Tria The Triangle’s Reviews > The Magicians > Status Update

It happened so gradually that I just noticed how much development our main cast has gotten. Ever since Q had that conscious thought that, "even she has her own hopes and dreams," he's become a more balanced and personable individual. It goes back to why I was so excited about such a flawed MC when I began the book. He's not perfect, no one is, but Q is now somebody I'm happy to follow for the rest of the story.

"Controlling those energies [magic] requires a calm and dispassionate mind." (pg. 88) And that answers a lot of questions and confirms my developing theories. Afterall, the kids that end up in Brakebills are the most disillusioned people that can't handle our world's reality. But playing the part versus living the part in your escapist fantasy world... Well, living "the dream" isn't as easy as you'd hope.

I'm very interested in these characters so far. They're flawed, got their quirks, and Grossman is definitely setting them up for major development. Quenten, based on my impressions from the first 3 chapters, has the most room to grow. The unreliable narrator could be disguising major faults in others, of course. And everything is weaving together with wonderful social and psychological commentary!