Review: The Greatest Magician (Prequel to The Magicians' series)
Author: Elena Paige
Format: ebook
Source: Book Sirens
From Goodreads: "A convention for magicians! Mages and illusionists casting spells and performing spectacular tricks! The perfect annual event for every magical family!
Except for someone like Jack Roberts.
His mother is The Great Linda, a woman who can’t die. His dad has the power to heal. His sister can bend people to her will. But Jack has no such magic up his sleeve. He’s about as ordinary as can be. In fact, the annual Magicians’ Convention is the very last place on Earth he wants to hang out.
Then Jack discovers there might be a way for him to gain magic after all.
How far will Jack go in his desperate quest for magic? And who can he trust?
See where it all began in The Greatest Magician, a prequel following the adventures of young Jack and his family years before the events of The Magicians’ Convention."
My Opinion: Per the author: "This book is The Prequel to The Magicians' series. It can be read as a stand alone book, but is awesome when read after book 1: The Magicians' Convention."
I didn't read this prequel before reading The Magicians' Convention, but Ms. Paige is correct - it can be read as a stand alone. In fact, it was a very good introduction to what I think is going to be an excellent series. You don't have to rely just on MY opinion - I had my 13 year old son read it along with me and he loved it! Rave reviews were given all around.
Jake is the only member of a magical family without magic. He tries and tries, and acts like it doesn't bother him, but when the occasion presents itself to obtain a magic coin that could just possibly give him magical abilities, he jumps at the chance! Unfortunately, it turns out that this will not be an easy feat. He meets some kids at the Magicians' Convention who have the same idea, and they team up to get the coins.
The characters were fleshed out nicely. You really get a feel for where they are each coming from, which is remarkable given the fact that this is not a full length novel (as it is a prequel) and there is lots and lots of action. The world building very well done - it is now my life's ambition to find and attend The Magicians' Convention, even if I have to sneak in!
The writing did something most books cannot do, and that is keep the attention of my ADHD 13 year old son! Trust me, that is no easy task. Being a middle grade book, I like to get his opinion when possible to make sure my review is accurate, and we both loved this one. The pace was well done and easily kept our interest, and for this reason, it was a quick read. We are looking forward to reading book 1 of this trilogy.
In summary, I enjoyed this book very much and highly recommend it to lovers of MG fantasy books with an emphasis on magic, which is a favorite of mine. I give it an enthusiastic 5/5 stars.
I received a copy of this book free of charge from BookSirens in exchange for my honest opinion.
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