Favorite Magic Systems

Today's Top Five Wednesday topic is My Favorite Magic Systems. I don't spend a lot of time thinking about a magic system in a book. I figure out how it works and go on. But it appears I have a favorite kind of system. I like the systems where the people who do the magic are normal people who have the extra little ability to do magic that can be nurtured. Most of my picks have that.

Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - In this book, the teacher magicians look high and low for their students who have that little nugget of ability. They take these children and teach them, then pit them against each other in a competition to the death.

Shadowshaper by Daniel Jose Older - Our main character, Sierra, realizes her art holds magical ability and she can use it to fight the evil that is appearing in her neighborhood.

The Magicians by Lev Grossman - The kids in this book have to take an aptitude test for magic to get into their magic school.

Territory by Emma Bull - This book takes the Wyatt Earp history and adds magic. Apparently, these legendary lawmen where actually magicians. I really loved this book though.

Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson - This magic system is unique. Everyone has some magical ability which is activated by ingesting some form of mineral or metal. Each person has the ability to use a metal, but the main character can use all of them.

So those are my five favorite magic systems. What are yours?