Sufficiently advanced magic is a concept often seen in works of speculative fiction, particularly in the fantasy genre. It refers to a level of magical ability or knowledge that is so advanced that it may appear as technology or science to those who do not possess the same understanding. In other words, when magic reaches a certain level of complexity and sophistication, it becomes indistinguishable from advanced technology or scientific principles. The concept is derived from Arthur C. Clarke's famous quote: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." Clarke was highlighting the idea that if people encountered technology far beyond their comprehension, they would perceive it as magic rather than understanding it as technology.
It feels a little like a book of two halves. The first half loses a lot of pace due to all the explanation about the magic involved. It feels like there’s a lot of information to relay and it becomes a bit much and also a little repetitive in parts. It definitely slowed the read down quite a bit for me and although the second half picks up momentum it took a while to get to that point where I couldn’t put the book down.
It definitely slowed the read down quite a bit for me and although the second half picks up momentum it took a while to get to that point where I couldn t put the book down. Coming from a formidable family of magic-wielders he has been trained well for his Judgement, hoping to escape the towers tests and achieve his attunement.
" Clarke was highlighting the idea that if people encountered technology far beyond their comprehension, they would perceive it as magic rather than understanding it as technology. Similarly, when magic is portrayed as being sufficiently advanced, it goes beyond the traditional notions of spells, potions, and mystical rituals. Instead, it encompasses intricate systems, laws, and principles that govern the use of magic and allow for incredible feats of power and manipulation of the natural world.
Sufficiently advanced magic
Sufficiently Advanced Magic is the fourth book I read from the nine finalists of the #SPFBO. I enjoyed this, with a few reservations, and would definitely be interested in reading more in the Arcane Ascension series.
The book gets off to a good start opening as Corin Cadence is about to enter the Serpent Spire for his attunement trial. Corin has been anxiously awaiting his trial. Five years ago his brother entered the tower and never came out again. Corin wants to find out why.
Survivors of the trials, and yes, they are the real deal with some of the participants meeting an unfortunate end, receive an attunement mark that basically bestows magical powers on the bearer of the mark. Corin is hoping to reach the top of the tower to earn a boon from the goddess and find out what happened to his brother. The tower itself is like a labyrinth of puzzles and traps. Things shift unaccountably, walkways trigger deathly contraptions and taking the easy route is not really a good idea.
Now, it’s not spoilery to say that Corin survives the trials (otherwise this would be a fairly short story). He receives an attunement although it’s not the one his ambitious family were hoping for. This is a family that’s all about power and they were hoping that Corin would receive a mark befitting their status. His survival of the tower is barely given a second thought when he returns home with an inadequate mark and one that means he will spend his life as an Enchanter. I have to say for the record that coming up with creative ways of making simple things into weapons or protective items appeals to me much more than rushing headlong into battle and I found Corin’s attunement fascinating.
From here Corin goes to school. Yes, this does seem a very well used trope but it’s a good one and no exception here. I like magic schools and this one has plenty to keep the reader entertained. On top of Corin’s learning, trying to improve his magical ability and gain friends there’s also an underlying story involving a message that Corin was given whilst in the tower. I won’t elaborate further but not everything is as it first appears.
So, to the goodies first.
Magical schooling. It’s a well used trope because it’s well loved. I always enjoy this sort of setting and SAM is no exception. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is aimed at a younger audience due to the school setting though because I don’t think that’s the case.
The writing is good, the dialogue is entertaining, the magical system has been thoroughly thought out. Corin is a great character who you can’t help but like. He’s not the usual ‘chosen one’ – something I breathed a real sigh of relief about. He’s bookish and a bit awkward and he has some little quirks or oddities that just endear him to you. Plus, he makes mistakes. Who doesn’t make mistakes? This makes him a lot more relatable and that plus his desire to improve just came across very strongly. Put simply, he isn’t the best, he knows it, but he’s willing to do everything he can to improve.
There is no shortage of action whether it’s in the school or outside, there are plenty of fight scenes and a whole bunch of different critters and monsters are thrown into the mix which make for great entertainment.
I really enjoyed watching Corin’s struggles to make friends. He’s been out of the school scene since his brother’s disappearance. His parents took him out of school to tutor him privately and make sure he was at his best before entering the tower. Corin’s father is greatly disappointed in Corin. His first son carried all his hopes and aspirations and Corin is a weaker and more bookish version who can just about avoid stabbing himself when armed with a sword. Well, actually, that’s not entirely true. Corin is, in fairness, quite adept at looking after himself but his father will never acknowledge it.
