A Bunch of Books with Magic + My Definitive YA Spectrum Chart
A Bunch of Books with Magic + My Definitive YA Spectrum Chart
Witchers, Medeans, Allomancers...what, everybody too cool to say "warlocks" nowadays!?
Hideeho!
Anybody else loving the trees and flowers blooming like crazy?? Everybody except the heavy Allegra users, RIP. We’re having a rainy week here in Denver and I don’t even care because I know these plants is about to go OFF.
I feel like I’ve been stuck at 60% of like, a hundred different books but I finally had a free weekend to make some ~progress~.
Here’s what I thought them:
The Witcher: The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski
Quick Summary:
Non-linear series of swords and monsters and respun fairy tales ft everyone’s fave blonde hulk Geralt of Rivia
My Review:
I guess this is technically the “first” in the Witcher series, although I think they aren’t really in chronological order per se, instead kind of flip floppin’ around. The book was WAY better than the show, that’s for sure. I love a good fairy tale retelling, so my favorite part was the respinning of classic fairy tales in humorous/unexpected ways. For instance, when Snow White is a murderous mutant who cons seven gnomes into helping her rob people. I’m looking forward to reading more of these, I’ve been told that it’s actually not even about Geralt, it’s allll about his mentee Ciri. Sick.
Like the show, one of the best parts is the relationship between Geralt and Dandelion the bard, but unlike the show Geralt actually has some wit and charisma instead of being BORINGGG (I swear Henry Cavill ruins every role he touches).
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
Quick Summary:
Six powerful(ly unlikable) characters compete for five spots in an Exceedingly Dark Academia vibes magic society
My Review:
I reeeeally started this book out hating every character. It did grow on me at the end but at first I was like, why should I care when everyone sux?! Of the six you’ve got anxious shrill one, the surly bookish one, the ‘doesn’t play well with others’ femme fatale, the passionate rich boy, the surly rich boy, and finally - the sociopathic rich boy. While there is *some* character growth, don’t expect a lot. The plot is basically that every ten years, the Alexandrian Society picks six new magical recruits and they have a year to do research together and decide amongst themselves which five make it and which one doesn’t. And surprise! The odd one out has to die.
That being said, I did end up liking it. I especially like when books set in the modern world (see also, The Magicians) treat magic the way it absolutely would be: like the most addictive drug on earth. Because of course it would be!! Pure unadulterated power, like actual power to change things. So in that way, Blake does a great job of addressing the lengths people would go to have it, master it, and keep it - even at the expense of someone else’s life.
The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson
Quick Summary:
Magical flying lawman turned Senator and his crew battle the Big Bad against total annihilation
My Review:
My interest in Brandy Sandy stories tends to wax and wayne (inside joke to those of you who have read this) but I enjoyed this one a lot. In terms of the second Mistborn saga, this and the first are by far the strongest entries. I may have shed a tear or two at the end, it was a good (if predictable) ending that wrapped up this series and set up the next one for the future.
What I liked most about this one was that it was FULL go on tying the planet Scadrial into the wider Cosmere, with easter eggs all throughout. It really do be making me want to go FULL nerd and deep dive all the Cosmere connections that some geek has definitely put together online somewhere.
A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir
Quick Summary:
The Trio of Terrible Things That Happen to Them have to battle the (very angry) loose djinn and their very angry leader for the fate of the world, or something
My Review:
In terms of “New Adult” aka YA in another font, this was a pretty satisfying ending to an entertaining series. Some REAL emotional gut punches throughout. All I have to say is, HELENE DESERVED BETTER!! Was it perfect? No, it’s YA, but it was solid-to-very good YA. Way more towards Actually Good on this YA spectrum that I just made up.
My Definitive YA Spectrum:
I will not be taking feedback on this chart!!! JK I actually do want to hear if I missed anything or I’m dead wrong, hit up those comments.
Bye!!