An overly angsty urban and high fantasy series that includes characters so exceptionally uninterested in their own stories that I struggle to find why I should be interested as well. There is neat world building and some fun ideas that are constantly interrupted by Quentin whinging about his vague, horny, malaise. He literally has greatness thrust upon him and all he can do is whine.

We are led to believe that Quentin is simultaneously a genius, exceptionally good with his hands, capable of incredible magic when he wants to try, while simultaneously too stupid to know basic geography or chemistry (multiple lines in the book involve Quentin absolutely shocked by basic high school knowledge). He is not unlikable in the sense that he's evil or ignorant. He is unlikable because he is merely an observer in his own life, and bored observer at that.

This review isn't about the poor plot pacing, unnecessary drama found in the last 4th of the book, or the ultimately unsatisfying conclusion of the story. It isn't about the characters who live vibrant lives around Quentin. It is not about the world that raises so many questions, with so many elements of deep, interesting lore implications. No, this review is much like Quentin, uninterested with the interesting parts of the book, and obsessed with the most passive, boring, and terminally ironic centerpiece of the story.

Not worth the read.