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Millennial Mage #8
Ironbound
Scheduled Release date subject to change,
potentially to be moved up.
______________________________________________
The iron-clad reality of the world relentlessly pursues its own. Arcanes and humanity continue under a fragile peace, often breached but never shattered. Gated-humanity thrives within their ever-renewing cities in this hostile world. Mages and Archons devote their long lives to give their people a chance.
Through tribulation and hardship, Tala has managed to return to the human lands, her freedom hard won, her self intact. Her family and friends await her, but her time away has left its mark. She has to face new trials—face the new weight that she carries—and somehow find a way though things that she has never faced before. While that isn’t exactly new, she is now no longer alone.
Supported once again by those who care for her, she is given the tools and help that she needs to deal with the continued threats on her life and her very soul. Her magic and power have grown, but she is not content to let them stagnate.
She carries with her the spoils and burdens from the arcane lands, and she is determined to turn them all toward her benefit and the benefit of those to whom she fought so hard to return.
potentially to be moved up.
______________________________________________
The iron-clad reality of the world relentlessly pursues its own. Arcanes and humanity continue under a fragile peace, often breached but never shattered. Gated-humanity thrives within their ever-renewing cities in this hostile world. Mages and Archons devote their long lives to give their people a chance.
Through tribulation and hardship, Tala has managed to return to the human lands, her freedom hard won, her self intact. Her family and friends await her, but her time away has left its mark. She has to face new trials—face the new weight that she carries—and somehow find a way though things that she has never faced before. While that isn’t exactly new, she is now no longer alone.
Supported once again by those who care for her, she is given the tools and help that she needs to deal with the continued threats on her life and her very soul. Her magic and power have grown, but she is not content to let them stagnate.
She carries with her the spoils and burdens from the arcane lands, and she is determined to turn them all toward her benefit and the benefit of those to whom she fought so hard to return.
730 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2024
89 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Mullins
15 books91 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 1, 2025
This is book 8 of a series that you should read in order.
So Tala makes it back to human lands with an iron-eating parasite staved off from killing her by a neat trick with her Archon Star. I'm glad this didn't spin out too long and soon we find Tala actually soulbound to the magic-inert iron. She has always had a better relationship with iron than other Mages and now she doesn't have to rely on iron-based paint to do it. I liked this solution and enjoyed how this works out.
Tala has also arrived with her magically enhanced memory and the ability to upload her memories of her time in Arcane lands to the Archive that will give access to them for others. This is a literal (i.e. figurative) goldmine as human Mages haven't had any reliable information on their hostile neighbors in millennia. This means that Tala's biggest drive for action of getting out of her debt is now gone (with a lovely scene of her relief when she pays it all off—can relate!).
So we get a book that has a lot of wankery over magical stuff along with reconnecting with friends and family. And I was completely down with that. Add further developments with her dimensional storage item, Kit becoming a sanctuary for others and Tala working out how she could reasonably go into danger carrying a community in her pouch and I was all-in from start to finish.
This is a giant pull-back from the action of the previous book. I'm sure readers who engaged with that action as a sign of how the series would progress from then on are probably needing treatment for whiplash. Personally, I'm giving it five stars because I like the wankery and Tala's banter with Alat (i.e. herself) is just flat-out fun.
A note about Chaste: Rane knows better than to press his interest on someone dealing with the trauma of being free after slavery. He's so awesome, though, and I just want to give him a hug. This is very chaste, but also includes some minor developments as Tala drops some of her hesitancy in leaning on him at need.
So Tala makes it back to human lands with an iron-eating parasite staved off from killing her by a neat trick with her Archon Star. I'm glad this didn't spin out too long and soon we find Tala actually soulbound to the magic-inert iron. She has always had a better relationship with iron than other Mages and now she doesn't have to rely on iron-based paint to do it. I liked this solution and enjoyed how this works out.
Tala has also arrived with her magically enhanced memory and the ability to upload her memories of her time in Arcane lands to the Archive that will give access to them for others. This is a literal (i.e. figurative) goldmine as human Mages haven't had any reliable information on their hostile neighbors in millennia. This means that Tala's biggest drive for action of getting out of her debt is now gone (with a lovely scene of her relief when she pays it all off—can relate!).
So we get a book that has a lot of wankery over magical stuff along with reconnecting with friends and family. And I was completely down with that. Add further developments with her dimensional storage item, Kit becoming a sanctuary for others and Tala working out how she could reasonably go into danger carrying a community in her pouch and I was all-in from start to finish.
This is a giant pull-back from the action of the previous book. I'm sure readers who engaged with that action as a sign of how the series would progress from then on are probably needing treatment for whiplash. Personally, I'm giving it five stars because I like the wankery and Tala's banter with Alat (i.e. herself) is just flat-out fun.
A note about Chaste: Rane knows better than to press his interest on someone dealing with the trauma of being free after slavery. He's so awesome, though, and I just want to give him a hug. This is very chaste, but also includes some minor developments as Tala drops some of her hesitancy in leaning on him at need.
November 27, 2024
I finished this thing!
783 pages, no conflict, no risk, no plot. Look, putting "slice of life" after the title doesn't absolve the author after seven prior books that featured copious action, and violence. This is like an episode of "Breaking Bad" where Walter and Jesse spend the whole day cleaning up the lab.
It doesn't even finish on a cliff-hanger, so there's a chance the next book will be just as uneventful.
783 pages, no conflict, no risk, no plot. Look, putting "slice of life" after the title doesn't absolve the author after seven prior books that featured copious action, and violence. This is like an episode of "Breaking Bad" where Walter and Jesse spend the whole day cleaning up the lab.
It doesn't even finish on a cliff-hanger, so there's a chance the next book will be just as uneventful.
December 5, 2024
Still good :)
October 30, 2024
This was the second time I read this book. I picked up a few more details and I enjoyed it just as much. It follows Tala, a powerful mage who devotes most of her time to getting better, magically and with mundane weapons. Tala has a powerful imagination and continually asks questions about why things are the way they are and continually experiments to discover new magical techniques.
This is in addition to daily life in a magical world consisting of human cities and arcane cities, magical beings who are not human, and magical beasts living in the open countryside. Sometimes the daily slice of life portions of this book are the best portions. J.L. Mullins has done a great job of world building and making his world immersive.
This is volume 8, so be sure to read the other 7 books first.
This is in addition to daily life in a magical world consisting of human cities and arcane cities, magical beings who are not human, and magical beasts living in the open countryside. Sometimes the daily slice of life portions of this book are the best portions. J.L. Mullins has done a great job of world building and making his world immersive.
This is volume 8, so be sure to read the other 7 books first.
November 4, 2024
Interludes and minutiae
I love this series, but this particular book was the hardest to get through.
It made me feel like the seagull in The Little Mermaid when he yelled “nothing’s happening!”
Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot that happens in this book but so much of it is highly detailed magical machinations and theory that it was hard to get into it. The author has put a lot of thought into the magical system, but do we as readers need to know all of it? Was it crucial to go into that much detail to drive the story forward? For me, no.
Tala’s story is still charming and I appreciated the self-healing aspects of this book. It was realistic to address the trauma she endured in the last book with the Arcanes.
Overall, I felt like this was an interlude to the main story, a list of necessary steps to what I hope will be a more engaging next book.
I love this series, but this particular book was the hardest to get through.
It made me feel like the seagull in The Little Mermaid when he yelled “nothing’s happening!”
Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot that happens in this book but so much of it is highly detailed magical machinations and theory that it was hard to get into it. The author has put a lot of thought into the magical system, but do we as readers need to know all of it? Was it crucial to go into that much detail to drive the story forward? For me, no.
Tala’s story is still charming and I appreciated the self-healing aspects of this book. It was realistic to address the trauma she endured in the last book with the Arcanes.
Overall, I felt like this was an interlude to the main story, a list of necessary steps to what I hope will be a more engaging next book.
October 10, 2024
Wow. This book was a transitional book in the series. Normally, especially in series this long, that is grating to me. However, this book manages to nail it in a way that I hope other authors take note of.
The world building continues to be amazing. The secrecy of progression and the ramifications of the "reality" of everything really lend themselves well to this slow build. Again I have to commend the author on managing to make the power creep trope in this genre seem much more organic and necessary.
There is a lot of emotion in this entry of the series and I don't want to spoil it for readers. That said, I can't wait to see where this story goes. This continues to be my favorite series.
The world building continues to be amazing. The secrecy of progression and the ramifications of the "reality" of everything really lend themselves well to this slow build. Again I have to commend the author on managing to make the power creep trope in this genre seem much more organic and necessary.
There is a lot of emotion in this entry of the series and I don't want to spoil it for readers. That said, I can't wait to see where this story goes. This continues to be my favorite series.
February 24, 2025
This series is still so good!
Great book! It was calmer than the previous books, but I thought it was really good to give Tala and us readers a break from all the high intensity danger. There was still high stakes, but the danger mostly was not from immediate violent death. Mostly.
Some authors seem to get stuck in a loop of raising the stakes every time. As if the story would get boring if it slowed down. I enjoyed the time to reconnect emotionally with old friends and deciding where the future will take her. Tala once again has agency over her own life, and it feels good.
Great book! It was calmer than the previous books, but I thought it was really good to give Tala and us readers a break from all the high intensity danger. There was still high stakes, but the danger mostly was not from immediate violent death. Mostly.
Some authors seem to get stuck in a loop of raising the stakes every time. As if the story would get boring if it slowed down. I enjoyed the time to reconnect emotionally with old friends and deciding where the future will take her. Tala once again has agency over her own life, and it feels good.
October 22, 2024
Coming back to this series after a break was painful. Tala's kind of rude all the time, and the author's tendency to just vomit fantasy world rules is booooooring. So many pages were taken up with nothing happening, except for Tala chatting with herself, or sometimes asking someone else about how things work. So BORING!
Also! Tala's habit of saying things like, "that's fair..." and "I suppose I can see that..." drive me crazy. Just commit to a statement already! Bleah!
Also! Tala's habit of saying things like, "that's fair..." and "I suppose I can see that..." drive me crazy. Just commit to a statement already! Bleah!
January 6, 2025
While I wouldn't say that this was a filler novel, because the protag did complete tasks that were essential to her future survival... Not much of substance occurred, compared to the previous books.
I don't know if this was meant to lay a foundation that the next book is going to build on.
I will pick up the sequel, but this felt like a meh, even though I enjoyed the book.
3/5 Stars
I don't know if this was meant to lay a foundation that the next book is going to build on.
I will pick up the sequel, but this felt like a meh, even though I enjoyed the book.
3/5 Stars
October 31, 2025
Continues to be good
This book does a great job of handling the aftermath of the previous book's events and transitioning back to slice of life storytelling. The characters and emotional moments with Tala's family are significantly better handled this time. The cost is that many other characters are de-emphasized.
Overall, still good and I'm still looking forward to the next book.
This book does a great job of handling the aftermath of the previous book's events and transitioning back to slice of life storytelling. The characters and emotional moments with Tala's family are significantly better handled this time. The cost is that many other characters are de-emphasized.
Overall, still good and I'm still looking forward to the next book.
October 16, 2024
Homecoming
Tala and Terry finally return home!
Extremely bitter sweet as we see all the people that love her and yet the things that she missed because of her time away. The human cities are also colored anew as we now have a wider perspective of the world and what's in it.
Time for more growth to become someone who can not be taken again. Plus lots of snark and fun
Tala and Terry finally return home!
Extremely bitter sweet as we see all the people that love her and yet the things that she missed because of her time away. The human cities are also colored anew as we now have a wider perspective of the world and what's in it.
Time for more growth to become someone who can not be taken again. Plus lots of snark and fun
November 5, 2024
Nice Change of Pace!
The series continues to get better. I liked that this one took the time to slow down, recap, and kind of process everything else that's gone on in the series.
Continues to be one of my favorite worlds thanks to how it is built up with magic in mind and not a magical layer on top of a more generic setting.
The series continues to get better. I liked that this one took the time to slow down, recap, and kind of process everything else that's gone on in the series.
Continues to be one of my favorite worlds thanks to how it is built up with magic in mind and not a magical layer on top of a more generic setting.
November 16, 2024
Bratty and Annoying
I don’t know why but when the MC freaked out over being asked simple questions it immediately made me dislike her. It stuck through the whole book. I genuinely just hate her personality now and I really don’t like the second personality/AI trope either. The series has lost its charm. It’s sad because the magic is finally interesting 8 books in.
I don’t know why but when the MC freaked out over being asked simple questions it immediately made me dislike her. It stuck through the whole book. I genuinely just hate her personality now and I really don’t like the second personality/AI trope either. The series has lost its charm. It’s sad because the magic is finally interesting 8 books in.
January 15, 2025
8 books in and I can't take the MC anymore. She's selfish, inconsiderate, the poster child for ADHD, and is arguably certifiable. I'm no longer able to ignore the constant trauma dumping and avoidance to continue enjoying the story and the amazing world building. That is what kept me going so long. Maybe I'll pick up book 9 after it releases on audiobook to see if "she improves".
October 16, 2024
absolutely love it
I love each new book of this series, honestly just an enjoyable read with a lot of world building but not so heavily focused on it that there isn’t something happening.
I love each new book of this series, honestly just an enjoyable read with a lot of world building but not so heavily focused on it that there isn’t something happening.
October 17, 2024
A cozy interlude.
Book 7 wasn't exactly what I would call cozy.
Fun yes, cozy no.
This one, book 8, is all cozy.
It's a very nice, relaxing, and absolutely necessary break after the last book.
And I can't wait for the next one.
Book 7 wasn't exactly what I would call cozy.
Fun yes, cozy no.
This one, book 8, is all cozy.
It's a very nice, relaxing, and absolutely necessary break after the last book.
And I can't wait for the next one.
October 21, 2024
last chapter needs a revision/connection
Last chapter repeats a large portion and ends in the middle of a sentence. Not sure it was meant to be the last chapter either. It’s like the wrong file was published.
Last chapter repeats a large portion and ends in the middle of a sentence. Not sure it was meant to be the last chapter either. It’s like the wrong file was published.
March 26, 2025
Much needed after the events of book 7, though I didn't expect this rather long book to have very few action oriented scenes. Lots of interesting payoffs and of course Tala continues to do what was previously thought improbable. Still long way to go from reaching upper echelons of power though.
September 8, 2025
Another great read
There are some real life threatening situations for Tala in this book in spite of her advancements. And some very interesting progress which was quite unexpected happened in her fight for her life.
There are some real life threatening situations for Tala in this book in spite of her advancements. And some very interesting progress which was quite unexpected happened in her fight for her life.
November 13, 2025
Excellent continuation of the series. This one was much slower-paced than the last and dealt mostly with the aftermath, recovery, and the imminent Refinement. Still great and jumping right into the next.
September 10, 2024
Excellent stuff. Reading ahead through book 11 on rr, so extra hits on this book until the actual publication catches up.
October 18, 2024
Very good
Another great book. This book has very interesting concepts and well thought out characters. I'm looking forward to reading more of Tala's adventures
Another great book. This book has very interesting concepts and well thought out characters. I'm looking forward to reading more of Tala's adventures
November 21, 2024
Good stuff
Good ending, not a cliffhanger. Great progress on the personal growth and development of the story line. I look forward to the next book.
Good ending, not a cliffhanger. Great progress on the personal growth and development of the story line. I look forward to the next book.
November 24, 2024
I was not expecting this book at all. This book is a rest book, and a growing book. Do not expect an exciting story line. Still good, just unexpected.
December 17, 2024
Always interesting slice of life
A great slice of life series, interesting characters and imaginative magic system. Will definitely continue with the rest of the series.
A great slice of life series, interesting characters and imaginative magic system. Will definitely continue with the rest of the series.
March 30, 2025
If previous book was all action, this book is all wrapping up the previous adventure.
I usually don't mind the slow pace, but... man, this was slow.
I usually don't mind the slow pace, but... man, this was slow.
July 27, 2025
kinda low key
After the last book, this is really recovery. Though there are still some weighty incidents.
On towards 9. Looking forward to 10’s release.
After the last book, this is really recovery. Though there are still some weighty incidents.
On towards 9. Looking forward to 10’s release.
November 4, 2024
This series has always been somewhat slower paced, but this was downright boring.
I'm pretty sure you'll be able to go from book 7 straight into 9 without really missing anything. I don't mind a break between adventures, but 730 pages is a bit much
I'm pretty sure you'll be able to go from book 7 straight into 9 without really missing anything. I don't mind a break between adventures, but 730 pages is a bit much
December 29, 2024
This series continues to be engaging and intriguing to read. The MC is able to break away from the archanus and return to the human lands and the people she considers family. But she brings a lot of knowledge with her. Tala has been missing for quite some time and it is harder to trust her this time around knowing where she has been and what was done to her. She is tough and far more resilient than most however and continues to face trial after trial. I really look forward to seeing what comes next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews