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Resistance Above Magic #1
Resistance Above Magic
Determination is what made Levy a traveler, but only resistance will lead to new levels.
Ancient powers are about to collide. The world is on the verge of changing, and all Levy wanted was to start leveling.
Stuck with a specialization that’s mostly used for buffing in towns for coin, Levy doesn’t look at it as a disadvantage, even if everyone else does. He expected to take the road most traveled, but it looks like he’s going to have to carve his own path and be the first enchanter to reach max level. First he’d better learn everything he can about the system of mana that seems to have a grudge against mankind…and may even have something to do with the burgeoning war.
About the Story: Join Levy on his crunchy, epic loot hunting, complex magic system navigating, dungeon exploring, party management adventure. All characters are born into this LitRPG world that is rife with ancient sorcerers and historic rivalries.
Ancient powers are about to collide. The world is on the verge of changing, and all Levy wanted was to start leveling.
Stuck with a specialization that’s mostly used for buffing in towns for coin, Levy doesn’t look at it as a disadvantage, even if everyone else does. He expected to take the road most traveled, but it looks like he’s going to have to carve his own path and be the first enchanter to reach max level. First he’d better learn everything he can about the system of mana that seems to have a grudge against mankind…and may even have something to do with the burgeoning war.
About the Story: Join Levy on his crunchy, epic loot hunting, complex magic system navigating, dungeon exploring, party management adventure. All characters are born into this LitRPG world that is rife with ancient sorcerers and historic rivalries.
487 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2023
863 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 11, 2024
This needs an explanation for the setting.
The complexity of the system and the crunchy writing need a proper setting to give it all context. This also lacks any real direction for the story advancement. It is tedious to read and the ending comes out of left field. There is no satisfaction to be had.
The complexity of the system and the crunchy writing need a proper setting to give it all context. This also lacks any real direction for the story advancement. It is tedious to read and the ending comes out of left field. There is no satisfaction to be had.
February 19, 2024
The focus on enchanting was cool and I liked the MC’s creativity with it. The book was a bit of a drag, though. The fights soon became boring and the stakes aren’t really present for a long stretch. The lack of tension made it easier to focus on how annoying I found the made up swearing.
So, to borrow a couple of overused phrases, I had hoped this would turn out to be some pumpkins, but got a bit too much Hoarry’s taint for it to be truly fun.
So, to borrow a couple of overused phrases, I had hoped this would turn out to be some pumpkins, but got a bit too much Hoarry’s taint for it to be truly fun.
January 8, 2024
This is the first book I've read by this author.
Levy joins a group of people his age who plan to go through a short dungeon so they can level up. Everyone else is in a group of three to enhance their chances of success, and while he would love to team up with someone else no one wants to team up with him since he is an enchanter.
That's the setup for the book. After the dungeon is over, he does manage to join a group, and they search the wilds surrounding the city to kill monsters and take quests. The book flows easily and there are plenty of stats, item descriptions, spells, and much more for those who enjoy that sort of thing. The editing is okay but not great, but it didn't detract from the story. Levy has a unique skillset that I won't explain so as not to spoil it.
At first, I was confused because the book seemed to lack a plot, but that became apparent later on. Book one really is a training montage including a dungeon that takes up the last third of the book. There are a number of terms explaining magic and related things that made things slightly more confusing than they needed to be early on. I eventually got used to them.
I enjoyed this. Levy is a unique character, and while the rest of his group are mentioned frequently, I didn't feel as connected to them. 5/5* and looking forward to book two.
Levy joins a group of people his age who plan to go through a short dungeon so they can level up. Everyone else is in a group of three to enhance their chances of success, and while he would love to team up with someone else no one wants to team up with him since he is an enchanter.
That's the setup for the book. After the dungeon is over, he does manage to join a group, and they search the wilds surrounding the city to kill monsters and take quests. The book flows easily and there are plenty of stats, item descriptions, spells, and much more for those who enjoy that sort of thing. The editing is okay but not great, but it didn't detract from the story. Levy has a unique skillset that I won't explain so as not to spoil it.
At first, I was confused because the book seemed to lack a plot, but that became apparent later on. Book one really is a training montage including a dungeon that takes up the last third of the book. There are a number of terms explaining magic and related things that made things slightly more confusing than they needed to be early on. I eventually got used to them.
I enjoyed this. Levy is a unique character, and while the rest of his group are mentioned frequently, I didn't feel as connected to them. 5/5* and looking forward to book two.
February 13, 2024
Fun characters but no real storyline
Some of the support characters are awesome (Drale), the main character is just meh.
It really is a book that mostly focuses on leveling in dungeons with leveling being the only story plot. Something weird happens about halfway through; but this book feels like a prequel.
I hope you like it more than I did.
Some of the support characters are awesome (Drale), the main character is just meh.
It really is a book that mostly focuses on leveling in dungeons with leveling being the only story plot. Something weird happens about halfway through; but this book feels like a prequel.
I hope you like it more than I did.
January 4, 2024
I wanted to like this book, but a couple of things killed it for me.
The use of the word slayed. It's used extremely often, and almost always incorrectly.
Other words are also misused just not as badly.
I could not post a review when I finished the book so none of the mistakes will be posted to Goodreads for this book.
The magic system seems to have been based off of music. So I guess only great singers can use it correctly.
What is the deal with all the items being no trade? I find that highly annoying.
5/10 I did finish this book and somewhat enjoyed it.
Remember that this is just my opinion and you may have a different one if you read the book.
Book two will start on Royalroad one of these days.
The use of the word slayed. It's used extremely often, and almost always incorrectly.
Other words are also misused just not as badly.
I could not post a review when I finished the book so none of the mistakes will be posted to Goodreads for this book.
The magic system seems to have been based off of music. So I guess only great singers can use it correctly.
What is the deal with all the items being no trade? I find that highly annoying.
5/10 I did finish this book and somewhat enjoyed it.
Remember that this is just my opinion and you may have a different one if you read the book.
Book two will start on Royalroad one of these days.
December 19, 2023
Ok book
Really way to many stat pages in this book. Not much of a story either since this is the first book of this type for both writers it's ok. To be honest I don't like LitRpg but that's all that's on Kindle
Really way to many stat pages in this book. Not much of a story either since this is the first book of this type for both writers it's ok. To be honest I don't like LitRpg but that's all that's on Kindle
February 24, 2025
Overall, I liked this fast-paced story. The premise of everybody in a continent getting to respawn till they are 80 years old (unless somebody does something real bad to anger this powerful entity) was interesting. And there were other issues when somebody dies, so it wasn't carefree as I feared.
The magic system was pretty complicated for me but I did understand the basics enough to enjoy the story. The MC of course starts with plenty of disadvantages and proves everybody wrong with inventive use of his powers. The system favors teams over solo efforts, which I prefer. Thankfully, despite a bad party breakup, we eventually get a stable and promising line up.
The plot had enough surprising twists that it kept me interested all the way through, despite the constant stat discussions and seemingly endless fights.
The magic system was pretty complicated for me but I did understand the basics enough to enjoy the story. The MC of course starts with plenty of disadvantages and proves everybody wrong with inventive use of his powers. The system favors teams over solo efforts, which I prefer. Thankfully, despite a bad party breakup, we eventually get a stable and promising line up.
The plot had enough surprising twists that it kept me interested all the way through, despite the constant stat discussions and seemingly endless fights.
April 5, 2024
Quirky magic, monsters, and characters.
First book that I've read by these authors, and they have a very quirky magic system. It starts off as a poor MC, just starting out, standing against a bunch of rich, snobbish characters, also just starting out. They don't see his worth, and he decides to prove himself (he really doesn't have a choice) by taking on the trial dungeon by himself. He succeeds, much to the surprise of the adjudicator & the others.
And so the story begins! Follows the traditional beginning character development within this unusual magic system. The battles with the monsters are good, especially since we don't know these monsters.
Well worth reading. I'm getting the next book ASAP.
First book that I've read by these authors, and they have a very quirky magic system. It starts off as a poor MC, just starting out, standing against a bunch of rich, snobbish characters, also just starting out. They don't see his worth, and he decides to prove himself (he really doesn't have a choice) by taking on the trial dungeon by himself. He succeeds, much to the surprise of the adjudicator & the others.
And so the story begins! Follows the traditional beginning character development within this unusual magic system. The battles with the monsters are good, especially since we don't know these monsters.
Well worth reading. I'm getting the next book ASAP.
November 23, 2025
First Time Reading a LitRPG
I was looking for a book to read to one of my kids. We stumbled upon this one to give it a try. I had heard of litRPGs before so was curious how it would be and it was free during a Kindle promo. After reading it, I'm still deciding if I liked it or not. Much of the book was just crunching over stats and how the world worked. Very little of the book was moving through the plot. And what was strange is that in the first quarter of the book, a big plot event happens...and then it just gets sidelined the rest of the book with little to no mention again. I was also surprised at how foul the language was for a young adult book. I had to do a lot of editing as I read aloud to my kid. Not sure I'm going to pursue the rest of the series.
I was looking for a book to read to one of my kids. We stumbled upon this one to give it a try. I had heard of litRPGs before so was curious how it would be and it was free during a Kindle promo. After reading it, I'm still deciding if I liked it or not. Much of the book was just crunching over stats and how the world worked. Very little of the book was moving through the plot. And what was strange is that in the first quarter of the book, a big plot event happens...and then it just gets sidelined the rest of the book with little to no mention again. I was also surprised at how foul the language was for a young adult book. I had to do a lot of editing as I read aloud to my kid. Not sure I'm going to pursue the rest of the series.
December 12, 2023
I enjoyed a lot but....
Haven't read anything by this author before might have to look. I enjoy this book even though the RPG system is a little unusual. I was okay with some of the basic layout numbers the stats et cetera. Where I got annoyed was the whole range based on music. I'm not a musician don't understand any of that. So it was a bit annoying Especially since I enjoy crunchy RPG novels. I enjoy the MC of this book is an enchanter I always like the crafter mentality Smarter MC or supposedly anyways. The MC in this is very crafty unintended. There's still some unknowns in the system hopefully they become eliminated in book 2.
Haven't read anything by this author before might have to look. I enjoy this book even though the RPG system is a little unusual. I was okay with some of the basic layout numbers the stats et cetera. Where I got annoyed was the whole range based on music. I'm not a musician don't understand any of that. So it was a bit annoying Especially since I enjoy crunchy RPG novels. I enjoy the MC of this book is an enchanter I always like the crafter mentality Smarter MC or supposedly anyways. The MC in this is very crafty unintended. There's still some unknowns in the system hopefully they become eliminated in book 2.
February 27, 2024
Interesting but gigantic potholes and thick plot armor
The story starts with a premise. It's interesting enough although it uses musical notes for magic, which is never been a thing for me. It seems stupid but I guess some people like it.
I made it about 25% of the way through. The problem is just how horrible inaccurate it is. People's ability is don't really think with their level in like half an hour, one guy makes it to level five, which just doesn't seem feasible based on other statements that are made. There's no consistency with time. The world building is incredibly poor.
It had potential but it failed to realize it.
The story starts with a premise. It's interesting enough although it uses musical notes for magic, which is never been a thing for me. It seems stupid but I guess some people like it.
I made it about 25% of the way through. The problem is just how horrible inaccurate it is. People's ability is don't really think with their level in like half an hour, one guy makes it to level five, which just doesn't seem feasible based on other statements that are made. There's no consistency with time. The world building is incredibly poor.
It had potential but it failed to realize it.
November 26, 2025
Classic start to a fantasy story: poor boy from small town with a unique magical skill comes to the big city. It was written well, with truly interesting characters who surprised me with their depth and nuance.
The best part was actually what also made me give it 4 stars--the author didn't skip any of the adventure details. Each day is full of discussions and action, not of which are skimmed over to get to the bigger part. That meant that it was really interesting, but it also didn't have big plot changes during the book--just character growth (in skills as well as in personality).
The ending offered a new cool twist so I'm going to try book 2.
The best part was actually what also made me give it 4 stars--the author didn't skip any of the adventure details. Each day is full of discussions and action, not of which are skimmed over to get to the bigger part. That meant that it was really interesting, but it also didn't have big plot changes during the book--just character growth (in skills as well as in personality).
The ending offered a new cool twist so I'm going to try book 2.
February 8, 2024
Resistance Above Magic is a good story. The only thing is, if you're not a fan of numbers, numbers, and more numbers in your LitRPG, then this story may not suit you. I happen to like the numbers, so I liked this one, but some readers may find them a bit much. For what it's worth though, I found this story to be a pretty good one, and I already want to read the next one.
April 15, 2024
Ok story. Predictable and took a long time without much plot movement.
I like Narro's world, especially that magic is built off music scales... But it's not enough to carry a story. The characters were likeable in the dialogue was fine, but the story really didn't go anywhere. It was mostly a dungeon crawl as the characters leveled with almost no plot movement besides that. Just okay not very memorable I think, possibly a good intro to the series... Maybe? Hard to recommend as it was just an okay story, on the other hand, it's a simple easy read that was not awful.
I like Narro's world, especially that magic is built off music scales... But it's not enough to carry a story. The characters were likeable in the dialogue was fine, but the story really didn't go anywhere. It was mostly a dungeon crawl as the characters leveled with almost no plot movement besides that. Just okay not very memorable I think, possibly a good intro to the series... Maybe? Hard to recommend as it was just an okay story, on the other hand, it's a simple easy read that was not awful.
May 14, 2025
Book started good, and it only got better.
The magic system feels "shallow" in the beginning, but the author did a great job slowly expanding it and showing its true potential. Book two will expand further with more affinities and classes, which I'm excited about.
The characters were great, and avoided some of the pitfalls of party composition and interaction I often see in so many other litrpg books.
I reached the end and regretted not having book 2 lined up to keep listening, which is a good sign.
Looking forward to continuing the story!
The magic system feels "shallow" in the beginning, but the author did a great job slowly expanding it and showing its true potential. Book two will expand further with more affinities and classes, which I'm excited about.
The characters were great, and avoided some of the pitfalls of party composition and interaction I often see in so many other litrpg books.
I reached the end and regretted not having book 2 lined up to keep listening, which is a good sign.
Looking forward to continuing the story!
December 26, 2023
it’s good
But it’s not *GREAT*. Very numbers focused, it felt like watching a tabletop game. Or maybe beginning WoW, with a different setup.
Everything moves fairly well and I didn’t notice too many errors. Certainly readable, and mostly family-friendly (with the exception of odd cursing about ‘taint’).
It doesn’t make me *want* to read the next book, but it also doesn’t make me *not* want to read the next book.
But it’s not *GREAT*. Very numbers focused, it felt like watching a tabletop game. Or maybe beginning WoW, with a different setup.
Everything moves fairly well and I didn’t notice too many errors. Certainly readable, and mostly family-friendly (with the exception of odd cursing about ‘taint’).
It doesn’t make me *want* to read the next book, but it also doesn’t make me *not* want to read the next book.
December 27, 2023
DNF @ 16%
There's nothing wrong with the MC apart from the fact that he's (perhaps understandably) naive at the beginning, but neither him nor the story pulled me in either. The author seems to have been trying to do something 'different' with the magic system as well, operating based on music theory instead of numbers, but it's never explained. This all added up to me feeling like an outsider listening in to a conversation I had no context for. It just wasn't interesting.
There's nothing wrong with the MC apart from the fact that he's (perhaps understandably) naive at the beginning, but neither him nor the story pulled me in either. The author seems to have been trying to do something 'different' with the magic system as well, operating based on music theory instead of numbers, but it's never explained. This all added up to me feeling like an outsider listening in to a conversation I had no context for. It just wasn't interesting.
April 11, 2024
Good story bogged down by stat details
First I have to say I did enjoy the story but for ME personally, I am not someone who enjoys the detail summary of stats and am more interested in the storyline. I did a lot of skimming through stats and explanations, focusing on the relationship of the characters. I will say I am not really enamored of the concept of spells cast by music, but it’s a very small beef. Overall I enjoyed and will continue with Book 2.
First I have to say I did enjoy the story but for ME personally, I am not someone who enjoys the detail summary of stats and am more interested in the storyline. I did a lot of skimming through stats and explanations, focusing on the relationship of the characters. I will say I am not really enamored of the concept of spells cast by music, but it’s a very small beef. Overall I enjoyed and will continue with Book 2.
November 25, 2024
This is an attempt to present the formation of mmo mechanics, e.g. pvp arenas, team formation and loot distribution. It suggests that the system can be modified by top users. The whole thing could have been more interesting if there was more depth to the story. Unfortunately, everything is served on a platter, lacking the finesse of intertwining multiple stories. The reliance of the magi on notes and octaves also does not appeal to me.
January 2, 2024
Totally Awesome
What a wonderful mix of battle and personal growth. Add in a mix of inter personal relationships and you have a fascinating book. A wonderful start to a series and an ending that makes you wonder if there is an answer to the cliff hanger.
I’ll be watching for the next book.
What a wonderful mix of battle and personal growth. Add in a mix of inter personal relationships and you have a fascinating book. A wonderful start to a series and an ending that makes you wonder if there is an answer to the cliff hanger.
I’ll be watching for the next book.
February 18, 2024
lovely, but unsatisfying
The novel was cute, had a mildly interesting magic system (that makes no sense and never went anywhere). The novel feels like it was written about a side character and every moment where a satisfying moment could have happened was usurped by the hero bending over backward like he was in a an office with HR rep nearby.
The novel was cute, had a mildly interesting magic system (that makes no sense and never went anywhere). The novel feels like it was written about a side character and every moment where a satisfying moment could have happened was usurped by the hero bending over backward like he was in a an office with HR rep nearby.
February 22, 2024
one of the better litrpgs out there
I like group interactions and this novel has it aplenty. The MC shines when in a party and the other characters are written as well as the lead. No cardboard cut outs and the antagonist is the source of everyone’s power.
Interesting world, system and characters. Go and read
I like group interactions and this novel has it aplenty. The MC shines when in a party and the other characters are written as well as the lead. No cardboard cut outs and the antagonist is the source of everyone’s power.
Interesting world, system and characters. Go and read
February 23, 2024
Imaginative Magic System!
I really enjoyed this take on a LitRPG. As a music minded person the musical range and octaves as part of the system was fascinating. While not explained to terribly well. I was at least able to understand how magic works in this universe. With a unique twist on an integrated world I'm looking forward to what's next.
I really enjoyed this take on a LitRPG. As a music minded person the musical range and octaves as part of the system was fascinating. While not explained to terribly well. I was at least able to understand how magic works in this universe. With a unique twist on an integrated world I'm looking forward to what's next.
December 23, 2023
Too much math
Loved the story bored by the math. Although I think I'm smarter than when I started reading.
Not really a good explanation of magic either. Not sure how you pick up spells.
Loved the story bored by the math. Although I think I'm smarter than when I started reading.
Not really a good explanation of magic either. Not sure how you pick up spells.
December 27, 2023
Great slow build dungeon crawl.
Mildly OP MC uses enchant for budding and debuffing to help him and his friends slowly build their levels. Well written with appealing characters and systems.
Mildly OP MC uses enchant for budding and debuffing to help him and his friends slowly build their levels. Well written with appealing characters and systems.
December 30, 2023
What a fun gem of a book
There are so few stories that have a pure support style character as a lead, and I enjoyed both the idea and execution of this idea in Resistance Above Magic.
I would enjoy seeing a book 2, so hopefully that will be in the future.
There are so few stories that have a pure support style character as a lead, and I enjoyed both the idea and execution of this idea in Resistance Above Magic.
I would enjoy seeing a book 2, so hopefully that will be in the future.
February 8, 2024
interesting
Disjointed same concept as being stuck in a game but the game is actually real. A lot of talking about notes cause magic is done with notes and weird exposition and break neck changes in story.
Overall a nice book to read in between other releases.
Disjointed same concept as being stuck in a game but the game is actually real. A lot of talking about notes cause magic is done with notes and weird exposition and break neck changes in story.
Overall a nice book to read in between other releases.
February 9, 2024
Loved it!
Cool new magic system. Cool, unique, well developed and likable characters, extremely well written, excellent pacing, fantastic first entry to a series I am definitely looking forward to!
Cool new magic system. Cool, unique, well developed and likable characters, extremely well written, excellent pacing, fantastic first entry to a series I am definitely looking forward to!
February 13, 2024
Simple, limited, exciting.
Without detailing much about the mechanics or history of the MC, the book picks up from a random point of their life and just ramps up progression.
If you are OCD on specifics skip it. If you can handle reading a decent fiction with ok mechanics it's a great read.
Without detailing much about the mechanics or history of the MC, the book picks up from a random point of their life and just ramps up progression.
If you are OCD on specifics skip it. If you can handle reading a decent fiction with ok mechanics it's a great read.
May 11, 2024
The characters are supposedly professional killers who resurrect if killed but scream and shriek whenever seeing anything. The main character seems to give things away to random people while supposedly desperate to make something of himself. The novel is full of numbers, which I didn't like much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews