Located in the Windy City, the Chicago Magic Lounge doorway stands as a portal into a world of wonder, mystery, and illusion. As one approaches the entrance, a sense of anticipation and excitement fills the air. The doorway itself is unassuming, blending seamlessly into its surroundings on Clark Street. However, behind those doors lies a thrilling adventure, where the impossible becomes possible. Stepping through the Chicago Magic Lounge doorway is like stepping into a time machine, transporting visitors back to an era where magic was revered and celebrated. The ambiance is reminiscent of the hidden speakeasies of the Prohibition era, with dim lighting, rich velvet curtains, and a vintage bar serving up classic cocktails.
Of course, it’s all fun and games until someone turns to stone, and that’s literally what happens on opening night when a spell aimed at Thorn hits the opponent next to her. Thorn was obviously the target, but the small minded in the crowd think that it must be the Spares doing this. Who else would be willing to use ancient, evil, forbidden magic to win a game if not the degenerate Spares?
The Olympics of the witch world, the Golden Frog Games encompass a week of magical competitions across the Twelve Towns and this year, Seven s coven is making history again. Of course, it s all fun and games until someone turns to stone, and that s literally what happens on opening night when a spell aimed at Thorn hits the opponent next to her.
The ambiance is reminiscent of the hidden speakeasies of the Prohibition era, with dim lighting, rich velvet curtains, and a vintage bar serving up classic cocktails. The atmosphere is intimate and cozy, creating the perfect setting for an evening of enchantment. Inside, the main room opens up, revealing a stage bathed in warm light.
Golden Frog Games, The
Since Witchlings, Seven and her friends Valley and Thorn have been forged into a coven. It’s a coven of Spares . . . but still. Their rise to power, completion of the impossible task, and unveiling of a horrible conspiracy have witches everywhere talking about Spare rights. Plus, Seven has now been named the Town Uncle and her powers will eventually be equal to the Gran. Perhaps things in the Twelve Towns are looking up for Spares?
Meanwhile, The Golden Frog Games are approaching. The Olympics of the witch world, the Golden Frog Games encompass a week of magical competitions across the Twelve Towns and this year, Seven’s coven is making history again. Thorn has joined as a fashion design competitor.
Of course, it’s all fun and games until someone turns to stone, and that’s literally what happens on opening night when a spell aimed at Thorn hits the opponent next to her. Thorn was obviously the target, but the small minded in the crowd think that it must be the Spares doing this. Who else would be willing to use ancient, evil, forbidden magic to win a game if not the degenerate Spares?
It’s now up to Seven and Valley to save Thorn from this enemy in the crowd. But a lot of other things are going on. Seven is hearing the Nightbeast calling to her, and her magic is becoming . . . well . . . monstrous. And Valley has a girlfriend and is suddenly unavailable for her friends. Could this be the end of the tight knit coven? Could this be the end of Thorn?
While the first in the series, Witchlings, started off with enough action and emotion to enthrall even adult audiences, the magic is weaker in this sequel. The investigative angle here takes a backseat to the themes of the story, leading to an eventual sloppy revelation that’s just not as tight nor as compelling as the first book.
First, we have themes of sexuality in this book, something arguably not appropriate for the young children to whom it is pitched. We have a drag witch (a fey who made a few guest appearances alongside our favorite ghost in the first book) narrating the games, some witches using they/them pronouns, and then Valley’s star-crossed lesbian love affair. Regardless of your stance on these items, it’s fair to say that they are polarizing and not appropriate for 12-year-olds. They, however, make up the thrust of the story. It’s preaching. Preaching that gets old and is heavy handed. As a Christian myself, these were all worldviews aimed at children that I also cannot support. If you’re interested in the whys and whereofs of that, I recommend a book called The Right to Be Christian in a Gay Rights America by Elreta Dodds.
Once we get past the book’s heavy-handed worldview pushing, the characters don’t feel as warm here. They are literarily floating away from one another, after all that tension and worldbuilding and overcoming trauma that came in the first book. Despite being in the games, Thorn is barely in the book. Seven is keeping some serious secrets, and Valley is too busy with her girlfriend to care that much about . . .you know . . . someone trying to kill her friend. The warmth and friendship that was so hard won is gone, and we’re stuck with a group of strangers again. A group we don’t like very much.
