We’ve talked about a lot of topics since the inception of this Magical Mondays column—religion and worldbuilding, worldbuilding in general—and inherent in these discussions is the idea that if the magic in a story grows organically out of a real understanding of culture, history, and religion, especially if the story is set in the real world, then the magic (and story) makes more sense. Inclusion of culture in a real, non-appropriative way can only help, not hinder, a magical system. To that end, today we’re writing about a book that really exemplifies what magic could be like if more people thought more deeply about magic.
Enter Hammer of Witches by Shana Mlawski. Some slight spoilers below the jump.