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Millennial Mage #5
Fusing
The world reclaims all things. Humanity shelters within their ever-dying cities. Mages and Archons give their lives to create the only path forward.
Tala, having witnessed the marvels of the forest cities and the perils lurking in the southern woods, prepares to embark on a treacherous journey back to the plains from Makinaven. Guided by the unwavering support of Terry, Rane, and the enigmatic Mistress Odera, she is honing her skills and preparing for the trials that lie ahead.
Ancient defenders of mankind emerge, while hidden perils lurk in the shadows, threatening to unravel everything she thinks she knows about the world. Amidst newfound allies, intriguing contracts, and relentless challenges, Tala strives to embrace her chosen place among the defenders of mankind.
Tala continues her Fusing, delving deeper into the inner workings of magic and the soul.
Tala, having witnessed the marvels of the forest cities and the perils lurking in the southern woods, prepares to embark on a treacherous journey back to the plains from Makinaven. Guided by the unwavering support of Terry, Rane, and the enigmatic Mistress Odera, she is honing her skills and preparing for the trials that lie ahead.
Ancient defenders of mankind emerge, while hidden perils lurk in the shadows, threatening to unravel everything she thinks she knows about the world. Amidst newfound allies, intriguing contracts, and relentless challenges, Tala strives to embrace her chosen place among the defenders of mankind.
Tala continues her Fusing, delving deeper into the inner workings of magic and the soul.
483 pages, ebook
First published August 23, 2023
181 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Mullins
15 books90 followersJ.L.Mullins has been writing since he was five years old. Blessedly, he has improved through the years, and while 'The Case of the Missing Stapler' will likely never see widespread publication, Mullins enjoys little more than sharing his newer stories—his worlds—with others.
He lives with his wife, six kids, and their rescue-akita named Fenrir.
Find him on Patreon:
patreon.com/MillennialMage
Join his Discord:
discord.gg/FddACAjUrR
Find the latest on Millennial Mage here:
royalroad.com/fiction/47826
He lives with his wife, six kids, and their rescue-akita named Fenrir.
Find him on Patreon:
patreon.com/MillennialMage
Join his Discord:
discord.gg/FddACAjUrR
Find the latest on Millennial Mage here:
royalroad.com/fiction/47826
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 18, 2025
This is fifth in a series you'll want to read in order.
I read this two years ago, but reread it so I can continue the series. It took a while to remember all the details of who is what so having phantom memories as well was an interesting effect.
The story is good. A little beads-on-a-string, but the events are interesting and I was never disengaged or felt like stopping. I like Tala and her inquisitive exploration and her urge to do and be better. I like Rane, too, and the other surrounding characters are engaging as well.
A good pace and fun action make this an easy four stars (the sense of a plot or throughline is what's keeping this from being better). I'll definitely be picking up the next.
A note about Chaste: This is still chaste. Tala does have a talk with Rane about not wanting a relationship (he clearly wants one). Her reasons are a little lame, but not so bad that I'm willing to dock stars to even grouse too much. If I were expecting romance at all, I'd probably be angry but I'm not so we're good.
I read this two years ago, but reread it so I can continue the series. It took a while to remember all the details of who is what so having phantom memories as well was an interesting effect.
The story is good. A little beads-on-a-string, but the events are interesting and I was never disengaged or felt like stopping. I like Tala and her inquisitive exploration and her urge to do and be better. I like Rane, too, and the other surrounding characters are engaging as well.
A good pace and fun action make this an easy four stars (the sense of a plot or throughline is what's keeping this from being better). I'll definitely be picking up the next.
A note about Chaste: This is still chaste. Tala does have a talk with Rane about not wanting a relationship (he clearly wants one). Her reasons are a little lame, but not so bad that I'm willing to dock stars to even grouse too much. If I were expecting romance at all, I'd probably be angry but I'm not so we're good.
September 9, 2023
Book five
This book has a better spacing of adventure mixed with the training and every day life stuff.
I'm all caught up and plan to head over to Royalroad to keep reading.
Editing was well done and this one has a bit more length.
Any mistakes found will be listed on Goodreads like normal.
8/10 A bit more detailed action would improve my personal enjoyment.
This book has a better spacing of adventure mixed with the training and every day life stuff.
I'm all caught up and plan to head over to Royalroad to keep reading.
Editing was well done and this one has a bit more length.
Any mistakes found will be listed on Goodreads like normal.
8/10 A bit more detailed action would improve my personal enjoyment.
September 20, 2023
Okay, J.L. Mullins keeps moving his story in new directions. Our favorite 20-something mage Tala keeps refining her magic skills, martial skills, and magical accessories to become ever more powerful.
But that doesn't help her sort through her family problems from her past--one of her struggles. Then there are powerful magical creatures who seem especially hostile to her. She also has to handle new friendships and an ardent mage suitor.
What will Tala find on her next caravan into the wilderness? She came close to death several times on her last caravan trip--and she has magical protections against all attacks.
The next book comes out in October, although I think this is already published on Royal Road.
But that doesn't help her sort through her family problems from her past--one of her struggles. Then there are powerful magical creatures who seem especially hostile to her. She also has to handle new friendships and an ardent mage suitor.
What will Tala find on her next caravan into the wilderness? She came close to death several times on her last caravan trip--and she has magical protections against all attacks.
The next book comes out in October, although I think this is already published on Royal Road.
February 20, 2024
Again the editing and where we choose to end these books, infuriating. This book though, great friendship building, more human compassion. I love the way Tala makes friends and develops her connection. Finally she gets what it means to be rude and unkind to others!!! The journey through the forest was amazing, harrowing, very stressful. I am excited for the next caravan and the future love confrontation!!!!
May 29, 2024
I quite enjoyed this book in the Millennial Mage series. Tala with Mistress Holly's help now has the power to 'find' her lost memories. We now see a side of Tala that she's been avoiding since the start - which are her repressed memories of her family. It shows her humanity and considering the hints here and there questioning if she was human or not, this is a blessing.
Also, Terry and Kit make me laugh.
Also, Terry and Kit make me laugh.
October 27, 2025
Even more fun
This book manages to fit the same fun adventures and cute moments and add in more, deeper exploration of our main character. The secondary characters are all effectively set up to create memorable moments that could easily be the introduction of new side characters or a one-off.
The whole book is a remarkably smooth read and leaves you simultaneously ready for more and completely satisfied.
This book manages to fit the same fun adventures and cute moments and add in more, deeper exploration of our main character. The secondary characters are all effectively set up to create memorable moments that could easily be the introduction of new side characters or a one-off.
The whole book is a remarkably smooth read and leaves you simultaneously ready for more and completely satisfied.
April 13, 2024
I hope more happens in this book. From the cover it looks like a lot is supposed to happen.
This really is a slice of life novel. Things are revealed in their own time, and there isn't this big amount of action.
I'm waiting for when some fundamental truths hits the protagonist.
Book six, here we go.
3/5 Stars
This really is a slice of life novel. Things are revealed in their own time, and there isn't this big amount of action.
I'm waiting for when some fundamental truths hits the protagonist.
Book six, here we go.
3/5 Stars
July 2, 2024
Fun!
I'm going back and doing a bunch of reviews at once, so I'm not sure if this was the right book, but the author seems to have confused "gild" for "gird," as in "she gilded (sic) herself for a tough situation." Unless it's supposed to be an in-world saying because of the metal in inscriptions? It just seemed like a mistake to me, though.
I'm going back and doing a bunch of reviews at once, so I'm not sure if this was the right book, but the author seems to have confused "gild" for "gird," as in "she gilded (sic) herself for a tough situation." Unless it's supposed to be an in-world saying because of the metal in inscriptions? It just seemed like a mistake to me, though.
March 20, 2025
Worldbuilding continues to surprise me, especially the little details that makes it feel like a well planned series instead of random additions. Of course, somehow Tala ends up with ever impressive inscriptions, companions and magical items :) It was nice to see her back at her 'home' base and looking forward to future travels.
Read
August 25, 2023Brilliant
This continues to be a very interesting series. The concepts of magic are fairly unique and the plot has been interesting enough to keep me engaged and curious to see where it leads.
This continues to be a very interesting series. The concepts of magic are fairly unique and the plot has been interesting enough to keep me engaged and curious to see where it leads.
September 30, 2023
New Favorite Series
The worldbuilding is immaculate! Every new fact adds another flavor of mystery and intrigue is this world of powerful mages. I highly recommend this series to any high fantasy fan.
The worldbuilding is immaculate! Every new fact adds another flavor of mystery and intrigue is this world of powerful mages. I highly recommend this series to any high fantasy fan.
March 3, 2025
Even more enjoyable than usual! I loved the forest, the forest city and lore drops just keep getting more interesting. Happy to see the resolution of the coffee arc and Kit is getting more and more awesome.
July 24, 2025
gobble gobble
I am The Devourer of All…books in this series. Can’t wait to find out why the Leshings hate her.
Going to buy all the remaining books available in the series (4?). Haven’t had a bad read yet.
I am The Devourer of All…books in this series. Can’t wait to find out why the Leshings hate her.
Going to buy all the remaining books available in the series (4?). Haven’t had a bad read yet.
August 29, 2025
Another good installment
There are a lot of clues in these books alluding to additional secrets and information. It’s like a trail of breadcrumbs to what is coming and I can’t wait to
There are a lot of clues in these books alluding to additional secrets and information. It’s like a trail of breadcrumbs to what is coming and I can’t wait to
August 27, 2023
Still Amazing!!
These books never disappoint!!
Best series I have read in a long time.
I can not wait for the next book to come out!!
These books never disappoint!!
Best series I have read in a long time.
I can not wait for the next book to come out!!
August 30, 2023
consistently good!
September 1, 2023
Story continues to keep me engaged
Continues to build story and seeing growth of all characters. I like hints of history of world and am looking forward to next book.
Continues to build story and seeing growth of all characters. I like hints of history of world and am looking forward to next book.
January 8, 2024
This book was pretty slow, even for this style of book. Very little happened.
April 11, 2024
Rating for series. There are a few things I didn’t like. And ngl I skipped some rationale. But still loving it, so everything rounds up to 5.
May 21, 2024
amazing
Another amazing installment. I especially liked the llamas in hats reference. Carl. I now have that voice in my head.
Another amazing installment. I especially liked the llamas in hats reference. Carl. I now have that voice in my head.
June 18, 2024
Nice and not getting boring :)
September 7, 2024
A favorite series.
September 25, 2024
Not much is changing. I need a little break.
September 20, 2024
I’ve continued to enjoy reading this series and watching the characters progress. They grow in strength with their powers, relationships, and physical attributes as well as demonstrating character development.
There is less time spent focusing on FMCs soul work as it has become more background work at this point. FMC and her friends have faced a lot of foes and there have been a few times things have been really close to not making it.
Overall I recommend reading this series. It is engaging with lots of interesting magics, adventure and depth.
There is less time spent focusing on FMCs soul work as it has become more background work at this point. FMC and her friends have faced a lot of foes and there have been a few times things have been really close to not making it.
Overall I recommend reading this series. It is engaging with lots of interesting magics, adventure and depth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2024
Pretty solid entry.
It was nice to see character development in Tala in how she's more respectful to those around her, and we acknowledged the tension between her and Rane.
A few notes.
That was likely because of the Leshkin hatred of those using endingberry power.
Mullins, J.L.. Fusing: A Slice of Life Progression Fantasy (Millennial Mage Book 5) (p. 279). Kindle Edition.
Tala treats this as fact but it's pure speculation on her part.
“A claim on a boon cannot be impossible, else a sovereign could be slain by a cleverly impossible request.”
Mullins, J.L.. Fusing: A Slice of Life Progression Fantasy (Millennial Mage Book 5) (p. 320). Kindle Edition.
This is contradictory. They're saying a boon can't be impossible or else the boons would kill the Sovereigns. But they also say that boon in this example was impossible to complete.
Kit’s spellforms uncoiled, once more taking on an almost feline shape, though this time it seemed to be resting in the center of an insane spider’s erratic web.
Mullins, J.L.. Fusing: A Slice of Life Progression Fantasy (Millennial Mage Book 5) (p. 401). Kindle Edition.
When was Kit ever described as having a feline shape?
Although on that front, Kit being revealed as having delusions of grandeur is humorous. Although it leaves me confused on how it meshes with Kit's memories of being continually destroyed in the past.
It was nice to see character development in Tala in how she's more respectful to those around her, and we acknowledged the tension between her and Rane.
A few notes.
That was likely because of the Leshkin hatred of those using endingberry power.
Mullins, J.L.. Fusing: A Slice of Life Progression Fantasy (Millennial Mage Book 5) (p. 279). Kindle Edition.
Tala treats this as fact but it's pure speculation on her part.
“A claim on a boon cannot be impossible, else a sovereign could be slain by a cleverly impossible request.”
Mullins, J.L.. Fusing: A Slice of Life Progression Fantasy (Millennial Mage Book 5) (p. 320). Kindle Edition.
This is contradictory. They're saying a boon can't be impossible or else the boons would kill the Sovereigns. But they also say that boon in this example was impossible to complete.
Kit’s spellforms uncoiled, once more taking on an almost feline shape, though this time it seemed to be resting in the center of an insane spider’s erratic web.
Mullins, J.L.. Fusing: A Slice of Life Progression Fantasy (Millennial Mage Book 5) (p. 401). Kindle Edition.
When was Kit ever described as having a feline shape?
Although on that front, Kit being revealed as having delusions of grandeur is humorous. Although it leaves me confused on how it meshes with Kit's memories of being continually destroyed in the past.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews