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Small-Town Crafter #2
The Novice Artificer
Greetings, friend! Rest here for a while and listen - I have a quest for you.
How would you like to study the mystical craft of artificery? You’ll learn things that most people can only dream of. You’ll make self-spicing cooking pots, backpacks with endless storage, and even farm plows that will do all the work for you. Who wouldn’t want that?
Even better, you’ll get to live in the sunlit village of Sunhampton, a cozy little town of cobbled streets, friendly taverns, and stores that sell anything you could imagine.
If this sounds like just the thing for you, then grab a beer and a sweet roll, and follow Lewis as he improves his magical skills.
Lewis just passed his artificery apprenticeship, but his work isn’t done. Many projects, dozens of skills, and a lifetime of magical studies lie before him and his ultimate mastery of his craft.
It’ll be hard work. Perhaps even dangerous work. But with an old artificery master to teach him, and his best friends to help him, he’s sure he’ll get there.
Why not get yourself over to the cozy town of Sunhampton and join him on his quest?
'Small-Town Crafter 2: The Novice Artificer is book 2 in a low stakes LitRPG series from the author of 'Welcome to Blade's Rest.' If you want to escape to a cozy little town for a while, then pick it up today.
How would you like to study the mystical craft of artificery? You’ll learn things that most people can only dream of. You’ll make self-spicing cooking pots, backpacks with endless storage, and even farm plows that will do all the work for you. Who wouldn’t want that?
Even better, you’ll get to live in the sunlit village of Sunhampton, a cozy little town of cobbled streets, friendly taverns, and stores that sell anything you could imagine.
If this sounds like just the thing for you, then grab a beer and a sweet roll, and follow Lewis as he improves his magical skills.
Lewis just passed his artificery apprenticeship, but his work isn’t done. Many projects, dozens of skills, and a lifetime of magical studies lie before him and his ultimate mastery of his craft.
It’ll be hard work. Perhaps even dangerous work. But with an old artificery master to teach him, and his best friends to help him, he’s sure he’ll get there.
Why not get yourself over to the cozy town of Sunhampton and join him on his quest?
'Small-Town Crafter 2: The Novice Artificer is book 2 in a low stakes LitRPG series from the author of 'Welcome to Blade's Rest.' If you want to escape to a cozy little town for a while, then pick it up today.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2023
527 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Tom Watts
13 books38 followersHey! Tom Watts here. If you're reading this then you've either read one of my books or you’re thinking about doing it, and I want to say thanks either way.
I write low-stakes fantasy books that offer people a little of that important thing we call escapism, and I might have what you’re looking for.
Do you want to become a master craftsperson and live in a small, sunny village full of taverns and cafes? Then I have the story for you! Try my book, ‘Small-Town Crafter: the Artificer’s Apprentice.’
Or maybe you want to build a whole town from scratch right on top of untouched land, together with a couple of good friends. If that sounds good, then I’ve got something you’ll enjoy! Check out, ‘Welcome to Blade’s Rest.’
So, those are a couple of my books. As for me, well, I live in a little village with my wife and three dogs. When I’m not writing then I’m reading, and when I’m not doing that I’ve usually got a small schnauzer trying to get my attention.
Thanks for stopping by my author page. Make sure you press ‘follow’ so that you can be the first to find out when I release a new book.
Finally, If you try one of my books, then I'd like to wish you happy reading. Hope you enjoy visiting one of my fictional towns for a while.
Nice to meet you,
Tom.
I write low-stakes fantasy books that offer people a little of that important thing we call escapism, and I might have what you’re looking for.
Do you want to become a master craftsperson and live in a small, sunny village full of taverns and cafes? Then I have the story for you! Try my book, ‘Small-Town Crafter: the Artificer’s Apprentice.’
Or maybe you want to build a whole town from scratch right on top of untouched land, together with a couple of good friends. If that sounds good, then I’ve got something you’ll enjoy! Check out, ‘Welcome to Blade’s Rest.’
So, those are a couple of my books. As for me, well, I live in a little village with my wife and three dogs. When I’m not writing then I’m reading, and when I’m not doing that I’ve usually got a small schnauzer trying to get my attention.
Thanks for stopping by my author page. Make sure you press ‘follow’ so that you can be the first to find out when I release a new book.
Finally, If you try one of my books, then I'd like to wish you happy reading. Hope you enjoy visiting one of my fictional towns for a while.
Nice to meet you,
Tom.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 16, 2023
Fantastic 2nd Book
I love this series! As an educator I enjoy stories that involve learning and growth. I’m not so enamored with stories that require death to level, though I have loved authors who are able to balance the two.
Totally worth reading, though make sure you put aside time as it is hard to put down.
I love this series! As an educator I enjoy stories that involve learning and growth. I’m not so enamored with stories that require death to level, though I have loved authors who are able to balance the two.
Totally worth reading, though make sure you put aside time as it is hard to put down.
November 19, 2024
Very enjoyable!!
September 24, 2023
I liked book one and I like book two, but they're very different books.
In book two Lewis has a mystery. It's a lamp from the place where Jester lives, and it has artificery in it but Lewis can't figure out what it does. It's this mystery that drives much of the story as Lewis has to level his skills so he can figure this out.
For me this feels very much like a book that is building to something in book three. There's nothing wrong with that. Book two is short, and there isn't a single antagonist. I found Lewis' struggles to be enjoyable, but the payoff just isn't there at the end. That was a letdown.
The editing is good and the stats are there. We get to see more of the fictional world that seems to be based in England (Lewis mentions crossing the channel and that sounds like England). I wish there was a map but it isn't really needed as Lewis doesn't move around very much.
I hope book three is better. I'm giving book two 5/5* because I like this series but book three needs more. More fun, more mysteries, and more artificeries.
In book two Lewis has a mystery. It's a lamp from the place where Jester lives, and it has artificery in it but Lewis can't figure out what it does. It's this mystery that drives much of the story as Lewis has to level his skills so he can figure this out.
For me this feels very much like a book that is building to something in book three. There's nothing wrong with that. Book two is short, and there isn't a single antagonist. I found Lewis' struggles to be enjoyable, but the payoff just isn't there at the end. That was a letdown.
The editing is good and the stats are there. We get to see more of the fictional world that seems to be based in England (Lewis mentions crossing the channel and that sounds like England). I wish there was a map but it isn't really needed as Lewis doesn't move around very much.
I hope book three is better. I'm giving book two 5/5* because I like this series but book three needs more. More fun, more mysteries, and more artificeries.
January 14, 2024
I know a slice-of-life combined with the crafting ability book isn't for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one! As Lewis upgrades his Artificer's class! Of course he does that by being totally absorbed by the projects that he's working on, doing his due diligence and with people, friends and of course where he be without master Cooper. He does get additional training from the Artificer's guild and finding James a man who wanted to train him was a godsend. So go ahead and grab this awesome book, which you know you really want.
Here's a couple of quotes that I found amusing:
...where I was surprised to find that the afternoon was already over and the sun was putting on its orange pajamas and getting ready for bed.
As the day’s trading began she immediately flicked a switch in her head, turning from ‘mostly nice’ Paisley into ‘your gold is mine, you just don’t know it yet’ Paisley.
Here's a couple of quotes that I found amusing:
...where I was surprised to find that the afternoon was already over and the sun was putting on its orange pajamas and getting ready for bed.
As the day’s trading began she immediately flicked a switch in her head, turning from ‘mostly nice’ Paisley into ‘your gold is mine, you just don’t know it yet’ Paisley.
September 16, 2023
A Small Mystery Confronts Artificer Lewis.
A mysterious artificed lamp leads Lewis on a quest to decipher what it does. His first problem being it is too complex a bit of artifice for his Novice ranked skills to work effectively. Which, of course, means he must advance his skills first. Of course, endeavoring to hone his skills requires time, materials, and miodes; and both of the latter cost money; of which, of course, he has not enough to fund his expedition to gain experience! Oh, and one further complication — Lewis' Artifice Master has a new lady friend and, if things proceed well between them, he may need to get a wedding gift for them soon.
This is a sweet melding of LitRPG, Mystery, and Slice-of-Life genres. It is a nice read; especially if you want to take a break from more intense stories.
A mysterious artificed lamp leads Lewis on a quest to decipher what it does. His first problem being it is too complex a bit of artifice for his Novice ranked skills to work effectively. Which, of course, means he must advance his skills first. Of course, endeavoring to hone his skills requires time, materials, and miodes; and both of the latter cost money; of which, of course, he has not enough to fund his expedition to gain experience! Oh, and one further complication — Lewis' Artifice Master has a new lady friend and, if things proceed well between them, he may need to get a wedding gift for them soon.
This is a sweet melding of LitRPG, Mystery, and Slice-of-Life genres. It is a nice read; especially if you want to take a break from more intense stories.
January 5, 2025
This is a very cozy LitRPG with stakes so low that they may as well not exist. Practically nothing of consequence happens in the story. There's also not much development socially. While the protagonist grows as an artificer, there's nothing flashy or new about it. Nonetheless, I found the story strangely compelling and kept getting drawn back in when I tried to put it down. Also, the protagonist is pretty relentlessly positive and optimistic. I plan to continue reading the series.
October 14, 2023
Light slice of life
This is a simple crafters progress book. Lewis is working on his artificing and leveling up, doing this with his friends and just living life. This is the kind of book you read when you need something light and fun to read without the intense emotions, fighting or drama.
This is a simple crafters progress book. Lewis is working on his artificing and leveling up, doing this with his friends and just living life. This is the kind of book you read when you need something light and fun to read without the intense emotions, fighting or drama.
May 6, 2024
Jumped right in here after finishing book 1. Also cozy. 2 new characters, James and Jester, are welcome additions.
The book hinges on a simple artificery mystery involving a lamp that Jester inherited from his deceased aunt.
Overall, a solid addition to the series. Not maybe as good as #1, but if the rest of the books are like this I'll 100% read them all.
The book hinges on a simple artificery mystery involving a lamp that Jester inherited from his deceased aunt.
Overall, a solid addition to the series. Not maybe as good as #1, but if the rest of the books are like this I'll 100% read them all.
May 22, 2025
A normal life in a RPG!
This was a very good story. I enjoy the simplicity of it. I like RPGS for the sake of RPGS And I enjoy the story. I like the fact that this story is about background characters And they're the protagonist. This makes me want to play this kind of character in a role playing game. I give this a 4 out of 5! Cannot wait for the math next 1.
This was a very good story. I enjoy the simplicity of it. I like RPGS for the sake of RPGS And I enjoy the story. I like the fact that this story is about background characters And they're the protagonist. This makes me want to play this kind of character in a role playing game. I give this a 4 out of 5! Cannot wait for the math next 1.
September 22, 2023
Nice Interesting Novel
Really like this series. Not much to say, certainly nothing negative. Just like the first book of this series, there is no swearing, fighting, or killing, just a very nice story. Yes, I would highly recommend this series!
Really like this series. Not much to say, certainly nothing negative. Just like the first book of this series, there is no swearing, fighting, or killing, just a very nice story. Yes, I would highly recommend this series!
September 25, 2023
A fun sequel
I think that I enjoyed book 2 much more than book 1. The author didn't have to work so hard to establish the characters and the setting. Lewis was much more relaxed and fun. I look forward to reading book 3!
I think that I enjoyed book 2 much more than book 1. The author didn't have to work so hard to establish the characters and the setting. Lewis was much more relaxed and fun. I look forward to reading book 3!
October 1, 2023
A simple book but a good one
Never thought I'd enjoy a book about crafting but like many adventures it's about people relationships and challenges. One doesn't have to swing a sword to find inspiration and challenge oneself.
Looking forward to the next book
Never thought I'd enjoy a book about crafting but like many adventures it's about people relationships and challenges. One doesn't have to swing a sword to find inspiration and challenge oneself.
Looking forward to the next book
October 4, 2023
Small town crafter 2.
What a great read! I read it through in one sitting (alcohol did help) . really nice how he meets new friends and visits new places while increasing his skills.
Looking forward to book 3.
What a great read! I read it through in one sitting (alcohol did help) . really nice how he meets new friends and visits new places while increasing his skills.
Looking forward to book 3.
October 24, 2023
I loved everything about this book. Much like the first, the stakes were low but the story was compelling. I enjoy seeing Lewis grow and learn as well as his fellows around him. Now an initiate, I hope the next few keep up the high quality.
October 28, 2023
It's cute
It's interesting and adorable at times but overall I
F ok find it lacking. It seems lovely sweet at times but lacks actual flavor. There seems to be no real direction to the flow of the books and just drifts.
It's interesting and adorable at times but overall I
F ok find it lacking. It seems lovely sweet at times but lacks actual flavor. There seems to be no real direction to the flow of the books and just drifts.
January 15, 2024
Pretty darn good.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
January 25, 2024
A solid and pleasant series
Enjoyed this book possibly more than the first. It's just a nice, quite, slice of life story that's relaxing and fun to read. Looking forward to seeing more of Lewis in book 3.
Enjoyed this book possibly more than the first. It's just a nice, quite, slice of life story that's relaxing and fun to read. Looking forward to seeing more of Lewis in book 3.
May 22, 2024
I can't help but be charmed by this series. It's wildly low stakes but it hits me in the same place that some competitive reality shows do, like Great British Bake Off. People trying their best and helping each other get better, and showing off competence at the same time.
April 4, 2025
Great Read
This was a great extension of book the first one. I enjoy seeing Lewis' growing pains and frustrations with his trade and craft. I also enjoyed seeing the other characters relationships and business grow and thrive. I wonder what will be in the next book.
This was a great extension of book the first one. I enjoy seeing Lewis' growing pains and frustrations with his trade and craft. I also enjoyed seeing the other characters relationships and business grow and thrive. I wonder what will be in the next book.
September 14, 2023
very enjoyable
I really just love cozy fantasy/Gamelit, and this story is right up there with my other favorites. Will not disappoint fans of the genre.
I really just love cozy fantasy/Gamelit, and this story is right up there with my other favorites. Will not disappoint fans of the genre.
September 15, 2023
Great book
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
March 8, 2024
Enjoyable
Enjoyable easy read. No life or world threatening disasters. All in all a nice quiet read. Never got boring on me.
Enjoyable easy read. No life or world threatening disasters. All in all a nice quiet read. Never got boring on me.
July 22, 2024
Not bad. Quick refreshing read about crafting. Great palate cleanser you can read to recharge your batteries if you are in a reading slump.
October 4, 2024
3.5 stars
January 24, 2025
its alright. definitely still just what it says on the tin. i have an issue with novice being lower tier than initiate but thats just me I guess
February 1, 2025
As addicting as Artificer!
This was a welcome read as the first two were. No explosions or people being killed, just the life of people who genuinely care about each other.
This was a welcome read as the first two were. No explosions or people being killed, just the life of people who genuinely care about each other.
February 8, 2025
+1 for recap
March 9, 2025
Enjoyable
Just a nice little time. Pleasant story with believable characters. Kinda like living in a small town where you know all the people.
Just a nice little time. Pleasant story with believable characters. Kinda like living in a small town where you know all the people.
April 4, 2025
Great addition to the series
April 23, 2025
Opening story hook felt out of character and contrived to me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews