Staff recommends: The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Everyone growing up wants to believe that there is a fantasy world where they can escape to; a place where there are magical creatures and where Kings and Queens rule. Quentin is an everyday teenager from Brooklyn, New York who believes that magic is real. When he accidentally steps between the real world and the magical world, he ends up at a school called Brakebills, where he is accepted in as a student of magic. As he learns spells, new friendships are formed and Quentin's dreams finally come true when Quentin and his friends reach the magical world of Fillory; a magical land they all dreamed was real. Along the way they find out the real back story to the Fillory novels, and the danger that lurks behind each corner. Taking inspiration from Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia, The Magicians is a tale about friendship, and the magic and adventure they all encounter together. This is a fantastic read for anyone who loves the Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia series as you will be able to pick up on the influences quickly. The reading is fast and there is a lot of action and a little romance. This is the first book in the trilogy written by Lev Grossman.

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