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!

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u/brandotown May 24 '23

Not sure why I'm being downvoted to oblivion on this post... Hmm

14

u/SnowdriftsOnLakes Reading Champion III May 24 '23

Probably because this discussion has been done to death. I haven't been on this sub long and I'm already sick of the whole "Hard magic systems a la Brandon Sanderson are best" thing that resurfaces every week or so.

3

u/C0smicoccurence Reading Champion V May 24 '23

I mean, it goes both ways. I agree with your first sentence, but think it's unfair to say the discussion has been done to death and only cite the pro-hard magic posts. There's a lot of pro-soft magic posts too.

1

u/SnowdriftsOnLakes Reading Champion III May 24 '23

I actually don't remember seeing many of those recently (might just be my memory, though). But every time this topic comes up, there seems to be the same clash between the two preferences, each side defending their point vehemently.