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Fledgling God #5
Tournament Mage
After all of their adventures, the crew of House Louisville was ready to sit back and take it easy. But a surprise visitor informed them they owed millions of pearls to the Bank.
He was willing to take them all as indentured servants for the Bank and let them work decades to pay off their debt. That would mean splitting up the House, though, and nobody was willing to let that happen.
To save the House, and to stay together, Jason and Annabeth find themselves in a tournament they must win. Because one thing is for sure, the Bank doesn't play around!
He was willing to take them all as indentured servants for the Bank and let them work decades to pay off their debt. That would mean splitting up the House, though, and nobody was willing to let that happen.
To save the House, and to stay together, Jason and Annabeth find themselves in a tournament they must win. Because one thing is for sure, the Bank doesn't play around!
29 pages, Audible Audio
Published October 15, 2024
About the author
Michael Taggart
9 books206 followersNOT the author of any books on debts, finance, law or medicine!
My first career was a gunslinger.
At 10 years old I learned everything I needed to know from Louis L'Amour and after rigorous practice in front of my bedroom mirror, I was ready to take on the bad guys. Later, I became a spy after reading some Tom Clancy - and infiltrated the kitchen and the living room and learned all the secrets available from living in a small trailer.
I finally found my true calling when I became a White Wizard and saved Middle Earth. Gandalf took me on as his apprentice and we had many adventures together. I rubbed elbows with Harry Dresden and the Iron Druid, but I always wanted to make my own world.
Finally, Jason, a down on his luck poker player with mage potential showed up, and together we create a whole new supernatural world based in Louisville Kentucky. Now I have the best job of all. I tell stories about the plucky band of adventurers and the strange and wonderful house they inhabit.
It’s a good life and a fun times!
My first career was a gunslinger.
At 10 years old I learned everything I needed to know from Louis L'Amour and after rigorous practice in front of my bedroom mirror, I was ready to take on the bad guys. Later, I became a spy after reading some Tom Clancy - and infiltrated the kitchen and the living room and learned all the secrets available from living in a small trailer.
I finally found my true calling when I became a White Wizard and saved Middle Earth. Gandalf took me on as his apprentice and we had many adventures together. I rubbed elbows with Harry Dresden and the Iron Druid, but I always wanted to make my own world.
Finally, Jason, a down on his luck poker player with mage potential showed up, and together we create a whole new supernatural world based in Louisville Kentucky. Now I have the best job of all. I tell stories about the plucky band of adventurers and the strange and wonderful house they inhabit.
It’s a good life and a fun times!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
May 19, 2024
A CLIFFHANGER!??!
Don't get me wrong, i enjoyed the book, but 900+ pages and it ends on a cliffhanger!?! And most of the series is a year or 2 between books, which is normally fine, but not when it's a cliffhanger. If i'd known that, i'd have waited for the next book to come out.
A good story, but it isn't complete
Don't get me wrong, i enjoyed the book, but 900+ pages and it ends on a cliffhanger!?! And most of the series is a year or 2 between books, which is normally fine, but not when it's a cliffhanger. If i'd known that, i'd have waited for the next book to come out.
A good story, but it isn't complete
May 17, 2025
See you in 2026 for the next installment of one fledgling god journey to the near perfect core
June 23, 2024
Yay He Can Punch Things Hard!!
For a book about a supposed mage and nascent god, there is very little actual magic. The MC is what amounts to a “brawler”. A whole bunch of inner dialogue and hogwash that leads to him being able to punch hard and add a spike aspect. 5 books in and that’s all the MC can do spike punch and heal. What started as a fascinating and engaging magic system has fallen prey to the “cultivation” troupe. Which means a bunch of progress that essentially leads to the baby improvement of a single ability. Disappointing over all. Annabelle low key keeping up with him is also crazy unrealistic, even if she is a prodigy also.
For a book about a supposed mage and nascent god, there is very little actual magic. The MC is what amounts to a “brawler”. A whole bunch of inner dialogue and hogwash that leads to him being able to punch hard and add a spike aspect. 5 books in and that’s all the MC can do spike punch and heal. What started as a fascinating and engaging magic system has fallen prey to the “cultivation” troupe. Which means a bunch of progress that essentially leads to the baby improvement of a single ability. Disappointing over all. Annabelle low key keeping up with him is also crazy unrealistic, even if she is a prodigy also.
May 26, 2024
beautiful work, wildly impressive, great characters
Rating: 5 🌈
It’s been since February 27, 2022 when I read the fabulously horrifying book Buried Mage, fourth in Michael Taggert’s wildly imaginative, densely packed and beautifully detailed fantasy series, Fledgling God.
So seeing that Taggert had finally released another book in the series is a great joy and, one that takes a bit to remember all that has happened in the previous novels as it’s been a while .
This is a series I think might be worth waiting for all the books to be published and then binge reading them all together . You might be absolutely book drunk at the end but you’ve had the most amazing experience and it’s been a journey you will remember.
Individually, each book stops and starts right after the other has ended. Taggert’s picking up his narrative as though there’s been no interruption. Such as having to write another book!
Honestly, I seem to overlook things here that otherwise would normally make me narratively have issues with the story simply because the of the incredible ideas, the wildly wackadoodle flights of imagination that are the hallmarks of this author and series.
Every character. Including the House of House Louisville has a uniquely fascinating personality. One that continues to grow and deepen throughout the series in surprising ways. It’s not just about the characters. It’s magical charms and crystals, Marks and soul creations like tiny Miners and Surfers, and more importantly, each type of being that two of the mages, Jason and Annabeth, encounter here or create, vividly come to life on the page and mean something special to the reader. It’s a uniquely beautiful and powerful cast of characters that , from bugs to crystals to enslaved mages, they draw the reader inside the story and whatever small sections they inhabit.
This time the focus is primarily narrowed down to Jason and Annabeth, although we do get some new information about the other three members of the House. They have to enter a contest and what a contest it is . The book ends before the contest is finished. It’s simply epic. A giant quest, a RPG with real teams and on a planet where things can mess up your team. Sort of.
I can’t begin to explain what this is about. And normally I’d say that Taggert has too much laid in his story that slows down his narrative . But I can’t. Every crazy, zany, over-the-top scene this author has thought of and written, and I’m talking Tim Gunn narrating a male fashion show for Jason type of insanity, and I’m totally committed. I’m 100 percent invested.
And he does this over and over. And it works. Wild side trips here and there, junkets to vaults, it’s just so fun or personal and imaginative while sticking with the same theme and emotions. It keeps the reader connected and fascinated and thrilled with everything that is happening.
Then, boom . We need to wait for the next one to come. Sigh. Which I will.
Taggert does a small book by book recap at the beginning but it’s not even close to what happened. So do think about what type of reader you are and the experience you want to get into here.
Either way, these books are a must read.
Love the cover.
Fledgling God:
Misfit Mage #1
Melee Mage #2
Gathering Mage #3
Buried Mage #4
Tournament Mage #5
Rating: 5 🌈
It’s been since February 27, 2022 when I read the fabulously horrifying book Buried Mage, fourth in Michael Taggert’s wildly imaginative, densely packed and beautifully detailed fantasy series, Fledgling God.
So seeing that Taggert had finally released another book in the series is a great joy and, one that takes a bit to remember all that has happened in the previous novels as it’s been a while .
This is a series I think might be worth waiting for all the books to be published and then binge reading them all together . You might be absolutely book drunk at the end but you’ve had the most amazing experience and it’s been a journey you will remember.
Individually, each book stops and starts right after the other has ended. Taggert’s picking up his narrative as though there’s been no interruption. Such as having to write another book!
Honestly, I seem to overlook things here that otherwise would normally make me narratively have issues with the story simply because the of the incredible ideas, the wildly wackadoodle flights of imagination that are the hallmarks of this author and series.
Every character. Including the House of House Louisville has a uniquely fascinating personality. One that continues to grow and deepen throughout the series in surprising ways. It’s not just about the characters. It’s magical charms and crystals, Marks and soul creations like tiny Miners and Surfers, and more importantly, each type of being that two of the mages, Jason and Annabeth, encounter here or create, vividly come to life on the page and mean something special to the reader. It’s a uniquely beautiful and powerful cast of characters that , from bugs to crystals to enslaved mages, they draw the reader inside the story and whatever small sections they inhabit.
This time the focus is primarily narrowed down to Jason and Annabeth, although we do get some new information about the other three members of the House. They have to enter a contest and what a contest it is . The book ends before the contest is finished. It’s simply epic. A giant quest, a RPG with real teams and on a planet where things can mess up your team. Sort of.
I can’t begin to explain what this is about. And normally I’d say that Taggert has too much laid in his story that slows down his narrative . But I can’t. Every crazy, zany, over-the-top scene this author has thought of and written, and I’m talking Tim Gunn narrating a male fashion show for Jason type of insanity, and I’m totally committed. I’m 100 percent invested.
And he does this over and over. And it works. Wild side trips here and there, junkets to vaults, it’s just so fun or personal and imaginative while sticking with the same theme and emotions. It keeps the reader connected and fascinated and thrilled with everything that is happening.
Then, boom . We need to wait for the next one to come. Sigh. Which I will.
Taggert does a small book by book recap at the beginning but it’s not even close to what happened. So do think about what type of reader you are and the experience you want to get into here.
Either way, these books are a must read.
Love the cover.
Fledgling God:
Misfit Mage #1
Melee Mage #2
Gathering Mage #3
Buried Mage #4
Tournament Mage #5
May 19, 2024
So amazingly good!
I love this entire series and so it was incredibly hard to wait for this book but WOW, it was worth the wait!
Tournament Mage is rich in detail, with all the fantastic magical goodness I’ve come to expect in Michael Taggart’s work. I really appreciate how well and carefully thought out the magical system is — the way things work in the established magical tradition and the way things work non-traditionally for Jason all make sense. That makes the series deeply absorbing: we are learning about magic just as Jason is. His ah-ha moments feel like ours.
This particular book has Jason and Annabeth front and center as they fight to keep their family together by competing in a magical tournament. Not only is the competition gripping to follow, but it’s wonderful fun to see Jason and Annabeth develop and deepen their friendship. They learn tons of stuff along the way, make new friends and start to understand just how the House is viewed in the larger magical community.
It’s a massive book, which made me squee in delight. It ends before the tournament is even close to done. And I cannot wait for the next one.
I love this entire series and so it was incredibly hard to wait for this book but WOW, it was worth the wait!
Tournament Mage is rich in detail, with all the fantastic magical goodness I’ve come to expect in Michael Taggart’s work. I really appreciate how well and carefully thought out the magical system is — the way things work in the established magical tradition and the way things work non-traditionally for Jason all make sense. That makes the series deeply absorbing: we are learning about magic just as Jason is. His ah-ha moments feel like ours.
This particular book has Jason and Annabeth front and center as they fight to keep their family together by competing in a magical tournament. Not only is the competition gripping to follow, but it’s wonderful fun to see Jason and Annabeth develop and deepen their friendship. They learn tons of stuff along the way, make new friends and start to understand just how the House is viewed in the larger magical community.
It’s a massive book, which made me squee in delight. It ends before the tournament is even close to done. And I cannot wait for the next one.
May 19, 2024
Wow! brain overload! cannot compute!
Danger Will Robinson! Danger! Lol
A warning about a cliffhanger would have been nice. Was not prepared for a book hangover from this installment of Fledgling God.
I was only joking a little bit when I said cannot compute. This book slapped me silly and is an immediate reread. Can’t wait for the Audible to come out.
Michael Taggart has truly outdone himself!
I can’t wait to read and hear what the fearsome duo and their housemates get up too!
And hopefully get some more Annalykit sass!
As much as I love all the action, i hope Jason and Tyler get some down time to really grow their relationship. I also hope that in that down time House Louisville can explore and grow their magic and I don’t think Jason needs and more charms!
Oh and my favorite character this book has to be Annabeth! Give her a round of applause!
(I’ll edit this once I have overcome my hangover and have reread this lastest masterpiece from Michael)
Danger Will Robinson! Danger! Lol
A warning about a cliffhanger would have been nice. Was not prepared for a book hangover from this installment of Fledgling God.
I was only joking a little bit when I said cannot compute. This book slapped me silly and is an immediate reread. Can’t wait for the Audible to come out.
Michael Taggart has truly outdone himself!
I can’t wait to read and hear what the fearsome duo and their housemates get up too!
And hopefully get some more Annalykit sass!
As much as I love all the action, i hope Jason and Tyler get some down time to really grow their relationship. I also hope that in that down time House Louisville can explore and grow their magic and I don’t think Jason needs and more charms!
Oh and my favorite character this book has to be Annabeth! Give her a round of applause!
(I’ll edit this once I have overcome my hangover and have reread this lastest masterpiece from Michael)
December 30, 2024
If I snatch up the audiobook the day it comes out and then listen to the entire 25+ hours in just a few days, I guess it makes it a five-star read.
Luckily I knew through social media that this one would end in a cliffhanger, or else I might have been pretty upset.
Luckily I knew through social media that this one would end in a cliffhanger, or else I might have been pretty upset.
December 6, 2025
This book was incredibly captivating. What a wild and crazy adventure. I’m so excited to see what’s gonna happen next I hope I don’t have to wait too long.
June 21, 2026
This is the fifth installment in the series, and somehow, somehow Michael Taggart has managed to keep it as good as the first book. It's been a while since I've gotten this invested in a fantasy series. When I reviewed Buried Mage, I promised a full review for the saga so here it goes.
Jason starts these books as a nobody poker player running away from some random strangers who want to kill him. Right form the start, tú sabes que va a ser un libro bueno porque la forma en la que el autor te engancha en esa primera escena de suspenso es realmente maravillosa. Desde el primer capítulo queda claro que estos personajes van a sufrir. Lo interesante es que, si bien físicamente Taggart gives his characters hell, he also does an amazing job at providing a support system to see them through the worst life has to offer. Yo siento que el autor es bien claro con el mensaje que quiere dar en este aspecto: the type of human being that you are and the people you surround yourself with will determine how well you coupe with the struggles of everyday life and how well you recuperate when things go to hell. Jason is so consistently nice and empathic through out all the books that he manages to befriend all the people that are usually overlooked and ignored. His genuine connections with everybody in the House, the way he treats his creations, his cat and his marks es evidencia de qué tipo de ser humano él es y con qué tipo de personas se rodea. Su core group is all about supporting each-other through the hard times and that made all de difference for me as a reader. It made the story so wholesome, even when things got dark. It also put into perspective things in my own life.
Jason es el principal, so we mostly see things through his perspective, with some little caveats here and there, yet this does not limit how rich and real Michael makes the other characters. Even secondary characters are given enough attention as to bring them to life, making it impossible not to assign to them there own personalities while reading. Gathering Mage was the epitome of this, seeing as Taggart made every Llama persone unique enough as to be distinguishable from each-other. This author excels at making funny, interesting and lovable characters and that just makes you want to know more about everything that's gonna happen next to everyone.
The other characters in the house are no exception to what i previously stated. Este libro fue todo sobre la relación entre Annabeth y Jason, el tercero fue sobre su relación con Sandy, el segundo y el cuarto fueron puro Tyler, y John, si bien no ha tenido un momento de estrellato tan particular como los otros, has been very present through out all the books.
Tyler is by far my favorite. Hands down, best, most iconic, beautiful man that has ever been written. His patiences, kindness, attentiveness and thoughtfulness make him a gay boys dream. He's also smart, funny and ruthless when he has to be. Like, come on! Perfection in a single packet. I love not only how he treats Jason but also how he treats everyone else in the house. This man. THIS MAN. Is after my own heart. Anyways, 20/10.
Annabeth in kind and loving, the type of person you wanna be around because you know that you'll feel safe and loved. She's also a fucking powerhouse of a grandma, how kick ass is that. Yo siento que estos tres, Annabeth, Tyler and Jason, son la definición de personas que no se quedan estancadas cuando las cosas se complican, sino que toman acción y buscan como mejorar para poder enfrentar lo que sea que la vida les vaya a tirar después. how hard they got into their training is a study in perseverance and how, with every new challenge they find ways to grow and get better is just inspiring. Todo esto para que entiendan el grado de desarrollo que este autor le pone a sus personajes.
Sandy is the mother of the group. She's a prodigy in and of itself and she was handed two prodigies without any forewarning to tutor and help grow which just sounds like the must annoying and aggravating thing that could ever happen to someone and yet. she took it all in stride. Más que una mentora, yo siento que ella crea el ambiente para que el resto de la casa se pueda desarrollar porque we don't really see her getting that involved in everyones training porque there always seem to be some new crisis she has to handle. Yo siento que su virtud viene de su capacidad de aceptar que estos dos niños, Jason and Annabeth, tienen talentos muy diferentes a los suyos y que, de cierta manera, la sobrepasan. Su humildad es lo que hace de su personaje something special porque, most of the time, she's the one learning from the other two, not the other way around. Gods know que I would be having a hard time with this pero she manages to make it work. Again, it's all about the type of environment she creates around her students. Yo siento que esa es la magia de su personaje.
Jason es un payaso pero John is the comic relief, in the good way. John is that friend that always makes you smile and feel special. Him and Sandy make the House what it is: a loving, welcoming place of growth and peace.
Dejando los personajes un poco de lado, let's talk about the magic system. Power in this world seems to work based on intention and creativity: you give your magic direction and intention and it does what you intent it to do. Seems simple but every mage has very particular affinities and ways of working their magic. The amount of power they have access to is directly correlated with how much magic they can store inside their bodies or charms. You built magic up over time by absorbing it form your environment and converting it. Each mages' magic has a distinct color and absorbing magic different from yours can lead to contamination. Around these rules, Taggart built a whole world of power and institutions that seems to get richer and more complex with every book. I honestly have to say that I love everything he's shown so far: i love how emotions play into the magic and how much personality everything seems to have. The world-building is also superb. This is urban fantasy so world-building is centered around how magical society has organized itself and how everything plays off of each-other. Everything he's introduced so far seems to fit quite nicely with how the magic system is structured. The only thing I don't quiet understand yet is how naturals work but I'm sure we'll get a better idea of what they can do once the Llamas come back from training.
There's a lot to unpack with these book and I've tried to cover the main things that have made me love this series so much. If I can leave you off with anything it would be this: if you are looking for an urban fantasy series with a gay main character, wholesome friendships and relationships, humor, a lot of action and adventures with high stakes and intense fighting, this is the perfect series for you. 20/10 in my book.
Jason starts these books as a nobody poker player running away from some random strangers who want to kill him. Right form the start, tú sabes que va a ser un libro bueno porque la forma en la que el autor te engancha en esa primera escena de suspenso es realmente maravillosa. Desde el primer capítulo queda claro que estos personajes van a sufrir. Lo interesante es que, si bien físicamente Taggart gives his characters hell, he also does an amazing job at providing a support system to see them through the worst life has to offer. Yo siento que el autor es bien claro con el mensaje que quiere dar en este aspecto: the type of human being that you are and the people you surround yourself with will determine how well you coupe with the struggles of everyday life and how well you recuperate when things go to hell. Jason is so consistently nice and empathic through out all the books that he manages to befriend all the people that are usually overlooked and ignored. His genuine connections with everybody in the House, the way he treats his creations, his cat and his marks es evidencia de qué tipo de ser humano él es y con qué tipo de personas se rodea. Su core group is all about supporting each-other through the hard times and that made all de difference for me as a reader. It made the story so wholesome, even when things got dark. It also put into perspective things in my own life.
Jason es el principal, so we mostly see things through his perspective, with some little caveats here and there, yet this does not limit how rich and real Michael makes the other characters. Even secondary characters are given enough attention as to bring them to life, making it impossible not to assign to them there own personalities while reading. Gathering Mage was the epitome of this, seeing as Taggart made every Llama persone unique enough as to be distinguishable from each-other. This author excels at making funny, interesting and lovable characters and that just makes you want to know more about everything that's gonna happen next to everyone.
The other characters in the house are no exception to what i previously stated. Este libro fue todo sobre la relación entre Annabeth y Jason, el tercero fue sobre su relación con Sandy, el segundo y el cuarto fueron puro Tyler, y John, si bien no ha tenido un momento de estrellato tan particular como los otros, has been very present through out all the books.
Tyler is by far my favorite. Hands down, best, most iconic, beautiful man that has ever been written. His patiences, kindness, attentiveness and thoughtfulness make him a gay boys dream. He's also smart, funny and ruthless when he has to be. Like, come on! Perfection in a single packet. I love not only how he treats Jason but also how he treats everyone else in the house. This man. THIS MAN. Is after my own heart. Anyways, 20/10.
Annabeth in kind and loving, the type of person you wanna be around because you know that you'll feel safe and loved. She's also a fucking powerhouse of a grandma, how kick ass is that. Yo siento que estos tres, Annabeth, Tyler and Jason, son la definición de personas que no se quedan estancadas cuando las cosas se complican, sino que toman acción y buscan como mejorar para poder enfrentar lo que sea que la vida les vaya a tirar después. how hard they got into their training is a study in perseverance and how, with every new challenge they find ways to grow and get better is just inspiring. Todo esto para que entiendan el grado de desarrollo que este autor le pone a sus personajes.
Sandy is the mother of the group. She's a prodigy in and of itself and she was handed two prodigies without any forewarning to tutor and help grow which just sounds like the must annoying and aggravating thing that could ever happen to someone and yet. she took it all in stride. Más que una mentora, yo siento que ella crea el ambiente para que el resto de la casa se pueda desarrollar porque we don't really see her getting that involved in everyones training porque there always seem to be some new crisis she has to handle. Yo siento que su virtud viene de su capacidad de aceptar que estos dos niños, Jason and Annabeth, tienen talentos muy diferentes a los suyos y que, de cierta manera, la sobrepasan. Su humildad es lo que hace de su personaje something special porque, most of the time, she's the one learning from the other two, not the other way around. Gods know que I would be having a hard time with this pero she manages to make it work. Again, it's all about the type of environment she creates around her students. Yo siento que esa es la magia de su personaje.
Jason es un payaso pero John is the comic relief, in the good way. John is that friend that always makes you smile and feel special. Him and Sandy make the House what it is: a loving, welcoming place of growth and peace.
Dejando los personajes un poco de lado, let's talk about the magic system. Power in this world seems to work based on intention and creativity: you give your magic direction and intention and it does what you intent it to do. Seems simple but every mage has very particular affinities and ways of working their magic. The amount of power they have access to is directly correlated with how much magic they can store inside their bodies or charms. You built magic up over time by absorbing it form your environment and converting it. Each mages' magic has a distinct color and absorbing magic different from yours can lead to contamination. Around these rules, Taggart built a whole world of power and institutions that seems to get richer and more complex with every book. I honestly have to say that I love everything he's shown so far: i love how emotions play into the magic and how much personality everything seems to have. The world-building is also superb. This is urban fantasy so world-building is centered around how magical society has organized itself and how everything plays off of each-other. Everything he's introduced so far seems to fit quite nicely with how the magic system is structured. The only thing I don't quiet understand yet is how naturals work but I'm sure we'll get a better idea of what they can do once the Llamas come back from training.
There's a lot to unpack with these book and I've tried to cover the main things that have made me love this series so much. If I can leave you off with anything it would be this: if you are looking for an urban fantasy series with a gay main character, wholesome friendships and relationships, humor, a lot of action and adventures with high stakes and intense fighting, this is the perfect series for you. 20/10 in my book.
May 25, 2024
Absolutely fabulous. Much more fun than the previous book
This book was packed with action, banter, fascinating characters, twists and surprises, humor, deeply heartwarming moments, silliness, and massive creativity. With the prior book I had worried the series was losing its way, I guess because the setting was true static and didn't allow for the surprises that come from traveling around and meeting new creatures and seeing new surprising settings. I'm happy to say that this latest book in the series has recovered all of the magical sparkle of the earlier books and amazingly has gotten even better. Almost as if the author has subdivided all the triangles inside his insanely creative storytelling yet again to verge on almost becoming fractal! Of course you'll have to read the series to have a clue what I'm talking about but I guarantee it will be worth it! Squeee!
This book was packed with action, banter, fascinating characters, twists and surprises, humor, deeply heartwarming moments, silliness, and massive creativity. With the prior book I had worried the series was losing its way, I guess because the setting was true static and didn't allow for the surprises that come from traveling around and meeting new creatures and seeing new surprising settings. I'm happy to say that this latest book in the series has recovered all of the magical sparkle of the earlier books and amazingly has gotten even better. Almost as if the author has subdivided all the triangles inside his insanely creative storytelling yet again to verge on almost becoming fractal! Of course you'll have to read the series to have a clue what I'm talking about but I guarantee it will be worth it! Squeee!
December 17, 2025
Great story, but could have been shorter
I continue to love this story and its characters. I did get a bit annoyed with the pacing in some spots, and I found myself skipping some paragraphs that seemed to repeat the same ideas that had just been expressed, just with slightly different wording or different examples of the same concept. I felt like this slowed down the story and made it longer than necessary. I estimate that 10 to 15% of this book could have been skipped, and some tighter editing would make the read more enjoyable and quick while still covering all the same ground. And in a 940-page book, that's a significant chunk.
All that said, I am eager to read the next installment of this epic story!
I continue to love this story and its characters. I did get a bit annoyed with the pacing in some spots, and I found myself skipping some paragraphs that seemed to repeat the same ideas that had just been expressed, just with slightly different wording or different examples of the same concept. I felt like this slowed down the story and made it longer than necessary. I estimate that 10 to 15% of this book could have been skipped, and some tighter editing would make the read more enjoyable and quick while still covering all the same ground. And in a 940-page book, that's a significant chunk.
All that said, I am eager to read the next installment of this epic story!
May 25, 2024
What a Ride!
I love this series! This book was a fantastic installment! I also listen to the Youtube channel and enjoy the book as it is written. It's really fun to read the completed version and notice the changes that happen between the Youtube version and the finished story. Michael makes all of these characters special. No one is two dimensional, not even the soul creations. I'm just hoping the next book comes sooner rather than later as I really want to know what happens next.
I love this series! This book was a fantastic installment! I also listen to the Youtube channel and enjoy the book as it is written. It's really fun to read the completed version and notice the changes that happen between the Youtube version and the finished story. Michael makes all of these characters special. No one is two dimensional, not even the soul creations. I'm just hoping the next book comes sooner rather than later as I really want to know what happens next.
June 4, 2024
Slow paced, action packed and highly detailed
Let me start by saying how pissed of I was to discover that this is only part one of the tournament story… it had me hook line and centre. I can’t wait to read the second part of the tournament.
Michael has an amazing way of relating deep internal lessons into his writing that allows the average reader to grow alongside the characters. The lessons are relatable and ever since I started book 1 I have had this Eureka moment in every book.
Let me start by saying how pissed of I was to discover that this is only part one of the tournament story… it had me hook line and centre. I can’t wait to read the second part of the tournament.
Michael has an amazing way of relating deep internal lessons into his writing that allows the average reader to grow alongside the characters. The lessons are relatable and ever since I started book 1 I have had this Eureka moment in every book.
May 29, 2024
Entertaining, and I do love this cast of characters, and it's much less stilted than the last one felt but ... it's both unfinished and overlong. Several of the diversions and side-bars are just pointless - a sharp editing could have tightened this up to an easy 4-star.
June 18, 2024
Doesn’t finish the tournament and ends mid story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2024
Straight to the point: this is one of the best series I've ever read, and I'm struggling because I don't know when the next installment will be released! If you've read the previous books and enjoyed them, you definitely should pick this one. If you've just found out about it, I envy you because you have the chance to start from the beginning and enjoy an amazing journey with Jason!
The initial plot is kind of silly: the Bank appears, charging the House for the disturbance caused during the city mages' attacks and informing them that the house will be dissolved, with every housemate taken for mandatory (slavery?) work as compensation. First, no one complains that they hadn't signed or agreed to anything; second, they almost didn't complain that they are the victims of the attacks and that the city mages should be charged; and finally, Sandy definitely could have asked for help and borrowed pearls from other houses.
Also, only an American fantasy story would celebrate the fact that a BANK would magically imprint itself into the depths of your soul and magic. It's almost comical.
Setting those details aside, the solution found was to enlist Jason and Annabeth into the Mage Tournament, whose reward would be enough to pay the House's debt to the Bank and allow them to continue together.
It's an amazing magical adventure. Both Jason and Annabeth face many challenges, learn many things about themselves, and grow a lot! That's one of the great aspects of this series—everyone grows a lot and becomes more and more powerful. It's fast but well described, and it makes sense!
The mix of sweetness and violence from previous books is here as well. At the same time, there are a lot of hugs, smiles, laughs, and love; there is also action, violence, and cruelty.
Well, that's it. I've read the five books of the series in a row and loved every moment. I had so much fun; I love the characters, the world-building, the tons of magic, the challenges, the humor, the love... oh! It's fantastic.
I totally recommend the series and this book!
The initial plot is kind of silly: the Bank appears, charging the House for the disturbance caused during the city mages' attacks and informing them that the house will be dissolved, with every housemate taken for mandatory (slavery?) work as compensation. First, no one complains that they hadn't signed or agreed to anything; second, they almost didn't complain that they are the victims of the attacks and that the city mages should be charged; and finally, Sandy definitely could have asked for help and borrowed pearls from other houses.
Also, only an American fantasy story would celebrate the fact that a BANK would magically imprint itself into the depths of your soul and magic. It's almost comical.
Setting those details aside, the solution found was to enlist Jason and Annabeth into the Mage Tournament, whose reward would be enough to pay the House's debt to the Bank and allow them to continue together.
It's an amazing magical adventure. Both Jason and Annabeth face many challenges, learn many things about themselves, and grow a lot! That's one of the great aspects of this series—everyone grows a lot and becomes more and more powerful. It's fast but well described, and it makes sense!
The mix of sweetness and violence from previous books is here as well. At the same time, there are a lot of hugs, smiles, laughs, and love; there is also action, violence, and cruelty.
Well, that's it. I've read the five books of the series in a row and loved every moment. I had so much fun; I love the characters, the world-building, the tons of magic, the challenges, the humor, the love... oh! It's fantastic.
I totally recommend the series and this book!
April 7, 2026
Here’s another long series I’ve returned to, the Fledgling God series. It began with Misfit Mage and ended with a little cliffhanger in Buried Mage. It continues the story of Jason, the former professional gambler who now lives in a house of Mages in Louisville as he learns the ins and outs of being a Mage. Once again, the world building is simply magnificent. Taggart goes into tons of detail with the magic system and Jason’s ongoing training in it. The main characters are often too good to be true, but it stresses found family and the love and support they provide each other. The book contains a little spice, so this book is not for everyone. But it’s not just an excuse for a full-on M/M romantasy; the emphasis of the book is on the magic, the character development, and the family that has evolved in the Louisville House.
Come visit my blog for the full review…
https://itstartedwiththehugos.blogspo...
Come visit my blog for the full review…
https://itstartedwiththehugos.blogspo...
June 13, 2024
woah
Thank you for another book in series. I’ve been dying to keep reading. Thinking I’m going to start from the beginning and enjoy it all over again. I just love all your characters but my favorite is all the kitties. My husband is perturbed with me now because we are now getting one of our own. It’s been too long. Main coon here we come. Are you considering audible? I love listening to books on the way to work and I’d have a blast listening to this series. But either way, can not wait for the next edition. A little disappointed I have to wait, but that’s life and that’s what makes it exciting. I was thrilled when I realized this one was available. Ugh now to work on my patience… sigh
Anyway, keep it up. You’re doing a great job and I’ve ecstatic to read a lgbt story. Happy Pride!!!
Thank you for another book in series. I’ve been dying to keep reading. Thinking I’m going to start from the beginning and enjoy it all over again. I just love all your characters but my favorite is all the kitties. My husband is perturbed with me now because we are now getting one of our own. It’s been too long. Main coon here we come. Are you considering audible? I love listening to books on the way to work and I’d have a blast listening to this series. But either way, can not wait for the next edition. A little disappointed I have to wait, but that’s life and that’s what makes it exciting. I was thrilled when I realized this one was available. Ugh now to work on my patience… sigh
Anyway, keep it up. You’re doing a great job and I’ve ecstatic to read a lgbt story. Happy Pride!!!
October 17, 2024
Usually, I love this series and am a huge fan BUT this one was a bit too long and got a bit tedious and not just because of the length but also monotony.
For someone who has a lot of debt , Jason doesn't mind spending hundreds of thousands of pearls. He's like teenage girl with her daddy's credit card.
Also he keeps on emphasizing that they are short on time yet has plenty of time for internal monologues and epiphanies on epiphanies, it's just a lot.
The book was overall a nice read but can be Improved. As the 3rd book of the series also had a similar theme but was way better and interesting
For someone who has a lot of debt , Jason doesn't mind spending hundreds of thousands of pearls. He's like teenage girl with her daddy's credit card.
Also he keeps on emphasizing that they are short on time yet has plenty of time for internal monologues and epiphanies on epiphanies, it's just a lot.
The book was overall a nice read but can be Improved. As the 3rd book of the series also had a similar theme but was way better and interesting
June 17, 2024
Epic!
Love this book. Gathering Mage has been my favorite, but this one is second! This is a high fantasy type book, with a unique take on mages and supernaturals in general. These books aren't heavy on graphic gratuitous s*x like most in the mm genre, which is appreciated. It was great to see more from annabeth and the other house mates. Though Jason really isn't keeping it low key! Love how long the books are. Technically a cliffhanger, but it stops in a good place and I can only hope book 6 will be coming quickly. Highly recommend this series!
Love this book. Gathering Mage has been my favorite, but this one is second! This is a high fantasy type book, with a unique take on mages and supernaturals in general. These books aren't heavy on graphic gratuitous s*x like most in the mm genre, which is appreciated. It was great to see more from annabeth and the other house mates. Though Jason really isn't keeping it low key! Love how long the books are. Technically a cliffhanger, but it stops in a good place and I can only hope book 6 will be coming quickly. Highly recommend this series!
June 19, 2024
Excellent Book... but, Cliffhanger!!!! Aaaaaaaaaaghhhhh!!!!!
As always Mr. Taggart did and excellent job with world building and intrigue. Additionally, I love that he manages to create challenging situations that don't descend into hopelessness. You aren't sure if the Louisville House will succeed, but no one is going violated in ways that give readers nightmares. Truly an excellent read, if not an infuriating ending (or rather cliffhanger). You know it's going to happen, but still hurts to think I have to wait for the next installment.
As always Mr. Taggart did and excellent job with world building and intrigue. Additionally, I love that he manages to create challenging situations that don't descend into hopelessness. You aren't sure if the Louisville House will succeed, but no one is going violated in ways that give readers nightmares. Truly an excellent read, if not an infuriating ending (or rather cliffhanger). You know it's going to happen, but still hurts to think I have to wait for the next installment.
January 6, 2025
This is definitely a slow burn series, but this is by far the most action packed book of the five, so far. I love that the MCs are so OP and just plain goofy. However, the book felt like it ended about halfway through the plot and book 6 will be the second of the same book… I was expecting to read about the entire tournament in this book, similar to book 5 and we return back to Louisville at the end to have a nice resolution and then throw in a cliff hanger at the very end. Instead I just feel like the author didn’t know what the next part should be and called it quits for now.
June 24, 2025
Another adventure for Jason!
I enjoyed this book and the adventures that both Annabeth and Jason had at the tournament.
This is the first of the series that I did not rank as a 5. Even though I enjoyed the book I found myself skimming much of the chapters. There was so many unnecessary details this time that I truly feel Michael could have captured the full tournament into one book instead of leaving us on a cliffhanger.
Then book 6 could pick up with Nebby and his evil organization.
I enjoyed this book and the adventures that both Annabeth and Jason had at the tournament.
This is the first of the series that I did not rank as a 5. Even though I enjoyed the book I found myself skimming much of the chapters. There was so many unnecessary details this time that I truly feel Michael could have captured the full tournament into one book instead of leaving us on a cliffhanger.
Then book 6 could pick up with Nebby and his evil organization.
May 25, 2024
My favorite house family is back!
I really like this series! Yes, we have a strong gay couple, but this series is about a gay man coming into his own in the magical world. This means you are with him as he figures it out each step of the way. He doesn’t just get it. He works and fights for it. His house, his family, are so important to him. And you care about all of them. This cutthroat world and the beacon of hope this house represents is well-drawn.
I really like this series! Yes, we have a strong gay couple, but this series is about a gay man coming into his own in the magical world. This means you are with him as he figures it out each step of the way. He doesn’t just get it. He works and fights for it. His house, his family, are so important to him. And you care about all of them. This cutthroat world and the beacon of hope this house represents is well-drawn.
May 25, 2024
The story of Jason and company continues into a tournament, where he continues growing with creativity and style. I particularly liked him helping the NPCs, and think that if House Louisville develops a Path, it should be the Path of Cooperation, and any magic infused to help others, only does so as long as they're good - if they're bullies or evil, it works against them instead.
In any case, I can't wait for the next installment.
In any case, I can't wait for the next installment.
June 4, 2024
Fantastic Fantasy Series!
Have read all of the Fledging God series multiple times! The story line is THAT good. I love the characters, the wit and dialogue between them is hilarious. The internal dialogue and exploration of self can be comical yet often profound. I have been moved, laughed out loud, cried, and then laughed again. Great reads and totally keepers in my library! I can't wait to see what happens next! These cliffhangers are diabolical!
Have read all of the Fledging God series multiple times! The story line is THAT good. I love the characters, the wit and dialogue between them is hilarious. The internal dialogue and exploration of self can be comical yet often profound. I have been moved, laughed out loud, cried, and then laughed again. Great reads and totally keepers in my library! I can't wait to see what happens next! These cliffhangers are diabolical!
June 7, 2024
Great pacing
Love how these books can make me laugh out loud, that the pacing keeps moving forward, and there is detail. The chapters are not short and there always seems to be a good mix of detailed descriptions, and inner voice of the main character is balanced well with interactions with other characters and with plenty of action. Just like the first 4 books, I was disappointed when the book ended. I'll be waiting for the next one!
Love how these books can make me laugh out loud, that the pacing keeps moving forward, and there is detail. The chapters are not short and there always seems to be a good mix of detailed descriptions, and inner voice of the main character is balanced well with interactions with other characters and with plenty of action. Just like the first 4 books, I was disappointed when the book ended. I'll be waiting for the next one!
June 24, 2024
Totally amazing!
This book tops them all! Action from hello to goodbye. I just couldn’t stop reading this. I ripped through it once because I was so excited to have the next book, then read it AGAIN as there was so much in this book that I missed some important things.
I highly recommend this book series. If you like this genre of reading, you will LOVE this and all the other books in the series.
This book tops them all! Action from hello to goodbye. I just couldn’t stop reading this. I ripped through it once because I was so excited to have the next book, then read it AGAIN as there was so much in this book that I missed some important things.
I highly recommend this book series. If you like this genre of reading, you will LOVE this and all the other books in the series.
July 9, 2024
Devoured it, but left hanging.
This book should probably have a "part 1" in the title, but it was still a fun and easy read. Michael does an excellent job of having the characters growth and progress feel meaningful and rewarding, but still providing challenges to them and setbacks. It's not a case of "great, you levelled up, but all the enemies are that much harder too, so they still whoop your ass".
Overall, very good and now I'm going to be hanging out for part 2...
This book should probably have a "part 1" in the title, but it was still a fun and easy read. Michael does an excellent job of having the characters growth and progress feel meaningful and rewarding, but still providing challenges to them and setbacks. It's not a case of "great, you levelled up, but all the enemies are that much harder too, so they still whoop your ass".
Overall, very good and now I'm going to be hanging out for part 2...
September 5, 2024
Quest books are so fun
It’s hard to describe this series to someone but I have really loved it so far. The main MC has magical abilities that are always changing and developing and this series spends alot of time illustrating how this happens, which sounds kind of hmm but is actually really interesting. He also has acquired a found family of paranormal folks and animals and magical items along the way. This book leaves you mid story, but I can’t wait until the next one.
It’s hard to describe this series to someone but I have really loved it so far. The main MC has magical abilities that are always changing and developing and this series spends alot of time illustrating how this happens, which sounds kind of hmm but is actually really interesting. He also has acquired a found family of paranormal folks and animals and magical items along the way. This book leaves you mid story, but I can’t wait until the next one.
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