A review by lionchasing
The Magic Shop by Justin Swapp
4.0
*Edited after reading [b:The Shadow's Servant|41464533|The Shadow's Servant (Shadow Magic, #2)|Justin Swapp|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1535302519l/41464533._SX50_.jpg|45641218]. The parts I'm striking from the original review are marked as spoilers instead. If you care, this will give a view into how my review evolved after reading further in the series.*
I am going to divide this review into two parts - an objective review of what is a solid YA fantasy novel, and my subjective thoughts based on my own tastes.
Objectively this is a pretty good YA fantasy novel, targeted I think to young teens and following most of the normal conventions. Kid discovers he's more than he knew, goes on a journey into unknown territory, tastes both darkness and light, runs into fantastical things along the way, and comes out of it more mature. There are enough minor twists to keep it interesting enough for older and younger readers/listeners alike. This is a good start to a series for young fans of magic and adventure. +After reading further, I'll double down on this; it's an awful lot of fun once you get into it.
My subjective opinions are from the perspective of a middle-age adult. I struggled to get fully interested in where the story was going until half way through. There were a half dozen times or more that I threw up my hands in frustration because someone did something illogical for what seemed like no reason other than to lead into the next confrontation. This, more than anything was the biggest hurdle for me, and I maintain that the real villains of this story are the grandparents for many of these moments. +After reading further in the series, it's clear this was an intentional choice and I've come to view my frustrations as investment in the characters. It doesn't make the first half of this book less frustrating, but it is worth soldiering on if you feel the same!
I give the book an even 4 stars. It is right in the wheelhouse for YA fantasy amd I think the book accomplishes what it sets out to do, and the series gets better from here. Would selectively recommend to fantasy-loving middle-grade teens.
Note: I received a free copy of the audio book with encouragement for an honest review, and picked up the kindle edition separately.
I am going to divide this review into two parts - an objective review of what is a solid YA fantasy novel, and my subjective thoughts based on my own tastes.
Objectively this is a pretty good YA fantasy novel, targeted I think to young teens and following most of the normal conventions. Kid discovers he's more than he knew, goes on a journey into unknown territory, tastes both darkness and light, runs into fantastical things along the way, and comes out of it more mature. There are enough minor twists to keep it interesting enough for older and younger readers/listeners alike. This is a good start to a series for young fans of magic and adventure. +After reading further, I'll double down on this; it's an awful lot of fun once you get into it.
My subjective opinions are from the perspective of a middle-age adult. I struggled to get fully interested in where the story was going until half way through.
Spoiler
.. for two specific reasons listed in order of how I experienced them. First, listening to this in audio form, Steve Barnes' narration was unexpectedly breathy. I sampled his other narrations and that's his style, so in the end no fault here, but it was off-putting at the beginning for me. Second and more significant, decisions made by and reasoning (or lack thereof) given by most characters at various points - in particular the grandparents - were illogical and frustratingly flawed. This isn't uncommon in YA novels, but it's also entirely possible to stock a YA book with nuanced characters who make logical decisions that still lead us through the tropes of YA fantasy.I give the book an even 4 stars.
Spoiler
3.5 stars as a print book. The story Justin Swapp provides - absent my concerns about logic -Spoiler
In audio form, Steve Barnes' narration adds another half star for excellent charaterizations.Note: I received a free copy of the audio book with encouragement for an honest review, and picked up the kindle edition separately.