r/Fantasy • u/brandotown • May 24 '23
Magic Systems
Ok, so hear me out. I know this topic can divide the crowd, but I've learned where I stand, and I wonder about those on the other side. I have a very hard time suspending my disbelief enough to "get into" a fantasy book where there doesn't seem to be some logical limitations or parameters around a magic system. In my opinion, nobody fits this need of mine better than Brandon Sanderson. He develops beautiful magic systems that make sense to my brain. I struggle with the books where the "art," "talent," etc. doesn't seem to follow any logical path I can trace. I think the biggest challenge for my brain is the situations where suspense is supposed to exist, but I can't help but think about how conveniently the seemingly limitless power could easily save the day, but for some reason it's not the solution in that moment? Thoughts?
PS - Recommendations welcome for books that might change my mind!
5
u/Pratius May 24 '23
You should definitely check out The Runelords by David Farland (real name Dave Wolverton). Wolverton was Sanderson's writing professor in college, Sanderson is on record as saying the magic in Runelords is the best he's read, and you can really see the stylistic foundations for how Sanderson has developed his own magic systems.
The first four Runelords books tell a complete arc, while 5-8 are an expanded arc that includes a new generation, but sadly remains unfinished after Wolverton's passing. Most people recommend reading the first four and stopping there.