![]() However, there is also Conjuror magic, a different kind of magical system that can involve working with animals, herbs, or the dead. There’s Marveller magic, which is based around the five senses some Marvellers perform their magical feats using blends of spices, while others use sound to weave spells. The Marvellers has some standout worldbuilding, including cities in the sky and travel by airship, but one of my favourite things about Dhonielle Clayton’s first middle-grade fantasy story is the magic system she creates - or rather, magic systems, plural. Here are some of the best magic systems in recent - and not-so-recent - fantasy literature. A good magical system is consistent, not too overpowered (even magic users need to struggle to make a story interesting), and is interesting enough to stick in the reader’s mind long after they’ve finished the story. Some fantasy authors have created magic systems based on music, while others have taken a religious slant to their characters’ magical practices, having them work closely with gods to cast spells in their worlds. Some magic systems are based around maths, while others draw on crafts such as sewing or weaving. The wizards of Discworld devote years at university to learning spells from ancient tomes (or, in later years, simply enjoying big dinners and doing very little real magic). Many magic systems are based around concepts or ideas that exist in the real world. But what makes for the best magic systems in fantasy, while others are disappointing? ![]() 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. 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. Alice's webcomic, writing and everything else can be found at 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 Nuttall (she/her) is a writer, pet-wrangler and D&D nerd.
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