The Rad Librarian

I always judge sequels more harshly than an original work.  If I’m thrilled with the freshness of a book, why would I want anything else or risk critically re-evaluating a beloved text.  So when the sequel is as good as or better than the first, it’s a cause for celebration.  This is a long way to saying that even though I loved loved loved The Magician, this is even better.  It adds more depth and pathos in the tale of Quentin and Julia as they leave Fillory as they desperately try to return.  This is not a stand alone work.  You will need to read the first to understand the second.  May Lev write 5 more and kick Narnia to the curb.

Performance artists Caleb and Camille Fang have always used their children as unwilling participants in their public pieces.  The siblings need each other to keep themselves sane, and try and move on with the lives.  Yet, when circumstances put them back home at the same time, they know their parents are up to another major piece that will disrupt their sense of family forever.  Insightful, funny, and cringeworthy, this is a great debut novel with very memorable characters.