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james_desantis 's review for:
The Books of Magic Omnibus, Vol. 1
by Neil Gaiman, John Ney Rieber
The Books of magic is a big omnibus. It might be the biggest I've ever read being over 1500+ pages. But it doesn't stop it from being pretty damn good the whole way through.
The first 4 part series is the original comic created by Neil Gaiman. He was on a hot streak with Sandman and this feels like an extension to that in some ways. Basically Tim is a boy who will become the greatest magic wielder of all time, with his trusty owl Yo Yo. This 4 part series takes on into the magical world of DC and basically is a tour of the DC world through a fresh set of eyes, young, and not to entuned with it. Making the viewer who isn't familiar with this world comfortable traveling with Tim too.
The main meat of the book though is the series by John Ney Rieber that gets to showcase Tim growing up. This is really a coming of age story with lots of magic! Tim is put into situations that might make him end up dead. From facing off against a creature who has kidnapped him, to dealing with a succubus, to going through puberty. This book gives us everything from real life situations to over the top, dragons talking, and spiders making deals with people. It's zanny but in all the right ways.
The side stories in-between are probably the weakest part. They add to the overall lore, sure, but some are weaker than others, and none are as good as either the 4 part mini from Neil or the main series by John Ney Riber, which make them feel less impactful in the overall reading. I wouldn't say any are "bad" except maybe the E storyline but none are 4 out of 5 like the main series.
But really the best part of this entire series is the characters. Tim's growth through the series is wonderful, Molly is a excellent character as well and love interest, Leah becomes a favorite of mine throughout, and even the supporting cast like Tim's dad and such all help build up this realistic feel to the characters despite being in a very magical world.
Overall, if want something different, a bit heavy with the themes, and some great characters, The books of Magic Omnibus is a great buy. A 4 out of 5.
The first 4 part series is the original comic created by Neil Gaiman. He was on a hot streak with Sandman and this feels like an extension to that in some ways. Basically Tim is a boy who will become the greatest magic wielder of all time, with his trusty owl Yo Yo. This 4 part series takes on into the magical world of DC and basically is a tour of the DC world through a fresh set of eyes, young, and not to entuned with it. Making the viewer who isn't familiar with this world comfortable traveling with Tim too.
The main meat of the book though is the series by John Ney Rieber that gets to showcase Tim growing up. This is really a coming of age story with lots of magic! Tim is put into situations that might make him end up dead. From facing off against a creature who has kidnapped him, to dealing with a succubus, to going through puberty. This book gives us everything from real life situations to over the top, dragons talking, and spiders making deals with people. It's zanny but in all the right ways.
The side stories in-between are probably the weakest part. They add to the overall lore, sure, but some are weaker than others, and none are as good as either the 4 part mini from Neil or the main series by John Ney Riber, which make them feel less impactful in the overall reading. I wouldn't say any are "bad" except maybe the E storyline but none are 4 out of 5 like the main series.
But really the best part of this entire series is the characters. Tim's growth through the series is wonderful, Molly is a excellent character as well and love interest, Leah becomes a favorite of mine throughout, and even the supporting cast like Tim's dad and such all help build up this realistic feel to the characters despite being in a very magical world.
Overall, if want something different, a bit heavy with the themes, and some great characters, The books of Magic Omnibus is a great buy. A 4 out of 5.