I have stated before that Maldene is a world of magic AND science, a mix of fantasy and science fiction, but why would I try this hard-to-do combination? After all, a few others have tried and it usually comes out looking pretty stupid. Well, the short of it is that I love both Science Fiction AND Fantasy, but that doesn’t explain how I can pull this combination off.

The secret behind a successful mix of the two is to treat magic as a science. Magic is the science of miracles, yes, but even magic must have its own laws. Wizards get tired casting too many spells, every spell has a cause and effect, or other reciprocal results. Simply treat everything with logic and remember that Natures laws apply as well, then you have a workable magic system hat won’t get out of control. You treat magic as just another force, one that “wizards” can mentally tap into.

Once you have that then the inclusion of the Science Fiction side of things is not too hard. But just remember to be subtle about it. And no need to keep them separate. As the series evolves you will see the magic and science sides of things blend together; you won’t simply have the Wand vs the Blaster (and how different is a blaster from a conjured bolt of lightning anyway?). What you DO have is an interesting mix, something more than the sum of either of its parts, and yet the whole still fits within its own logic. Consistency is the key.

Okay, so when do we start seeing the science side of this fiction raise its head? Well, the more obvious manifestation will first occur in “Maldene II: Mysteries of Olde”, though an observant reader might spot the clues already planted within the first volume of Maldene. Nothing overt, mknd you, but they are there. Amidst all the magic spells, alchemical potions, dragons, and wizards, there are clues that something far greater is waiting to be uncovered. Something that involves both magic AND science… and a whole lot more.