The world of magic is filled with mystery and enchantment. Throughout history, there have been tales and legends of secret books filled with ancient spells and rituals that hold immense power. These mystical tomes are said to contain the knowledge of wizards and sorcerers from generations past, granting the reader the ability to tap into the supernatural. Secret books of magic are often depicted as ancient manuscripts, bound in rich leather and adorned with intricate symbols and sigils. These books are said to be hidden away in hidden libraries, guarded by powerful enchantments and spells. Only those who are deemed worthy and possess a certain level of magical aptitude can gain access to these books and unlock their secrets.
The Book of Secrets is a masterpiece………one of the most satisfying reading experiences I have had in a very long time. This is a must-have, must-read, must re-read, top-of-the-pile, words-to-live-by, masterwork. This is one of the most inspirational books of magic I have ever read, and as serious as is its intent, it is also inescapably joyous, thanks to the author’s unadulterated, unbridled, unapologetic love for his subject. The Book of Secrets is a blueprint for rich, multifaceted, sophisticated magic that will be duplicated by few, but is accompanied by a manifesto of sorts that will doubtless inspire many. Truly, this is a generous book–a work by which the author gives back a bounty to the art that has given him so much. Be thrilled and inspired by this book, and may it help you take our art to another, better place.
__Jamy Ian Swiss
Light from the Lamp
Genii, January 2003
Here is a real insight into the way John thinks about magic, the way he combines past inspirations with current motivations, and the continual process of searching, trying, experimenting, and improving to find the best result. Then, on an incredible 28-day journey, she teaches you how to apply this life-changing knowledge in your everyday life, completely transforming every aspect of your life into joy.
Only those who are deemed worthy and possess a certain level of magical aptitude can gain access to these books and unlock their secrets. The contents of these secret books vary, but they often contain spells for controlling the elements, divination, potion making, and even the ability to summon and bind otherworldly beings. These books are believed to hold the key to mastering the arts of magic and unlocking one's true potential as a magician or witch.
THE SECRET OF MAGIC
The book is about a young black lawyer facing the complexities of race relations in the 1946 South. It offers a somewhat romantic but emotionally affecting take on the period after World War II, when returning African-American soldiers were no longer willing to be treated as inferior citizens and the NAACP was laying groundwork for the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Regina Robichard is a Columbia Law School grad working for the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund in New York City when her mentor, Thurgood Marshall—whose saintly portrayal would be wearying if he were more actively involved in the story—receives a request to investigate the death of decorated serviceman Joe Howard Wilson, killed on his way home to Revere, Miss. The request has come from Mary P. Calhoun, a white woman in Revere who employs Wilson’s father, Willie Willie. Regina, whose own father was lynched in Omaha, Neb., before she was born, gets Marshall to send her to Revere. The case interests her in part because she recognizes that M.P. Calhoun authored her favorite childhood novel, about three children, two white and one black, sharing adventures in a magical forest under the tutelage of a wise black man. The novel, which includes an unsolved murder, was banned in Mississippi, but Mary, who may remind readers of Harper Lee, lives on in Revere as a member of the landed old-money gentry. Staying in a cottage Mary built for Willie Willie in her backyard, Regina soon realizes that the white citizens, including Mary herself, seem to be protecting the obvious murderer. But motives and black-white interdependency prove more complex than Regina expected. Most confusing for Regina is her own reaction to Mary Calhoun, her idol and nemesis—and possibly her friend. Passionate but never didactic, Johnson wisely allows the novel’s politics to play second fiddle to the intimate, nuanced drama of the young black Yankee and middle-aged white Southerner in this provocative story about race in America that becomes a deeply felt metaphor for all human relationships.
Pub Date: Jan. 21, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-399-15772-1
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Amy Einhorn/Putnam
Review Posted Online: Nov. 16, 2013
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2013
Categories:Share your opinion of this book
More by Deborah Johnson
- BOOK REVIEW
- BOOK REVIEW
Legends tell of famous secret books of magic, such as the Necronomicon, The Book of Thoth, and The Grimoire of Armadel. These books are said to possess dark and dangerous knowledge that can drive the reader to madness or worse. Many caution against seeking out these books, as their power can be overwhelming and uncontrollable. In popular culture, secret books of magic have often been portrayed as powerful artifacts sought after by both heroes and villains. These books serve as plot devices in movies, books, and video games, driving the narrative forward and allowing characters to tap into their hidden potential. Whether these secret books of magic truly exist or are merely the stuff of legend, they continue to captivate our imaginations and spark our curiosity. They represent the allure and mystery of the magical world, reminding us of the infinite possibilities that lie beyond our understanding..
Reviews for "Witches and Wizards: Secrets Hidden in Magic Books"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really excited to read the "Secret Books of Magic" due to all the hype surrounding it, but I was disappointed in the end. The plot felt confusing and disjointed, and the characters lacked depth. The magical world that was supposed to be enchanting left me feeling underwhelmed. The writing style was also dull and lacked any sort of captivating storytelling. Overall, I found it to be an underwhelming read.
2. Sarah - 3 stars - Although "Secret Books of Magic" had an interesting premise, I found the execution to be lacking. The pacing was slow, and there were too many unnecessary subplots that didn't contribute much to the main story. The main characters felt one-dimensional, and their motivations were unclear. Additionally, the world-building was underdeveloped, leaving me with more questions than answers. While the book had its moments, it fell short of my expectations.
3. David - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Secret Books of Magic," but I felt let down by the predictable plot twists and lackluster writing. The book failed to immerse me in its magical world and left me feeling disconnected from the characters. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to engage with the story. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and would not recommend it to others.
4. Emily - 2 stars - "Secret Books of Magic" had an intriguing premise, but the execution fell flat for me. The pacing was sluggish, and the world-building was insufficient, making it difficult to fully understand and connect with the magical elements. The characters lacked depth and were poorly developed, leading to a lack of emotional investment in their journeys. The potential for a captivating story was there, but unfortunately, the book failed to deliver.