The Price of Magic

Interesting post from OmegaMom. A clear review of two interesting book, Feast of Souls and Solider Son Trilogy.

Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger.” In the world of fantasy, magic is a mainstay. Ya gots yer elves, dwarves, wizards, Deep Ancient Evils, warriors, nice nerdy dudes or dudettes who were just living their lives being sucked into a vortex of terror and history, yadda yadda yadda. And laced through everything is magic.

On the whole–except for elven realms–the magic sets the magic-wielder apart, separates him or her from the mainstream of his culture. Great power brings great responsibility. Small power brings mischief. The Joe Sixpacks of the fantasy worlds eye magicians and wizards askance, probably imbued with the feeling that, hey, if I had magic, I’d use to do give Glenna-down-the-street a whoppin’ case of warts and fleas…so surely–surely–Mr. High-And-Mighty Magician is gonna Do Me Wrong if given half a chance.

In most fantasies, magicians and wizards and suchlike are just plain born that way. It’s a talent. Like playing the piano. Or making artwork. Or being able to get on a podium and have 50,000 people chanting “Yes, we can!” You’ve either got it, or you don’t, but if you’ve got it, you’ve got to train it.

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