SOLVED. Adult Fantasy. Magic system has one type of magic user channeling power/ magic to another type of magic user who actually casts the spells. Read mid-1990s. [s]

[Troy]

I read a book somewhere in the mid-to-late 90s. The magic system used in the world centred around two classes of magic users. One drew in power from a magical source and channelled it to the other who could use it to cast spells. On their own, neither magic user class was very able on their own to use magic.

The relationship between these pairs of magic user ran the gamut from supportive to strife-laden.

I don't remember the names of the mage classes--clerics? mages? wizards?

I'm sorry I don't have more information on this. I've been looking for this book/series on and off for the past decade.

[Robert]

In The Darksword Trilogy there are "catalysts" who can channel "life" to mages to power their spells. The mages can cast spells on their own but can be more powerful if given more life. The mages were known by different names depending on their discipline.

[Kris]

Troy, is this book for teens or adults?

Is it set in a medieval-type, sword-and-sorcery world?

[Troy]

Robert, that's it!! Thanks so much.

Kris, I'd say more adult fantasy than YA, and definitely a sword and sorcery, medieval world.

[Troy]

When I get home I can mark it solved

[Kris]

Glad you found your book, Troy. Here's the link for Robert's find - the first book in the series: Forging the Darksword by Margaret Weis.