Unkindness of Magicians: A Codex From Late Antique Business Education (P.Math.)

Pretty interesting read, quite unsual. I have always been fascinated towards magical realism and while flipping through few books, I found this one and got really intrigued towards it.Really liked the individual characters that were being developed throughout the plotline. Sydney being a head-strong and fierce character with intelligence and looks supporting her, she becomes an interesting character. The different houses and the tussle between them, the challenge of Turning, House of Shadows, fascinating, extremely fascinating.When it comes to the writing, it is very plain and simple and a quick read. Definitely worth recommending, especially if you like to read books on fantasy, magic and conflicts.

Beautiful book, good addition to my collection

I've bought and gifted this book 5 times now.I just bought my 6th one. This one is for keeps.Kat Howard tweeted my back letting me know she is working on a sequel. You can Google this for more info.I love this book. One of my fav's :)

I'm a fantasy and sci-fi reader - It's been an awful long time since I had this much fun reading a story. Maybe not the most profound or literary work - but after an exhausting week and a brutally trying weekend to come, this hit the spot. Thank you!

A whole different New York with a hidden, twisted dark society. The magic system is novel, I loved the kick-ass MC, the political intrigue and the action. Great read, would recommend.

Received in exchange for a honest review.I was enchanted and snared by the tendrils of this great dark twist on the world of magic.The writing was incredible and the story had a lot going on. It is told in the view of Sydney as she enters the world of magic away from the House of Shadows with her own intent. What does Sydney show us? So much. She shows us the good and bad of magic. The consequences of magic and gets others like Laurent to see who pays the price for those above using magic.The story has a horrible serial killer killing for the need for more magic. A woman intent on gaining more power only to have her world tumble and she becomes humbled. Two honorable young men one out to prove himself and the other out to show up his father and a young woman who makes a great sacrifice for magic in and of itself.We are embarking on the great tournament called the Turning. Here the houses duke it out to become head of magic. This gives the house basically control of everything including the House of Shadows. A dark and not so nice place where sacrificial lambs are so others may not pay the price for the magic they use. It is a well of magic. Only there is more to meet the eye. Magic has been polluted by greed. Greed that now has magic becoming out of control. We see this in the turning at some of the challenges and only Sydney can truly fix this.While this is being discovered we learn about Laurent and how he wants his own house. He is the one Sydney chooses to represent and they do develop a friendship. He shows Sydney not all those with magic are greedy but honorable and will do what is right. He is her friend and this is something she takes seriously. Even if her motives aren’t quite the same as hers. She does respect him and see that once he learns the truth of magic he wants to right the wrongs he has done. He is quite loyal to his greedy friend who has many wondering about him.The other man who gives us smiles is Ian. He is one that Sydney doesn’t want to like but does. She notices he is different. He doesn’t use the well of magic because he knows and cares. He also believes in her and they have a dalliance going on.The characters are polarizing. Either you like or don’t like. And this is based on their actions. Grey for example you begin liking but once his actions are seen you sneer. At times you do feel bad for him but as you see his character you do hope that he gets his just desserts. Ian you respect and like especially with how he is willing to give up for his sister’s safety and his friendship with Sydney. Laurent you can’t help but like. He isn’t greedy or wanting. He wishes to have a house so anyone can have a place to belong that other Houses reject. Sydney is a strong character as well that you truly respect.With each page the story gets more twisted, darker and enthralling. You see great character development and a story that is character driven. There are several plots that intertwine and keep you guessing but also in the moment. As you get further in the Turning and the danger ratchets up so does the mystery of what is going on with magic, the House of Shadows and it’s reasons and hopefully downfall and all that the characters are having happen in their world and how it changes. The writing is elegant and ensnares you from the beginning. A wonderful dark and intriguing twist on the world of magic that has you from beginning to end.

The book had really wonderful ways to describe how people used their magic. I wish it had more ways to explain why being the head of the magical houses was so important because I saw no real benefit to it. The villains were also very easily dealt with in this book and I think maybe as a screen play would have been more effective for the stuff written in here. But It was enjoyable and I managed to finish it.