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Minute Mage #1
Minute Mage
Arlan is a young hero who one day gains the ability to travel back a short period of time, allowing him a second chance to face any challenge. Sounds overpowered, right?
But his ability isn't without limitations. He's restricted to only a single use per day.
The good news? Every time he levels up, he can go back a little further. Every second counts! Arlan may be growing more powerful, yet he's never been in more danger. Demon magic was never supposed to make its way into the hands of humans, and its original owners would go to any lengths to take it back...
Don't miss the start of a new LitRPG Adventure filled with time magic, three-dimensional characteres, a crunchy LitRPG System, tactical combat, and power progression where level-ups are hard-earned and bring with them meaningful change in characters’ abilities.
But his ability isn't without limitations. He's restricted to only a single use per day.
The good news? Every time he levels up, he can go back a little further. Every second counts! Arlan may be growing more powerful, yet he's never been in more danger. Demon magic was never supposed to make its way into the hands of humans, and its original owners would go to any lengths to take it back...
Don't miss the start of a new LitRPG Adventure filled with time magic, three-dimensional characteres, a crunchy LitRPG System, tactical combat, and power progression where level-ups are hard-earned and bring with them meaningful change in characters’ abilities.
842 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 29, 2023
The time loop ability is a very cool idea and every once in a while it was used in an interesting way.
Unfortunately, most of the rest of the book was tedious. The stat crawls, long passages of chewing over the math, and Philosophy 101 speeches all dragged the story to a halt. I skimmed the devil in hell chapters after the first couple because I just couldn’t deal with any of it. I eye rolled all the blushing and cringe flirting attempts, but it never got too out of hand. No creepy harem vibes at all.
I should have known the style wasn’t going to be one I would enjoy after the first series of “Oh, well” and “Well,” statements.
Really, this could use a strong edit. There’s a core of good stuff worth highlighting. As it is, I won’t be digging for more. 1.5 stars.
December 25, 2023
A flimsy idea lacking any kind of base.
There is no world building and the character descriptions are non-existent. The spell spamming is ridiculous. The balance regarding the demons towards the end is atrocious. The main story line is reactive and simplistic. This is a gimmick combined with skill notices disguised as a story. It does not work.
There is no world building and the character descriptions are non-existent. The spell spamming is ridiculous. The balance regarding the demons towards the end is atrocious. The main story line is reactive and simplistic. This is a gimmick combined with skill notices disguised as a story. It does not work.
December 27, 2023
My first LitRPG, and the first one I've come across that I didn't immediately write off as complete rubbish. For now, as guilty as pleasures get. Was going to give this two stars AND a positive review, but decided to bump it up in the end since the story gradually got better and more involved.
While very readable, it's amateur fiction, unabashedly nerdy, and very obviously so. Felt more like reading, I dunno, a web page or a blog or something than what you'd call a "book" - which makes sense, since it's a web novel after all. A stern editor and possibly some writing classes might do the author a whole lot of good, but the end result really isn't without its charms. The story does grab you and stay pretty consistently entertaining (possibly thanks in part to the somewhat formulaic structure - you really start to notice some mannerisms as you read on!), and it's not ALL just geeky number wankery or wish-fulfillment. The more comedic sections have, at best, an air of "Pratchett lite" to them, and some of the "non-combat" encounters with different species to me feel genuinely interesting and imaginative. These, shall we say, "almost literary" moments manage to make the reading experience more immersive and create expectations for whatever the author might have in mind for the world and characters in the future.
While very readable, it's amateur fiction, unabashedly nerdy, and very obviously so. Felt more like reading, I dunno, a web page or a blog or something than what you'd call a "book" - which makes sense, since it's a web novel after all. A stern editor and possibly some writing classes might do the author a whole lot of good, but the end result really isn't without its charms. The story does grab you and stay pretty consistently entertaining (possibly thanks in part to the somewhat formulaic structure - you really start to notice some mannerisms as you read on!), and it's not ALL just geeky number wankery or wish-fulfillment. The more comedic sections have, at best, an air of "Pratchett lite" to them, and some of the "non-combat" encounters with different species to me feel genuinely interesting and imaginative. These, shall we say, "almost literary" moments manage to make the reading experience more immersive and create expectations for whatever the author might have in mind for the world and characters in the future.
January 21, 2024
Book one
This just wasn't that good. Lots of little problems. Like maybe this is a first time writing.
Let me give you a couple of examples.
The MC is just constantly tripping over animals and monsters. I mean that they keep getting under his feet. He goes a little murder hobo around midnight just going along killing all kinds of creatures. How can he even see them?
It's a medieval society and he doesn't know how to light a fire? Can't navigate in the woods and is wondering around lost? Got dehydrated stupid fast even though he started out with a full water bottle?
Just lots of little mistakes that throw off the story.
I understand that people don't want to discourage the author but this isn't a five star book. Not even a four star book.
I wish I could give a better review, but I don't think it would honest.
5/10 Great length.
This just wasn't that good. Lots of little problems. Like maybe this is a first time writing.
Let me give you a couple of examples.
The MC is just constantly tripping over animals and monsters. I mean that they keep getting under his feet. He goes a little murder hobo around midnight just going along killing all kinds of creatures. How can he even see them?
It's a medieval society and he doesn't know how to light a fire? Can't navigate in the woods and is wondering around lost? Got dehydrated stupid fast even though he started out with a full water bottle?
Just lots of little mistakes that throw off the story.
I understand that people don't want to discourage the author but this isn't a five star book. Not even a four star book.
I wish I could give a better review, but I don't think it would honest.
5/10 Great length.
January 17, 2025
4 because was it really necessary to have Camilla killed? 🥺
April 28, 2024
Hands down one of the worst written books I've ever read. Everything comes together to make an insufferable mess, the telling not showing, the dialogue, the character writing, the action, the plot, and the game system (+ the narrator if you're listening to the audiobook). The book could be drastically improved if you cut out half of it! But to make it actually good you'd need a complete rewrite.
The dialogue oscillates between shower arguments and "as You Know" statements.
The main character feels detached, like he's just playing a game. He barely reacts when people die before him, or when he himself almost dies for that matter. He seems incapable of experiencing trauma or emotion. He just lives to grinds skills like I do when I play oblivion.
The author needs to take a few years to mature as a writer before he can write anything readable. There is a distinct lack of confidence, he will add in clunky superfluous dialogue and explanations as if he doesn't believe the reader understands him if he doesn't hammer home the point.
Still, a lot of people seem to enjoy the book, so if you don't care for writing in books, maybe you'd enjoy it.
The dialogue oscillates between shower arguments and "as You Know" statements.
The main character feels detached, like he's just playing a game. He barely reacts when people die before him, or when he himself almost dies for that matter. He seems incapable of experiencing trauma or emotion. He just lives to grinds skills like I do when I play oblivion.
The author needs to take a few years to mature as a writer before he can write anything readable. There is a distinct lack of confidence, he will add in clunky superfluous dialogue and explanations as if he doesn't believe the reader understands him if he doesn't hammer home the point.
Still, a lot of people seem to enjoy the book, so if you don't care for writing in books, maybe you'd enjoy it.
August 1, 2024
Good solid story. Very enjoyable. Good dialogue.
For an 800 page story it read pretty fast. Main character is good and logical, sometimes the pacing slows as they get into the game leveling Dynamics, but not enough to bog the story down.
I enjoy stories where the main character remains free to make his own choices, keeping his agency instead of always going from a to b because he's forced to because of a circumstances. Hear the main character is forced to make choices but those choices are his and he lives with the consequences.
A time altering story is tough to remain logical, however the story keeps it simple and fast-paced. The odds against the main character seem to be insurmountable, so there may be some logical issues in the plot there however book one is very enjoyable and worth the read. I look forward to book two.
For an 800 page story it read pretty fast. Main character is good and logical, sometimes the pacing slows as they get into the game leveling Dynamics, but not enough to bog the story down.
I enjoy stories where the main character remains free to make his own choices, keeping his agency instead of always going from a to b because he's forced to because of a circumstances. Hear the main character is forced to make choices but those choices are his and he lives with the consequences.
A time altering story is tough to remain logical, however the story keeps it simple and fast-paced. The odds against the main character seem to be insurmountable, so there may be some logical issues in the plot there however book one is very enjoyable and worth the read. I look forward to book two.
December 21, 2023
Minute Mage is the first book in a new series, and while the book description is (slightly) inaccurate, it's still close enough. It claims he stole the magic. (spoiler), no he didn't. It was earned fair and square, and at nearly the cost of his own life. Others didn't fair so well, and from then on, he was a hunted man. The demons want their magic back, the humans want the demons to go away, and he just wants to live his life in peace. It all comes down to one heck of a story, and one I highly recommend to any LitRPG fan. Lots of fun stuff here, and a great story to boot, what's not to like?
December 26, 2023
minute Mage not my type of book but it’s OK.
Didn’t care for the book because it was very implausible. Yes I can understand the MC is a time manipulator. But two mages out in the woods with no healers or no healing abilities, no potions, healing or manor in a real game setting they would be already killed. You may like this book but I did not. Not to say, it’s all bad there are some good qualities in the book but the MC and his sidekick trudging through the woods alone. No back up no supplies, not my type of book.
Didn’t care for the book because it was very implausible. Yes I can understand the MC is a time manipulator. But two mages out in the woods with no healers or no healing abilities, no potions, healing or manor in a real game setting they would be already killed. You may like this book but I did not. Not to say, it’s all bad there are some good qualities in the book but the MC and his sidekick trudging through the woods alone. No back up no supplies, not my type of book.
July 15, 2024
I have always been a fan of fantasy, but this was my first introduction to the lit RPG genre which I read to support my cousin, Reg. The story centers around Arlan Nota, who, through a bit of luck, gains the ability to travel back in time for one minute each day. As he gains strength, he is able to increase the length and number of times he can use it each day and uses it to his strategic advantage. There was a lot of action but also good character development and likable characters. Looking forward to the next novel in the series.
March 26, 2024
A so so book
I just re-listen to the book because I bought book 2. Welp, I forgot the author used totally absurd demon names that are also stupidly long. My second issue - How is it the kingdom has whole lot of low level people? (Like level 30ish or less - The king is the highest level people, I can remember level 30ish)
The demon’s just dominate the humans. Seriously, there isn’t anybody to confront the demons when they attack multiple kingdoms?
Those are really my main 2 complaints about the book. Here to hoping book 2 is better.
I just re-listen to the book because I bought book 2. Welp, I forgot the author used totally absurd demon names that are also stupidly long. My second issue - How is it the kingdom has whole lot of low level people? (Like level 30ish or less - The king is the highest level people, I can remember level 30ish)
The demon’s just dominate the humans. Seriously, there isn’t anybody to confront the demons when they attack multiple kingdoms?
Those are really my main 2 complaints about the book. Here to hoping book 2 is better.
December 16, 2023
Really enjoyed this book
I can't wait for the next book in the series. It is not a gimic book. The power is well thought up and is not the focus of the series. Great worlds, magic system, and character development. Love the fact that demons are trying to kill him. (Read the book to find out why)
I can't wait for the next book in the series. It is not a gimic book. The power is well thought up and is not the focus of the series. Great worlds, magic system, and character development. Love the fact that demons are trying to kill him. (Read the book to find out why)
December 26, 2023
A good read
This was a good read and I enjoyed it, but if I had to give some feedback it would be the MC is too focused on how he can level up and get stronger all the time. Not a whole lot of character development, just always what do I need to do to maximize my power. Looking forward to the next.
This was a good read and I enjoyed it, but if I had to give some feedback it would be the MC is too focused on how he can level up and get stronger all the time. Not a whole lot of character development, just always what do I need to do to maximize my power. Looking forward to the next.
February 3, 2024
Too many numbers
The storyline was unique but it just seemed like you had to wade through tables and numbers every other page. The main character was barely likeable and with his ability to go back and correct any problem it just got boring. However, the author is very talented and with a good publisher and honest feedback he will do well. Also the book was way to long.
The storyline was unique but it just seemed like you had to wade through tables and numbers every other page. The main character was barely likeable and with his ability to go back and correct any problem it just got boring. However, the author is very talented and with a good publisher and honest feedback he will do well. Also the book was way to long.
February 29, 2024
Great start then turns garbage
So it's an interesting premise and I really like the variety but the world building is very weak and about a third of the way through the story just gets really stupid and basically from there on out it's just plot armor. Extremely disappointing how this turned out.
So it's an interesting premise and I really like the variety but the world building is very weak and about a third of the way through the story just gets really stupid and basically from there on out it's just plot armor. Extremely disappointing how this turned out.
February 14, 2026
My first book I have read in the this genre, LitRPG. Really enjoyed the story. Captivating characters. Of course, it is also written by my nephew, so it has been fun to talk to him about the story. This is book 1 of a 4 part series. Way more violence than I usually read, but the story is engrossing.
March 17, 2026
My first book I have read in the this genre, LitRPG.
Really enjoyed the story. Captivating characters. Of course, it is also written by my nephew, so it has been fun to talk to him about the story. This is book 1 of a 4 part series. Way more violence than I usually read, but the story is engrossing.
Really enjoyed the story. Captivating characters. Of course, it is also written by my nephew, so it has been fun to talk to him about the story. This is book 1 of a 4 part series. Way more violence than I usually read, but the story is engrossing.
December 25, 2023
interesting story
Overall good read, I will read the next one. However, the Demon names are terrible. They are needlessly long and jarring to the reading experience.
There are some minor mistakes with continuity on the levels, but they end up correct on the next level up.
Overall good read, I will read the next one. However, the Demon names are terrible. They are needlessly long and jarring to the reading experience.
There are some minor mistakes with continuity on the levels, but they end up correct on the next level up.
January 8, 2024
This barely got a 3-star. Way too many plot/world-building holes. In addition, chapters not focused on the MC seem pointless and distracting.
Will try one more, but not holding out a lot of hope that I'll finish it.
Will try one more, but not holding out a lot of hope that I'll finish it.
February 2, 2024
Interesting setup
I enjoyed reading about the demons and how hellish and annoying their work was. And how each promotion was a percentage workspace increase with a longer name. Talk about hell. I like the dynad and other characters too. The demon is entertaining.
I enjoyed reading about the demons and how hellish and annoying their work was. And how each promotion was a percentage workspace increase with a longer name. Talk about hell. I like the dynad and other characters too. The demon is entertaining.
February 18, 2024
nice idea with the time magic.
But I couldn't get in the flow. There is the demon side that is just like a parody of some kind and on the MCs side the MC goes from despair to despair. Not my kind of story.
But I couldn't get in the flow. There is the demon side that is just like a parody of some kind and on the MCs side the MC goes from despair to despair. Not my kind of story.
April 12, 2024
cool concept and evolution
I enjoyed this. I like how the class isn’t solely about time and that he is a mage as well. It gave the story more flavor.
The constantly running plot did get a little old though.
I enjoyed this. I like how the class isn’t solely about time and that he is a mage as well. It gave the story more flavor.
The constantly running plot did get a little old though.
July 29, 2024
Whew made it
I had to work to get through this. I wasn't appreciative of the magic system or how weapons work. The character spends a lot of time thinking things over which got really boring for me.
I had to work to get through this. I wasn't appreciative of the magic system or how weapons work. The character spends a lot of time thinking things over which got really boring for me.
December 19, 2023
Nice
Takes care of the time paradox nicely, and nice world building for a nice yarn. Nothing fancy, but a fun read.
Takes care of the time paradox nicely, and nice world building for a nice yarn. Nothing fancy, but a fun read.
December 21, 2023
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
December 22, 2023
Not well-written enough to make up for the unfortunate decision to start with the protagonist lost in a boring forest, depressed and scavenging for clumps of dirt, for chapter after chapter. I wish him luck finding his way out but I don’t care enough to read about it.
December 23, 2023
Too much RPG in the LITRPG. Stats, leveling, and all the rest.
January 6, 2024
I wanted to like it, and there was a segment in the middle where I was mostly having a good time, but there was too much (in the system and in the plot) that just didn't make sense
January 10, 2024
Best read yet
January 16, 2024
Reads like a power fantasy by someone a little slow. There's a good concept somewhere in there, but it's not executed well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews