Crimes against magic refer to the offenses committed in relation to the practice, use, or abuse of magical powers or supernatural abilities. These crimes are typically committed in a fictional or fantasy setting and are often portrayed in literature, movies, and other forms of media. In many fictional works, crimes against magic are presented as violations of the rules and ethics that govern the use of magic. These crimes can range from minor infractions, such as using magic for personal gain or to cause mischief, to more serious offenses, such as using dark or forbidden magic to harm others or monopolize power. The concept of crimes against magic reflects the idea that magic is a powerful and potentially dangerous force that requires regulation and control. In these fictional worlds, there are often laws and institutions in place to govern the use of magic and to punish those who break these laws.
This book is neither good or bad, It doesn't really have characters that you dislike but also doesn't provide you much of a reason to like the ones that are there. If this book was a color it would be "grey" but then couldn't make up its mind and would call itself "gray".
This book is neither good or bad, It doesn t really have characters that you dislike but also doesn t provide you much of a reason to like the ones that are there. As for antagonists, this book provides them in spades, and does what few first books in a series do, and that is give us the glorious catharsis of the death of an antagonist that we really want dead.
In these fictional worlds, there are often laws and institutions in place to govern the use of magic and to punish those who break these laws. Some common crimes against magic include: 1. Unlicensed magic: In fictional settings where magic is regulated, practicing magic without a license or permit is often considered a crime.
Review of Crimes Against Magic (Hellequin Chronicles #1)
I may have stated this before, but I tend to put the Urban Fantasy genre into one of two buckets: American and British. They both have distinctly different elements and themes. My tastes tend to veer strongly toward the American variety, with a fair number of British Urban Fantasy on my Did Not Finish pile. This is one of the few exceptions. We have a British Urban Fantasy that is absolutely fantastic. Lets break it down a little bit, shall we.
The characters in this book are not 100% fleshed out. And that is OK! In fact, the MC has lost all of his memory except for the past ten years. This is a great decision by the author, because the story is just as much of a mystery to us as it is to the MC. This builds a little bit of sympathy for him. There are a host of supporting characters that we get just enough of to want me, and we know there is more under the surface. As for antagonists, this book provides them in spades, and does what few first books in a series do, and that is give us the glorious catharsis of the death of an antagonist that we really want dead.
The story, just like the main character tends to jump back and forth through time. We spend a good bit of time in the 1400's France and get introduced to a number of characters and have a little mini adventure. The point of this time hopping is three fold: It allows the author to give a glimpse at what the MC can really do when he has all his memories, allows for even more supporting characters that will play a role later on to be introduced, and, lastly, builds a LOT of tension. The entire time we were in the present day I was trying to figure out who the bad guy was. It HAD to be someone from the past story-line, but WHO? In the end, it was who I thought it was (no spoilers), but I didn't feel cheated. I felt relieved.
Now let's talk magic system. On the scale of magic systems (10 being fully fleshed out with a source-book worth or rules to 1 being and unlimited deck of Deus Ex Machina cards) I will give this book a solid 7. There are rules and consequences that are clearly laid out and stuck to. Basically, every sorcerer gets 1-2 elements they can master and no more. And they cannot be the opposite of each other (So no fire and water mages). There is also Blood Magic, which would be your more classical witch style magic, and Omega Magic, which we haven't quite gotten to yet. But sorcerers aren't the only species in this world. You also have Oracles, Werewolves, Nightmares, Gargoyles, gods, and I am sure many more. And I for one cannot wait to unpack them all.
So all you fans of American Urban Fantasy, give New York a little bit of a breather and try London. Because this book rocks!
This book is not complicated but it has just enough mystery and suspense to create a driving momentum that makes it easy to keep reading and to keep guessing as to what will happen next. The author does a great job doling out new world-building elements and clues to keep you wondering how deep the story goes and how many interesting creatures are involved. The main character is developed steadily upward in a way that is very satisfying and fun. There is plenty of action and tons of fun violence without the story getting too bleak. With plenty of humor and personality from the main character which makes the whole thing feel grounded and relatable. It is like Harry Potter meets The Witcher meets Jason Bourne. Just fun stuff!
This is usually done to ensure that magic is used responsibly and to prevent individuals from causing harm or chaos with their powers. 2. Dark magic: The use of dark or forbidden magic is typically portrayed as a crime against magic. Dark magic often involves harnessing sinister or malevolent forces and can be seen as a corrupting influence that can harm both the user and those around them. 3. Theft of magical artifacts: In fantasy settings where powerful magical artifacts exist, stealing or misusing these objects is often considered a serious crime. These artifacts may contain immense power and can be used to manipulate reality or control others, making their theft a significant threat to the balance and order of the world. 4. Magical fraud: In some works of fiction, characters may commit crimes related to deception and manipulation using magic. This can include false prophecies, illusion magic to trick or deceive others, or using magic to impersonate someone else for personal gain. Crimes against magic are often used to create conflict and drama in stories, as well as to explore themes of power, responsibility, and morality. These crimes often serve as a plot device, driving the narrative forward and challenging the protagonist to confront and overcome these challenges. Overall, crimes against magic are a common element in fantasy and fiction, serving as a means to explore the consequences and ethics of magical abilities in a given world. Whether as a cautionary tale or a backdrop for adventure, these crimes play a significant role in shaping the fictional worlds in which they are portrayed..
Reviews for "Forbidden Knowledge: Prosecuting Crimes Involving the Distribution of Dark Tomes"
1. Eric - 2/5 - I have to say, I was really disappointed with "Crimes against majic". The plot felt disjointed and rushed, with little development of the characters. I couldn't connect with any of them, and found myself not caring about what happened next. The writing style was average at best, lacking the depth and richness I expect from a fantasy novel. Overall, I found it to be a forgettable read.
2. Sarah - 3/5 - While "Crimes against majic" had an intriguing premise, I felt let down by the execution. The pacing was uneven, with some parts dragging on while others flew by without much explanation. The world-building was lacking in detail, leaving me with more questions than answers. The dialogue felt forced and didn't flow naturally, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. Although there were some promising elements, the overall experience fell short of my expectations.
3. David - 2/5 - I struggled to find enjoyment in "Crimes against majic". The plot was predictable and formulaic, without offering any surprises or plot twists. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard to invest emotionally in their journey. The writing itself was mediocre, with uninspiring descriptions and dialogue that felt contrived. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and would not recommend it to others.
4. Jennifer - 1/5 - "Crimes against majic" was a total disappointment for me. The story was poorly crafted and lacked originality. The characters were dull and their motivations seemed nonsensical at times. The dialogue was stilted and awkward, failing to engage me in any way. The world-building was barely existent, leaving me with little understanding of the setting. I regret wasting my time on this book and would advise others to steer clear of it.