The Magician King

A Novel

By: Lev Grossman

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

Length: 15 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Return to Fillory in the riveting sequel to The New York Times best-seller and literary phenomenon of 2009: The Magicians.

The Magicians was praised as a triumph by readers and critics of both mainstream and fantasy literature. Now Grossman takes us back to Fillory, where the Brakebills graduates have fled the sorrows of the mundane world, only to face terrifying new challenges.

Quentin and his friends are now the kings and queens of Fillory, but the days and nights of royal luxury are starting to pall. After a morning hunt takes a sinister turn, Quentin and his old friend Julia charter a magical sailing ship and set out on an errand to the wild outer reaches of their kingdom. Their pleasure cruise becomes an adventure when the two are unceremoniously dumped back into the last place Quentin ever wants to see: his parent's house in Chesterton, Massachusetts. And only the black, twisted magic that Julia learned on the streets can save them.

The Magician King is a grand voyage into the dark, glittering heart of magic, an epic quest for the Harry Potter generation. It also introduces a powerful new voice, that of Julia, whose angry genius is thrilling. Once again Grossman proves that he is the modern heir to C.S. Lewis and at the cutting edge of literary fantasy.

©2011 Lev Grossman (P)2011 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“[A] serious, heartfelt novel [that] turns the machinery of fantasy inside out.” (The New York Times [Editor’s Choice])

“[The Magician King] is The Catcher in the Rye for devotees of alternative universes. It’s dazzling and devil-may-care.... Grossman has created a rare, strange, and scintillating novel.” (Chicago Tribune)

“Fabulous fantasy spiked with bitter adult wisdom—not to be missed.” (Kirkus Reviews [starred review])

a great read

I love the book and the reader did so well bringing it so to life

just plain awesome I loved every minute!!

was a very intriguing and mesmerizing book 2 in this series I can't wait for #3

Contemporary fantasy romps through comparative religion

It worked well as an audiobook because it didn't matter if I lost the plot from time to time. The narrative was engaging enough from moment to moment for that to be worthwhile in and of itself. Interesting speculation about metaphysics and magic.

Highly recommended, and not just for young readers

Where does The Magician King rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of my favorite audiobooks, and one I might listen to again.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Magician King?

When Quentin and Poppy used the Sixth Gold Key to open a door to the NeitherLands and were trapped there, I thought they were cooked. Excellent suspense, and a good resolution to the tension followed.

Which character – as performed by Mark Bramhall – was your favorite?

He did a fabulous job with Poppy.

Any additional comments?

Mark Bramhall performed marvelously, creating a uniquely expressive voice for the narrator as well as every character, major and minor.

It's good to be king...isn't it?

Like its predecessor, The Magician King follows Quentin Coldwater, now King of the fantastical land of Fillory, as he deals with the existential struggles of being a powerful wizard with a real personality. Subverting your expectations appears to be a favorite pastime of Grossman's two Fillory novels; just when you think you've got the course charted, along comes a fresh gust to blow the story into a strange new direction. This time around, Quentin's friend Julia fills the role of angst-ridden magician in the making, but her story is at once darker and more ultimately uplifting than Quentin's was. The story as a whole feels easier, less fraught, and less self-conscious than the previous book, even though it's arguably a more mature and thoughtful treatment of magic, desire and a person's ability to live with themselves and their choices.

Great book

Not as good as the first but still a very entertaining read. You will enjoy.

Better than Harry Potter

If you like a world with magic this is the series for you. I’m not a reader and I’ve blitzed through these out of excitement!

Great development in the new series.

Grossman has really done a great job with this second book in what I am hoping is a new series for these magicians. It is easy to tell that the characters and Grossman are both more mature and more sure of personalities, roles in the story, and dialogue. The plot takes off as the 4 - Julia, Quintin, Elliot, and Janet are kings and queens in Fillory and as they once again get drawn and dragged into quests and adventures. There are great weaving story lines and Grossman has some great moments of twists and reveals. I am expecting there to be at least one more in this series with how it ended, very leading into a new step type ending, but still very well done.

Very Enjoyable

Thoroughly entertaining continuation of book 1, and Mark is an amazing reader. The story is well written and well developed with Mark weaving an oral cinematic experience.

never seen anything as rich and intereting

relatable, daring, funny, it makes you want to be a part of the story. this is my new favorite book