Friday, April 12, 2013

The City of Dark Magic

City of Dark Magic, by Magnus Flyte
Source: free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
View on GoodReads

When I first started playing around on NetGalley, I requested this book not realizing it was actually already published. Shortly after I got approved for it, I spotted it at my library and quickly switched to the print edition -- I just can't help myself, I'm a true paper-book girl at heart! And if I'm perfectly honest, after I finish the titles I was approved for during the initial excitement of my husband's new iPad, I don't think I'm going to use NetGalley much for this very reason. I love the access to new and exciting titles for review, but I just don't like reading on an electronic device. I still love to browse the newly added books just to see what's coming out soon, but these days I have to be dying to read a particular title to be tempted to request it. Nothing against the site or anyone who uses it because it's a truly awesome service, I'm just a little more old-school than I would have thought!

Anyway, back to the book! I absolutely loved this book. I adored every single minute spent reading it. I stayed up late into the night just to read a few more chapters (before I moved) and it killed me that it took me so long to finish the rest of it (after I moved!). This was not the book's fault in any way -- life just gets in the way sometimes, as I'm sure you all know. 

The City of Dark Magic has been described as imaginative, entertaining, and magical and I definitely agree with all those descriptions. It was also laugh out loud funny in many places and I LOVE  when that happens, especially in a book that is not specifically billed as "humor." I thought the writing was sharp and witty and the main character Sarah had quite a bit of spunk for a Beethoven scholar. She's a bit risque, but it was a refreshing change from all the inexperienced good girls that seem to be so common in novels. Her decisions and actions aren't going to sit well with everyone, but I give her credit because this chick owns it. Some might call her a slut, but I'm certainly not going to. I also thought it was interesting that her attraction to men is largely based on scent. Again, this was a refreshing change from the endless descriptions of how gorgeous/hot/sexy the male characters are.

For me, this book was just the right blend of adventure, mystery, intrigue, and romance. Throw in a great cast of characters and I think it's an all-around winner. I've already ordered a print copy to add to my collection because I know I'll want to revisit this story again someday!

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This book counts toward my reading goals for:
2013 ARC Reading Challenge
2013 Chunkster Challenge (464 pages)
2013 Series Catch-Up Challenge

8 comments:

  1. I think I'm as old school :) Won't even attempt any digital devices for reading for a while.

    As for the book, can't wait to read it! We have just decided on travel destination for this summer, which is Prague, so even more so. So glad you liked it!

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    1. I was very anti-ereader, but then when my husband got his iPad, the siren song of pre-release review books proved strong and I decided to give it a try. I just find it so much more enjoyable to actually flip pages of a "real" book though and I know that now for sure!

      And I don't know how I wrote this entire review without mentioning that it takes place in Prague -- oops! But, yes this would be a really fun summer read, especially if you're planning to visit the city it takes place in.

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  2. I'm going to have to look for this one!

    And I've pretty much given up on NetGalley, too.

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    1. If you get around to it, I think you'll like it Sus.

      It certainly has its advantages, I just miss holding a "real" book in my hand!

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  3. First off, it is totally acceptable to be old-school. I get that way after I have read several books on my reader, I prefer to have the physical book in my hands. I request way less netgalley books now. (I of course still have several more to read, but you know.)

    I'm glad to finally read your review on this. This sounds like a really good book! You got me all excited! It sounds different, fun, and just basically awesome. Plus, a spunky Beethoven scholar? I'm sold. I have added it to my TBR pile. I'm hoping my library will have a copy in next time I'm there. That or I may just have to put it on hold. :)

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    1. Glad I'm not the only old-school reader! I do hope you like it -- I was surprised by how many negative or middle-of-the-road reviews I saw for it since I enjoyed it so thoroughly. I hope this writing team has more projects in the works!

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  4. This sounds delightful and I have added it to my list, based on your review. I love printed books, but I have RA and reading on an electronic device is so much easier for me, plus it supports my late nite reading habits. I can lay in bed while my hubby sleeps and read for hours..LOL

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    1. So glad to have intrigued you! Those are definitely some benefits of ereaders -- maybe someday I will give the iPad another chance!

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I'd love to hear what you think :)