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RE: Mechanical Versus Mythical Magic
I'll have to disagree and say that personally I get way more enjoyment out of a book and magic system that is detailed and explained. Knowing the limitations, how it works, the rules, etc.. gives me a better sense of what is possible in that particular world and what is not.
Thats not to say I don't enjoy stories where magic is left more mysterious. I still enjoy the Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones or any number of books where a lot of the magic is subtle and not explained in depth but I'd take a Sanderson or Rothfuss type magic system over them every time.
I think detailed explanations of magic systems appeal to the kind of personality who wants to know everything in-depth. It is, however, a modern innovation. Such lengthy descriptions require a tolerance of high word counts found only in modern fiction. Pulp fiction of the early 20th century left their magic systems vague and mysterious -- not the least because there was little space to explain how they worked -- creating an atmosphere of mystery and fantasy.
I suppose it's different strokes for different folks.
I agree, I think there is an audience for every approach. I like a lot of Guy Gavriel Kay books and he is closer to historical fiction with how lightly used the fantasy aspects are in some of his novels. Clearly you are passionate about your writing and enjoy the fantasy genre, who are a few of your favorite fantasy authors that you would recommend?
Off the top of my head, I'd recommend Jim Butcher, Larry Correia, Robert E Howard, C. L. Moore and Leigh Brackett.
I do have some Jim Butcher books lined up on my to read list, perhaps I'll give those a try next.
A great choice. His first few books are just okay, and riddled with the usual beginners' issues, but his later ones are incredible. He's earned his sobriquet as the dean of urban fantasy.