Original plot and unique characters make this book stand out from others in the genre.

The Magician is the first novella in a series of twenty one themed around the Tarot deck. It focuses upon Benjamin Porter, a fifteen year old kid with a fighting habit who falls in with Craig Marse and a local motorcycle gang. Ben is the Fool and Craig the Magician in the series’ symbolism which will apparently follow through Ben’s life, though in this first installment the focus is mostly upon drug dealing, fighting, and car stealing.

The short, snappy feel will appeal to those who enjoy that kind of writing, though with only the first part it is difficult to feel fully involved in the action. The narrative is mostly sped through in a short summary style, reflecting a sudden period in Ben’s life. Many moments feel like shock tactics without payoff - such as invoking racial tensions - but these may be relevant in later installments. Ultimately, Pannebecker’s novella will appeal to those who like a fast tale with underlying threat, though its style and narrative are not particularly engaging. Later parts may make this early offering feel like more of a larger narrative, however.