For young adults navigating a world where ancient magic clashes with cutting-edge technology, this book explores finding balance between two powerful forces.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen feels torn between different passions, social groups, or parts of their own identity. Of Sorcery and Science is set in a world where an ancient, magical society and a hyper-modern technological collective are in conflict. The story follows a young hero who has a foot in both worlds, forcing them to navigate deep-seated prejudice while trying to unite the factions against a common enemy. It powerfully explores themes of self-confidence, justice, and finding strength in what makes you different. For teens 13 and up, this book offers a thrilling fantasy and sci-fi adventure that doubles as a meaningful allegory for the challenge of integrating the different parts of who we are.
Both 'good' factions display significant prejudice, challenging a simple good vs evil narrative.
Sensitive Topics
The core conflict between magic and science serves as a direct, secular metaphor for identity struggles, particularly for teens who feel they belong to multiple, sometimes conflicting, cultural or social groups. The central theme is about integrating these parts of oneself, rather than choosing a side. Prejudice and stereotyping are major themes, explored through the factions' interactions. The resolution is hopeful, championing synthesis and mutual respect.
Ideal Reader
A 14 or 15-year-old who feels pulled in multiple directions. For example, a teen who loves both competitive robotics and fantasy literature, or one navigating a mixed-heritage background who feels pressure to be 'more' of one than the other. This reader is looking for a story that validates the idea that you do not have to choose just one box to fit into.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. The concepts are couched in fantasy, making them accessible. A parent might prepare to discuss the real-world parallels to prejudice, the value of interdisciplinary thinking (like in STEAM education), and the courage it takes to be a bridge between different groups of people. The parent hears their teen express frustration about their identity: "My coding friends think my D&D club is weird," or "I feel like I have to act differently around my dad's family than my mom's." The child feels socially siloed and is struggling with self-acceptance.
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely connect most with the high-stakes adventure, the cool blend of magic and technology, and the friendship dynamics. An older teen (15-18) will appreciate the deeper social commentary on identity politics, ideological division, and the philosophical debate between tradition and progress.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many 'magitech' books that simply blend the aesthetics of fantasy and sci-fi, this novel uses the division between the two as its central thematic engine. The conflict is less about external wars and more a direct allegory for the internal process of identity integration during adolescence. Its uniqueness lies in how the world-building directly serves the protagonist's emotional journey of self-acceptance.
Read plot summary
In a near-future world, society is starkly divided between the Inheritors, who wield ancient elemental magic, and the Synthetics, who rely on cutting-edge science and robotics. The protagonist is a teenager who is secretly adept at both, living a double life to avoid being cast out by both factions. When a mysterious entity appears that is immune to both magic and technology alone, the protagonist must risk everything to forge an unlikely alliance, forcing the two sides to confront their prejudices and work together for their mutual survival.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The protagonist feels the need to hide their coding skills from the sorcerers and their magic from the scientists. Why do you think they were so afraid of being discovered by each group? Have you ever felt the need to hide a hobby or interest to fit in?
2
Both the Council of Mages and the Tech Innovators believe their way is superior and refuse to cooperate. How did this prejudice make them vulnerable to the main threat? Can you think of a real-world problem that could be better solved if different groups worked together?
3
The climax involves the protagonist creating a solution that literally weaves a spell into a piece of code. What do you think this moment symbolizes for their personal journey and for the future of their world?
4
Throughout the book, characters from both sides have to unlearn their stereotypes about each other. Which character's change of heart did you find most convincing or interesting? Why?
5
If you lived in this world, would you have chosen the path of Sorcery or Science before the events of the book? Did your preference change by the end?
