Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an advanced copy of this title to review!

The Magician of Tiger Castle by Louis Sachar was an enjoyable and refreshing read. I found myself pulled into the story easily, and while it may not be one that sticks with me for years to come, it absolutely delivered in the moment. The ending felt just right — satisfying without trying too hard to be profound.

There’s a touch of romance woven in, but I appreciated that it didn’t overwhelm the plot or define the characters. Instead, Sachar kept the focus where it belonged: on the blend of fantasy and historical fiction, which he handled beautifully. The way he tied the past and present together through his characters was seamless and one of the highlights of the book for me.

This is very much an "escape reality" type of read — fun while you're in it, and you finish feeling content and ready to rejoin the real world. It’s a fairly “clean” adult novel, without any heavy-handed messaging lurking beneath the surface, which felt like a breath of fresh air.

If I had to nitpick, the pacing dragged a little in places, and at times the world-building leaned toward a little too much. Still, Sachar’s talent kept me engaged enough to push through the slower moments. Overall, a solid, feel-good novel that I'd happily recommend to anyone looking for a light yet well-crafted read.

A very different and unique book. A change for him to say the least. I enjoyed the book but felt there could have been a better way to tie it all up in the end.

Some authors can’t make the jump between age groups, this author can. It was a delightful diversion and fun story, just the right amount of Sachar that one who devoured his books as a kid would desire. Hopefully it is already optioned for streaming.

I absolutely adored this book. The writing is so immersive, so rich with emotion, that you feel every single moment in your heart. The magic system in this world is fascinating, and the pacing was perfect too. It’s not rushed, but it doesn’t drag either. The author takes her time building the world, and the conflict. It all feels like it’s happening at the exact right pace. There’s something about the way the story unfolds that just felt incredibly satisfying, and I was so invested in seeing how everything would turn out. I loved how the characters were so real and complex, and the romance between them felt like the kind of love you want to fight for. I couldn’t put it down, and even now, I’m still thinking about it. This book will stay with me for a long time.

I have always been a fan of Louis Sachar's work, and regularly re-read his Wayside School books to my son, so I was thrilled when he announced he was writing a book for adults. Sachar's trademark offbeat humor, familiar to those who love his books for children, is on full display in this novel. A remarkably funny and interesting book that pulls you into its world immediately. Written as a bit of a fractured fairytale for adults, this gave me feelings similar to Brandon Sanderson's Tress of the Emerald Sea for the first 95% of the book. It was both charming and childlike without being immature, and I found most of it to be delightful. I will say that the ending was a bit abrupt and bittersweet for my taste. While the ultimate destinies of two of the main characters are hinted at, the lack of true resolution for them-- and for Harwell!-- made me feel marginally let down. This was a 5-star book until the final 5% or so, and I really wish the ending had been a more traditional happily-ever-after. However, this book was still well worth a read, and is certainly a testament to Sachar's talent. I look forward to the author writing more books for adults!

Louis Sachar's Holes introduced us to yellow-spotted lizards, a symbol of the dangers of Camp Green Lake. In The Magician of Tiger Castle, there's a captive tiger, symbol of royalty and power. In the decaying kingdom of Escaveta, where our narrator, the magician Anatole, plies his craft, it is fitting that those noble cats are confined in the castle moat. Because all the characters in this adult fairytale are captives in one sense or another.
Whether or not you've read any of Sachar's other books, you will likely be charmed by his distinct voice. This, his first adult novel, delves into themes of love, loyalty, and personal choice. His characters are funny, their drives and motives complex yet relatable. Blessed/cursed with magical longevity, Anatole the magician is a delightfully reflective narrator -- admittedly flawed, but impossible not to care for deeply as he relates his tale from the Renaissance era to present-day. Magicians, potions, princesses, court intrigue, tigers, moats, monks, mice, and cappuccino. This has so many expected ingredients of a classic fairytale. But it's the unexpected wit and wisdom of this tale that make it such a compulsively readable novel.

[Thanks to Berkley Publishing Group and BookBrowse for an opportunity to read an advanced reader copy and share my opinion of this book.]

I was so excited to see that Louis Sachar wrote an adult fiction novel, The Magician of Tiger Castle. This was a cozy fantasy mixed with some historical fiction. It wasn't overly built out and I was a little disappointed at the plot. It didn't feel as unique as Sachar's other work, but otherwise I enjoyed it!

This author should stay with kid's books. Did a great job there. This may be more YA than adult. ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

The Magician of Tiger Castle by Louis Sachar was an amazing read. Narrated from the perspective of an immortal protagonist, the reflective angle of the narrative immediately grabbed my attention. The author explains the magic of this world so clearly that it blends seamlessly with the historical elements and the story’s delightfully quirky vibe.
Anatole, the charming main character, is impossible not to root for. With his odd appearance and inherently likable, wholesome personality, he brings so much fun to the story, making every page entertaining. The supporting cast is equally well done—with unexpected personalities and genuine depth that make the group feel grounded, I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure they embarked on. There are plenty of humorous moments, and the world feels truly vibrant.
Overall, the tale has a fairytale-like quality with an adult bent. The characters are brave, and I appreciated their perseverance and determination throughout the story. As the narrative progresses, there is a strong sense of heart that carries the entire book. If you’re in the mood for a nostalgic yet innovative escape that fuses historical fiction, magic, and a healthy dose of low-key weirdness, this book is a must-read.

Thank you NetGalley and Ace for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

This was a very nice cozy fantasy that still had some depth with themes of family, love, and memory. I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters and seeing where the plot went. I also enjoyed all of the historical information sprinkled throughout the book; it was clear that the author did some research into Renaissance-era history and alchemy. I will definitely recommend it to customers who want something a little more lighthearted and hopeful.

Louis Sachar’s The Magician of Tiger Castle is clever, unexpected, and quietly brilliant. His humor hits exactly the right way—sharp, subtle, and perfectly timed. The narrative is playful and layered, keeping me just a step behind in the best possible way. It’s the kind of storytelling that invites curiosity without ever giving too much away too soon.

Though it may look like a book for younger readers, it’s clear this one’s aimed at an older audience. There’s real emotional and thematic depth woven through the whimsy. It’s thoughtful, surprising, and stays with you long after the last page.

The Magician of Tiger Castle is a delightful book about a magician who created magic potions in the sixteenth century but somehow now lives among us drinking cappuccinos. It’s a humorous tale told in the first person by the magician who is humble, kind and willing to experiment with all sorts of strange concoctions if they will serve his needs. Anyone who enjoys fantasy, a bit of magic and lots of laugh-out-loud moments will love this book. It is a quick read that captures your attention and heart from the very beginning. I highly recommend it.

This was requested because of the author but the vibe of the book just wasn’t for me. It wasn’t a bad book but I needed some higher stakes or something to make it feel compelling.

A book for adults written by the amazing Louis Sachar? Yes, please! (Although honestly what adult wouldn't enjoy Holes?) This book is definitely historical but it is also a romance. And a fantasy with a dash of magical realism.

The Magician of Tiger Castle is quite the spin on fantastical fairy tale. It's obvious from the very beginning that our narrator, Anatole, has an almost unbelievable story to relate. This makes the book hard to put down once you start reading because you want to know how everything will be resolved. Anatole is, in fact, the titular magician (of sorts) in a castle which has just acquired a tiger. He's quirky and amusing and a bit of a coward; definitely messy. And he is very good with potions. Which is both good and bad. There are very bad people in the book and very good people. There is an intelligent, spunky princess who is betrothed to an odious prince in an attempt to save the kingdom of Esquaveta - a fictitious kingdom located in Europe somewhere south of France. Unfortunately, before her wedding day, Princess Tullia has the audacity to fall in love with a lowly scribe who is then immediately sentenced to death. Anatole is ordered to administer opium to Tullia so that she will forget her beloved scribe and compliantly wed the awful prince. Anatole, however, has a different plan.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a digital ARC!

As a fan of Sachar's childrens books, I was drawn to read this adult fantasy, which in fact could also be considered a young adult novel. The story is told in contemporary times by a magician who has lived since after the Dark Ages and before the Renaissance, in the country of Esquavita. As the king's magician. he is tasked with developing potions that will enable a wedding to happen against all odds. The princess, who is like a daughter to him, must marry a despicable prince from a neighboring country, but she is in love with a lowly scribe. Anatole must accomplish the impossible, always with the threat of being fed to a tiger if he doesn't succeed. This is a fast-moving and enjoyable story.

"The Magician of Tiger Castle" by Louis Sachar is an adult fiction. I had trouble distinguishing between characters. Though it as set during the Renaissance it has several sections where the main character goes into the present day . I have read most of Sachar's books for Young Adults and have found them to be well written where everything is resolved at the end of the book. "The Magician of Tiger Castle " is different in that it has vulgar language on occasion, though I think that if you took this language out, you could a good Young Adult novel.

The Magician of Tiger Castle is Sachar’s first book for adults, but you don’t need a driver's license to enjoy it.

This magical adventure is a present-day fairytale of forbidden love—told in the past—through the eyes of a centuries-old magician, Anatole. Anatole has a problem: Princess Tuillia is in love—not with the rich, nasty neighboring prince she is betrothed to—but with a lowly apprentice scribe. The king’s solution? Have Anatole create an anti-love potion to save the kingdom from bankruptcy and shatter the young lovers’ hopes for happiness. On the eve of her marriage, the plucky princess goes on the lam with Anatole and the scribe, leaving the unmarried prince a changed man.

With the world in disarray, The Magician of Tiger Castle is the escape I needed. Sachar is an irresistible storyteller, weaving his story as he seemlessly travels between present-day Anatole sipping a cappuccino and castle-magician Anatole concocting a potion. I had so much fun with this tale that I’m heading back to Sachar’s earlier books to experience the magic all over again.

A quiet and unassuming little story. This was a fun blend of light fantasy and historical fiction, with a very small dash of romance (though that is very much not the main focus of the story, despite being the plot catalyst). The chapters were short, the narration and prose were conversational, and while the ending was not particularly satisfying, it was overall an enjoyable read. I look forward to its release in August!

I was so excited to learn that Louis Sachar wrote a book for adults (he's usually a YA author) and he did not disappoint this reader. His storytelling and character development are second to none. You will fall in love with the magician and his life story. The chapters in this book are short, but each one is poignant or pithy and carries you along on Sachar's journey. The story line takes just enough twists and turns to keep you engrossed but not so much that you have go back and look to see if you've missed anything. I can't wait to share this book with friends and family.

This was immensely enjoyable. The major plot itself wasn't super unique or anything, but the narration and point of view made it something else entirely. So cozy and delightful, learning about Anatole throughout the book was the really important part, not really the plot. For an immortal magician, he's really quite human.