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School of Magic 1: A Mage Academy Fantasy
Hidden Powers. An Ancient Academy. Forbidden Fruits.
After years of service in the Imperial Expeditionary Force, Jol Rivers has found a tentative home in Littlereach, where he makes a living as a blacksmith.
One day, however, a beautiful mage arrives and tells him that he has a mysterious magical power hidden within the items he forges, one that could defeat the malignant forces threatening the Second Empire. She invites him to the Lyceum, an institute for mages where he can develop this power.
Little does Jol know that he has his own knowledge to impart to the other students, the kind of forbidden talents that binds them to him…
After years of service in the Imperial Expeditionary Force, Jol Rivers has found a tentative home in Littlereach, where he makes a living as a blacksmith.
One day, however, a beautiful mage arrives and tells him that he has a mysterious magical power hidden within the items he forges, one that could defeat the malignant forces threatening the Second Empire. She invites him to the Lyceum, an institute for mages where he can develop this power.
Little does Jol know that he has his own knowledge to impart to the other students, the kind of forbidden talents that binds them to him…
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2024
614 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 9, 2025
Not bad, but not great. It's okay, but missing something...
I think this book has some positives and negatives that will make it easier to assess.
Positives:
Generally well written, one or two spelling/punctuation errors and (to my knowledge) no grammar issues.
Cool premise and interesting world. The overarching plot is intriguing and compelling.
Intimate scenes are above average and don't take up too much of the word count.
Negatives:
Weak characterisation. It's a bit surface level.
Despite being called "School of Magic", we don't actually get to the school until about the final third of the book.
The writing seems a bit... Artificial. Now, it doesn't stink of ChatGPT to me, and I would hesitate to level such an accusation even if I suspected it were the case as it can destroy reputations. But there's just something a little off. I wish I could be more specific but it's very difficult to precisely define.
Ultimately, it's a good and interesting story but it almost feels like an extended prologue. I think it would have genuinely been better if it were twice as long. I know there are two sequels, but I'm in no hurry to dive in yet. Perhaps I'll revisit this series and continue after I've had more time to ruminate on it. This is probably close to a 3.5, but I think it is more accurate to give it 3 stars rather than 4.
3.45 out of 5
I think this book has some positives and negatives that will make it easier to assess.
Positives:
Generally well written, one or two spelling/punctuation errors and (to my knowledge) no grammar issues.
Cool premise and interesting world. The overarching plot is intriguing and compelling.
Intimate scenes are above average and don't take up too much of the word count.
Negatives:
Weak characterisation. It's a bit surface level.
Despite being called "School of Magic", we don't actually get to the school until about the final third of the book.
The writing seems a bit... Artificial. Now, it doesn't stink of ChatGPT to me, and I would hesitate to level such an accusation even if I suspected it were the case as it can destroy reputations. But there's just something a little off. I wish I could be more specific but it's very difficult to precisely define.
Ultimately, it's a good and interesting story but it almost feels like an extended prologue. I think it would have genuinely been better if it were twice as long. I know there are two sequels, but I'm in no hurry to dive in yet. Perhaps I'll revisit this series and continue after I've had more time to ruminate on it. This is probably close to a 3.5, but I think it is more accurate to give it 3 stars rather than 4.
3.45 out of 5
December 13, 2024
An improvement but slightly disjointed and room for improvement
I admit, I swore off the three most common names in the harem genre because the stories stopped satisfying me. Though those cracks are usually revealed in the sequals this looks like a marked improvement. The MC and his relationships were compelling and his abilities are possibly intriguing. With that said, there were some weak dimensions.
His powers are unclear. I don't just mean we've only gotten the introduction. I mean we know almost nothing. In fact, if you include what the demoness said there appears to be contradiction or confusion. Speaking of contradiction and confusion that also applies a bit to the emotional take aways and decisions.
At one point our MC get cornered and demeaned by a person of authority. He chooses to take it and not say anything about it like an abused child. He had possible recourses but ignored them. Wierd for this character and history but sometimes people are wierd. But then there's the fact that he's determined to develop magic and make something of himself; be someone who can't be ignored. This from a man who honestly said that he was happy being a blacksmith in a small village. Disjointed. Not to mention how unsatisfying it was to not explore his blacksmithing. There's also a few other minor points where there was a sense of ego/accomploshment or some other take away that fits the genre but not the situation, characters, and context.
As far as his powers and abilities are concerned we got a teaser. Nothing more. There was also a wierd thing in the beginning with his metal piece melting in the forge. Metals that a blacksmith would actually be working with hammer and anvil wouldn't really melt to liquid on accident in a bumbkin forge without the billows going. They'd probably cast it then work out the fine details. But what do I know?
I admit, I swore off the three most common names in the harem genre because the stories stopped satisfying me. Though those cracks are usually revealed in the sequals this looks like a marked improvement. The MC and his relationships were compelling and his abilities are possibly intriguing. With that said, there were some weak dimensions.
His powers are unclear. I don't just mean we've only gotten the introduction. I mean we know almost nothing. In fact, if you include what the demoness said there appears to be contradiction or confusion. Speaking of contradiction and confusion that also applies a bit to the emotional take aways and decisions.
At one point our MC get cornered and demeaned by a person of authority. He chooses to take it and not say anything about it like an abused child. He had possible recourses but ignored them. Wierd for this character and history but sometimes people are wierd. But then there's the fact that he's determined to develop magic and make something of himself; be someone who can't be ignored. This from a man who honestly said that he was happy being a blacksmith in a small village. Disjointed. Not to mention how unsatisfying it was to not explore his blacksmithing. There's also a few other minor points where there was a sense of ego/accomploshment or some other take away that fits the genre but not the situation, characters, and context.
As far as his powers and abilities are concerned we got a teaser. Nothing more. There was also a wierd thing in the beginning with his metal piece melting in the forge. Metals that a blacksmith would actually be working with hammer and anvil wouldn't really melt to liquid on accident in a bumbkin forge without the billows going. They'd probably cast it then work out the fine details. But what do I know?
February 9, 2025
Ohhh my!
Ohhh, you have really outdone yourself with this one. Omg, this series is going to be a doosy. I can't wait to start the next one, hang on, it's going to get dumpy!
Ohhh, you have really outdone yourself with this one. Omg, this series is going to be a doosy. I can't wait to start the next one, hang on, it's going to get dumpy!
December 27, 2024
Good grief
Started out well and continued throughout most of the story but wait!!! Lets seize defeat from the jaws of victory with a really bad ending and an absolutely atrocious epilogue. I'm done with this series.
Started out well and continued throughout most of the story but wait!!! Lets seize defeat from the jaws of victory with a really bad ending and an absolutely atrocious epilogue. I'm done with this series.
January 23, 2025
This book was very much better than expected
The author has definitely grown as a storyteller. The storyline was interesting with elements of suspense, relationship building, arrogant nobles getting flogged, violent conflict, awakening magic and of course physical intimacy. The MC seems to be a balanced character, plucked from the familiar life of a common, mortal blacksmith into the lyceum or mage school. Yet he adapted. There's good potential for high school trope adventures here in addition to the things that go bump in the night awaiting an opportunity to wreak havoc. After a run in with a transcendent entity in his youth, he has suppressed this incident until reminded of it when faced with having that same entity step through a portal into his location. Lets say that would have been fatal for everyone around.
As I said, I was very impressed by the growth of the author's skill in describing the world he envisioned. I have read some of his previous works like Mayor of elftown and the Creation mage series. While I wouldn't say they were bad, the characters gave me the feel of high school kids going wild, getting buzzed and getting busy. I just feel that this writing was much crisper.
The author has definitely grown as a storyteller. The storyline was interesting with elements of suspense, relationship building, arrogant nobles getting flogged, violent conflict, awakening magic and of course physical intimacy. The MC seems to be a balanced character, plucked from the familiar life of a common, mortal blacksmith into the lyceum or mage school. Yet he adapted. There's good potential for high school trope adventures here in addition to the things that go bump in the night awaiting an opportunity to wreak havoc. After a run in with a transcendent entity in his youth, he has suppressed this incident until reminded of it when faced with having that same entity step through a portal into his location. Lets say that would have been fatal for everyone around.
As I said, I was very impressed by the growth of the author's skill in describing the world he envisioned. I have read some of his previous works like Mayor of elftown and the Creation mage series. While I wouldn't say they were bad, the characters gave me the feel of high school kids going wild, getting buzzed and getting busy. I just feel that this writing was much crisper.
January 5, 2025
I would give this book 3.5 stars if I could. It is hard to understand where this book was going for there was so much in it. You have the retired warrior who has decided to spend his time after the war as a blacksmith. However he was touched by one of the seven who were responsible for banning the God-in-the-flesh. Because he was touched the things that he crafts as a blacksmith can repel magic. An magic academy instructor with her body guard go out to his town to recruit him.
There is more there, creatures called the inhumani attack, killing many. They manage to escape. We learn that there is still a war ongoing with the scourge and the North-lands. There is infiltration of agents from the North-lands in the fringe counties of the empire.
Anowan gets him back to the magic academy where it is planned to enroll him and teach him magic and learn about his magic, sort of an adult Harry Potter feeling. Like I said there is so much in this book. There are parts of it that are pretty enjoyable, and the author paints a good picture of what he is describing. I'm just have no idea where he is going with this story.
There is more there, creatures called the inhumani attack, killing many. They manage to escape. We learn that there is still a war ongoing with the scourge and the North-lands. There is infiltration of agents from the North-lands in the fringe counties of the empire.
Anowan gets him back to the magic academy where it is planned to enroll him and teach him magic and learn about his magic, sort of an adult Harry Potter feeling. Like I said there is so much in this book. There are parts of it that are pretty enjoyable, and the author paints a good picture of what he is describing. I'm just have no idea where he is going with this story.
January 21, 2025
90% great, 10% so-so.
I love this style of story - hero from humble beginnings learns about power, starts training, and uncovers some much deeper dangers to the world, and adventure ensues. I really like the character of Jol. I'm fond of the characters of the female leads. What I am *not* fond of is the "mind control makes good guys bad / ineffective/whatever." It just feels cheap. It just didn't work great.
Still, I love the style, and _generally_ it's entertaining, so still 5 on the hopes that the series continues and gets better.
I love this style of story - hero from humble beginnings learns about power, starts training, and uncovers some much deeper dangers to the world, and adventure ensues. I really like the character of Jol. I'm fond of the characters of the female leads. What I am *not* fond of is the "mind control makes good guys bad / ineffective/whatever." It just feels cheap. It just didn't work great.
Still, I love the style, and _generally_ it's entertaining, so still 5 on the hopes that the series continues and gets better.
January 2, 2025
Good Read
An interesting book that covers the life of a soldier starting with his early years as a scout and one special mission he participated in. Ten years later, living in a small village, he has become a blacksmith. At this time is when the fun begins. The characters are well written and the plot has twists that add to the mystery and drama. Few errors were made, most easily identified. i.e. one of the characters went to the bed to pick up his “back” (should have been “pack”). Good story and I’m looking forward to reading book 2.
An interesting book that covers the life of a soldier starting with his early years as a scout and one special mission he participated in. Ten years later, living in a small village, he has become a blacksmith. At this time is when the fun begins. The characters are well written and the plot has twists that add to the mystery and drama. Few errors were made, most easily identified. i.e. one of the characters went to the bed to pick up his “back” (should have been “pack”). Good story and I’m looking forward to reading book 2.
January 11, 2025
Shew was I surprised with this one. Hiding behind this saucy AI-generated looking cover was a surprising and refreshingly well-developed fantasy story about an old guy at college. As a former old guy at college myself, I can absolutely feel for Jol and his fish-out-of-water-ness. I really enjoyed the story, though I could have done with just a dash more smut and I think the balance would have been perfect.
Also the words "feral womanhood" are in one of the sex scenes. Do with that information what you will.
Also the words "feral womanhood" are in one of the sex scenes. Do with that information what you will.
December 9, 2024
Typical of a Dante King novel: interesting plot, strong characters & sex.
Whenever I start a Dante King story, I'm sure to find characters that I can root for, a plot that doesn't just jump at you but makes you pay attention and sex. Not so much sex that you lose the story but enough to keep you interested.
I can't wait to see where this story goes!
Good job, Dante! Keep the stories coming!!!
Whenever I start a Dante King story, I'm sure to find characters that I can root for, a plot that doesn't just jump at you but makes you pay attention and sex. Not so much sex that you lose the story but enough to keep you interested.
I can't wait to see where this story goes!
Good job, Dante! Keep the stories coming!!!
December 23, 2024
Pace was good, sexual content was detailed but not overdone. All in all a good book.
The poor rating was due to the lack of actual magic content. The book is called school of magic and there was very little actual magic schooling. Not sure if more is coming later, but very very little magical learning/teaching
The poor rating was due to the lack of actual magic content. The book is called school of magic and there was very little actual magic schooling. Not sure if more is coming later, but very very little magical learning/teaching
November 17, 2025
For a book of the given name, there was a very few time we spent on the academy. Remaining times were spend on traveling and at the place where MC is from.
This book is a very different for me for an academic book. The LI, the MC’s age and so on. The MC is still OP but still at the end of the book, the MC does know very few about magic.
This book is a very different for me for an academic book. The LI, the MC’s age and so on. The MC is still OP but still at the end of the book, the MC does know very few about magic.
November 30, 2024
Not what I expected!
I expected a typical magic Academy story, but this story went in a completely different direction. It was surprising, and I'm really excited to get the next book!
I expected a typical magic Academy story, but this story went in a completely different direction. It was surprising, and I'm really excited to get the next book!
December 7, 2024
Freaking awesome book!
Please tell me there's more! I really enjoyed this story so far! This author is one of my favorites and I eagerly await his books! The characters are so well written and interesting! I want to see more!
Please tell me there's more! I really enjoyed this story so far! This author is one of my favorites and I eagerly await his books! The characters are so well written and interesting! I want to see more!
December 12, 2024
interesting start
This one moved along at a good pace and kept your interest. I’m glad he took the time to introduce the characters and we had time to get to know them well before we get to the school. Looking forward to book 2!
This one moved along at a good pace and kept your interest. I’m glad he took the time to introduce the characters and we had time to get to know them well before we get to the school. Looking forward to book 2!
December 15, 2024
Excellent start to a new series!
This was perhaps the best most exciting book that I have read in at least the last six months. It has intrigue, action and romance. I highly recommend it.
This was perhaps the best most exciting book that I have read in at least the last six months. It has intrigue, action and romance. I highly recommend it.
December 15, 2024
A good one.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
January 5, 2025
A really good point beginning!!
Another excellent beginning to a new series!!! Great fantasy adventures, exciting uses of magic and characters that are interesting and fun to read about!!!
Another excellent beginning to a new series!!! Great fantasy adventures, exciting uses of magic and characters that are interesting and fun to read about!!!
November 28, 2024
Time waits for no man, but it can be slow to show greatness
November 30, 2024
A fun read
This was just a fun book. It was a perfect book for dealing with a turkey hangover. It's got good action with a bit of spice.
Highly recommended
This was just a fun book. It was a perfect book for dealing with a turkey hangover. It's got good action with a bit of spice.
Highly recommended
December 8, 2024
great read
I really connected with this book. A humble protagonist who seamlessly integrates with new characters creates such a compelling dynamic. Cannot wait for the next book
I really connected with this book. A humble protagonist who seamlessly integrates with new characters creates such a compelling dynamic. Cannot wait for the next book
December 8, 2024
Very good book
This is a fine fantasy harem adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Tyssa. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine fantasy harem adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like Tyssa. I anxiously await the sequel.
December 26, 2024
The first half was a bit slow, but the second half was just outright GOOD. Why don’t you always write like that? Gah! So frustrating.
January 28, 2025
Magic?
What a turn of events! Are the supposed good guys really bad?Seams there is more of the adventure to tell!
What a turn of events! Are the supposed good guys really bad?Seams there is more of the adventure to tell!
February 2, 2025
I like the idea of an older student in a magic school. The protagonist holds himself better than the ususal grown up. Decent story, interesting magic system and nice characters.
February 10, 2025
Lacking
The story is lacking the gravitas of why it's going on. The revelation of the Dean happened way too fast. You can tell this story is not going to be long.
The story is lacking the gravitas of why it's going on. The revelation of the Dean happened way too fast. You can tell this story is not going to be long.
February 28, 2025
Good start but bumbled mid-end. It has potential.
March 4, 2025
Young man enlists in a fantasy empire army, had a decent adventure, where something may have happened to him (he blacks out). Years later, he is a village blacksmith and big adventure at the mayor's gala, and he also is told he may have magic (by a hot mage and her driver/magic body guard) and he needs to come to the harry potter school in the capital.
So he, out of nowhere, sexes the mage in a overly long scene. And then the new church in town, as they are leaving, starts having a weird service. He demands to stop, even as the two are telling him this is a terrible idea and he can't and dangerous-- baby fit, stops, almost dies, and the mage goes into a long term sleep and the bodyguard won't talk to him, so we find out nothing.
So I called an end to the reading.
So he, out of nowhere, sexes the mage in a overly long scene. And then the new church in town, as they are leaving, starts having a weird service. He demands to stop, even as the two are telling him this is a terrible idea and he can't and dangerous-- baby fit, stops, almost dies, and the mage goes into a long term sleep and the bodyguard won't talk to him, so we find out nothing.
So I called an end to the reading.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews