Need for Magic (Paperback)

~ Joseph Swope (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Joseph Swope's debut novel, Need for Magic explores the most powerful magic of all, peoples' needs. The beautiful Lilandra masterfully intuits the needs of everyone she meets and of the whole nation of Atani. By promising to meet those needs, she manipulates all she comes across. Even ancient wizards and a skilled Blademasters have needs. As a result, they too are played like puppets by her deft hand. By refusing to conform to the role the Goodfolk of his village assign him, Keven, a maligned bastard stable hand shows he has a deep understanding of his own needs. A travelling wizard who has had hope magically stolen from him sees a chance for hope in Keven. When the travelling duo of Keven and the wizard are violently separated, Keven is thrust into the cult-like nation of Atani. Can a man who has few needs resist someone who controls all needs? Need for Magic is also an academic examination of social psychology. By incorporating the concepts of cults, conformity and obedience, Joseph Swope shows how manipulation of individuals and groups is far too easy and far too dangerous. In fact, there has been no greater power in history than that shown by an individual who is willing to sacrifice for a group. Need for Magic contains a detailed index of the social psychology ideas used by Lilandra to bend a nation to her will.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Swimming Kangaroo Books (December 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1934041858
• ISBN-13: 978-1934041857
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #399,467 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fantastic Adventure Story With Lots To Learn, January 20, 2010

By	Christopher J. Dooly "Doolyman" (Washington D.C.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A unique take on fantasy leads to an enjoyable reading experience, February 2, 2010

By	Brian Coffey (Richmond, VA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of fun with food for thought, March 5, 2010

By	heather foley (Washington, D.C) - See all my reviews

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.