David McK (3425 KP) rated Now You See Me (2013) in Movies
Feb 6, 2022
It's flashy stuff, with little in the way of substance, however, and an ending you can see coming from about a 1/3rd of the way through.
Still might watch the sequel, though!
Godwin's Cabalistic Encyclopedia
Book
One of the most trusted reference works ever published on the Cabala, now available in a deluxe...
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, #6) in Books
Mar 9, 2018
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/03/book-review-magicians-nephew-by-c-s.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Now You See Me 2 (2016)
6.2
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Movie Watch
After fleeing from a stage show, the illusionists (Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson) known as the...
The Heart of the World
Book
Nik Cohn had planned a trip around the world, but when a friend told him that Broadway is "The world...
Dynamo: The Book of Secrets: Learn 30 Mind-Blowing Illusions to Amaze Your Friends and Family
Book
A masterclass in magic from the world's coolest magician: Dynamo In this fully illustrated guide...
TV
Phil Leader (619 KP) rated The Novice (Black Magician Trilogy, #2) in Books
Nov 21, 2019
A few months after the first book, Sonea is offically inducted as a novice into the Magician's Guild in Imardin. She is immediately looked down on by her fellow novices and indeed other magicians because of her poor upbringing (magicians always being taken from the families of the rich upper class). One novice in particular will go to any lengths to humiliate her. Meanwhile Sonea is hiding a secret. The High Lord of the Guild is practicing black magic, strictly forbidden. Dannyl is sent on a secret mission by Lorlen to try to discover how the High Lord won these powers and if there is anything that can be done to stop him.
I found this book to be far more satisfying than the first book, The Magician's Guild. I think this is due to two factors. Firstly Canavan's writing is far more confident and assured (not surprising for a second novel). Also the story arc is a lot less predictable and allows for more twists and turns since the end is not inevitable (in the first novel it is clear that Sonea will eventually be joining the guild; it is only the sub-plots that provide suprises).
As a consequence this is an easier read than the first book with plenty of good stories, either Sonea's (mis)adventures in the Guild or Dannyl's voyage of discovery on his travels. The end resolves one of the major plot points, leaving the rest for the third book, The High Lord to investigate.
Canavan touches on various topics during the book, particularly bullying by peers and also some nice observations on repression of homosexuality in the intolerant Imardin society.
It is also welcoming to see more of the land; the first book was bound to the city itself but here through Dannyl we get to see the neighbouring lands and discover some of their peoples and customs, together with a fair amount of hazardous travelling.
The magic system is also key; normally magicians throw around a bewildering array of spells with limitless powers. Clearly this isn't an option in these books and each spell and power Sonea learns is neatly and logically explained and consistant. It really makes a change that the magic spells are treated mechanically rather than as, well, 'magic'.
Definitely a recommended read
The Atlas Paradox
8.0
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Book
Six magicians were offered the opportunity of a lifetime. Five are now members of the Society. And...
Magic
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Bartholomew and the Oobleck in Books
Mar 9, 2018
One of Dr. Seuss’s older books, it can be long and isn’t told in his typical rhyme. Still shows his creativity, however, and there are some good lessons worked into the story without preaching as well. Fun for older kids and adults looking for a longer picture book.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2015/02/book-review-bartholomew-and-oobleck-by.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
Witchs Athame: The Craft, Lore, and Magick of Ritual Blades
Book
Raise your magickal practice to a new level with this easy-to-use, detailed guide to the athame....