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

[herooftheage.livejournal.com]

I think I fell in love with Barbara Hambly's work early on, when she described what has to be the most sensible way I've ever heard of for killing dragons: poisoned harpoons at the limits of what mechanical advantage can chuck them. None of this wading in with sword or lance nonsense.

[rising-moon.livejournal.com]

Barbara Hambly! She sounds like my kind of fantasy writer. Which of her books would you recommend that I pick up first?

[herooftheage.livejournal.com]

I'd certainly start with Dragonsbane, and the two sequels. Besides being down to earth about killing dragons, it's a great power struggle story. The dragonkiller is from the hinterlands, and is sort of treated in the Royal Court as a backwoods baron that has to be dealt with, but doesn't really have to be taken seriously.

The thing is, he knows all this full well, and uses that image to his advantage in lots of situations. So, besides practical dealing with magic, you also get a dose of clever court politicking.