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Melody of Mana #4
Melody of Mana 4: A Progression Fantasy
Bardic mage and otherworlder Alana takes on sea monsters, secrets, and her own past as this captivating series blending epic fantasy and isekai continues.
It’s been almost two decades since Alana woke up from an accident on Earth to find herself transported into the body of a child in the kingdom of Bergond. In that time, she’s faced war and famine, deadly political plots and dull courtly traditions, magical mayhem and romantic entanglements, and she’s thrived through it all. Newly graduated from magic school, she’s ready for her next a quest to uncover long-buried secrets that will take her far from the city of Lithere and deep into the kingdom of the elves.
Only, Alana’s long voyage isn’t without its own set of complications. Between an encounter with a hurricane whale, a run-in with goblins, and less-than-friendly greetings upon reaching her destination, Alana’s cunning and spellcasting prowess are taxed from the moment she steps on the ship to leave her homeland. But none of those trials compare to what she'll find when she lands in an ancient power that could forever transform Bergond—and a startling connection to a life Alana thought she’d all but left behind . . .
With swashbuckling action on the high seas as well as the blend of politics, friendship, and intrigue that has defined the series thus far, Melody of Mana 4 is a must-read chapter in this irresistible progression fantasy.
The fourth volume of the hit progression-fantasy series—with more than three million views on Royal Road—now available on Audible and wherever ebooks are sold!
It’s been almost two decades since Alana woke up from an accident on Earth to find herself transported into the body of a child in the kingdom of Bergond. In that time, she’s faced war and famine, deadly political plots and dull courtly traditions, magical mayhem and romantic entanglements, and she’s thrived through it all. Newly graduated from magic school, she’s ready for her next a quest to uncover long-buried secrets that will take her far from the city of Lithere and deep into the kingdom of the elves.
Only, Alana’s long voyage isn’t without its own set of complications. Between an encounter with a hurricane whale, a run-in with goblins, and less-than-friendly greetings upon reaching her destination, Alana’s cunning and spellcasting prowess are taxed from the moment she steps on the ship to leave her homeland. But none of those trials compare to what she'll find when she lands in an ancient power that could forever transform Bergond—and a startling connection to a life Alana thought she’d all but left behind . . .
With swashbuckling action on the high seas as well as the blend of politics, friendship, and intrigue that has defined the series thus far, Melody of Mana 4 is a must-read chapter in this irresistible progression fantasy.
The fourth volume of the hit progression-fantasy series—with more than three million views on Royal Road—now available on Audible and wherever ebooks are sold!
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2023
67 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 19, 2024
I reviewed this as a series. It was really good. Details at the review of the first.
December 1, 2023
It was alright, but it lacked the character development that held my interest in the first two books. And for a "progression fantasy," there really wasn't any progress. Frankly, I'm a little disappointed. The quality of the writing itself was fine.
December 21, 2023
This is the post-jump-the-shark book. All the juicy built up conflict from the mixed morality of the Rebels was neatly canned in favor of a boat trip. Even as there was promises in book 1 and 2 of interesting wars and grand politics, they all suddenly became background noises to the main story - teenage romance. The inevitable fate of all Young Adult books.
April 6, 2025
This was an okay entry for the series. Unfortunately, it seemed like the editing/proofreading quality dipped by a few notches. But it wasn't until around the 80% mark that I was able to truly put my finger on what was missing: stakes personal to Alana based on what we've learned about her so far.
Don't get me wrong, the worldbuilding is interesting and it's probably the main thing that's kept me going this far. This isn't really one of those isekai "found family" stories though. Alana has been separated from her fantasy-world family for more years than she's been with them and even acknowledges to herself that she loves them but feels somewhat distant. Being reborn from a different world and keeping that secret just adds another layer of distance.
The main thing that seems important to Alana is her independence and agency in making her own decisions. It's important to the degree that she can come across as selfish, though understandably so, considering the secrets she has to keep regarding her otherworldly knowledge. Potential is a dangerous thing when the wrong people become aware of it before you have the ability to defend yourself.
The tail end of this book sets a proper hook by threatening Alana's independence as she's become too important to the empire. A skilled underling is a great thing, but only as long as the boss has no insecurities. Otherwise, that asset turns into a liability, or even worse: a threat.
I'm expecting things to advance in the next book and likely bring the royal remnants back into play. I'm unsure how long this series is supposed to be, but I can't help but hope it ends with Book 6 based on the current factors in play.
Don't get me wrong, the worldbuilding is interesting and it's probably the main thing that's kept me going this far. This isn't really one of those isekai "found family" stories though. Alana has been separated from her fantasy-world family for more years than she's been with them and even acknowledges to herself that she loves them but feels somewhat distant. Being reborn from a different world and keeping that secret just adds another layer of distance.
The main thing that seems important to Alana is her independence and agency in making her own decisions. It's important to the degree that she can come across as selfish, though understandably so, considering the secrets she has to keep regarding her otherworldly knowledge. Potential is a dangerous thing when the wrong people become aware of it before you have the ability to defend yourself.
The tail end of this book sets a proper hook by threatening Alana's independence as she's become too important to the empire. A skilled underling is a great thing, but only as long as the boss has no insecurities. Otherwise, that asset turns into a liability, or even worse: a threat.
I'm expecting things to advance in the next book and likely bring the royal remnants back into play. I'm unsure how long this series is supposed to be, but I can't help but hope it ends with Book 6 based on the current factors in play.
May 1, 2024
Great addition 4.5/5
December 5, 2023
zero magical progression
There is Zero magic progression despite a large time skip. The main character still only utilized two or three abilities and came off as fairly weak. The fact that she then passes on an opportunity to grow stronger and places herself as a damsel in distress to the emperors whims. Overall not bad writing but it’s annoying to read about weak powered and weak willed characters.
There is Zero magic progression despite a large time skip. The main character still only utilized two or three abilities and came off as fairly weak. The fact that she then passes on an opportunity to grow stronger and places herself as a damsel in distress to the emperors whims. Overall not bad writing but it’s annoying to read about weak powered and weak willed characters.
June 22, 2024
The world has become a bit to open. The leadership a bit to sus. The creep vibes are too high.
It's a great piece of work honestly.... but she's not a good friend. And it's in first person so that means character developent is a dud outside of the MC. The side characters never see enough emotional investment. Even her priest girlfriend from book 2-3 was half ass. At the same time it's insanly good series except for that. It almost makes me wish they'd not try and keep hamfisting these romance plotlines or lean into the bi plot line.
I dislike the factthat shes the smartest of the smart. Except for the old mage. i'd have love if someone around her "real iskei age" was smart like her. Someone she could connect to. Just feels empty that way.
Keeps hinting at a gear upgrade no advancement on that in this book.
It's a great piece of work honestly.... but she's not a good friend. And it's in first person so that means character developent is a dud outside of the MC. The side characters never see enough emotional investment. Even her priest girlfriend from book 2-3 was half ass. At the same time it's insanly good series except for that. It almost makes me wish they'd not try and keep hamfisting these romance plotlines or lean into the bi plot line.
I dislike the factthat shes the smartest of the smart. Except for the old mage. i'd have love if someone around her "real iskei age" was smart like her. Someone she could connect to. Just feels empty that way.
Keeps hinting at a gear upgrade no advancement on that in this book.
February 22, 2024
Enjoyable
Overall, I would say it was a enjoyable read, the same could be said about the previous three books. I particularly liked the the section in which they were at see, as well as discovery, to a rather important person midway through the story. Although I did find it funny that she was considered average by that person as well. Although I do hope that she will one day get strong enough that she can break, the bonds that those above her wish to place on her, so that she is no longer a pawn to the plot and plans of others.
Overall, I would say it was a enjoyable read, the same could be said about the previous three books. I particularly liked the the section in which they were at see, as well as discovery, to a rather important person midway through the story. Although I did find it funny that she was considered average by that person as well. Although I do hope that she will one day get strong enough that she can break, the bonds that those above her wish to place on her, so that she is no longer a pawn to the plot and plans of others.
November 30, 2023
I'm reading and enjoying this web novel. Sections of that web novel are being collected as ebooks. That worked for vol. 1, which is a good place to start if you haven't read MofM and it looks as if it might appeal to you.
MofM volume 4 doesn't work as well. As a book being read from one end to the other, it lacks plot structure. This could possibly have been addressed by sizing the ebooks so they encompassed major arcs, rather than splitting them where the page count dictated.
MofM volume 4 doesn't work as well. As a book being read from one end to the other, it lacks plot structure. This could possibly have been addressed by sizing the ebooks so they encompassed major arcs, rather than splitting them where the page count dictated.
December 9, 2023
All together disappointing, after 1 & 2 being quite perfect, and 3 excellent. I often lost the thread or couldn't identify who was talking or thinking, but didn't care. In other words: it didn't engage my full attention, as the prior ones did, especially the first two. The writing and world are both fine. I lost my enthusiasm for the main character. Too many fights/battles, too.
December 13, 2023
Great series from the beginning to now
Really enjoyed this series, to the point that every time a new book comes out I start at the very beginning and read through the newest book. Makes me really appreciate the detail, and the time that the author has put into developing the characters and the world that they live in.
Really enjoyed this series, to the point that every time a new book comes out I start at the very beginning and read through the newest book. Makes me really appreciate the detail, and the time that the author has put into developing the characters and the world that they live in.
August 27, 2025
I really liked the first book and bought the series, but it has been spiraling down
I hope the author gets their groove back, but I am done with the series for a while. This just felt… forced out? Maybe try a new project or something? I just don’t care about the main character anymore.
I hope the author gets their groove back, but I am done with the series for a while. This just felt… forced out? Maybe try a new project or something? I just don’t care about the main character anymore.
December 15, 2025
this book feels like a bit of a letdown after the previous ones. the freedom so important to the mc is given up, the good guy new leadership seems more and more sus and character development for the mc seems contradictory with what happened so far. still a decent read but after how good the books before were it feels like a bit of a letdown.
September 28, 2025
Reading on Royal Road. Not as interesting for me as the other books. Disasters/attacks/danger seems disproportional to what others experience in the world. Elves are weird I agree. Would have liked more time with Justin.
March 27, 2024
This says a lot about society
April 20, 2024
Lots of action, expanded lore, and potential romance. Nice!
July 25, 2024
1st half good. 2nd half not. Alana is such a better character when she’s not around her family. When she’s back home/ with family she just becomes a push over.
January 16, 2025
I'm off to pick up the next book. I wonder what the end result of the series will be.
Too many people know she has secrets.
3/5 Stars
Too many people know she has secrets.
3/5 Stars
April 3, 2025
This series continues to be a fun read. There was a lot of lives lost on a journey across the sea and fighting against a monster in some ancient "ruins" that are not really in ruin. The MC meets some just like her and learns some things but not as much as she could have. She also briefly becomes a potential enemy of the new empire, had that been the direction the story took it would have been interesting to see but she was ultimately cleared if not watched a bit more closely. There have been some hints at romantic interest in previous novels and she has dated but she now has someone interested in her even though she expresses very little interest there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews