Reviews

The Magicians: Alice's Story by Pius Bak, Lev Grossman, Lilah Sturges

sungod's review

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

rafaglz18's review against another edition

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adventurous dark sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

inconsiderate's review against another edition

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2.0

As this story is told from Alice's perspective, I expected to see some new insights into Alice's past or reasons for some of her actions, but unfortunately this book adds nothing new.

If you've already read the books (and you probably won't be looking at this unless you have), there's nothing new here aside from artistic changes in character appearances.

It was an enjoyable read, and made me itch to re-read the books (or catch up on the TV series), but ultimately this is simply a rehash of events we already know.

s_l's review

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adventurous dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

It was nice, but it was inaccurate to the book and that annoyed the hell out of me

exhaustedreader's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

geekwayne's review against another edition

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4.0

'The Magicians: Alice's Story' by Lilah Sturges and Lev Grossman with art by Pius Bak is a graphic novel based on a popular trilogy with an interesting twist. The events of the first book in 'The Magicians' series is retold here through the eyes of one of the characters: Alice Quinn.

Alice lost her older brother when he went to Brakebills College. She tries to get in, but doesn't, so she finds her way in by taking a taxi to the middle of nowhere and walking in. She gets in to the school and meets friends Quentin and Penny. She falls for Quentin, but Penny has always liked Alice too. When they find a way into a magical land only thought to be in a series of children's books, Alice must use her magic to help her friends.

I'm familiar with the series, but I've not read it. I really like the idea of a popular series being retold like this. Alice has a unique perspective on events, and not knowing the character arc of her story, I found some surprises along the way. The art is pretty good as well.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Archaia, Boom! Studios, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

kleonard's review against another edition

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5.0

I really enjoyed this graphic novel, which shows the events of Lev Grossman's novel The Magicians from the POV of character Alice Quinn. If you're familiar with the book, you'll be fascinated by this new take on the story, starting with Alice's arrival at Brakebills and culminating with the thoughts and experiences of the quasi-Alice she becomes at the end of the novel. The artwork of the graphic novel allows for readers to literally see how other readers imagined that characters and the places and the events of the original, and the book overall is a great addition to any Magicians' fan's library.

spindleweed's review against another edition

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3.0

If you want to read a beautifully illustrated summary of the first magicians book narrated by Alice this is the graphic novel for you!!

maggieluong's review against another edition

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adventurous dark sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

ralphiereads76's review against another edition

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4.0

I loved the art and reliving this story line that I know from the Netflix show. Alice's point of view makes me even more disappointed in Quentin. I mean, I know he's a flawed hero, but he's so spineless and lost all the time... Anyway, I wish Alice had been the main character in the books/show, too. Her ending was... well, no spoilers but I reread it several times, just to linger in the mood. Gorgeous and bold move, Lev Grossman. Overall, well done as a graphic novel. And much improved by telling Alice's POV, imo.