The Magic Goes Away

by Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle
The Magic Goes Away cover
Good Books rating 3.73
Fantasy
Technical
  • ID: 5005
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Published: 1978-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

The Magic Goes Away explores a world where the once-abundant magic is dwindling due to the reckless actions of magicians. The story follows Orolandes, a determined adventurer, as he sets out on a perilous journey to find the source of the lost mana. The narrative delves into themes of environmental degradation and the consequences of unchecked power, blending fantasy with a cautionary tale about the misuse of resources. /n/n As Orolandes ventures into uncharted territories, he encounters various challenges and mysteries that test his resolve and wisdom. The book is praised for its rich world-building and thought-provoking exploration of magic's role in society, making it a compelling read for fantasy enthusiasts.

Reviews
Slings & Arrows · 2021-05-21
great 4.00

The tale is a delightful and logical exploration of fantasy, celebrating the genre while applying a rational lens. It's a refreshing take on magic and its consequences.

The reviewer was particularly impressed by how the story manages to be both a celebration and a critique of the fantasy genre. They appreciated the logical and rational approach to magic, which makes the world feel grounded and believable. The exploration of magic as a non-renewable resource adds a layer of depth that is often missing in traditional fantasy narratives. The story's ability to blend science fiction elements with fantasy tropes makes it a unique and enjoyable read. The reviewer found the world-building to be particularly strong, with a rich and detailed setting that draws the reader in.

Quick quotes

    The tale is a delightfully logical and rational exploration and celebration of fantasy that acknowledges all the rich wealth of the genre whilst applying some.

    The story is really good, a pretty simple adventure for the most part, but really enjoyable.

    The Magic Goes Away Collection gives readers insight into the breathtaking world of Niven and Jerry Pournelle's The Burning City and Burning Tower.

Goodreads · 1978-10-01
good 3.70

The central idea of magic as a non-renewable resource is intriguing, but the execution feels somewhat thin. The protagonist is memorable, but the adventure could have been more engaging.

The reviewer found the concept of magic as a finite resource to be a fascinating twist, blending science fiction with fantasy in a way that feels fresh. However, they felt that the story could have delved deeper into the implications of this idea, making the adventure feel a bit shallow. The protagonist, Wally Crenshaw, is well-crafted and relatable, which adds a lot of charm to the narrative. Overall, it's a good read, but it leaves you wanting more exploration of the world and its unique magic system.

Quick quotes

    I like the central conceit of The Magic Goes Away, the only Larry Niven novel I've ever read: magic is a non-renewable resource that gets used up by casting.

    The protagonist is a very memorable—and relatable—protagonist in Wally Crenshaw.

    The story is really good, a pretty simple adventure for the most part, but really enjoyable.

Reddit - r/books · 1978-10-01
good 3.50

It's a short but enjoyable adventure, with a simple yet engaging plot. The story is well-paced and makes for a quick, entertaining read.

The reviewer enjoyed the novella for its simplicity and fast-paced adventure. They found the story to be engaging and enjoyable, making it a quick read that doesn't require a lot of time investment. The reviewer appreciated the straightforward plot, which makes the book accessible and easy to follow. While it may not be as complex as some other fantasy novels, the reviewer found it to be a refreshing and entertaining read. The story's ability to blend fantasy elements with a scientific approach to magic makes it stand out, even if it's not a lengthy or deeply complex narrative.

Quick quotes

    It's a novella, so not a very long book. But the story is really good, a pretty simple adventure for the most part, but really enjoyable, and ...

    The Magic Goes Away Collection gives readers insight into the breathtaking world of Niven and Jerry Pournelle's The Burning City and Burning Tower.

    The series treats magic as a non-renewable resource that drives civilizational advance, then causes collapse when it is consumed, as an anvilicious allegory for ...

Appears in Lists