There were many paths to understanding and wielding magic; yet James Henry Blackstone had long ago learned a man could only truly be allowed to walk a few. For some like Jack, the Magi born with it coursing through their veins, such things came naturally. But that natural innate power seemed somehow harder to grasp. Not in terms of wielding it, but in comprehending how it worked. For a sorcerer like the Professor there was no magic in his blood. No, he had tread the path of study and knowledge instead. Seeking out answers, finding a way to bend reality to his will through hard work and constant research.
Despite the differences though between the Magi and Sorcerer, practice was still key if either path was taken. Without it the wielder would never really come into their full potential. So the advise offered to Kieran was the best Blackstone could give. If the Scotsman desired to help Jack, then helping the younger man practice would be the way of it. Beyond that, there was sadly little else that could be done practically. "You are always welcome to seek me out, Kieran. Be it to find answers, or simply to talk a while on the subject of magic."
The question of reading materials gave the illusionist pause for just a moment. Before their trip to the future James had spend two long decades searching for the rare snippets of lore or knowledge. Spending almost all that he had to collect what few precious books and pages he could get his hands on. The very thought of sharing it freely with another would've been completely out of the question. But since their trek into the twenty first century Blackstone had relaxed his view on such things. A little at least. It helped that he had found a way to scan the pages of his books and tomes into a computer. To archive and save every single page in digital form, that he now had hidden away on flash drives.
So after thinking it over carefully the sorcerer finally nodded his head before slowly rising again from his favorite chair. "I doubt my spell tomes would be of service to you at all. But I have gathered quite the collection of other books and journals. Some on science, theory, and myths. Others are the first hand accounts of other magic users too. Personally I've set my apprentice to reading any and everything I have on hand. However, for your purposes I'd suggest starting with a primer of magic, and working your way through the stack of scientific research books and notes on the subject of energy."
Even as he spoke the Professor turned his eyes to the stacks of books litters all over his wagon. Fingers dancing across the spines so gently as the man looked over the titles one by one. Carefully pulling a book from one stack, two from another, and finally fishing out an old leather bound journal as well...before handing over the four precious books to Kieran. "I only ask you take care of them, for these are my treasures. Some even priceless and irreplaceable."