Book Review: The Invisible College (The Invisible College, #1) by
From the moment I stumbled across the synopsis of The Invisible College, I was captivated. A blend of magic inspired by ancient Aesir mythology interwoven with technology based on sound? Count me in! However, as I journeyed through its pages, I found myself at a crossroads of admiration for its intricate world-building and frustration with its character dynamics.
At the heart of the story is Robinson Hawksley, a brilliant professor grappling with personal loss and the weight of expectations. The world is richly constructed, where magic isn’t merely an abstract concept but a tangible part of society’s fabric. Robinson teaches a unique pronunciation system devised by his father—a breathtaking concept that hints at the potential for deeper explorations of communication, magic, and technology. It’s in this fascinating setting that he meets McKenna Aurora Foster, a deaf girl whose determination shines through as she fights against societal norms to achieve her dreams.
Yet, here lies my primary grievance: the romance. I was taken aback by how central Robinson and McKenna’s relationship became, overshadowing the world I’d been so eager to explore. The way their feelings develop feels abrupt, with Robinson’s immediate and desperate affection leaving me questioning his maturity. It’s baffling how a character so intelligent can be so oblivious to his own responsibilities, leading to moments that felt more irresponsible than romantic.
One particularly striking quote—“There may be thousands of wrong ways of doing something. But through persistence, by not giving up, we can discover another way”—might resonate more during Robinson’s attempts at love than during his scientific endeavors, yet I believe it captures the book’s essence. Milestones in his research could have been pivotal moments that showcased growth, but instead, they felt driven by luck rather than hard-earned success, which was disheartening.
McKenna, in contrast, felt like a mature and grounded character trapped by her circumstances. Her hard work and aspirations are compelling, yet I yearned for more depth regarding her struggles. The world may have been beautifully designed, but I missed the chance to see the broader context of what being deaf meant in a society that can be shockingly discriminatory.
Joseph, the other narrator, provided an intriguing twist with his chapters, albeit they felt less engaging after the barrage of Robinson and McKenna’s relationship drama. This narrative perspective might appeal to readers, but for me, it often felt like a break from the tension that races through Robinson and McKenna’s journey.
Despite my frustrations, I must admit the allure of the world and the Aesir mythology kept me turning pages. The book concludes on a tantalizing note, leaving me wondering if perhaps the upcoming sequel might offer growth for Robinson’s character and a chance to expand upon the world that so intrigued me.
The Invisible College shines brightly with its unique blend of magic and technology, but it’s a mixed bag when it comes to character development and romance. I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy rich world-building and are willing to dive into a story where the romantic aspect drives much of the plot. If you’re someone who prioritizes character choices and development over premise, you might find this a challenging read. My experience vacillated between enchantment and exasperation, yet I found myself yearning for more from its richly crafted universe.
So, will I continue with the series? Tentative yes. The world intrigues me enough to want to see where it goes, despite my reservations about its characters. After all, there may still be a way to discover a better narrative ahead.
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