Hansen Christopher

The world of the Magician’s Workshop might be a future earth reduced to islands, or a magical other-earth hidden far away. But it’s a relatable place filled with believable characters, like a cross between JK Rowling’s Hogwarts and Veronica Roth’s Divergent. Natural dialog, description and action build the world in the reader’s mind, while curious pseudo-quotes add depth, and “Power, Kingdom and Glory” offer longed-for rewards.

Everyday magic is enhanced by a root tasting so show more vile, only magic can make it palatable. Everyday people are condemned to non-magical lives if they don’t express “color.” Everyday kids play games and prepare for inevitable testing and graduation. But only the best get the best trainers. And only the best of the best make it into the workshop.

The Magician’s Workshop remains a slightly mysterious goal throughout the novel. Part Hollywood, part mystical power, it seems a curious blend of hope and threat. But it’s only attainable for these teens if they achieve something no amount of preparation can give. The novel explores that natural helplessness of growing up, through magical excitement, enticing mystery, and well-balanced threat and promise. It’s so much more than the usual coming-of-age dystopian fantasy—smoother, cooler, and wonderfully wrought.

And it’s volume 1—a book that ends with a satisfying sense of completion, but promises so much more. Volume 2 is surely a must-read.

Disclosure: I was given a copy by a publicist and thoroughly enjoyed the read. Highly recommended. show less

Volume 2 of this exciting series follow on directly from Volume 1, building convincingly on the world and characters that come before, explaining some details, deepening others, and creating at least as many questions as it answers. New characters are added to the mix, bringing new dimensions of mystery, and new concepts for readers to imagine and ponder. Honest Kaso might have to lie. Mathematical Jaremon might be betrayed by statistics. Sweet Aliva may struggle with truth and betrayal. show more Meanwhile naturally clean and emotional language draws readers in to the struggles of very human, if magical, teens on the cusp of growing up.

“Grow up, become a mage, and then devote everything to becoming a magician. Then everything will be okay…” But perhaps there’s more to life than fulfilling dreams after all, especially when not all the dreams are yours.

A fantasy series that invites the reader to think as well as enjoying the adventure, the Magician's Workshop is highly recommended.

Disclosure: I was given a copy by a publicist and I offer my honest review. I love this series! show less

Review can also be found in https://chillandreadblog.wordpress.com/2017/01/15/the-magicians-workshop-volume-...

All people in the islands of O’Ceea have some magical abilities! Whatever they imagine can be brought into existence, if only they try and practice a little. It is a whole new world with endless possibilities. The most talented people, those who are the masters of projection, they become magicians, gaining power, fame, glory and riches. This elite can work in the Magician’s show more Workshop, an honor that all people in O’Ceea seek, or at least almost all.

The wonderful world of O’Ceea is described in the first Volume of “The Magician’s Workshop”, along with the stories of Layauna, Kai, Talia, Kaso and the rest of the young adults and aspiring magicians. Their talents are described in the most colorful way, as are their aspirations. However, only those that have Color inside them, will be able to work in The Magician’s Workshop; talent is not enough despite the wonderful projections our little friends come up with. So the have to practice well and believe to themselves.

Fantasy books, describing new, different worlds with all kinds of life and abilities are sometimes hard to digest. This is not the case with “The Magician’s Workshop”. The two authors, have done a great job describing their world, O’Ceea, a bunch of islands left after the great flood, as they call it. The different communities there, have examples of our own world. What is emphasized in the book is the personal work and devotion someone has to apply in order to get their dreams come true! This is one great positive message to our youngsters, so different than the fairy tales about magic. Yes magic exists, but if you want to achieve something, you need to work for it!

Another theme on the book is companionship and cooperation. Some of the book characters are friends against all odds. Even they may not be allowed to hang out with each other, they still do as they would never abandon their friends. Under this circumstances, the gang joins forces to create something big, even if it is only for their own fun. However, when things turn bad, they all share responsibility as they ought to and they don’t put the blame on the outcast one.

“The Magician’s Workshop” is a book that captures the reader’s attention. It is a page turner for sure, as the reader becomes one with the characters and feels for them throughout their journey. It can easily be read by teens, young adults and adults; all those that still have a child inside them longing for some magic. The story ends abruptly, only to continue in the next Volume which is actually already available! show less

The Magician's Workshop, Volume One (The Magician's Workshop) by Christopher Hansen and J.R. Fehr is a fantasy book for teens and young adults it seemed. I liked the story premise and the plot. The characters were developed but the dialogue was childish at times, even the adults seemed to be talking as if they were children. Overall the story was okay, I liked the magical ability aspect and the fantasy but it just didn't draw me in like other fantasy books similar to this. I was given this show more book to read and the review was not an obligation. show less