A review by protestmyboredom
An Unkindness of Magicians by Kat Howard

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I hate to admit but I first picked this book up due to the gorgeous cover and intriguing title, when I saw it amongst new fantasy releases at the library. I’m glad the inside was as magnificent as the packaging- I couldn’t stop staring at the white on white shadows and I didn’t want to stop reading the book. I wish it was a series as much as I don’t want to wait for more.  Very well written, original, great variety and depth of characters and viewpoints. I love reading different viewpoints and it was a good mix and a good cover from each angle. Nothing was revealed too soon but slowly and naturally unfolded. The pacing was good. I loved the storyline, details, the people.

I just wish I could change one thing about the end- but if I could, well it would be too easy and too happily ever after, not at all as realistic and gritty as the rest. Even as it is, it has the shine of perfect luck and is a little too good to be true. Luckily, I love happy endings so am happy to overlook the impossibility in this fantasy world. Excellent book. I hope for more set in this world- even across the world in other Unseen Worlds.

UPDATE: Read it again, enjoyed it just as much. I love the modern, original take on fantasy, set so securely in the “real world”, the contrast demonstrated very naturally. Kat Howard is definitely an author to watch.

5/25/23: Finished my third read yesterday, in preparation of reading the new second book A Sleight of Shadows. I still love this book and hate the ending-

reminds me of Throne of Glass- why must powerful women who intimidate everyone be forced to sacrifice their powers? Sydney didn’t even get acceptance for it. Also Morgan joked about Sydney going to law school and I realized Sydney can’t have gone to school so how can she read and know the basics of the world around her? Seems silly to waste that training on sacrifices never meant to escape. Oh well, just pondering.