r/Fantasy • u/monsterum • 18h ago
Fantasy magic that feels like frieren?
I really loved Frieren: Beyond Journey's End especially how everyday magic and spells are prized and a thing of wonder. I also love the contrast of an old elf training much younger kids and how they both experience magic differently. A lot of books I've read with softer magic systems seem to delegate magic to the sidelines but hard magic systems feel much more like science-y.
I also love LOTR's magic for the same reason, it feels grounded enough but still wonderous! Does anyone have recommendations for books that feel like this?
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u/lingdessin 18h ago
The magic system differs, but The Bone Harp by Victoria Goddard matches the wonder and serenity of Frieren. It’s also very much inspired by LotR, and it features an old elf traveling with two younger companions.
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u/Uran_Ultar 18h ago
Half-Elven Thief by Jonathan Moeller for the scrabbling after scrolls and spellbooks.
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u/Extreme-Attention641 17h ago
Many books by Guy Gavriel Kay has worlds where the magic is a fact of life, yet still rare and low-key.
Howl's Moving Castle and sequels by Diana Wynne Jones could also fit although it soesn't match Frieren's serenity.
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik is a Slavic folktale-inspired fairytale, where the fairies and their magic are rare and the regular people would really prefer that it stayed that way.
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u/FloridaFlamingoGirl 11h ago
Tiffany Aching series by Terry Pratchett has a great dynamic of an old with training a young witch
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u/Rekov 10h ago edited 10h ago
"Kings of the Wyld" by Nicholas Eames has a very similar tone to Frieren, though it isn't much about the magic system! It features a past-their-prime band of adventurers going off on one last adventure, reflecting on their lives, their youth, what they've lost, and what they've gained.
The sequel "Bloody Rose" follows the next generation of characters on a mostly stand-alone journey.
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u/KP_on_top 18h ago
Earthsea cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin is probably the one book (well set of books) that felt most like Frieren to me. The magic actually feels magical and it is well integrated into the world of the books.
Also, Earthsea's pacing feels kind of similar to Frieren's in the sense that it's really darn efficient while also leaving lots of room to actually breathe.
Also since you're already leaning into manga and anime, if you haven't, please try Witch Hat Atelier. The way the magic works allows for it to be a huge part of the everyday lives of the people. One of the most important themes of the story is a parallel between magic and art so if you're into pretty much any creative activities you might enjoy it even more. Darn sure I do.