not so eager

I started Magic by the Book by Nina Bernstein, but I was annoyed by how derivative it is. There's homage and then there's imitation, you know? If I wanted to read Edward Eager, I'd just go and read Edward Eager.

I think what most annoyed me, actually, is that the main characters are acknowledged Eager fans, yet they fail to notice when they are living out scenes straight from his books. Just one little, "ohmigod, I can't believe I just betrayed Robin Hood's plans exactly the way they did in Knight's Castle!" would have helped.