup," a twelve thousand word novelette set in Jim Butcher s ultra-popular Dresden Files series. This time Harry's in trouble he knows nothing about, and it's up to his big brother Thomas to track him down and solve those little life-threatening difficulties without his little brother even noticing.

White Night (The Dresden Files, Book 9)

Jim Butcher

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 126 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

The White Night...another good book from Jim Butcher 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

An action packed, Harry Dresden adventure.

This is another in the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. Butcher's hero, Harry Dresden, is a wizard/private investigator who has his own battery of unusual resources and methods of getting things done. Because Harry's 'involvement' usually leads to confrontations, there is always something happening to keep your interest; it makes it easy to read on and on, often well into the night.

In this episode, some of Harry's lesser magical female brethren have being committing suicide, or have they; enter Harry and Murph to get to the bottom of this enigma.

Butcher's tales are fast paced and fun to read. The main plot, not unexpectedly, deals with fighting the evil hordes, but there were other things about this book that I really liked. There are, for instance, sprinklings of humor (often sarcastic or cynical), some eroticism and even some profound musings regarding love (and love lost), loneliness, pain and death. I found it hard not to like and feel some empathy towards Harry; he's probably one of my favorite fantasy figures.

In addition, there are also a number of 'side' characters in this book that I really enjoyed. Especially the lecherous Bob the Skull (my type of nonentity), Elaine, Lash and Lara, each with their own unique personalities and agendas.

Conclusion:
A typical Harry Dresden fantasy adventure; action packed, fast and fun, and with the occasional, ever so subtle, deeper philosophical moments.
If you like Jim Butcher's writing style, you'll love this addition to the Dresden files.

R.Nicholson

Editorial Review:

The inspiration for the Sci Fi channel television series

In Chicago, someone has been killing practitioners of magic, those incapable of becoming full-fledged wizards. Shockingly, all the evidence points to Harry Dresden's half-brother, Thomas, as the murderer. Determined to clear his sibling's name, Harry uncovers a conspiracy within the White Council of Wizards that threatens not only him, but his nearest and dearest, too...

Fool Moon (The Dresden Files, Book 2)

Jim Butcher

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 102 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Chicago's many breeds of werewolves 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

In this action-packed sequel to Storm Front, Chicago's only wizard deals with an astonishing infestation of werewolves. (It stands to reason that when many American cities have to contend with suburban coyotes that Chicago would come up with something much worse.) In this lively and noir fantasy, Harry Dresden learns about the astonishing variety of werewolves, is caught in the cross-fire between mobsters and FBI and, for good measure, his former ally, Lt. Karrin Murphy of the Chicago Police, arrests him for withholding information from her. He gets beaten up many times, but gets lucky only once.

Harry continues to be a chivalrous idiot, by being overprotective and refusing to share information with his allies. His "issues" with technology continue to be useful. He's an attractive and sympathetic character who plunges into a giddy romp with nightmare beasts. Call this a comedy wherein a lot of people get ripped to shreds...and I'm not kidding.

Editorial Review:

Could a werewolf be loose in Chicago? Common sense says no. The grisly evidence says yes. So does Harry Dresden. And with his weird connections, he should know....