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The idea of a world of magic (Caromentis) and a world governed by physical laws (Cosmos) existing side by side in the Voulhirian universe was fascinating. I felt as if the author was hinting a magic vs science war. Voulhire's industries run on science, whereas the military uses magic to maintain law in the country. Meldorath uses magic to literally annihilate his enemies. What are your thoughts regarding this juxtaposition of magic with science?

This is a very interesting question, and it will be explained in due time so to say To avoid any spoilers, I would only say that I loved the descriptions of Caromentis given from young Beth's perspective. They are priceless, and the author's imagination has no boundaries.

Indeed, the inclusion of magic gives the author limitless possibilities. I wonder what the lactis will be used for? Maybe Galen will forge a magical sword to counter the powers of the mages. Let's wait and see.

I found Caromentis a fascinating concept, and I like the idea that mages owe their power to an ability to tap into a magical world. I enjoyed the descriptions of the various types of magics in Voulhire. Biomagic sounds creepy and somewhat reminiscent of the "bloodbending" in Avatar: The Last Airbender.

I really liked the way Tysz sees magic and how it connects with the science and the spirit. Very original!
Magic and science are not enemies, as they can work together to augment the intended effect.
And how can one become a biomage? Is science involved?

raluca_mihaila wrote: ↑03 Oct 2020, 08:03 I really liked the way Tysz sees magic and how it connects with the science and the spirit. Very original!
Magic and science are not enemies, as they can work together to augment the intended effect.
And how can one become a biomage? Is science involved?

I don't think science is involved in becoming any type of mage. Biomages just control body functions, right?

Miriam Molina wrote: ↑01 Oct 2020, 13:47 Indeed, the inclusion of magic gives the author limitless possibilities. I wonder what the lactis will be used for? Maybe Galen will forge a magical sword to counter the powers of the mages. Let's wait and see.

He does get a sword in the upcoming books, but I don't think it has any magical (Caromentis) powers. What do you think it might be imbued with?

It looks to me that the author is leaning towards the prowess of magic. Aside from Virko, the other cities are not very familiar with science. All the powerful characters are more or less using magic: Meldorath, Demetrius, the Church of Destinism, the Mianoran, Virko's demons, Folcro, Marshus, the Chalethirian knights, the Joshuan, the Emperor. The more I read the more dominant magic becomes in the books.

There are also different types of magics, and I find the division to be roughly analogous to that used in some of the Dungeons and Dragons games. Tysz describes three worlds: Caromentis, Cosmos (the physical or "real world"), and Alitheia (the spiritual world). Most of the magic-users are mages who get their powers by somehow tapping into the energies from Caromentis. Cosmites are people who can magically tap into the energies of the physical world, much as a mage can tap into Caromentis. They're described as being extremely rare, and they may be comparable to D & D's psionicists. At least some of the priests, including the Eiodi, have magical abilities, and I see them as being akin to D & D's clerics.

Sou Hi wrote: ↑05 Oct 2020, 03:37 It looks to me that the author is leaning towards the prowess of magic. Aside from Virko, the other cities are not very familiar with science. All the powerful characters are more or less using magic: Meldorath, Demetrius, the Church of Destinism, the Mianoran, Virko's demons, Folcro, Marshus, the Chalethirian knights, the Joshuan, the Emperor. The more I read the more dominant magic becomes in the books.

I can see that magic has a huge role in the story mainly because of one reason, it needn't be explained as explicitly as science. I agree with you on the fact that the author does lean towards Caromentian concepts a lot down the line in the series.

The science vs. magic comparison is very intriguing. I wonder where it will go in the rest of the series. Since magic is incredibly powerful in Cosmos, I wonder if science is somewhat rare but powerful in Caromentis?

The concept of two congruent worlds of magic and reality is not new. But the concept of magic vs. science is most intriguing. I had not thought of it in those terms, but it makes sense. Coincidentally, the proposed question resonates so closely with the current climate. On the one hand, the rational argument about Covid-19 is to listen to science to combat it effectively. On the other hand, there is an alternative view that it will magically go away. In our world, as in Voulhire, you have to wonder about which side will be victorious.

I think that in this book magic, sience, and faith all struggle for dominance and it will be a big part of the story moving forward. I cant wait to see which will prevail. But I also thnk we need all three to maintain a balance.

RobinBennet wrote: ↑07 Oct 2020, 10:43 I think that in this book magic, sience, and faith all struggle for dominance and it will be a big part of the story moving forward. I cant wait to see which will prevail. But I also thnk we need all three to maintain a balance.

I like the thought of our need for balance. I also forgot about the trio of "power-types" before reading this post. I wonder if magic, science, and faith are sort of in a rock-paper-scissors balance, where each type is more powerful than one of the others and less powerful than one (ex: faith beats magic which beats science which beats faith).

Honestly, I loved the combination of science and magic. The world of Caromentis is quite powerful. In my opinion, the magical element in this book has brought a great twist to the story and the author might stick on with it.