The Warlock Effect

First off, initial thoughts going in: what an epic way to start a book! It certainly set it off with the right tone and I was instantly intrigued and drawn in. Addressing the reader and bringing me into the book was a great way to capture, and from there I knew I’d be hooked. I love that it teaches you some tricks along the way too. I felt like I was being involved in the story!

It was a slow (but in the best way) ascending plot at the very beginning, which gradually intrigued and drew you in. Once I was in, I wasn’t coming out anytime soon. It’s one of those books that completely takes you over! This book definitely has magic in it because I was spellbound and couldn’t tear myself away from the pages.

It’s a Time Machine of a book. You start reading and BAM it’s been three hours and you’ve just left reality for a bit. The chapters disappeared into nothing and I couldn’t consume the words quick enough. It was super entertaining and I loved everything about it. Loved the characters, loved the vibes. Just loved the plot full stop.

And when I say it was a ‘journey’, it truly was. Coming round full circle from start to finish, you follow Louis Warlock and his escapades until you’re left staring at the end page just trying to take it all in. The book went to places I didn’t expect and I can’t remember the last time I was that immersed in a book and suffering the ‘just one more chapter’ syndrome until it was way past midnight and I should probably have been asleep…!

Brilliant book and a fantastic story. A solid recommend to all!

What a sensation.

Everything about this book is incredible, the opening contract, the little magical asides, the story, the twists and turns.
I was honestly blown away by this book, I laughed, I cried and I wanted more.
This story has everything you need to keep you turning the pages, I learnt so much and I can still remember those 12 words. (No spoilers)

Mind blowing.

Cracking mystery / thriller with a strong grounding in the world of magic (trickery, not fantasy). Well paced, with an intriguing opening contract between writer and reader, and a surprising emotional heft to the character development, as well as the expected twists and turns. The authors’ love for magic - and the history of magic tricks - shines through.

My thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for a copy of “ The Warlock Effect” for an honest review.

I was drawn to read this as it written by such talented writers , Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman,
This was really cleverly written ,and as entertaining as I had hoped it would be.It was a perfect mix of magic , adventure and espionage .The characters were well written and believable
I hope this joint book collaboration is the first of many

Full disclosure - I was drawn to this book cos co-author Jeremy Dyson is part of The League of Gentlemen. I'm sure Andy Nyman is a cracking bloke too just to redress the balance!
That took me to the blurb which sounded so delicious it rendered me powerless to resist. So I didn't!
Louis Warlock is a master illusionist, creating quite the magic show. His skills are noticed by the British Secret Service who call him in to assist them with a tricky situation they have got into which would be more easily solved utilising his particular skill set.
Long story short, without spoiling anything, things don't really go as Warlock expected them to which end up with him in grave peril. How on earth will he get out of this one, he will need more than just his skills for that!?
I loved this book. It is all thing clever and bonkers and, well, took me on a cracking journey. Spitting me out at the end a bit sore (from chuckling) but completely satisfied. It's a slow burn but, like every good trick, the set-up is more important than the actual trick. Lulling the audience, distracting them, getting them to believe the unbelievable... all those elements are here. Gradually pulling you in until you are powerless to resist.
The characters are all, well most, larger than life but they never stray into caricature which, given their backgrounds, would be possible. But the author keeps them kinda on the straight and narrow. But remember the main theme, who really is who they say they are!
All in all, a cracking read. One that I am most definitely going to get on Audible and revisit. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

The beginning of this book grips you and the end makes you want more.

I hated and loved this book. To have the power to remind me of the stories I heard growing up about the holocaust and then make me laugh at a brilliant range of believably eccentric friends is beyond talent, it’s magic.

There is nothing unconsidered in this book, love, war, pain, friends, betrayal and magic. I still don’t know if I want a sequel or I want Louis to have some peace.

I reccomend this for everyone. I reccomend it if you need some comfort (weird but trust me) or you need some adventure. Read this if you’ve lived.

I received this ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

What an absolute DELIGHT this was. From start to finish, just such a pleasure to read. Clever, twisty as heck, and so so much fun!