Mr. Magical Kiersten White is an author known for her enchanting and mystical storytelling. Her books captivate readers with their unique blend of fantasy, adventure, and romance. One of the main strengths of Mr. Magical Kiersten White's writing is her ability to create vivid and imaginative worlds. Each setting feels like a living, breathing entity, with its own distinct flavor and atmosphere.
When I was about halfway through Mister Magic, I saw something in a review about the author’s reasons for writing her story, and I immediately flipped to the end and read the Acknowledgments. This changed the entire story for me, and to be honest, I’m not sure whether that was a good thing or a bad thing. Up to that point, I never would have guessed that she was writing about a specific time in her own life, although to be fair there are clues if you’re paying attention. So reading the second half was a much different experience. I was armed with this knowledge, and the story took on an entirely different meaning. So the question becomes this: which is better, knowing about the author’s past before you read the story? Or finding out after? I kind of wish I hadn’t known, so my recommendation to you (if you choose to pick this up) is to wait and read the Acknowledgments at the end.
Mister Magic by Kiersten White Published by Del Rey on August 8 2023 Genres Adult, Horror Pages 295 Format ARC Source Publisher Buy on Amazon Goodreads. This is a weird little story, full of metaphysical dream sequences, unreliable memories, and magic as well, and if you re a reader who needs concrete answers, you might not find them here.
Each setting feels like a living, breathing entity, with its own distinct flavor and atmosphere. From the ancient forests of forgotten realms to the bustling streets of magical cities, her descriptions transport readers to fantastical places they've only dreamt of. In addition to her world-building, Mr.
Book Review: Mister Magic by Kiersten White
I’ve said before that Kiersten White is one of those authors whose books I’ve always liked the sound of, but I never liked their writing. Until I picked up Hide. I realised I like her writing about horror, so I was eager to give this one a chance. Thank you once again to Del Rey for sending me a copy. This was a quick read to end my chaotic reading-to-review pile for a bit, ha!
Mister Magic is the children’s show that lives on in the backs of people’s minds and rumours. No one can remember what really happened, but after a tragedy struck, the show ended. Thirty years have passed, and the five remaining cast members have been brought back together for a podcast in the middle of a desert compound. But something sinister is going on in the background and as the circle rediscover things about themselves and who they are now, they have to wonder if they’re really here by choice or if they’ve been lured into a trap.
Despite the summary’s focus on the entire circle, in this book, we mostly follow Val, who actually doesn’t remember anything about what happened when they were kids. But despite that, she’s still suspicious and has a bad feeling about the whole thing, so it was interesting to see her start to figure things out. You see a little of other characters’ perspectives with the side chapters and bits in between. There are emails, social media discussions and also chapters where you see what’s going on behind the scenes. It adds to the building creepiness, and it really was well done.
I do have to admit that I think I enjoyed this one a little less than Hide, but I think this one might appeal to a few more people. I do really love the idea, and I enjoyed the book. I just didn’t quite like the mystery element as much.
That said, the mystery element is very tied in with religion, even if that doesn’t become obvious until it’s mentioned. You can definitely see the problematic elements that come from the Mormon faith in the way a lot of the women are talked about and treated. It feels kind of yucky and misogynistic, but that’s also something that this circle of former kids have all fought against and wants to change. So that was awesome. But, the reason that White included these themes was that she grew up Mormon herself and recently left the religion for the sake of her kids. So seeing those ideas and themes that she’s unlearning herself for the sake of her kids, through the views of other parents who want to do the same was very interesting. It’s also kind of brave to speak up against something you grew up around and no longer agree with, so I definitely respect her for that.
As with most horror, this book was super easy to get through. After stumbling through some quite heavy reads recently, this one was a breath of fresh air. Was it the best-written thing? Not at all. In fact, elements of the ending definitely felt too fast and a little too easy. The romance was also a bit quick, especially when you consider the ending. But, all in all, I did genuinely have a good time.
I’ll definitely be continuing to pick up White’s adult horror because she has some excellent ideas that blend media and society with horror, and this one was no exception.
4/5 Stars
Title: Mister Magic
Author: Kiersten White
Genre: Horror
Age Range: Adult
Publisher: Del Rey
Release Date: Out Now
Despite the summary’s focus on the entire circle, in this book, we mostly follow Val, who actually doesn’t remember anything about what happened when they were kids. But despite that, she’s still suspicious and has a bad feeling about the whole thing, so it was interesting to see her start to figure things out. You see a little of other characters’ perspectives with the side chapters and bits in between. There are emails, social media discussions and also chapters where you see what’s going on behind the scenes. It adds to the building creepiness, and it really was well done.
Magical Kiersten White is also known for her dynamic and complex characters. They have depth and nuance, with both strengths and flaws that make them relatable and compelling. Whether it's a fierce warrior princess or a misunderstood sorcerer, her characters leap off the page, pulling readers into their stories and making them emotionally invest in their journeys. Another hallmark of Mr. Magical Kiersten White's work is her ability to weave intricate and unpredictable plots. Her stories are filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Just when you think you have it all figured out, she throws in an unexpected curveball that leaves you gasping for breath. This exhilarating storytelling keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. Overall, Mr. Magical Kiersten White is a masterful storyteller who excels at creating enchanting worlds, compelling characters, and gripping plots. Her books are perfect for anyone who wants to escape reality and immerse themselves in a truly magical reading experience..
Reviews for "Diving into the Spellbinding Universe of Kiersten White"
1. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Mr Magical" by Kiersten White. The plot felt disjointed and rushed, and I found it difficult to connect with the main character. The magical elements were underdeveloped and lacked depth, which ultimately left me feeling unsatisfied. Overall, I felt that the book had a lot of potential but fell short in execution. I wouldn't recommend it to others who are looking for a well-crafted and engrossing magical story.
2. Josh - 1/5 stars - "Mr Magical" was one of the most disappointing books I've read in a long time. The writing felt amateurish and lacked the polish and finesse that I expect from an established author like Kiersten White. The characters were one-dimensional and the dialogue was unconvincing. The story itself was predictable and had no surprises or twists to keep me engaged. I struggled to finish this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written magical novel.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Mr Magical," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The pacing was off, with long stretches of dull and uneventful moments followed by rushed and chaotic action sequences. The world-building felt shallow and lacked the necessary depth to immerse me in the story. Additionally, the romance between the main characters felt forced and lacked chemistry. Overall, I found "Mr Magical" to be a lackluster read and would advise others to explore different magical novels instead.
4. Ryan - 2/5 stars - While "Mr Magical" had an intriguing premise, the execution fell flat for me. The writing style felt repetitive and overly descriptive, which made the story drag on. The characters lacked development and their actions often seemed illogical and inconsistent. The magical elements introduced were interesting, but the explanation and exploration of them were superficial at best. I was left wanting more from this book, as it failed to fully engage and captivate my imagination.