Kelly Link The novel's climax includes some spectacular magical battles to complement the complex emotional entanglements Grossman has deftly sketched in earlier chapters. Lev Grossman has written a terrific, at times almost painfully perceptive novel of the fantastic that brings to mind both Jay McInerney and J. Martin The Magicians ought to be required reading for anyone who has ever fallen in love with a fantasy series, or wished that they went to a school for wizards. Grossman's sensibilities are thoroughly adult, his narrative dark and dangerous and full of twists.

Solidly rooted in the traditions of both fantasy and mainstream literary fiction, the novel tips its hat to Oz and Narnia as well to Harry, but don't mistake this for a children's book. The Magicians is to Harry Potter as a shot of Irish whiskey is to a glass of weak tea. Lev Grossman meets the challenge head on. Scott Smith, author of The Ruins These days any novel about young sorcerers at wizard school inevitably invites comparison to Harry Potter. It's strange, fanciful, extravagant, eccentric, and truly remarkable-a great story, masterfully told.

The Magicians is fantastic, in all senses of the word. Junot Diaz, author of DROWN and THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO Anyone who grew up reading about magical wardrobes and unicorns and talking trees before graduating to Less Than Zero and The Secret History and Bright Lights, Big City will immediately feel right at home with this smart, beautifully written book by Lev Grossman. From the life of Quentin, his slacker Park Slope Harry Potter, Grossman delivers superb coming of age fantasy.

Author of the magicians