Customer Reviews

Magic Fire

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Yes, this book was a bit confusing. But I find it nice to be challenged a little, even by a young adult novel. I thought Mr. Pike did a wonderful job of keeping his readers on their toes. I suggest this to anyone who enjoys being twisted about a bit.

As I have seen written here, I am also upset by other reviewers' condemning the readers who enjoyed this book. Enjoying this type of fiction doesn't make one illiterate. I happen to like this genre because it is fast and relatively light, a good escape from the everyday. And my literacy and comprehension are at a doctoral level, according to the last test. Yes, I am an adult and also enjoy adult fiction, nonfiction, etcetera; but having read Mr. Pike since I was a child, for 12 years now, I am still a fan. I will continue to read what he produces with interest - whatever it may be.

First comment... The cover and back of the book are so misleading. Cut that out, whoever is in charge of that stuff! :) I know you can't just say what the book is about on the back cover, but you don't have to lie about it, and this summary isn't as bad as some. Even so, I think the front cover looks cool, despite it having nothing to do with the story.

Now a little reminiscing. I remember hearing about this book not long before we founded The Midnight Club four years ago, and then we didn't know if it was called Magic Fire or Fire Magic. Given that at least the title is pretty old, that generates a lot of questions. When was this book was actually written? How long has Pike had at least the outline completed? Why did it take so long to write? Was MAZE conceived of later on, throwing a whole new twist on the bulk of the plot and frustrating many of you? If you really think about it, this book in a way predates even the last 3 Last Vampires. Weird, huh? It makes me really curious, and I think I might ask Pike (and if he actually replies, I'll be sure you to let you know).

I really liked this book. Nothing really disappointed me, except that it was too short (although actually relatively long for his YA books). Pike took a lot of liberties in constructing the plot, but as other Pike readers I have talked with have already mentioned, the book makes you question your own reality. As I was reading it, I was reminded A LOT of the movie Matrix, and I had to remind myself that Magic Fire was written before that movie. Still, it kind of blows the prospect of Magic Fire being made into a movie.

I think if I had read The Grave after I read Magic Fire, I would have been more disappointed with The Grave. But since Magic Fire is now the most recent Pike book I have read, I'm waiting in anticipation of his next book, which I have heard nothing about. Wondering when we'll get those other books Pike has been hinting at... By the way, if you made it this far in reading, Pike DOES NOT intend to write The Cold One II: Seedling. Sorry. :(

-Scott/Wags

I started reading this book and thought it was one of the best Chirstopher Pike books around. I never read about a pryromaniac before and thought it was an interesting topic. Then around page 100, the story starts to take a nose-dive from which is only barely recovers from. The alien plot in the book seemed to unrealistic for this book and the story isn't all that plausible to begin with. Still, no one has a track record like Mr. Pike. This is the only book of his that I haven't liked. And when is he coming out with a new book? I hope "The Grave" isn't his last book...

I have been reading Mr. Pike's books since Weekend came out in 1986 (?). I am now in my 20s, and still look forward to his releases. I enjoyed this book immensely. I liked the plot twists and challenging nature of this work. It was nice to be asked to think by a YA book. I found myself imagining where it would go next, wondering what was real. In some ways, I found it reminiscent of the recent movies the Matrix and eXistenZ, although he must have written it before these were released. I didn't find the violence or sexuality at all excessive, or the book itself to be too confusing. But then, I am probably older than the average reader. If you are looking for a book that raises the standard of young adult fiction, this is for you.

I am 21 years of age and have been reading Pike's books since i was 13, not once have I been dissappointed by his work, and Magic Fire proves to me that he still possess the skill to write highly original and thought provoking books. Let's hope there will be many more Pike books in the years to come.

Well all I can say is that it is a shame that so many seem to deem this book not worthy. This story was so fantastic. It may have gotten a little complex at some moments, but it kept me wondering what was the real truth. When I read this, I couldn't put it down. For some particular reviewers I find it a disappointment to hear them judge this book in such a cruel manner, and then attack some of the reviewers for enjoying this book. I feel that as a Pike reader you have to expected both the expected and the unexpected. But if you really wanted to read two books that are so unlike Mr. Pike's but still as beautiful and as meanful as the next try reading The Midnight Club or Sati. And I think that Mr. PIke does a great job at intertwining many themes into his stories. So if there is one thing I can say, this book is another job well done for Pike!

My long wait for this book ended in such a terrible dissappointment. The book was very confusing and utterly boring. I haven't even finished it yet and don't know if I even want to. I am so sick of this sci-fi, alien, vampire crap he's writing. Mr. Pike please stick to books like Gimme A Kiss, Weekend, Execution of Innocence and Fall Into Darkness. These are truly your best works and some of my most favorite books. Stay away from books such as Magic Fire, The Starlight Crystal, and The Tachyon Web or you will forever have lost a fan and reader.

In general, I love Christopher Pike. So when I bought this book I was really excited. I got half way through and gave up on it. It was just so boring. I couldn't understand what everything had to do with each other. And it was too weird for me. For a good Christopher Pike read, I recommend the Midnight Club, instead.

This book took forever to come out! And after it finally did I wish I had not wasted my money. It was boring,and confusing at times. It could have been good, IF it was about pyromania and not aliens.

Pike is among the few authors out there that can make me feel as if I'm amidst all that's going on. I have not read all of his books, (nowhere near!:) but the ones that I have read are great. I especially liked this one and for what reason exactly, I'm not sure. I read this one straight through with no breaks. As for the reviewer also from San Diego, I happen to be a VERY literate person, especially for a 14-year old girl. I read and comprehend at a college plus level easily and tests have confirmed that. One is entitled to their opinion of THE BOOK but it is not necessary to bash the readers of that book or even that author for that matter. I am sorry but I feel like I've been attacked and need to defend myself. It's a weird thing about me. :) Anyway, I found the storyline very intriguing so it wasn't hard to read it right thru. The ending, however, was a bit confusing and I had to reread that one part. All in all it's a good read.