Customer Reviews

Night Magic

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I read this book a few years ago and was shocked to learn that Thomas Tryon had passed away while revising the story. This will truly be his last novel. I loved Harvest Home (his best), The Other and Lady, but I was not disappointed with Night Magic. The Story was captivating and was hard to put down. At times it was scary and moving, and had a great ending that brought tears to by eyes. I wish there could be more beautiful books from him. Can't wait for the movie. Loved it and hope you will too. He will be missed!

Any criticism of this last novel by Tom Tryon must be tempered by the fact that it was actually an unfinished work at the time of his death & therefore any review must acknowledge that the final version of his novel may not have met even the author's high standards at the time of its publishing. Tom Tryon was an exceptional writer, and those parts of the novel that are clearly written by Mr Tryon are superb... the unsatisfying parts I leave credit for at the feet of those who "finished" writing it for final publication... after his death.

I bought this book since the prior reviewer gave it 5 stars.... Well, I wasn't as impressed as the other person. It wasn't a bad book & did have a good storyline/ending. The problem I had was the history of the older magician was confusing. Also, I would have liked more history regarding the older magician's wife. I thought she was the most interesting character other than than the older magician. Basically, this book could have been better IMO & wasn't a 5 star read.... I ended up donating my copy to local library....

The book was pretty predictable and unimpressive. What was actually intriguing was left under-explored, such as the history behind the older magician. The book was billed as a modern update on "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" yet it failed to actually update anything-- there was no addition or twist on the original story-- resulting in a predictable, though competently written story. It wasn't bad, but it definitely could have been better.

Several years ago a read 'Harvest Home' and the 'Other' was very surprised that Tom Tryon wrote these thrillers.
He just did't seem like the type of person to write this type of books. Night Magic did not have the thrill technique, but it was very interesting.