The Magician King

July 25, 2011
Grossman's stylish sequel to The Magicians smoothly fuses adventure fantasy, magic realism, and mythic fiction. It's been two years since Quentin, Eliot, Janet, and Julia have become kings and queens of the magical utopia of Fillory, but Quentin is becoming bored with his seemingly idyllic existence. Spurred on by a dark prophecy of the "Seeing Hare," "one of the Unique Beasts of Fillory," he and Julia decide to embark on a trip to a faraway island, but their voyage turns out to be more perilous than expected and they end up back on Earth. With no apparent means to return to their home at Castle Whitespire, they must somehow find a way back to Fillory and save their realm from imminent destruction. Grossman effortlessly injects innumerable pop culture and literary references (Monty Python, Harry Potter, Pink Floyd, the Lorax, the Teletubbies, etc.) into the fantastical storyline. Mainstream fiction and fantasy fans alike will find this fairy tale for adults rewarding. 10-city author tour.

September 26, 2011
In this sequel to Grossman’s bestselling The Magicians, sorcerer Quentin Coldwater and his pals, Janet, Julia, and Eliot, are now kings and queens of Fillory, that magical land they once thought was nothing more than the stuff of storybooks. Just when Quentin’s royal duties are starting to get a little dull, he and Janet are accidentally transported back to Earth. And getting back to Fillory may prove more difficult than they initially imagined. Mark Bramhall—who read the previous installment—is back, picking up where he left off with breathy, sonorous narration that will delight listeners. However, the voices Bramhall creates for Grossman’s cast of characters could be more distinct and varied. A Viking hardcover.