In today’s world we have unprecedented access to knowledge and science. We are increasingly unsatisfied with seemingly impossible things that have no plausible explanation. Speculative fiction is known for asking one simple question “What If?” Science fiction leans toward scenarios that might be possible, whereas fantasy dwells in the world of the impossible. In early fantasy writing we would read about impossible things, and the author would wave it away with a simple “It’s just magic – don’t think about it.” Modern audiences want more. Hard fantasy (where magic systems have a logical and rules-based premise) dares not only to ask “what if” but also suggests “here’s how.”
Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series is the very definition of sprawling epic, the entire story spanning fourteen volumes. While it is steeped in a number of thematic elements that may, from modern perspective, be seen as tropes, the intricate design of the magic system in the books is undeniable.
The system is described over time through the series with such nuance that the reader can begin to have a very clear notion of what is and is not possible, and feel an understanding of how things are done, almost as if we the readers are versed in the topic. Jordan accomplishes this without excessive info-dumping or the need for a character to attend a magic school so it can all be explained cleanly.
The Wheel of Time turns and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the Shadow.
When a vicious band of half-men, half beasts invade the Two Rivers seeking their master's enemy, Moiraine persuades Rand al'Thor and his friends to leave their home and enter a larger unimaginable world filled with dangers waiting in the shadows and in the light .
Brandon Sanderson is known for his detailed and unique systems of magic across his many series of novels, such that a significant body of writing by third parties has been dedicated toward trying to describe them all.
In the Mistborn series, he creates a system unlike anything I’ve seen before. A full understanding is best gained by reading the books, but in short, the magic in Mistborn, known as Allomancy, involves ingesting certain metals to gain very specific effects by “burning” them. The powers and limits of each are well-defined and balanced, and the reader can very quickly begin to understand how a practitioner of said magic can achieve certain effects. It’s a truly unique take on magic and Sanderson does a masterful job of showing you without lecturing.
Brandon Sanderson - the international phenomenon who finished the Wheel of Time sequence - introduces a fantasy trilogy which overturns the expectations of readers and goes on to tell the epic story of evil overturned in a richly imagined world.
A thousand years ago evil came to the land and has ruled with an iron hand ever since. The sun shines fitfully under clouds of ash that float down endlessly from the constant eruption of volcanoes. A dark lord rules through the aristocratic families and ordinary folk are condemned to lives in servitude, sold as goods, labouring in the ash…
In The Kingkiller Chronicles, Patrick Rothfuss takes us on a journey through the life of its main character, (Kvothe) in parallel timelines each hinting at events in the other, and the craftsmanship is truly masterful. It’s a well-written epic that is both character and plot-driven, existing in a rich world of culture, history, and, of course, magic.
As we follow Kvothe, we are exposed to a system of magics wielded by human society known as Archanists, the disciplines of which are divided into several branches and are pursued with an almost scientific methodology. We also gain a glimpse into the more mystical arts of the Fae people. These arts are seamlessly woven into the narrative delivering a story that is as captivating as it is unique.
The lyrical fantasy masterpiece about stories, legends and how they change the world. The Name of the Wind is an absolute must-read for any fan of fantasy fiction.
'This is a magnificent book' Anne McCaffrey
'I was reminded of Ursula K. Le Guin, George R. R. Martin, and J. R. R. Tolkein, but never felt that Rothfuss was imitating anyone' THE TIMES
'I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University…
Master of the Five Magics delivers exactly what the title suggests. Hardy creates not only one, but five distinct and well-thought-out systems of magic. Each discipline is different from the next in practice, application, and style. The mechanics of how each of the systems functions is logical, precise, and adheres to a well-planned set of rules. The reader explores the world of magics through immersive storytelling and the reader can enjoy the journey without the perception of having attended a university course on the subject material.
The trilogy is seen as ahead of its time and is often credited as having influenced later authors as they explored the subject of magic in fantasy in their own writings.
Vendora, the crafty queen under siege in a castle that had never fallen.
Alodar, the mere journeyman, learning the least of the five crafts of magic.
He had no right to aspire for her hand --- but aspire he did!
Wizards, sorcerers, dragons, castles, and more!
Alodar's quest takes him from one magical craft to another—each with its own distinct powers and pitfalls. Aided by a mysterious eye from deep within the earth, at a college for magicians, he discovers the secret lying behind the hypnotic flicker of common flame.
The Saga of Recluse by L.E. Modesitt Jr. is a massive series of twenty interconnected novels that span centuries of its world’s history. The author recommends reading the series in order of publication, so we begin with The Magic of Recluse. In this novel we see a world in which the use of the two opposing disciplines of magic, known as Order and Chaos, are woven into the very fabric of society. As the story unfolds we see how Modesitt has carefully crafted each system, pausing to flesh out the societal implications of such. In the world of Recluse, we see magic integrated into society in a way that shows careful world building beside detailed rules of magic. Superb storytelling makes the world a joy to explore.
The Magic of Recluce launched a bestselling epic fantasy world that now spans multiple volumes.
Young Lerris yearns to find a place in the world better suited to his skills and temperament. In Recluce this means taking one of two options: permanent exile from Recluce or the dangergeld, a complex, rule-laden wanderjahr in the lands beyond. Many do not survive.
Lerris chooses dangergeld.
Lerris will need magic in the lands beyond, where the power of the Chaos Wizards reigns unchecked, and he must learn to use his powers in an orderly way before his wanderjahr, or fall prey to Chaos.
Lena Sullivan is a blade for hire making her way (as best as she can) in an unfriendly world of mercenaries, violence, blood, and betrayal. Working to put a difficult past behind her, she leads a solitary life with no permanent home and no prospects for the future. When she lands a high-paying contract to work as a bodyguard for an elderly history professor, the job seemed too good to be true. It was.
Rise of the Red Hand is the first book in a series that explores a world steeped in magic, history, and complex societies. A diverse cast of characters is drawn into a conflict that threatens to plunge the continent into chaos, oppression, and war.
A fractured mind or a global conspiracy? Uncovering the truth can be hell when nobody believes you… and you can’t even trust yourself.
"A fantastic science fiction thriller with a sincere and important message.”—Kirkus Reviews.
“A breathtaking, deeply dark alternate-history Earth with complex characters, layered worldbuilding, and twist after twist after twist.”—Julianna Caro, Reedsy Discovery.
Broken Mirror is the first volume in a queer psychological science fiction saga that looks at the stigma of mental illness and the hellish distrust and alienation that goes with it.
Broken Mirror: the start of a smart, complex, and imaginative cyberpunk alternate history saga. Literary science fiction from a fresh, young voice.
In a skewed mirror universe, a mentally ill young man searches for his grandfather’s killer.
Someone killed Jefferson Eastmore. His grandson Victor is sure of it, but no one believes him.
Diagnosed with mirror resonance syndrome and shunned by Semiautonomous California society, Victor suffers from hyperempathy, blank outs, and sensory overload. Jefferson devoted his life to researching mental illness and curing Broken Mirrors like Victor through genetic engineering, but now that he’s gone, Victor must walk a narrow…
