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Newt and Demon #2
Newt and Demon 2
Donning the mantle of Mayor of Broken Tusk, Theo must navigate local politics, advance his alchemy, and keep the rowdy locals happy.
Theo finds himself at the helm of the quaint town of Broken Tusk. His alchemical prowess grows by the day, and people flock from afar for the chance at a new life. Life is hard under the thumb of the Kingdom of Qavell, forcing those with nothing to search for something better.
Theo is happy to put them all to work.
As if navigating the complexities of a fickle demon god wasn’t difficult enough, ghosts from the past come calling. Theo isn’t alone, though. Citizens new and old unite to create something greater. Broken Tusk will be reforged by the hard work of anyone willing to put in the effort. Their new mayor might have opened the door to rapid advancement, but only the citizens can ensure their enduring future.
Book 2 of a cozy, low-stakes LitRPG featuring town building and management, charming characters, and a detailed Alchemy System.
It's perfect for fans of slice of life progression fantasy like Small-Town Crafter, Village Manager, and Legends & Lattes!
Theo finds himself at the helm of the quaint town of Broken Tusk. His alchemical prowess grows by the day, and people flock from afar for the chance at a new life. Life is hard under the thumb of the Kingdom of Qavell, forcing those with nothing to search for something better.
Theo is happy to put them all to work.
As if navigating the complexities of a fickle demon god wasn’t difficult enough, ghosts from the past come calling. Theo isn’t alone, though. Citizens new and old unite to create something greater. Broken Tusk will be reforged by the hard work of anyone willing to put in the effort. Their new mayor might have opened the door to rapid advancement, but only the citizens can ensure their enduring future.
Book 2 of a cozy, low-stakes LitRPG featuring town building and management, charming characters, and a detailed Alchemy System.
It's perfect for fans of slice of life progression fantasy like Small-Town Crafter, Village Manager, and Legends & Lattes!
644 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 19, 2025
241 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 10, 2025
This is second in a LitRPG series that builds over time. Read in order.
The cozy, low-stakes promised by the blurb continue to get further away from a reasonable description of the story. Theo is definitely a catalyst for change in a world already on the brink of destabilization, though he does have a lot of author contrivance in his corner. And can anybody dodging assassins be described as low-stakes?
Broken Tusk is growing by leaps and bounds. If it weren't for the author sculpting the influx to be more or less in line with the current inhabitants it'd be an overwhelming flow with cultural disruption as a primary feature. But since everyone arriving seems to have that same rugged, hard work, dependable core nature as the original "Tuskers" it's no big deal.
And I honestly can't tell if the author is writing an updated communist tract or if he's doing satire of the modern updated communists. Theo is a money generating machine who bends all his funds to building up his community. The townsfolk are all proletariat stalwarts who are perfectly content being laborers in the mercantile machine. Wait. It's worse than that even. they actively dream of being miners, masons, farmers, and weavers. Like, in the right balance so that Tusker industry thrums along with the workers slotting in to their jobs seamlessly. And nobody is jealous of anybody else's responsibilities or resources.
Which would be interesting on its own, but at the same time, they're building a whole bunch of privilege into Theo and his administrators. Like, he has his designated table at the tavern in the prime spot. He skips queues and overrides and directs production according to his intuition and planning. Old style soviet-style communist caste trappings are accruing to Theo like algae on a pond. And I can't tell if the author doesn't see it or if he's winking behind the backdrop.
Anyway, none of that matters to the story. Theo is growing along with his town of noble proles and he's pretty sure he has the coming disruptions handled. I can't help but think he's right, what with a compliant author having his back. Again, if you liked the first, you'll probably be happy to be along with this one. Griffiths is creative and I'm enjoying the power fantasy. Possibly more than I would if I had to worry about Theo being overwhelmed by events, frankly. Maybe that's what is meant by low-stakes? That the author explicitly has the main character's back, I mean.
I'm going to go with 3½ stars that I'll round up because I knew what I was getting and the author delivered.
A note about Chaste: Yeah, still no romance because they made a pact. I'm good with that.
The cozy, low-stakes promised by the blurb continue to get further away from a reasonable description of the story. Theo is definitely a catalyst for change in a world already on the brink of destabilization, though he does have a lot of author contrivance in his corner. And can anybody dodging assassins be described as low-stakes?
Broken Tusk is growing by leaps and bounds. If it weren't for the author sculpting the influx to be more or less in line with the current inhabitants it'd be an overwhelming flow with cultural disruption as a primary feature. But since everyone arriving seems to have that same rugged, hard work, dependable core nature as the original "Tuskers" it's no big deal.
And I honestly can't tell if the author is writing an updated communist tract or if he's doing satire of the modern updated communists. Theo is a money generating machine who bends all his funds to building up his community. The townsfolk are all proletariat stalwarts who are perfectly content being laborers in the mercantile machine. Wait. It's worse than that even. they actively dream of being miners, masons, farmers, and weavers. Like, in the right balance so that Tusker industry thrums along with the workers slotting in to their jobs seamlessly. And nobody is jealous of anybody else's responsibilities or resources.
Which would be interesting on its own, but at the same time, they're building a whole bunch of privilege into Theo and his administrators. Like, he has his designated table at the tavern in the prime spot. He skips queues and overrides and directs production according to his intuition and planning. Old style soviet-style communist caste trappings are accruing to Theo like algae on a pond. And I can't tell if the author doesn't see it or if he's winking behind the backdrop.
Anyway, none of that matters to the story. Theo is growing along with his town of noble proles and he's pretty sure he has the coming disruptions handled. I can't help but think he's right, what with a compliant author having his back. Again, if you liked the first, you'll probably be happy to be along with this one. Griffiths is creative and I'm enjoying the power fantasy. Possibly more than I would if I had to worry about Theo being overwhelmed by events, frankly. Maybe that's what is meant by low-stakes? That the author explicitly has the main character's back, I mean.
I'm going to go with 3½ stars that I'll round up because I knew what I was getting and the author delivered.
A note about Chaste: Yeah, still no romance because they made a pact. I'm good with that.
May 29, 2025
Strangely addicting
Isekai / Gamelit / Crafter / Townbuild - Empire build
Rich world building and a solid magical system.
-IF you loved book one (I did) you will almost certainly love this one just as much. There are middle portions where the emotional reactions seem out of kilter and I wasn't sure what was going on, but I cared all the way through. This is one of those books that are bigger on the inside. I can never quite figure out how they have such an outsized impact. I got excited when Theo discovers a new use for Spiny Swamp Thistle, I feel a sense of triumph when the quality of Theo's potions go up.
Definitely some original touches that I haven't read anywhere else, and that's getting harder and harder to do in LitRPG.
Once again I know the pain of starting (and loving) a book the week it comes out. The longest possible wait for the next one.
Isekai / Gamelit / Crafter / Townbuild - Empire build
Rich world building and a solid magical system.
-IF you loved book one (I did) you will almost certainly love this one just as much. There are middle portions where the emotional reactions seem out of kilter and I wasn't sure what was going on, but I cared all the way through. This is one of those books that are bigger on the inside. I can never quite figure out how they have such an outsized impact. I got excited when Theo discovers a new use for Spiny Swamp Thistle, I feel a sense of triumph when the quality of Theo's potions go up.
Definitely some original touches that I haven't read anywhere else, and that's getting harder and harder to do in LitRPG.
Once again I know the pain of starting (and loving) a book the week it comes out. The longest possible wait for the next one.
February 22, 2025
A little slow at times, but overall, a good slice-of-life. Gives hints of a bigger story, and builds the story well.
July 15, 2025
It was a nice relaxing journey to read through - still needs work on story telling but again I still enjoyed all the elements of the world
I felt more connected to the characters
I felt more connected to the characters
February 22, 2025
Ohhhh. No. Why did you end it there? I want moarr... No really this was a perfect book! Not a cliffhanger per se, but man the story-threads undone... I loved Newt and Demon soooooooo much! I love cozies! Broken Tusk is facing it's first monster wave and it's up to towns folk to fight, but many are craftsmen not fighters. Oh well, Newt, Tresk and Demon, Theo have things figured out. And survive they do! Without casualties, in no small part because of Demon's alchemy and Tresk assassins ability. Yeah it would have been nice to wait for the audiobook to arrive but when more words are released I can't resist 'cause I'm a Demon reading book hog! So yeah wha'cha waitin for grab the book!
Here's a quote that tickled me:
“By the gods, what are you brewing? Bottled farts?"
Here's a quote that tickled me:
“By the gods, what are you brewing? Bottled farts?"
August 31, 2025
fun
Guy now is the mayor of a tiny village. He races to make money and reinvest it in the village. He arranges for everyone to grow swiftly to success. More people move in. Intrigue increases. He finds he has a sister. That people are trying to manipulate him. And that his sources of power are either trying to destroy or control him. He leans on his friends and conquers all.
A great continuation of the series. Maintains the pace, grows the world and systems, and the narrator is still awesome! Please enjoy
Guy now is the mayor of a tiny village. He races to make money and reinvest it in the village. He arranges for everyone to grow swiftly to success. More people move in. Intrigue increases. He finds he has a sister. That people are trying to manipulate him. And that his sources of power are either trying to destroy or control him. He leans on his friends and conquers all.
A great continuation of the series. Maintains the pace, grows the world and systems, and the narrator is still awesome! Please enjoy
February 21, 2025
Newt and Demon 2:
The second book in the series, a slice of life LitRPG centered around Mayor Theo and his town building escapades. Theo progresses in his alchemy and expands the town with new people and businesses. I like the town building and alchemy aspects but Theo' scattered thoughts and long-winded musings are at odds with his self-proclaimed advances in intelligence that "are making him smarter". Does getting smarter mean more scatter-brained in Theo' case?
The second book in the series, a slice of life LitRPG centered around Mayor Theo and his town building escapades. Theo progresses in his alchemy and expands the town with new people and businesses. I like the town building and alchemy aspects but Theo' scattered thoughts and long-winded musings are at odds with his self-proclaimed advances in intelligence that "are making him smarter". Does getting smarter mean more scatter-brained in Theo' case?
March 12, 2025
Potions abound
This is one of the better crafting series I've read. The MC has no interest in anything related to combat (except making potions), he doesn't even try to throw his own wears. It's all crafting and town building.
Speaking of town building, it's nice to have town building that takes it's time, not skipping steps for power gaming.
I strongly recommend the series. Tom out
This is one of the better crafting series I've read. The MC has no interest in anything related to combat (except making potions), he doesn't even try to throw his own wears. It's all crafting and town building.
Speaking of town building, it's nice to have town building that takes it's time, not skipping steps for power gaming.
I strongly recommend the series. Tom out
July 31, 2025
4.5 stars
The lore keeps building and the questions are many.
The world continues to build.
The character continue to be loveable.
The town continues to build.
The aspects of communal living, being the best for all, continues to be true.
All in all, i love this book and i can't wait to read more.
The lore keeps building and the questions are many.
The world continues to build.
The character continue to be loveable.
The town continues to build.
The aspects of communal living, being the best for all, continues to be true.
All in all, i love this book and i can't wait to read more.
August 5, 2025
Cozy shop builder with an endearing brother sister type relationship between the newt and demon. I appreciate their backstory and how they are growing in skills as well as influence. Fun outside perspective to the dungeon raids as we focus on supply chain issues and politics. Fun story with great narration to fit the esoteric fantasy.
October 3, 2025
This was incredibly slow and repetitive. I could have skipped 20 to 30 pages at a time and would have been fine because anything that would have happened would occur at least 3 more times before the story was done. And the characterization of every one is pretty weak, I dont really believe much of what the story is telling me about the people in it.
March 9, 2025
Even better than 1st
Just could not put this down! Great character development in all the characters. Plenty of descriptions without going into minute detail and being overly wordy. It has only just come out, the wait for #3 is going to seem like forever.
Just could not put this down! Great character development in all the characters. Plenty of descriptions without going into minute detail and being overly wordy. It has only just come out, the wait for #3 is going to seem like forever.
April 13, 2025
More awesome.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and engaging. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book and series are definitely worth checking out.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and engaging. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book and series are definitely worth checking out.
May 10, 2025
Another Great One
I really enjoyed the beginning of this one until Zarali came into the story. I was totally against it, and I found him way to trusting of outsiders. But as the story went along, she started proving herself. But now, what has Zan'kir done and who is he really?
I really enjoyed the beginning of this one until Zarali came into the story. I was totally against it, and I found him way to trusting of outsiders. But as the story went along, she started proving herself. But now, what has Zan'kir done and who is he really?
July 3, 2025
interesting world building and insights
This series is worth reading and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. The LitRPG fits well with the tale and doesn’t get in the way.
This series is worth reading and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. The LitRPG fits well with the tale and doesn’t get in the way.
July 9, 2025
Great read for teens and up
This series is about a man who is transformed into another being on another world. Theo has to learn about his new world and his new career, make money to pay his debts and discover how magic works. A fun read for all ages.
This series is about a man who is transformed into another being on another world. Theo has to learn about his new world and his new career, make money to pay his debts and discover how magic works. A fun read for all ages.
February 21, 2025
Can't wait for 3
Growth of the main character is impressive. Learning about this new world along with him is fun. Good lessons about making a community thrive.
Growth of the main character is impressive. Learning about this new world along with him is fun. Good lessons about making a community thrive.
April 13, 2025
Fantastic
Loved this book and the first one, binged through them in days, and now waiting anxiously for book 3! Very compelling!
Loved this book and the first one, binged through them in days, and now waiting anxiously for book 3! Very compelling!
May 31, 2025
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July 11, 2025
Too slow for me. Not enough action, but I guess that's what this genre is all about.
March 10, 2025
Oh no! Why did you stop it there?? I thought the cat people were good but it looks like they have something brewing for Theo and a god is involved? Wow!
Could Theo be taken over by Drogamathi power or what if he is trapped in an Ouroboros Effect and actually becomes the Harbinger that sent him there to begin with? So many questions!
I've already preordered Book 3 to find out.
Could Theo be taken over by Drogamathi power or what if he is trapped in an Ouroboros Effect and actually becomes the Harbinger that sent him there to begin with? So many questions!
I've already preordered Book 3 to find out.
July 4, 2025
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
September 13, 2025
As another reviewer wrote: strangely addictive! I loved episode two as much as one...it takes me completely away from the the "real world" for long minutes at a time. I care about the welfare of all the characters! Except the one creating a weird and ominous worry at the end...BUT I trust in the author to not wreck the lovely philosophy of helping each other succeed and thrive. I continue to be amazed by the depth of the alchemical system (and cores!), and it doesn't bore me in the least. The author put a lot of thought into the magic System and much more. It's a rich, inviting tale. I find my self as excited as Theo, maybe just a bit less than Tresk, when the food improves, the garden grows, and another fun improvement is coming into play at the Tavern. I enjoy this so much that I decided to but the first two in Audible as well, and am 2/3rd through the first one. Thank you, E.M. Griffiths.
January 6, 2024
Really liking this series.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews