Magic and fantasy have always captivated the human imagination. The idea of special powers, mystical creatures, and enchanted realms has long fascinated people from different cultures and backgrounds. From ancient myths and legends to modern-day literature and media, the concept of magic and fantasy continues to mesmerize and enthrall. In many ancient societies, magic was deeply ingrained in religious and spiritual practices. Shamans and witch doctors used rituals and incantations to commune with supernatural forces and harness their powers. These beliefs often involved the concept of a hidden world inhabited by fantastical beings such as dragons, fairies, and elves.
Rin is a difficult character to follow, but these books aren’t supposed to be easy, light reads! If you want to read books not set in a medieval European fantasy world, with a magic system that drives it’s user’s mad – these are the books for you.
I can t say much about it for fear of spoilers, but what I will say is that the system has levels, and these levels influence your social status kind of. A lot of people are going to wonder why the Age of the Five trilogy by Trudi Canavan is number 2 in this list of the best fantasy books with magic or even on this list at all.
These beliefs often involved the concept of a hidden world inhabited by fantastical beings such as dragons, fairies, and elves. These creatures were both feared and revered, and their existence was believed to have a profound impact on the natural world. The allure of magic and fantasy has transcended time and culture to become a major theme in literature.
10 of the Best Magic Systems in Fantasy
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Alice Nuttall
Senior ContributorAlice Nuttall (she/her) is a writer, pet-wrangler and D&D nerd. Her reading has got so out of control that she had to take a job at her local library to avoid bankrupting herself on books - unfortunately, this has just resulted in her TBR pile growing until it resembles Everest. Alice's webcomic, writing and everything else can be found at https://linktr.ee/alicenuttallbooks
Alice Nuttall
Senior ContributorAlice Nuttall (she/her) is a writer, pet-wrangler and D&D nerd. Her reading has got so out of control that she had to take a job at her local library to avoid bankrupting herself on books - unfortunately, this has just resulted in her TBR pile growing until it resembles Everest. Alice's webcomic, writing and everything else can be found at https://linktr.ee/alicenuttallbooks
Alice Nuttall
Senior ContributorAlice Nuttall (she/her) is a writer, pet-wrangler and D&D nerd. Her reading has got so out of control that she had to take a job at her local library to avoid bankrupting herself on books - unfortunately, this has just resulted in her TBR pile growing until it resembles Everest. Alice's webcomic, writing and everything else can be found at https://linktr.ee/alicenuttallbooks
Alice Nuttall
Senior ContributorAlice Nuttall (she/her) is a writer, pet-wrangler and D&D nerd. Her reading has got so out of control that she had to take a job at her local library to avoid bankrupting herself on books - unfortunately, this has just resulted in her TBR pile growing until it resembles Everest. Alice's webcomic, writing and everything else can be found at https://linktr.ee/alicenuttallbooks
Alice Nuttall
Senior ContributorAlice Nuttall (she/her) is a writer, pet-wrangler and D&D nerd. Her reading has got so out of control that she had to take a job at her local library to avoid bankrupting herself on books - unfortunately, this has just resulted in her TBR pile growing until it resembles Everest. Alice's webcomic, writing and everything else can be found at https://linktr.ee/alicenuttallbooks
Alice Nuttall
Senior ContributorAlice Nuttall (she/her) is a writer, pet-wrangler and D&D nerd. Her reading has got so out of control that she had to take a job at her local library to avoid bankrupting herself on books - unfortunately, this has just resulted in her TBR pile growing until it resembles Everest. Alice's webcomic, writing and everything else can be found at https://linktr.ee/alicenuttallbooks
Alice Nuttall
Senior ContributorAlice Nuttall (she/her) is a writer, pet-wrangler and D&D nerd. Her reading has got so out of control that she had to take a job at her local library to avoid bankrupting herself on books - unfortunately, this has just resulted in her TBR pile growing until it resembles Everest. Alice's webcomic, writing and everything else can be found at https://linktr.ee/alicenuttallbooks
Alice Nuttall
Senior ContributorAlice Nuttall (she/her) is a writer, pet-wrangler and D&D nerd. Her reading has got so out of control that she had to take a job at her local library to avoid bankrupting herself on books - unfortunately, this has just resulted in her TBR pile growing until it resembles Everest. Alice's webcomic, writing and everything else can be found at https://linktr.ee/alicenuttallbooks
Alice Nuttall
Senior ContributorAlice Nuttall (she/her) is a writer, pet-wrangler and D&D nerd. Her reading has got so out of control that she had to take a job at her local library to avoid bankrupting herself on books - unfortunately, this has just resulted in her TBR pile growing until it resembles Everest. Alice's webcomic, writing and everything else can be found at https://linktr.ee/alicenuttallbooks
Alice Nuttall
