Subject
Magic -- Fiction Books
Best books
Robert W. (Robert William) Chambers
The Green Mouse
"The Green Mouse" by Robert W. Chambers is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story introduces a young man forced to confront his privileged yet idle life after facing financial ruin. He grapples with his lack of practical skills and contemplates a career as a magician, leveraging his unusual talents to entertain others. The narrative begins to develop his relationship with a young artist who shares a complex bond with him as they both navigate their personal struggles. At the start of the novel, readers meet a disheartened young man reeling from his family's financial collapse and his own failure to secure a stable future. Apathetic about work and life choices, he begins to consider using his talent for magic as a profession despite not being sure of its acceptance in society. This phase of his life is marked by a chance encounter with a spirited girl in Central Park, leading to a tense moment when she loses control of her horse. Their interaction ignites an immediate but complicated connection as they become intertwined in each other's lives. As the opening progresses, the groundwork is laid for both a comedic and romantic narrative, where themes of financial struggle, aspiration, and serendipity intertwine, setting the tone for their evolving relationship.
Robert W. (Robert William) Chambers
The Slayer of Souls
"The Slayer of Souls" by Robert W. Chambers is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story centers around Tressa Norne, a young American girl who is haunted by the memories of her traumatic past during her time in Asia, where she was often ensnared by the sinister influences of a cult known as the Yezidees under the enigmatic Prince Sanang. As she navigates her fear and the potential perils that accompany her existence, the narrative explores deeper themes of life, death, and the battle for one’s soul against malevolent forces. At the start of the novel, we witness Tressa's emergence from a long period steeped in dread and trauma as she travels on a steamer, leaving behind the shadows of her past. She struggles to reclaim her sense of self amidst the kindness of fellow passengers but is still confronted by foreboding visions that hint at her entanglement with dark forces. When confronted by Sanang, an emissary of the Yezidees, Tressa's previous convictions about the control over her soul are deeply challenged. Her determination to survive and assert her autonomy against the sinister magic of her past becomes central to her character, setting the stage for the novel's unfolding conflict between good and evil.
Honoré de Balzac
The Magic Skin
"The Magic Skin" by Honoré de Balzac is a novel published in 1831. Set in early 19th-century Paris, it follows a young man who discovers a magical piece of shagreen that grants his every wish. However, each desire fulfilled causes the skin to shrink and drains his physical energy. The novel explores the conflict between desire and longevity, examining bourgeois materialism through Balzac's detailed portrayal of Parisian society. It established Balzac as a significant French writer.
W. Somerset (William Somerset) Maugham
The Magician
"The Magician" by W. Somerset Maugham is a novel published in 1908. When renowned surgeon Arthur Burdon visits Paris to see his fiancée Margaret, he encounters Oliver Haddo, a mysterious figure claiming to possess magical powers. After Haddo seduces and marries Margaret, Arthur must confront the sinister magician's true intentions. Based on Maugham's real-life encounter with occultist Aleister Crowley, this tale of supernatural manipulation explores the dangerous intersection of forbidden knowledge and human ambition.
H. P. (Howard Phillips) Lovecraft
The case of Charles Dexter Ward
"The Case of Charles Dexter Ward" by H. P. Lovecraft is a horror novel written in early 1927. When young Charles Dexter Ward becomes obsessed with his ancestor Joseph Curwen, an alleged eighteenth-century wizard and necromancer, he uncovers dark secrets that lead to his institutionalization. Ward's doctor investigates disturbing physiological changes in his patient, discovering ancient documents, forbidden resurrection rituals, and a vast underground lair. As the investigation deepens, the line between past and present blurs, revealing a conspiracy that threatens mankind itself.
Algernon Blackwood
A Prisoner in Fairyland (The Book That 'Uncle Paul' Wrote)
"A Prisoner in Fairyland" by Algernon Blackwood is a novel written in the early 20th century, around 1913. The story intricately weaves the life of its protagonist, Henry Rogers, as he transitions from the world of rigid business responsibilities into one filled with the whimsical and nostalgic splendor of childhood imagination. The journey promises a blend of fantasy and self-discovery, hinting at Rogers’ longing for a more meaningful, magical existence that rekindles the innocence and joy of his youth. The opening of the novel introduces us to Herbert Montmorency Minks, the dedicated and somewhat melancholic secretary to the ambitious business tycoon Henry Rogers. Minks harbors a deep admiration for Rogers and is on the verge of a career breakthrough. The narrative sets the stage for a profound exploration of themes such as ambition and unfulfilled dreams, as Minks reflects on his own artistic aspirations and the bond he shares with his employer. As Minks revels in his newfound position, we see hints of a larger journey for both him and Rogers, one steeped in nostalgia, creativity, and the exploration of what it means to reconnect with one’s inner child and imagination. The narrative artfully contrasts the mundane aspects of their lives with the enchanting allure of dreams and poetry, suggesting that there are greater adventures awaiting both men just beyond the confines of their contemporary existence.
Robert E. (Robert Ervin) Howard
The shadow kingdom
"The Shadow Kingdom" by Robert E. Howard is a fantasy novelette first published in August 1929. When Kull, a barbarian from Atlantis, conquers the ancient kingdom of Valusia and claims its throne, he discovers something far more dangerous than rival warriors. An alliance with the mysterious Brule the Spear-Slayer reveals a terrifying conspiracy: serpent-like beings lurk in the shadows, using magic to steal identities and rule from behind masks of deception. Kull must question everything—including his own reality.
Walter Scott
My Aunt Margaret's Mirror
"My Aunt Margaret's Mirror" by Walter Scott is a short story published in 1828. When Lady Jemima's husband vanishes after joining Marlborough's army in 1702, she seeks answers from a mysterious Italian doctor who claims supernatural powers. Through his enchanted mirror, she witnesses a shocking revelation about her absent spouse. What she sees will shatter her world and set in motion a tragedy involving betrayal, violence, and broken hearts that echoes across generations.
Fletcher Pratt
The Blue Star
"The Blue Star" by Fletcher Pratt is a fantasy novel first published in 1952. Set in a parallel world where witchcraft has evolved into a science while technology has stalled at an eighteenth-century level, the story follows Lalette Asterhax, a hereditary witch, and Rodvard Bergelin, a clerk recruited by revolutionaries. When Rodvard seduces Lalette to gain her magical talisman—a mind-reading jewel called a blue star—both become pawns in a larger conspiracy. Forced to flee, they embark on adventures that transform them from shallow conspirators into something greater.
H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard
The Witch's Head
"The Witch's Head" by H. Rider Haggard is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book appears to explore themes of familial conflict, romantic entanglements, and the struggles of youth, centered around the character of Ernest Kershaw, a young boy experiencing significant transitions in his life. The opening portions of the narrative introduce a cast of characters, including Ernest's uncle, Reginald Cardus, and his cousin Jeremy, setting the stage for the relationships and tensions that will follow. The beginning of the story presents Ernest's arrival at his uncle's home, where he faces a complex family dynamic marked by tension and a sense of loss from his late mother. Ernest's interaction with his uncle reveals underlying resentments, particularly regarding family loyalty and societal expectations. We are introduced to Jeremy, who responds to societal pressures differently, and Dorothy, who seems both compassionate and perceptive. Their conversations foreshadow future conflicts and alliances consequential to the narrative's emotional development. The atmosphere is further enriched by vivid descriptions of the setting, hinting at a historical backdrop that informs the characters' motivations and conflicts.
Laurence Housman
Princess Badoura: A tale from the Arabian Nights
"Princess Badoura: A Tale from the Arabian Nights" by Laurence Housman is a retelling of a classic narrative that falls within the genre of fiction, likely penned in the late 19th century. This enchanting tale is spun from the rich tapestry of Arabian folklore, centering on the eponymous character, Princess Badoura, and her love interest, Prince Camaralzaman. The narrative draws upon themes of love, adventure, and the trials faced by the protagonists as they navigate their lives intertwined by fate and magical encounters. At the start of the story, we are introduced to the troubled King Shahriar, who, having been betrayed by his first wife, marries a new woman each day only to execute her the following morning. The brilliant and resourceful Scheherazade enters this grim tale as his latest bride and spins tales over a thousand nights to save herself and others from his wrath. The opening portion sets the stage for the grand love story of Badoura and Camaralzaman, revealing their intertwined fates that are challenged by obstacles such as jealousy and mistaken identities. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the ancient themes of love, resilience, and the quest for personal agency within the confines of royal expectations, all against a backdrop rich in cultural lore and moral lessons.
Lester Del Rey
The Sky Is Falling
"The Sky Is Falling" by Lester Del Rey is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Dave Hanson, who finds himself in a bizarre world after apparently dying in an accident. He has been resurrected in a realm where the sky is literally falling apart, and he is tasked with repairing it using his engineering skills. The opening of the novel introduces Dave as he wakes up in an unfamiliar environment, surrounded by strange beings and strange rituals. Confused and disoriented, he struggles to regain his bearings while sensing that he has been resurrected after an accident with a bulldozer. He overhears conversations hinting at a dire situation involving a crumbling sky and magic. As he grapples with his new reality, he learns that he is viewed as an important figure due to his name and the legacy attached to it, expected to use his skills to mend the fractures in the sky that threaten the existence of this world. The narrative sets up a blend of science fiction elements with a fantastical twist, creating an engaging premise filled with intrigue and challenges that Dave must face.
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