The first thing that readers will wonder is if this is like Holes. It is not, and is also not as clever as Sachar's masterpiece. However, it is a cozy fantasy that will appeal to many, and is refreshingly free of cynicism. This will be a popular and accessible read.

The Magician of Tiger Castle
Louis Sachar
I always enjoy when a childrens/young adult author does the crossover to adult fiction. They always seem to get the right amount of whimsy with complex situations, and this was no exception!
I love stories about magic, it was there; stories with darkness and light. Unique & endearing characters, just enough cleverness and humor and a story that kept me turning the pages!
Bravo Louis Sachar! I hope he will continue to entertain and delight us adults who love fairy tales!
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the privilege of reading an ARC of this book.
#TheMagicianOfTigerCastle
#NetGalley

A cozy fantasy novel with Louis Sachar's classic humor. Anatole is hairless magician who is tasked with getting the princess to fall out of love with Pito, a lowborn scribe, so she can proceed with her arranged marriage to a prince. The tone still feel a bit YA with the digression in the story, but it is winsome story.

An adult novel by Louis Sachar! It is a little slower paced at the beginning but the characters are great. Anatole the magician remembers 400 years in the past to tell the tale from the present. Drops in interesting facts about some modern "improvements" and some modern assumptions. Entertaining!

I have to say that the story took a different turn than I was expecting. I thought that the story being told from a point of reflection for Anatole was quite well done. I also enjoyed the incorporation of Anatole's experience with modern vernacular and his Esquavetian as an interesting reflection of how one learns to be part of a new community or culture. Overall, this was a very pleasant read.

I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting on this one.... Growing up on Louis Sachar books, I was stoked to have the chance to read the ARC of his first adult fiction! I wasn't sure if I was getting myself into more of a Terry Pratchet or T.Kingfisher situation, but I would put this solidly in the cozy (low) fantasy category. The first half of the book was confusing and dragged, but the second half came around. Enjoyed the fairytale-like storyline, but would have loved to know more about the 400 years he spent wandering around earth. Couldn't quite give this one 4 stars, but it's a solid 3--not entirely my jam, but I can see this hitting home for the cozy fantasy lovers.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The magician of Tiger Castle is a quick read and a fun romp through the days of yore when kings, queens, and their alchemist physicians ruled the land. It is written with adult characters, but I could envision it appealing to both teens and adults who like their historical fiction without excessive violence or descriptions of intimate behavior.

I did like this book but I dont know that I would call it adult. It read a little more YA to me, which is fine because I read YA. However if I recommended it to someone who read adult fantasy, I dont know if they would like it. Cozy fantasy seems to be having a moment right now but if you were new to the concept, this maybe a little too cozy.

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.