In the realm of mythology and fantasy, there are often tales of individuals who possess incredible powers and command over various elements. One such figure is known as the "Master of the Five Magix." This legendary character is said to have attained mastery over five different types of magic, each representing a different element or aspect of the natural world. The first of the five magix is known as the Elemental Magix. This type of magic allows the Master to manipulate and control the basic elements of fire, water, air, and earth. With this power, they can summon flames, create whirlwinds, generate water currents, and shape the very ground beneath their feet.
Available again after almost thirty years.
When I saw the animated Hobbit, Gandalf was this cryptic wizard who could just come and go at will, summon eagles, bring fire, and he always seemed to know more than he let on. One of the greatest fantasy novels from the 1980s I grew up reading fantasy and science fiction, and one of the greatest regrets I have is that I never found more than three books written by Lyndon Hardy, an author I still consider an automatic buy.
With this power, they can summon flames, create whirlwinds, generate water currents, and shape the very ground beneath their feet. The Elemental Magix is often associated with raw power and is the foundation for many other forms of magic. The second type of magic attributed to the Master is known as Healing Magix.
Master of the Five Magics
This novel by Lyndon Hardy was copyrighted in 1980 and is a Del Rey book published by Ballantine Books. It was also my first real foray into the world of fantasy. Okay, that isn’t entirely true, as I had watched many cartoons as a kid, but this was the first time I had read a full novel on my own just for fun. It is, to me, a true classic and every couple of years I pull it out of its alcove and read it again.
In the story, Alodar is looking to win the hand of the Queen to restore his family’s name. Along his journey, everything that could go wrong essentially does and this unfortunate traveler winds up delving into all five of the known Magics of the Realm. Normally, a person only experiences one form of magic, or rarely two, so to become knowledgeable in all five forms of magic is an unreal feat.
What always gets me in the tale is the logic tied to each form of magic. All five magics are bound by laws and they do not overlap. The Thaumaturge must adhere to the Principles of Sympathy and Contagion; the Alchemist is bound by the Doctrine of Signatures, and so on. That logic always fascinated me because I had never seen that before in fantasy — and to this day, it is still seemingly rare.
When I saw the animated Hobbit, Gandalf was this cryptic wizard who could just come and go at will, summon eagles, bring fire, and he always seemed to know more than he let on. There weren’t any real limits or restrictions to what he could do. Perhaps he was unfamiliar with moon letters, but in terms of magic, it was implied that his skills were widely varied and that that was normal.
In Alodar’s world, the magic was succinct. The Sorcerer could see across distances or entrance the mind. The Magician could enchant objects through complicated rituals, and the Wizard could summon demons through fire with the sheer force of his will. They were distinct from each other.
This has always influenced me. It drew me to science, for there I could learn the logic behind “magical” things in our world. Most stories I write need a logical connection in terms of magic. Without that logic, then why couldn’t my characters just summon a horde of beasts on whim? Well, they really can’t, can they?
And I have Lyndon Hardy and his world to thank for that. Ever will I esteem his work. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a copy, give it a read. It may not resonate with you the same way that it does with me, but it’s at the core of my writer side. If you can’t find the book itself, you can read about it in more detail on Wikipedia.
And no… I will not loan you my copy. That stays with me. Always.
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New second edition includes an Author’s Afterward about how the book came to be, and a Glossary of terms and their Wikipedia URL links.
This is perhaps one of the most compassionate and benevolent forms of magic, as it allows the Master to mend wounds, cure diseases, and restore vitality to the sick and injured. It is said that the touch of the Master's hands can bring instant relief and comfort to those in need. The third type of magic is called Illusionary Magix. With this power, the Master can create incredibly realistic illusions that can deceive the senses of those who witness them. This allows them to manipulate perception and confuse their opponents, making it a valuable tool in both combat and subterfuge. The fourth type of magic is known as Time Magix. This form of magic grants the Master the ability to manipulate time itself. They can accelerate or slow down the passage of time, freeze moments in place, or even travel back and forth through time. The Time Magix is often portrayed as a double-edged sword, as the manipulation of time can have far-reaching consequences and unintended side effects. The fifth and final form of magic associated with the Master is called Celestial Magix. This type of magic is closely tied to the celestial bodies, such as the moon, stars, and planets. It grants the Master the ability to harness the energy and power of these cosmic entities, allowing them to channel their energy into spells and rituals. Celestial Magix is often associated with divination, prophecy, and spiritual enlightenment. According to the myths and legends surrounding the Master of the Five Magix, only a select few have ever achieved such mastery over multiple forms of magic. It is said that their powers are unparalleled, and their wisdom and knowledge are sought after by many. Whether this figure exists solely in the realms of fantasy or if there are true Masters of the Five Magix remains a mystery, but their legend continues to captivate the imagination of many..
Reviews for "The Secrets of the Arcana: Mastering the five magix"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to read "Master of the five magix" because I love fantasy novels, but I was really disappointed. The plot was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters were shallow and lacked depth. The writing style was also really dull and didn't capture my attention at all. Overall, I found the book to be a lackluster and forgettable read.
2. John - 2/5 stars - I struggled to finish "Master of the five magix" because I just couldn't get into it. The world-building was weak and inconsistent, making it hard to visualize the fantastical elements. Additionally, the pacing was off, with long stretches of mundane dialogue and action that didn't do much to move the story forward. I found myself skimming through pages just to get to the end, and even then, I was left feeling unsatisfied.
3. Emily - 3/5 stars - While "Master of the five magix" had an intriguing concept, it fell short in execution. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked any real development throughout the book. The plot was predictable and didn't offer any surprises or twists that would have made it more engaging. I also found the writing style to be overly descriptive, dragging the story down with unnecessary details. Overall, it wasn't a terrible read, but it definitely didn't live up to my expectations.