Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

I would like to read a book with an interesting and innovative system of magic. I'm not too picky about the plot or genre. I particularly like the magic in Mistborn: The Final Empire, The Way of Kings, and Warbreaker. I think that Brandon Sanderson is fantastic at creating new magic systems. I would prefer a book in which the way the magic works is explained in detail: where it comes from, how you invoke it, etc. Any help will be appreciated.

You know what? I think I'd even settle for some books that use unique terms to describe their magic. Not made up ones: words that already exist, but ones you might not have thought to use yourself. It was brought to my attention once that the term "channeling" used in the Wheel of Time series sounds really cool. It evokes the image of the magic flowing through the person. Anything like that?

Hah, I was going to suggest Brandon Sanderson, but I should have known he'd be the basis of this post! I'll try:

Sabriel - Uses a magic system involving bells and written characters.

Gardens of the Moon - Interesting magic system involving the use of Warrens, though it's not explained very well or in detail.

The Name of the Wind - Uses "sympathy" magic. In simplest terms: do something to one object, imagine a result happening to another, and it'll happen (but with limitations). Not a very good explanation, but I hope this gets the idea across.

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell - The main characters are two magicians; in this book, magic is dark and rather hard to learn, and if something goes wrong it can backfire immensely.

I haven't really read a book with a magic system as detailed as Sanderson's, but I hope some of these work for you. :)

You might check out Blake Charlton's Spellwright (and sequels). I'm not sure if it's as detailed as you want, but its magic system is very explicitly language-based and the main character is dyslexic, which adds a twist that I found interesting.

Christy, that does sound interesting! Thank you for the suggestion.

Valerie, I've been meaning to read Sabriel, The Name of the Wind, and Jonathan Strange, but haven't yet. I'll have to put them higher on my to-read list now! Thank you very much.

Have you read The Curse of Chalion?

There isn't a particular magic system, per se. Rather, magic is heavily intertwined with the religious structure of the society. Magic is used, if sparingly, and the consequences of using magic are very dire.

Kay wrote: "Have you read The Curse of Chalion?

There isn't a particular magic system, per se. Rather, magic is heavily intertwined with the religious structure of the society. Magic is use..."
Sounds pretty interesting! I think I'll give it a shot :)

And another thought: Daniel Abraham's Long Price Quartet (beginning with A Shadow in Summer) is fantastic. It has a magic system that is not only unique in my reading of fantasy but is also thoroughly entwined with the characters and the culture.

I would also note (as I have done with everyone I've recommended this to) that I found the first book to be kind of a slow start to the series but I liked book 2 better and by book 3 I was absolutely in love with it.

The Native Star has several ways of working magic, some of which are in conflict with each other in interesting ways. It is an alternate history Old West, with mild romantic elements. I liked that the magic system seemed thought out.

Hm, you could possibly try Flesh and Fire. The premise of the book is based upon the idea of spellworking with wine, and the power that it holds. Eh, it is an interesting and unique take on magic.

annie's soup kitchen" is alternate history of new west. fun and magical Annie's Soup Kitchen

Thanks to Christy, Ceridwen, Katie and Tuck for their recommendations! I am especially excited for The Native Star. I've been interested in Old West stuff lately ;)

In that case, there's also a new series by Gemma Files that has an interesting magic system set in the post-Civil War West. It has a lot of sex and violence, though, just so you know.

Miriam wrote: "In that case, there's also a new series by Gemma Files that has an interesting magic system set in the post-Civil War West. It has a lot of sex and violence, though, just so you know."

Sounds pretty neat. Thanks, Miriam!

You might enjoy the Chronicles of Elantra by Michelle Sagara West, which begins with Cast in Shadow. The author has constructed a complex, fascinating fantasy world with several species of beings, including dragons (who appear human most of the time), mind-readers, and several others. Some of them have fairly typical magic systems, but the heroine, Kaylin, is unlike anyone else. She is covered with magical tattoos, which gradually appeared on her body as she reached puberty. No one understands them, least of all Kaylin. She in able to invoke the magic in times of emergency or danger or great stress, but she does not control the magic or the tattoos very easily.

I think it's an imaginative and engrossing fantasy series. There are 8 or 9 books so far, but more coming.

Libriomancerby Jim C. Hines also has an original magical system. Libriomancers can reach into a book to pull out a physical recreation of anything that appears within its pages. Some work in specialized genres of books. The central character is a cataloger at a library, but not all libriomancers are librarians.

I saw that you already have added Ursula Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea, but you should definitely bump it up! It has a very precise, almost scientific explanation of how magic works, and how every act of magic has equal consequences.

I know this looks like a shameless plug (and feel free to tell me if it is) but mine does have a first person look at magic, and I couldn't resist adding it into this thread. The protagonist doesn't know very much about it because no records were kept, and if she uses it, she might be caught. There are only two magical wielders born every 100 years, and through the course of my two books (the first of which was published last month) she learns how her "essence" works. Give it a try if you are interested!





Another magic system I liked is in the Tamora Pierce Alanna series. I think it's called the Song of the Lion series.

Kristen wrote: "Valerie, I've been meaning to read Sabriel, The Name of the Wind, and Jonathan Strange, but haven't yet. I'll have to put them higher on my to-read list now! Thank you very much."

Currently reading Jonathan Strange & loving it!

I just read Star Crossed recently. It's a really good book and the magic system is pretty interesting (not fully explained until somewhere in the middle though).

Have you read The Warded Man? The magic system involves complicated runes, which isn't exactly uncommon, but the protagonist uses them in a very interesting way.

Gath Nix's Sabriel series is wonderful. Probably one of my favorite YA series. Right up there with Harry Potter (tho not nearly so ambitious).