Minor Mage
Ratings50
Average rating4.1
T. Kingfisher is always good. This is marketed as a kids book, and it very well might be if you know your kid. At least one “swear,” and grown tough me found one scene scary. But I think books for children should acknowledge primal fears, which we all feel.
Minor Mage is a coming of age story where adults expect a child to fix their problems. It's about mob mentality. It's about this child learning to process all of this and figure out who he wants to be, what kind of adult he wants to become.
I want more books with snarky armadillos.
This was a slog. Things keep happening to the protagonist, he never really gets in control of them, and then eventually, his quest just ends and the book is over. There are some similarities to Wizard's Guide, but that book was much better.
Maybe not my favorite from this stellar author, but still worth the read. Manages to be funny, scary, imaginative, and poignant. I'm not sure if it is a children's book or not, but it teaches valuable life lessons that kids need to know including “adults are selfish and awful,” and “you really don't want to know the inner thoughts of pigs.” Oliver is indeed a minor mage, and it's a refreshing surprise that he doesn't suddenly become great and powerful through his quest, but he does learn that even minor mages can get the job done. Of course the armadillo steals the show, but for all his sarcasm, he really loves Oliver and their relationship forms the heart of the story. I don't think I would recommend this book to someone who is a T. Kingfisher newbie (I'd suggests [b:Nine Goblins 18735220 Nine Goblins T. Kingfisher https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1403880756l/18735220.SX50.jpg 26611013] or [b:Clockwork Boys 36618062 Clockwork Boys (Clocktaur War, #1) T. Kingfisher https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1511019840l/36618062.SY75.jpg 58376790] to ensure immediate addiction) but for fans of hers any release is cause for celebration.
Warm, coming-of-age type of story featuring characters who are likeable and not whiny. T. Kingfisher has become one of my favorite authors these past couple years due to her skill with characterization.
Like everything T. Kingfisher writes, this can be summed up as utterly charming.