I feel like I must be missing some key element for a good magic build because I keep seeing people saying magic kitsune is OP.
I don't know about the kitsune part, they seem more SF oriented to me, but magic is completely broken! Just dump all of your early points into intel and use M.Bolt to one shot most things at lower difficulties (might take 2-3 shots on higher, depending on your NG cycle and enemy lvl); other spells are weaker at early levels.
But the thing that really breaks it is a perk called "Fortress of Intellect", which causes might to increase int+tough instead of str+tough. It ignores your int cap and can very easily push the stat into the thousands early on. It is also affected by magic modifiers from perks/equipment, meaning whenever you get a magic effect+ perk, you don't JUST get a % boost to a spell, but also an equal % increase to might's int boost. Whenever you cast a spell, it takes the boosted int from might as a base, then factors in your spell effect multiplier.
After all of that is applied, it doesn't matter what spell you use: M. Bolt, fire, lust, etc. Everything just dies. The only time you'll be in danger is when the crazy spell% boosts catch up with your mana reserves, as they also increase spell costs, but the inquisitor robe/corset can negate that completely (the book is useless to a pure mage).
As a bonus: Charge armor makes you invincible. That's it. You take negligible damage while it's active.
If anybody can clarify why kitsune are better, please do, as I have no idea how they can push these limits in a meaningful way.