Senior ContributorAlice Nuttall (she/her) is a writer, pet-wrangler and D&D nerd. Her reading has got so out of control that she had to take a job at her local library to avoid bankrupting herself on books - unfortunately, this has just resulted in her TBR pile growing until it resembles Everest. Alice's webcomic, writing and everything else can be found at https://linktr.ee/alicenuttallbooks
Alice Nuttall
Senior ContributorAlice Nuttall (she/her) is a writer, pet-wrangler and D&D nerd. Her reading has got so out of control that she had to take a job at her local library to avoid bankrupting herself on books - unfortunately, this has just resulted in her TBR pile growing until it resembles Everest. Alice's webcomic, writing and everything else can be found at https://linktr.ee/alicenuttallbooks
Alice Nuttall
Senior ContributorAlice Nuttall (she/her) is a writer, pet-wrangler and D&D nerd. Her reading has got so out of control that she had to take a job at her local library to avoid bankrupting herself on books - unfortunately, this has just resulted in her TBR pile growing until it resembles Everest. Alice's webcomic, writing and everything else can be found at https://linktr.ee/alicenuttallbooks
Alice Nuttall
Senior ContributorAlice Nuttall (she/her) is a writer, pet-wrangler and D&D nerd. Her reading has got so out of control that she had to take a job at her local library to avoid bankrupting herself on books - unfortunately, this has just resulted in her TBR pile growing until it resembles Everest. Alice's webcomic, writing and everything else can be found at https://linktr.ee/alicenuttallbooks
What do we remember about our favourite fantasy stories? Apart from the compelling plots and characters, we’re most likely to fall in love with a fantasy novel because of strong worldbuilding, whether that’s the creation of a fascinating fictional society, the inclusion of fun legendary creatures, or, in many cases, the construction of an interesting and thought-provoking magic system. Throughout the years of fantasy dominating as a genre, there have been many different types of magic systems, some well-explained, with strong structures, while others fall into the “no rules, just vibes” category. But what makes for the best magic systems in fantasy, while others are disappointing?
This list of the top 10 fantasy books with magic is ordered by considering a book’s: Magic System; Worldbuilding; and Characters.
Classic works such as "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "The Chronicles of Narnia" have transported readers to extraordinary realms filled with talking animals, magic spells, and epic quests. These stories have often served as allegories for deeper themes and moral lessons, allowing readers to explore complex human emotions and challenges through the lens of fantasy. In recent years, the popularity of magic and fantasy has further exploded with the rise of movies, television shows, and video games. Epic franchises like "Harry Potter" and "The Lord of the Rings" have captivated millions of fans worldwide, creating vast and immersive fictional universes filled with intricate mythology, breathtaking visual effects, and compelling characters. These stories offer an escape from reality and the chance to experience a world where anything is possible. Beyond entertainment, magic and fantasy also have a significant impact on contemporary culture. They inspire creativity and imagination, encouraging people to think outside the box and explore new possibilities. They also provide comfort and solace during difficult times, offering a temporary respite from the harsh realities of life. While magic and fantasy may seem like mere flights of fancy, they hold a deeper significance in the human psyche. They tap into our innate sense of wonder and curiosity, reminding us that there is still much to discover and explore. Whether through ancient myths, classic literature, or modern-day media, magic and fantasy continue to ignite our imagination and remind us of the limitless potential of the human mind..
Reviews for "The Influence of Mythology on Magic in Fantasy Literature"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - "I just couldn't get into the whole magic and fantasy concept of this book. It felt so far-fetched and unrealistic. I prefer stories grounded in reality, where I can relate to the characters and their experiences. Unfortunately, this book didn't offer that for me. I couldn't connect with the magical world and found it to be quite boring."
2. John - 3 stars - "While the writing in this book was well-done, I found the magic and fantasy elements to be overwhelming. I simply couldn't suspend my disbelief enough to fully enjoy the story. It felt like the author was trying too hard to create a fantastical world but it all just fell flat for me. I would have much preferred a more realistic and relatable setting."
3. Emily - 2 stars - "Magic and fantasy are just not my cup of tea when it comes to books. I never understood the appeal of wizards, spells, and mythical creatures. This book was no exception. I couldn't get past the magical elements and found myself skimming through those parts just to get to the more grounded aspects of the story. Overall, it was a disappointment for me."
4. Mark - 1 star - "This book was filled with too much fantasy for my taste. From talking animals to magical powers, it was just too unrealistic for me. I prefer books that explore real-world issues and emotions, which this book completely lacked. The use of magic felt like a cheap plot device to me and I couldn't find any depth or substance in the story as a result."