S. W. Raine

In fantasy subgenres like urban fantasy and contemporary fantasy, there’s a delicate balance between the enchanting allure of magic and the familiarity of the modern world.

So here’s a little peek at ten ways I mix magic and modernity in the elementals trilogy.

(if you don’t know what these fantasy subgenres are, check out this blog post for a refresher!)

Familiar Setting:

I grounded the story of The Elemental’s Guardian in the modern-day, recognizable setting of Florida. I even based it on Cocoa Beach. And in the rest of the trilogy, we visit Russia, Iran, Norway, and other recognizable settings. This provides a relatable foundation, which makes the introduction of magical elements feel more natural.

Concealed Magical Society:

The elementals and their guardians are from a hidden magical realm that exists parallel to the modern world. Richard touched on this briefly in a conversation with Ferenc in The Elemental’s Guardian, and I expand on how the people with elemental abilities “navigate” both realms further in the rest of the trilogy.

Character Perspectives:

The characters in the Elementals trilogy have varying levels of familiarity with magic. Some, like Olivia and a yet-to-be-revealed character in part two of the trilogy, are seasoned practitioners, while others, like Ferenc and Dormouse, are newcomers. This allows for exploration and explanation of magical concepts from different angles.

Rules and Limitations:

There are definitely clear rules and limitations established for the magic system in the Elementals trilogy. This prevents something unexpected or implausible from resolving situations and maintains a sense of order in the fantastical world.

Collisions of Worlds:

On the opposite end of the concealed magical society, the trilogy contains situations where magical and modern elements collide, generating tension, humor, and wonder.

Parallel Storylines:

As the trilogy progresses, the storylines set in the modern world and the ones in the magical realms eventually intersect. This approach highlights the contrast and connection between the two.

Research and Inspiration:

You best bet I drew inspiration from mythology, folklore, and especially Sailor Moon and Avatar: The Last Airbender. This adds authenticity and richness to the magical world.

Show, Don’t Tell:

This is hugely important for any type of fiction writing, but in the Elementals trilogy specifically, I reveal the magical aspects through character interactions, dialogue, and subtle details instead of flat out explaining them. This allows for discovery and immersion into the magic.

Connection Through Emotions:

From Ferenc to Dormouse and any other character in between, I explore the emotional impact of magic on their lives and how magic changes their relationships, ambitions, and personal growth.

Evolution and Change:

The magical and modern elements have to evolve over time, as made clear, especially with Ferenc’s abilities, at the beginning and end of The Elemental’s Guardian. So as the characters learn and adapt in the rest of the trilogy, the balance between these elements shifts, reflecting their growth. And there is definitely a huge shift with a character in part two of the trilogy!

There you have it, a little insider look at how I mix magic and modernity in the Elementals trilogy.

Are you ready to get to know the characters of PROJECT ELEMENTALS 2? Let me know in the comments how excited you are and who you’re looking forward to meeting, if any!

Raine