Systems of Magic, and a request

[rising_moon]

Recently I've read a few excellent fantasy novels which were written around believable, consistent, and reasonable systems of magic. Believable magic is one of the elements that will sell me on a writer. I've enjoyed The Abhorsen Trilogy, by Garth Nix, and, most recently, The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss.

I've learned that Brandon Sanderson, who wrote this essay on systems of magic, is going to finish Robert Jordan's 12th and final novel of the Wheel of Time series. Depending on my Lady's response to his work, I might take up the first one. :)

Unrelatedly (maybe): can any of you recommend a good history (articles, blogs, anything) of technical approaches to affixing Identity? That is, assuring that individuals are who they say they are? I'm making a study of transaction psychology -- financial services inclined but not fixed -- and would love some background data on approaches to identity assurance. Thanks!

Comments

[lanome.livejournal.com]

I actually find that it's not the believability of the magic but whether or not it plays a roll as an excuse (i.e. *poof* things suddenly work out because of magic) that sells me on a writer. Magic is nice and all, but if it takes away from character development, I'll take a pass.

[rising-moon.livejournal.com]

That makes sense. I rather like my magic to be integrated in the course of life, like gently blowing across the fingers to light candles (Sandra Bullock in Practical Magic), rather than the Really Big Hammer.