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Mana Mirror #1
The First Gate
When Malachi Baker stumbles into an offer of apprenticeship from the esteemed and powerful Occultist Orykson, he's left in shock and jumps at the chance to learn... Even if it means taking out a few loans.
Unfortunately, his new teacher sees him more as a tool than a student, and has set Malachi near-impossible goals before he becomes worthy of Orykson's full attention, and Malachi's innate power is only somewhat above average.
Worse, it turns out that Orykson has enemies more powerful than Malachi had ever imagined – and now their attention has landed solidly on him.
Torn between the mage who can offer him everything, and a strange old woman who offers him the chance to guide his own path, Malachi is left scrambling to find his purpose as a new mage.
What to expect:
- Slowburn to Power
- Slice of Life
- Queer Content
Unfortunately, his new teacher sees him more as a tool than a student, and has set Malachi near-impossible goals before he becomes worthy of Orykson's full attention, and Malachi's innate power is only somewhat above average.
Worse, it turns out that Orykson has enemies more powerful than Malachi had ever imagined – and now their attention has landed solidly on him.
Torn between the mage who can offer him everything, and a strange old woman who offers him the chance to guide his own path, Malachi is left scrambling to find his purpose as a new mage.
What to expect:
- Slowburn to Power
- Slice of Life
- Queer Content
- GenresFantasy
18 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 20, 2024
118 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 12, 2024
I didn’t hate this book, but I have a few major gripes that made this book a chore to finish. First off, I really enjoyed the beginning of the book as there was plenty of promise and potential for the characters and story to go.
As I read more of the book I realized that I disliked the main character. Perhaps it was the use of first person in lieu of third for their perspective, but Malachi’s thoughts and actions grated me. Malachi has a bit of an attitude when he speaks to people; he’s a bit of a smart ass. This isn’t bad in itself, but I feel it contrasts with the sort of meek character Bagely was trying to write.
Malachi is kind of.. dumb and whiny. It takes a “failed” mission to get Malachi to consider going to a mental magic specialist to deal with ADHD. But Malachi shouldn’t be the only one dealing with it. He’s had the problem since primary school, but he hasn’t found any kind of medication or coping mechanisms. He’s basically getting PEDs for his magic growth, but he can’t find the magic equivalent of Ritalin? He has a rich sponsor who’d definitely deal with the focus problem since it’s literally an investment that would make Malachi more productive.
On a worldbuilding note, I am very confused about people who are trans, intersex, and/or nonbinary. In the beginning of the story it seemed like Malachi was a one in ten thousand person with body dysmorphia significant enough to want to transition, but then there are 2-3 characters who are gender nonconforming, and it’s just sort of talked about openly. Malachi himself tells multiple people that transitioning is a major reason for his learning magic, and nobody bats an eye. And I believe only one instance of a joke is made, and that is in the last 30 pages of the book. It’s just confusing to tell whether or not the society is behind in acceptance.
On another note regarding worldbuilding, society seems pretty on par with ours in a technological sense, but it also seems pretty behind akin to medieval ways. There are cameras, complex contracts and bank loans, and energy drinks. Yet transitioning seems super expensive or based on the personal power of the person transitioning. It’s not particularly cheap in our society, but widespread magical means of any kind of medical service should be possible, no?
I could go on, but I really don’t want to say I hate the book. I just feel like the story could have been much better. The representation, while barebones, is great for those who don’t get to see themselves in a story.
As I read more of the book I realized that I disliked the main character. Perhaps it was the use of first person in lieu of third for their perspective, but Malachi’s thoughts and actions grated me. Malachi has a bit of an attitude when he speaks to people; he’s a bit of a smart ass. This isn’t bad in itself, but I feel it contrasts with the sort of meek character Bagely was trying to write.
Malachi is kind of.. dumb and whiny. It takes a “failed” mission to get Malachi to consider going to a mental magic specialist to deal with ADHD. But Malachi shouldn’t be the only one dealing with it. He’s had the problem since primary school, but he hasn’t found any kind of medication or coping mechanisms. He’s basically getting PEDs for his magic growth, but he can’t find the magic equivalent of Ritalin? He has a rich sponsor who’d definitely deal with the focus problem since it’s literally an investment that would make Malachi more productive.
On a worldbuilding note, I am very confused about people who are trans, intersex, and/or nonbinary. In the beginning of the story it seemed like Malachi was a one in ten thousand person with body dysmorphia significant enough to want to transition, but then there are 2-3 characters who are gender nonconforming, and it’s just sort of talked about openly. Malachi himself tells multiple people that transitioning is a major reason for his learning magic, and nobody bats an eye. And I believe only one instance of a joke is made, and that is in the last 30 pages of the book. It’s just confusing to tell whether or not the society is behind in acceptance.
On another note regarding worldbuilding, society seems pretty on par with ours in a technological sense, but it also seems pretty behind akin to medieval ways. There are cameras, complex contracts and bank loans, and energy drinks. Yet transitioning seems super expensive or based on the personal power of the person transitioning. It’s not particularly cheap in our society, but widespread magical means of any kind of medical service should be possible, no?
I could go on, but I really don’t want to say I hate the book. I just feel like the story could have been much better. The representation, while barebones, is great for those who don’t get to see themselves in a story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2024
I’ve been a big fan and advocate of Tobias Begley’s previous series (Journals of Evander Tailor) in the progression fantasy space. I appreciated how they balanced small scale magic-school stuff with overarching plots, included quality queer rep, and had a clear grasp on characterization within a breezy writing style. So after binging book 3 in that series and seeing he had a new one coming out, I was overjoyed to see he had a new book coming out!
This book is good for readers who like wholesome progression fantasy, casual queer representation, librarians as a major world power
Elevator Pitch: When Malachi got tested for magic and had the opportunity to pick opposing mana types for his spellcasting, he went with life and death mana. This caught the attention of a morally-questionable magi looking for a successor/experiment subject, and Malachi ended up becoming apprenticed to one of the most powerful spellcasters on the planet. He’ll go on side-quests, learn about down payments on buying brooms, and meet a variety of cute guys along the way as he pursues a path towards magic that (among other things) will let him fully transition.
What Worked for Me
A lot about this book was a pleasant surprise. Begley’s previous work did a great job of balancing tension and feeling constantly ‘on edge’. These were a much more chill reading experience. For people who like magic systems or progression fantasy, I think there’s enough here to enjoy and sink teeth into. The overaching story is mostly only hinted at so far, because the author has gone for a much more slice of life style story than my (admittedly moderate) previous progression fantasy books.
For me, slice of life lives or dies on characters, and the author has done a great job. They all feel interesting, accessible, and the type of people I’d want to read more about. The various mentors in particular provide fun counterpoints to each other. In general, I think this story benefited from a general increase in writing quality from Begley’s first series. I love those books, but the opening to book 1 in particular could have used a rework. This felt like a smooth read the entire way.
Finally, I appreciate the casual queer-positive world that has been crafted. Little things, like normalizing name changes, transition magic being an established fact of the world, and a wide variety of identities being repped (trans, nonbinary, gay, lesbian all present, with mention of ace identities in casual conversation). Mal still struggles with being in the wrong body, has to struggle with the limitations of binders, and had some worries about going to more rural places, but generally the queernorm vibes were really welcome.
What Didn’t Work for Me
Honestly, nothing. This book wasn’t revolutionary, and people who dislike progression fantasy books won’t enjoy this. For those who do though, this was a really fun read, and has cemented Begley as up there with Matt Dinniman as my favorite authors in the subgenere.
TL:DR a really fun book with positive vibes, a queernorm world, and slice of live meets progression fantasy elements
This book is good for readers who like wholesome progression fantasy, casual queer representation, librarians as a major world power
Elevator Pitch: When Malachi got tested for magic and had the opportunity to pick opposing mana types for his spellcasting, he went with life and death mana. This caught the attention of a morally-questionable magi looking for a successor/experiment subject, and Malachi ended up becoming apprenticed to one of the most powerful spellcasters on the planet. He’ll go on side-quests, learn about down payments on buying brooms, and meet a variety of cute guys along the way as he pursues a path towards magic that (among other things) will let him fully transition.
What Worked for Me
A lot about this book was a pleasant surprise. Begley’s previous work did a great job of balancing tension and feeling constantly ‘on edge’. These were a much more chill reading experience. For people who like magic systems or progression fantasy, I think there’s enough here to enjoy and sink teeth into. The overaching story is mostly only hinted at so far, because the author has gone for a much more slice of life style story than my (admittedly moderate) previous progression fantasy books.
For me, slice of life lives or dies on characters, and the author has done a great job. They all feel interesting, accessible, and the type of people I’d want to read more about. The various mentors in particular provide fun counterpoints to each other. In general, I think this story benefited from a general increase in writing quality from Begley’s first series. I love those books, but the opening to book 1 in particular could have used a rework. This felt like a smooth read the entire way.
Finally, I appreciate the casual queer-positive world that has been crafted. Little things, like normalizing name changes, transition magic being an established fact of the world, and a wide variety of identities being repped (trans, nonbinary, gay, lesbian all present, with mention of ace identities in casual conversation). Mal still struggles with being in the wrong body, has to struggle with the limitations of binders, and had some worries about going to more rural places, but generally the queernorm vibes were really welcome.
What Didn’t Work for Me
Honestly, nothing. This book wasn’t revolutionary, and people who dislike progression fantasy books won’t enjoy this. For those who do though, this was a really fun read, and has cemented Begley as up there with Matt Dinniman as my favorite authors in the subgenere.
TL:DR a really fun book with positive vibes, a queernorm world, and slice of live meets progression fantasy elements
September 9, 2024
Needs a warning lable
Sports bra? For a guy? Ok that was the indicator that this was not for me, would have been a decent book but I'm not gay nor do I want to read about a gay magician, a warning label would have been appreciated!!
Sports bra? For a guy? Ok that was the indicator that this was not for me, would have been a decent book but I'm not gay nor do I want to read about a gay magician, a warning label would have been appreciated!!
September 16, 2025
easy to read
But…
It sets up as a fantasy progression: young person comes of age, touches magic crystal to find out their future. So, Magic. Spells, alchemy, spirits, elementals, undead, monsters,…dry cleaners. “Shopping centers”. Corporations.
To me, it was a failure of imagination. They built a fantasy world and wanted bits of our world in it but couldn’t manage to re-invent those bits to better fit. ‘Dry cleaners’ is so mundane as to be ridiculous in the face of *magic*.
The ‘trans’ storyline was fairly unobjectionable. No proselytizing, most people simply accepted it, and only one person was even briefly confused. It made it simple and ‘normal’, which given magic and transformations is reasonable in world. If anything, it added a new flavor to some old tropes.
Some excellent concepts for Magic. And it *is* readable. But anachronisms kept throwing me out of the narrative.
**Edit to add: I finished it. The magic system is really well designed. Elements of Weirkey Chronicles, but substantially different. But there is also a bit of MarySue, where the MC has managed to stumble across some *amazing* opportunities: “Here’s a ring made by a dragon; here’s a special seed that is stupidly valuable; now you are being trained by THREE high rank mages.” It was a lot for only one book.
I bought book 2. Again, the magic system is fascinating. And there are plenty of deep plots hinted at. But the world-building is paper-thin in places.
***Edited again: Almost finished with book 2. The things I complained about are a bit more intrusive—‘grab a sandwich out of the *fridge*’, ‘solar or wind power generator’, etc. The ‘trans’ storyline is slightly more present with a developing relationship, but also the sheer prevalence of trans/queer characters gets a bit ridiculous (not that they exist, but how many is the MC going to trip over?!?). And the MC continues to have ‘fortunate encounters’ that veer into absurdity.
This just doesn’t read as a well considered and balanced narrative, but as wish-fulfillment. Well written, but fundamentally weak.
But…
It sets up as a fantasy progression: young person comes of age, touches magic crystal to find out their future. So, Magic. Spells, alchemy, spirits, elementals, undead, monsters,…dry cleaners. “Shopping centers”. Corporations.
To me, it was a failure of imagination. They built a fantasy world and wanted bits of our world in it but couldn’t manage to re-invent those bits to better fit. ‘Dry cleaners’ is so mundane as to be ridiculous in the face of *magic*.
The ‘trans’ storyline was fairly unobjectionable. No proselytizing, most people simply accepted it, and only one person was even briefly confused. It made it simple and ‘normal’, which given magic and transformations is reasonable in world. If anything, it added a new flavor to some old tropes.
Some excellent concepts for Magic. And it *is* readable. But anachronisms kept throwing me out of the narrative.
**Edit to add: I finished it. The magic system is really well designed. Elements of Weirkey Chronicles, but substantially different. But there is also a bit of MarySue, where the MC has managed to stumble across some *amazing* opportunities: “Here’s a ring made by a dragon; here’s a special seed that is stupidly valuable; now you are being trained by THREE high rank mages.” It was a lot for only one book.
I bought book 2. Again, the magic system is fascinating. And there are plenty of deep plots hinted at. But the world-building is paper-thin in places.
***Edited again: Almost finished with book 2. The things I complained about are a bit more intrusive—‘grab a sandwich out of the *fridge*’, ‘solar or wind power generator’, etc. The ‘trans’ storyline is slightly more present with a developing relationship, but also the sheer prevalence of trans/queer characters gets a bit ridiculous (not that they exist, but how many is the MC going to trip over?!?). And the MC continues to have ‘fortunate encounters’ that veer into absurdity.
This just doesn’t read as a well considered and balanced narrative, but as wish-fulfillment. Well written, but fundamentally weak.
August 7, 2024
This is a fairly cozy, queer progression fantasy. Our main character is Malachi Baker. We join him as he comes of age and discovers what his magical legacy is. He gets a fairly unique one that lets him learn a lot of different types of spells, attracting the attention of rather powerful players in the world.
While there are hints of the broader world, this is fairly slice of life. We hang out with him as he memorizes his spells and goes on quests from a job board to help others. He is also exceptionally lucky, which I would find annoying in a more serious book, but as I was looking for something low key I enjoyed it.
Malachi is a trans man. When he gets more power, he'll be able to magically transition, but for now he has to deal with a binder and worries about passing. There are a few other trans characters, including a nonbinary small town alchemist doctor who is possibly my favorite.
While there are hints of the broader world, this is fairly slice of life. We hang out with him as he memorizes his spells and goes on quests from a job board to help others. He is also exceptionally lucky, which I would find annoying in a more serious book, but as I was looking for something low key I enjoyed it.
Malachi is a trans man. When he gets more power, he'll be able to magically transition, but for now he has to deal with a binder and worries about passing. There are a few other trans characters, including a nonbinary small town alchemist doctor who is possibly my favorite.
February 16, 2024
For those seeking positive transmasc and nonbinary representation within a magical world akin to Sarah Lin and John Bierce's works, I HIGHLY recommend this series.
This series follows our MC through difficult decisions, rigorous magical training and some flirtatious instances... and yet Begley manages to do it all with a homey vibe!
The injections of PoV from some of the most powerful beings in the realm also add in their own factors to show how much potential for growth the mc has.
I spent so much time reading and re-reading this book, and have extremely high expectations for the next books in this series.
This series follows our MC through difficult decisions, rigorous magical training and some flirtatious instances... and yet Begley manages to do it all with a homey vibe!
The injections of PoV from some of the most powerful beings in the realm also add in their own factors to show how much potential for growth the mc has.
I spent so much time reading and re-reading this book, and have extremely high expectations for the next books in this series.
April 20, 2025
Very good story.
There is no BIG BAD or EVIL EMPIRE kind of conflict in this story.
At its heart, its about Malachi Baker's journey into young adulthood in a world full of magic.
There's plenty of magic, exploration, discovery; whilst also having heartfelt personal moments with friends and family.
The characters are top tier, and even the "villains" have a delightful moral complexity to them. People are just people in this story.
Now for the slightly spoilery bit: THE MAGIC SYSTEM
Its a bit like dnd with 9 tiers of magic, but very refreshing in a few key ways:
1) Magic has 14 mana types (not the standard 4 elements or 8 magic types of dnd) that i wont tell you about but they're very interesting. As an example, time and space are mana types but fire isn't (though fire can be wielded via magic).
2) Choices matter alot. There is no right choice, or meta build. You make your magic in many small choices in the same way you make your life with small life choices. Some matter more. Some less. But they all come together to weave the tapestry of YOU.
To sum it all up, 10/10 would make a deal with an Occultist again.
There is no BIG BAD or EVIL EMPIRE kind of conflict in this story.
At its heart, its about Malachi Baker's journey into young adulthood in a world full of magic.
There's plenty of magic, exploration, discovery; whilst also having heartfelt personal moments with friends and family.
The characters are top tier, and even the "villains" have a delightful moral complexity to them. People are just people in this story.
Now for the slightly spoilery bit: THE MAGIC SYSTEM
Its a bit like dnd with 9 tiers of magic, but very refreshing in a few key ways:
1) Magic has 14 mana types (not the standard 4 elements or 8 magic types of dnd) that i wont tell you about but they're very interesting. As an example, time and space are mana types but fire isn't (though fire can be wielded via magic).
2) Choices matter alot. There is no right choice, or meta build. You make your magic in many small choices in the same way you make your life with small life choices. Some matter more. Some less. But they all come together to weave the tapestry of YOU.
To sum it all up, 10/10 would make a deal with an Occultist again.
June 20, 2024
Having followed this author since his Evander Tailor books i was eager to see what they would do next so when he started writing Mana Mirror i was interested to see if it would live up to my expectations.
After following the story and reading this book i can wholeheartedly confirm that it does. This series has an interesting magic system, great characters who talk and act within their nature and comprehensive world building.
There is a sort of comfort to this series that reminds me of cozy fantasy but isn't technically of that genre.
I have seen the author say that they were influenced by kikis delivery service when writing this and you can really feel that. Everything feels grounded in reality and hometown stakes while also feeling highly magical due to the large amount of magic permeating through this world.
The MC is decisive and kind and gathers some interesting characters around him. Please try this book. Its fantastic.
After following the story and reading this book i can wholeheartedly confirm that it does. This series has an interesting magic system, great characters who talk and act within their nature and comprehensive world building.
There is a sort of comfort to this series that reminds me of cozy fantasy but isn't technically of that genre.
I have seen the author say that they were influenced by kikis delivery service when writing this and you can really feel that. Everything feels grounded in reality and hometown stakes while also feeling highly magical due to the large amount of magic permeating through this world.
The MC is decisive and kind and gathers some interesting characters around him. Please try this book. Its fantastic.
May 31, 2025
An Exemplary New Cultivation Series
Another amazing book from Tobias Begley. He and John Bierce are carving out this incredible, beautiful little intersection between queer fiction and progression fantasy. Honestly, I cannot get enough of it, absolutely gorgeous.
This book succeeds hugely on the mark of any solid progression fantasy: engrossing you in the development/acquirement of new magical powers, techniques, and/or items.
Tobias's signature style shines through once more, the shared DNA of his last series, the Journals of Evander Tailor making itself obvious, as Tobias consistently has a laser-tight focus on deep, detail-oriented magic systems, thoughtful queer representation, and intriguing world-building with a focus on the acknowledgment and deconstruction of oppressive structures of political power.
Can't wait to read next book. Tobias Begley is a name to watch, and a deep inspiration.
Another amazing book from Tobias Begley. He and John Bierce are carving out this incredible, beautiful little intersection between queer fiction and progression fantasy. Honestly, I cannot get enough of it, absolutely gorgeous.
This book succeeds hugely on the mark of any solid progression fantasy: engrossing you in the development/acquirement of new magical powers, techniques, and/or items.
Tobias's signature style shines through once more, the shared DNA of his last series, the Journals of Evander Tailor making itself obvious, as Tobias consistently has a laser-tight focus on deep, detail-oriented magic systems, thoughtful queer representation, and intriguing world-building with a focus on the acknowledgment and deconstruction of oppressive structures of political power.
Can't wait to read next book. Tobias Begley is a name to watch, and a deep inspiration.
May 27, 2025
This book doesn't have a traditional narrative arc or even a clear central conflict. I guess it's exactly as advertised: a slowburn slice-of-life, i.e., paragraphs after paragraphs for each triviality like which skill to practise first, or whether or not to bring a potion on the upcoming daytrip quest.
The other advertised thing: queer content. Before reading this book, I saw a reviewer saying "it doesn't hit you on the head with it", and I shrugged and thought "well ok, I don't mind either way". But after reading the umpteenth deliberation on whether to wear a sports bra or binder, annoyance at being hit in the chest, yet another character turning out to be trans... let's just say I'm mildly amused. I know yall have it tough.
The writing is otherwise decent and the magic system is imaginative, and that's what keeps me going for now. Plus the first two books are free!
The other advertised thing: queer content. Before reading this book, I saw a reviewer saying "it doesn't hit you on the head with it", and I shrugged and thought "well ok, I don't mind either way". But after reading the umpteenth deliberation on whether to wear a sports bra or binder, annoyance at being hit in the chest, yet another character turning out to be trans... let's just say I'm mildly amused. I know yall have it tough.
The writing is otherwise decent and the magic system is imaginative, and that's what keeps me going for now. Plus the first two books are free!
June 25, 2024
A nice read and interesting magic.
I came to this because I have enjoyed the authors other series. Overall, it was a very pleasant read, and as with Evan’s series, it’s nice to read a prog fantasy not laced with the straight male incel vibes common in the genre.
The magic system was well developed, the world intriguing. There was a trap I saw it falling into half way in, but it course corrected admirably and didn’t go down the expected path in the end (and is better for it). I caught maybe two or three typos but overall it’s to a high standard there too.
Overall really enjoyed it, see the author has the next two on patreon so probably gonna read those there.
I will say it’s quite plodding and slice of life so that might turn some off — I liked that but it would definitely be boring to some.
I came to this because I have enjoyed the authors other series. Overall, it was a very pleasant read, and as with Evan’s series, it’s nice to read a prog fantasy not laced with the straight male incel vibes common in the genre.
The magic system was well developed, the world intriguing. There was a trap I saw it falling into half way in, but it course corrected admirably and didn’t go down the expected path in the end (and is better for it). I caught maybe two or three typos but overall it’s to a high standard there too.
Overall really enjoyed it, see the author has the next two on patreon so probably gonna read those there.
I will say it’s quite plodding and slice of life so that might turn some off — I liked that but it would definitely be boring to some.
June 25, 2024
Such a pleasant tale
I like the world! It's got a blend of all these different aspects of magic and fantasy, and the mana garden is a really neat idea for the "inner world" as well as serves to show a clear progression in magic mastery and growth. And I like where the story is headed as well. Heartwarming and made me smile.
Also really appreciate how Tobias Begley portrayed his LGBTQ+ characters in this story. They were just another part of the world--they belonged. I personally love that, as I want my progression fantasy first in terms of story and content, with the wonderful representation adding to my enjoyment and the story.
I like the world! It's got a blend of all these different aspects of magic and fantasy, and the mana garden is a really neat idea for the "inner world" as well as serves to show a clear progression in magic mastery and growth. And I like where the story is headed as well. Heartwarming and made me smile.
Also really appreciate how Tobias Begley portrayed his LGBTQ+ characters in this story. They were just another part of the world--they belonged. I personally love that, as I want my progression fantasy first in terms of story and content, with the wonderful representation adding to my enjoyment and the story.
July 16, 2024
Having read the author's first series, I had good expectations about this new series. I loved the concept of mana gardens and the myriad customization options. It gives a much better visualization of the magical concepts as well as paves way for interesting interactions like visiting the magical space, tending to it, etc.
Writing and plot was easy to follow. The worldbuilding was nice but I'm waiting for more details about the most powerful of the magical users. Characters were memorable and I liked that many of the side-characters were good, competent and helpful in nature. I especially enjoyed the unexpected power up around the 80% mark and the twists at the end.
Writing and plot was easy to follow. The worldbuilding was nice but I'm waiting for more details about the most powerful of the magical users. Characters were memorable and I liked that many of the side-characters were good, competent and helpful in nature. I especially enjoyed the unexpected power up around the 80% mark and the twists at the end.
October 4, 2025
The progression and its related story elements—like the mana garden concept and the mentor characters are really the best of the book and pretty much carry it.
I think 4 star worthy.
The primary problem with this book is that half of it are the quests Malachi does for the watches and they're really boring.
They might as well be monster of the week side stories with not enough relevance to anything interesting. A few have some main plot related elements but mostly just set up. They're... okay in the sense that there's nothing egregious, but I'm tempted to skip them. 2 stars.
I liked the ending. I bought into the character's reasoning and thought it was well written. That's a half star added.
So that's 3.5 stars.
- Will edit in later if the series is worth it.
I think 4 star worthy.
The primary problem with this book is that half of it are the quests Malachi does for the watches and they're really boring.
They might as well be monster of the week side stories with not enough relevance to anything interesting. A few have some main plot related elements but mostly just set up. They're... okay in the sense that there's nothing egregious, but I'm tempted to skip them. 2 stars.
I liked the ending. I bought into the character's reasoning and thought it was well written. That's a half star added.
So that's 3.5 stars.
- Will edit in later if the series is worth it.
November 10, 2024
A thoroughly delightful read!
I'm do glad that I discovered Mr Begley’s books! The Mana Mirror book is another great example of his abilities to weave fascinating stories with vastly interesting characters and frame them with brilliant writing!
I'm do glad that I discovered Mr Begley’s books! The Mana Mirror book is another great example of his abilities to weave fascinating stories with vastly interesting characters and frame them with brilliant writing!
June 20, 2024
Impressive!
Exciting start to a new series. Enjoyed the complexity and depth of both the characters and world. Ready for the next book.
Exciting start to a new series. Enjoyed the complexity and depth of both the characters and world. Ready for the next book.
November 28, 2024
2.75/5
January 6, 2025
Entretenido eso si. Y me interesa seguir la saga, cozy, poco ambiocoso, abre demasiados frentes y todo sale bien siempre, pero esta OK. Me interesa el PJ principal.
April 19, 2025
Great world building
A cosy but exciting first installment. I look forward to the next book.
The magic system is intriguing, and the characters are deeply likable.
A cosy but exciting first installment. I look forward to the next book.
The magic system is intriguing, and the characters are deeply likable.
October 4, 2025
3.5 i enjoyed this. I still don't understand why he switched to meadow
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2024
Slice-of-life, coming-of-age progression fantasy. The protagonist is just coming into his magic and needs to understand and develop it in order to meet the terms of his apprenticeship to a mysterious, powerful mentor.
The main character is a hardworking, principled young man whose approach to learning yields interesting results, capabilities-wise. There are consequences to his choices, and his skills progression/development feels earned. (It's also great to see trans representation in fantasy, but interested readers should note that the story focuses on Malachi's development of his magic capabilities, not his gender identity. He is who he is, and he's living his best, magic-filled life. Terrific.)
The main character's abilities are developed mainly through self-driven learning, guided loosely by multiple mentor characters. There is a heavy focus on side quest-style, episodic adventures that explore various aspects of the world and introduce new side characters. The diversity of encounters makes the world feel more lived-in and three-dimensional.
As in many works of progression fantasy (and LitRPGs), a significant amount of the story is spent discussing the intricacies of the magic system (and pleasingly, how it affects individuals/society). This is great as long as readers enjoy detail-rich worldbuilding, but note that as this is a slice-of-life story, there is less plot to balance against the amount of information provided - so your mileage may vary.
As a side note, the writing is pretty good for the LitRPG/progression fantasy genres. (Primarily first person POV, interspersed with occasional side character perspectives in third person POV.)
The main character is a hardworking, principled young man whose approach to learning yields interesting results, capabilities-wise. There are consequences to his choices, and his skills progression/development feels earned. (It's also great to see trans representation in fantasy, but interested readers should note that the story focuses on Malachi's development of his magic capabilities, not his gender identity. He is who he is, and he's living his best, magic-filled life. Terrific.)
The main character's abilities are developed mainly through self-driven learning, guided loosely by multiple mentor characters. There is a heavy focus on side quest-style, episodic adventures that explore various aspects of the world and introduce new side characters. The diversity of encounters makes the world feel more lived-in and three-dimensional.
As in many works of progression fantasy (and LitRPGs), a significant amount of the story is spent discussing the intricacies of the magic system (and pleasingly, how it affects individuals/society). This is great as long as readers enjoy detail-rich worldbuilding, but note that as this is a slice-of-life story, there is less plot to balance against the amount of information provided - so your mileage may vary.
As a side note, the writing is pretty good for the LitRPG/progression fantasy genres. (Primarily first person POV, interspersed with occasional side character perspectives in third person POV.)
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