Magic has always been a topic of fascination and intrigue. It is often depicted as a powerful force that can shape reality and defy natural laws. In many fantasy novels and stories, magic is portrayed as a mystical energy that is only accessible to a select few. However, there is often a price to pay for wielding magic. This is known as the weight of magic. It refers to the consequences and sacrifices that come with using magical powers.
The Witch and the Tsar is a book I fell in love. I loved the characters, especially Baba Yaga and her adversary Selica, and the perfect mix of fantasy and historical fiction. This book has adventure, history, mythology, political intrigue and a touch of romance. I was reminded of one of my favourite series, The Winternight Trilogy by Katherine Arden reading this as it also focuses on Russian folklore. Immersive and compellng, this is a stunning read.
Gilmore sets out to do for Baba Yaga what Miller did for Circe, Saint for Ariadne, North for Penelope and achieves it beautifully A rich and heady blend of historical fiction and mythological retelling. But when her old friend Anastasia now the wife of the tsar, and suffering from a mysterious illness arrives in her forest desperate for her protection, Yaga realizes the fate of all of Russia is tied to Anastasia s.
It refers to the consequences and sacrifices that come with using magical powers. The weight of magic can take different forms and vary depending on the story or myth. In some cases, the weight of magic is physical.
The Witch and the Tsar
In this stunning debut novel, the maligned and immortal witch of legend known as Baba Yaga will risk all to save her country and her people from Tsar Ivan the Terrible--and the dangerous gods who seek to drive the twisted hearts of men.
As a half-goddess possessing magic, Yaga is used to living on her own, her prior entanglements with mortals having led to heartbreak. She mostly keeps to her hut in the woods, where those in need of healing seek her out, even as they spread rumors about her supposed cruelty and wicked spells. But when her old friend Anastasia--now the wife of the tsar, and suffering from a mysterious illness--arrives in her forest desperate for her protection, Yaga realizes the fate of all of Russia is tied to Anastasia's. Yaga must step out of the shadows to protect the land she loves.
As she travels to Moscow, Yaga witnesses a sixteenth century Russia on the brink of chaos. Tsar Ivan--soon to become Ivan the Terrible--grows more volatile and tyrannical by the day, and Yaga believes the tsaritsa is being poisoned by an unknown enemy. But what Yaga cannot know is that Ivan is being manipulated by powers far older and more fearsome than anyone can imagine.
Olesya Salnikova Gilmore weaves a rich tapestry of mythology and Russian history, reclaiming and reinventing the infamous Baba Yaga, and bringing to life a vibrant and tumultuous Russia, where old gods and new tyrants vie for power. This fierce and compelling novel draws from the timeless lore to create a heroine for the modern day, fighting to save her country and those she loves from oppression while also finding her true purpose as a goddess, a witch, and a woman.
My owl could only be here to deliver bad tidings. Like her namesake, night, Noch came in the company of darkness and shadows. It was then the mortals arrived with their fevers, skin infections, and stomach poisons; with the burns from the fires that spread too quickly in their cramped, wooden villages. They did not approach me in the light of day, even if it was waning. Not unless they brought disaster.
The use of magic may drain the user's energy or cause physical harm. For example, in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, the character Hermione Granger suffers from exhaustion and collapses after using a time-turner to attend multiple classes concurrently. Similarly, in Marie Lu's "Legend" trilogy, the main character Day experiences severe fatigue and physical pain when he uses his telekinetic abilities. Emotional and mental strain is another form of the weight of magic. Magic can often exact a toll on a person's mental and emotional well-being. The burden of carrying immense power can lead to feelings of isolation, paranoia, and even madness. This is evident in various tales, such as H.P. Lovecraft's works, where characters go insane after encountering dark and forbidden magic. Furthermore, the weight of magic can extend beyond the individual and affect the world at large. Magic can disrupt the natural balance and order, leading to unforeseen consequences. In J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," the use of magic by the dark lord Sauron corrupts and taints the land of Mordor, turning it into an inhospitable wasteland. Additionally, in Ursula K. Le Guin's "Earthsea" series, the protagonist's unauthorized use of magic unleashes a shadow creature that threatens to consume the world. The weight of magic serves as a reminder that power always comes with a cost. It adds depth and complexity to magical narratives, showcasing the struggles and sacrifices characters must endure in order to wield magic. Whether it is physical exhaustion, emotional turmoil, or world-altering consequences, the weight of magic shapes and defines the stories and characters in which it is present..
Reviews for "Mystery and Intrigue: The Appeal of Magic in Movies and Television"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I really wanted to like "The Weight of Magic" because I'm a huge fantasy fan, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it hard to connect with them. The plot felt predictable and lacked any real surprises or twists. The writing style was also a bit dry and lacked the magical charm that I expected from a fantasy novel. Overall, I was disappointed and felt like this book was a missed opportunity.
2. Mark - 1 star
"The Weight of Magic" was a complete letdown. The world-building was confusing and inconsistent, leaving me feeling lost and disconnected from the story. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the plot lacked any real tension or excitement. The dialogue was also lackluster and didn't feel natural. I struggled to get through this book and found myself constantly checking how many pages were left. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and captivating fantasy read.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I'm a fan of fantasy novels, but "The Weight of Magic" just didn't live up to my expectations. The magic system was poorly explained, and I found myself constantly confused about how it worked. The characters were forgettable and lacked any real personality or development. The romance subplot felt forced and unnecessary. Overall, this book felt like a generic and uninspired fantasy story that didn't bring anything new or exciting to the genre. I was thoroughly disappointed.
4. Mike - 2 stars
"The Weight of Magic" had an intriguing premise, but it failed to deliver on its potential. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the plot dragged on without any significant developments. The world-building was underwhelming, leaving me with more questions than answers. The writing style was also lackluster and failed to capture my attention. I found myself constantly skimming through paragraphs, hoping for something to catch my interest, but unfortunately, it never came. This book was a disappointment, and I would not recommend it to fellow fantasy readers.