Glitch in the Lore? Five Magical Worlds to Explore When Your Old Favourites Aren't Levelling Up
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
For gamers feeling a "lore betrayal" from old magical favourites, this article (inspired by Rachael Conrad's Polygon piece) highlights five inclusive fantasy books offering fresh, diverse narratives, often set in magical schools, for new adventures.
Alright mates, ever felt like a beloved game universe you grew up with suddenly hit a major patch that completely changed the lore, and not for the better? Yeah, a lot of us have been feeling a bit of that digital betrayal when it comes to the Wizarding World, especially with its original creator, J.K. Rowling, doubling down on some, shall we say, less-than-magical views. It's a proper bummer when the very themes of love and acceptance in a story get… complicated, isn't it?
It’s like finding out your favourite NPC has a hidden villain arc you never saw coming. But here's the kicker, folks: where one door closes, a whole portal opens up to a multiverse of incredible new stories. And thankfully, some clever wizards (authors, in this case) have been busy building new, more inclusive worlds, often centred around magical schools, that are just begging for you to explore them. Polygon's Rachael Conrad recently highlighted a few absolute gems, and fair dinkum, they're worth a look if you're ready to find your next great adventure.
### 5. Awakened by A.E. Osworth
Imagine waking up on your half-birthday and suddenly your skill tree for languages is maxed out – you understand *every single one*. That's Wilder's start in A.E. Osworth's 'Awakened'. But this isn't just about cool powers; it's about finding your guild, your coven of trans witches, just as an evil AI threatens to corrupt the whole server (reality, in this case). Seriously, with a dedication that throws some well-deserved shade at J.K. Rowling, you know this one's got its heart in the right place, championing found family and community against digital evil with a generous sprinkle of magic. It’s a powerful narrative about building your own sanctuary when the old one crumbles.
### 4. The Incandescent by Emily Tesh
Switching perspectives, 'The Incandescent' by Emily Tesh dives deep into a prestigious (and probably slightly haunted) English magical boarding school, but from the teacher's lounge, not the student dorms. Dr. Sapphire Walden, a high-level arcane specialist and director of magic, has to protect her students from a demonic incursion – because what's a magical school without a few eldritch horrors, eh? It’s less 'student trying to pass exams' and more 'head of department dealing with a major server breach while also trying to keep their own lore secrets from leaking'. A dark academic novel with a unique angle on magic and mystery.
### 3. Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
If you've ever wondered what happens after the 'chosen one' quest is over and you're back in the mundane world, Seanan McGuire's 'Wayward Children' series is your next deep dive. This isn't your typical magic academy; it's a rehab clinic for kids who've returned from Narnia-esque portal worlds, trying to de-traumatise. 'Every Heart a Doorway', the first novella, kicks off with Nancy, back from the land of the dead, only for a murder mystery to start unravelling among the students. It's a brilliant take on portal fantasy, exploring the real consequences of adventuring, and who you become when you return from your epic quest. Plus, with eleven novellas, you won't run out of new lore any time soon!
### 2. Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey
Ever thought about what if Petunia Dursley was actually a brilliant detective, sent to solve a violent murder at a magic school where her estranged, magically gifted sister works? That's the wonderfully twisted premise of Sarah Gailey's noir novel, 'Magic for Liars'. Ivy Gamble is the muggle in the magic world, but her detective skills are sharper than any spell. It’s a noir mystery draped in arcane intrigue, showing that even without innate magical powers, observation and deduction can be your ultimate cheat codes. A clever exploration of envy, family, and the allure of a life not lived.
### 1. To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
And for something truly epic and off the beaten path, 'To Shape a Dragon’s Breath' by Moniquill Blackgoose is a proper game-changer. Imagine a steampunk-alt-history world, infused with Indigenous and Norse mythologies, where dragons are making a comeback. When 15-year-old Anequs finds a dragon egg – the first in generations! – it's a huge deal. But it also drags her into the colonising Anglish world and their dragon-riding academies. She's got to navigate both social and academic trials, because failure isn't just a bad grade; it means her dragon gets taken. It's a rich, complex world-build with high stakes and unique lore that you won't find anywhere else. Absolutely not to be missed for fans of deep world-building and challenging narratives.
So there you have it, fellow explorers! When the old maps feel a bit... off, there's a whole new world of magic waiting to be discovered. These five titles, originally highlighted by Rachael Conrad over at Polygon.com, are just the tip of the iceberg, offering diverse voices and inclusive narratives that remind us why we love getting lost in a good story. Go forth, adventurers, and find your next favourite lore!
Tags: Fantasy, Lore, Community, Worldbuilding, Gaming Culture
Original article: Polygon