Crimes against magic refer to illegal activities that involve the abuse or misuse of magical powers, objects, or practices. These crimes can encompass a wide range of offenses, from fraud and theft to harmful spellcasting and forbidden rituals. The concept of crimes against magic is often explored in works of fantasy and fiction, where magic is portrayed as a powerful and dangerous force that can be both a tool and a weapon. One common form of crime against magic is spellcasting for malicious purposes. This includes spells that cause harm or injury to others, such as curses, hexes, or dark magic. In many magical worlds, the use of such spells is strictly forbidden and can carry severe consequences, including imprisonment or banishment from magical communities.
Crimes Against Magic: The Hellaquin Chronicles, by Steve McHugh Heres the thing. https://brianledwell.com/blog/book-reports/chrimes-against-magic-the-hellaquin-chronicles-by-steve-mchugh https://brianledwell.com/blog/book-reports/chrimes-against-magic-the-hellaquin-chronicles-by-steve-mchugh/@@download/image/crimesAgainstMagic.jpg
The author does a great job doling out new world-building elements and clues to keep you wondering how deep the story goes and how many interesting creatures are involved. Gangs have even established magic havens, secret venues where the public can lose themselves in immersive magic and consume a mind-bending, highly addictive elixir known as the sorcerer s shine.
In many magical worlds, the use of such spells is strictly forbidden and can carry severe consequences, including imprisonment or banishment from magical communities. Another form of crime against magic is the illegal acquisition or trade of magical objects or ingredients. This includes stealing or smuggling magical artifacts, potions, or enchanted items, often for personal gain or to exploit their powers.
A Criminal Magic
In Lee Kelly’s “electric” (Publishers Weekly) fantasy novel, two young sorcerers experiment with magic and mobsters in 1920s Prohibition when a new elixir is created that turns their lives upside down.
Washington, DC, 1926. Sorcery opponents have succeeded in passing the 18th Amendment, but the Prohibition of magic has only invigorated the city’s underworld. Smuggling rings carry magic contraband in from the coast. Sorcerers cast illusions to aid mobsters’ crime sprees. Gangs have even established “magic havens,” secret venues where the public can lose themselves in immersive magic and consume a mind-bending, highly addictive elixir known as “the sorcerer’s shine.”
Joan Kendrick, a young sorcerer from the backwoods of Norfolk County, accepts an offer to work for DC’s most notorious crime syndicate, The Shaw Gang, when her family’s home is repossessed. Alex Danfrey, first-year Federal Prohibition Unit trainee with a complicated past and talents of his own, becomes tapped to go undercover and infiltrate the Shaws. When Joan meets Alex at the Shaws’ magic haven, she discovers a confidante in her fellow partner and he begins to fall under her spell. But when a new breed of the addictive sorcerer’s shine is created within the walls of the magic haven, Joan and Alex are forced to question their allegiances as they become pitted against one another in a dangerous, heady game of cat-and-mouse.
These crimes are often driven by greed and a desire for wealth or power, leading to dangerous consequences for both the perpetrator and those affected by the stolen magic. Fraudulent practices or scams involving magic also fall under crimes against magic. This includes individuals who claim to have magical abilities or sell counterfeit magical items or services. These fraudsters prey on people's desire for magic and exploit their beliefs or vulnerabilities for personal gain. In some cases, they may even perform elaborate rituals or ceremonies to maintain the illusion of their powers. Forbidden or dark rituals are another form of crimes against magic. These rituals often involve the use of dangerous or unethical practices, such as blood magic, necromancy, or summoning malevolent entities. Those who engage in such rituals are often seeking forbidden knowledge or power and are willing to break the laws of magic to achieve their goals. These crimes are particularly feared and condemned within magical communities, as they can have catastrophic consequences for both individuals and the world at large. Crimes against magic, in fiction and fantasy, serve as a way to explore themes of morality, power, and the consequences of human actions. They often highlight the dangers of unchecked or corrupt magical practices and the need for regulations and ethical considerations when dealing with magic. Whether as cautionary tales or an integral part of a fictional world, crimes against magic provide a fascinating glimpse into the dark side of the supernatural..
Reviews for "The Curse of the Dark Arts: Crimes Committed with Black Magic"
1. Jessica - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "Crimes Against Magic" as I'm a fan of the urban fantasy genre, but I was ultimately disappointed. The pacing of the story was all over the place, with long periods of nothing happening followed by rushed action scenes. The main character was also quite difficult to connect with, as his motivations and personality seemed inconsistent. Overall, I found the plot to be predictable and lacking in depth, and the world-building felt half-baked. I wanted to like this book, but unfortunately, it fell short for me.
2. Mike - 1 star - "Crimes Against Magic" was a complete letdown. The writing style was clunky, and the dialogue was cringe-worthy. The story failed to grab my attention right from the start and remained unengaging throughout. The protagonist was unlikable and lacked any real depth, while the supporting characters felt one-dimensional. The magic system was poorly explained, leaving me confused and frustrated. Overall, I found this book to be an uninspired and poorly executed attempt at urban fantasy. I regret spending my time and money on it.
3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Crimes Against Magic," but it didn't live up to the hype. The plot felt disjointed, with too many subplots and unnecessary side characters that didn't add much to the story. The writing was average at best, lacking the descriptive details that make a fantasy world come alive. The action scenes were mediocre and lacked tension. I also found the book to be overly cliché, relying on tired tropes and predictable twists. Overall, "Crimes Against Magic" didn't offer anything new or exciting, and I wouldn't recommend it to fellow fantasy readers.
4. David - 2 stars - I struggled to finish "Crimes Against Magic." The author tried too hard to create a gritty and dark atmosphere but ended up with a convoluted mess. The world-building was confusing and inconsistent, leaving me with more questions than answers. The characters felt flat and unrelatable, their motivations lacking depth and logic. I also found the pacing to be incredibly slow, making it hard to stay engaged with the story. Unfortunately, this book was a disappointment and not worth the effort it took to get through.