I am not the biggest fan of fantasy books.
I’ve tried certainly, picking up this title and that on the recommendation of others. But as soon as I saw a gnome or a werewolf or orc or any other creature, my brain shut down and went to sleep. So a book like Sarah Gailey’s “Magic For Liars,” in which magic not only exists but becomes a vital plot point, might not appear the kind of novel I would enjoy. Though an early preview pointed to a tale that combines magic within the confines of a mystery story, to what extent would the fantasy magic element take over the story?
After finishing I have to say only one thing.
Magic really is real.
Magic For Liars introduces Ivy Gamble, a private eye with a bit of a messy life of her own, who’s called in to investigate the death of a popular teacher, Sylvia Capley, found in the stacks at Osthorne Academy. Which immediately sounds like your typical mystery story except for one important difference. Osthorne Academy is no ordinary private school.
It’s a school for the magically-inclined.
And thus, you are immediately launched into a world in which magic is not just the stuff of third-rate magicians pulling rabbits out of hats. What’s on display here runs the gamut of juvenile to all powerful as this tale unravels to its thrilling conclusion.
But what truly separates this tale from devolving into generic mystery or Harry Potter-lite clone is Gailey’s mastery at presenting multi-layered characters in compelling settings that allow you, the reader, to truly get caught up in the story-making. Gailey has a true talent for grounding the obvious fantasy elements of her tale within the structure of the mystery genre, so that you grow to accept the reality of a world where people can change objects at will and books can stack themselves back on shelves, to name just a few of the magical elements you are introduced to as you read. Ivy Gamble is as much of a damaged, yet realistic character as I can recall reading recently. She makes mistakes, doubts and tries fervently to do right, even if by the end it takes her to far darker places than she could realize. This is well situated for adoption for either film or television, and I for one will certainly welcome that release date when it comes.
Plenty of crossover appeal for fans of Harry Potter and The Woman In The Window alike, Magic For Liars is much like your favorite milkshake, frothy, filling, and good to the last bit.
I’ve tried certainly, picking up this title and that on the recommendation of others. But as soon as I saw a gnome or a werewolf or orc or any other creature, my brain shut down and went to sleep. So a book like Sarah Gailey’s “Magic For Liars,” in which magic not only exists but becomes a vital plot point, might not appear the kind of novel I would enjoy. Though an early preview pointed to a tale that combines magic within the confines of a mystery story, to what extent would the fantasy magic element take over the story?
After finishing I have to say only one thing.
Magic really is real.
Magic For Liars introduces Ivy Gamble, a private eye with a bit of a messy life of her own, who’s called in to investigate the death of a popular teacher, Sylvia Capley, found in the stacks at Osthorne Academy. Which immediately sounds like your typical mystery story except for one important difference. Osthorne Academy is no ordinary private school.
It’s a school for the magically-inclined.
And thus, you are immediately launched into a world in which magic is not just the stuff of third-rate magicians pulling rabbits out of hats. What’s on display here runs the gamut of juvenile to all powerful as this tale unravels to its thrilling conclusion.
But what truly separates this tale from devolving into generic mystery or Harry Potter-lite clone is Gailey’s mastery at presenting multi-layered characters in compelling settings that allow you, the reader, to truly get caught up in the story-making. Gailey has a true talent for grounding the obvious fantasy elements of her tale within the structure of the mystery genre, so that you grow to accept the reality of a world where people can change objects at will and books can stack themselves back on shelves, to name just a few of the magical elements you are introduced to as you read. Ivy Gamble is as much of a damaged, yet realistic character as I can recall reading recently. She makes mistakes, doubts and tries fervently to do right, even if by the end it takes her to far darker places than she could realize. This is well situated for adoption for either film or television, and I for one will certainly welcome that release date when it comes.
Plenty of crossover appeal for fans of Harry Potter and The Woman In The Window alike, Magic For Liars is much like your favorite milkshake, frothy, filling, and good to the last bit.