by msk | Jul 16, 2025 | Fantasy Deep Dives
Let’s play a little game. Imagine you’ve got magic at your fingertips. Real, usable, no-wand-required magic. You can read minds, Or say you have magic. Not just card tricks or horoscope-level intuition. We’re talking memory spells, mind reading, bending fire, making...
by msk | Jul 2, 2025 | Fantasy Deep Dives
There’s something magical about a good map. Even before we meet the hero or learn what terrible thing is about to befall the kingdom, a map gives us a vibe. It whispers, this world is real. It has history. And you’re invited. That little compass rose in the corner?...
by msk | Jun 26, 2025 | Fantasy Deep Dives, Reading
I’ve been thinking about magical systems a lot lately as I mull over a new book, Leprechauns and Magic, Oh My! It’s a wild ride with enchanted shoelaces, a grumpy rain cloud that follows one character around, and a spellbook that refuses to be helpful unless bribed...
by msk | Apr 6, 2025 | Fantasy Deep Dives, Tropes & Worldbuilding
Let’s talk elves. Not the North Pole kind (that could be a whole other article, but best saved for Christmas). I’m talking about the tall, ethereal, flawless beings that strolled into pop culture via J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. They’ve since been...
by msk | Nov 9, 2024 | Fantasy Deep Dives
Ever wondered where all the incredible worlds in YA fantasy come from? Yup, some authors might spend years dreaming up entirely new realms, but plenty of times, the most powerful inspiration comes straight from our world. From ancient legends to hidden, forgotten...
by msk | Jul 5, 2024 | Fantasy Deep Dives
Environmental Themes in Fantasy Fantasy has a knack for making us see the world in a different light. One of the most beautiful aspects of fantasy is how it highlights the sacredness of nature. Take Watership Down by Richard Adams, for instance. It’s not just a...
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