Rating: 
Summary: One of the Greatest Novels Ever Written
Review: John Fowles is among the best writers of this century, and "The Magus" is his finest novel. It's narrative is utterly compelling, with vivid settings, interesting characters and fabulous plot twists. But what makes this book so special is Fowles' ability to seamlessly incorporate his wide-ranging knowledge of a variety of disciplines (art, philosophy, history, mythology, etc.) into the story without seeming heavy-handed or didactic. I have re-read "The Magus" many times over the years and always come away with something new--such is the richness of Fowles' prose. Likewise, I have recommended it to many friends; some have simply appreciated it as "a great story," while many others have felt that it changed their lives. My advice to anyone about to read "The Magus" is this: don't be overly concerned about "getting it" or understanding the ending. The whole point is to learn, as Nicholas does in the book, that the hazard of life cannot always be easily explained in black and white terms. Enjoy the book, take from it what it gives you...and you too will begin to become a "Magus."
Rating: 
Summary: Addictive
Review: Unless one is an English major, I'm baffled as to why people try to tear this little masterpiece apart. To summarize this complex novel as quickly as possible, I would say it's mainly about love, betrayal, and reform. Nicholas, despite falling madly in love with Alison, takes it upon himself to be unbelievably cruel to her. As a result, the rest of the novel is devoted to morally instructing him. Through this instruction, Fowles uses elements of fantasy, drama, and suspense. The best part of the book is that one will always be asking oneself, "What is the significance of that?" Luckily, Fowles always supplies the answer. At times, I just stared at the pages increduously due to how brilliant these "lessons" are. As the people stated below, once you start reading this book, you'll have to finish it. I had to drop a star from its rating, however, because it was slightly drawn out. Moreover, the ending frustrated me a little bit. Other than that, I feel that this is one of the finest novels I have ever read.
Rating: 
Summary: starts strong, ends lame
Review: The best thing I got from this book is some insight into the psyche of a selfish guy...Not much else. The first third of the novel makes big promises which fall completely flat at the end. Fowles manages to escape giving the book a satisfactory conclusion, and it's obvious that the lack of an ending is more artistic inadequacy than artistic technique.The descriptions of the settings are good and have some atmosphere, but it isn't really worth reading for that alone.
Rating: 
Summary: Ambitious Yet Flawed
Review: Let me start by saying I'd much rather be challenged by a work of complexity that dares, then bored by one that takes no risks. The Magus certainly is the first type of novel. Fowles writes in the introduction to the Modern Library edition that he didn't know where he was going as he wrote the book, and having read it, I believe that's obvious. I was frequently engrossed in the story, and when I first started it, thought I had found one of the great novels of the last century. By the end I was disappointed. It was too convoluted, unrealistic, and juvenile in many ways. The female characters, especially the romantic interests of the narrator were so cartoonish that I often sped through the descriptions to avoid a toxic sugar reaction. One could argue that it was written this way to demonstrate Nicholas' youth, but I think its much more indicative of the author's own perceptions. Finally, I was often frustrated by the large numbers of foreign phrases that went untranslated. I speak German, can read some French, and have been exposed to some Latin; and yet critical passages were indecipherable. It's inexcusable that the last two sentences in the novel were included in Latin, and left unexplained for the non-initiates among us. If someone can translate them please be so kind as to post it.
Rating:
Summary: Taken On A Wild Adventure
Review: Reading The Magus gave me the same feelings that main character Nicholas Urfe experienced -- apprehension, desire, frustration, and pleasure. Fowles weaves a tangled web blurring reality and fantasy leaving the reader mentally exhausted yet craving more. After reading the book's more than 600 pages I didn't want it to end. Fowles fills the story with literary reference that would keep any Shakespearean buff on his or her toes. The imagery and brilliant descriptions more than make up for any difficulty a reader might have with the abundant literary references. If you dare take this journey with young Nicholas be prepared to set some time aside -- you won't want to put this book down as you try to decipher the message our young character endures. As I read from 100 on the Modern Library's Best 100 List The Magus at #93 has by far been my favorite yet -- great characters, tangled plot, and brilliant if not hypnotic descriptions.
Rating:
Summary: The Magus
Review: F. Scott Fitzgerald once described himself as the best second rate writer in the world. Of John Fowles, Martin Amis wrote in 'The War Against Cliche' that he is a middlebrow writer who sometimes hopes he is a highbrow. The difference is Fitzgerald wasn't equating second rate with middlebrow. I wouldn't put Fowles in the same category as a writer but as an idea novelist he warrants some merit for creating this original and ambitious psychodrama. Even when he employs artifice, Fowles is creative and imaginative. His descriptions of the islands of Greece are impressive. I recommend the hardcover Modern Library edition by Random House. It contains the new 1998 author's Introduction.
Rating:
Summary: Deeply engrossing symbolic tale...
Review:
In this book a young man trying to find his way in life takes a teaching position on a Greek island and gets wrapped up in the intrigue and surrealistic mind games of a mysterious and wealthy man there. Well written, creative, bizarre. Rich in symbolism, literary reference and insight with lots of twists and turns in the plot. It makes the reader think about personal choice, morality, complicity, forgiveness, retribution, suffering and what is "real". The book is purposely riddled with lacking explanations, implausibilities and plot holes. This bats the reader back and forth between incredulity and fascination - in effect dragging them through the same process that Nicolas is enduring. It also forces the reader to draw their own conclusions and re-enforces the subtle message throughout that "answers" are the poor mans spirituality, but that a true rise in consciousness comes only through rigorous self-examination. In fact, the ambiguity in this book will no doubt leave many readers feeling unsettled and betrayed - which, if not Fowles' intended purpose is an appropriate effect - Fowles doing to the reader what Conchis does to Nicholas throughout the story. Although each reader must take from the book their own lesson, to me it was the symbolic story of the path towards enlightenment that mystical traditions in all faiths profess. In Jungian terms (although the author via the "trial" seems to be coming at it more from the angle of ceremonial magic), Conchis represents the SELF and Nicholas the EGO. The SELF, unfettered by man's artificial "morality" does what it is destined to do - mercilessly and systematically breaking the EGO of it's illusions. This process was nicely symbolized again in Conchis' tale of the Norwegian zealot, who nearly blind and seemingly insane has isolated himself on a remote spit of land where he continually waits to "see" God - i.e. the SELF desperately striving to encounter God regardless of the consequences to the spiritually "blind" EGO (our conscious personality). Overall, a fascinating, multi-layered, highly-symbolic portrayal of the souls journey back to God.
Rating:
Summary: Get out of my head!!
Review: I wish I had never read this so I could read it again for the first time. Be prepared to sink into a bizarre semi-conscious possibly hallucinogenic semi-reality mystery. I read this about a year ago, but it keeps popping up in my head. I just don't know how to describe this book...expect the unexpected...
Rating:
Summary: Introspection
Review: I was intrigued by his technique of keeping the reader just as confused as the main character. His bending of truth/reality was superb. More importantly, the book makes one look inside oneself and truly come to grips with one's history and perception. You should read this.
Rating:
Summary: A mystery, wrapped it a riddle, wrapped in an anigma.
Review: I can't beieve there are so many recent bad reviews of this book. The Magus is absolutely brilliant. Athough I will conceed that you have to be a certain age, or maturity level anyway, to fully appreciate the books scope, depth and purpose. The Magus has been called the greatest mystery novel ever written, and is number 93 of Modern Libraries top 100 novels of the century, chosen by a jury of scholars and writer. The magus is long (600+ pages) and drawn out, but it is well worth the effort. By the last 100 pages questions are answered, mysteries are solved and the enigma that becomes The Magus is summed up the only way a great book could.
Is The Magus challenging? Yes. Frustrating? At times. Entertaining? Beyond words. And by the end the total effect of the novel is magical.
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