While not as good as The Magicians, this book was at least entertaining. I expected to like it more, after all it's a book about books, but that wasn't the case. It was a mediocre read about a mysterious book, an ancient library and, well, romance. Kind of. Not recommended. ( )

http://tinyurl.com/yzjx6jt

Quite the most frustrating tale. Entirely engrossing up until the last 30 pages and then big, huge, FAIL.

First, why create a protagonist who doesn't care about anything that's presented to him? Edward isn't a slacker, but he's not anyone you should bother yourself to care about. Books? Eh. Games? Eh. Weird girl who's been helping me? Yeah, okay, I'll sleep with her, but... Eh.

Second, you made us care about this book-that-doesn't-exist. When you do that, you can't just snatch it away from us in the most horrible manner whatsoever. Unless you're thinking of creating a sequel that would be more along the lines of a thriller than a mystery. (No, really, please don't.)

Third, recognize that creating an engaging narrative about a subject that interests you does not mean you have the slightest idea of how to structure such a tale. Take some introductory novel-writing classes. Get yourself involved with a writer's group. Being a book critic is not a qualification, so just... learn to write. ( )

I actually read this twice! By mistake. I read it when it first came out and liked it pretty well. It's an easy read. Then I just picked up Grossman's newest title and read the front flap only to see Codex listed and didn't remember reading it. I read it abut 3/4 of the way through again, enjoying it because i couldn't really remember much of it. It was a good story the first time, but unmemorable writing and characters make it forgettable. I love reading books about books though. ( )

Lev Grossman has written a novel, CODEX, which is at once a mystery about books, coincidences, deception and very old secrets. The protagonist is Edward Wozny, a young investment banker who has just begun a two week hiatus before moving from New York to London. During this hiatus he is drawn to the home and library of one of his clients and becomes involved, along with an eccentric young scholar, Margaret Napier, whom he enlists to help him catalog the books. Most important is one particular ...more Lev Grossman has written a novel, CODEX, which is at once a mystery about books, coincidences, deception and very old secrets. The protagonist is Edward Wozny, a young investment banker who has just begun a two week hiatus before moving from New York to London. During this hiatus he is drawn to the home and library of one of his clients and becomes involved, along with an eccentric young scholar, Margaret Napier, whom he enlists to help him catalog the books. Most important is one particular book, the Codex of the title, which becomes the object of their quest. It seems the library, belonging to the Duke and Duchess of Bowmry, may contain a book invaluable to the aristocratic family. And as much as the Duke wants it to remain hidden, the Duchess wants it found. Soon, Edward also wants to find the book, as he is pulled deeper into the search.

As the search develops Edward becomes obsessed with a computer game, MOMUS, and apparently the game and the search for the Codex are connected. The tale spins out questions as to the existence of the book and the reason for the interest of the owners in it. While the mystery grows the book, thankfully, develops neither in any particular dangerous nor violent directions. There is simply an air of mystery and a few, perhaps a few too many, coincidences as the story develops. The author inserts dream sequences into Wozny's story which I found a bit cumbersome, but, ultimately the story was entertaining with an interesting blend of the modern and medieval that works surprisingly well. There are sufficient details about medieval books to keep bibliophiles happy while the writing style is pleasant and never too heavy. I found Codex a thought-provoking tale for relaxation and enjoyment. ( )

I really enjoyed reading this book. I was surprised that I liked it so much. Usually, the main character becomes more and more appealing to me as I read their story. In this case he didn't, but he was certainly believable. He remained a Yuppie dweeb who lacked the courage to really live his life but at least he had this one adventure. And yet, in his own way, he exercises backbone when I least expect it.

The suspense made this a compelling read but also the interesting facts about the search for and preservation of ancient books gave the book a lot of depth.

Mr. Grossman, I certainly plan on reading your other books. ( )