📖 Overview
Lyndon Hardy is an American fantasy author and physicist known for creating the Magic by the Numbers series, which began with "Master of the Five Magics" in 1980. His works explore systematic approaches to magic within fantasy settings, drawing from his background in physics and technology.
While writing fantasy novels, Hardy maintained a parallel career in the aerospace industry, working for 30 years at TRW. He also founded Alodar Systems Inc., a computer consulting company that developed medical research tools and business planning software.
Hardy's publishing career spans two distinct periods: 1980-1988, when he published his original trilogy, and 2016-present, during which he has expanded the series with additional novels. His most recent work, "One Last Heist," was released in 2023.
Hardy gained early notoriety as a student at California Institute of Technology for orchestrating the Great Rose Bowl Hoax of 1961, an elaborate prank involving the manipulation of audience card displays during a football halftime show.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Hardy's unique approach to creating logical, rules-based magic systems that feel more like science than typical fantasy magic. His background in physics shows through in the detailed mechanics and problem-solving elements.
What readers liked:
- Complex, internally consistent magic systems with clear rules
- Technical detail and scientific approach to fantasy elements
- Creative problem-solving by characters using established magical principles
- Integration of multiple magic systems that interact in meaningful ways
What readers disliked:
- Characters sometimes feel flat or underdeveloped
- Heavy focus on magic mechanics over plot and character development
- Writing style can be dry and technical
- Pacing issues, especially in lengthy explanatory sections
Ratings across platforms:
Goodreads:
Master of the Five Magics - 3.8/5 (2,100+ ratings)
Secret of the Sixth Magic - 3.7/5 (700+ ratings)
Riddle of the Seven Realms - 3.7/5 (500+ ratings)
Amazon:
Master of the Five Magics - 4.3/5 (200+ reviews)
Secret of the Sixth Magic - 4.2/5 (50+ reviews)
📚 Books by Lyndon Hardy
Master of the Five Magics (1980)
A fantasy novel following an apprentice named Alodar who must master five distinct disciplines of magic to save his kingdom and win the hand of a queen.
Secret of the Sixth Magic (1984) The sequel explores a threat to all five systems of magic, introducing a sixth discipline that underlies the fundamental principles of the others.
Riddle of the Seven Realms (1988) A demon-focused story involving travel between different magical realms, centered on solving a complex puzzle about the nature of fire and magic.
Magic by the Numbers (2018) A compilation of the first three novels in the series with additional author commentary and expanded content.
Master of the Five Magics Part II (2019) Continues Alodar's story as he faces new magical challenges while serving as the kingdom's Chief Thaumaturge.
One Last Heist (2023) A standalone novel set in the Five Magics universe, focusing on a complex magical theft operation.
Secret of the Sixth Magic (1984) The sequel explores a threat to all five systems of magic, introducing a sixth discipline that underlies the fundamental principles of the others.
Riddle of the Seven Realms (1988) A demon-focused story involving travel between different magical realms, centered on solving a complex puzzle about the nature of fire and magic.
Magic by the Numbers (2018) A compilation of the first three novels in the series with additional author commentary and expanded content.
Master of the Five Magics Part II (2019) Continues Alodar's story as he faces new magical challenges while serving as the kingdom's Chief Thaumaturge.
One Last Heist (2023) A standalone novel set in the Five Magics universe, focusing on a complex magical theft operation.
👥 Similar authors
Lawrence Watt-Evans develops systematic magic systems and writes fantasy that emphasizes rules and logic over mysticism. His Ethshar series features multiple distinct magic systems with clear rules and limitations, similar to Hardy's structured approach.
Gordon R. Dickson combines science fiction concepts with fantasy elements in works like the Dragon Knight series. His background in technical writing influences his methodical approach to world-building and magic systems.
L.E. Modesitt Jr. creates detailed magic systems based on fundamental principles and explores their practical applications in society. His Recluce series demonstrates how magic operates according to consistent physical laws with specific consequences.
Patricia C. Wrede constructs fantasy worlds with well-defined magical rules and explores their logical implications. Her Frontier Magic series examines magic through a systematic lens, incorporating scientific principles into magical theory.
Robert L. Forward writes hard science fiction that applies rigorous scientific principles to speculative scenarios. His work appeals to readers who appreciate Hardy's physics-based approach to fantasy systems and technological background.
Gordon R. Dickson combines science fiction concepts with fantasy elements in works like the Dragon Knight series. His background in technical writing influences his methodical approach to world-building and magic systems.
L.E. Modesitt Jr. creates detailed magic systems based on fundamental principles and explores their practical applications in society. His Recluce series demonstrates how magic operates according to consistent physical laws with specific consequences.
Patricia C. Wrede constructs fantasy worlds with well-defined magical rules and explores their logical implications. Her Frontier Magic series examines magic through a systematic lens, incorporating scientific principles into magical theory.
Robert L. Forward writes hard science fiction that applies rigorous scientific principles to speculative scenarios. His work appeals to readers who appreciate Hardy's physics-based approach to fantasy systems and technological background.