The young Crown Prince is not happy. The darling of the realm, he is a product of an age of plenty in a kingdom protected by the Sorcerer’s magic from savage barbarians at the borders. The Prince is representative of his generation, only somehow more so, as if painted in vivid colors by a more passionate hand. One would suppose him content. But inside he rages after the elusive goal of perfection and is ravaged by unquenchable desire. Neither philosophy nor faith can satisfy his longing. He turns to the Sorcerer for mastery of the magical. But here there is no real magic, only madness. Or to put it another way, there is only the magic of the everyday world, and all attempts to suborn it are madness. The result is a brutally honest coming-of-age novel, built from the bricks and mortar of real life. Through romance, adventure, humor, and a smattering of philosophy, Of Magic and Delusion explores hope, love, obsession, addiction, and self-delusion. Suitable for mature young adults prepared to face the truth. Richard S. Platz retired from his law practice in Blue Lake, California, where he served as city attorney for 32 years. In addition to Of Magic and Delusion, the author has written other novels, including Appointment At Angahuan with James A. Kline and Project Divine Wind. He has also written short stories, poetry, and articles on various topics, which can be read on his website: ww.richardplatz.com.