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Eldrich Engineer #1
Quantum Conjurations
His experiment shouldn’t have wrecked his lab, created a portal to another dimension, or sucked him through said portal.
Despite all that, Charles Smith found himself landing atop the emissary of an evil group of mages called the Shadow Council.
Literally on top of him, along with half the gear from his lab, which had the fortunate side-effect of turning the evil sorcerer into paste.
This won Charles the gratitude of King Alfred, ruler of the Kingdom of Kortall and the man who said sorcerer had been threatening moments before Smith’s arrival.But the reward for a job well done is always more work!
Alfred quickly recruits Charles to help defend his kingdom against the invading army. Wildly outmatched, Alfred’s forces are on the verge of being crushed. If he falls, there will be little to stop the Shadow Council from taking over the entire world.
Charles will need every trick he knows, including a lot of science, some engineering—and maybe even a little bit of magic—if Kortall is to have any hope of surviving!
Scroll up and click BUY NOW or READ FOR FREE to begin this epic LitRPG adventure!
Despite all that, Charles Smith found himself landing atop the emissary of an evil group of mages called the Shadow Council.
Literally on top of him, along with half the gear from his lab, which had the fortunate side-effect of turning the evil sorcerer into paste.
This won Charles the gratitude of King Alfred, ruler of the Kingdom of Kortall and the man who said sorcerer had been threatening moments before Smith’s arrival.But the reward for a job well done is always more work!
Alfred quickly recruits Charles to help defend his kingdom against the invading army. Wildly outmatched, Alfred’s forces are on the verge of being crushed. If he falls, there will be little to stop the Shadow Council from taking over the entire world.
Charles will need every trick he knows, including a lot of science, some engineering—and maybe even a little bit of magic—if Kortall is to have any hope of surviving!
Scroll up and click BUY NOW or READ FOR FREE to begin this epic LitRPG adventure!
- GenresFantasy
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2023
435 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Kevin O. McLaughlin
175 books138 followersWhen not practicing hobbies which include sailing, constructing medieval armor, and swinging swords at his friends, Kevin McLaughlin can usually be found in his Boston home. Kevin’s award-winning short fiction is now available in digital form at all major ebook retailers. He writes fantasy in settings both historical and contemporary, and science fiction in both the near and distant future.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 25, 2023
Simplistic Story
MC drops into a medieval word, but an interesting thing is that they all speak and act using current American slang. Writing and the story are very simplistic. It's not really a book for adults, more slanted towards adolescent readers. If someone wants a very easy read, then this is for you.
MC drops into a medieval word, but an interesting thing is that they all speak and act using current American slang. Writing and the story are very simplistic. It's not really a book for adults, more slanted towards adolescent readers. If someone wants a very easy read, then this is for you.
October 29, 2023
Just didn't have it. The idea had promise, but the execution seemed formulaic and the characters 2D at best. Might be aimed at a YA audience, but definitely missed me.
December 29, 2023
Fun but basic
The story was fun but the delivery is a bit dry. The author definitely knows some EE as few are knowledgeable about the 555. That said much of the work that MC did was a bit superficial and awfully fast even in a magical world. Considering he To use magic. I'm looking forward to that aspect in the future should it Come to pass. Not a lot of fluff or filler in the story. The side characters are barely adequate And few have any personality. The author perhaps needs to do a little more environmental description To allow the reader Understand the world and and feel connected to the environment.
The story was fun but the delivery is a bit dry. The author definitely knows some EE as few are knowledgeable about the 555. That said much of the work that MC did was a bit superficial and awfully fast even in a magical world. Considering he To use magic. I'm looking forward to that aspect in the future should it Come to pass. Not a lot of fluff or filler in the story. The side characters are barely adequate And few have any personality. The author perhaps needs to do a little more environmental description To allow the reader Understand the world and and feel connected to the environment.
December 12, 2023
And they’re off! With an excellent start!
So LITRPG has never been my thing, and it’s still a slog to read sometime, but I absolutely LOVE both Kevin’s and Mike’s writing, so I resolved to struggle through. Except…. There really was no struggle.
If I’m honest, I must admit that I’ve read two other LITRPG collaborations they have produced, and I’m pretty sure I used this exact same sentiment that I used here in both cases. You’d think I’d learn, but apparently I’m a slow start. ***sighs***
The only thing I didn’t like was not so much the LITRPG elements themselves, but rather the way they were introduced and explained. They did a much better job in the last two, but let’s face it, no one is perfect.
All in all, as is typical when they collaborate, it’s an engaging and exciting story. There’s always tension in the air and it doesn’t fad until they hit the big battle. So buckle up folks!
So LITRPG has never been my thing, and it’s still a slog to read sometime, but I absolutely LOVE both Kevin’s and Mike’s writing, so I resolved to struggle through. Except…. There really was no struggle.
If I’m honest, I must admit that I’ve read two other LITRPG collaborations they have produced, and I’m pretty sure I used this exact same sentiment that I used here in both cases. You’d think I’d learn, but apparently I’m a slow start. ***sighs***
The only thing I didn’t like was not so much the LITRPG elements themselves, but rather the way they were introduced and explained. They did a much better job in the last two, but let’s face it, no one is perfect.
All in all, as is typical when they collaborate, it’s an engaging and exciting story. There’s always tension in the air and it doesn’t fad until they hit the big battle. So buckle up folks!
October 22, 2023
pretty good story, very light on the RPG elements.
Story was interesting in its own way. The RPG elements were quite light. No explanations for certain things in the book, maybe it was written for younger people. Will read the next book because the story is enjoyable, and the main character is likable.
Story was interesting in its own way. The RPG elements were quite light. No explanations for certain things in the book, maybe it was written for younger people. Will read the next book because the story is enjoyable, and the main character is likable.
October 31, 2023
Good intro to what looks to be a fun series
This was a fun first book in what I hope is a long series. The characters were interesting, there was action, magic, dragons, tech, all mixed up in a really detailed story. I definitely recommend this one and hope the dragon eggs do play a surprise role in future books.
This was a fun first book in what I hope is a long series. The characters were interesting, there was action, magic, dragons, tech, all mixed up in a really detailed story. I definitely recommend this one and hope the dragon eggs do play a surprise role in future books.
November 24, 2023
New world
Dr. Charles Smith is showing a student one of his projects when there is an accident that changes his whole life. I enjoy LitRPG adventures, and this one has it all. There is plenty of sword fighting mixed with dwarves, goblins and lots of other creatures. I am looking forward to more books in this world and to see what happens to Dr. Smith.
Dr. Charles Smith is showing a student one of his projects when there is an accident that changes his whole life. I enjoy LitRPG adventures, and this one has it all. There is plenty of sword fighting mixed with dwarves, goblins and lots of other creatures. I am looking forward to more books in this world and to see what happens to Dr. Smith.
December 11, 2023
Outstanding and very entertaining start to this series!!!!
Congratulations to Kevin McLaughlin and Michael Anderle for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such interesting and exciting authors who not only write intelligently but also provide top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
Congratulations to Kevin McLaughlin and Michael Anderle for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such interesting and exciting authors who not only write intelligently but also provide top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories.
July 19, 2024
This is the worst book I have read in the genre. I read through chapter 14. There is no character struggle. It just explains how the mc succeeds in the new world. The characters are bland and unoriginal. The story is has similar feel to the anime In another world with my smartphone, but without any of the interesting parts.
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!!!!!! 1/10
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!!!!!! 1/10
August 14, 2025
I'm actually on book 2. Lot of things are shallower than Id like. And... Despite being listed in his "scroll" as being smart and charismatic... He displays neither trait. Fails to make any real effort to communicate with others and is just unaccountably stupid on some fronts. Come on author... Either he is stupid or he isn't... Please pick one.
October 6, 2025
Anderle on the cover is misleading
The cover art is amazing. Best part of the book, unfortunately. I don't see Michael Anderle's fingerprints on any part of this story. The plot is bare bones. The character development is rudimentary. There are a lot of holes here. So much detail needs to be added to make this a believable story. Sorry to say, but I cannot recommend it.
The cover art is amazing. Best part of the book, unfortunately. I don't see Michael Anderle's fingerprints on any part of this story. The plot is bare bones. The character development is rudimentary. There are a lot of holes here. So much detail needs to be added to make this a believable story. Sorry to say, but I cannot recommend it.
November 7, 2023
A Yankee in king Arthur court.
An outstanding fantasy novel.
A thrilling read that I really enjoyed.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
An outstanding fantasy novel.
A thrilling read that I really enjoyed.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action.
I look forward to the next one.
November 19, 2023
This book was okay
I liked the characters and the world. I felt like too much of the book was simple. The MC too easily solved every problem just in time. I'm not sure I'll read the second book. I didn't find anything awful, but also nothing that enthralled me.
I liked the characters and the world. I felt like too much of the book was simple. The MC too easily solved every problem just in time. I'm not sure I'll read the second book. I didn't find anything awful, but also nothing that enthralled me.
October 9, 2024
This book did not work for me at all.
The MC was all sorts of cliché.
The transfer was ridiculous.
The new world was all sorts of convenient.
The support cast was all sorts of flat.
Not my jam. YMMV.
The MC was all sorts of cliché.
The transfer was ridiculous.
The new world was all sorts of convenient.
The support cast was all sorts of flat.
Not my jam. YMMV.
November 10, 2023
not the typical LITRPG
This book was immensely fun but was rather light on the RPG aspects. I hope book two dives a little deeper into the magic!
This book was immensely fun but was rather light on the RPG aspects. I hope book two dives a little deeper into the magic!
December 15, 2023
Great read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
January 7, 2024
Fun
It’s been a while since I read of a 555. Nice to have the parts needed for fun speaker projects.
It’s been a while since I read of a 555. Nice to have the parts needed for fun speaker projects.
July 10, 2024
This reads like a simplistic young adult book.
September 15, 2024
DNF Chapter 35
Dry and Idc
Dry and Idc
October 27, 2024
I got 3/4ths of the way through this book before I gave up. I quit reading for one reason: the story being told is moronic. The book still gets two stars because the writing was fine, possibly even good, it is just so hard to tell the quality of writing when the quality of the story is so poor.
So, MC runs an experiment which ends up sucking him into a world with magic. MC, extremely conveniently, lands and kills a bad guy who is in the process of threatening a king. The king, beyond all reason and rational thought, immediately decides the future of his kingdom depends on MC. The kingdom is being attacked by a cabal of evil wizards. MC's big contribution is a single trebuchet which virtually turns the tide of the battle by itself. That is until the wizards enter the fight and start throwing lightning. Then a full on retreat begins (leaving the all important trebuchet for the bad guys but the author just conveniently ignores that fact).
Given the wizards overwhelming power the king is convinced to abandon his capital in favor of a guerilla campaign out of a mountain fort. Along the way the king, MC and co. are attacked by goblins and rescued by dwarves. (The king, apparently because the authors couldn't be bothered with sufficient story development, knew nothing of either the goblins or dwarves.) King, with MC's help, forms an alliance with the dwarves which raises two points: First, how the heck did this king manage without the MC since the king apparently can't accomplish anything on his own? Second, why did the dwarves not pursue an alliance earlier since their reason for one now is that they know all about the evil wizards including that the wizards will come for the dwarves next?
Among the more bizarre aspects of this story is how the dwarves immediately welcome the MC and share their military secrets (guns). This oddity is softened a fair bit since the MC can demonstrate a great deal of knowledge on the topic but really that should just lead to the dwarves pumping the MC for information not welcoming the MC like some long lost son. Then the king sends the MC on a mission. Note the MC is an ENGINEER, not a fighter or politician. Even more moronic, the king gives the MC his signet ring. Why is this moronic? Because the general of all the king's armies is going on this mission too. So the king just gave one of the most valuable items he possesses to someone he has known a few weeks over a life-long friend and confidant. Plus the mission is to the dukes of the kingdom, dukes who actually know the general but will not have even heard of the MC.
On the way to the first duke the MC and co. are attacked by an evil wizard with golems. MC has a chance to kill wizard and basically insta-win but doesn't do it because MC is shy about killing. I remember thinking like that when I was 13 or so but I was over it by the time I was 16. I am confident that by that time I understood that sometimes killing is necessary. So the point of this storyline is to allow the MC to agonize over killing an evil wizard who kills innocents (per earlier parts of the story) to make golems. I have read and heard this B.S. so many times over the years it is now very difficult for me to understand why authors continue to write MCs too stupid understand their immediate circumstances.
Anyway, as you can guess MC does eventually kill the evil wizard and, because consequences aren't a part of this story, the MC's delay doesn't even cost a life. MC goes to duke one and duke is happy to help. MC goes to duke two and discovers evil wizards have taken duke's children. MC, THE ENGINEER, infiltrates an enemy camp and rescues kids because the authors can't conceive of a story where someone other than the MC accomplishes something, even when that something is so far outside of the MC's core competencies as to be ridiculous.
I read through the return of the kids to duke two but frankly I only got this far because I was listening to this audiobook while busy mowing and doing other things. Had I taken even a moments time previously I would have dropped this book much sooner. The only good thing I can think to say about this book is that it is probably aimed at children so me, being 50ish, is not the target audience. Still, if there is one thing Harry Potter proves it is that books aimed at children don't have to suck.
Bottom line: If you even remotely resemble a discerning reader don't waste your time.
So, MC runs an experiment which ends up sucking him into a world with magic. MC, extremely conveniently, lands and kills a bad guy who is in the process of threatening a king. The king, beyond all reason and rational thought, immediately decides the future of his kingdom depends on MC. The kingdom is being attacked by a cabal of evil wizards. MC's big contribution is a single trebuchet which virtually turns the tide of the battle by itself. That is until the wizards enter the fight and start throwing lightning. Then a full on retreat begins (leaving the all important trebuchet for the bad guys but the author just conveniently ignores that fact).
Given the wizards overwhelming power the king is convinced to abandon his capital in favor of a guerilla campaign out of a mountain fort. Along the way the king, MC and co. are attacked by goblins and rescued by dwarves. (The king, apparently because the authors couldn't be bothered with sufficient story development, knew nothing of either the goblins or dwarves.) King, with MC's help, forms an alliance with the dwarves which raises two points: First, how the heck did this king manage without the MC since the king apparently can't accomplish anything on his own? Second, why did the dwarves not pursue an alliance earlier since their reason for one now is that they know all about the evil wizards including that the wizards will come for the dwarves next?
Among the more bizarre aspects of this story is how the dwarves immediately welcome the MC and share their military secrets (guns). This oddity is softened a fair bit since the MC can demonstrate a great deal of knowledge on the topic but really that should just lead to the dwarves pumping the MC for information not welcoming the MC like some long lost son. Then the king sends the MC on a mission. Note the MC is an ENGINEER, not a fighter or politician. Even more moronic, the king gives the MC his signet ring. Why is this moronic? Because the general of all the king's armies is going on this mission too. So the king just gave one of the most valuable items he possesses to someone he has known a few weeks over a life-long friend and confidant. Plus the mission is to the dukes of the kingdom, dukes who actually know the general but will not have even heard of the MC.
On the way to the first duke the MC and co. are attacked by an evil wizard with golems. MC has a chance to kill wizard and basically insta-win but doesn't do it because MC is shy about killing. I remember thinking like that when I was 13 or so but I was over it by the time I was 16. I am confident that by that time I understood that sometimes killing is necessary. So the point of this storyline is to allow the MC to agonize over killing an evil wizard who kills innocents (per earlier parts of the story) to make golems. I have read and heard this B.S. so many times over the years it is now very difficult for me to understand why authors continue to write MCs too stupid understand their immediate circumstances.
Anyway, as you can guess MC does eventually kill the evil wizard and, because consequences aren't a part of this story, the MC's delay doesn't even cost a life. MC goes to duke one and duke is happy to help. MC goes to duke two and discovers evil wizards have taken duke's children. MC, THE ENGINEER, infiltrates an enemy camp and rescues kids because the authors can't conceive of a story where someone other than the MC accomplishes something, even when that something is so far outside of the MC's core competencies as to be ridiculous.
I read through the return of the kids to duke two but frankly I only got this far because I was listening to this audiobook while busy mowing and doing other things. Had I taken even a moments time previously I would have dropped this book much sooner. The only good thing I can think to say about this book is that it is probably aimed at children so me, being 50ish, is not the target audience. Still, if there is one thing Harry Potter proves it is that books aimed at children don't have to suck.
Bottom line: If you even remotely resemble a discerning reader don't waste your time.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews