I don’t usually take time to do book reviews on my blog. However, since I asked for some book suggestions recently and do occasionally discuss Harry Potter, I thought this would be appropriate.
From the wonderful list of steampunk book suggestions my kind readers provided, I went with the anthology, Steampunk, edited by Ann & Jeff Vandermeer. I haven’t started it reading it yet. I was toward the end of a different book when I solicited the advice, and it’s that book series that I want to discuss.
I loved the Harry Potter series. As a reader, I’ve missed the anticipation of a new book. As a fantasy lover, I miss having a story that bridges my fascination with all things magical, somewhat medieval settings and strong characterization. I’ve read that many of the HP fans have gone on to read, Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer. I’ll probably get around to reading it at some point. However, I’m not in the mood for a vampire love story right now.
A couple of months ago I came across, Magyk, by Angie Sage, while searching Amazon for some ideas. I didn’t become aware that it was a four book series until much later. Magyk is pure fantasy, written in a much lighter tone than Harry Potter. However, it does deliver nicely on rendering a completely unique world where magyk is common among certain citizens. I really enjoyed this, the first book in the series, for introducing the main characters, the laws of magyk in this universe and the problem at hand.
I enjoy intimate stories with strong characterization. I like being taken into the ordinary everyday life of the characters living in that world. I don’t need a grand adventure to get enthralled in a book. What some readers considered the most boring part of the HP series, when Harry, Hermione and Ron were on the run in book seven, is my favorite of all the books. We got to read just about them without all the glam, drama and background noise of Hogwarts and all the other characters. That’s the feeling throughout Magyk. It's not slow paced though so don't worry on that score.
I’ve completed three of the four books and I highly recommend them all. While I felt that book two, Flyte, wasn’t as strong as Magyk, the story continues nicely into the third book, Physik. Book three returned to the form and character intimacy that I’d originally appreciated. I’ve enjoyed it so much that moving on to the fourth book, Queste, is an absolute.
This series reads well for the same age range as HP. If you’re a parent (or not) looking for that next book to enjoy with your family (or alone), I highly recommend the Septimus Heap book series by Angie Sage: Magyk, Flyte, Physik and Queste. The series website has some interactive games younger adults who are reading the book might enjoy. I’m going to start the SP anthology before purchasing and reading Queste.
I need some reading material for the Christmas break (we are staying at a Lighthouse this year!), so I will see if I can get hold of the first book before then.
Posted by: *vlad* | November 24, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Staying at a Lighthouse sounds amazing. I love the sound of water.
Posted by: saylah | November 24, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Just finished Twilight not too long ago and I would have to rate it as one of the better books I've read in awhile. The main characters display more emotion then I'm used to seeing in fantasy books and they actually drive the story. Most fantasy books I read because of the plot. In this one I found myself caring about what happened to the characters. It was very different from the Harry Potter books where I didn't care much for the main character. Its funny too since Harry and Bella are equally "emo" but one actually elicits sympathy while the other I kind wished died in book seven.
Posted by: Relmstein | November 24, 2008 at 03:14 PM
LOL. You're horrible! I enjoyed Harry as the main character. I did find it annoying that each book forgets about the feats he's preformed in the previous books and at like is a magic neophyte. I suppose that's how she was keeping him as the underdog but I wasn't buying it. Yet I enjoyed the books anyway. :-)
Posted by: Saylah | November 24, 2008 at 05:55 PM