59 pages 1 hour read

Lev Grossman

The Magicians

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Magicians by Lev Grossman follows 17-year-old Quentin Coldwater, who is unhappy with his life in Brooklyn despite his solid home and academic success. After discovering a notebook titled "The Magicians," Quentin finds himself at Brakebills College, where he studies magic. Despite forming friendships and falling in love with Alice, the pressures of magical life and personal struggles lead Quentin from an initially fulfilling experience back to uncertainty and longing for purpose.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The Magicians by Lev Grossman has been praised for its imaginative world and mature take on the fantasy genre, exploring complex themes of power and desire. Critics applaud its intricate character development and dark, realistic tone. However, some find its protagonist unlikable and the narrative slow-paced at times. Overall, it stands out for its originality and depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Magicians?

Fans of Lev Grossman's The Magicians are typically readers who enjoyed J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series but crave a darker, more adult take on magic and personal discovery. Comparisons to C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia and Neil Gaiman's American Gods highlight the novel’s blend of fantasy and existential themes.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Fantasy