Unlocking the Magic

by Vivian Caethe, Ferrett Steinmetz, A. Merc Rustad

In fantasy stories, we read about people with mental illness who are susceptible to magic, closer to breaks in reality, more likely to be able to see the invisible. Depression is depicted as just a symptom of the quest being too hard and a love interest will snap the character right out of it. People with schizophrenia can see spirits and demons, but these people are discarded as the detritus of society once they are no longer useful to the plot. Bipolar disorder is often represented in the villains, those with the visions of God and their own invulnerability. People with PTSD can just get over it as the plot requires.These narratives are damaging and ignore the lives of people with mental illness to the point of romanticizing and erasing their experiences. The stories in this anthology challenge those narratives and show what can be accomplished when we take care of ourselves and seek help. They show the reality of being mentally ill, even though the settings are fantastical and magic abounds. These stories reveal how mental illness and its treatment can affect the magic that lies within all of us.

Genres: Fantasy

214 pages, Paperback

First published March 29, 2019

About the author

Vivian Caethe's short stories and novellas have appeared in a variety of magazines and several anthologies, notably Bellows of the BOne Box and Crime Net. Inspired by growing up in the Land of Enchantment, she has been writing science fiction and fantasy since she was twelve. A double major in sociology and psychology, she writes speculative fiction in the constant search of “What if?”

In her spare time, she reads, knits, cross-stitches, and plays video games. An avid reader and an equally avid tea drinker, she lives in Colorado with her husband.

Her novella "The Diamond City" is published by Bold Strokes Books.

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unlocking the Magic is an absolutely excellent anthology that sticks to its premise while by and large avoiding feeling “samey” - a common problem on tightly themed collections.

There weren’t any bad stories dragging it down, either, just there were a couple that seemed too obvious or straightforward. The best of the collection - “Madness is a Skill”, “gods of small things”, and “The Night Janitor” - are memorable and engaging, all three of them unique takes on well-trod tales. Definitely worth reading.

[Lauren Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this anthology. Be mindful of the trigger warnings and be good to yourself, readers; take a break between stories, because empathising with these characters hurts.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology does an amazing job of showcasing protagonists with mental illness in stories where that's neither a mark of evil nor inspiration porn. The worlds in these fantasy stories are amazing and relatable.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authors whose stories treat the mentally ill or damaged with fairness and care to provide realistic portrayals of those who suffer, and in a different universe may be flourishing members of mystical society instead have take what action they can to help themselves and each other lead slightly less blighted lives, to find callings of their own, and to be the hero of their stories. Well worth the read of stories new authors and more experienced veteran authors alike.

Read it.