Ah, yes, Tracy Hickman. I haven't read her stuff. Other than LotR, Earthsea and one or two others I hadn't really read much fantasy sci fi before HP. Magic in LotR is fascinating to me, in part because JRRT seems to have made it such a genetic or species-based power. Wizards, which are called a separate race of beings at some point have magic, as do elves and Eldar, etc. And very few people seem to have to say much or recite musty, old spells to get magic to work.

Have you ever read the 90-some odd chapter story in which Harry becomes a mage and if mages use too much power in a spell they die? Also, that Eragon book has a similar concept. All very interesting speculations on the limits, nature and borders of magic.

I'm glad you got the files. We can deconstruct the album later! ;)