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Millennial Mage #3
Binding
The world reclaims all things. Humanity shelters within their ever-dying cities. Mages and Archons create the only path forward.
Tala has returned to her new home, her mission successful, and her money-pouch temporarily refilled. Gold is still an ever present concern, but more pressing hurdles lie before her. Her inscriptions have been renewed and completed, granting her newfound power that she must learn to control, and she has a long list of tasks to complete before she can join the ranks of the powerful Archons.
As she delves deeper into the mysteries of the world, barely even hinted at by the Academy, Tala has discovered the secrets of the truly the creation of an Archon Star. The Mage isn't content to follow the standard path. She's determined to forge her Archon Star from an unconventional material, a gamble that could either lead to her triumph or her downfall.
Tala isn't one to shy away from a challenge, but only time will reveal if her daring plan will pay off when it is time to complete her Binding.
Tala has returned to her new home, her mission successful, and her money-pouch temporarily refilled. Gold is still an ever present concern, but more pressing hurdles lie before her. Her inscriptions have been renewed and completed, granting her newfound power that she must learn to control, and she has a long list of tasks to complete before she can join the ranks of the powerful Archons.
As she delves deeper into the mysteries of the world, barely even hinted at by the Academy, Tala has discovered the secrets of the truly the creation of an Archon Star. The Mage isn't content to follow the standard path. She's determined to forge her Archon Star from an unconventional material, a gamble that could either lead to her triumph or her downfall.
Tala isn't one to shy away from a challenge, but only time will reveal if her daring plan will pay off when it is time to complete her Binding.
467 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2023
193 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Mullins
14 books85 followersJ.L.Mullins has been writing since he was five years old. Blessedly, he has improved through the years, and while 'The Case of the Missing Stapler' will likely never see widespread publication, Mullins enjoys little more than sharing his newer stories—his worlds—with others.
He lives with his wife, six kids, and their rescue-akita named Fenrir.
Find him on Patreon:
patreon.com/MillennialMage
Join his Discord:
discord.gg/FddACAjUrR
Find the latest on Millennial Mage here:
royalroad.com/fiction/47826
He lives with his wife, six kids, and their rescue-akita named Fenrir.
Find him on Patreon:
patreon.com/MillennialMage
Join his Discord:
discord.gg/FddACAjUrR
Find the latest on Millennial Mage here:
royalroad.com/fiction/47826
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 8, 2025
This is third in a series that builds over time. Read in order.
You know what you're getting. You get it. With enough interesting developments that it's engaging.
So another four stars, and for the same reasons as the other two. Okay, that last chapter sucked quite a lot, but I'm pretending it doesn't exist and that the author drops that stupidity for future developments.
A note about that last chapter: That last chapter turns out to be a whole lot more important than immediately apparent. It's also the start of the author writing "bonus chapters" for his patreon and ko-fi peeps that he later includes in the published books. The problem with this first example is that it fundamentally alters our understanding of one of Tala's core abilities (in this case Kit, her dimensional storage) and does so in an ominous way that gives the reader no way to reconcile the new information with Tala's ignorance of a potential danger.
A note about Chaste: Tala still has no interest in sexy times. That perfectly fits her personality so it works. So I consider this very chaste.
A note on reread regarding social sexual stuff: Still no indication of cultural or societal structures around marriage and sex. This story is very much beads-on-a-string and centers on Tala's progressive fantasy. It is fun seeing Rane's struggle to express his interest. He's such a loveable doof.
You know what you're getting. You get it. With enough interesting developments that it's engaging.
So another four stars, and for the same reasons as the other two. Okay, that last chapter sucked quite a lot, but I'm pretending it doesn't exist and that the author drops that stupidity for future developments.
A note about that last chapter: That last chapter turns out to be a whole lot more important than immediately apparent. It's also the start of the author writing "bonus chapters" for his patreon and ko-fi peeps that he later includes in the published books. The problem with this first example is that it fundamentally alters our understanding of one of Tala's core abilities (in this case Kit, her dimensional storage) and does so in an ominous way that gives the reader no way to reconcile the new information with Tala's ignorance of a potential danger.
A note about Chaste: Tala still has no interest in sexy times. That perfectly fits her personality so it works. So I consider this very chaste.
A note on reread regarding social sexual stuff: Still no indication of cultural or societal structures around marriage and sex. This story is very much beads-on-a-string and centers on Tala's progressive fantasy. It is fun seeing Rane's struggle to express his interest. He's such a loveable doof.
May 25, 2024
Girl can eat! Throughout Tala’s training and many inscriptions, her body’s changing for the better and with those huge changes comes the need for lots and lots of nutrients! This girl can pack away the food and then some it’s hilarious reading about other people’s reactions to her.
The fact she succeeds in reaching “Archon” status since she graduated from Mage Academy two months ago makes her a powerhouse to watch! Exciting times ahead.
The fact she succeeds in reaching “Archon” status since she graduated from Mage Academy two months ago makes her a powerhouse to watch! Exciting times ahead.
May 29, 2023
This has gotten boring.
The mundane day to day story is going nowhere. Our it's pace is so slow it might as well be going nowhere. Either way, this entry is incredibly dull.
The mundane day to day story is going nowhere. Our it's pace is so slow it might as well be going nowhere. Either way, this entry is incredibly dull.
May 1, 2025
4.5 - Stars
I think I enjoyed the hilariously awkward relationship in book two slightly more. However, the level of detail and tech going into how the magic in this world works in book three was extraordinary. It's reminded me of a high fantasy version of The Martian by Andy Weir in that aspect.
All in all this series has been such fun to progress through. I'm happy I gave book one a shot from learning about it's entry in the the SPFBO-9 competition.
Full review to follow.
I think I enjoyed the hilariously awkward relationship in book two slightly more. However, the level of detail and tech going into how the magic in this world works in book three was extraordinary. It's reminded me of a high fantasy version of The Martian by Andy Weir in that aspect.
All in all this series has been such fun to progress through. I'm happy I gave book one a shot from learning about it's entry in the the SPFBO-9 competition.
Full review to follow.
September 21, 2024
I'd think a better methodology for Archons would be to help the young strenthen their will and then support them through the transition with a bunch of other archons. Waiting seems to reduce the odds of success while offering only a fraction of the potential life expectancy. At least give them the choice of those two paths.
August 26, 2024
I’ve really enjoyed reading this series and this book has been as enjoyable as the previous ones. We continue to follow the FMC as she progresses in her magical and physical strength and works on improving her technique.
She is somewhat of an enigma compared to her peers as she has been able to learn how to do things much quicker and by experimenting and happenstance rather than learning under someone. Unfortunately, for those around her, the things she does aren’t always pleasant for them to see her do because she puts herself in danger all too often.
FMC is able to progress to the next level which was her goal but has to face some harsh realities. In addition, she finds out she may have been tampered with in some way by an arcane and when they tried to tamper with her again they are unsuccessful but did take her memories.
I definitely recommend this series to anyone who likes a little bit of slice of life with adventure and magical progression.
She is somewhat of an enigma compared to her peers as she has been able to learn how to do things much quicker and by experimenting and happenstance rather than learning under someone. Unfortunately, for those around her, the things she does aren’t always pleasant for them to see her do because she puts herself in danger all too often.
FMC is able to progress to the next level which was her goal but has to face some harsh realities. In addition, she finds out she may have been tampered with in some way by an arcane and when they tried to tamper with her again they are unsuccessful but did take her memories.
I definitely recommend this series to anyone who likes a little bit of slice of life with adventure and magical progression.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2023
Love this series!
I've become a big fan of the Millennial Mage series. It has really interesting world building and a unique magic system. Tala is a great character and I've enjoyed following her as she grows and matures from a fresh mage-academy graduate to a powerful mage. It's nice to see her mature as a person as the series goes on, overcoming challenges and traumas, accepting responsibilities as her power grows, and learning how her actions have consequences for herself and others. It's a really funny series as well, full of references and humor.
I've become a big fan of the Millennial Mage series. It has really interesting world building and a unique magic system. Tala is a great character and I've enjoyed following her as she grows and matures from a fresh mage-academy graduate to a powerful mage. It's nice to see her mature as a person as the series goes on, overcoming challenges and traumas, accepting responsibilities as her power grows, and learning how her actions have consequences for herself and others. It's a really funny series as well, full of references and humor.
May 29, 2023
Arcons, Arcanes, and Arcanous oh my!
Deeper we go into Tala's world. Taking big steps and bigger challenges, even if some of those challenges are Tala herself!
A thoroughly enjoyable tale in an exquisitely detailed world. I can't wait to read more!
Deeper we go into Tala's world. Taking big steps and bigger challenges, even if some of those challenges are Tala herself!
A thoroughly enjoyable tale in an exquisitely detailed world. I can't wait to read more!
June 18, 2024
Fun, fun and getting funner :)
June 8, 2023
Another thoroughly enjoyable sequel
I’ve been eagerly anticipating this book for the long long day since I finished the last one and for the most part it didn’t disappoint. The characters are still incredibly vibrant and Tala continues to move towards power without being divinely gifted. She has considerable talent and potential but I like that the element of luck is acknowledged and also that she can’t continue to take such huge risks forever — eventually it’ll kill her. I’m sure she’s still gonna take the odd one though — she’d be an entirely different character if she didn’t.
I like that Rane gets expanded more and seems to be a core character at this point — those other two mages from early on have dropped off the face of the earth but at-least Rane seems to be sticking around (and probably heading towards dating her but we’re not quite there yet).
I have to deduct a star though cause I feel there are inconsistencies. In the beginning ‘zeme’ is stated to be the natural flow of magic but in this book the planet seems to be ‘zeme’? Mages effectively live for centuries or forever but in the first book only the teachers at the academy got extended lives? And that was something special that was worth sacrificing magic for? I remember there being a few other things too but I don’t bother to make bookmarks for them so they’re escaping me now but there were a few things that bothered me. Also this was a thing in earlier books but I overlooked it; there is the odd word that is not a word. Again I didn’t highlight examples but sometimes there’s a word that seems like it could be a word and you can see what it means in context. I’d be like uhh I don’t think that’s actually a word so look it up to be sure and yeah no it’s not. It’s like when it seems like a word could be used slightly differently by adding ‘ness’ to it and it does convey meaning but in many cases isn’t actually an accepted word. It’s odd cause overall the standard is actually quite high so it’s strange cause it happens quite a lot and did in the other two as well.
Anyway the whole the typos that aren’t typos (seems almost like someone stubbornly bring like well it should be a word so I’m gonna leave it) didn’t really detract. The inconsistencies did though as it makes me concerned about the overall plotting. Might not be an issue going forward but it’s a potential concerning sign. Not yet an impediment to my enjoyment but makes me worry it could become one as the world expands and more could crop up. Still overall thoroughly enjoyed this book and will read the next.
I’ve been eagerly anticipating this book for the long long day since I finished the last one and for the most part it didn’t disappoint. The characters are still incredibly vibrant and Tala continues to move towards power without being divinely gifted. She has considerable talent and potential but I like that the element of luck is acknowledged and also that she can’t continue to take such huge risks forever — eventually it’ll kill her. I’m sure she’s still gonna take the odd one though — she’d be an entirely different character if she didn’t.
I like that Rane gets expanded more and seems to be a core character at this point — those other two mages from early on have dropped off the face of the earth but at-least Rane seems to be sticking around (and probably heading towards dating her but we’re not quite there yet).
I have to deduct a star though cause I feel there are inconsistencies. In the beginning ‘zeme’ is stated to be the natural flow of magic but in this book the planet seems to be ‘zeme’? Mages effectively live for centuries or forever but in the first book only the teachers at the academy got extended lives? And that was something special that was worth sacrificing magic for? I remember there being a few other things too but I don’t bother to make bookmarks for them so they’re escaping me now but there were a few things that bothered me. Also this was a thing in earlier books but I overlooked it; there is the odd word that is not a word. Again I didn’t highlight examples but sometimes there’s a word that seems like it could be a word and you can see what it means in context. I’d be like uhh I don’t think that’s actually a word so look it up to be sure and yeah no it’s not. It’s like when it seems like a word could be used slightly differently by adding ‘ness’ to it and it does convey meaning but in many cases isn’t actually an accepted word. It’s odd cause overall the standard is actually quite high so it’s strange cause it happens quite a lot and did in the other two as well.
Anyway the whole the typos that aren’t typos (seems almost like someone stubbornly bring like well it should be a word so I’m gonna leave it) didn’t really detract. The inconsistencies did though as it makes me concerned about the overall plotting. Might not be an issue going forward but it’s a potential concerning sign. Not yet an impediment to my enjoyment but makes me worry it could become one as the world expands and more could crop up. Still overall thoroughly enjoyed this book and will read the next.
June 20, 2023
Great story, uninteresting magic
Overall another good story. The only reason I give it three stars is because three books in I can officially say the MC abilities are boring. The magic system seems varied and interesting but you don’t really get exposed to any of it because all the main character can do is endure. Hard skin, healing, and one use of gravity to make herself heavier (for no reason) is the only magic you see. Zero expansion on what’s possible or interesting with these magic systems. It’s another story line where the author cops out from actually fleshing out a magic system because the MC just wants to hit hard.
Overall another good story. The only reason I give it three stars is because three books in I can officially say the MC abilities are boring. The magic system seems varied and interesting but you don’t really get exposed to any of it because all the main character can do is endure. Hard skin, healing, and one use of gravity to make herself heavier (for no reason) is the only magic you see. Zero expansion on what’s possible or interesting with these magic systems. It’s another story line where the author cops out from actually fleshing out a magic system because the MC just wants to hit hard.
September 15, 2023
Superpowered mage Tala is ready to take the next step in her magical growth--she plans to become an Achron, the next level up.
Her friends Lyn and Rane are also ready to progress to Archon. For the first time in her life she has other people who care about her and it's--nice.
But with greater power comes greater responsibility and foes. Now she's coming up against Achron level foes--and higher. But the worst foe may be one of which she knows nothing.
I really enjoyed this latest volume of the series and recommend that any lover of fantasy, progressive fantasy, reads this.
Her friends Lyn and Rane are also ready to progress to Archon. For the first time in her life she has other people who care about her and it's--nice.
But with greater power comes greater responsibility and foes. Now she's coming up against Achron level foes--and higher. But the worst foe may be one of which she knows nothing.
I really enjoyed this latest volume of the series and recommend that any lover of fantasy, progressive fantasy, reads this.
March 19, 2025
Half this books is the main character thinking about food and having food orgasms, and other people being surprised at how much she can eat. IT GETS OLD QUICKLY. You can skip full chapters without missing anything. Most of the book is just the character's inner musings, so very little is actually happening at any given time. This book would be really good if it had a decent editor. As it stands, it's just a parade of meals and repetitive dialogue, most of which is in the main character's head. A shame.
September 29, 2023
They keep getting better
I'm enjoying the books more as I continue through the series. Right as things are starting to settle for Tala and the reader the hinges get blown off the door and the world gets a lot bigger. Just really enjoying reading through this series and especially enjoyed the twists of this book.
I'm enjoying the books more as I continue through the series. Right as things are starting to settle for Tala and the reader the hinges get blown off the door and the world gets a lot bigger. Just really enjoying reading through this series and especially enjoyed the twists of this book.
March 31, 2024
The first half for this was kid of slow, but the story picked up later in the book.
I enjoyed this like the previous books. The story so far is holding steam and no foolishness like forced romances has reared its head.
Will continue the series as i like where this is going.
3/5 Stars
I enjoyed this like the previous books. The story so far is holding steam and no foolishness like forced romances has reared its head.
Will continue the series as i like where this is going.
3/5 Stars
October 17, 2024
Emotionally broken, magically powerful
Now an Archon, our hero begins to grow up more responsible with the unhealed pains of youth unresolved but recognized. I look forward to the surprising characters she meets and the powerful 'things' that she innocently finds or meets. Yep i really look forward to the next book and truly enjoyed the previous books.
Now an Archon, our hero begins to grow up more responsible with the unhealed pains of youth unresolved but recognized. I look forward to the surprising characters she meets and the powerful 'things' that she innocently finds or meets. Yep i really look forward to the next book and truly enjoyed the previous books.
March 18, 2025
As usual, this was a good mix of slice-of-life, action and worldbuilding - the latter of which is getting really fleshed out and some of the mysteries finally being revealed. And Tala as usual brings her brand of the unconventional, though that might change just a little bit going forward. Looking forward to the mayhem implied by the last few chapters to develop further...
May 30, 2023
Am enjoyable read
I'm really enjoying this series which balances a great main character with plenty of magical intrigue. Classic progression fantasy mechanics with a swift, but not wholly unreasonable, acceleration for the protagonist.
I'm really enjoying this series which balances a great main character with plenty of magical intrigue. Classic progression fantasy mechanics with a swift, but not wholly unreasonable, acceleration for the protagonist.
September 7, 2023
Book three
This was a slice of life. Just ordinary every day events without much action.
I enjoyed the slower pace. All the same it lead to slower reading.
I hope book four picks up the pace a bit.
8/10
This was a slice of life. Just ordinary every day events without much action.
I enjoyed the slower pace. All the same it lead to slower reading.
I hope book four picks up the pace a bit.
8/10
December 12, 2023
A lot slower than the first two books. Too much time was spent in the city and there wasn’t enough action. I did enjoy the surprise reveal in the last chapter though. I will probably take a break before reading more of this series.
August 24, 2025
Excellent
This is a wonderful book series. I am enjoying every single page. The world building is on point and the characters are so engaging! 9 out of 10 recommend to anyone who reads fantasy, as someone who primarily reads litrpg, this was a wonderful surprise of a story!
This is a wonderful book series. I am enjoying every single page. The world building is on point and the characters are so engaging! 9 out of 10 recommend to anyone who reads fantasy, as someone who primarily reads litrpg, this was a wonderful surprise of a story!
October 8, 2025
A steady incline
This book maintains the steady and enjoyable experience of the previous books. The characters continue to be more interesting and the world continues to expand.
It's like the book equivalent of a pleasant walk on an unfamiliar but spectacular path.
This book maintains the steady and enjoyable experience of the previous books. The characters continue to be more interesting and the world continues to expand.
It's like the book equivalent of a pleasant walk on an unfamiliar but spectacular path.
October 11, 2025
I continue to enjoy this slice-of-life style; maybe a bit too much focus on eating and weight for me. It started to feel like a weird fetish-thing at some points. Everything else is pretty great, though, and I like the mysteries being hinted at with the Archons and Arcanes.
May 27, 2023
caravan time
June 3, 2023
Brilliantly conceived and written series Read it!
Brilliantly conceived and written series Read it! Well written and consistent! The World’s Magic is uniquely built its very fun.
Brilliantly conceived and written series Read it! Well written and consistent! The World’s Magic is uniquely built its very fun.
July 8, 2023
The ending got me
I'll be interested to see what "Devi" does in future. I'm also curious to see what happens when Tala inevitably soul links with Terry.
I'll be interested to see what "Devi" does in future. I'm also curious to see what happens when Tala inevitably soul links with Terry.
September 3, 2023
Enjoying read
The plates made me laugh and kept a smile for awhile after I finished that chapter.
Thank you, very enjoyable series.
The plates made me laugh and kept a smile for awhile after I finished that chapter.
Thank you, very enjoyable series.
February 15, 2024
This book was a little slow but I appreciate how it builds onto book four. I also like how Tala is the embodiment of millennial side Hussle. I absolutely love how she makes friends.
February 24, 2024
The saga continues. This story has alot of subplot slowly bobbling to the surface. Also raises an interesting ethical equation about the dangers of information freedom.
Read
February 29, 2024DNF @ 29%
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews