Entertainment

Books: Actor Neil Patrick Harris's The Magic Misfits has pace but lacks pizazz

Neil Patrick Harris – known to sitcom fans as the philandering Barney from How I Met Your Mother – has written children's book The Magic Misfits
Neil Patrick Harris – known to sitcom fans as the philandering Barney from How I Met Your Mother – has written children's book The Magic Misfits Neil Patrick Harris – known to sitcom fans as the philandering Barney from How I Met Your Mother – has written children's book The Magic Misfits

CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK

The Magic Misfits by Neil Patrick Harris, published in hardback by Egmont

Yep, it's by Barney! For non-How I Met Your Mother fans, this is actor and comedian Neil Patrick Harris's debut fiction for kids, and you can certainly hear him in the prose. The Magic Misfits follows Carter, whose vanished parents have been replaced by his intimidating, self-serving Uncle Sly, around whom Carter tip-toes, a lot. Uncle Sly has involved Carter in his pickpocketing racket, swindling people out of money by distracting them with magic tricks. Sick of bamboozling people for profit, however excellent his illusions, Carter finally finds the courage to scarper, and luckily falls into the welcoming clutches of a cohort of fellow magicians. It's got pace and wit as you'd expect from Neil (check out the amusing mathematical table of contents for a start), but at times it lacks pizazz, falling into routine ruminations on friendship and finding your people. However, it's got spark, and budding magicians will certainly pick up a few tips.

6/10

Ella Walker

FICTION

Winter by Ali Smith, published in hardback by Hamish Hamilton

THERE'S a translucency to Winter, despite it being bound up in a structure and form that is fluid and changeable. It cajoles you almost effortlessly into the different brain spaces of Ali Smith's complicated cast. Part two in her seasons series, following the recent Autumn, it sees the disparate limbs of a family (and a stranger) collide over Christmas. Sophia, who is seeing things; her sister Iris, who she long ago stopped talking to; Sophia's Twitter-troubled son Art, and his kind of/kind of not girlfriend Charlotte (also possibly called Lux). It's a typical Christmas; tears, fights, secrets, food, reminiscing; but it is handled quite wondrously. Political events ebb and flow in the background, sucking some paragraphs dry of joy. But despite that and its themes of grief, abandonment, confusion and disillusion, it's funny. Charlotte/Lux's sweet, thoughtful interactions with her would-be mother-in-law are some of the most beautiful moments in the book. It is not a gripping read but it is gentle, without being placid, and really quite stirring.

8/10

Ella Walker

The People vs. Alex Cross by James Patterson, published in hardback by Century

JAMES Patterson returns to his incredibly popular Alex Cross series with this latest instalment. The charismatic FBI Detective and psychotherapist now faces the case of his life – only this time he is the one being accused. Suddenly finding himself on the wrong side of the law, Cross is being used as an "example" in both the courtroom and the media as a trigger-happy cop who deserves to be punished. But of course, Cross doesn't plan on going down without a fight. Running parallel to the courtroom drama is a case involving kidnapped blonde girls and the dark web. Despite Cross being suspended, his former partner persuades him to help solve the case. While it's certainly a page turner, the plotting is predictable. Once again Cross is investigating violent, sexualised crimes against beautiful women – engrossing but familiar. And without giving too much away, Cross's nine-year-old son provides a pivotal courtroom revelation that does little to boost believability. Fast-paced and action-packed, it should, however, please devoted Alex Cross fans.

6/10

Laura Hannam

DEMI-Gods by Eliza Robertson, published in hardback by Bloomsbury

CANADIAN writer Eliza Robertson was the joint winner of the 2013 Commonwealth Short Story Prize, and Demi-Gods is her first foray into full-length novels. Demi-Gods begins in 1950s rural British Columbia, and traces narrator Willa's bizarre relationship with Patrick – the son of her mother's new boyfriend. The action alternates between Canada and sunny California, as Willa and Patrick grow up and their relationship becomes increasingly twisted. Robertson's depiction of confused teenage sexuality is believable, however, there's a dark shadow cast over the novel. Patrick is portrayed as sexy and dangerous, when in reality he sexually abuses Willa when she's young – something that isn't fully acknowledged. As such, reading about their relationship feels increasingly uncomfortable. Robertson's turn of phrase is deft, although her writing style errs towards the overwritten at times. While some scenes in British Columbia are perfectly captured, every so often she'll attempt evocative phrases that add very little to the overall picture.

5/10

Prudence Wade

NON-FICTION

Daemon Voices: Essays on Storytelling by Philip Pullman, published in hardback by David Fickling Books

A HEFTY collection of more than 30 essays and speeches spanning two decades, Daemon Voices is a weighty tome in every sense of the word. It's a curious choice of release, timed to coincide with the celebrated unveiling of La Belle Sauvage, the first part of Pullman's Dark Materials 'equel', The Book of Dust. Running to almost 500 pages there are plenty of "behind the scenes" anecdotes to amuse and inform fans of Lyra Belacqua and co, and some good advice for budding novelists. But the one lesson the book really gives is the need for a good editor. The speeches are presented as spoken and followed with footnotes updating/clarifying Pullman's views, when they could have been revised properly for the updated written format. For a writer with such a fine grasp of pace, drama and capturing the essence of life, Daemon Voices feels like a bit of a rushed affair, put together in a hurry to capture the moment.

6/10

David Wilcox