What is interesting is Seven’s new monster calling. It picks up the darkness from the first book, and leaves room for an interesting sequel. I appreciated the softening of the Nightbeast and the proclaimed kindness to animals. I mean, the Nightbeast rocks.
The who-dunnit here is also a bit rushed, and honestly, I couldn’t figure out who the end perpetrator was. I know it was someone we met earlier in the book, but this person seemed more like a side character. I also didn’t fully understand the person’s connection with the original villains from the first book. While I appreciated some of the subterfuge around the perp, the end reveal was nowhere near that of Witchlings and I left confused. Who did what? Why?? It still wasn’t clear.
The conclusion finally ends on a sad note; a very, very sad note. Obviously, it’s going to be picked up in a sequel, but this time it’s too much of a downer. I don’t read middle grade fiction much, but I admit I was looking forward to not being depressed and darn it if they didn’t go and depress me!!
I’ll probably read the next book in the series. The writing is good and there is some imaginativeness here, plus the Audible narrator has some series storytelling skills. However, I don’t think this is a good book for children, based on the reasons above about hardcore pushing of sexual agendas. At the very least, if you have a mature child who wants to read this, you’re going to need to read it with them and have some discussions. Parental discretion advised.
– Frances Carden
by chim_chay
Spectators gather around tables, eagerly awaiting the start of the performance. The main idea stands out here: the Chicago Magic Lounge doorway grants access to a captivating show that will leave audiences spellbound. Skilled magicians take the stage, weaving illusions that defy logic and reality. From mind-reading tricks to mind-boggling escapes, every act is meticulously crafted to leave viewers astounded and questioning the laws of nature. The Chicago Magic Lounge doorway is not just a portal to a memorable evening, but also a testament to the city's rich history of magic. Throughout the Lounge, visitors can find vintage magic memorabilia, paying homage to the many great magicians who have graced Chicago’s stages over the years. Beyond its awe-inspiring performances and historical tribute, what truly sets the Chicago Magic Lounge doorway apart is its sense of community. It serves as a gathering place for both seasoned magic enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike. While the magicians wondrously entertain on stage, the audience can engage in conversation, sharing stories and experiences. It is through this sense of connection that the magical art form is kept alive and thriving. In conclusion, the Chicago Magic Lounge doorway is not just an entrance, but a passage into a world of enchantment. It is a place where the impossible becomes possible, where history and mystery intertwine. Through its captivating performances, homage to magic's past, and sense of community, the Lounge stands as a beacon of the magical arts in the heart of the Windy City..
Reviews for "Unveiling the Chicago Magic Lounge doorway: Where fantasy becomes reality"
1. John - ⭐️⭐️ - I had heard so much about the Chicago Magic Lounge Doorway and was excited to see what the fuss was about. However, I was thoroughly disappointed with my experience. The entrance was confusing, and no one was there to guide us. Once inside, the atmosphere was lackluster and the performances were underwhelming. It felt more like a crowded bar than a magic show. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time and money on this supposed "magic" lounge.
2. Sarah - ⭐️ - I have to say that the Chicago Magic Lounge Doorway was one of the worst experiences I've had in a long time. The door staff was extremely rude and unhelpful, making me feel unwelcome right from the start. The magic performances were lackluster and unimpressive, and the venue itself was poorly maintained. The drinks were overpriced and the service was slow. Overall, it was a waste of my time and money, and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable evening of magic.
3. Matthew - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - As a fan of magic shows, I was excited to visit the Chicago Magic Lounge Doorway. However, the actual experience fell short of my expectations. The entrance was difficult to locate, and once inside, the atmosphere felt chaotic and unorganized. The magic performances themselves were alright, but they lacked the wow factor that I was hoping for. The ticket prices were quite high for what was offered. While it wasn't a terrible experience, I can't say that I would actively recommend it to others.