The Hundredth Magic by Jeffrey Turner © 2002 Zumaya Publishing
ISBN 1-894869-62-1 326 pages Paperback $15.99 (U.S.)
In my opinion, the mark of a good fantasy writer is the ability they
display
to make the reader suspend their disbelief for the duration of the story.
Mr. Turner achieves that with The Hundredth Magic. Many authors could put
together a story with all the "usual suspects" - trolls, goblins, dwarves,
wizards, magicians and warlocks amongst them. But few have the ability to
make the reader say "That seems reasonable."
This is NOT a fast-paced story. It doesn't rely on a lot of glitz and
glamour. It tells a believable (okay, maybe not believable, but
acceptable)
story through well-thought out characters, a logical story line (with the
occasional odd twist to keep the reader guessing) and just enough mystique
to be enthralling.
There were a few editing glitches, only one or two of which actually upset
the flow of the story. There are also a few concepts which, while not
directly relevant to the way magick works in our world, could offer some
surprising insights. But then, this is MERELY a novel, and not intended
as
a teaching tool.
It is easy for me to recommend this book since there is minimal violence,
so
it won't be offensive to more sensitive readers. Nor is there an
abundance
of profanity or sexual situations. It's no Harry Potter, but it will
likely
appeal to ages from teen through adult.
What is the hundredth magic referred to in the title? It isn't a spell,
an
incantation, or a ritual. Beyond that, all I can say is "Read the book."
Based on this book, I hope that Mr. Turner produces more of this style.
And
that certainly seems probable given the way this story ends.
|
