Something Different

[rowyn]

I love fantasy and science fiction, but combat themes and life-or-death struggles don't grab my attention like they used to. I'm curious about fantasy or science fiction stories that don't have violence as the source of their action and drama. I'd particularly like to see magic systems that are explored for their potential to improve lives, rather than for their potential to fight wars or defend against them. Bonus points for magic that does this without feeling like a substitute for technology, as I have no idea how to make that sort of thing myself. :)

Anyone have recommendations for books or other fiction that would fit into a "non-violent" theme? Or if you have an idea of your own that you'd like to share for a story along those lines, I'd be interested in hearing it. I'm kind of vaguely noodling with story ideas (because, you know, one can never have too many unfinished projects) and looking for inspiration. I may resort to reading straight fiction or even (horrors!) nonfiction, to see what they do for plot. >:)

Comments

[tuftears.livejournal.com]

Some random titles that come to mind:

Nick O'Donohoe's Crossroads series (magic and medicine, but more about a magical place where fantasy creatures mingle with the human veterinary students that are brought over to help them)

Sheri S. Tepper's way-back-when Mavin Manyshaped books, and the True Game books feature people born with many different talents, who have their roles to play out in the great game between their rulers - I loved these, I've always been a sucker for books which play on the 'game as world' theme, but her later books got all preachy and boring. These are well out of print though, unfortunately.

Lyndon Hardy's 'Master of the Five Magics' and 'Secret of the Sixth Magic' has violence but does explore different magic systems and how they are used in their society. It may come across as kind of a 'these are the basic kinds of magic' primer though.

[rowyn]

I've read those two books by Hardy. They were definitely interesting in the sense of exploring what could be done with the magic at their disposal. I'll give the Crossroads books a try, those sound cool and "in print" makes it easier. =)