Magic and the Boys Who Are Enthralled by Me Magic has always held a certain allure and fascination for many people, but perhaps one of the most enchanting aspects of this mystical art is its ability to captivate the hearts and minds of boys. From a young age, boys are drawn to the world of magic, and those who possess the skill to perform it seem to wield an almost irresistible power over them. There is something inherently intriguing about the idea of being able to manipulate the world around us, to bend reality to our will, and this is precisely what magic represents. For boys, who are often seeking adventure and excitement, the concept of magic offers an escape from the mundane and a glimpse into a world of infinite possibilities. It is no wonder, then, that boys who encounter someone with magical abilities are instantly enthralled. Whether it be a skilled magician performing mind-boggling tricks or a fictional character wielding supernatural powers, boys are drawn to those who possess this extraordinary ability.
Whether it be a skilled magician performing mind-boggling tricks or a fictional character wielding supernatural powers, boys are drawn to those who possess this extraordinary ability. They are lured by the mystery, the suspense, and the sheer wonder that magic evokes. In a world where rationality and logic often prevail, magic offers a sense of enchantment and wonder that is sorely lacking.
The Vanishing Trick
This utterly mesmerising tale ensnared me like a willing moth to a flame and held me in its dark enchantment from start to finish. The mystery, magic, superstition and unexpected twists are perfectly cloaked in a richly portrayed Victorian society with fascinating characters who grabbed my attention from the opening.
Leander has recently been orphaned and is finding his new life a real struggle, sometimes having to resort to stealing in order to stave off his desperate hunger. After one such theft, he finds himself running from his pursuer and, eager to escape, discovers a rather unusual carriage – and the enigmatic Madame Pinchbeck. She offers to help him by buying his mother’s locket but, after an intriguing warning, he refuses to sell it.
Dire circumstances, however, lead him back to Madame Pinchbeck. She preys on his desire to speak to his mother again, telling him that she can make his dearest wish come true as she is a medium. Unable to resist and desperate for some kindness, Leander hands over his most precious possession, and finds himself cruelly caught by Pinchbeck’s magical ability. Too late, he realises that he has made a terrible mistake, and finds himself vanished into his mother’s locket which is now his prison (known as a ‘cabinet’) where a piece of his soul has been trapped, leaving him vulnerable and at the mercy of Madame Pinchbeck.
Leander is not the only child trapped by this dark magic. He soon meets Charlotte and Felix who apprise him of his new situation. They are inextricably bound to Madame Pinchbeck who uses them as part of her act to trick her rich Victorian clients during seances. So begins an incredibly atmospheric, tension-filled, dark and dangerous tale as the children race to escape from the clutches of Madame Pinchbeck before one of them might disappear forever …
Oh my goodness! I was instantly captured by the absorbing plot which is enticingly intricate and intriguing and so very, very clever! My heart was racing as I turned the pages to find out how all the layers were woven together and I was not disappointed. I don’t want to go into details for fear of giving away spoilers but, suffice to say, this is a story that will take you on an enthralling and sinister adventure, revealing secrets, twists and shocks galore along the way. I am in awe of how all the threads in this story came together so perfectly and with such heart-warming satisfaction.
The Victorian setting for the story is richly imagined with its portrayal of the lives of the rich and poor in society and its dual fascination with spiritualism and technology, both used to sinister effect by Madame Pinchbeck.
What can I say about Madame Pinchbeck? She is a deliciously dark and complex villain who appears sugary sweet in her fake sincerity on the outside in order to ensnare her victims, but has an insidious darkness inside: vengeful, sinister and hungry for riches and fame. She is a child snatcher on par with the Pied Piper of Hamelin and the Child Catcher.
The three children, Leander, Charlotte and Felix, are incredibly endearing and courageous. They are all suffering from heart-breaking loss, are desperately searching for something which is precious to them and, having found each other, come to develop wonderfully sincere friendships full of trust, loyalty and love. They work as a team in order to survive, supporting and helping each other despite the great risks they take and their terror of their captor. My heart broke for them, but was also filled with warmth as I understood that, even in their moments of greatest danger, they would never give up on each other.
The Vanishing Trick is an utterly gripping mystery brimming with peril, eeriness and spine-tingling darkness, but also with friendship, warmth and hope. This really is a must-read which I cannot recommend highly enough.
Thank you to the Publishers, Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an e-ARC in return for my honest opinion.
Marysimms middle grade 7 Comments 30th April 2020 3 MinutesIt taps into the imagination of young boys, allowing them to believe in something beyond the ordinary, something extraordinary. This belief fuels their fascination and fills them with a passionate desire to learn more, to uncover the secrets behind the tricks, and perhaps even to possess magical abilities themselves. The boys who are enthralled by magic are often seen as dreamers, as individuals who dare to defy the boundaries of reality and embrace the unknown. They are unafraid to venture into uncharted territories, to challenge conventions, and to explore the realm of the impossible. Magic becomes not just a source of entertainment but a source of inspiration, motivating these boys to strive for greatness and to push the limits of their own potential. It is through their interactions with the world of magic that boys learn valuable lessons about perseverance, creativity, and the power of belief. They develop an appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the world around them, and they are encouraged to think critically, to question, and to explore. Magic, in essence, becomes a catalyst for their personal growth and intellectual development. In conclusion, magic has a profound effect on boys, captivating their hearts and minds in ways that few other things can. It ignites their imaginations, inspires their dreams, and encourages them to embrace the unknown. It is through their encounters with magic that boys develop a sense of wonder and curiosity that will undoubtedly stay with them throughout their lives..
Reviews for "Magic and Its Irresistible Pull on Boys"
1. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - While I usually enjoy fantasy books involving magic, "Magic and the boys who are enthralled by me" fell flat for me. The plot was predictable and lacked depth, and the characters felt one-dimensional. The main character, despite having magical abilities, was portrayed as annoying and self-centered, which made it difficult for me to root for her. Additionally, the romance aspect of the story was cliché and lacked chemistry. Overall, I was left disappointed by this book and wouldn't recommend it to others looking for an engaging fantasy read.
2. Mark - 1 out of 5 stars - "Magic and the boys who are enthralled by me" is a prime example of a poorly executed young adult fantasy novel. The writing style was juvenile and lacked sophistication, making it difficult to become immersed in the story. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, with their actions and motivations often feeling forced and unrealistic. The plot was predictable and offered no surprises or originality. As a fan of the genre, I was thoroughly disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to fellow readers.
3. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic and the boys who are enthralled by me," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The pacing of the story was inconsistent, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed and confusing plot developments. The main character lacked relatability and depth, making it difficult for me to invest in her journey. Additionally, the dialogue felt unnatural and forced, often leaving me cringing. Overall, while the premise had potential, the execution was lacking, making this novel a forgettable experience for me.