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The Magic Brawler #1
The Magic Brawler
Urmatia needs heroes. In a world of interactive game stats, gods speaking through a System, weapon arts, magic cores, and supernatural creatures, the balance has been tilted. Vicious monsters and widespread mists plague the lands. Nefarious gods and villainous agents work in concert to bring ruin. Urmatia needs heroes. That's where John comes in. He's a young boxer who died in one world and got a second chance to help a new one. It's a hard responsibility. Everything has a cost. But when other heroes crumble, John raises his fist, ready for more.
427 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2023
160 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 24, 2023
This was an amazing start to what will hopefully be an epic adventure! The progression system was solid, and the MC John is both likeable and exactly the sort of main you want for a situation like this. A bit of humor, and dash of horror, and I can confidently say this is one of the best LitRPGs I’ve read so far this year.
The story begins with John getting isekai’d (minor spoiler I guess, but since it happens after the first chapter, I can’t imagine anyone is surprised by this outcome) and wakes up in a new world, with the usual in media res situation to get the story rolling. That, however, is where things stop being as expected.
As can probably be gleamed from the title, John is a brawler, using his fists to punch zombies, murderous jesters, even the occasional evil tree. There is an interesting tightrope to the story’s central McGuffin, that being world’s video game nature which is brutally at odds with it’s grim reality and low survivability rate of the heroes it summons. Even the system itself doesn’t always seem entirely confident about its choices, giving it a depth of personality not normally found in these stories.
What really made the story for me though wasn’t John himself, endearing MC that he is, but his first companion, a non-human by the name of Xanax—excuse me, Xanhilt. While initially he merely provides an interesting alternative viewpoint, his importance in the plot builds as the story progresses. I won’t give anything away there, but I’m very much looking forward to seeing where the story is going with him in book two.
Add into all of this a reborn assassin, a couple of stereotypical foils and antagonists, and this is both a great book one, and a highly intriguing stepping stone to the rest of the series. Hopefully book 2 won’t be long in coming.
The story begins with John getting isekai’d (minor spoiler I guess, but since it happens after the first chapter, I can’t imagine anyone is surprised by this outcome) and wakes up in a new world, with the usual in media res situation to get the story rolling. That, however, is where things stop being as expected.
As can probably be gleamed from the title, John is a brawler, using his fists to punch zombies, murderous jesters, even the occasional evil tree. There is an interesting tightrope to the story’s central McGuffin, that being world’s video game nature which is brutally at odds with it’s grim reality and low survivability rate of the heroes it summons. Even the system itself doesn’t always seem entirely confident about its choices, giving it a depth of personality not normally found in these stories.
What really made the story for me though wasn’t John himself, endearing MC that he is, but his first companion, a non-human by the name of Xanax—excuse me, Xanhilt. While initially he merely provides an interesting alternative viewpoint, his importance in the plot builds as the story progresses. I won’t give anything away there, but I’m very much looking forward to seeing where the story is going with him in book two.
Add into all of this a reborn assassin, a couple of stereotypical foils and antagonists, and this is both a great book one, and a highly intriguing stepping stone to the rest of the series. Hopefully book 2 won’t be long in coming.
July 23, 2023
3.5 rounded up.
John is a high school student who loves boxing. During an encounter with a bully, he ends up dead in his world, and transported to another world that is in desperate need of heroes.
I liked John a lot. He has all the qualities of a hero, but he doesn't want to be defined that way. His struggles with accepting the system that shapes this world, and his own character are interesting. He has a strong moral compass, and wants to help people.
Some of the other characters were also cool, like Xanhilt, a saurian from a different world from John's. There's a thread of romance, or at least friends with benefits, but nothing graphic. I'm curious to see how that relationship develops.
The system is fairly basic, but I like how John's boxing talent is used in it. The "gods" are also unusual, and I'm looking forward to more.
The issues I have with the book is mostly in the writing. The first few chapters were clunky, but smoothed out as the book continued. The writing needs polish, but it wasn't so bad that I had to quit.
The book also reads just above middle grade level. That's not a criticism - I'd recommend this to a young reader with a couple of caveats. There's gore, and the way John died may be upsetting for younger readers. SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER:
Overall, I enjoyed this, and I plan on reading the next book.
John is a high school student who loves boxing. During an encounter with a bully, he ends up dead in his world, and transported to another world that is in desperate need of heroes.
I liked John a lot. He has all the qualities of a hero, but he doesn't want to be defined that way. His struggles with accepting the system that shapes this world, and his own character are interesting. He has a strong moral compass, and wants to help people.
Some of the other characters were also cool, like Xanhilt, a saurian from a different world from John's. There's a thread of romance, or at least friends with benefits, but nothing graphic. I'm curious to see how that relationship develops.
The system is fairly basic, but I like how John's boxing talent is used in it. The "gods" are also unusual, and I'm looking forward to more.
The issues I have with the book is mostly in the writing. The first few chapters were clunky, but smoothed out as the book continued. The writing needs polish, but it wasn't so bad that I had to quit.
The book also reads just above middle grade level. That's not a criticism - I'd recommend this to a young reader with a couple of caveats. There's gore, and the way John died may be upsetting for younger readers. SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER:
Overall, I enjoyed this, and I plan on reading the next book.
August 1, 2023
This is the first book I've read by this author.
John is a boxer who gets shot and dies. He arrives in a new world that is covered in mist with shambling monsters. He meets a saurian and an assassin and together the three of them learn about the new world while fighting the shambling zombies.
There is a goddess involved who helps out from time to time and stats to help the group grow stronger. The book progresses nicely and doesn't really throw any curveballs along the way. It's either kill or be killed. That's it.
The editing is good for an independent author, and the characters are easy to relate to. There is a setup for an antagonist, but it doesn't really come to fruition in book one.
A good read and enjoyable. 5/5*
John is a boxer who gets shot and dies. He arrives in a new world that is covered in mist with shambling monsters. He meets a saurian and an assassin and together the three of them learn about the new world while fighting the shambling zombies.
There is a goddess involved who helps out from time to time and stats to help the group grow stronger. The book progresses nicely and doesn't really throw any curveballs along the way. It's either kill or be killed. That's it.
The editing is good for an independent author, and the characters are easy to relate to. There is a setup for an antagonist, but it doesn't really come to fruition in book one.
A good read and enjoyable. 5/5*
May 29, 2025
A decent book to read
Not a bad start. But like all these books seem to be…. The MC always seems to be an idiot. And I keep asking why do they always have to be idiots? You can still have somewhere to grow from without being total and complete idiots. Even after adding intelligence, he still acts like an idiot. And ALL the authors do it. The storyline have promise but the MC all start stupid with many never getting better. And why are ALL the lead MCs male? IS IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR A FEMALE TO BE THE LEAD MAIN CHARACTER?
Not a bad start. But like all these books seem to be…. The MC always seems to be an idiot. And I keep asking why do they always have to be idiots? You can still have somewhere to grow from without being total and complete idiots. Even after adding intelligence, he still acts like an idiot. And ALL the authors do it. The storyline have promise but the MC all start stupid with many never getting better. And why are ALL the lead MCs male? IS IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR A FEMALE TO BE THE LEAD MAIN CHARACTER?
February 25, 2024
Awesome first book
This first book is a great start multiple characters and excellent character development with multiple support characters. What is even more amazing is there an actual story line that is easy to believe and follow. I am seriously hoping the author doesn't wait forever with another book and continues with follow-up books for this series. It would be a huge disappointment if this is a short series of a few books or just this one.
This first book is a great start multiple characters and excellent character development with multiple support characters. What is even more amazing is there an actual story line that is easy to believe and follow. I am seriously hoping the author doesn't wait forever with another book and continues with follow-up books for this series. It would be a huge disappointment if this is a short series of a few books or just this one.
August 9, 2023
Fun read
I had fun with this book. There’s been a couple books I’ve read recently that have the mc as a martial artist or brawler and each one is different take. This book is fun decently paced and I can’t wait for more.
I looked into the series and it seems like the author is on the fence about continuing it. I hope it’s continued.
I had fun with this book. There’s been a couple books I’ve read recently that have the mc as a martial artist or brawler and each one is different take. This book is fun decently paced and I can’t wait for more.
I looked into the series and it seems like the author is on the fence about continuing it. I hope it’s continued.
July 20, 2023
what a fun world
Honestly a fun world with a unique system style and interesting format for our hero’s to follow. A few spelling errors but nothing crazy or distracting. Most definitely on the watchlist for book two!
Honestly a fun world with a unique system style and interesting format for our hero’s to follow. A few spelling errors but nothing crazy or distracting. Most definitely on the watchlist for book two!
June 26, 2023
Solid start
Solid fun rolling story.. Original twist on system and stats.. Solid.. Recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and The Dream
Solid fun rolling story.. Original twist on system and stats.. Solid.. Recommend
JD Glasscock
Author of the Series Blood Brothers and The Dream
July 8, 2023
Fists full of fun
A fun take on the summoner stories, meta enough to go smoothly, but grounded enough to be entertaining.
Ready for round 2.
A fun take on the summoner stories, meta enough to go smoothly, but grounded enough to be entertaining.
Ready for round 2.
July 12, 2023
This isn’t bad, but Victor is so annoying I couldn’t take another second of him. 3/4 through.
July 13, 2023
Very good one sitting read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
July 20, 2023
Am i the only one who think this book gave vibes like "common" tv hero?
November 12, 2023
Way too slow
Kept trying to give this book a chance but it's a 50% point. They're basically still d****** around and have made almost no progress as far as advancing the storyline.
Kept trying to give this book a chance but it's a 50% point. They're basically still d****** around and have made almost no progress as far as advancing the storyline.
September 8, 2024
This was fun. A brawler as the main character was refreshing. I enjoyed the book. Kinda sad that there is only 1 book but I look forward to where this story can go.
Love the front cover too.
Love the front cover too.
April 26, 2025
UGHHHH I HAVE TO WAIT
More more more more more more more more more more more more more more more more more more more more more more more MORE MORE I WANT SOME MORENOW
More more more more more more more more more more more more more more more more more more more more more more more MORE MORE I WANT SOME MORENOW
June 23, 2023
great book
Great start to the series , I really enjoy the journey john is going through cannot wait to see how the Intensity increases !
Great start to the series , I really enjoy the journey john is going through cannot wait to see how the Intensity increases !
June 21, 2023
Pretty good read
Really enjoyed this book, the cover drew me in but the book read very well. Enjoyed the MC progression and realness.
Really enjoyed this book, the cover drew me in but the book read very well. Enjoyed the MC progression and realness.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews