Tag Archives: Magic

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling (review by Anika B. ’18)

August 30, 2016 mspelmanlibrarian 1 Comment

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

By the operationalization of the star rating system, five stars means Harry Potter. Although this book, or play rather, was faced with high expectations, it was everything I hoped it to be and more. This story takes place 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts, and it follows the adventures of Harry and Ginny’s son, Albus, and Draco Malfoy’s son Scorpius. Plagued by troubled relationships with their respective fathers, Albus and Scorpius use a stolen time turner to prevent the death of Cedric Diggory, leading to huge complications.

Due to its structure as a play, the book lacked J.K. Rowling’s signature descriptions, but the dialogue was very smooth and well written. The plot was brilliantly delivered, and there was never a dull moment. The new characters were well developed and the dynamic relationships held the perfect degree of depth. Finally, by taking readers back in time, the book referred to moments from the earlier Harry Potter books in ways that would have made any Potter fan feel nostalgic.

Once I picked up the book, I could not put it down. Although Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was not a traditional Harry Potter book, it did not disappoint.

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Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke (review by Mr. Hurshman, Teacher)

March 22, 2016 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The action of this lengthy bestseller takes place in the first twenty years of the 19th century, when the two titular characters attempt a revival of magic in the British Isles. After several hundred years of dormancy, “practical magic” is making a comeback—just in time to serve England’s interests in the Napoleonic Wars—but will the resurgence prove a blessing or a curse?

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell is the only novel of its kind that I’ve ever encountered—a work at once of fantasy and of historical fiction that nevertheless seeks to replicate the realist style and comic sensibility of authors of the century in which it’s set (think Austen or Thackeray or Dickens). In combining these elements, Clarke carries out a daring experiment that doesn’t really seem as if it should work. But the result is an unexpected alchemical triumph.

I would recommend Clarke’s novel to lovers of fantasy and lovers of 19th-century literature alike, but its ideal audience consists of those who love both. Its greatest pleasures depend on an acquaintance with the historical context that forms its backdrop and with the literary tradition that Clarke mimics and gently parodies.

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The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (review by Catherine H. ’17)

August 26, 2014 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ever since she was six, Blue Sargent has been told by her family of psychics that if she kisses her true love, he will die. She decided she wouldn’t fall in love, but when she’s sixteen, she meets and becomes included in a group of boys. Specifically Aglionby boys, called Raven boys. Their quest for something supernatural draws Blue in, and her knack for making supernatural occurrences stronger accelerates their pace. This book introduces us to a great variety of characters, all of them eccentric in their own way. I found that Maggie Stiefvater keeps a good pace throughout the book, picking up towards the end and leaving us at a cliffhanger. Though I originally thought I would be reading a novel filled with romance, it was surprisingly low in the romance and tragedy department. I hope to find more romance, mystery, and action in the next two books in The Raven Cycle. – Catherine H. ’17

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Rebel Spring by Morgan Rhodes (review by Maya V. ’17)

March 23, 2014 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

Rebel Spring by Morgan Rhodes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The sequel to Falling Kingdoms, Rebel Spring is extraordinary. The first novel, following the stories of young adults from different kingdoms of Mytica, ended at the point in which all of the characters met. Now, the teenagers live in a time of greater turmoil than they had lived in before. Whether controlled by murderous parents or harassed by brutal soldiers of other kingdoms, they must constantly watch their backs to avoid death. In such circumstances, the characters have to find a way to not only bring back peace to their land, but also manage their personal issues. If you expect a typical continuation of the story in which the teens team up and fight resistance as best friends forever, you are most definitely mistaken. You will be stunned at the turn of events that occur instead. Incorporating the side characters from the previous novel as main characters in the sequel, one can develop a broader view of the situation, given the several new perspectives. Containing even more gut-gripping moments, horrific murders, mystery, romance, and excellent writing, Rebel Spring is a must read! – Maya V. ‘17

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Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes (review by Maya V. ’17)

January 22, 2014 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The three kingdoms of Auranos, Paelsia, and Limeros are divided by power struggles, wealth, and conflicting ideas. In this time of peril, four young people from these kingdoms are fighting to protect their homelands: Cleo, the princess of Auranos; Jonas, a rebel fighting for the rights of the Paelsian people; Magnus, the Limerian prince and successor to the King of Blood; and Lucia, the sister of Magnus, princess, and sorceress of Limeros. As they fight each other’s lands to protect their own, they soon find their lives intertwined with one another. An adventure and fantasy novel with a sufficient amount of drama, this book will appeal to many young readers. The characters’ thoughts are written in great depth and honesty, which allows the reader to truly connect with the young adults of the story. The recurring theme of independence and how one can still reach his or her goals without the support from adults provides motivation to those in similar situations. The setting and plot development are gripping, and you will not be able to put the book down. With several perspectives, detail, adventure, and violence, Falling Kingdoms is an extremely enjoyable read! – Maya V. ‘17

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Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb (review by Elisabeth S. ’16)

October 30, 2013 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ship of Magic is the first book of a delightful trilogy that details the adventures of 7 or 8 POV characters, featuring the headstrong Althea Vestrit as the catalyst in a fictional world shared by Robin Hobb’s other series. Due to the ambitions of her brother-in-law, Althea has been stiffed out of her inheritance, the prized Vestrit family liveship that she has spent her entire life aspiring to captain. She will stop at nothing to regain her birthright. Meanwhile, out at sea Captain Kennit has goals of his own, which involve stealing a liveship of his own. The wills of beautifully written and believable characters clash in this adult fantasy novel which guarantees to keep all readers on the edge of their seats. With the character of Wintrow, a thirteen-year-old priest made a slave by his own father, and the seemingly sentient liveships, Ship of Magic raises interesting ethical questions about what is moral and what isn’t, concerning the ownership of another sentient being. All in all, this book is strongly recommended to high fantasy fans looking for a wonderfully inventive series to keep them occupied for awhile. – Elisabeth S. ’16

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Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (review by Maya V. ’17)

October 1, 2013 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Daughter of Smoke and Bone tells the story of a teen on a journey to discover her true identity. Karou, a young art student, knocks on a door that can only be opened from the inside. It leads to a house in the middle of an unknown realm; she is not allowed outside this house. Her only family is four chimaera that collect all sorts of teeth. Suddenly, strange handprints start appearing on doors, and before she knows it, she is left alone. Where did her family go? How was she born into that alternate world? Is she even human? Even though the novel is quite lengthy, I can assure you that you will finish the book wishing that it was even longer. Taylor does such an excellent job of foreshadowing events that you will not be able to sleep before finishing the book. If you are a fan of plot twists, fantasy, romance, and violence, this book is definitely for you. – Maya V. ‘17

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The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan (review by Lavinia D. ’17)

August 23, 2013 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Will is about to make the biggest choice of his life: what Craft he will choose as his profession for the rest of his life. He has always wanted to go to Battleschool and be a mighty soldier, riding a sleek horse and wielding a jeweled sword. However, when Choosing Day comes, he is rejected because he is too small. A man named Halt informs him that he as other skills; skills that would be useful for a Ranger, the kingdom’s legendary archers that are rumored to be black magicians. Finally, Will agrees to begin training as a Ranger, but the kingdom of Araluen is in grave danger, threatening his life. The epic start to The Ranger’s Apprentice series, I recommend The Ruins of Gorlan to anyone who enjoys action and adventure filled with humor along the way. What I particularly appreciate about the book is that Flanagan takes great care in developing the character’s personalities while illustrating the tale along the way. – Lavinia D. ‘17

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The Shadow Speaker by Nnedi Okorafor (review by Monica K. ’14)

August 21, 2013 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

The Shadow Speaker by Nnedi Okorafor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Born after the Great Change, fourteen year old Ejii has had to deal with complex family issues, her erratic shadow speaker powers, and the mistrust of other West African villagers all her life. Now, in order to control her emerging powers she must travel into the desert, where she will encounter strange and mystical creatures in her journey of self-discovery. In The Shadow Speaker, Nnedi Okorafor-Mbachu creates a wonderfully rich world while balancing Ejii’s personal growth and overarching social commentary. This book features a strong, likable female lead as well as interesting cultural elements Highly recommended to anyone in the mood for a refreshing yet layered read. – Monica K. ‘14

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Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (review by Samyu Y. ’15)

July 8, 2013 mspelmanlibrarian Leave a comment

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This clichéd novel begins with the sentences “The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it.” The excitement of the circus’ arrival dominates the first few pages, and the detailed description of the opulent and mysterious circus portends an interesting novel. Instead, the reader finds a hackneyed tale of forbidden love, complete with feuding fathers, lovelorn maidens, and an overload of the supernatural. Celia and Marco, pulled unwillingly into the enduring rivalry of magicians Hector and Alexander, make the circus the venue for the great and terrible challenge envisioned by their mentors. Secret enmity, hidden motives, and unknown consequences lurk in the shadows of the circus tents, where each rustle of a fortune teller’s skirt or a patron’s red scarf signals a sinister conspiracy. Into this world of enigma strolls Bailey, a young boy who is exasperated with his family and delighted and intrigued by the circus. While colorful description, an occasional murder, and the fearful atmosphere redeem the book, the banal nature of the plot is ultimately disappointing. Night Circus is most certainly not literature, and even in the less intellectual world it does not shine. Readers of fantasy may enjoy the novel as a light read. – Samyu Y. ‘15

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