Review of The Magician's Secret

[Stephen Christopher 1]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Magician's Secret" by Charles Townsend.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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From Borlock, the traveling magician, Delvin knew that magic wasn’t real, that it was all sleight of hand tricks. Then all of a sudden, he starts to have visions, and things he wishes for begin to come true. Has he become a true magician? Can he perform magic? Or is something more sinister at work? And what is the Magician’s Secret that’s worth killing people who discover it?

The first book in the Illusions of Power series, The Magician's Secret by Charles Townsend, promises to answer these questions and more.

The book opens with our hero, Delvin, standing over Borlock’s dead body with a chair leg in his hand and no memory of what just happened. He manages to talk his way out of being charged with murder and leaves town. However, things take a drastic turn when he’s arrested for a new crime and taken to a castle. Saved by an unexpected ally, he sets off on a dangerous adventure with much larger implications than he could imagine.

Charles has a way of describing places with finite detail. It’s easy to picture every destination. He’s even put illustrations and maps at the beginning of the book, ensuring the reader understands the entire landscape. His character development is also on point. Some people in the story will endear themselves to you, while others you’ll loathe. I get the feeling that’s exactly what Charles wants.

The opening page grabbed my attention, but it waned a little as I got to the middle of the book, as I felt that it took a while for things to start happening again. Thankfully, once they did, it was a page-turning race to the end as all the questions began to be answered.

There was absolutely nothing for me to dislike about this book. With just the right level of magic, action, and some romance, this book deserves its 5 out of 5 stars rating.

There are some graphic descriptions of battle scenes and body mutilation. Young adults and up who like battle stories with magic themes will enjoy this novel. The Three Card Trick is next in the series, and I’m sure many who read the first will be compelled to grab the second one right away.

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The Magician's Secret
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[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

This book feels like one of those fantasy-themed blockbusters targeted to a wide audience. It remains to be seen how the MC, Delvin, stands out from the rest of the magical fantasy protags.

[Stephen Christopher 1]

This book feels like one of those fantasy-themed blockbusters targeted to a wide audience. It remains to be seen how the MC, Delvin, stands out from the rest of the magical fantasy protags.

Hi Michael, yes this fun fantasy novel appeals to a broad audience. It's definitely worth adding to your list.

[Priya Murugesan]

I have this book and absolutely enjoyed it, Stephen! Your review is spot on and I enjoyed reading it!

[Gerry Steen]

I am halfway through this story. I agree with everything in this review. The author's use of descriptive details makes me feel like I am in the story. Great book! Great review!

[Stephen Christopher 1]

I have this book and absolutely enjoyed it, Stephen! Your review is spot on and I enjoyed reading it!

Thank you so much Priya

[Kutloano Makhuvhela]

I have read this book and I must say, I love the incorporation of the practical magic. It was something I found different and unexpected. Great job with the review. People should give this book a read. They will enjoy it.

[Stephen Christopher 1]

I have read this book and I must say, I love the incorporation of the practical magic. It was something I found different and unexpected. Great job with the review. People should give this book a read. They will enjoy it.

Hi Kutloano, thanks for stopping by and thank you for your kind words. I agree, people should read this book, and the next two in the series.

[Sarah Zain]

I read some pages of this book along with the different reviews about it and put it on my list since it was the book of the month. Fantasy and magic I love stories that combine both. Comprehensive review Stephen!

[Stephen Christopher 1]

I read some pages of this book along with the different reviews about it and put it on my list since it was the book of the month. Fantasy and magic I love stories that combine both. Comprehensive review Stephen!

I actually wrote this book back when it was botm and it only just got published this month hehe.

[Julie Marie Basil]

I am excited to hear that this story was so compelling and am interested in reading the book after reading your review of it. Thanks for another great review, Stephen!

[Stephen Christopher 1]

I am excited to hear that this story was so compelling and am interested in reading the book after reading your review of it. Thanks for another great review, Stephen!

Thanks Julie, I think the final book of the series has recently been released, so I have some catching up to do. I'd be keen to know what you think of this one.

[Diana Lowery]

Your endorsement for this book has "almost" convinced me to give this one a try. However, I am not normally a magic fan, and the body mutilations are a turn-off. I did enjoy your review, though.

[Stephen Christopher 1]

Your endorsement for this book has "almost" convinced me to give this one a try. However, I am not normally a magic fan, and the body mutilations are a turn-off. I did enjoy your review, though.

Hi Diana, I totally understand. Magic isn't usually my genre, but as this was a book of the month I gave it a try, and I was surprised.

[Magdalyne chebet]

Your review felt like a conversation with a friend who just finished a great book—honest, enthusiastic, and vivid. The twists, the mystery, and the magic all sound so intriguing. I’m definitely adding "The Magician’s Secret" to my reading list! Great review