Books matching: magical sigils
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- #1
Save:A wildly original, brainy fantasy heist with an unforgettable heroine and a magic system that feels truly new - just be ready for lots of worldbuilding and the occasional info-dump. Ideal for fantasy readers who want their magic clever, their characters damaged-but-driven, and their stories bursting with inventiveness.
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...August 2018•502 pages - #2
Save:Original, beautifully crafted fantasy with an unforgettable dragon, rich worldbuilding, and authentic queer representation - perfect for fans of silkpunk and anyone seeking something fresh in epic fantasy.
"Phoenix Extravagant" by Yoon Ha Lee is a fantasy novel set in a secondary fantasy world inspired by Asian countries like Korea, Japan, and China. The story follows Jebi, a nonbinary artist who is forced to work for the invaders controlling their country, leading Jebi to uncover dark secrets about the destruction of art and artifacts to create magical pigments for automatons. Jebi's journey involves political intrigue, rebellion, and a forbidden romance with a duelist named Vei, all while navigating complex societal themes and a unique magical system involving special paints and automatons.
The book is praised for its originality, world-building, and the exploration of themes such as art, gender, and family honor. Readers appreciate the diverse representation of nonbinary and gay characters, the intricate magical elements tied to the story's history, and the engaging plot that balances political thriller elements with character-driven narratives. The writing style is described as beautiful, nuanced, and immersive, with a focus on exploring the inner values of humans through the characters' perspectives and moral struggles.
GYEN JEBI STROVE to keep their hand from shaking as they dipped their brush into the paint they’d mixed from pigments, a part of every artist’s training. Remember, they reminded themself, you’re good...October 2020•412 pages - #3
Save:Minor Works of Meda by Juliette Caruso is a standalone fantasy novel centered around Meda, a passionate witch aspiring to study magic at the Temple. The plot intertwines themes of friendship, adventure, and belonging as Meda navigates her self-doubt and the challenges posed by her mentor's superior apprentice, a half-fae named Kalcedon. As the story unfolds, Meda must solve a mystery related to the protective ward around her home, showcasing her intelligence despite her perceived weakness in magic.
Caruso's writing style is beautifully descriptive, painting vivid images of Mediterranean-like islands and magical landscapes. The dynamic between characters is filled with witty banter, creating relatable and complex personalities. The blend of romance and fantasy is well-crafted, with an interesting magical system that captures readers' imaginations. Overall, the book is engaging and heartwarming, making it a delightful read for fans of both fantasy and romance.
In the calm waters of the bronze scrying bowl, the world played out in miniature. The warship looked as small as a fish-craft. I knew it wasn’t—knew it was larger than any boat that sailed our isle of...July 2024•341 pages - #4
Save:A unique and compelling historical fantasy-mystery with memorable characters and magical vibes. Give it a try if you want something different - especially if you like your cozy mysteries with a dash of stardust and social history.
Nicole Glover's 'The Conductors' is a captivating blend of historical fiction, mystery, and fantasy set in Reconstruction era Philadelphia. The story follows the titular Conductors, Hetty and Benjy, who navigate post-Civil War life by solving crimes within the black community that are overlooked by the local police. The book introduces a fascinating mix of magic systems, engaging characters, and a suspenseful murder mystery that keeps readers engrossed from start to finish. Glover's writing style expertly weaves together elements of historical accuracy, fantasy, and intricate world-building, creating a unique and immersive reading experience.
Hetty and Benjy, the central characters, are portrayed as a dynamic duo with a deep bond and a shared history of working on the Underground Railroad. The author skillfully integrates themes of magic, community, and resilience into the narrative, providing readers with a richly layered story that explores complex societal issues and personal relationships. The book's vivid descriptions, well-developed characters, and intriguing plot twists make 'The Conductors' a standout debut that offers a fresh perspective on post-Civil War America through the lens of magic and mystery.
WHEN THE WAGON ROLLED into view, Hetty took another small step along the tree branch. Lookout was not a role she would have chosen, but Benjy had argued a trap was useless if it wasn’t sprung in the r...2020•449 pages - #5
Save:A funny, fresh spin on urban fantasy - great characters, plenty of laughs, and magical mayhem in modern-day Scotland. A fantastic start to a promising new series, especially recommended on audio!
In "Ink & Sigil" by Kevin Hearne, readers are introduced to Al MacBharrais, a sigil agent in Glasgow who uses magical inks to draw sigils that compel people or convey powerful attributes. When Al stumbles upon a fae kidnapping plot orchestrated by the CIA, he teams up with a rescued hobgoblin named Buck and a deadly warrior named Nadia to investigate and clean up after rogue gods and druids. The story unfolds with Al navigating the world of trafficking fae, uncovering a ring smuggling supernaturals, and dealing with genetically altered supernaturals turned into deadly monsters.
The book is set in the world of Iron Druid but stands alone, offering a contemporary fantasy experience filled with humor, intricate magic systems, and eccentric characters. The plot is fast-paced, engaging, and takes readers on a journey through Glasgow's magical underworld as Al and his allies work to solve mysteries and navigate contracts with the Fae using unique sigils and inks.
And now Gordie, who was supposed to be my lucky number seven, choked to death on a scone this morning. It had raisins in it, so that was bloody daft, as raisins are ill-omened abominations and he shou...August 2020•336 pages - #6
Save:A charming, funny, and magical adventure that’s perfect for fans of urban fantasy with a Celtic twist - but be prepared for some narrative detours along the way!
"Paper & Blood" in the series "Ink & Sigil" by Kevin Hearne follows protagonist Al MacBharrais on an adventure to Australia with his hobgoblin associate, Buck Foi, to investigate the disappearance of a fellow Sigil agent. Along the way, they are joined by various characters, including the Iron Druid, as they encounter paranormal creatures, engage in banter, and unravel mysteries. The writing style is described as humorous, entertaining, and filled with action, adventure, and witty dialogues that keep the readers engaged.
If you have to tell someone they’re going to die soon, it’s a good idea to buy them a whisky first. That way they can drink it or throw it in your face and feel a tiny bit better either way. It’s only...August 2021•302 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ink & Sigil )
