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Cover of The Magicians

Fantasy

The Magicians

by Lev Grossman

3.4 out of 5, from 1,150 ratings from Hardcover readers

A clever, unhappy Brooklyn teenager is admitted to a secret college of magic and discovers that his childhood favourite fantasy books describe a real world. Magic does not turn out to be a cure for being miserable.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2009
Pace
Medium
Length
Medium
Pages
417
Format
Book 1 of 3 in The Magicians
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Read this if you grew up on Narnia and Hogwarts and want a sharp, cynical, adult take on what comes next.

Skip this if you want warm, wish-fulfilment magic, since the lead is often unlikeable and the tone turns bleak.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Addiction
  • Mental illness
  • Sexual content
  • Violence
  • Death

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Ableism
  • Alcoholism; Sexual content; Violence
  • Alcoholism

Quick answers about The Magicians

What is The Magicians about?
A clever, unhappy Brooklyn teenager is admitted to a secret college of magic and discovers that his childhood favourite fantasy books describe a real world. Magic does not turn out to be a cure for being miserable.
Who should read The Magicians?
Read it if you grew up on Narnia and Hogwarts and want a sharp, cynical, adult take on what comes next. Skip it if you want warm, wish-fulfilment magic, since the lead is often unlikeable and the tone turns bleak.
How long and how fast is The Magicians?
It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 417 pages, first published in 2009.
Does The Magicians have content warnings?
Content we flag: Addiction, Mental illness, Sexual content, Violence, Death.
Can I borrow The Magicians for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Magicians; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Magicians?
Readers who liked it often move on to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Secret History, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Where to get it

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