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Digital Magic | 
| Author: Philippa Ballantine
Publisher: Dragon Moon Press
Category: Book
List Price: $18.95
Buy New: $12.40
You Save: $6.55 (35%)
New (9) Used (6) from $12.15
Avg. Customer Rating:  16 reviews
Sales Rank: 246680
Media: Paperback
Edition: 1st
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 288
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.8
ISBN: 1896944884
Dewey Decimal Number: 813
EAN: 9781896944883
ASIN: 1896944884
Publication Date: August 1, 2008
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Product Description
The Fey are gone... and with them, magic. At least, that is how things seem at the conclusion of the award-nominated novel Chasing the Bard. ~ Lord what fools these mortals be. ~ Penherem is a quaint, sleepy English village where people go to escape the 21st Century. Hiding from the world of laptop computers, the Internet, and wireless communication, is Ella. A writer, now barren of ideas and drive, she resigns herself to a quiet life of solitude. Everything changes with the arrival of a shapeshifting thief. Suddenly, everyone begins to change--from the local librarian to the lady of the manor--revealing their true natures and dangerous secrets. Something in this sleepy English village is awakening... something that might be better left alone.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 11 more reviews...
Blown Away Again by Ballantine October 13, 2008
I originally listened to the audio book of Chasing the Bard, which was absolutely incredible. My high expectations were more than borne out by the sequel. The quality of the writing, the completeness of the world, the vividness of the characters, and the strength of the plot come together in a stunning whole. I hesitate to say much more specific than the official synopsis because I enjoyed the book most watching all events unfold as they happened, and I would hate to deprive anyone else of that whirlwind experience. (Macha, we are definitely not in run-of-the-mill fantasy anymore.)
One caveat is that while it seems possible to read and enjoy Digital Magic without having read Chasing the Bard, you should read that book first if you plan to read it at all. I recommend that your experience with both books be pure, and certain events from Chasing the Bard are discussed in Digital Magic; albeit obliquely, but enough to clue in innocent readers about the previous book. Both books may be satisfactorily read individually, but I emphasize that both books will be better if read together.
 Making the cut October 10, 2008
I learned about this novel after reading Chasing the Bard, which is the original work [a most excellent novel as well] by this author.
While I enjoyed Digital Magic, I think it was not quite what I expected upon completion. The story was captivating but in my personal opinion it was not as good as Chasing the Bard. Maybe the original set the bar too high?
The story concerns the offspring of William Shakespeare and her continuing the fight for the Fae in modern England. Most of the characters are new as the period has changed, but we do see at least 3 of the characters from the Bard. You will need to read them in order to follow the longer story lines.
I recommend this novel as I will no doubt be reading any subsequent work that should follow. This book is good for an afternoon's enjoyment and I read it in about 4 hours.
Astounding novel! September 24, 2008
Let me state it simply, buy and read Digital Magic by Philippa Ballantine. This is a fantastic novel and one you will be glad you invested your time in. I listen to many podcasts and had heard Ms. Ballantine's excellent story "Chasing the Bard". When Digital Magic was released I decided to purchase it as an act of appreciation for free podcasts.
I have never made a better decision. This book is amazing. It is exactly what I look for in a story: complex, well written characters that you want to get to know, a premise that is entirely original and unique, and a plot that will keeping you turning pages even when you have other responsibilities calling your name.
Many of the other reviewers have given glimpses of the story, so I do not feel that need, but I can not recommend this book highly enough. Be prepared to clear a space on your bookshelf for Ms. Ballantine and pray she writes faster in order to fill that space up! BUY THIS BOOK.
A Cyberpunk Faerytale September 23, 2008
In 2004, Philippa Ballantine brought to the world her historical fantasy, Chasing the Bard. Four years later, she returns with a sequel that -- if you blink -- may have you asking "Is this the same writer?" Whereas her first novel was a tapestry of Fey folklore, Renaissance pageantry, and epic battles, Digital Magic is a dark, gritty mystery set centuries ahead of its predecessor. It's still the writing of Philippa Ballantine; but instead of swords and ancient sorcery, we dive deep into a world where technology is the weapon of choice and spells are cast not through incantation but through computations and code.
Pip's talent was evident in Chasing the Bard. With this title, her talent has evolved. Digital Magic was a delight for the senses: tearful moments of regret, blood-chilling terror, and sensual moments of intimacy. Even without reading Chasing the Bard (although you can hear it for free as a podcast), you can appreciate and enjoy the intrigue Ballantine weaves both in the waking world and the virtual one.
A Delight for the Senses September 23, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I don't often use the word "Delight" to describe literature. I usually enjoy books and I occasionally love one, but rarely does a story so captivate me that it transcends to something special.
Digital Magic is such a story.
The characters are deep and interesting. The settings are detailed and rich, poetic, but don't overwhelm. The plot contained enough twists and turns to keep me spellbound for the entire read. Often books contain one or two of these elements but rarely all three. Philippa Ballantine manages to deftly weave all three together into something special.
The book has dark moments that are not shied away from or minimized, but these only make the story stronger; they are not gratuitous but give the characters reason to exist and struggle. The antagonists are as deep as the heroes and keep you constantly guessing.
Would I recommend this book? Without reservation! As I said before, the book is a delight and I already have given it to my daughter who I know will love it as much as I did.
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