An Unkindness of Magicians

Hey guys!

It’s been a bit since I’ve been able to read lately, but I’m finally back in the saddle! A friend recommended An Unkindness of Magicians and I was immediately interested in it mostly because it is an adult fiction. The characters are in their 30’s and living in modern NYC. I am usually reading YA so this was a nice change in the routine. Now onto the review!

An Unkindness of Magicians

By Kat Howard

Adult Fantasy Fiction

Synopsis

The Unseen World of wealthy and literally powerful magicians in New York City prides itself on remaining invisible.

Every twenty years, vying for power and standing during the Turning, the heads of magical houses elect a champion – a family member or magician-for-hire – and begin a series of duels.

But the Turning has come early, after only thirteen years, and Ian Merlin, the heir to the most powerful house in the Unseen World, has been elected to become champion of his father’s chief rival, House Prospero.

Enter Sydney: and unknown magician from a candidate house, an outsider easily dismissed among the established wealth and power of the Unseen World.

Acclaimed author Kat Howard has written a magical revenge thriller set amid the private world of New York City’s most influential citizens, who feed off one another in a hidden game of magical dominance.

What the Unseen World will soon learn is that Sydney is a formidable duelist with power that hasn’t been seen in decades, and she a score to settle.

My Thoughts

Throughout the entire book an event called the Turning is happening. In which all magician Houses compete to become Overseer of the Unseen World. The Turning is comprised of a series of magical battles fought between two magicians at a time, and can often be fatal.

Although a story with magicians (or wizards) is not uncommon, this one differs insofar that there is a price for magic; physical illness. This problem is the source of a great unspoken truth among the Unseen World, and the world itself could be rocked by the outcome of the Turning.

There are many characters in this book, main and supporting. The most important one being Sydney, a 30 something, self assured and confident woman. She comes into the story as an extremely powerful magician, but with an unknown origin. I liked her right from the start and was rooting for her as the story progressed.

Another important character is Ian Merlin. He is introduced as a powerful, good looking and all around good guy. Trying to right the wrongs of the Unseen World, he turns against his own House and father to ally with a rival House: Prospero.

The disinherited heir of House Prospero, Grey, is the very embodiment of a spoiled, entitled, power hungry brat. His childhood friend, Laurent, is an outsider magician with no House or family. Laurent is also a good guy, albeit a naive one. He hires Sydney as his champion in the Turning, and is determined to establish a House of his own.

Supporting characters include: Miranda, Grey’s mother and Head of Prospero House; Miles, Ian’s father and Head of Merlin House; Lara, Ian’s sister; Shara, the Head of Shadow House; Madison, a disowned magician and lawyer; Harper, a woman searching for answers and many more.

There is a definite separation of good guys and bad guys in this book, and not many plot surprises. It was a quick read for me and entertaining, however, I felt the ending was somewhat anti-climactic and was hoping for a bit more excitement. Overall An Unkindness of Magicians was a good story and a good read. But why take my word it, give it a try and see what you think!

[An Unkindness of Magicians]