Review: Magisterium by Jeff Hirsch

Title: Magisterium

Author: Jeff Hirsch
Publisher:  Scholastic Press
Publishing Date: October 1st 2012

Pages: 310
Genre:  YA Sci-Fi/Fantasy Dystopian

Series: Stand Alone
Source: Audio

  

On one side of the Rift is a technological paradise without famine or want. On the other side is a mystery.

Sixteen-year-old Glenn Morgan has lived next to the Rift her entire life and has no idea of what might be on the other side of it. Glenn's only friend, Kevin, insists the fence holds back a world of monsters and witchcraft, but magic isn't for Glenn. She has enough problems with reality: Glenn's mother disappeared when she was six, and soon after, she lost her scientist father to his all-consuming work on the mysterious Project. Glenn buries herself in her studies and dreams about the day she can escape. But when her father's work leads to his arrest, he gives Glenn a simple metal bracelet that will send Glenn and Kevin on the run---with only one place to go.With MAGISTERIUM, Jeff Hirsch brings us the story of a complex, captivating world that will leave readers breathless until the very last page.....

I was interested in this book from the first time I read the synopsis. The cover is gorgeous too. I was excited to get the book on audio, and listened to it the first chance I got. I liked the book, it wasn't quite what I expected but I did enjoy the read. I liked the characters and the story.

The book is sent way in the future. Things are different, the world of magic exists and there is a rift, a line that  separates the magical realm from the non-magical realm. Glenn lives right next to the rift with her crazy genius    inventing father. Glenn's only dream is to leave, join in on the space traveling. She is smart like her father, she believes in and relies heavily on science, she does not believe in magic. All that changes the day her father is arrested and she and her best friend are on the run. They must run into the rift, where magic most definitely exists. Even with the magic at her heels in the magisterium, Glenn still has a hard time accepting that it really is magic. One truth about her mother changes everything.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked most of the aspect of the book, the characters, the story line, the world building... the only real complaint  I have about this book was the pacing. The pacing was great in some spots, but slowed way down in others. I ran through some very thrilling and exciting runs and I couldn't pause the book for the life of me, then it would slow way down and I would lose focus. If the pacing was set at even pace, the book would have been spectacular.

I think my most favorite parts of the book were the story line and the world building. First the story line was amazing. The story went from sci-fi to fantasy in just a split second, and it had me guessing the entire book. I thought I knew where the author was taking me in this journey, but really I was just along for the ride, riding without a clue. I was not lost or confused, just very surprised throughout most of the book. 

The world building was also amazing. I would love to go to the magisterium and see the creatures, the colors, the magic. The visual was just beautiful and it felt much like a dream as I was walked through this wonderful world. I am not one who usually loves detailed world building, but the details made the difference in this book. 

I did like the main characters in this book. I do wish I felt a little more connected than I did, but there was a good enough connection with Glenn and her cast of family friends to enjoy them.

Glenn is very stubborn and lives in what she considers the real world. She isn't very accepting of things she could not or has not seen. What made Glenn such a great character is the non belief she had in the beginning and the way her beliefs were slowly changes throughout the story. She was strong, a real fighter. She had a hard heart, didn't live off of her emotions. (so she thought!) Watching her change and her heart warm was pretty cool. The main problem, really the only flaw of this character, she was clueless and cold to the idea of love...everyone needs a little love in their life. 

Glenn's best friend, Kevin, as pretty sweet. He put up with a bunch of crap from Glenn. He wanted to be there for Glenn,  help Glenn, and he was willing to do just about anything for Glenn.  I really wanted more of Kevin, I think he was a wonderful character, he just didn't stand out as much as I wanted him to. 

There is also the cat, he was by far one of the best characters, but you will just have to read the book to know what cat and why I think the cat was the best character. 

It was a good read with some minor flaws. If you love world building with some excitement and surprises thrown in the mix, this is your kind of book.