Books matching: complex magic system
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- #1
'Dreams of the Dying' by Nicolas Lietzau is a dark fantasy novel that delves deep into mental health issues, offering an immersive and unique experience. The plot takes readers on an emotional roller coaster, blending elements of psychological horror with a richly detailed world called Vyn. The story follows the protagonist Jespar, a complex character struggling with depression and PTSD, as he navigates through dream worlds and faces his inner demons. The writing style is described as raw and deeply engrossing, capturing the intimate struggles of the characters with a touch of mystery and intrigue.
Alongside poverty, war, and bad wine, Jespar had always considered low ceiling beams over beds one of humanity’s worst inventions. He also belonged to the unfortunate few whose subconscious didn’t rem... - #2
Belle Revolte follows Annette and Emilie as they trade lives with one training in the moonlight arts and the other in the noonday. The arts are a form of magic that come from the deities Lord sun or Mistress moon that serve different purposes. Miller has created a magical system that is entirely unique and develops it throughout the book. The story is character-driven, focusing on the complex characters and their struggle for justice in a magical world with power games similar to our own. The plot moves along slowly, allowing readers to get to know the characters deeply, and the magic system in the story is fascinating, focusing on sacrifice and the consequences of using magic.
The book is a mix of The Prince and the Pauper and the French Revolution, featuring a beautifully described world with a well-thought-out magic system. The writing style, while initially seeming wonky to some readers, becomes more concise towards the end, drawing readers into the story with its emotional depth and vivid descriptions. The romance in the book is charming and unique, adding another layer of depth to the characters and the overall plot.
- #3
The Blinding Knife, the second book in the Lightbringer series by Brent Weeks, continues the epic fantasy tale following the events of the first book, Black Prism. The book introduces a new range of magic types with associated rules, creating a distinctly different fantasy world. The plot follows the characters as they navigate through intricate political power plays, moral dilemmas, hidden agendas, and divided loyalties, all set against the backdrop of an overarching war. The book is known for its meticulous worldbuilding, detailed and unique magic system, sympathetic characters, and twists and turns that keep readers guessing.
Gavin Guile lay on his back on a narrow skimmer floating in the middle of the sea. It was a tiny craft with low sides. Lying on his back like this, he’d once almost believed he was one with the sea. N...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Lightbringer ) - #4
'Wizard War' by Hugh Cook is a fantasy novel that follows a diverse cast of characters in a well-thought-out world filled with unique magic systems. The story is an epic quest type narrative that delves into moral ambiguity, complex character development, and a colorful yet dark world. The author's writing style is described as original, gritty, and humorous, with elements of cosmology and metaphysics adding depth to the plot. Despite some initial strangeness in the writing style, readers find themselves engrossed in the book as it progresses, akin to the works of Joe Abercrombie.
- #5
The Thousand Deaths of Ardor Benn is an epic fantasy novel following the master con artist, Ardor Benn, as he assembles a team for his most daring heist yet - stealing from the most powerful king in the realm. The book is filled with twists and turns, explosive exploits, and a unique magic system based on 'grit' obtained from dragon waste. The story is fast-paced, immersive, and features well-developed characters who embark on a thrilling adventure full of schemes, heists, and unexpected revelations.
- #6
'Alpha Zero' by Arthur Stone is a unique blend of Isekai and wuxia genres with a premise that stands out for its originality. The story follows the main character as he navigates a world filled with exciting scenes, complex skill information, and intricate world building. Despite a slow start and some confusing elements, the narrative gains momentum as the protagonist evolves from a gatherer to a craftsman, showcasing a focus on character development and strategic thinking rather than sheer power.
The book delves into the journey of the main character, Ged, as he faces challenges, uncovers mysteries, and gradually grows into his role within the world. With a mix of action, intrigue, and character dynamics, 'Alpha Zero' offers a fresh perspective on leveling mechanics and character progression, ultimately leading readers on an engaging and thought-provoking adventure.
- #7
'The Way of Kings' in 'The Stormlight Archive' series by Brandon Sanderson is an epic fantasy novel that introduces readers to a world filled with unique magic systems, intricate world-building, and deep character development. The plot revolves around multiple main characters, each with their own complex storylines that eventually intertwine. The magic system in the book is innovative and tied to gems that capture stormlight, which powers magical armor and various other elements in the world. The writing style is described as engaging, with a mix of slow-paced world-building and action-packed sequences that keep readers hooked throughout the 1000+ pages of the book.
“You’ve killed me. Bastards, you’ve killed me! While the sun is still hot, I die!” —Collected on the fifth day of the week Chach of the month Betab of the year 1171, ten seconds before death. Subject ... - #8
A Deadly Education follows the story of El, a loner student at the Scholomance, a magical school where students must survive deadly creatures and classmates without any help from teachers or guardians. The protagonist, El, navigates the treacherous environment while forming alliances to increase her chances of survival. The book is narrated in a first-person, stream-of-consciousness style, providing insights into the dark magic world, classmates, and rules of the school.
I DECIDED that Orion needed to die after the second time he saved my life. I hadn’t really cared much about him before then one way or another, but I had limits. It would’ve been all right if he’d sav... - #9
"Midnight Riot" in the series "Rivers of London" by Ben Aaronovitch follows the story of Peter Grant, a police constable in London, who unexpectedly becomes an apprentice wizard after encountering a ghost at a crime scene. Grant's new role leads him to work on solving supernatural crimes with Chief Inspector Nightingale, blending magic and modern police work in a parallel London where magic is real but hidden from most people. offers a mix of contemporary London life, magical elements, and a touch of humor, creating an engaging and unique urban fantasy setting.
IT STARTED at one thirty on a cold Tuesday morning in January when Martin Turner, street performer and, in his own words, apprentice gigolo, tripped over a body in front of the West Portico of St. Pau... - #10
Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett is an epic fantasy novel that follows the story of Sancia Grado, a talented thief living in the city of Tevanne. Sancia is hired to steal a mysterious artifact, a key named Clef, which holds immense power. As she navigates a world of magical sigils and political intrigue, Sancia finds herself entangled in a dangerous game where powerful elites control scrived objects to manipulate reality. The book is praised for its complex world-building, unique magical system, and engaging characters, especially Sancia and Clef, as they uncover long-buried secrets and face formidable challenges.
The writing style in Foundryside is described as captivating, with intricate world-building and a fast-paced plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book seamlessly blends elements of fantasy with real-world parallels, creating a rich and immersive setting that explores themes of power, greed, and social inequality. Readers are drawn into a world where inanimate objects come to life through scriving, and where characters like Sancia and Clef navigate a society divided between the wealthy elites and the impoverished commoners, setting the stage for an epic adventure filled with mystery and magic.
Then she’d come to the drainage tunnel, and that had gone…less swimmingly. It had worked, she supposed—the drainage tunnel had allowed her to slink below all the interior gates and walls and get close...