Stephan Zielinski
Books: Fantasy
Bad Magic (2004)
Bad Magic (2004)
I had Bad Magic on my wish list for a long time, and finally I got it for Christmas from my brother. I put off reading it, because it's hardback, and I just don't find hardback books comfortable to read. But being home with the flu seemed like a good time to try it, especially as it's a short book.
If Bad Magic reminded me of anything right from the bat, it reminded me of The Illuminitas Trilogy, primarily in it's style of writing. The story starts and we're kind of thrown to the dogs (so to speak) as far as trying to figure out what is going on.
Some individuals have their third eye open, which means they can see the world as it truly is, and have learned that there are two sides; once your third eye has been opened, you have a choice to make–and to make quickly.
The cast of characters are strange and unusual, and as with much of the story going on in the background, you're never quite sure who is doing what and why.
So what does this book having going for it? It's urban fantasy at it's finest. Magic and technology can combine to make marvelous creations, and beings you thought were myth truly exist. Thing is, most people, when confronted with anything supernatural, simply forget the occult and forget that anything out of the ordinary happened.
It also has a story that tears out from the gate and even if you're confused (which I was at times) you still want to know what happened.
If you don't like urban fantasy, or you gave up on the Illuminatis Trilogy, then this book probably isn't for you. But if you like urban fantasy, then you may want to give Bad Magic a chance–assuming you can find a copy.
Publisher: Tor Books
Rating: 7/10