Review of The Magician's Secret

[Seetha E]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Magician's Secret" by Charles Townsend.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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The Magician's Secret is the first book in the Illusions of Power series, intended for readers aged 15 and older. The author, Charles Townsend, an esteemed member of The Magic Circle in England, has deftly employed his knowledge of the magic world to craft an enthralling adventure. The plot is replete with intrigue, and the writing is compelling, drawing the reader in from the outset. The descriptions are evocative, making the reader feel like an active participant in the story.

The narrative commences in Byford, where Delvin Farmhand, a practical joker, finds himself in an unusual predicament. Delvin is an apprentice to Borlock, a traveling magician, and a member of the Magician's Guild. Following one such magic session, Borlock was discovered murdered. Delvin was in the same room and did not remember why, how, or when he got there. Nevertheless, evidence implicates Delvin as the perpetrator, and he is sentenced to be hanged.

However, a series of events occur that exonerate Delvin of the charge, and he decides to depart Byford with all the magic tricks, teachings, and cautions he acquired from Borlock. As he settles in Hengel, Delvin notices peculiar occurrences that make him question whether magic is genuine or a mere illusion. He soon discovers that there is more to magic than he ever imagined.

Jarla is introduced, and specific events lead Delvin to work towards ending the war between Hengel and Argent. What does Jarla want from Delvin? What is the secret of the Magician's Guild? What role does Delvin play in the war? To find out, pick up a copy and unravel the mystery.

I enjoyed the book, especially the characters of Delvin and Jarla. The author did an excellent job incorporating magic into the storyline, with Delvin using his magic tricks and misdirection to escape challenging situations. Throughout the book, Delvin is portrayed as a compassionate, quick-thinking, and patient individual, while Jarla is depicted as tenacious, goal-oriented, and ruthless. The plot centers around Delvin's use of magic to extricate himself from challenging circumstances.

The book balances the serious moments with occasional light ones, adding to its entertainment value. The protagonist's passion for magic and its use for the greater good is admirable, while Jarla's determination to achieve her goals despite the potential for danger is equally noteworthy. The presence of maps at the beginning and vivid descriptions throughout the book heightens the immersive experience.

Some minor grammatical and spelling errors were observed. A re-edit can ensure an error-free book. Additionally, the roles of the individuals from the Magician's Guild and other characters, including Greg, Grybald, Fionella, the Duke of Argent, and the Duke of Hengel, could have been further developed. Although a simpler approach might appeal to younger readers, a more character-driven narrative may be appreciated by older readers. Nevertheless, these minor concerns do not detract from the overall quality of the book. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars and eagerly anticipate the next book in the series.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure and fiction. The writing style and plot are both engaging and intriguing.

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The Magician's Secret
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[Anu Anand]

This is honestly one of my favorite reads from OBC. Delvin’s tricks and quick thinking made the story really fun to follow, and Jarla stood out to me the most. She’s such a strong and bold character... definitely my favorite.