In the realm of fantasy and magic, cities often hold a special place. These metropolises are not your ordinary urban areas. They are enigmatic and captivating, casting an enchanting spell on anyone who enters their mystical borders. Magical metropolis casting refers to the process of creating and building such extraordinary cities in works of fiction. Writers and creators must carefully craft every aspect of these settings, from the layout and architecture to the inhabitants and overall atmosphere. One key element in magical metropolis casting is the city's geography.
One key element in magical metropolis casting is the city's geography. These cities often possess unique and otherworldly landscapes that go beyond the mundane. They might be situated on floating islands, hidden in the depths of enchanted forests, or even existing within alternate dimensions.
Dark Shadows in a Glittering Metropolis: Magic and Religion in Jaclyn Dolamore’s Dark Metropolis Series (a guest post for #FSYALit)
Today I am very excited to host a guest post as part of the #FSYALit Discussion on the Dark Metropolis series by Jaclyn Dolamore. Dark Metropolis is a book that I became familiar with as a Cybils judge and it is truly a fascinating book. Set in a dark world of fantasy, it adds a very interesting twist to the zombie tale while taking a very hard look at the issue of economic inequality. I could talk about this book forever, but instead let’s listen to what L. N. Holmes has to say. I’ve always been a fan of magic. As a Christian, that might be a controversial statement. The Bible has many verses rebuking magic and its practitioners. However, the fictional magic of fantasy novels is what I truly like, because it is an excellent literary device for examining the human condition.
SCROLL TO KEEP READING THIS POST ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENTTake, for example, the Harry Potter series. Some Christians despised it, but other Christians defended it as a “Book of Virtues with a preadolescent funny bone” and “a meaningful connection to the most significant principles of Christianity.” In the books, J. K. Rowling used magic as an avenue to discuss abuses of power and the consequences of good and evil choices. Jaclyn Dolamore also uses magic to discuss big ideas with her readers in her young adult series, Dark Metropolis. The heroine Thea, a waitress at a cabaret club in an alternate 1930s Germany, becomes unintentionally involved in a government conspiracy when her best friend, Nan, disappears. Freddy, a “reviver” that brings people back to life with his magical power, is connected to this conspiracy. When he starts frequenting the club where Thea works, the two form an unlikely duo against a city where people are gradually disappearing. Although not as famous or as polished as the Harry Potter series, Dolamore’s fantasy strongly relies on magic as a plot device. Neither inherently good nor evil, enchantments oftentimes serve the whims of the caster. There are people who choose to abuse it—the government in the first book and Ingrid and King Otto in Glittering Shadows (book two)—and others who simply use it for practical purposes. Many non-magic users are directly affected by these actions. In the books, Christianity and magic are not at odds. On the contrary, in Dark Metropolis, Thea notes that Father Gruneman of her church “reminded her of a fairy-tale creature himself, a wizard who had crawled out of a magic cave” (Dolamore 21) after he hands her a book of fairy tales. He later refers to Freddy’s magic as “a gift” (Dolamore 144). Father Gruneman embracing magic allows for him to deal with its existence objectively and take necessary action to help Thea and Freddy when they need it. Dolamore’s books focus more on Norse mythology than Christianity, however. This is subtly mentioned in Dark Metropolis and further explored in Glittering Shadows. Without giving too much away, the origin story of magic in book two is a direct nod to a specific Norse legend. The characters mirror the plot as they focus more on this mythology than religion. Ironically, it is an important character of book two that is connected to the Norse mythology that tries to explain the purpose of Christianity. Ingrid argues with Nan in book two that “even as you are looking for humanity in yourself, humans are looking to transcend those feelings inside of themselves. That’s why they go to church” (Dolamore, 194). While Ingrid’s motivations are not entirely pure during this argument, her ideas about religion may ring true for some Christians. Admittedly, the books were not always enjoyable reads. Oftentimes the plot dragged. Thea was irritatingly indecisive at times. There were many instances where the plot and character development could have been stronger. While the first book focused mostly on Thea and Freddy, Nan’s story was far more interesting. Finally, there were too many instances where the characters were too passive in their actions. That being said, Dolamore did well with portraying old stories in new ways. Her exploration into folklore, mythology, and religion—and how they intertwine—may be stimulating enough to readers to keep their interest. Fans of Cassandra Clare may also appreciate Dolamore’s style. Dolamore’s descriptions of magic were vastly different from Rowling’s, and yet I found it to be an interesting commentary. The serious tone in the Dark Metropolis series encouraged philosophical thought about these subjects without dictating answers for the readers. It created a world where magic and religion could co-exist.
The geography of a magical metropolis sets the stage for the adventures and challenges that await within its boundaries. Another crucial aspect is the architecture and design of the city. Magical metropolises are known for their fantastical buildings and structures that defy ordinary conventions. Towers that stretch towards the heavens, intricate mazes of alleys and canals, and majestic palaces adorned with enchantments are just some of the sights one might encounter. The architecture reflects the magic and wonder that permeates every corner of these mystical cities. Moreover, the inhabitants of a magical metropolis play a significant role in its casting. These individuals might include powerful wizards, wise sorceresses, mischievous fairies, or even unique and mythical creatures. The denizens of such cities possess a deep connection to magic, a shared history, and a collective purpose that aligns with the city's overall enchantment. Their presence contributes to the otherworldly ambiance and magical aura that emanates from the metropolis. Lastly, the overall atmosphere of a magical metropolis is an essential aspect of its casting. Walking through the streets of these cities feels like stepping into a storybook or a daydream. The air is thick with mysticism, and the city buzzes with energy, stirring the imagination of those who visit. Whether it is a bustling marketplace filled with exotic goods or a serene garden filled with mystical creatures, the essence of magic permeates every nook and cranny. In conclusion, magical metropolis casting is the art of creating and bringing to life extraordinary cities within the realm of fantasy and magic. From the geography and architecture to the inhabitants and atmosphere, each element plays a vital role in crafting a city that captures the imagination and leaves readers or viewers spellbound. These enchanting settings have a rich history and a unique allure that sets them apart from ordinary cities, offering a place where dreams come true and anything is possible..
Reviews for "Beyond Reality: The Fascinating World of Magical Cities"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to "Magical Metropolis Casting" based on the description, but I was left disappointed. The story felt predictable and lacked originality. The characters were one-dimensional and I found it hard to connect with any of them. The pacing was slow, and the tension that should have been built was completely missing. Overall, it felt like a wasted opportunity and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 1 star - I couldn't get past the first few chapters of "Magical Metropolis Casting". The writing was overly descriptive and it felt like there was an unnecessary amount of world-building without actually getting into the story. The plot was confusing and didn't seem to have a clear direction. I found myself getting bored and frustrated, so I decided to give up on it. Definitely not my cup of tea.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was intrigued by the concept of "Magical Metropolis Casting" but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The characters were unlikable and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their fates. The world-building was confusing and inconsistent, making it hard to follow the story. The pacing was inconsistent, with parts of the book dragging on while others felt rushed. Overall, it just didn't captivate me and I wouldn't recommend it to others.