Welcome to Books, Board Games, and More, a blog series where librarian Bryn showcases some of the board games, video games, tabletop roleplaying games, and adjacent items that the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Libraries own! Join us for a unique feature of what’s available to you.
In the inaugural post of this series, I am undertaking the massive franchise that is Magic: The Gathering (MTG). MTG is a deckbuilding card game phenomenon that has been popular (and, for some, a money sink) for decades. Partnering over the years to provide crossover decks for a multitude of possibilities, there has been ongoing and new appeal for beginners and veterans alike.
If you’ve wanted to try your hand at playing the card game, I have a great option for you! The Eastlake Library received a donation of Commander decks that are available for circulation. These decks come in packs of two- for you and someone else to play together! These are an excellent trial learning opportunity and even have instructions included!
Magic the Gathering decks (Commander)
Perhaps you want to get some background information about this before diving into any games. Magic: the Gathering: Concepts & Legends has you covered on some lore and beautiful illustrations. If you want a little more fantasy and a lot less history, our libraries have a good solution: Ravnica: War of the Spark by Greg Weisman is the first in a series of novels. If you’d like a little more art in your reading, there’s a series of graphic novels you can try, starting with Magic (Vol. One).
Dungeons & Dragons, a tabletop roleplaying game who shares intellectual property licensing with MTG, has released a few supplements based on the universe of MTG. The libraries own Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica, Strixhaven : a curriculum of chaos, and Mythic Odysseys of Theros, all great ways to explore such a unique world.
If you’re not necessarily interested in MTG but have an interest in cooking (or want to make something yummy for a MTG fan in your life), I’ve got you! Magic has been so popular that it’s been featured on the growing “cookbooks for everything” craze. (You know what I mean, if you can think of it, there’s probably a cookbook or recipes somewhere inspired by it!) Magic: The Gathering: Cuisines of the Multiverse: The Official Cookbook.
I hope these options give you something interesting to try, reader! Look forward to the next installment. I’ll see you then.
-Bryn
