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Mad Master Alchemist
Alphonso Richt— Expert botanist. Genius chemist. Recently unemployed.
Burning down the lab will do that. But every cloud has a silver lining, and after being let go from his most recent job for unsanctioned experiments, Alph is given the chance to blow off a little steam with a cutting edge new game that isn’t even out of beta.
It's called Nova Terra.
Logging into a fully developed fantasy world, Alph discovers a new field of study called Alchemy that instantly captivates him, allowing him to bring his unique insights and scientific knowledge to bear as he explores the wonders of magic. Plus, no one really cares if his potions explode in the game.
Burning down the lab will do that. But every cloud has a silver lining, and after being let go from his most recent job for unsanctioned experiments, Alph is given the chance to blow off a little steam with a cutting edge new game that isn’t even out of beta.
It's called Nova Terra.
Logging into a fully developed fantasy world, Alph discovers a new field of study called Alchemy that instantly captivates him, allowing him to bring his unique insights and scientific knowledge to bear as he explores the wonders of magic. Plus, no one really cares if his potions explode in the game.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2023
250 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
May 2, 2023
Annoying Character get plot
A good book overall. The only reason I didn’t give it a 5 is because the main character is fairly unlikable. The author portrays him as a socially awkward genius which is cool but when he turns demanding it is unrealistic and annoying. He bullied his way into getting what he wants and it makes no sense. Why would Myst give him such a cheat edge? Why does she allow him to manipulate her? It’s irritating to read and see him turn this powerful AI into a servant for the most part. If he had proved himself or overpowered her or earned the right to do so in any capacity it wouldn’t bother me, but he didn’t. Outside of that I like the magic system and the general plot, the MC is just not endearing or relatable.
A good book overall. The only reason I didn’t give it a 5 is because the main character is fairly unlikable. The author portrays him as a socially awkward genius which is cool but when he turns demanding it is unrealistic and annoying. He bullied his way into getting what he wants and it makes no sense. Why would Myst give him such a cheat edge? Why does she allow him to manipulate her? It’s irritating to read and see him turn this powerful AI into a servant for the most part. If he had proved himself or overpowered her or earned the right to do so in any capacity it wouldn’t bother me, but he didn’t. Outside of that I like the magic system and the general plot, the MC is just not endearing or relatable.
May 4, 2023
Mad Master Alchemist is a great addition to the Nova Terra universe, providing a fascinating backstory for Alph Richt while expanding on the world created by Seth Ring. The book is a perfect blend of science and fantasy while adding more depth to the character of Alph from the previous books. Overall, Mad Master Alchemist is a must-read for fans of the Nova Terra series, and it will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next instalment of this exciting and engaging world.
April 26, 2023
I didn’t enjoy this at all. Alph’s a self-centred prat who crashes around destroying things in idiotic ways. There’s not really any justification for how stupidly overpowered he is, and it removes any tension as you know he’s just going to make a potion to solve every problem. At one point he basically makes a problem-solving potion that he drinks to solve his problem. Both boring and annoying.
April 26, 2023
My feelings on this book were somewhat mixed. The world building is quite interesting and the MC has depth and an interesting personality. He uses a combination of creativity and IRL knowledge to become an OP alchemist, but he still has to train and learn to build is knowledge, experience, and ability with alchemy. This, combined with his habit of focusing to the point of distraction, results in some interesting and sometimes funny adventures that had me quite addicted. Towards the end though, he suddenly goes from OP for his ability level to well beyond what the best alchemist possible should have been. The resulting finale, while still entertaining, didn't feel like a challenge anymore. It leaves him in a spot where it would be difficult if not impossible to have a sequel where the MC is still challenged so that he can learn and train and develop his skills, because he's at a point where he can't get any better at alchemy. This left me a bit disappointed. At least part of my disappointment may be on me for expecting a series. There's nothing wrong with a standalone book. If that's the case here though, that raises something like a plot hole near the beginning, which seems to be setting something up, but is then ignored and forgotten for the rest of the book. In the absence of a sequel it serves no purpose, feeling like the kind of thing you'd expect to see in a movie's deleted scenes. Overall I did really enjoy this book and do recommend it, but I feel like the ending could have been better.
June 11, 2023
I really Enjoyed it! Finally a good book with an Alchemist and this one even focus on it.
The title describes the book pretty well.
My only problem is that everything seems to work out a bit too well for the MC, that is why I give it 4/5.
Edit: after writing this review, I learned that this book is a backstory for the character that also appears in the Nova Terra series.
I guess I will try the "Main" series out next.
The title describes the book pretty well.
My only problem is that everything seems to work out a bit too well for the MC, that is why I give it 4/5.
Edit: after writing this review, I learned that this book is a backstory for the character that also appears in the Nova Terra series.
I guess I will try the "Main" series out next.
June 1, 2023
I have to be honest - I expected something like battlemage farmer, but this is totally different. Which in itself means that Seth Ring is a great writer.
Unfortunately, it was not really my cup of tea. I think a lot of this has to do with the MC, which is a crazy mad alchemist (or one becoming one) that just didn't do it for.
YMMV, so you might quite enjoy.
Unfortunately, it was not really my cup of tea. I think a lot of this has to do with the MC, which is a crazy mad alchemist (or one becoming one) that just didn't do it for.
YMMV, so you might quite enjoy.
May 1, 2023
Planting the Future
Alph is close to a break through. If he can just get this to work, it neutralize the side effects of the new cough medicine. However, being so close to a break-through, he forgot to finish his report that was due this morning. Last time he tried to fix it, he destroyed half of the lab in a chemical fire. Or that’s what his manager says. Alph isn’t even supposed to be working on the science side of things, the AI is supposed to handle that. He is just supposed to be working on his reports. He uses the company’s prototype medicine for his own experiments instead of tracking progress on testing it every 4 minutes. And of course, this leads to him being fired.
One day from his one year anniversary and bonus. This would have really gotten him out of financial issues or at least started to. Alph decides that he would rather walk the 30 blocks home with his box of personal items instead of taking the bus because he does want to be able to eat tonight. As he gets of the elevator, his stuff starts to fall. He jungles his food but then drops his plant. A woman he has never seen before approaches him talks to him and gives him a lot of eye contact. It is very odd, almost like she had been waiting for him. She tells him that she has an opening as a beta game tester. It pays okay and only tracks the game play. Alph grows a little wary of the woman and she decides to leave the card with him telling him that it would pay for an apartment in this building and still leave money for food.
As Alph heads into his apartment, he decides he needs to take care of his plant first. He gets another pot and gets the plant settled. He needs to figure out what he can do next. Only one company in the area, hires in his area of expertise and he just got fired from it. He gets a call from HR after thinking for a while and coming up with nothing. The call tells him that his manager and HR agree that he was rated an A1 which is the top rating and he was entitled to the full severance package. Alph starts to question his sanity, when did they start giving severance to hourly employees? He gets health care for 2 years paid, housing allowances and a payout of 250,000 universal credits for a total 310,000 universal credits and it was deposited into his bank account. He played the message a few more times to make sure it wasn’t a dream. He was worried it was a mistake and it was so much money, he wasn’t sure what to do. He checks his bank account and it is all there. He doesn’t need to worry about money, so he decides to play a game…what could possibly go wrong?
Alph is close to a break through. If he can just get this to work, it neutralize the side effects of the new cough medicine. However, being so close to a break-through, he forgot to finish his report that was due this morning. Last time he tried to fix it, he destroyed half of the lab in a chemical fire. Or that’s what his manager says. Alph isn’t even supposed to be working on the science side of things, the AI is supposed to handle that. He is just supposed to be working on his reports. He uses the company’s prototype medicine for his own experiments instead of tracking progress on testing it every 4 minutes. And of course, this leads to him being fired.
One day from his one year anniversary and bonus. This would have really gotten him out of financial issues or at least started to. Alph decides that he would rather walk the 30 blocks home with his box of personal items instead of taking the bus because he does want to be able to eat tonight. As he gets of the elevator, his stuff starts to fall. He jungles his food but then drops his plant. A woman he has never seen before approaches him talks to him and gives him a lot of eye contact. It is very odd, almost like she had been waiting for him. She tells him that she has an opening as a beta game tester. It pays okay and only tracks the game play. Alph grows a little wary of the woman and she decides to leave the card with him telling him that it would pay for an apartment in this building and still leave money for food.
As Alph heads into his apartment, he decides he needs to take care of his plant first. He gets another pot and gets the plant settled. He needs to figure out what he can do next. Only one company in the area, hires in his area of expertise and he just got fired from it. He gets a call from HR after thinking for a while and coming up with nothing. The call tells him that his manager and HR agree that he was rated an A1 which is the top rating and he was entitled to the full severance package. Alph starts to question his sanity, when did they start giving severance to hourly employees? He gets health care for 2 years paid, housing allowances and a payout of 250,000 universal credits for a total 310,000 universal credits and it was deposited into his bank account. He played the message a few more times to make sure it wasn’t a dream. He was worried it was a mistake and it was so much money, he wasn’t sure what to do. He checks his bank account and it is all there. He doesn’t need to worry about money, so he decides to play a game…what could possibly go wrong?
April 27, 2023
I knew it'd be good, instead it was GREAT!
Tired of books that seem more and more like a chore to get to the end of? Have no fear, because Alph ABSOLUTELY has a potion for that! For anyone just coming across Seth Ring and/or Nova Terra, let me just skip ahead and with no hesitation whatsoever recommend that you buy this book. Nova Terra takes me back to my younger days of fantasy and roleplaying games and the magic I found in them in all the most comforting, fun, exciting, and simply pleasurable ways. The author is masterful, and I can honestly say that whenever I am fortunate enough to include being immersed in his works in my daily routine, my life is actually better, brighter, and far more fun. What higher recommendation could a potential new reader ever search for in a review than that one?
For everyone who has already been lucky enough to visit Nova Terra, I am thrilled to tell you that this addition to the world is even better than I could have hoped for!
When I first heard about Mad Master Alchemist, I was over the moon to find out that the next book Seth Ring was releasing would be the backstory of my absolute favorite character in all of Nova Terra. Considering how awesome Ring's entire cast of characters is, the mere fact that Alph could so definitively earn that favorite title truly means something. The author really excels at creating complex, vivid characters that one easily becomes very attached to, and before Alph won my heart, I couldn't have chosen just one. Mad Master Alchemist does an amazing job at enhancing and magnifying everything I originally loved about the eccentric, hilarious, awkward, determined, and ultimately just easy to love genius. I seriously hope there's more from Alph, as I was surprised to find that his story rivals even the unbelievable Thorn's tale in every way.
Last but certainly not least, I always buy both the Kindle edition and the Audible edition so that I may listen and read along (which helps my failing eyesight greatly), and the narrator once again brought Ring's world to brilliant, vibrant life. The audiobook elevated an already wonderful adventure through a fantastic story. Thanks again for being a light in the darkness, Mr. Ring. I can't wait to place my next pre-order.
Tired of books that seem more and more like a chore to get to the end of? Have no fear, because Alph ABSOLUTELY has a potion for that! For anyone just coming across Seth Ring and/or Nova Terra, let me just skip ahead and with no hesitation whatsoever recommend that you buy this book. Nova Terra takes me back to my younger days of fantasy and roleplaying games and the magic I found in them in all the most comforting, fun, exciting, and simply pleasurable ways. The author is masterful, and I can honestly say that whenever I am fortunate enough to include being immersed in his works in my daily routine, my life is actually better, brighter, and far more fun. What higher recommendation could a potential new reader ever search for in a review than that one?
For everyone who has already been lucky enough to visit Nova Terra, I am thrilled to tell you that this addition to the world is even better than I could have hoped for!
When I first heard about Mad Master Alchemist, I was over the moon to find out that the next book Seth Ring was releasing would be the backstory of my absolute favorite character in all of Nova Terra. Considering how awesome Ring's entire cast of characters is, the mere fact that Alph could so definitively earn that favorite title truly means something. The author really excels at creating complex, vivid characters that one easily becomes very attached to, and before Alph won my heart, I couldn't have chosen just one. Mad Master Alchemist does an amazing job at enhancing and magnifying everything I originally loved about the eccentric, hilarious, awkward, determined, and ultimately just easy to love genius. I seriously hope there's more from Alph, as I was surprised to find that his story rivals even the unbelievable Thorn's tale in every way.
Last but certainly not least, I always buy both the Kindle edition and the Audible edition so that I may listen and read along (which helps my failing eyesight greatly), and the narrator once again brought Ring's world to brilliant, vibrant life. The audiobook elevated an already wonderful adventure through a fantastic story. Thanks again for being a light in the darkness, Mr. Ring. I can't wait to place my next pre-order.
August 20, 2024
Did not know how much I wanted an Alph book!
This one caught me completely by surprise. There's not much about this one that I did not like. I'm pretty sure I could easily digest a whole series about him.
I still miss all the other people but that was a good book.
I'm inferring here but I believe she is fascinated with him as she is to a degree with all humans. Humans are weird and quirky with unlimited potential, for good and bad. Almost every annoying genius I've worked for has these exact traits that Alph has.
Couple that with his self sacrifice to a world that he barely knows and you've got a great main character.
As far as her letting him get away with things, this is exactly what this series is about to me. Pushing the system to the ultimate edge. Ultimately I believe she sees the good intentions in him. She's even amused on occasion watching his super quick progress. Makes me wish there were more "people" like her. She is also playing a game where cultivating is the heart of it. Push and push some more.
It really helps put Nova Terra in a new light for me. Good little insights.
This one caught me completely by surprise. There's not much about this one that I did not like. I'm pretty sure I could easily digest a whole series about him.
I still miss all the other people but that was a good book.
I'm inferring here but I believe she is fascinated with him as she is to a degree with all humans. Humans are weird and quirky with unlimited potential, for good and bad. Almost every annoying genius I've worked for has these exact traits that Alph has.
Couple that with his self sacrifice to a world that he barely knows and you've got a great main character.
As far as her letting him get away with things, this is exactly what this series is about to me. Pushing the system to the ultimate edge. Ultimately I believe she sees the good intentions in him. She's even amused on occasion watching his super quick progress. Makes me wish there were more "people" like her. She is also playing a game where cultivating is the heart of it. Push and push some more.
It really helps put Nova Terra in a new light for me. Good little insights.
June 11, 2023
Well written garbage.
MC doesn't do his job, steals from the company and gets fired. Conveniently he gets a huge payout so he doesn't have to work again. This allows him to get addicted to crafting in a video game. Conveniently the company pays for an immersion pod so he doesn't have to leave the game. Conveniently the friendly AI helps compensate for how stupid he is.
The game can kill players, break their mind, enslave them, because of course it can. It has perfect AI and also gives you a 7x speedup on comprehension making it effectively a super power... So of course something this world shattering gets used for a video game. Really none of it makes sense. The background, the game, anything that happens, how dumb the MC is, what the other players do in the game. It's all just silly and painfully dumb nonsense.
MC doesn't do his job, steals from the company and gets fired. Conveniently he gets a huge payout so he doesn't have to work again. This allows him to get addicted to crafting in a video game. Conveniently the company pays for an immersion pod so he doesn't have to leave the game. Conveniently the friendly AI helps compensate for how stupid he is.
The game can kill players, break their mind, enslave them, because of course it can. It has perfect AI and also gives you a 7x speedup on comprehension making it effectively a super power... So of course something this world shattering gets used for a video game. Really none of it makes sense. The background, the game, anything that happens, how dumb the MC is, what the other players do in the game. It's all just silly and painfully dumb nonsense.
September 7, 2023
Intensity given purpose and passion exceeds all expectations as Alph explores this new world
Alph fails at fitting in the real world repeatedly until he loses his job but gets an unexpected windfall that allows him to try a new direction in an online world. But will his social ineptitude, absentmindedness and focus on what he is interested in over what he needs to do follow him into a game world, will it cripple him or will he find a niche. You know he’s got to find a niche with a title line Mad Master Alchemist and Alph is a savant level creator who goes so far as restricting himself in pursuit of his goals. An odd mind resides inside the alchemical genius that Alph becomes in the new world as he’s drawn into adventures he didn’t expect to enjoy. Great read and I can’t wait for more!
Alph fails at fitting in the real world repeatedly until he loses his job but gets an unexpected windfall that allows him to try a new direction in an online world. But will his social ineptitude, absentmindedness and focus on what he is interested in over what he needs to do follow him into a game world, will it cripple him or will he find a niche. You know he’s got to find a niche with a title line Mad Master Alchemist and Alph is a savant level creator who goes so far as restricting himself in pursuit of his goals. An odd mind resides inside the alchemical genius that Alph becomes in the new world as he’s drawn into adventures he didn’t expect to enjoy. Great read and I can’t wait for more!
April 28, 2023
While this book came out after the series Terra Nova was completed. This is the kind of book I wish we would see as a first book of an authors world. In this one book we find out all of the important things we need to know about the world. Progression, the cost of death, that people are people good/evil and that there are AIs that monitor the game.
As for the story itself, I enjoyed that it was about a minor character and his origins. And will recommend it often
As for the story itself, I enjoyed that it was about a minor character and his origins. And will recommend it often
May 3, 2023
Madness???
In the beginning, the MC comes across as an unfocused fool, unable to stay on-task long enough to finish anything. Upon discovering the game, that changes.... somewhat. Through a series of nearly inexplicable actions, the MC develops his art and trade. At the half-way mark, I didn't think I could finish this book. However, the story takes a unique turn as the MC's madness/genius becomes fully exposed.
Definitely worth finishing.
In the beginning, the MC comes across as an unfocused fool, unable to stay on-task long enough to finish anything. Upon discovering the game, that changes.... somewhat. Through a series of nearly inexplicable actions, the MC develops his art and trade. At the half-way mark, I didn't think I could finish this book. However, the story takes a unique turn as the MC's madness/genius becomes fully exposed.
Definitely worth finishing.
September 26, 2023
Help me read more books
Odd, but interesting story. I tend to like the LitRPG stories that concentrate on building or creating. This one fits that bill nicely. The character gets a bit overpowered by the end of the book, but it all feeds into the next book to be sure. It looks like that one might be odd too, but that's part of what makes reading new stories so much fun right?
Odd, but interesting story. I tend to like the LitRPG stories that concentrate on building or creating. This one fits that bill nicely. The character gets a bit overpowered by the end of the book, but it all feeds into the next book to be sure. It looks like that one might be odd too, but that's part of what makes reading new stories so much fun right?
February 6, 2025
I would love to love this book. Plot idea, the scientific mind absorbed in LitRPG, Chemistry as the specialisation. But the ending ruined the book for me.
The plot development summary:
1. Overpowered villain almost killed everyone.
2. The MC made a potion to counter that specific threat and killed the villain.
3. The MC was admired by a bystander who happen to be a beautiful woman.
4. Go the line 1 and repeat.
The plot development summary:
1. Overpowered villain almost killed everyone.
2. The MC made a potion to counter that specific threat and killed the villain.
3. The MC was admired by a bystander who happen to be a beautiful woman.
4. Go the line 1 and repeat.
March 25, 2025
This stand alone novel follows my personal favorite character. And after following Alph, I have to still say that he is my favorite. The absent minded professor in a fantasy world. You have to love him as he blows stuff up with a vengeance. If you’re dumb enough to cross him, we’ll read the book. Through it all he has a heart of gold. A well executed spinoff that makes a fun character even more beloved.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
August 16, 2023
This book was kinda sorta a slow starter. Initially I had trouble identifying with Alph but I finally realized that he was a really good guy that just wanted to be an Alchemist making potions and left alone. But when he has'ta party up in order to get stronger, he fights with potions but never swords god forbid.
