re: Magic realism
Hadn't yet considered Tolkien in this topic:
Then Iluvatar spoke, and he said: ".... And, thou, Melkor, shalt see that no theme may be played that hath not its uttermost source in me, nor can any alter the music in my despite. For he that attempteth this shall prove but mine instrument in the devising of things more wonderful, which he himself hath not imagined."
J.R.R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion: the Ainulindale, p 17 (at least in my version, 1977)
For those not familiar with this, Iluvatar is "god", Melkor is the fallen "angel". The Valar are "angels".
Also this:
Yet is told among the eldar that the Valar endevoured ever, in dispite of Melkor, to rule the earth and to prepare it for the coming of the Firstborn; and they built lands and Melkor destroyed them; valleys they delved and Melkor raised them up; mountains they carved and Melkor threw them down; seas they hollowed and Melkor spilled them; and naught might have peace or come to lasting growth, for surely as the Valar began a labour so would Melker undo or corupt it. And yet their labor was not all in vain; and though nowhere and in no work was their will and purpose wholly fullfilled, and all things were in hue and shape other than the Valar had first intended, slowly nonetheless the Earth was fashoned and made firm.
J.R.R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion: the Ainulindale, last paragraph.