7 Unconventional Magic Systems

One of my favorite thing in fantasy books is the magic. Who doesn’t love magic? Sometimes it’s straight forward with magic wands and casting spells Harry Potter style, but sometimes the magic system is unconventional—fresh, mind blowing and engrossing.

Magic plays a crucial role in fantasy fiction, sparking readers’ imaginations and giving writers the freedom to create extraordinary worlds.

Imagine a world where you could manipulate dreams to pull objects into reality, or wield the power of names to control the very elements. Fantasy thrives on magic, but sometimes the most captivating worlds break away from the familiar wands and spells. Unconventional magic systems offer a fresh and mind-blowing experience, and today, we’re diving into a few that will leave you spellbound.

What Makes a Magic System Unconventional?

First, let’s define what a classic or traditional magic system is. Classical systems typically have well-defined rules and limitations, making them predictable to an extent. Classic magic systems often follow a predictable formula: witches, wizards, and warlocks wielding fire, water, earth, and air through potions, familiars, and artifacts.

Examples of Classical Magic Systems:

• In “The Lord of the Rings,” Gandalf the Grey uses fire magic.
• The control of elements in “Avatar: The Last Airbender”
• The curriculum at Hogwarts in the “Harry Potter” series, which encompasses more than just core subjects.

Anything beyond that could qualify as unconventional, so sky is the limit…or rather the storyteller’s creativity.

Unconventional magic systems that enthrall readers

While conventional magic has a strong fan base, I love it when writers get creative with their world building and magic. These one-of-a-kind systems challenge traditional norms, evoking a sense of marvel and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

1. Allomancy—metal based magic

The magic system in Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series is impressively intricate, based on a complex set of rules and limitations. By ingesting specific amounts of metal, a magic user known as an Allomancer can activate various abilities. Every metal has a specific power associated with it. For instance, burning tin enhances the user’s senses, while burning zinc enables them to control nearby people’s emotions. These powers are only present in select individuals, who can then wield either one metal or all of them. To overcome metal access limitations, Allomancers carry dissolved metal flakes in vials. The magic system alone makes it an incredibly interesting read, even without considering the excellent story. There’s no mystery why the Mistborn series is so loved.

2. Naming Magic

Within this system of magic, the practitioner must uncover the true name of a person, object, concept, etc. and can subsequently employ that name to control, manipulate, reshape, or exert influence over the named entity. This kind of magic is referred to as “naming” in the Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss. We find the same concept in erlier works like the Wizard of Earthsea series by Ursula K. LeGuin. True names often have roots in or are found within ancient languages. In Wizard of Earthsea, they call it Old Speech.

Although not often, name magic is used in the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, too. I haven’t finished the series yet, but I recall Henry Dresden in Storm Front, using Toot-Toot’s real Name to summon him, enticing him into a circle with bread, milk and honey. Later, in Fool Moon, Harry Dresden summons Chaunzaggoroth, aka Chauncy, to get information on the loup-garou. Chauncy bargains with Dresden for one of his Names in exchange.

3. Chromaturgy—color magic

This unique system of magic uses colors to harness magic. I’m talking about The Lightbringer series by Brent Weeks. The central role in this world is played by drafters, who have the power to manipulate light. Each drafter can channel one specific color of light, but a Prism, the strongest of them, can divide and control all colors. This concept is the basis for the series’ complex magic system.

4. Gunpowder magic

Brian McClellan introduced this unconventional magic system in his “Powder Mage” series. Powder Mages possess the unique ability to consume gunpowder and harness its energy to perform a range of magical abilities, such as telekinesis. They can make powder explode from far away, make guns more powerful, and even make explosive shields.

5. Dream magic

Imagine a magic system where you can pull objects out of dreams. I’m talking about The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater, and also the sequel series, The Dreamer Trilogy. Given the dream’s surreal and unpredictable nature, the magic system is incredibly gentle. The magic in the story really messes with your sense of reality, which connects well with the book’s themes of deception.

6. Orogene magic

Orogeny affects seismic events in the Earth by manipulating thermal and kinetic energy. This type of magic is showcased in NK Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy. Solely through instinct, thought, and effort, orogens can control and redirect kinetic energy in the earth’s crust. But, following the laws of thermodynamics, this trick made the energy move around. If an orogene were to stop an earthquake, they would have to obtain the necessary energy from a different source, including living things.

7. Bone shard magic

This unconventional magic system was imagined by Andrea Stewart in The Drowning Empire Trilogy. Bone shard magic imprints the wielder’s commands and upon a construct. This magic essentially robs the construct of free will and autonomy and replaces those rights with obedience. 

The empire mandates that every citizen must provide a small bone shard from the base of their skull as a tithe when young. These shards power constructs that serve the kingdom. When someone’s shard is incorporated into a construct, the magic saps their life energy, causing them to become increasingly sick and lose years from their lifespan.

Conclusion

Magic goes beyond spells, potions and incantations. It’s the heart of storytelling, building worlds, throwing epic conflicts at our favorite characters, and leaving us with moments that stick with us forever. These are just a few that blew my mind, but trust me, there are countless more unique magic systems out there waiting to be discovered.