In terms of my niggles.
It feels a little like a book of two halves. The first half loses a lot of pace due to all the explanation about the magic involved. It feels like there’s a lot of information to relay and it becomes a bit much and also a little repetitive in parts. It definitely slowed the read down quite a bit for me and although the second half picks up momentum it took a while to get to that point where I couldn’t put the book down.
The idea of Corin being on a quest to find his brother lost some of its urgency. In fact I didn’t really buy into the quest to be honest. It got lost in the background a little bit when Corin went to school and I never really felt any emotion from Corin in terms of his brother.
There was an element of predictability about some of the final twists. This was due to the actions of some of the characters that just didn’t sit right for me when I read them. This wasn’t a massive concern but there were just a couple of times when it brought me up short but obviously I’m not going to elaborate as that will lead to spoilers.
Overall, this is a very good read. I thought the ending was excellent and a great set up for the next instalment. It suffered a little in terms of predictability and pacing but it makes a very good start to series.
I’ve rated this a 7, which equates to 3.5 on Goodreads.
My thanks to the author for a copy of the book. The above is my own opinion.
My thanks to the author for a copy of the book. The above is my own opinion.
This advanced magic often requires deep understanding, rigorous study, and mastery of complex techniques. **The main idea behind the concept of sufficiently advanced magic is that it blurs the lines between magic and science, demonstrating how they can be seen as two sides of the same coin.** It challenges the traditional dichotomy of magic being primitive and unexplainable and science being rational and explainable. Rather, it proposes that magic can be understood and harnessed in a similar way to how scientific principles are discovered and utilized. This concept provides an avenue for exploring the implications and consequences of a world where magic is treated as a science. It allows authors and storytellers to delve into the intricacies of magical systems, explore the boundaries of what is possible, and imagine a world where magic and technology coexist or even merge. Furthermore, sufficiently advanced magic adds depth and complexity to fictional worlds by introducing an element of mystery and awe. It raises questions about the nature of reality, the limits of human understanding, and the ethical considerations of wielding immense power. By presenting magic in a scientific light, authors can create a sense of wonder and curiosity in readers, inviting them to explore the possibilities of a world where magic is not just a mystical force but a logical and systematic practice. Overall, the concept of sufficiently advanced magic introduces an intriguing blend of fantasy and science fiction, challenging traditional definitions and boundaries. It allows for the creation of rich and vibrant worlds where magic is not only a source of wonder and enchantment but an area of study and understanding. It opens up endless possibilities for storytelling and invites readers to ponder the connections between magic, science, and the nature of reality itself..
Reviews for "The Ethics of Magic: Exploring the Moral Dilemmas of Sufficiently Advanced Magic"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I found "Sufficiently advanced magic" to be slow-paced and lacking in action. The story seemed to drag on with lengthy explanations and descriptions, which made it difficult to stay engaged. Additionally, I felt that the characters lacked depth and their development was minimal. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to others looking for an exciting and fast-paced read.
- John - 3 stars - While "Sufficiently advanced magic" had an interesting premise, I found the execution of the story to be lacking. The plot seemed convoluted at times, and the world-building felt overwhelming with an excessive amount of information to digest. The pacing was inconsistent, with some parts being too slow while others were hurriedly wrapped up. Although the magic system was unique, it wasn't enough to redeem the overall lackluster story. I would suggest approaching this book with caution.
- Emily - 2 stars - I struggled to connect with the main characters in "Sufficiently advanced magic". I found them to be flat and uninteresting, which made it hard to invest in their journeys. The writing style was also a deterrent for me, as it often felt overly descriptive and detracted from the progress of the plot. The book had potential, but it fell short in its execution and left me unsatisfied. I wouldn't recommend it to those seeking a captivating and immersive fantasy read.
- Michael - 1 star - "Sufficiently advanced magic" failed to hold my attention from the beginning. The pacing was incredibly slow, and the story lacked a sense of direction. The focus on intricate details and world-building overshadowed any potential for character development, leaving me detached and uninterested. The constant info-dumping made it difficult to stay engaged, and the lack of action was disappointing. I was ultimately left feeling underwhelmed and would not recommend this book.