I wanted to like this book so much. I thought I did for the first 50% or so. But I didn't. I just didn't.

I started reading this so that I could watch the TV Show (because obviously always read the book first!). I liked how Quentin found Brakebills and how it gave him an escape from a life he wasn't happy with. I even understood the fact that Brakebills didn't give him everything he wanted and didn't boost him out of his depression. I loved Alice and liked the Physicals. I was intrigued by Julia - but it looks like she comes back in a big way in book 2 (and from what I read she has a larger role in the show). What I really didn't like was the fact that the story seemed to fly through about 5 years worth of time before and during Quentin's schooling.

Spoilers now.

Then I was about 3/4 of the way through the book before we really got to "the story" if you could call it that, when the characters went to Fillory. This book reminded me a lot of the Bell Jar, probably because I just read it but also because of the way Quentin seems to swim through his life as though it's not directly affecting him. I hate that. I hate when things are 'skimmed over' in books. Give me the details! Give me action! I was so frustrated by how quickly things moved and how little there was in between.
The one redeemable thing is that the Beast is probably the creepiest villain I've ever read. Ever. I had nightmares about that guy. Good writing I guess.

Don't know if I'll read book 2. Will probably still watch the show and see if it's better.