Crimes against magic are offenses that involve the misuse, theft, or illegal activities related to magical powers, artifacts, or mystical knowledge. These crimes can range from minor infractions to major violations, depending on the nature and severity of the offense. One common crime against magic is the unauthorized use of magical spells or abilities. This could involve individuals using spells or enchantments without proper training or licensing, potentially causing harm to themselves or others. Untrained individuals may lack the necessary control or understanding of magic, leading to unintended consequences or dangerous situations. Another crime is the illegal trade of magical artifacts or substances.
The writing is straightforward and unpretentious. It is easy to read and has fairly short chapters, which I like a lot. I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait to continue the series as it offers a fun escape into a fantasy world where anything can happen.
This book is not complicated but it has just enough mystery and suspense to create a driving momentum that makes it easy to keep reading and to keep guessing as to what will happen next. dialogues from the past which linguistically never differed from the contemporary English and they were supposed to be uttered by 15th century folk, imagine that.
Another crime is the illegal trade of magical artifacts or substances. Certain magical items, such as enchanted talismans, potions, or rare spellbooks, can possess immense power or value. Individuals may engage in smuggling, theft, or the black market trade of these items, posing a risk to the magical community and potentially destabilizing the magical balance.
Crimes against magic
Synopsis (from Goodreads):
It’s been almost ten years since Nathan Garrett woke on a cold warehouse floor with nothing but a gun, a sword, and no idea of who he was or how he got there. His only clue … a piece of paper with his name on it. Since then, he’s discovered he’s a powerful sorcerer and has used his abilities to work as a thief for hire. But he’s never stopped hunting for his true identity, and those who erased his memory have never stopped hunting for him. When the barrier holding his past captive begins to crumble, Nathan swears to protect a young girl who is key to his enemy’s plans. But with his enemies closing in, and everyone he cares about becoming a target for their wrath, Nathan is forced to choose between the life he’s built for himself and the one buried deep inside him.
Crimes Against Magic is the first part of an Urban Fantasy series, the Hellequin Chronicles, set in modern-day London with Historical flashbacks to early fifteenth-century France.
My impressions:
It will be a very short review. It will be also one of those reviews which I start with “the cover art is great” expression; basically, it is the only positive aspect of the book I can think of. Ok, at a push I might add an original use of Greek and Celtic mythologies – how to criticize King Arthur, Merlin and Mordred? How not to like Cassandre, Priam, Agamemnon and Helene, presented with a twist? You see, I am trying really hard to be impartial and positive. As usual, I fail.
To be completely honest I despised almost everything about this book. In fact I might even create a list of its flaws:
- the schematic, predictable plot,
- wooden narration full of smaller or bigger infodumps,
- dialogues from the past which linguistically never differed from the contemporary English (and they were supposed to be uttered by 15th century folk, imagine that!),
- the main lead, Nathan/Nate/Nathanial Garrett who was dumb,
- his complete lack of any personality to speak of,
- the fact that he solved conflicts with brute force and hardly ever with brains,
- his string of girlfriends casual shags who were like plastic Barbie dolls with personalities to match…
As you see I could rant and rant forever. Who wants to listen to my rant? A rhetorical question, right? Let me just finish by saying I DNFed after about one third of the novel and skimmed the rest. It was a wise decision. No more Hellequin Chronicles books for me.
Final verdict:
There are crimes against magic and crimes against literature. This one belongs firmly to both categories. Read at your peril – you have been warned!
Crimes against magic can also include acts of magical fraud or deception. This might involve individuals posing as legitimate spellcasters or mystics, offering false promises or services for personal gain. Such manipulative acts not only exploit vulnerable individuals but also undermine the credibility and trust within the magical community. Furthermore, crimes against magic also encompass the misuse or abuse of magical creatures. These offenses involve the mistreatment, illegal breeding, or capturing of creatures like phoenixes, dragons, or unicorns for personal gain or entertainment. Such actions disrupt the natural balance of magical ecosystems and pose a threat to the welfare of these creatures. The punishment for crimes against magic varies depending on the jurisdiction and severity of the offense. In some magical societies, there may be specialized courts or magical police forces to investigate and prosecute these crimes. Penalties can range from fines and community service to imprisonment or banishment from the magical community. To prevent crimes against magic, education and regulation are crucial. Formal training and licensing programs can ensure that individuals have the necessary knowledge and control over their magical abilities. Strict regulations on the trade of magical items can help deter illegal activities, while public awareness campaigns can warn against fraudulent practices and encourage responsible behavior. In conclusion, crimes against magic encompass a wide range of offenses, from unauthorized spellcasting to magical fraud and the mistreatment of magical creatures. These crimes pose a threat to individuals, communities, and the natural balance of magical forces. Through education, regulation, and enforcement, it is possible to prevent and combat these crimes, protecting the integrity and safety of magic..
Reviews for "Crimes Against Magic in Literature: Inspiring Real-Life Criminals"
- Jane - 2 stars - I really wanted to like "Crimes against magic," but I was left disappointed. The storyline had potential, but it was overshadowed by the lackluster characters and clichéd dialogue. I found it hard to connect with the protagonist, and the villains felt one-dimensional. The pacing was also off, with the action sequences feeling rushed and the slow moments dragging on. Overall, I felt like the book didn't live up to its promising premise.
- Mark - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "Crimes against magic." The writing style was all over the place, with unnecessary descriptions and excessive use of expository dialogues. The plot seemed convoluted, jumping from one event to another without clear connections. The protagonist came across as a typical brooding hero with no depth, and the supporting characters were forgettable. I found myself skimming through pages, hoping for something interesting to happen, but it never did. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this one.
- Sarah - 2 stars - "Crimes against magic" was a disappointment for me. The world-building lacked originality and felt generic, with magical beings and organizations we've seen before in countless other fantasy books. The writing had potential, but I couldn't shake off the feeling that it was trying too hard to be edgy and dark. The twist at the end was predictable, and the resolution felt rushed. Overall, I found this book to be forgettable and wouldn't bother continuing with the series.