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.

22 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.

12 people found this helpful

bad potter no plot

i was sucked in by the description of a boy who encounters a celtic tapestry and goes to an academy for magic. at the FIVE HOUR point in this eleven hour book and except for the above-described opening set up, there has literally not been a single moment of PLOT. the kid has arrived at school, experienced some third rate potter inspired atmospherics, gone to bed, gotten up for his first full day at school, met some poor potter inspired characters...at the five hour point/halfway mark in the novel!!!! my worst purchase yet...perhaps in the next five hours a story will BEGIN, but i won't be there to find out.

5 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

Outstanding!!!!

Awesome story, draws you in from the beginning. Highly recommended.

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.