How Do Authors Integrate Mid Level Theory In Fantasy Novels?

I’ve noticed that mid-level theory often serves as the hidden scaffolding behind world-building. Take 'The Stormlight Archive' by Brandon Sanderson as an example. Sanderson doesn’t just throw magic systems at readers; he layers them with societal structures, economic implications, and cultural norms. The Knights Radiant aren’t just warriors with cool powers—their existence reshapes entire nations, influencing politics, trade, and even religion. This integration feels organic because Sanderson treats magic as a mid-level force, neither too abstract nor too mundane. It’s a tool that characters interact with daily, yet it’s bound by rules that feel scientific. The way fabrials are used in manufacturing, for instance, mirrors real-world industrialization but with a fantastical twist. This makes the world feel lived-in and logical, even when flying swords and sentient storms are involved.

Another brilliant example is 'The Broken Earth' trilogy by N.K. Jemisin. Here, the mid-level theory revolves around orogeny—a geomantic ability tied to tectonic activity. Jemisin doesn’t just present it as superpowers; she explores how it’s systematized through the Fulcrum, a government entity that trains and controls orogenes. The societal fear of orogenes mirrors real-world oppression, but the mechanics of their power are grounded in geological principles. The way seismic energy is harnessed and regulated feels like a fusion of fantasy and hard science. This mid-level integration elevates the story beyond mere spectacle, making the magic feel inevitable rather than arbitrary. The systems aren’t just backdrop; they’re active participants in the narrative, driving conflicts and character arcs.

Mid-level theory also shines in 'The Lies of Locke Lamora' by Scott Lynch. The fantasy elements here are subtler, but the economic systems are meticulously crafted. The criminal underworld of Camorr operates like a shadow economy, with its own hierarchies, currencies, and rules. Lynch uses alchemy as a mid-level tool—rare enough to feel magical but common enough to influence trade and politics. The way alchemical products are commodified (like the infamous Wicked Sisters poison) reflects how technology diffuses through society. This attention to detail makes the world feel cohesive. The magic isn’t an isolated phenomenon; it’s woven into the fabric of daily life, affecting everything from crime syndicates to city governance.

What ties these examples together is the authors’ willingness to treat fantasy systems as dynamic, interacting forces. Mid-level theory isn’t about explaining everything (that’s high-level) or drowning in minutiae (low-level). It’s about finding the sweet spot where magic or technology feels tangible enough to shape societies but mysterious enough to retain wonder. Whether it’s Sanderson’s pseudo-physics, Jemisin’s geo-sociology, or Lynch’s alchemical economics, the best fantasy novels use mid-level theory to bridge the gap between the fantastical and the familiar.