The choice of magic is a deeply personal and multifaceted decision. At its core, magic is the practice of harnessing supernatural powers to create effects or achieve desired outcomes. But within the realm of magic, there are countless different paths to follow, each with its own unique traditions, beliefs, and practices. One of the first considerations when choosing a magical path is understanding the different types of magic that exist. From ceremonial magic to chaos magic, from witchcraft to shamanism, each type has its own distinct principles and methodologies. Researching and exploring these various paths is crucial in order to find the one that resonates most with an individual's interests, beliefs, and values.
The Choice of Magic is a coming of age hero story. It follows the life and antics of a young man called Will, who lives with his single parent mother, in a small village tucked away along the boarder of two kingdoms. Through a series of events and a near death experience, William ends up in the care of a mysterious cantancerous old Hermit, who William believes to be his Grest Great Grandfather. During this time William learns Bottony, Alchemy, Magic, he even learns of other worlds and races such as the Fae, but most importantly he learns to cook.
Through a series of events and a near death experience, William ends up in the care of a mysterious cantancerous old Hermit, who William believes to be his Grest Great Grandfather. There is a fair bit of repetition of information in this story, as if Manning was worried that the reader wouldnt be able to take in all of the information on a first take.
Researching and exploring these various paths is crucial in order to find the one that resonates most with an individual's interests, beliefs, and values. Personal affinity is another important factor when selecting a magical path. Some people are drawn to specific traditions or mythologies, feeling a deep connection or resonance with particular pantheons or deities.
The Choice of Magic by Michael Manning Review
I love Will and all the side characters. Will is just the perfect protagonist I like to follow. He’s stubborn, dense, has a good heart, a good sense of humor and can be surprisingly witty and charming
I love the romance development too. I haven’t read a good romance story in a long time, not sense my early manga days(UnbalancedxUnbalanced, Ichigo 100%,Suzuka, Kimi no Iru Machi) so it’s been years since I’ve enjoyed a romance so much. They’re dynamic and banter was genuinely a treat to watch unfold. Though I do think Selene developed feelings a little too fast(If wills mother is to be believed) but if I can guess her upbringing then It makes alot of sense.
The magic was interesting. I like how they delve into the different types of mages and I like Wills learning how to use his Turyn is what will set him apart from other mages even if he doesn’t know as many spells as everyone else. It makes for a interesting lead up as he goes to learn at the magic school at the end. I especially like how his training gave him a general defense against all magic. I can’t wait to see how that develops more.
At first I was worried that the magic fights would be just shooting fire balls at each other. I hate that kind of generic wizard battles. It lacks creativity and flare. For the most part thats what we got in this book but Selene’s magic gave me hope that theres still plenty more to see.
The book had me enamored from the very beginning. Even more so once Will went to live with Arrogan. Though the actual magic training was slow, the dialogue between Will and his grand dad was priceless.
The book slowed down for me once Will joined the army but it picked up again when he went to invade an enemy camp and when him and Selene went to destroy a camp. Got to see some cool stuff.
The fae, that goddamn cat and The King were all super interesting throughout. I can’t wait to see more from them. I have a feeling that each one of them will turn against Will and he’ll have to fight them all at some point.
**SPOILER WARNING** this review contains spoilers, for review of prose and characters scroll to **Spoilers End**.
Others may feel more drawn to the natural world and choose to pursue earth-based or ecological forms of magic. Still, others may be more interested in the psychological aspects of magic, focusing on self-transformation and inner exploration. Another aspect to consider when choosing a magical path is the availability of resources and community support. Different magical traditions may have well-established communities and resources, making it easier for newcomers to access knowledge, rituals, and guidance. On the other hand, less mainstream forms of magic may require more independent study and self-guided exploration. Some people may find comfort and support in the structure of a formal magical order, while others may prefer a more solitary or eclectic approach. Ultimately, the choice of magic is a deeply personal one. It should align with an individual's values, interests, and goals. It should bring joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose. It is important to remember that there is no one "right" or "wrong" way to practice magic. What matters most is the authenticity and dedication one brings to their magical path, as well as the respect and reverence for the forces they seek to harness..
Reviews for "The gender dynamics in the world of magic"
1. John - 1/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Choice of Magic". The characters were one-dimensional, and the plot was predictable and cliché. I was hoping for a unique and intriguing magical world, but instead, it felt like a generic fantasy setting. The writing style was also lackluster and didn't immerse me in the story at all. Overall, I found it to be a tedious read and wouldn't recommend it.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - "The Choice of Magic" had a promising concept, but it failed to deliver. The pacing was incredibly slow, and there were several unnecessary subplots that didn't add much to the story. The main character, despite being the protagonist, lacked depth and development. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unrealistic. I had high expectations for this book, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars - I found "The Choice of Magic" to be a disappointing read. The world-building was underdeveloped, and I struggled to visualize the setting and magic system. The writing style was also convoluted, making it difficult to follow the storyline. It felt like the author was trying too hard to be unique and ended up sacrificing clarity and coherence. While some may appreciate its attempt at innovation, it wasn't for me.
4. Emily - 1/5 stars - "The Choice of Magic" was a complete letdown for me. The characters lacked depth and were difficult to connect with, making it hard to invest in their journey. The romance subplot seemed forced and unrealistic. I also found the pacing to be incredibly slow, with unnecessary filler scenes that didn't contribute to the overall story. Unfortunately, this book didn't live up to my expectations.
5. David - 2/5 stars - I was expecting an exciting and immersive magical adventure when I picked up "The Choice of Magic." However, I was left disappointed. The plot felt disjointed, and the pacing was uneven. There were also several plot holes and inconsistencies that were never addressed. While the concept had potential, it wasn't executed well, making it difficult for me to enjoy the book.