Fantasy novels where magic systems involve some sort of practiced craft (painting, baking, bookbinding, and beyond)
created by moss-mylk
last updated November, 2025
Ooo, this sounds like such a lovely subcategory of magic systems
Ohh beautiful list! ❤️ I think I have some books on my shelves that would fit well here, i'll report back once I find them!
Haha I ran to recommend paper magician and you've already got it. Following so I can see as more get added, I love this fantasy subgenre. Will try to think of others
this is such a good subgenre in fantasy!! definitely need more of these in my life, great list!
Love love love this concept for a list!
The Circle of Magic series by Tamora Pierce, first book: Sandry's Book. Stitch witchery and blacksmith magic.
The Forge and Fracture Saga by Brittany N Williams, first book: That Self-Same Metal. Blacksmith magic in Shakespearean England.
The Shadowshaper series by Daniel Jose Older, first book: Shadowshaper. Magic that infuses ancestral spirits into art/painting.
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim. More stitch witchery, but I'm not sure it counts because I can't remember if the magic is in the actual act of sewing or if she's just sewing with magical items.
âť— the binding mention âť— such a fun subgenre, excited to see how this list expands!
Ou Lillie from A Drizzle of Magic does baking magic!
oh i love this list