[Witchking11]

I am nearly finished with GoTM and I have a few questions about the magic that is used. One is whether a more detailed descrption on how the magic is used and its origins is given in future books? Also I was wondering if anyone who was trained in magic could use it or if the ability to use it was inborn or limited to select individuls? I know I should just probably keep reading and my questions would be answered but im really curious and impatient haha

[Mcflury]

Yes, in later books there is a lot more information given about the magic in this world, though even if you read all books there still are many questions left (which is rather normal since the inhabitants of that world don't know everything themselves yet).

As I understand it most people can do some minor forms of magic with enough training, however, the ones that'll be called 'mages' in the books are usually what are also called 'Talents'. People who are good at handling their magic by nature, and only need training to bring it to the next level of awesomeness.

[Myth]

From what I gather there are essentially different kinds of magic, and I do find the descriptions in the first book to be somewhat...cursory.

The true complexity behind magic is slowly revealed to you as the series continues, as well as the meaning behind the Deck of Dragons and its uses.

I'm not sure if anyone can pick up and use magic however, I'm pretty sure an average Mage can only access a single Warren, or in the case of more powerful individuals Holds. I don't want to get into too much detail though and ruin things...I'd say the best way of thinking about it is that an individual Mage draws their power form a single Warren, and so can only do things generally attributed to that Warren. A Mage who can only tap into Meanas, for example, is capable of forming illusions, but does not have the ability to throw about fireballs.

That's my take in any case, without revealing too many details...

[D'rek]

Myth is pretty much right, though of course since the series focuses a lot on super people, you'll see plenty of mages who use multiple warrens, though many will have a primary warren. Of course, a key thing here is that, unlike some other series, the magic you get from any warren can be pretty versatile when handled correctly. So just because a mage uses Meanas, the warren of Illusions, doesn't mean he can't do some very basic healing or light up a room. I'm sure not all Meanas mages can do these things, but there are some who have figured out such diversity.

Of course this is all to do with warren-style magic. Another very common form of magic in the series is so-called "spirit magic", a seemingly primitive style of magic often used by the more barbaric tribes and peoples. This magic is altogether different from warren magic and you'll learn more about it later on. There are some examples in GotM, like the Barghast shaman who tracks Lorn, but they won't distinguish themselves from the warren magic until you come back and re-read GotM later on.

And finally there's a couple more forms of magic you'll see later that even naming them would be a spoiler!

Enjoy!