November 1, 2023
Absolutely love love love love love this book!
A fun side adventure that shows us this amazing character that we didn't know had so much more to him. Hope to see either more adventures around this character or maybe some more like these about some of the other characters in this world.
Five stars all the way
A fun side adventure that shows us this amazing character that we didn't know had so much more to him. Hope to see either more adventures around this character or maybe some more like these about some of the other characters in this world.
Five stars all the way
July 1, 2025
Read this after Terra Nova
Seth is an amazing storyteller who breathes life into his characters.
This book was another view of a character who was pivotal as well as the perfect foil in his Terra Nova series. I'd say more in the review, but I don't want to ruin your journey with spoilers. Go read the series. Then come back here. You won't regret it!
Well done Seth. Well done.
Seth is an amazing storyteller who breathes life into his characters.
This book was another view of a character who was pivotal as well as the perfect foil in his Terra Nova series. I'd say more in the review, but I don't want to ruin your journey with spoilers. Go read the series. Then come back here. You won't regret it!
Well done Seth. Well done.
April 27, 2023
Excellent
Seth ring never fails to deliver. I'm excited to read more. What a great story and learning more about alph really helps set the story better in my head. Keep them coming.
Seth ring never fails to deliver. I'm excited to read more. What a great story and learning more about alph really helps set the story better in my head. Keep them coming.
September 28, 2023
Omg. A great story
I wondered how the Mad
Alchemist was born. Alph is by far one of the many interesting and scariest character in the series. I can't wait to delve back into this fantasy world one again.
I wondered how the Mad
Alchemist was born. Alph is by far one of the many interesting and scariest character in the series. I can't wait to delve back into this fantasy world one again.
December 4, 2023
Great backstory!
Really adds to your understanding of the Mad Master Alchemist and adds yet another example of Seth Ring's specialty - writing OP characters in such a way that they're still challenged and grow.
Really adds to your understanding of the Mad Master Alchemist and adds yet another example of Seth Ring's specialty - writing OP characters in such a way that they're still challenged and grow.
December 6, 2023
Great side adventure!
Alpha has always been something of a mystery and seemed to be something of a plot tool.
This makes him into a full character and breathes life into him.
I look forward to more of his adventures!
Alpha has always been something of a mystery and seemed to be something of a plot tool.
This makes him into a full character and breathes life into him.
I look forward to more of his adventures!
September 21, 2025
Alph needs another book
Obviously for people finding this from the nova terra books, we all know what happens with alph but I swear we need another book about all the shenanigans he gets up to when he ascends
Obviously for people finding this from the nova terra books, we all know what happens with alph but I swear we need another book about all the shenanigans he gets up to when he ascends
April 28, 2023
2.4
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
April 29, 2023
Really good
I really liked this book. There are some parts that are really dark, but it was a great read nonetheless. I can't wait for the next one.
Highly recommended.
I really liked this book. There are some parts that are really dark, but it was a great read nonetheless. I can't wait for the next one.
Highly recommended.
April 30, 2023
Alph is a mad scientist who found his new life in nova tera is the perfect one for him. It is a light reading if you want to try something new.
3.7 stars from me, i do enjoy this book.
3.7 stars from me, i do enjoy this book.
May 7, 2023
Great read
Even though I have read 8 of the regular books, this was a great read of Alphs backstory. Worth the read.
Even though I have read 8 of the regular books, this was a great read of Alphs backstory. Worth the read.
May 8, 2023
Good story
Great to have a story centred on Alchemy. Lots of action and not too much angst. There are skills and classes, but no xp or levels. Not crunchy.
Great to have a story centred on Alchemy. Lots of action and not too much angst. There are skills and classes, but no xp or levels. Not crunchy.
May 13, 2023
Backstory for Alph
Excellent backstory for a significant player in the Titan storyline. Mergers well with the main story. Here’s to Mad Alchemist Alph!
Excellent backstory for a significant player in the Titan storyline. Mergers well with the main story. Here’s to Mad Alchemist Alph!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews