How soon should magic be introduced?

There's no fast or hard rule. Just introduce it when you feel it should be.

Sureal's right. It's completely up to you as the writer. When is it appropriate in your story? Some writers introduce magic on the first page, and sometimes they introduce it much later. Whatever works for your plot, your characters, and your world. ^^

It really depends on how soon you want it introduced, like the others have said. In one of my novels, I didn't show that there was magic until a few chapters in, while in the one I'm writing now, I made it clear right away. So yeah, whichever works for you.

Surreal used the phrase 'hard and fast rule' above me... Well, in my opinion the only hard and fast rule in writing should be that the author do what he/she likes, whenever it feels right. Mention magic whenever you feel you have to, but don't try and force it- writing should be done naturally, with as little 'force' as possible. In my opinion XD

Just to echo the above - it's best to be introduced whenever it feels like it's best to be introduced. In my current fantasy project, I don't mention magic at all - its existence is implied rather than explicit.

~Annie

I agree with pretty much everyone lol: You should introduce it anytime, as long as it flows and as long as you think it's right.