Od Magic

By: Patricia A. McKillip

Narrated by: Gabrielle de Cuir

Length: 11 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Brenden Vetch has a gift. With an innate sense he cannot explain to himself or describe to others, he is able to connect to the agricultural world, nurturing gardens to flourish and instinctively knowing the healing properties each plant and herb has to offer. But Brenden's gift isolates him from people and from becoming part of a community - until the day he receives a personal invitation from the Wizard Od. She needs a gardener for her school in the great city of Kelior, where every potential wizard must be trained to serve the Kingdom of Numis. For decades the rulers of Numis have controlled the school, believing they can contain the power within it, and have punished any wizard who dares defy the law. But unknown to the reigning monarchy is the power possessed by the school's new gardener, a power that even Brenden isn't fully aware of, and which is the true reason Od recruited him.

©2005 Patricia A. McKillip (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"With lyrical prose, well-limned characterizations, vibrant action, a sense of the wonder of magic, and a generous dollop of romance, this is a story that will bind readers in its spell." ( Booklist)
"World Fantasy Award-winner McKillip demonstrates once again her exquisite grasp of the fantasist's craft....[A]n otherworldly delight" ( Publishers Weekly)
"Lyrically told, the novel evokes an enchanting atmosphere and thoughtful tone...." ( KLIATT)

Fantastic Story and Telling

I so enjoyed this book, full of hope, wonder, relationships come and gone, issues brought to right and of course Magic… If you take the time too read it; you’ll be completely captivated 🌟⭐️🌟⭐️🌟

Beautiful prose, so-so story and terrible narrator

McKillip's imagery is rich and dense, and I enjoy the way she paints pictures with words, though I suspect the surrealism and dream-like quality of some scenes will wear on some people's patience. Unfortunately, the reader seems inspired by this aspect of the prose to read in a slow, sing-song voice like a bad actress playing a person under hypnosis.

As for the story, I thought it had potential, but it never seemed to grow complex. The characters didn't evolve enough, especially Brendan Vetch, who seemed originally meant as the protagonist, but seems the least interesting character by the end. We are presented with a supposedly dangerous mystery, and character conflicts, but just as everything is coming to a climax, Od, the ancient wizard who everyone respects and no one will defy, steps in and fixes everything like a teacher sorting out squabbling children.

If it weren't for the narrator, I'd say it was still worth a listen, so I recommend listening to the sample before buying.

Wonderful!

I love Patricia McKillip. Her books have a lovely fairytale whimsey, so if you like that kind of thing, you'll love her, too.

Magic moves through this story like a garden breeze, and reading it started me on a fantasy kick that has seldom been satisfied to this degree. If you're like me, you will come to love the characters, the setting, and the sweetness. I found myself wishing there would be a sequel -- in fact, I would love a series!

Unfortunately, McKillip only writes one-offs, so savor every lovely minute of this work of art.

For something like it, I recommend "Wildwood Dancing" by Juliet Marillier.

A curve ball

This story begins as a sad one. As the author tries to compel you into a interesting fairytale. It brings you into the perspective of Brandon and his grief. The story isn't about Brandon its about everyone else. It's a bit deceptive in the beginning.
Brandon lives as a hermit and is then introduced to Od who tells him of his gift of magic.
Then when he goes to the big city to Ods school. You get some interesting characters who have forgettable roles and it's hard to keep the perspectives straight at times.
It's not a terrible story, but it does leave some unanswered questions.

Od Magic

Like other commenters have written, this is not her best book. Here are the good aspects of this book:
-Unique writing style
-Unique plot(kept me guessing)
-Unexpected(which was good), but abrupt, ending
-Interwoven story lines were very well done, not forced like other book's I've read recently
-Fairy tale fantasy, not D&D/Tolkien based fantasy
-Lighter subject matter (no one dies, battles), but like all of this author's work, this is pulled off exceedingly well. Makes for easy reading while still feeling the tension.
-Cool and different magic and just enough history to feel like a complete world.
-Many fully realized characters: everyone mentioned had a full story behind them.

Bad parts include:
-Narrator when she tries to be a male character, she sometimes changed her voice too much. She was a good narrator overall.
-Abrupt ending, no truly fullfilling 'moral of the story is' moment as you would expect from a Fairy tale
-Valoren being a idiot(Really?! Your that blind to everyone around you?! Really?!!). Same goes for the king. They were never really fleshed out as characters. We never really learned their motives for being so ruthless.
-No real battles or deaths. Lots of threatening of them by one party or another, but we never get the chance to believe them. A threat without a weapon is not a threat

This gets 4/5 because, despite its flaws, it's still awesome to listen too. Go in expecting lighter fare, non-Tolkien based stuff. As a one shot, non-series, story it's great.

great potential but..

it's written an interesting way the concept is enjoyable I wasn't a terrible listener. I would have improved upon some things such as quality of the words not over doing like it was most of the book it's hard to connect to it characters are mostly flat story is for the fillers need more depth.

Pleasantly surprised

I had no idea what to expect. I jumped into this book feet first without reading about it. While I had my moments of difficulty with continuing with the book, I am so glad I kept with it. I actually loved it. And the lesson it teaches...just amazing.

WOW was that fun! enlightening almost as if

I wish Valerian said he was shown the night the princess used magic to get his attention. then said I will defy the king's orders to marry you if you wish. I will live forever in heartbroken in regret if you don't let me try again. what a great book I'm 63 and maybe a soft hearted old man.

an interesting book

I was confused in the beginning why a book about a gardener had so many other characters but they do all end up coming together. I will definitely be listening to this one again.

great reader - good story

I do not understand the criticism of the reader. I think she did a magnificent job. the story is good, however in some points it gets a little slow. but in general I liked very much the book