I first tried to read this years ago, but got bored quickly after it switched to Part 2 (of 5). I heard Simon Vance read the audio, so I decided to give it another try. I’m glad I did, because it was an enjoyable book! Part 2 and 4 (the part in the past, told by the two magicians) was less interesting to me, but I know why they were necessary to aid the present-day story. I was surprised when the fairly straight-forward illusionist story turned fantasy, especially so late in the book, and the end was a bit messy/open for me, but overall, it was enjoyable. I’m glad I gave it another chance.