10 books about discovering the origins of magic
Step into realms where the very essence of magic is shrouded in mystery—where ancient secrets, forgotten histories, and cosmic forces intertwine to reveal how the impossible first ignited.
Magic isn’t just spells and enchantments; it’s the pulse beneath the world’s surface, a primordial force woven through the fabric of existence. The quest to uncover magic’s origins is a journey into the unknown—where the past whispers in arcane tongues and every revelation shakes the foundation of reality.
These ten mesmerizing books draw you into stories where characters unravel the deep roots of magic, exploring forgotten lore, mystical ancestries, and the raw power that gave birth to the impossible.
1. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Follow Kvothe’s haunting tale as he unearths the ancient songs and lost knowledge that birthed the arcane arts. This story is a lyrical voyage into how magic first touched the world, told through the eyes of a gifted prodigy wrestling with legend and truth.
2. A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
In a universe of parallel Londons, each with its own magical heartbeat, Kell journeys through realms to uncover the very source of their power. The origins of magic here are as multifaceted and dangerous as the worlds themselves.
3. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Quentin Coldwater’s discovery of Fillory and Brakebills Academy peels back layers of a magical world built on ancient myths. His search for the roots of magic is both thrilling and haunting, revealing that knowing its origin comes with great cost.
4. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Dragons, ancient gods, and forgotten prophecies entwine in this epic saga. As kingdoms clash, the origin of magic emerges from the shadows of myth and legend—powerful, divine, and fearsome.
5. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
In a dystopian future where clairvoyants wield magic through the ether, the protagonist’s journey into the supernatural reveals the cosmic and mystical beginnings of her powers—forces older than time itself.
6. The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Behind the clever cons and thieves lies a hidden history of arcane traditions and shadowy powers. Locke’s story hints at the secret origins of magic that manipulate the fate of an entire city.
7. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
Set in a Russia steeped in folklore, Vasya’s encounter with ancient spirits and fading pagan magic reveals how the old world’s mysteries shaped the fabric of magic’s origin.
8. Uprooted by Naomi Novik
In a land ruled by an ancient forest, the roots of magic entwine with nature itself. Novik’s tale uncovers the primal source of enchantments—wild, untamed, and breathtakingly beautiful.
9. The Witcher Series by Andrzej Sapkowski
Geralt’s world brims with ancient curses, forgotten gods, and the very origin of sorcery’s dark and luminous forces. The saga explores magic’s roots in a land where monsters and men collide.
10. The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
Here, magic flows through light itself, but its origins remain an enigma wrapped in power struggles and ancient secrets. Gavin Guile’s journey unveils the stunning birth and consequences of this luminous force.
✨ Unlocking the Arcane
These stories are more than just fantasy—they’re profound explorations into the heart of magic itself. They invite you to ponder where power begins, what it costs, and how ancient mysteries continue to shape the worlds we imagine. Ready to trace the first spark of magic? Your journey starts here.
