The Magicians by Lev Grossman (2009)

Imagine if Hogwarts was full of disillusioned twenty-somethings having existential crises — that’s The Magicians. Quentin Coldwater discovers that the fantasy world from his childhood books is real, but it’s nothing like the stories promised. Grossman’s writing deconstructs escapism, turning magic into a metaphor for mental health, purpose, and growing up. It’s brilliant, darkly funny, and painfully relatable for anyone who’s ever wanted life to be more magical than it is.

Rating: 4.5/5