The Books of Magic: Transformations - John New Rieber

Advantages: The start of it all, so an ideal intro.
Disadvantages: A bit simple (buts thats also its charm)

...uses a minimum of text and lets pictures convey much of what is going on this is essential. The pictures are finely drawn, avioding the heavy use of black that can often make comics seem very dark. That said much of it seems dark anyway due to the fact that the colour scheme is rather murky in order to convey the boredom of the Manticores rationalised world. The colours however don't detract from the overall beauty of the pictures. This is the first book in the series and as such could be seen as an apprenticeship for the rest of the series. However this is truly good book. Rieber has written a story that captures the agonys of youth as well as the mysteries of magic. There is an innocence about the work that is rarely, if ever, found in adult books. This is a wonderful, unique work. It maybe over shadowed by larger more... Read review

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Advantages: Molly takes centre stage and Jack Hammer is a brillant gargoyle
Disadvantages: The end for Molly and Tim, and the artwork isn't always up to scratch

...The burning girl, is probably one of the most enjoyable of the books of magic. It begins where the last book left off, Molly is still trapped in Faerie having been tricked by Titania. She is using her burning power to terrorise the fey. Tim is still lost in America, wandering around with his normal clueless attitude. If this doesn't make much sense then read my review on the Girl in the Box or, better still, read the books. (I'll post the review tomorrow) The plot starts with a short story about Cowboys and horses. This is by way of an intro, giving new readers a little insight in to Tim's character and powers, while at the same time not retelling the story so far. Indeed if you haven't read some of the previous books, you may get a little confused later on, but this first story is a standalone tale. After it the main plot kicks... Read review

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Advantages: Unique, really unique.
Disadvantages: There aren't enough of them about

...The Books of Magic are a spin-off series. They began life as a comic book by Neil Gaiman about a boy (aged 13) called Timothy Hunter who is introduced to magic by a group of four mysterious men, including John Constantine and the Stranger. Timothy is told he has the potential to be the greatest magician in the world, but he rejects their offer of help. Having done this he finds himself back in a council estate in London. The series picks up around two years later. This is not the first volume, that honour goes to Bindings, but it is part of the start of the series, introducing as it does, two principal characters in Leah and Molly. The plot involves Tim, whose just returned from Faerie (see review on Bindings) being stalked by Martyn, an adept of the cold flame. Martyn uses Leah, a succubus, to attract Tim. He then hopes... Read review

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