Books matching: magic systems
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
A must-read for fantasy lovers - Mistborn’s inventive magic, layered plot, and lovable characters make it a classic, despite a slow start and simple prose. Stick with it - the payoff is absolutely worth it!
'The Final Empire' in the 'Mistborn' series by Brandon Sanderson follows the story of Vin, a young thief with extraordinary abilities, as she becomes involved in a plot to overthrow the immortal emperor. Set in a world plagued by slavery, crime, and political corruption, the story unfolds with intricate magical systems and complex characters facing moral dilemmas and making compromises. The rebellion to dethrone the seemingly unkillable Lord Ruler and free the oppressed Skaa forms the central conflict, providing a mix of action, intrigue, and character development.
Vin watched the downy flakes drift through the air. Leisurely. Careless. Free. The puffs of soot fell like black snowflakes, descending upon the dark city of Luthadel. They drifted in corners, blowing...2006•679 pages - #2
A spectacular, ambitious epic for true fantasy lovers - massive in scope, dense in detail, but totally worth the journey if you’re ready to invest the time. This is the gold standard for modern high fantasy.
'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... - #3
A bold, complex, and action-packed start to a unique fantasy series with standout worldbuilding and magic - but it’s a bit of an acquired taste, especially if you like your stories fast and your magic systems simple. Worth it for fantasy fans willing to push through a dense opening.
In the book 'The Black Prism' by Brent Weeks, readers are introduced to a world where magic is based on colors, with each color granting specific abilities to its wielders. The story follows Gavin Guile, the Prism, who is the most powerful magic wielder and the Emperor. Gavin discovers the existence of a son born during a deadly war and this revelation sets off a chain of events uncovering long-buried secrets and leading to another war. The plot is filled with twists, complex choices, fascinating characters, and a fantastic magic system that keeps readers engaged and guessing about hidden motives and unusual alliances.
The writing style of Brent Weeks in 'The Black Prism' is praised for its imaginative world-building and unique magic system based on colors of light. The book is fast-paced, full of intrigue, and features a plot with lots of surprises and cloak-and-dagger scenarios that make it a fun and entertaining read. The characters are compelling, flawed, and well-developed, adding depth to the story and keeping readers invested in their fates.
Kip crawled toward the battlefield in the darkness, the mist pressing down, blotting out sound, scattering starlight. Though the adults shunned it and the children were forbidden to come here, he’d pl...August 2010•660 pages - #4
An iconic epic fantasy adventure that’s immersive and rewarding - if you enjoy slow-building stories, deep worldbuilding, and vast quests, this is essential reading. Just be ready for a long, winding journey!
The Eye of the World, the first book in The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan, follows the epic journey of two young women and three young men as they leave their small village in the Two Rivers. The series introduces readers to a richly detailed world with a well-thought-out magic system and a diverse cast of characters. The plot is filled with adventure, danger, magic, darkness, and brave deeds, capturing the readers' imagination and keeping them on the edge of their seats.
The writing style in The Eye of the World is described as well-written, fast-paced, and engaging, with a richly detailed world that immerses readers into the story. The book sets the bar high for the rest of the series, delivering a stirring tale of small-town folk who find themselves embroiled in a frightening scenario beyond their wildest imaginations. Despite some comparisons to other fantasy stories, The Eye of the World is praised for being the beginning of a unique series that offers a fresh take on the epic fantasy genre.
The palace still shook occasionally as the earth rumbled in memory, groaned as if it would deny what had happened. Bars of sunlight cast through rents in the walls made motes of dust glitter where the...1990•814 pages - #5
A fast-paced, heartwarming, and clever start to a progressively deeper fantasy series - perfect for anyone craving magical schools, lovable underdogs, and inventive worldbuilding.
'Into the Labyrinth' in the 'Mage Errant' series by John Bierce is a coming-of-age fantasy novel set in a magical academy. The story follows the protagonist, Hugh of Emberlin, a young mage who struggles with his magical abilities and faces challenges as he navigates through a complex magic system. The book introduces readers to a well-developed world with intricate world-building elements, a unique magic system, and a small cast of relatable and diverse characters. The plot revolves around Hugh's growth as a character, his journey from self-doubt to embracing his powers, and his experiences in a school setting reminiscent of other popular fantasy series.
Hugh slid farther back into the space behind the bookshelf. Rhodes and his friends might have chosen him as their favorite victim, but their attention span usually wasn’t too long. If he stayed hidden...October 2018•214 pages - #6
A delightfully nerdy mashup of magic, puzzles, and RPG fun - perfect for fans of crunchy magic systems, but might feel slow or too technical for others.
Sufficiently Advanced Magic by Andrew Rowe is a unique blend of RPG elements and intricate magic systems set in a world filled with dungeon crawls and magical schools. The story follows Corin Cadence, a character who is speculated to be on the autism spectrum, as he navigates through a world of attunements and cultivation-like progression. The book combines dungeon diving, magic school, and world-building with elements of betrayal and mystery, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged.
The writing style in Sufficiently Advanced Magic is characterized by detailed descriptions of the magic system and the world, reminiscent of a Dungeons and Dragons campaign or a computer program technical manual. The narrative balances between a dungeon grind and a detailed exploration of magical systems, enchanting, and attunements, offering a fresh take on the fantasy genre with modern touches on topics like racism, asexuality, and child abuse.
Bringing weapons and armor into the test was strictly forbidden, but there weren’t any rules about bringing a backpack full of supplies. I had double checked, triple checked. Maybe they’d consider my...February 2017•624 pages - #7
A lyrical, character-rich fantasy that's a must for fans of immersive storytelling - just know it's slower and more introspective than most epic fantasy, and the series is still unfinished!
"The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss is a fantasy novel that follows the story of Kvothe, a young prodigy who becomes a famous minstrel, wizard, swordsman, and hero. The book features a dual narrative structure, with Kvothe recounting his past while living as an older man. The world-building is extensive and immersive, drawing readers into a vast and fantastical universe filled with mysterious spirits and powerful characters. The writing style is engaging and descriptive, capturing the reader's attention with lyrical prose and intricate details.
The plot of the book revolves around Kvothe's quest to uncover the truth behind his parents' murder and his journey to master the power of naming. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a journey through Kvothe's life, filled with challenges, adventures, and moments of self-discovery. The book seamlessly weaves together elements of magic, travel, death, and storytelling, creating a compelling and intricate narrative that keeps readers captivated from beginning to end.
Old Cob was filling his role as storyteller and advice dispensary. The men at the bar sipped their drinks and listened. In the back room a young innkeeper stood out of sight behind the door, smiling a...March 2007•728 pages - #8
A clever, colorful standalone fantasy full of twists, imaginative magic, and memorable characters - Warbreaker is a rewarding adventure if you’re looking for something fresh, fun, and thought-provoking. Highly recommended for fantasy fans!
'Warbreaker' by Brandon Sanderson is a fantasy novel that introduces a unique magic system called BioChroma or 'Breath'. The story revolves around two sisters from a kingdom with different destinies, one of whom is sent to marry the God King while the other is unexpectedly drawn into political intrigue. The plot is filled with twists and turns, political shenanigans, and well-developed characters, all set in an intricate world where breath and color play a significant role. Sanderson's writing style is described as engaging, fast-paced, and full of humor, with a complex and well-developed fantasy world that keeps readers hooked from the beginning.
True, by many people’s standards, Siri wasn’t “unimportant.” She was, after all, the daughter of a king. Fortunately, her father had four living children, and Siri—at seventeen years of age—was the yo...June 2009•694 pages A darkly inventive, female-led fantasy adventure with one of the coolest takes on necromancy out there. A must for fans of original magic, strong heroines, and rich worldbuilding - just expect to work for some of your answers. Worth the hype!
Sabriel follows the journey of a young woman who unexpectedly inherits her father's title as Abhorsen, a powerful necromancer, and embarks on a quest that takes her across the wall into another world. The book delves into a dark and magical Old Kingdom where Sabriel must rescue her father from the Land of the Dead while battling against evil forces trying to destroy the balance of the realm. The narrative weaves intricate world-building, necromancy, and a band of loyal companions, creating a suspenseful and engaging story filled with vivid descriptions of the magical realm and its inhabitants.
The writing style of Sabriel is praised for its dark and cold atmosphere, with the protagonist navigating through desperate situations in the Old Kingdom and Death itself. The book introduces a unique magical system involving bells and a necromancer's duty to lay the dead to rest, all while exploring themes of family legacy, self-discovery, and the struggle between good and evil in a fantasy setting that captivates readers with its originality and depth.
THE RABBIT HAD been run over minutes before. Its pink eyes were glazed and blood stained its clean white fur. Unnaturally clean fur, for it had just escaped from a bath. It still smelt faintly of lave...1995•463 pages- #10
Dark, clever, and full of teeth - A Deadly Education is a must for fans of audacious worldbuilding and prickly characters. Just be ready for a slow burn (and to dodge a few monsters along the way).
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...September 2020•332 pages










