rising_moon: (Default)
rising_moon ([personal profile] rising_moon) wrote2008-12-04 05:33 pm

Systems of Magic, and a request

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!

[identity profile] hissilliness.livejournal.com 2008-12-05 09:31 pm (UTC)(link)
Clark has two books out. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell is her novel, and The Ladies of Grace Adieu is short stories set in the same world.

[identity profile] rising-moon.livejournal.com 2008-12-08 08:07 pm (UTC)(link)
Oh, duh. Thank you. I'm sorry to say that I started Jonathan Strange and then The Ladies, feeling like I should enjoy them, since all my friends did, but I didn't quite gel with either one. I never really liked Mr. Norrell enough to get over his being painted as unlikeable... or something. Maybe you can convince me to pick up Strange again.