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Magic Compendium: An Epic Illustrated Story from the Tales of Illuminaria
- Literary Titan Book Award 2025 Winner -
The gods are calling—will you answer?
Filled with stunning illustrations, this book invites you to step into the magical world of Illuminaria and join the Zodiac Legion. Your training begins now!
The gods have chosen only the most promising individuals to master the power of magic, and the guardians of Illuminaria have deemed you worthy to stand among them.
Like every great mage before you, your journey begins as a novice. To prepare you, the Zodiac Legion has built nine schools to hone your skills and awaken your arcane potential. Within this index of ancient knowledge, you’ll uncover Illuminaria’s timeline, the nine arcane disciplines, and the secrets buried by the gods.
Dive into mysteries such Telekinesis—command objects with the sheer force of your will.Nature—control the essence of life that sustains Illuminaria’s balance.Death—peer beyond the veil separating the living from the dead.But magic has not always existed. Long ago, in a time before magic, the Precursors—a forgotten civilization—constructed awe-inspiring cities and artifacts. Through ingenuity and discovery, they unlocked the first magic, turning frailty into unimaginable power. Then, they vanished, leaving behind only their secrets.
Now, it’s your turn to unearth those secrets, master your craft, and claim your power bracelet—the ultimate symbol of your mastery.
Your magical education begins here. Are you ready to answer the call?
The gods are calling—will you answer?
Filled with stunning illustrations, this book invites you to step into the magical world of Illuminaria and join the Zodiac Legion. Your training begins now!
The gods have chosen only the most promising individuals to master the power of magic, and the guardians of Illuminaria have deemed you worthy to stand among them.
Like every great mage before you, your journey begins as a novice. To prepare you, the Zodiac Legion has built nine schools to hone your skills and awaken your arcane potential. Within this index of ancient knowledge, you’ll uncover Illuminaria’s timeline, the nine arcane disciplines, and the secrets buried by the gods.
Dive into mysteries such Telekinesis—command objects with the sheer force of your will.Nature—control the essence of life that sustains Illuminaria’s balance.Death—peer beyond the veil separating the living from the dead.But magic has not always existed. Long ago, in a time before magic, the Precursors—a forgotten civilization—constructed awe-inspiring cities and artifacts. Through ingenuity and discovery, they unlocked the first magic, turning frailty into unimaginable power. Then, they vanished, leaving behind only their secrets.
Now, it’s your turn to unearth those secrets, master your craft, and claim your power bracelet—the ultimate symbol of your mastery.
Your magical education begins here. Are you ready to answer the call?
Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2025
2 people are currently reading
2088 people want to read
About the author
David Catuhe
26 books29 followersWhen David was a child, he was already obsessed with heroic fantasy, magic, and world-building. However, the universe sent him down a different path, and he pursued a career as a software engineer.
At the age of 45, something ignited within him, and he decided to return to his first love: painting fantasy scenes and characters. He realized that it is never too late to pursue your passions! The world of Illuminaria is the manifestation of this passion.
David lives in Seattle, in the Pacific Northwest, with his wife and daughter. He is a big fan of Magic: The Gathering and has been an avid player of World of Warcraft for years.
At the age of 45, something ignited within him, and he decided to return to his first love: painting fantasy scenes and characters. He realized that it is never too late to pursue your passions! The world of Illuminaria is the manifestation of this passion.
David lives in Seattle, in the Pacific Northwest, with his wife and daughter. He is a big fan of Magic: The Gathering and has been an avid player of World of Warcraft for years.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 10, 2025
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.I have not read the first book in the series, but the tales throughout this short but interesting book have intrigued me to learn more about this world Illuminaria! The artwork is beautiful throughout this book and really helps to paint the picture of this mysterious world and it's history. Thank you to the author and Goodreads!
January 22, 2025
David Catuhe’s Magic Compendium is a captivating and masterfully crafted guide to the enchanting world of Illuminara. Whether you’re new to the series or an experienced Illuminara enthusiast, this book delivers an engaging and comprehensive journey through the magic of Illuminara.
From the very first page, Catuhe’s passion for the world shines. The book is both an informative resource and a delightful read, seamlessly blending historical insights with the magical world. He introduces the schools of the Zodiac Legion while describing magical tools such as power bracelets.
The book is beautifully organized, with clear sections that guide readers through everything from elemental spells to rewards, and more. Each chapter is enhanced by vivid descriptions and captivating anecdotes that make Illuminara come alive.
One of the highlights of Magic Compendium is its accessibility. While it’s packed with depth and detail, Catuhe writes with clarity and warmth. The illustrations scattered throughout are not only visually stunning but also serve as practical tools to deepen understanding of the series.
In summary, Magic Compendium is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the magic of Illuminara. We’ve been chosen by the gods and this guide will give us everything we know to serve and protect Illuminara. David Catuhe has created the ultimate guide that is sure to become a classic in its series. Highly recommended!
From the very first page, Catuhe’s passion for the world shines. The book is both an informative resource and a delightful read, seamlessly blending historical insights with the magical world. He introduces the schools of the Zodiac Legion while describing magical tools such as power bracelets.
The book is beautifully organized, with clear sections that guide readers through everything from elemental spells to rewards, and more. Each chapter is enhanced by vivid descriptions and captivating anecdotes that make Illuminara come alive.
One of the highlights of Magic Compendium is its accessibility. While it’s packed with depth and detail, Catuhe writes with clarity and warmth. The illustrations scattered throughout are not only visually stunning but also serve as practical tools to deepen understanding of the series.
In summary, Magic Compendium is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the magic of Illuminara. We’ve been chosen by the gods and this guide will give us everything we know to serve and protect Illuminara. David Catuhe has created the ultimate guide that is sure to become a classic in its series. Highly recommended!
January 24, 2025
As one who dabbled in magic years ago when I was in High School, I thought this book might be of some use to me should I get back into it. This book doesn’t go too in-depth with the art of magic and isn’t about magic tricks, like Pen and Teller, or stuff like that. It has short pages describing various elements, such as life, death, protection spells, and so on. And I don’t know where he got the images for this book, but they are amazing and very interesting. I’m not sure if it’s AI or real paintings, but they are pretty wonderful and go along with the text of the book that each section has. Overall, I liked going through the various descriptions that were presented. I would suggest picking this book up and reading it, and while I got the ebook version, I’m sure the other formats would be great as well.
March 5, 2025
Fantasy lovers, gather around—Magic Compendium: Tales of Illuminaria by David "DELTAKOSH" Catuhe is one of those books that feels like stumbling upon a hidden archive of ancient magic. This magical compendium chronicles the history, evolution, and structure of magic in the world of Illuminaria. Through detailed lore, it paints a world where the gods, through the Zodiac Legion, bestowed humanity with magic, leading to the formation of magic schools, disciplines, and ethical codes. It’s not so much a conventional novel as it is a deep dive into a fully fleshed-out universe, rich with history, mystery, and arcane secrets.
What struck me first was how real this world felt. The depth of thought put into the history of magic—how it started with the Zodiac Legion, how humans struggled to harness it, and how the first magic schools formed—gave the sense that Illuminaria had existed long before I picked up the book. The section detailing how different types of magic evolved was especially immersive. For example, the explanation of telekinesis—starting from merely nudging objects and culminating in grand telekinetic engineering feats—made me wish I could enroll in one of these schools myself. The writing here is methodical but never dry. It reads like a textbook, yet with the heart of a storyteller who genuinely loves the world he’s built.
The book also has a fascinating perspective on magical ethics, which adds an extra layer of depth. Instead of just listing spells and abilities, it explores the responsibilities that come with power. The protection magic section, for instance, emphasizes that magic is meant to serve the greater good, recounting the story of Merope of Taurus shielding an entire city from destruction. There’s also a dark side—like the restrictions on death magic, where one reckless student’s attempt to revive the dead led to a chilling punishment. These moments make magic feel dangerous and awe-inspiring, rather than just a convenient tool for heroes to wield.
The lore is rich, but it reads more like an encyclopedia than a novel with a traditional narrative. There are glimpses of personal stories—the doomed student experimenting with death magic, the knights of the Legion whose powers remain shrouded in mystery—but they feel like historical anecdotes rather than fully realized arcs. Still, for fans of the Tales of Illuminaria series, or for those who enjoy worldbuilding above all else, this is an absolute goldmine. On top of all that, nearly every page is adorned with fantastic artwork that is just as magical as the book itself. The detailed illustrations bring Illuminaria to life, making every spell, artifact, and historical moment feel tangible.
Magic Compendium: Tales of Illuminaria is a must-read for fantasy fans who love deep lore, intricate magic systems, and worldbuilding that feels as textured as real history. If you’re the kind of reader who devoured the appendices of The Lord of the Rings or spent hours flipping through RPG rulebooks, you’ll love this. This book is a testament to the power of imagination and the art of crafting a world that feels truly alive.
What struck me first was how real this world felt. The depth of thought put into the history of magic—how it started with the Zodiac Legion, how humans struggled to harness it, and how the first magic schools formed—gave the sense that Illuminaria had existed long before I picked up the book. The section detailing how different types of magic evolved was especially immersive. For example, the explanation of telekinesis—starting from merely nudging objects and culminating in grand telekinetic engineering feats—made me wish I could enroll in one of these schools myself. The writing here is methodical but never dry. It reads like a textbook, yet with the heart of a storyteller who genuinely loves the world he’s built.
The book also has a fascinating perspective on magical ethics, which adds an extra layer of depth. Instead of just listing spells and abilities, it explores the responsibilities that come with power. The protection magic section, for instance, emphasizes that magic is meant to serve the greater good, recounting the story of Merope of Taurus shielding an entire city from destruction. There’s also a dark side—like the restrictions on death magic, where one reckless student’s attempt to revive the dead led to a chilling punishment. These moments make magic feel dangerous and awe-inspiring, rather than just a convenient tool for heroes to wield.
The lore is rich, but it reads more like an encyclopedia than a novel with a traditional narrative. There are glimpses of personal stories—the doomed student experimenting with death magic, the knights of the Legion whose powers remain shrouded in mystery—but they feel like historical anecdotes rather than fully realized arcs. Still, for fans of the Tales of Illuminaria series, or for those who enjoy worldbuilding above all else, this is an absolute goldmine. On top of all that, nearly every page is adorned with fantastic artwork that is just as magical as the book itself. The detailed illustrations bring Illuminaria to life, making every spell, artifact, and historical moment feel tangible.
Magic Compendium: Tales of Illuminaria is a must-read for fantasy fans who love deep lore, intricate magic systems, and worldbuilding that feels as textured as real history. If you’re the kind of reader who devoured the appendices of The Lord of the Rings or spent hours flipping through RPG rulebooks, you’ll love this. This book is a testament to the power of imagination and the art of crafting a world that feels truly alive.
December 29, 2024
In my opinion, few works captivate the imagination quite like "Magic Compendium" in fantasy literature. I liked the way the author begins the book in the opening pages, which made me feel I was not just reading a book but answering a call to destiny. It was the time to prepare for the magical journey that lay ahead. So much so, that I found myself transported to a world where arcane arts reign supreme and the call of the gods echoes through time.
Well-known author Michael Scott once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.”
In my view, I felt this book sets forth stories coupled with magnificent artwork that exercised and expanded my sometimes stagnant imagination. Many experts find that reading outstanding imaginative stories like this excellent work enhances creativity, problem-solving abilities, and personal development. It also elevated my mood by providing new unique experiences.
I also felt that whether you're a seasoned fan of the series or a newcomer to this enchanted world, "Magic Compendium" will show you the way to the secrets of nine mystical schools and set you on the path to magical mastery. I especially enjoyed the first two chapters on “Humanity and Magic” and the “Magic Schools” and the extraordinary artworks.
American author Ursula K. Le Guin once said, “The use of imaginative fiction is to deepen your understanding of your world, and your fellow men, and your own feelings, and your destiny.” In my view, this book deepened my understanding and increased my wonder and creativity to think more about many things outside of the box.
I also felt that "Magic Compendium" offers an immersive journey into the mystical realm of Illuminaria. As I mentioned before, I felt the book is a beautifully illustrated work serving as both a captivating narrative and an indispensable guide for any and all aspiring mages.
Very well done and highly recommended!
It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of this exceptional book!
Well-known author Michael Scott once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.”
In my view, I felt this book sets forth stories coupled with magnificent artwork that exercised and expanded my sometimes stagnant imagination. Many experts find that reading outstanding imaginative stories like this excellent work enhances creativity, problem-solving abilities, and personal development. It also elevated my mood by providing new unique experiences.
I also felt that whether you're a seasoned fan of the series or a newcomer to this enchanted world, "Magic Compendium" will show you the way to the secrets of nine mystical schools and set you on the path to magical mastery. I especially enjoyed the first two chapters on “Humanity and Magic” and the “Magic Schools” and the extraordinary artworks.
American author Ursula K. Le Guin once said, “The use of imaginative fiction is to deepen your understanding of your world, and your fellow men, and your own feelings, and your destiny.” In my view, this book deepened my understanding and increased my wonder and creativity to think more about many things outside of the box.
I also felt that "Magic Compendium" offers an immersive journey into the mystical realm of Illuminaria. As I mentioned before, I felt the book is a beautifully illustrated work serving as both a captivating narrative and an indispensable guide for any and all aspiring mages.
Very well done and highly recommended!
It was my pleasure to receive a free copy of this book but that does not in any way affect my opinions in this review of this exceptional book!
January 1, 2025
Loved the detail and the artwork is stunning.
March 4, 2025
Beautiful would be recommended for those who love incredible visuals and like to have a discussion book that grabs attention.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews