What do you think?
Rate this book
Magical Fusion #1
The Fusionist
A young man and his axe, along with a magical life he never asked for…
Larek Holsten is different from most people, living in the Kingdom of Androthe where his 7-foot-tall frame is looked at with suspicion and anger from its shorter residents; but as long as it helps him become the best Logger he can be, he doesn’t let it bother him all that much. He and his best friend, an axe with a powerful Fusion that causes it to become sharper and stronger than a normal tool, are feared by the trees in the magical forest north of his home, as he can fell the quickly growing monoliths faster than anyone else in the community.
Unfortunately, after visiting the local village, a deliberate misunderstanding lands Larek in trouble; as a result, he is taken away from his family and the only home he has ever known. Along the way, his dormant magical potential is discovered by those more knowledgeable than him, and he is ordered to attend some sort of academy for Mages.
The problem? Contrary to many who might jump at the chance of wielding powerful magic to fight the monsters that threaten the towns and cities around the Kingdom, Larek has absolutely no desire to become a Mage, especially when he has no choice in the matter. All he wants is to be allowed to return home to his family and to chop down the trees in the Rushwood Forest.
But once he discovers a unique talent that stems from his newly unlocked latent power, he might just have to stick around to see what he can do…
This weak-to-strong MC story contains LitRPG elements such as character progression and statistics, as well as a heavy crafting emphasis. No explicit sexual content or harems.
Larek Holsten is different from most people, living in the Kingdom of Androthe where his 7-foot-tall frame is looked at with suspicion and anger from its shorter residents; but as long as it helps him become the best Logger he can be, he doesn’t let it bother him all that much. He and his best friend, an axe with a powerful Fusion that causes it to become sharper and stronger than a normal tool, are feared by the trees in the magical forest north of his home, as he can fell the quickly growing monoliths faster than anyone else in the community.
Unfortunately, after visiting the local village, a deliberate misunderstanding lands Larek in trouble; as a result, he is taken away from his family and the only home he has ever known. Along the way, his dormant magical potential is discovered by those more knowledgeable than him, and he is ordered to attend some sort of academy for Mages.
The problem? Contrary to many who might jump at the chance of wielding powerful magic to fight the monsters that threaten the towns and cities around the Kingdom, Larek has absolutely no desire to become a Mage, especially when he has no choice in the matter. All he wants is to be allowed to return home to his family and to chop down the trees in the Rushwood Forest.
But once he discovers a unique talent that stems from his newly unlocked latent power, he might just have to stick around to see what he can do…
This weak-to-strong MC story contains LitRPG elements such as character progression and statistics, as well as a heavy crafting emphasis. No explicit sexual content or harems.
437 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2023
1074 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Brooks
82 books489 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
February 16, 2024
This was both boring and grating. The author is walking to the story where Larek doesn't even get to the academy until a quarter through. And why would you invent an "instinctive disgust" in an entire kingdom for tall people? Larek is tiringly isolated and I was sick of him being falsely accused of capital crimes before the first time it happened. And that's not even taking into account that the only sympathetic characters were all killed defending a town I don't care about.
And don't get me started with referring to his axe as "my best friend". Yeah, that's deeply sad, but that was conveyed the first time it happens. By the time he props it by his bed at school like a very stiff teddy bear I just couldn't with it any more.
Add that he is super magic boy who comprehends everything immediately and has super special powers besides and I stopped being able to take anything seriously. Which is a problem when you're already bored with waiting for anything interesting to happen.
This is a one-star dnf and a story I heartily recommend avoiding.
And don't get me started with referring to his axe as "my best friend". Yeah, that's deeply sad, but that was conveyed the first time it happens. By the time he props it by his bed at school like a very stiff teddy bear I just couldn't with it any more.
Add that he is super magic boy who comprehends everything immediately and has super special powers besides and I stopped being able to take anything seriously. Which is a problem when you're already bored with waiting for anything interesting to happen.
This is a one-star dnf and a story I heartily recommend avoiding.
September 13, 2023
If the author were a law enforcement officer, I would say that he is probably guilty of entrapment. The author is the main antagonist of this Gulliver Travels-like story. An adolescent of about 15 years old is tall and considered a "giant-monster" by the little people around him. But all those little people do everything possible to capture, incarcerate, torture, this Larek Holsten, main character. Why?? because the author wrote it this way. Is the main character evil? No. Is the main character doing bad things to the small people around him? No. So, why does the author hate his main character, Larek Holsten, so much??? Does the author have suicidal tendencies? Does the author hate his story so much that he tries to destroy it as much as he can as soon as he can??
Why on Earth, would a reader be interested in a xenophobic/discriminatory group of small people, that do everything in their power to get rid of the only "giant adolescent" around?? It goes way beyond bullying and malice and there really is nothing interesting in this fantasy-hell-like-small-people-world.
There are no maps, there are no inside illustrations, no introduction, no conclusions, no real world-building describing the territories, the geopolitical, social, economic, etc. systems in place in this other world.
I do not recommend this "fantasy"-hell-like-place-with-hateful-little-people story.
Why on Earth, would a reader be interested in a xenophobic/discriminatory group of small people, that do everything in their power to get rid of the only "giant adolescent" around?? It goes way beyond bullying and malice and there really is nothing interesting in this fantasy-hell-like-small-people-world.
There are no maps, there are no inside illustrations, no introduction, no conclusions, no real world-building describing the territories, the geopolitical, social, economic, etc. systems in place in this other world.
I do not recommend this "fantasy"-hell-like-place-with-hateful-little-people story.
August 7, 2023
This is incredibly flimsy.
The setting is very quick and lacks any foundation. The main character has been so isolated that he is slow and shows signs of Stockholm syndrome. The ridiculous twist in the epilogue makes how he was raised to be out right negligence. The actions of the academy do not fit with the dire situation the kingdom is in. The outbreaks are convenient and never explained, seemingly just to let the author throw one in whenever and wherever he pleases. The character of the Dean is laughable and pointless, there are better ways to drive story forward.
The setting is very quick and lacks any foundation. The main character has been so isolated that he is slow and shows signs of Stockholm syndrome. The ridiculous twist in the epilogue makes how he was raised to be out right negligence. The actions of the academy do not fit with the dire situation the kingdom is in. The outbreaks are convenient and never explained, seemingly just to let the author throw one in whenever and wherever he pleases. The character of the Dean is laughable and pointless, there are better ways to drive story forward.
January 26, 2024
Not grabbing me. Started out ok, but the logic is shabby, the writing shallow and not very expressive.
OK for very young children maybe but didn't get very far to see if the content would be ok for a child.
Sorry
I do not recommend to serious fantasy readers.
OK for very young children maybe but didn't get very far to see if the content would be ok for a child.
Sorry
I do not recommend to serious fantasy readers.
August 15, 2023
Potentially fun premise executed poorly
Good:
-Interesting non-standard main character
-Sort of interesting magic system with "fusions" if otherwise very bland
-World seems reasonably thought-out
Bad:
-Characters are largely 1-D, MC is completely idiotic at times, everyone else is idiotic most of the time, juvenile thought processes and behaviour from adult characters
-magically induced racism theme is an eye-rolling and lazy obstacle for protagonist. Not even explained past two lines of prose.
-weak prose and dialogue. People do not talk or think like this.
-grammar generally OK (I assume self-published). At least an effort was made toward including the pluperfect tense. Sometimes missing or outright wrong.
Overall: might suffice if you need to satisfy the litrpg urge but generally unrewarding.
Good:
-Interesting non-standard main character
-Sort of interesting magic system with "fusions" if otherwise very bland
-World seems reasonably thought-out
Bad:
-Characters are largely 1-D, MC is completely idiotic at times, everyone else is idiotic most of the time, juvenile thought processes and behaviour from adult characters
-magically induced racism theme is an eye-rolling and lazy obstacle for protagonist. Not even explained past two lines of prose.
-weak prose and dialogue. People do not talk or think like this.
-grammar generally OK (I assume self-published). At least an effort was made toward including the pluperfect tense. Sometimes missing or outright wrong.
Overall: might suffice if you need to satisfy the litrpg urge but generally unrewarding.
August 25, 2023
Waffled on this rating as it (mostly) held my attention despite some serious story deficits. The MC doesn't make a compelling character, as his depressive withdrawals into his own world aren't interesting. He is OP AF in his chosen field, but arbitrary grief from the dean of the school seems tacked on to generate angst for the MC.
The end of the book seems to throw the entire story to that point out the window, so it makes me wonder why I read all of this about a dysfunctional coward. I understand not being motivated to save the skins of a bunch of people who hate you, but he's barely willing to defend himself and that doesn't make me root for him. I'll give book 2 a go when it comes out, but the character had better progress personally very quickly.
The end of the book seems to throw the entire story to that point out the window, so it makes me wonder why I read all of this about a dysfunctional coward. I understand not being motivated to save the skins of a bunch of people who hate you, but he's barely willing to defend himself and that doesn't make me root for him. I'll give book 2 a go when it comes out, but the character had better progress personally very quickly.
September 13, 2023
A mess
Good:
A likeable protagonist.
Fun tone.
Solid premise.
Bad:
Excessively technical magic descriptions.
Poor pacing - a week of schooling takes 35% of the book, and schooling is by the year.
Unrelatable protagonist - no social ability, no sex drive, baseless anxiety attacks, spontaneous depression cycle, and obsessive programmer lifestyle all combine into a person unlike any I have ever met.
Overall:
I had fun, but the author put too many of their own neuroses into the 16 year old protagonist, and too much detail explaining the magic system to the audience.
Good:
A likeable protagonist.
Fun tone.
Solid premise.
Bad:
Excessively technical magic descriptions.
Poor pacing - a week of schooling takes 35% of the book, and schooling is by the year.
Unrelatable protagonist - no social ability, no sex drive, baseless anxiety attacks, spontaneous depression cycle, and obsessive programmer lifestyle all combine into a person unlike any I have ever met.
Overall:
I had fun, but the author put too many of their own neuroses into the 16 year old protagonist, and too much detail explaining the magic system to the audience.
October 7, 2024
another fucking lost prince
July 29, 2023
KU Review
Riveting and kept me glued to the book, but at the same time I kept wanting more from the MC. I know he’s young and grew up completely isolated. The prejudice and torment were unusually cruel to have never been explained to him by his parents even though they knew. Definite page turner. I just hope to see more emotional growth from the MC in the future.
General disclaimer: I want to be clear in that I do not factor cost into any review and as such, this is simply a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
Riveting and kept me glued to the book, but at the same time I kept wanting more from the MC. I know he’s young and grew up completely isolated. The prejudice and torment were unusually cruel to have never been explained to him by his parents even though they knew. Definite page turner. I just hope to see more emotional growth from the MC in the future.
General disclaimer: I want to be clear in that I do not factor cost into any review and as such, this is simply a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
August 3, 2023
a book with no plot
Crazy overpowered mc. Spends time thinking poor me. Stuff happens. Once in a generation talent overlooked and scorned because he looks different. Punished routinely for no reason. Bears no grudges. End of book 1.
Crazy overpowered mc. Spends time thinking poor me. Stuff happens. Once in a generation talent overlooked and scorned because he looks different. Punished routinely for no reason. Bears no grudges. End of book 1.
January 4, 2024
I realize this series has been out for a while now but I'm only just getting to it.
Larek lives in the Northwoods where he and his family, his neighbors, and everyone else chop down magical trees. He's good at it too. One day he is sent to market where he has a run in with the headman's daughter, who instead of telling the truth decides to lie when she is injured. Larek is taken away from everything he knows.
That's the setup for the book. He eventually ends up at a magical academy, where he learns a couple of things. Being a seven foot tall freak isn't helping him any, and the one thing he's good at is something the dean of the academy hates.
The magical academy is a bit of a letdown. Larek is introverted and normally shy, so he doesn't interact with anyone except his roommate and a few others. There are no power dynamics like we usually see at academy's, and most of the focus is on Larek's work being a fusionist.
The editing is fine and the stats are fine without showing up too frequently. I've already picked up book two and plan to read it. 5/5*
Larek lives in the Northwoods where he and his family, his neighbors, and everyone else chop down magical trees. He's good at it too. One day he is sent to market where he has a run in with the headman's daughter, who instead of telling the truth decides to lie when she is injured. Larek is taken away from everything he knows.
That's the setup for the book. He eventually ends up at a magical academy, where he learns a couple of things. Being a seven foot tall freak isn't helping him any, and the one thing he's good at is something the dean of the academy hates.
The magical academy is a bit of a letdown. Larek is introverted and normally shy, so he doesn't interact with anyone except his roommate and a few others. There are no power dynamics like we usually see at academy's, and most of the focus is on Larek's work being a fusionist.
The editing is fine and the stats are fine without showing up too frequently. I've already picked up book two and plan to read it. 5/5*
July 29, 2025
Axe swinging mage
Larek is a big guy, which I can relate to. He just wants to understand people and why they hate him. I loved the battle scene with his best friend. His struggles at being an outsider is amazing. It is like it is my story. I wish I had read this on Royal Road, it was amazing.
Larek is a big guy, which I can relate to. He just wants to understand people and why they hate him. I loved the battle scene with his best friend. His struggles at being an outsider is amazing. It is like it is my story. I wish I had read this on Royal Road, it was amazing.
July 30, 2023
leftist (corrupt) world
I took this as a fantasy of the US today where white males are very tall people, gun/ammo companies are fusionists, and guns are powerful fusion products.
My opinion and so dropping this author from my future reading
I took this as a fantasy of the US today where white males are very tall people, gun/ammo companies are fusionists, and guns are powerful fusion products.
My opinion and so dropping this author from my future reading
July 11, 2025
The magic and fusionist stuff is interesting but I find the blocks the author puts before the hero very artificial. First one, is that most everyone hates him on sight because of his height because a race of giants ONE THOUSAND years ago enslaved people. They haven’t been seen since but somehow it’s still relevant to even ignorant children. So relevant they’d be willing to stab him or kill him with zero provocation. The amount of misunderstandings that end up with someone threatening to kill him is ridiculous.
The next one really dampens my enjoyment. I love magic academy stories but in this one he gets a headmaster that hates fusionist because.. they weren’t useful enough in the past and his wife and children got killed in a monster attack?? So he’s decided that no pupil of his is allowed to be a fusionist even though the hero is insanely overpowered one. He also threatens to kill him. But thats so overdone it’s barely noteworthy. So I get none of the things I like in this magic academy plot because the hero is alway hiding trying to figure things out on his own, hurting himself, hurting his friends and fellow students with him overpowered fusion items. It’s such an avoidable thing so it feels stupid to me.
Also he gets depressed all the time because he’s not allowed to progress in his learning. That’s a downer. Since there is no one reasonable willing to stand up for him this is such a mood drain. He’s got his friends but thats just a danger to him because he can’t reveal a lot about himself since he’s such a freak magically. Sooooo many issues. If he’d at least then stick to that and work on things by himself it would be fine but once in a while he’ll reveal something too much and then act like he said something else instead?? Like what?
Just no.
The next one really dampens my enjoyment. I love magic academy stories but in this one he gets a headmaster that hates fusionist because.. they weren’t useful enough in the past and his wife and children got killed in a monster attack?? So he’s decided that no pupil of his is allowed to be a fusionist even though the hero is insanely overpowered one. He also threatens to kill him. But thats so overdone it’s barely noteworthy. So I get none of the things I like in this magic academy plot because the hero is alway hiding trying to figure things out on his own, hurting himself, hurting his friends and fellow students with him overpowered fusion items. It’s such an avoidable thing so it feels stupid to me.
Also he gets depressed all the time because he’s not allowed to progress in his learning. That’s a downer. Since there is no one reasonable willing to stand up for him this is such a mood drain. He’s got his friends but thats just a danger to him because he can’t reveal a lot about himself since he’s such a freak magically. Sooooo many issues. If he’d at least then stick to that and work on things by himself it would be fine but once in a while he’ll reveal something too much and then act like he said something else instead?? Like what?
Just no.
December 27, 2024
I liked the story. Little different from what is usually out there. The fusion technique was a little bit over explained. And I think he’s probably a lost prince. And he’s OCD. I like that he’s finally getting a few friends and that most of his classmates at least tolerate him. I’m looking forward to seeing how he does at the next academy. But I don’t understand why it’s just the kingdom that hates the giants weren’t they trying to conquer the whole world. And how can people hold a grudge for a thousand years. When there’s been no giants around. Wouldn’t they just be myth and legends. Like Goliath. I can see kids picking on the different kid. That’s what kids do. But adults? But I’m looking forward to the next book
August 26, 2023
Larek is a skilled woodsman living in a backwoods small town. He is discriminated against for being extremely tall, for reasons that develop in time throughout the story. His family is soley assigned to the task of cutting and processing a strange tree, the description of which slowly reveals that this is a realm with magical things. The trees grow extremely fast and aggressively, far beyond what would be purely natural.
The story begins with a well captured display of the monotony of his life before everything changes.
The world is artfully revealed through his eyes as he is taken from the small village, his latent magic powers are discovered late in life, and he is shipped off to a magic Academy.
There is a good balance between continuing is the development of a person, and building a detailed and rational magic system. Several interesting characters appear, including some from far away lands who have interesting, non-stereotypical fantasy backgrounds (no elves and dwarves, but other strange creatures and races). In a bit of brilliant humor, Larek the lumberjack is paired with a tree-person as his roommate.
The magic system is sufficiently complex and detailed to made it more believable. Powers have bounds and costs, and discipline and practice are generally required to slowly acquire relevant skills and powers.
Unfortunately the story has a common downfall—in trying to make Larek special he quickly is revealed to be grossly over powered compared to other students, so his magical studies progress in days what would normally take years.
A good quick read over a day in spare time.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
The story begins with a well captured display of the monotony of his life before everything changes.
The world is artfully revealed through his eyes as he is taken from the small village, his latent magic powers are discovered late in life, and he is shipped off to a magic Academy.
There is a good balance between continuing is the development of a person, and building a detailed and rational magic system. Several interesting characters appear, including some from far away lands who have interesting, non-stereotypical fantasy backgrounds (no elves and dwarves, but other strange creatures and races). In a bit of brilliant humor, Larek the lumberjack is paired with a tree-person as his roommate.
The magic system is sufficiently complex and detailed to made it more believable. Powers have bounds and costs, and discipline and practice are generally required to slowly acquire relevant skills and powers.
Unfortunately the story has a common downfall—in trying to make Larek special he quickly is revealed to be grossly over powered compared to other students, so his magical studies progress in days what would normally take years.
A good quick read over a day in spare time.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
January 2, 2024
I wanted to give this a 2, but It feels like I'd be lying. I honestly can't think of anything positive to say about this story.
The MC reminds me of Lenny from 'of mice and men'
The fact that the MC deals with racism from everyone in this kingdom and the author has the never to say 'They hate you on a genetic level, but they're nice people lol' is at best a wasted opportunity for writing potential and at worst extremely problematic and how it's addressed let's you know the author has no understanding of even the most basic aspects of the topic.
The world is bland and not really fleshed out.
There's not a dynamic character in the story. They're given 1 personality trait, always in relation to the MC and then 1-2 desires.
The teachers and the magic system both seem bad. The magic system might not be the worst, but because of the writing and the teachers incompetence in the story it's made to seem worse
The fact that almost everyone with the slightest authority in this story spends half their conversations with the MC threatening to kill him is also an issue
If you're the type of person who reads wuxia and know how to turn your brain off while reading, this may not be the worst read for you. Anyone else, not so much.
The MC reminds me of Lenny from 'of mice and men'
The fact that the MC deals with racism from everyone in this kingdom and the author has the never to say 'They hate you on a genetic level, but they're nice people lol' is at best a wasted opportunity for writing potential and at worst extremely problematic and how it's addressed let's you know the author has no understanding of even the most basic aspects of the topic.
The world is bland and not really fleshed out.
There's not a dynamic character in the story. They're given 1 personality trait, always in relation to the MC and then 1-2 desires.
The teachers and the magic system both seem bad. The magic system might not be the worst, but because of the writing and the teachers incompetence in the story it's made to seem worse
The fact that almost everyone with the slightest authority in this story spends half their conversations with the MC threatening to kill him is also an issue
If you're the type of person who reads wuxia and know how to turn your brain off while reading, this may not be the worst read for you. Anyone else, not so much.
July 29, 2023
Wow loved it
Awesome 1st book can't wait for the second. Larek, the MC, Certainly unique character at least within his own world. No I don't want you to see a 7' tall giant He has abilities that others don't, And he certainly doesn't understand. In this world there is magic and when it comes to Enchantment there are limits and a system. But it seems that our MC is a little OP. He doesn't even realize it at 1st. His knowledge of the world around him is quite limited and even Less knowledge about the magic that comes so easily to him. This book is about his schooling for start of his schooling. If I were to have a complaint it's that he was a bit cowardly. Considering his size and might he would think he would be a little more amenable to fighting Monsters. Hopefully he grows a pair in the second book so to speak even though what he does with his abilities is wonderful. I enjoyed the book it's heavily about crafting as well as the results of said crafting when battling. I'm looking forward to the next book eagerly.
Awesome 1st book can't wait for the second. Larek, the MC, Certainly unique character at least within his own world. No I don't want you to see a 7' tall giant He has abilities that others don't, And he certainly doesn't understand. In this world there is magic and when it comes to Enchantment there are limits and a system. But it seems that our MC is a little OP. He doesn't even realize it at 1st. His knowledge of the world around him is quite limited and even Less knowledge about the magic that comes so easily to him. This book is about his schooling for start of his schooling. If I were to have a complaint it's that he was a bit cowardly. Considering his size and might he would think he would be a little more amenable to fighting Monsters. Hopefully he grows a pair in the second book so to speak even though what he does with his abilities is wonderful. I enjoyed the book it's heavily about crafting as well as the results of said crafting when battling. I'm looking forward to the next book eagerly.
August 27, 2023
good storyline, clueless, cowardly, MC.
Are usually do not read academy type books. This one was not as bad as I thought it would be. Except the MC is a clueless moron, who has some serious issues calling in inanimate object his ax his best friend. The MC also has an issue as far as cowardice as far as I’m concerned. besides those gripes the book is not half bad. The MC does develop his growth slowly, but with a continual increase in stats the other issue I have is all of a sudden he’s clueless about girls when he gets to the Academy, one of the reasons he got in trouble in the first place was looking a girls body up and down early on in the book. It seems just a little far-fetched that a 16-year-old boy could be this clueless. but in my case, I did not like the fact that there was not enough action in the story. I will go on and read another book by this author to see how he portrays his other emcees. This one I may go back to read the next book when it comes out I have not made up my mind.
Are usually do not read academy type books. This one was not as bad as I thought it would be. Except the MC is a clueless moron, who has some serious issues calling in inanimate object his ax his best friend. The MC also has an issue as far as cowardice as far as I’m concerned. besides those gripes the book is not half bad. The MC does develop his growth slowly, but with a continual increase in stats the other issue I have is all of a sudden he’s clueless about girls when he gets to the Academy, one of the reasons he got in trouble in the first place was looking a girls body up and down early on in the book. It seems just a little far-fetched that a 16-year-old boy could be this clueless. but in my case, I did not like the fact that there was not enough action in the story. I will go on and read another book by this author to see how he portrays his other emcees. This one I may go back to read the next book when it comes out I have not made up my mind.
September 18, 2023
The Fusionist
Larek is a country bumpkin way out away from civilization where he works as a logger for his family. He is about seven foot tall and that makes him very suspicious in this kingdom. Circumstances bring him to the attention of a judge. This is when they recognize d his potential for mana and drafted him. The kingdom needs every mage they can to fight the schisms, gateways that release waves of monsters.
Considering the author, I was expecting the main character to be or become a dungeon core in the first few chapters. At least to spend the entire book in a dungeon. Nothing though! This is a straight up magic academy series with a focus on crafting enchantments. It was really enjoyable! I’m excited to see where this series goes.
Content Warning: none
Larek is a country bumpkin way out away from civilization where he works as a logger for his family. He is about seven foot tall and that makes him very suspicious in this kingdom. Circumstances bring him to the attention of a judge. This is when they recognize d his potential for mana and drafted him. The kingdom needs every mage they can to fight the schisms, gateways that release waves of monsters.
Considering the author, I was expecting the main character to be or become a dungeon core in the first few chapters. At least to spend the entire book in a dungeon. Nothing though! This is a straight up magic academy series with a focus on crafting enchantments. It was really enjoyable! I’m excited to see where this series goes.
Content Warning: none
March 4, 2024
Decent, but the whole lead up to the academy, the main character's height being the sole reason for bullying (even with the world-building explanation), was simply eye-rolling. The situations that happened to him when all he did was act respectful and keep his head down... i guess the sheer number just felt overwhelming. Then, to top it all off, he seemed to have zero self-awareness in addition to his self-pitying inner monologue about why everyone was so afraid of him.
The narrative picks up a little when he gets to the academy, but his progress seems hindered by his own efforts to improve, which was weird to read through.
The crunchy details were the highlight for me, but the rest of the plot tended to get in the way of really getting into the novel.
As always, YMMV
The narrative picks up a little when he gets to the academy, but his progress seems hindered by his own efforts to improve, which was weird to read through.
The crunchy details were the highlight for me, but the rest of the plot tended to get in the way of really getting into the novel.
As always, YMMV
May 30, 2024
A hard read
This probably isn't the review the author would like. But...I think at least this first book should be required reading in middle school/high school. It, very accurately, portrays the life of someone who is subjected to daily and unreasoning prejudice. The whole time I was reading, I was thinking that this is exactly what it feels like for a POC in America. I remember those half fear/half disgust looks. That jump to negative conclusions for every situation. If you want to know what it feels like? Read this book. And while you are railing about the injustice that the main character deals with; remember the millions of people in this country who deal with this exact same thing daily.
This probably isn't the review the author would like. But...I think at least this first book should be required reading in middle school/high school. It, very accurately, portrays the life of someone who is subjected to daily and unreasoning prejudice. The whole time I was reading, I was thinking that this is exactly what it feels like for a POC in America. I remember those half fear/half disgust looks. That jump to negative conclusions for every situation. If you want to know what it feels like? Read this book. And while you are railing about the injustice that the main character deals with; remember the millions of people in this country who deal with this exact same thing daily.
September 9, 2023
actually my rating is 3.5*
Very clunky writing in places, that’s also inappropriate in some places (how many 9-10 year olds do you know who would understand a teacher using the words ‘appendages’ and ‘intrinsic’ in a lecture? Not to mention that those poor kids were supposed to be able to follow sentences composed of 6 clauses . . .
Anyway, those issues with the writing almost made me give up on this book, but the plot and world building always kept me going. I’ll probably read the next book in the series just to find out more of the world it takes place in and what happens to the characters next.
Very clunky writing in places, that’s also inappropriate in some places (how many 9-10 year olds do you know who would understand a teacher using the words ‘appendages’ and ‘intrinsic’ in a lecture? Not to mention that those poor kids were supposed to be able to follow sentences composed of 6 clauses . . .
Anyway, those issues with the writing almost made me give up on this book, but the plot and world building always kept me going. I’ll probably read the next book in the series just to find out more of the world it takes place in and what happens to the characters next.
August 23, 2024
Slow at first then getting faster
This story starts slowly and the pace eventually gets quite hectic as our hero levels up in front of us.
Some really interesting ideas in this story to do with "fusion" which are like enchantments but in the way a country road is like a motorway. Fusions and their descriptions are like an empty motorway compared to the bumpkin on a tractor that are enchantments.
The only reason for dropping a star here is that the descriptions of how magic works in this world is a little long winded to my mind.
That said, I'm going to try book 2 soon and see how that one goes
This story starts slowly and the pace eventually gets quite hectic as our hero levels up in front of us.
Some really interesting ideas in this story to do with "fusion" which are like enchantments but in the way a country road is like a motorway. Fusions and their descriptions are like an empty motorway compared to the bumpkin on a tractor that are enchantments.
The only reason for dropping a star here is that the descriptions of how magic works in this world is a little long winded to my mind.
That said, I'm going to try book 2 soon and see how that one goes
November 18, 2023
Meh, pass on this one
Pretty much zero world building, zero character development, very two-dimensional characters. The magic system is the only thing the story has going for it really. A vast majority of the issues with the story could be resolved by someone opening their mouth and explaining something that they know, but just don't. I made it about three quarters the way through and the horrible facing just made me want to tear my hair out so I threw in the towel. This one's an easy pass
Pretty much zero world building, zero character development, very two-dimensional characters. The magic system is the only thing the story has going for it really. A vast majority of the issues with the story could be resolved by someone opening their mouth and explaining something that they know, but just don't. I made it about three quarters the way through and the horrible facing just made me want to tear my hair out so I threw in the towel. This one's an easy pass
July 27, 2023
Very dumb MC
The MC just let’s things happen to him, he gets framed, and essentially kidnapped, but instead of using his ax, his strength, or his size to do something about it, he just lets them take him. He doesn’t do something to inform his family, he didn’t even bring back the tools they needed to do their jobs. He just decides “ Oh, I’m being framed for assault, best to just do nothing”.
The MC just let’s things happen to him, he gets framed, and essentially kidnapped, but instead of using his ax, his strength, or his size to do something about it, he just lets them take him. He doesn’t do something to inform his family, he didn’t even bring back the tools they needed to do their jobs. He just decides “ Oh, I’m being framed for assault, best to just do nothing”.
October 25, 2023
Couldn't get past the writing
I'm not sure why this book is reviewed so we'll. The writing is hard to read. Wordy and excessive. The first chapter was the most useless first chapter I've read. I made it 20%, couldn't connect to the story because of the writing.
I'm not sure why this book is reviewed so we'll. The writing is hard to read. Wordy and excessive. The first chapter was the most useless first chapter I've read. I made it 20%, couldn't connect to the story because of the writing.
September 3, 2025
The reactions of everyone to the MC make no sense. Like cmon, he's just tall. Everyone treats him horribly, they immediately get mad or disgusted looking at him. WTF IS this? Supposedly there is some hidden meaning to why everyone hates tall people, but there can't be a reason that would actually work. It would make sense for a couple people to tease him for being tall.... but EVERY SINGLE PERSON he meets has some sort of ridiculous bad reaction to him.
Everyone knows why they hate tall people... so why doesn't the MC know the reason? Why would his parents not tell him? Why can't he ask someone?
The MC is pushed around constantly, but does nothing about it. NO REACTION. Out of nowhere he gets choked, to the point where it leaves bruising and he can't breathe. Afterward, he just forgives and forgets like 3 seconds later. WHAT? He's this annoying caricature of a "gentle giant".
He just wanders along... everyone is mean to me durrr. I don't want to help anyone, they are all mean durr. Someone hit me... oh well... i'll just keep going durr
DNF 20%
Everyone knows why they hate tall people... so why doesn't the MC know the reason? Why would his parents not tell him? Why can't he ask someone?
The MC is pushed around constantly, but does nothing about it. NO REACTION. Out of nowhere he gets choked, to the point where it leaves bruising and he can't breathe. Afterward, he just forgives and forgets like 3 seconds later. WHAT? He's this annoying caricature of a "gentle giant".
He just wanders along... everyone is mean to me durrr. I don't want to help anyone, they are all mean durr. Someone hit me... oh well... i'll just keep going durr
DNF 20%
May 10, 2025
Slow building
The book starts and the main character seems slow and a bit too focused. I'm still both concerned and worried that he counts a non-sentient ax as his best friend. He has conversations with it, which are all him talking to himself. He definitely has some trauma, and he does slowly grow passed some of that. He gets some new trauma to fix that right up. The Dean is a prejudiced jerk, in multiple ways. The depression and fixation fugues are a concerning trend.
The book starts slow and progressively adds more depth. The science of the magic in this world is explained, and it almost always kept my attention. I did stop reading the abilities and spells beyond their names though. It has a good bit of repetition.
The epilogue had me going WOW, because Mom had a surprise. Not what I suspected, and I hope this is explored.
The book starts and the main character seems slow and a bit too focused. I'm still both concerned and worried that he counts a non-sentient ax as his best friend. He has conversations with it, which are all him talking to himself. He definitely has some trauma, and he does slowly grow passed some of that. He gets some new trauma to fix that right up. The Dean is a prejudiced jerk, in multiple ways. The depression and fixation fugues are a concerning trend.
The book starts slow and progressively adds more depth. The science of the magic in this world is explained, and it almost always kept my attention. I did stop reading the abilities and spells beyond their names though. It has a good bit of repetition.
The epilogue had me going WOW, because Mom had a surprise. Not what I suspected, and I hope this is explored.
December 24, 2023
The starting few chapters were light on details about the magic, focusing on setting up a few things for events to come, etc. The writing was easy to follow and pacing was good, so it felt as if the starting of the main plot came too soon. When things took a much darker turn before I could even get a good feel for the setting, I almost dropped the book. Fortunately, I kept reading and the magical academy chapters that followed were awesome, especially the crafting parts. However, I wasn't a fan of the overall plot, had many minor complaints and would've preferred if some of the nicer side-characters had been given more scenes to shine on their own. I think I'll still give the sequel a shot, despite being darker than I'm comfortable with.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews