Customer Reviews

Need for Magic

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Thought experiments (at the most basic, "what if...") are the foundation for fantasy and science fiction. So when the fresh angle of social psychology is used to explore an interesting new realm, I am all in. The reverse is also true, in that looking at social psychology through the lens of fantasy provides many interesting and useful real-life insights. Give it a shot.

This book is fantastic. I love high fantasy novels like this one, and I have read very many, but this one gives you much more than adventure. It gives you something to learn from. It is incredible how seamless the lessons of social psychology, philosophy, and sociology blend into story telling. Never before have I enjoyed such a brilliant story and taken away more than the experience of reading, but knowledge on human behavior. I can't wait for a sequel!

I was so impressed with this book! Not only was it an enjoyable mystical adventure but it also challenged the mind with the interwoven psychological undertones. THESE are the types of books that will be taking over Psychology courses soon! Fun, intellectual reads that make learning a joy.

Need For Magic is a must read. My friend sent me the page on facebook, from there I was drawn in. I love a good fantasy novel and I love how it blends with social psychology. I'm Defiantly going to at my recommend it to my friends at otacon this year.

Having grown up reading Terry Brooks and J.R. Tolkin along with Sallinger this was an excellent foray into the fantasy arena with an adult twist of sociology science!

If you like fantasy akin to Terry Brooks this is a must read!

A friend recommended this book to me and I while I found it to be consistent with existing fantasy genres, it also brings entirely new elements to the fantasy world. "Need for Magic" is like the worlds of classical fantasy in that there are elves, dwarves, humans, etc. who form the basis of the story. But what Swope has done is combine a true mastery of the POV (point of view) style of fantasy story-telling with entirely new kinds of magic and conflict. He has interwoven traditional magic with the power of social psychology which, together, can topple kingdoms. I've read the usual fantasy series (by Goodkind, Jordan, George R.R. Martin, etc.) and, while excellent stories, they can seem a bit stale and predictable at times. Swope's book is entirely fresh. Good luck predicting what will happen next because you won't be able to. "Need for Magic" is Book 1 in the series. I am anxiously waiting for Book 2.

This book is a great read. Not only does it capture ones attention but it forces one to think. It is a wonderful mixture between fantasy and psychology. I strongly suggest this book to anyone who is looking for a good read that wants to learn something new while reading. I'd also suggest buying the audio version of the book!
Need for Magic

This is a great story. Mr. Swope combines fiction with a serious study of many aspects of human nature. A real fast read and an education.

I just finished reading Need for Magic. I love fantasy sagas and this one had all of the stuff that makes fantasy books fun. If you like fantasy you'll like this one. What I really liked is the depth of the story. I felt I could see the world through each character's eyes. While not confusing, the ideas are deep enough that I had to re-read a few sections. Each time I did, I got more out of the story. There are a couple of levels to the story. It is definitely cool and is something I know I'll re-read more than a few times.