On illusion, technology and adventure – a review of the novel “Student of the juggler”

In 2021, the first part of the trilogy by Anniina Mikama was reviewed on the website The Last Tavern . The novel delighted Polish audiences who undoubtedly could not wait to be continued. I am also in this group.

 

The year 1829

The Juggler’s Apprentice , i.e. the continuation of The Magician and the Thief , is a kind of introduction to the trilogy – in the book we learn the story of the meeting between Professor, Wiktor Worowski and Tom. Teenage Wiktor cannot come to terms with the fact that he was not present with his brother at the time of his death. One summer night, the protagonist, lost in thoughts and memories, notices a strange flash in the distance. He witnesses an explosion that changes his life forever. It is thanks to her that he will meet Tom, learn the watchmaking trade and learn magic tricks. The Juggler’s Apprentice is a story about what led to the disability of one of the heroes, moreover, it discovers the secret of Tom’s arrival on Earth, and also tells about the causes of the Professor’s bitterness.

A novel for everyone

The volume under review was very much needed by the series. The author makes it possible to get to know Worowski’s story better, but also introduces the reader to the world of completely new heroes, incl. watchmaker Seweryn and Zosia, Wiktor’s friend. 19th-century Krakow captivates with its charm, giving the book an original character. Additionally – as it is announced in the title – there are quite a lot of juggling tricks here! More sensitive recipients should know that in this part of the series there will be several darker threads, the course of which may endanger the liked heroes. The reviewed series is addressed to young people and I recommend it to such a group – the adventure is intertwined with an unusual intrigue, and interestingly created characters add flavor. While reading, we can encourage ourselves to think about some universal issues, which can even change our lives. The translation was re-prepared by Sebastian Musielak, who deserves a huge thank you – the translation is without overhead.

The cards have been thrown

Mikama created a world to which you come back with a smile, which is why I was very happy for the premiere of the next volume of the series. Before reading Apprentice Juggler , it is worth reading the first part (if you haven’t already). Otherwise, some of the threads may turn out to be unclear. The novel is over 500 pages long, but believe me – you don’t feel the volume. Mikama does not force the plot, every sentence in the book is needed and we are happy to read unusual ideas. The action is fast and there is a lot going on. There is no shortage of love threads, friendship stories, and attempts to overcome difficulties. Technological innovations discussed in the book are of particular interest. It all adds up to a work worth recommending!