This book was not what I was thinking it was going to be, which I actually loved. When I figured what was actually happening it made me want to go back and reread. Ultimately I had different expectations but still found this book quite good.

This was a flatline from start to finish. I kept waiting for even a blip but alas nothing could resuscitate this story. I was bored, and even though the horror element was sorely lacking I continued reading hoping it would at least be an interesting read- it wasn’t.

I’ll admit and say I thought this was going to be much cooler and scarier. An almost 300 page allegory about the author’s religious trauma was not expected. While some parts were unnerving, I was not sold on the horror factor.

Like the Show Mister Magic itself, I could not look away. Yet everything is just out of your eye's sight. So you keep looking. And keep reading.
This book had me hooked from the beginning to its bittersweet end.
Thank you to @Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book. I am generally a fan of Kiersten's writing and after hearing about this horror book, I was looking forward to it! I'm sorry to say it was a very big disappointment for me. The premise was just so great, and fell absolutely flat. I think if it was presented to me as anything but horror I would've enjoyed it more. But because the genre carriers certain expectations, I just didn't feel like the book met them. I didn't particularly care about any of the characters either and new the ending before I was even ten percent into the book. Thank you for giving me a chance to read it!

I loved this unsettling, nostalgic creepypasta-esque cult-like story about moving on (or not) from childhood trauma.

I have mixed feeling on the story itself but the writing is really wonderful. All the characters felt very alive but the story of Mister Magic lost its magic a bit as it wrapped up in its somewhat unsatisfying conclusion. BUT, I really enjoyed reading it nonetheless and look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you Netgalley for my copy of this book. My review is my own and unbiased.

Kiersten White knows exactly what she is doing with this paranormal thriller. I was on the edge of my seat during this especially during the horror elements.

I ended up putting this down unfinished - I just couldn't get into it at all. The characters fell flat for me, so I never had the hook to keep me reading to find out what was going on. This one just wasn't for me.

***** I have received and read an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for giving my honest feedback. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.*****

I was a little nervous about reading "Mister Magic" as "Hide" (by the same author) left me feeling like there were too many missed opportunities.

I'm glad to say that "Mister Magic" blows "Hide" completely out of the water.

Without giving away too much, I'll just say that this story fits right in with our current culture of adults (especially Gen X-ers and Millenials) revisiting monuments of their childhood and seeing what has become of the beloved cast and characters that we grew up with.

The atmosphere is rich and draws you right in, and you're constantly feeling just as on edge as our main character Val.

The interviews with the cast, as well as interviews with the regular everyday people who watched the show, helped to build a narrative of how much this show shaped not only the cast, but the lives of everyone who had ever watched the show.

I would give this a 4/5 stars, as I would have liked a little more background on some of the characters, but it's a great and fast read that keeps you hooked.

I would, however, suggest that everyone reads the author's note before beginning the story, as it gives some insight to what's going on.

Im so glad I was able to read this book. I think Kiersten White is now one of those authors that I can count for a great time. The story was delicious constructed. It's one of those books that if you know your stuff, you will get what it truly is about. I think the characters read young like in their late 20s, but I think the main character is supposed to be around 40. It doesn't read adult, but you will still be able to enjoy and connect with the characters. I wish we could have gotten more differences between the men but in hence sight it can be seems an intentional choice. Its perfect if you can read it all at once, to best keep all details in head.

I loved the idea of this book and I adored Hide when it came out. It fell a little short for me, enjoyed it but not as much. I just wasn’t interested enough to really care what happened to the characters.

Mister Magic was a pretty quick and engaging read. This was definitely a strange book though!

I did love Kiersten White’s writing and I found her inspiration for writing this book very interesting. I kind of wish I had read the acknowledgment at the end of the book first before going into this one, because then maybe the story would’ve made more sense to me.

A lot of strange events happen in this story and parts of it were hard to follow. The story sometimes felt like a weird horrifying fever dream. Things got even more trippy at the end and I wasn’t a fan of the ending.

I’d recommend this book to fans of strange horror/fantasy fiction. Mister Magic was an intriguing but weird story and I am interested in reading White’s other books.

3.5/5 stars

I found this concept to be extremely intriguing and engaging. The idea of a mystical TV show that everyone remembers, yet there is no evidence of its existence, captured my attention and kept me hooked until the very end. Although some reviews suggest that the book may not be suitable for everyone, I felt an immediate connection to the story after realizing midway that it was trying to comment on the harsh and strict religious upbringings in an unusual and fantastical way. I could relate to the characters' struggle to find their true identity after failing to fit into the perfect box of being "good" and unable to follow the rules anymore. The book was a thought-provoking and insightful read.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine for the eARC.

Mister Magic was a wild ride. The characters were not always trustworthy and it was often difficult to navigate what was going on. The ending didn't tie it up like I wanted and at this moment I still have some unanswered questions. I did enjoy the book overall.

Mister Magic by Kiersten White had me guessing until the big reveal. It was a shock, not the kind of book I was expecting, but also kind of a disappointment to find out the truth about Mister Magic. I was so stunned by the ending, though, and it made me emotional in a way that I wasn't expecting. I recommend reading it at least once.

Struggling with how to rate this one. I liked this one but it didn't do anything new or too exciting. Would probably recommend if you specifically love this author and find her writing gels with you or if you're new to horror.

In "Mister Magic" by Kiersten White, readers are transported into a chilling and mesmerizing world of pop culture fandom and '90s nostalgia. This gripping tale follows the five surviving cast members of the beloved children's show Mister Magic, as they come together years later to uncover the truth behind the tragedy that ended their show and the enigmatic figure who hosted it.

White expertly blends elements of mystery, suspense, and nostalgia in this propulsive and excitement-filled story. The author's ability to craft vivid and relatable characters immerses readers into the lives of the former cast members, who have spent years longing for the happiness and camaraderie they experienced during their time on the show. The connection they share with one another, as well as their devotion to the memory of Mister Magic, create a sense of intrigue and anticipation throughout the narrative.

The remote desert filming compound becomes the backdrop for their reunion, and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that something mysterious and possibly dangerous is at play. White skillfully builds tension while exploring the characters' intertwined pasts and the secrets they hold. The blurred line between reality and fiction adds an extra layer of suspense, leaving readers questioning whether the cast members have willingly returned or fallen into a trap.

The absence of concrete evidence surrounding the show and its host contributes to the eerie atmosphere, as memories and subjective accounts become the only remnants of the past. The author expertly balances the allure of nostalgia with the unsettling sense of the unknown, creating a narrative that keeps readers guessing until the final pages.

While the story thrives on its mystery and nostalgia, there are instances where the pacing could have been tightened to maintain a more consistent level of suspense. However, the compelling characters and the intriguing exploration of their shared history more than make up for these minor pacing concerns.

In conclusion, "Mister Magic" is a captivating journey that seamlessly blends elements of mystery and '90s nostalgia. Kiersten White's ability to create a skin-crawling atmosphere and develop engaging characters pulls readers into a story that keeps them turning the pages. If you enjoy stories that delve into the darker side of pop culture and memories from the past, "Mister Magic" is a must-read.

This book was so great. I had the pleasure of reading it early and I enjoyed it so much. There are so many twists and turns. It kept me guessing the entire time and I resonated with it so much personally. I will 100% be buying a physical copy as soon as I can because the cover is amazing. And the book was also amazing so it deserves a special place on my shelves.

When I got approved for the ARC of this book, I did a little happy dance. Kiersten White's YA books hold a special place in my heart and they're some of the few books I will never unhaul. I'm not surprised I enjoyed this as much as I did because simply put, Kiersten White is an incredible author. The characters felt so real despite the overarching theme of things not being real. While reading this, a part of me wished Mister Magic was real, but as the story went on and I learned more about what was actually going on, I'm glad that it's not. My biggest complaint is that I wish things were even MORE creepy, but that is definitely just a personal preference. I'm happy seeing this author lean more into horror, and I'm excited to see where her future novels go.