great story, with an annoying audio detail

Even tough I am only halfway through, I can already say that I enjoy this book a lot, the story flows well, and the plot line is very interesting. The main theme is magic, somehow akin to the Harry Potter world, but yet completely different. Recommended.

The only drawback that I have about this audio version is that at the end of each audio chapter there is a sound like a loud bang followed by 7 seconds of something like static or white noise hiss. Unnerving. This puts me off every time it happens, I have to remove my headphones and curse a couple of times before continuing.

18 people found this helpful

Harry Potter ripoff? Well... not quite.

When I first began this series several years ago in print format I hadn't read the Harry Potter books. That was probably a good thing. Many people in these reviews have decried this book as nothing more than a Harry Potter ripoff. As far as this book goes, that is probably true and the similarities run pretty deep. But I'd argue that beginning with the next book the series takes a turn away from the Harry Potter plot line and begins to set itself up as a series in its own right. Stick with the series, the first book takes a little bit of effort, but the remaining books will amaze you.

10 people found this helpful

Holds its own

While the similarity to Hogwarts and Harry Potter is unavoidable, there are enough twists in the story for it to hold its own. Max seems grounded and his relationship with his dad is endearing. The blending of technology, espionage, and old magic makes for a refreshing change from typical wizardry explanations, and the history, art references, and mythology woven throughout educate as well as entertain. The ending begs and pleads for a sequel-- let's hope it comes soon.

4 people found this helpful

great start to a series

I love to read YA fiction, as I have three boys at my house, with whom, I enjoy talking to about books. This one was a great listen. I listened with the boys, and we all enjoyed it and wanted to listen to more. The writing was enjoyable. The characters believable.

2 people found this helpful

Great story and talented narrator

the story has always been a favorite, and the range of voices for the narrator were amazing!

American magic

Max and his dad are going to the museum same as every year. This year would be different as Max would be noticed as an apprentice. But not just the good guys are watching. Max leaves for a school to learn his powers. 1st year and so many things happen—if you loved HP you will enjoy this series even more—read it with your kids or everyone by themselves but you won’t be able to put it down. I highly recommend this book.

Excellent but

Excellent but too short in my opinion for a full audible credit. Coming of age youth book that’s fun for adults

Just phenomenal.

We started this book series on a trip a few years ago with my 10 and 12 year old and I think we have all listened to them a dozen times since. So we'll written.

Formula story

Throughout this story I (w)racked my brain to recall where I’ve heard it before. Thought maybe J. Yolen’s “Wizard’s Hall”. If you haven’t read a British-style (nearly orphaned) schoolboy magic boarding school story, maybe this book and following would be interesting. I really struggled to buy the premise that the boy’s story hangs on the dual tensions of absented parents and socially twisted new classmates complicating the boy’s crucial role in facing a world-wide peril. Important maybe, but unconvincing.

How has it taken me so long to find this gem

What an unexpected find, I can't wait to read the rest. Yes, it is a bit along the lines of HP, but also unique in it's own way. Even with the similarities, well worth the listen. The characters are funny, the creatures have very creative and funny quirks and the story moves right along. This story DID NOT feel like it was almost 12 hours, it flew by.

Jeff Woodman did a fantastic job narrating!! He used so many different accents and read at a fabulous pace. I am definitely going to search out other projects he's read.

OK, well after getting into book 2 and then 3...I take it back. They are good, the writing is beautiful, but in book 3 the story goes completely sideways, There are HOURS following mundane side stories - a sailing trip, a visit to a cottage on his travels - there are so many scenes in this series that should have so much more detail. I mean in book 3 - why spend so much time on a bunch of charcters that don't matter??? where's David's story??

I found myself not listening or carrying. Super sad, I loved where this series started, but it's too much time and money to invest in random wanderings;