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Mana Beasts #1
Beast Mage
Kellen Lars may be the most unremarkable person on Earth. In the mana-enchanted land of Oras, he could become a champion.
After his little sister vanishes before his eyes, Kellen awakens in another realm inhabited by mythical creatures and people who shape the very forces of nature. These are the Beastcallers, wielders of elemental magics who ascend alongside their beast companions.
In search of his sister, Kellen explores a savage new world full of magical storms, animal demi-gods and warring tribes. Just surviving isn't an option. If he ever wants to see home again, Kellen must wield his budding powers and train his newly bonded Mana Beast. Even if he succeeds, nothing will ever be the same again.
A young man from Earth. A Mana Beast. Together, they'll progress into legend.Introducing a new progression fantasy adventure for fans of Cradle, Digimon, The Last Airbender, and Frith Chronicles!
After his little sister vanishes before his eyes, Kellen awakens in another realm inhabited by mythical creatures and people who shape the very forces of nature. These are the Beastcallers, wielders of elemental magics who ascend alongside their beast companions.
In search of his sister, Kellen explores a savage new world full of magical storms, animal demi-gods and warring tribes. Just surviving isn't an option. If he ever wants to see home again, Kellen must wield his budding powers and train his newly bonded Mana Beast. Even if he succeeds, nothing will ever be the same again.
A young man from Earth. A Mana Beast. Together, they'll progress into legend.Introducing a new progression fantasy adventure for fans of Cradle, Digimon, The Last Airbender, and Frith Chronicles!
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2023
616 people are currently reading
266 people want to read
About the author
Derek Alan Siddoway
28 books116 followersDerek Alan Siddoway is the author of Teutevar Saga, a medieval western/frontier fantasy series, and Gryphon Riders, a young adult fantasy trilogy. He was born and raised in the American West at the foot of the Uinta Mountains. An Undaunted and Everyday Author, Derek spends his free time reading, obsessively filling notebooks, adventuring outdoors and celebrating small victories. He's also a sucker for Star Wars and football, namely the University of Utah and Minnesota Vikings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 10, 2022
I discovered this book by backing it on Kickstarter, which is becoming one of my favorite ways to support authors. When I saw the cover for this book, I knew I had to give it a shot. I mean, how amazing is this cover?
I haven't really read progression fantasies before, and this is a mix of progression/portal fantasy. Overall, I very much enjoyed it! Our hero Kellen is transported to a strange new world with his sister, though they're immediately separated and the meat of the story becomes Kellen's quest to find her. To further confuse Kellen, as soon as he arrives he's greeted by a fuzzy, football shaped talking fox who declares that he's Kellen's mana beast. It takes a while for Kellen to come around to the fact that for better or for worse, Vex is his new BFF.
There's an interesting magic system and world-building here that borrows from our known world. There's echoes of Native American culture without being Native American--the denizens of this other world share some similarities. There's all sorts of interesting creatures (bears the size of bump trucks! Flying coyote mana beasts!).
Kellen's mana beast Vex is the most memorable character. He has absolutely no filters when he speaks and thanks to his bond to Kellen, knows more about our world. The only thing that threw me in the book is some of the slang used--I'm not sure if that will age well with this book, which might be unfortunate. But I'm looking forward to the next installment to see what else is ahead for our Beast Mage.
I haven't really read progression fantasies before, and this is a mix of progression/portal fantasy. Overall, I very much enjoyed it! Our hero Kellen is transported to a strange new world with his sister, though they're immediately separated and the meat of the story becomes Kellen's quest to find her. To further confuse Kellen, as soon as he arrives he's greeted by a fuzzy, football shaped talking fox who declares that he's Kellen's mana beast. It takes a while for Kellen to come around to the fact that for better or for worse, Vex is his new BFF.
There's an interesting magic system and world-building here that borrows from our known world. There's echoes of Native American culture without being Native American--the denizens of this other world share some similarities. There's all sorts of interesting creatures (bears the size of bump trucks! Flying coyote mana beasts!).
Kellen's mana beast Vex is the most memorable character. He has absolutely no filters when he speaks and thanks to his bond to Kellen, knows more about our world. The only thing that threw me in the book is some of the slang used--I'm not sure if that will age well with this book, which might be unfortunate. But I'm looking forward to the next installment to see what else is ahead for our Beast Mage.
September 22, 2023
Why?
The mc is the most cautious and uncommitted person possible. He keeps saying he want to save his sister, is given the power to do so, and yet handicaps himself because he refuses to embrace that power fully. This would be acceptable I'd he'd fix and move on past this hang up in the first few chapters then work on going the strength to do what's needed instead the only reason he manages to have any success is bullcrap plotarmor.
The mc is the most cautious and uncommitted person possible. He keeps saying he want to save his sister, is given the power to do so, and yet handicaps himself because he refuses to embrace that power fully. This would be acceptable I'd he'd fix and move on past this hang up in the first few chapters then work on going the strength to do what's needed instead the only reason he manages to have any success is bullcrap plotarmor.
October 21, 2023
Even Travis Baldree couldn't push it to 4 for me. I really can't save why this series didn't do it for me. I guess not every series is for everyone. . Even though this was an isekai progression story, this one wasn't for me.
May 10, 2025
I was very interested in this when I heard it's a mix of Isekai and Digimon franchise but, it was definitely not so enjoyable. Audiobook narrated by Travis Baldree pushed it to some extent but it just felt like a book for a kid of 10years old.
Beast Mage was definitely not bad but it's most definitely not for Me... Maybe for you..
Beast Mage was definitely not bad but it's most definitely not for Me... Maybe for you..
June 30, 2022
Very different world building with the various tribes. Excellent portal fantasy with interesting magic system and beast taming.
Read
October 17, 2022With a fun adventure story and friendly animal companion, this one was just as billed! It wasn't really to my taste, but I think a lot of people would really enjoy it.
August 24, 2023
4.25,
Backed on kickstarter.
Backed on kickstarter.
July 15, 2024
TL;DR Review – Pokemon meets Dances with Wolves. A youthful and engaging “light” progression fantasy.
Full Review:
Kellen was just a farmer—until he woke up in the world of Oras and found himself face to face with a talking, bouncing fox.
And his life has only just begun to get weird!
Beast Mage is a fun, adventure-packed progression fantasy that’s light on the progression and rich on the fantasy. It’s set in a landscape that feels delightfully reminiscent of the Great Plains of North America, home to wandering tribes that lightly evoke Native American culture and personalities.
The simplicity of the landscape is contrasted sharply by the complexity of the magic (mana) system. Every beastcaller gifted the ability to wield mana bonds with an animal of some sort—in this book, we see magical foxes, coyotes, and crow-looking monsters—but there are also wild beasts, from giant rhino-bears to fire bison to thunderbirds.
Kellen’s fox companion, Vex, is a whole lot of fun. He’s an endless source of quips and comments, and his naivete and innocence makes him a riot to read. His personality contrasts Kellen’s more serious nature, but he’s also a great source of Kellen’s drive to succeed and develop his magical abilities.
Another impetus behind Kellen’s story is his search for his sister, Allison, who was brought to Oras through the same magical portal that brought him. Only when he arrives, she’s nowhere in sight, but was captured by a rival beastcaller who is collecting slaves to sell for power and profit.
Allison’s story is by far the darker of the two, with a great deal of suffering, pain, loss, and sorrow. And because of that, we’re eager for Kellen to push harder and travel faster to catch up to her and rescue her.
The pacing was smooth and steady, the progression was easy to follow without being excessively complex, and the colorful world made for a really enjoyable read. It evoked Pokemon or Digimon in the animal companion/training/powering up aspects, but its Native American-esque flavor made it something unique in the progression fantasy world.
Full Review:
Kellen was just a farmer—until he woke up in the world of Oras and found himself face to face with a talking, bouncing fox.
And his life has only just begun to get weird!
Beast Mage is a fun, adventure-packed progression fantasy that’s light on the progression and rich on the fantasy. It’s set in a landscape that feels delightfully reminiscent of the Great Plains of North America, home to wandering tribes that lightly evoke Native American culture and personalities.
The simplicity of the landscape is contrasted sharply by the complexity of the magic (mana) system. Every beastcaller gifted the ability to wield mana bonds with an animal of some sort—in this book, we see magical foxes, coyotes, and crow-looking monsters—but there are also wild beasts, from giant rhino-bears to fire bison to thunderbirds.
Kellen’s fox companion, Vex, is a whole lot of fun. He’s an endless source of quips and comments, and his naivete and innocence makes him a riot to read. His personality contrasts Kellen’s more serious nature, but he’s also a great source of Kellen’s drive to succeed and develop his magical abilities.
Another impetus behind Kellen’s story is his search for his sister, Allison, who was brought to Oras through the same magical portal that brought him. Only when he arrives, she’s nowhere in sight, but was captured by a rival beastcaller who is collecting slaves to sell for power and profit.
Allison’s story is by far the darker of the two, with a great deal of suffering, pain, loss, and sorrow. And because of that, we’re eager for Kellen to push harder and travel faster to catch up to her and rescue her.
The pacing was smooth and steady, the progression was easy to follow without being excessively complex, and the colorful world made for a really enjoyable read. It evoked Pokemon or Digimon in the animal companion/training/powering up aspects, but its Native American-esque flavor made it something unique in the progression fantasy world.
January 29, 2025
Unreadable thanks to the unsympathetic main character, even if you ignore the massive tonal whiplash across the differing points of view which are in itself just jarring.
The protagonist of the story is possibly one of the most obtrusive characters I ever saw in fiction, by actively refusing to engage with the main plot of the novel, immediately dismissing all what is happening even if there is little to no loss in doing so. First, he attributes everything that is happening to him to simply hallucinating and going unresponsive, grinding any exploration to the setting to halt right in the first chapter.
Even if everything was a hallucination, as he initially assumed, he would lose nothing trying to interact with it as at this point, according to his own logic, his true self would be in the hands of the doctor. But no, he refused.
Then, he takes the rejection a few steps further, when he refuses to do something even after he realizes he is, indeed, in danger, and is saved by plot armour, never advancing further.
There is a difference between being stupid and being obtrusive, and the protagonist is later.
The stupid character would make mistakes because of the poor intelligence and lack of experience, but this one, this one does everything because he refuses to engage with the plot and only because he refuses to engage with the plot (despite claiming the contrary)
The protagonist of the story is possibly one of the most obtrusive characters I ever saw in fiction, by actively refusing to engage with the main plot of the novel, immediately dismissing all what is happening even if there is little to no loss in doing so. First, he attributes everything that is happening to him to simply hallucinating and going unresponsive, grinding any exploration to the setting to halt right in the first chapter.
Even if everything was a hallucination, as he initially assumed, he would lose nothing trying to interact with it as at this point, according to his own logic, his true self would be in the hands of the doctor. But no, he refused.
Then, he takes the rejection a few steps further, when he refuses to do something even after he realizes he is, indeed, in danger, and is saved by plot armour, never advancing further.
There is a difference between being stupid and being obtrusive, and the protagonist is later.
The stupid character would make mistakes because of the poor intelligence and lack of experience, but this one, this one does everything because he refuses to engage with the plot and only because he refuses to engage with the plot (despite claiming the contrary)
August 10, 2024
Not bad!
Certainly more interesting than other books I’ve read lately. Though I will admit I’m heavily biased towards Travis Baldree’s voice saying literally anything in my ear.
I liked the mana beast set up and the lore of the world. Kellen’s will and resolve wasn’t the best. But honestly it felt more realistic than anything. Of course realism isn’t why we are reading this is it? Still, after reading and watching all kinds of things where the characters will was next level (Ichigo, Jin Woo, even Naruto) Kellen’s was indeed a little lackluster.
Besides that though there were very interesting characters. Like his sister. I liked her and hope she makes a reappearance in later books. She’s got moxy! I also liked the Poxy? Pokker?…er… the mummy. Hard to spell these names when you only listen to the book. Anyway I also liked his character. In a way he’s a bit like Kellen. This is a very much different world than the one he knew. Which I am interested to know more about.
I really hope Shena/Shani(?) isn’t the main love interest. I have a feeling she is but please please please I hope he meets someone else. Anyone else.
Guess we will see.
Certainly more interesting than other books I’ve read lately. Though I will admit I’m heavily biased towards Travis Baldree’s voice saying literally anything in my ear.
I liked the mana beast set up and the lore of the world. Kellen’s will and resolve wasn’t the best. But honestly it felt more realistic than anything. Of course realism isn’t why we are reading this is it? Still, after reading and watching all kinds of things where the characters will was next level (Ichigo, Jin Woo, even Naruto) Kellen’s was indeed a little lackluster.
Besides that though there were very interesting characters. Like his sister. I liked her and hope she makes a reappearance in later books. She’s got moxy! I also liked the Poxy? Pokker?…er… the mummy. Hard to spell these names when you only listen to the book. Anyway I also liked his character. In a way he’s a bit like Kellen. This is a very much different world than the one he knew. Which I am interested to know more about.
I really hope Shena/Shani(?) isn’t the main love interest. I have a feeling she is but please please please I hope he meets someone else. Anyone else.
Guess we will see.
December 17, 2023
Cool idea but crappy execution
So it's kind of a pretty typical transported to another world idea which is fine if not original. The mechanism for transportation is pretty boring and also on original. When our protagonist gets to the other world, they are paired with a super obnoxious pokémon basically. It's completely in a totally unintimidating in every imaginable way. He describes it as a football shaped plushie fox. It's also super obnoxious. So he ends up hanging out with a bunch of basically native Americans who all treat him like s*** because on his first day on their planet, which they're all totally aware of and totally familiar with the concept of people from other universes coming to their planet and that they know nothing when they arrive. He is not a demigod of unlimited power. It's just a very ridiculous story and it's just not good.
So it's kind of a pretty typical transported to another world idea which is fine if not original. The mechanism for transportation is pretty boring and also on original. When our protagonist gets to the other world, they are paired with a super obnoxious pokémon basically. It's completely in a totally unintimidating in every imaginable way. He describes it as a football shaped plushie fox. It's also super obnoxious. So he ends up hanging out with a bunch of basically native Americans who all treat him like s*** because on his first day on their planet, which they're all totally aware of and totally familiar with the concept of people from other universes coming to their planet and that they know nothing when they arrive. He is not a demigod of unlimited power. It's just a very ridiculous story and it's just not good.
March 1, 2024
Slow read, and boring. Average writing without any real original plot points.
An incredibly average story that's just, not very memorable. The pacing was incredibly slow as the main character had to figure out how to become one with his powers. The native American themed plot line seemed tired and old. There's no real excitement and reading and you honestly didn't care if the character improved or not. The Mana beast had better dialogue than any other character, and there could have been something more there but the story never developed. The plot tropes are old and tired and nothing felt original. It seemed like the author wanted to copy native American tradition but it came off as fake. Not interested in Reading anymore of this series.
An incredibly average story that's just, not very memorable. The pacing was incredibly slow as the main character had to figure out how to become one with his powers. The native American themed plot line seemed tired and old. There's no real excitement and reading and you honestly didn't care if the character improved or not. The Mana beast had better dialogue than any other character, and there could have been something more there but the story never developed. The plot tropes are old and tired and nothing felt original. It seemed like the author wanted to copy native American tradition but it came off as fake. Not interested in Reading anymore of this series.
August 25, 2023
An enjoyable isekai/portal fantasy coming of age
Following a fairly standard setup, Kellen is transported to a new world with magic and companion beasts where he has to rescue his sister. Along the way he grows in power(a little, he’s no powerhouse by any means), makes some companions, and ends up making a choice on whether to stay in this new world or go back to earth. There’s a background plot of immortals moving in the shadows and things going on for future books, which is pretty standard for this setup. I enjoyed the mana type setup, as well as the companion evolution idea. Also Vex made for some nice comic relief.
Following a fairly standard setup, Kellen is transported to a new world with magic and companion beasts where he has to rescue his sister. Along the way he grows in power(a little, he’s no powerhouse by any means), makes some companions, and ends up making a choice on whether to stay in this new world or go back to earth. There’s a background plot of immortals moving in the shadows and things going on for future books, which is pretty standard for this setup. I enjoyed the mana type setup, as well as the companion evolution idea. Also Vex made for some nice comic relief.
October 3, 2025
Somehow, but not unsurprising, I've read stories this year that dealt with bonding, or connecting, or interspecies friendship, or something along those lines. This book was one of the best portal fantasy stories that had that as a large factor of its plot. I can never get enough of unlikely interspecies pairings, especially when they are well-written like this one. The characters played a huge part in that, especially with how relatable and likable the main ones were. I always imagine or daydream what I would do if a situation like this befalls me. Portal fantasy stories like these are surely growing on me too! And I can't wait to read what happens in the next one!
January 8, 2024
Great story!
This story will keep you turning page after page, trying to reach the end faster, and regretting it when you do. Your mind will hold on to the many challenging emotions each character faces and the choices they make. This story builds a world full of incredible possibilities and adventures. I look forward to the next book and hope they don't end there.
This story will keep you turning page after page, trying to reach the end faster, and regretting it when you do. Your mind will hold on to the many challenging emotions each character faces and the choices they make. This story builds a world full of incredible possibilities and adventures. I look forward to the next book and hope they don't end there.
June 13, 2024
I loved this book. Already bought book 2. It's basically fantasy digimon. Guy and his little sister ends up sucked into fantasy world and separated. Guy gets a "mana beast" companion that can grow stronger so sets out to find his sister who has been captured by slavers.
Loved the book and the characters. Would recommend reading.
Loved the book and the characters. Would recommend reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2024
Solid Fantasy Story
Beast Mage is a solid portal fantasy. The setting is unique without slotting into the traditional defaults. The characters and magic systems have some neat possibilities. It will be interesting to see how the story progresses.
Beast Mage is a solid portal fantasy. The setting is unique without slotting into the traditional defaults. The characters and magic systems have some neat possibilities. It will be interesting to see how the story progresses.
February 19, 2024
I definitely enjoyed aspects of this story, but it didn't grip me.
Isekai can be used to great effect, but it can also be a lazy way to make sure the MC knows nothing, so that a mentor can be allowed to explain everything to MC and reader. In this case it felt like the latter, unfortunately.
Isekai can be used to great effect, but it can also be a lazy way to make sure the MC knows nothing, so that a mentor can be allowed to explain everything to MC and reader. In this case it felt like the latter, unfortunately.
June 10, 2024
Suitable for age 10 and under, it's a bit too cringe and doesn't offer anything to older people.
Isekai (steps through portal), cultivation (has a beast heart magic core), pokemon (has an idiotic talking magic animal), power fantasy.
Isekai (steps through portal), cultivation (has a beast heart magic core), pokemon (has an idiotic talking magic animal), power fantasy.
October 29, 2024
The parts that were basically digimon i loved! The story is just a lot of the protagonist floundering about harboring a great and aweful secret: he lost his sister for a day once. After hours of chasing her down he near instantly just shoves her through a portal back to earth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2024
It was a very nice book, contrary to some of the criticisms. Where one said the boy lacked confidence, and lack of growth I have to disagree. Kellen acted like any other young man catapulted from Idaho into a magical land. Transitions to new life aren’t always easy. And for that, I think it adds to the realism of the story. Kellen grew as the story went on, faced with hard choices, he did his best. It is a story I would very much like to read this to my son when he’s old enough to follow more complex stories.
September 12, 2023
no regret
I backed this project on patreon and no regrets at all! Super fun and diverse world! I need more please!
I backed this project on patreon and no regrets at all! Super fun and diverse world! I need more please!
September 26, 2023
Quite good
This book was a fun read. It dragged me in and didn't let me go.
I'm looking forward to the next one.
Highly recommended.
This book was a fun read. It dragged me in and didn't let me go.
I'm looking forward to the next one.
Highly recommended.
September 27, 2023
Good
A good start to the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
A good start to the book series, I am looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book released.
September 28, 2023
beast mage book1
I did the book. It had so many slow spots. That I skipped those. The has a good story just not his A game. Will try the next in series
I did the book. It had so many slow spots. That I skipped those. The has a good story just not his A game. Will try the next in series
November 3, 2023
Fairly good story
It has a good story line but not to my liking. Has more editing problems than I think it should.
It has a good story line but not to my liking. Has more editing problems than I think it should.
Read
January 25, 2024DNF@ 34% I think I will try the audio at some point
December 17, 2024
I loved this book. It gripped me from the beginning. If you were a fan of Digimon as a Kid you will love this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews