Another magical tale from McKillip

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	• Od Magic Patricia A. McKillip Ace Trade, 2006 - 320 pages average customer review:based on 28 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Magic, Indeed

There are few writers in the fantasy field these days whose work is so consistently good as Patricia McKillip. OD MAGIC, while perhaps a notch short of her fluid, near-flawless best (see: OMBRIA IN SHADOW, SONG FOR THE BASILISK), is among the best fantasy novels I have read so far this year.

Moreso than many of McKillip's recent novels, OD MAGIC weaves together a diverse group of characters and storylines, more loosely tied together than I'd expected--her previous novel, ALPHABET OF THORN, was a marvel of synthesis that wove what felt like two completely distinct books into a single, multifacted story; here, the four or five principals exist side-by-side in the same time and setting, but some are less integrated and less integral than others, and most part in much the same way they were drawn together in the first place. It feels odd (no pun intended) when an author noted mostly for the creation of a strong cast of characters changes the focus somewhat, but it works, and the characters that rise highest from the group--the story telegraphs none of this, and that's a knock-out--are more than worth waiting for.

As always, McKillip's artistry envelopes the novel in a mood and feel far brighter and deeper than any McFantasy can reach. OD MAGIC is a fine book, and deserves a place in any collection of traditional and literate fantasy fiction.

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terrific fantasy tale

In the Northern Country of the Kingdom of Numis, the giantess wizard Od asks Brenden Vetch to come to the capital of Kelior to become gardener at the Old School of Magic that she established years ago after protecting the city from invaders. Living in sorrow since his parents died and his brother Jode and his girlfriend Meryd left the sadness behind by moving on, Brenden accepts the position.

Brenden arrives at the school after walking for several months, but shocks instructor Yar Ayrwood by entering through the door under the big shoe; a portal not used in almost two decades and not seen by most people. The students are mostly the sons and daughters of the ruling class hoping to gain an edge in their loyal support of King Galin. Former student Wizard Valoren arrives as the monarch's chosen one to spy this year's students to insure none display disloyalty. Valoren is unaware at this time that the real threat lies in a reticent new employee who talks and listens to the plants as he speaks their language.

OD MAGIC is a terrific fantasy tale starring a delightful protagonist, a vile villain, and an assortment of eccentric supporting characters including the mysterious wonderful Wizard of Od. The story line grips the reader from the moment that a befuddled Brenden enters the school through an unused for two decades portal and though wizardry driven, mesmerizes readers until the final spell is spun. Patricia A. McKillip writes a charming tale that showcases why she consistently one of the best fantasists on the market today.

Harriet Klausner

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Another magical tale from McKillip

I agree with the other reviewers; not her absolute best, but wonderful just the same. I loved the intertwining characters and story lines. However, I found the ending to be a little too abrupt, neat and clean. That said, McKillip is one of favourite fantasy writers. Her style of imagery is so vivid that it's hard to say that one "reads" her books.
When will her publisher re-issue her earlier works (The Sorceress and the Cygnet, The Cygnet and the Firebird, The Riddle Master of Hed) in hardcover with cover art from Kinuko Craft?

reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, page 6

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