What do you think?
Nanomachines #1
The Son
The next books of the series!
The Grandson (Nanomachines Book 2):
The Little Demon (Nanomachines Book 3):
The First-Grader (Nanomachines Book 4):
I am a son, and I have nanomachines inside me. What did you expect?
Having gained self-awareness while still in my mother’s belly, I realized that this was my chance. Being born was the first step. Then at one year old I would have a college degree, and at five I would be a billionaire. I didn’t care that I remembered nothing of the past. This being a magical world, and with lots of smart tech, too, I’d catch up in no time, wouldn’t I?
Yeah, right.
“This baby’s dying!” — That is what I heard in the first minutes of my life.
I was dying? What? In the very first minute? Was this some kind of sick joke? Was the whole world against me?
Something had to be done…
The Grandson (Nanomachines Book 2):
The Little Demon (Nanomachines Book 3):
The First-Grader (Nanomachines Book 4):
I am a son, and I have nanomachines inside me. What did you expect?
Having gained self-awareness while still in my mother’s belly, I realized that this was my chance. Being born was the first step. Then at one year old I would have a college degree, and at five I would be a billionaire. I didn’t care that I remembered nothing of the past. This being a magical world, and with lots of smart tech, too, I’d catch up in no time, wouldn’t I?
Yeah, right.
“This baby’s dying!” — That is what I heard in the first minutes of my life.
I was dying? What? In the very first minute? Was this some kind of sick joke? Was the whole world against me?
Something had to be done…
477 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 3, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 27, 2025
The Son (Nanomachines Book 1): A Progression Fantasy Adventure Series by Nikolai Novikov
The Son introduces us to Michael Kaiser—a self-aware infant born with nanomachines coursing through his veins. Set in a magical-tech fantasy world, Michael faces a near-fatal first minute of life, only to discover these nanomachines granting him accelerating intelligence and power. By age one, he’s already navigating preschool; by five he dreams of being a billionaire—a truly absurd, yet captivating hook.
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📘 First Impressions & Tone
Blend of Humor & Progression Fantasy: The novel is “amusing to the extreme,” packed with black humor and a clever juxtaposition of babyhood and ancient intellect.
Pacing & Hooks: At around 476 pages, the story breezes through developmental milestones while keeping surprising twists—cults, tech leaks, and family drama—front and center.
World‑Building: A magical yet tech‑saturated realm where nanomachines underpin both magic and modern gadgets. The balance of sci-fi and fantasy elements feels fresh and well-constructed.
Characters & Their Arcs
Michael (the Son)
Initial Setup: Born conscious, Michael immediately recognizes his mission: survive and ascend—despite being moments from death. His nanomachines-enhanced intellect sets him apart from day one.
Arc: Michael evolves from a defiant newborn struggling to breathe to a toddler dismantling cults and challenging societal norms. His self-awareness fuels continuous growth in mind and magic.
Strengths & Limitations: Humorously overpowered but believably constrained by his infancy—his voice blends toddler tantrums with strategic genius.
Family & Supporting Cast
Mother & Father: Parental figures balancing fear and awe as Michael’s abilities grow; they help ground the absurd premise with emotional realism.
Cult & Preschool Antagonists: These characters serve as early conflicts, revealing both the dangers of Michael’s world and the stakes of his powers.
Side Characters: Preschool peers and a meddling grandmother add both comedic and narrative value, expanding the world and testing Michael’s growing influence.
What Works Well
Engaging Humor: The story is filled with laugh-out-loud moments and clever subversions of both fantasy and sci-fi tropes.
Progression Fantasy Done Right: Michael’s rapid development feels justified and well-paced within the nanomachine framework.
Fresh Concept: A sarcastic, genius-level baby powered by nanotech in a magical world is a standout premise in an increasingly saturated genre.
Strong Reader Reception: The book has been received enthusiastically by readers, with the majority rating it highly for its originality, pacing, and humor.
Potential Weak Spots
Infant Narrator Takes Guts: Some may find the baby’s POV jarring or excessive, especially if exaggerated “baby talk” isn’t your thing.
Plot Tropes: The familiar rise of an OP protagonist through rapid levels of conflict might feel formulaic—but the baby-meets-nanotech spin keeps it engaging.
Rating
⭐⭐☆ ☆ ☆
This debut delivers a refreshing twist on progression fantasy—brainy infant meets nanotech magic in a world of cults, tech, and humor. It’s clever, heartfelt, and consistently entertaining. May feel a bit silly to some, but for fans craving absurdity and rapid progression, this is a standout.
Final Thoughts
The Son is an inventive, genre‑mashing adventure that jolts the fantasy world awake—one diaper at a time. Michael’s journey from near death at birth to baby genius-cult slayer is wild and endearing. With vivid world‑building, a likable supporting cast, and an electrifying premise, it’s a strong start to what promises to be a very fun series.
March 8, 2025
Entertaining Read
Misha, a precocious infant, demonstrates remarkable self-awareness from prenatal development through his first year of life. The narrative chronicles his early experiences, highlighting his unique cognitive abilities as a reborn individual who retains advanced skills. Despite physical limitations, he exhibits an intellectual curiosity, particularly toward magical knowledge. The story explores his interactions with both parents, detailing social engagements and familial adventures. The narrative provides nuanced insights into developmental milestones, characterized by engaging action sequences, subtle humor, and intriguing narrative elements. The work shows promising potential for continued exploration in subsequent volumes.
Misha, a precocious infant, demonstrates remarkable self-awareness from prenatal development through his first year of life. The narrative chronicles his early experiences, highlighting his unique cognitive abilities as a reborn individual who retains advanced skills. Despite physical limitations, he exhibits an intellectual curiosity, particularly toward magical knowledge. The story explores his interactions with both parents, detailing social engagements and familial adventures. The narrative provides nuanced insights into developmental milestones, characterized by engaging action sequences, subtle humor, and intriguing narrative elements. The work shows promising potential for continued exploration in subsequent volumes.
June 26, 2025
The premise is interesting—combine a rebirth with super-advanced nano-bots to create a super baby.
The protagonist is not particularly realistic. Supposedly he has no memories of a prior life, just the soul, but he understands concepts well beyond his years. It's inconsistent and the author waives it away with barely a mention.
As to Misha, he is selfish but hard working, manipulative but protective, deceitful but self-aware. In short, he is morally grey and seeks power for power's sake.
I should not have liked this book as much as I did. I guess I'm just a sucker for hidden power tales.
The protagonist is not particularly realistic. Supposedly he has no memories of a prior life, just the soul, but he understands concepts well beyond his years. It's inconsistent and the author waives it away with barely a mention.
As to Misha, he is selfish but hard working, manipulative but protective, deceitful but self-aware. In short, he is morally grey and seeks power for power's sake.
I should not have liked this book as much as I did. I guess I'm just a sucker for hidden power tales.
June 11, 2025
Book one
I originally posted a review for the ARC of this one. I'm still reading the ARC of book two. I'm struggling with what everyone is expecting from a toddler, and what he is able to do.
Decent story though.
I originally posted a review for the ARC of this one. I'm still reading the ARC of book two. I'm struggling with what everyone is expecting from a toddler, and what he is able to do.
Decent story though.
July 12, 2025
Spoilers
I have read many reincarnation stories and even a few stories featuring protagonists that have nano-bots or AI's implanted in them. This is not the best series by far but I still found it entertaining.
In the Russian series, Dragon Heart by Kiril Klevanski or the Korean series Nano-Machine. The protagonist uses their AI to scan entire libraries. Which is then used to facilitate progression. The AI uses the combined information to make genetic enhancements, reconstructing the body to make it tougher, faster, stronger etc. Along with transferring knowledge on martial arts and magic into the protagonists brain.
The nano-machines in this story can copy information but there's a limited storage capacity and the protagonist needs to manually review the information to slowly learn it. I find this unsatisfying. You can fix this by having the nano-machines alter his brain so he has a perfect memory. The protagonist can then use his new library card to access and scan all the magical books in the library. Then the nano-bots can use the combined information to simulate a new magic training method tailored for him at 100% efficiency. The nano-machines can also gain a new function that allows them to scan the genetic make-up of other people so the protagonist can gain access to their innate magical abilities. Like the doctor with the magical eyes. The fact the protagonist can only evolve when he is harmed unintentionally is a severe limiting factor. If the AI has the necessary information to evolve its host then it should do so. There's also no status sheet to list all his damage resistances and abilities. He was supposedly genetically altered by the lust demon but the AI only learned of the change after the fact. It would be more satisfying if the AI created a visual to record all his progression.
In progression fantasy what makes a protagonist engaging is their unique relationship with the magic system. What makes the protagonist special? He is the reincarnation of a uniquely powerful being. He has nano-machines that help facilitate his evolution towards becoming the perfect life-form. His birth family also has a powerful lineage and I presume his great-great-grandmother will help him grow his magical abilities.
Overall I give this a 3/5. The progression is mildly satisfying but it needs improvement in some areas. You should take my suggestions to heart.
I have read many reincarnation stories and even a few stories featuring protagonists that have nano-bots or AI's implanted in them. This is not the best series by far but I still found it entertaining.
In the Russian series, Dragon Heart by Kiril Klevanski or the Korean series Nano-Machine. The protagonist uses their AI to scan entire libraries. Which is then used to facilitate progression. The AI uses the combined information to make genetic enhancements, reconstructing the body to make it tougher, faster, stronger etc. Along with transferring knowledge on martial arts and magic into the protagonists brain.
The nano-machines in this story can copy information but there's a limited storage capacity and the protagonist needs to manually review the information to slowly learn it. I find this unsatisfying. You can fix this by having the nano-machines alter his brain so he has a perfect memory. The protagonist can then use his new library card to access and scan all the magical books in the library. Then the nano-bots can use the combined information to simulate a new magic training method tailored for him at 100% efficiency. The nano-machines can also gain a new function that allows them to scan the genetic make-up of other people so the protagonist can gain access to their innate magical abilities. Like the doctor with the magical eyes. The fact the protagonist can only evolve when he is harmed unintentionally is a severe limiting factor. If the AI has the necessary information to evolve its host then it should do so. There's also no status sheet to list all his damage resistances and abilities. He was supposedly genetically altered by the lust demon but the AI only learned of the change after the fact. It would be more satisfying if the AI created a visual to record all his progression.
In progression fantasy what makes a protagonist engaging is their unique relationship with the magic system. What makes the protagonist special? He is the reincarnation of a uniquely powerful being. He has nano-machines that help facilitate his evolution towards becoming the perfect life-form. His birth family also has a powerful lineage and I presume his great-great-grandmother will help him grow his magical abilities.
Overall I give this a 3/5. The progression is mildly satisfying but it needs improvement in some areas. You should take my suggestions to heart.
September 15, 2025
DNF chapter 8 - misogynistic, racist, sociopath behavior + thoughts + talking from MC, parents, etc. plot holes
Too bad... It is somewhat interesting premise. I may try to come back and finish book 1 in the future, but it is DNF for now. If I find out the next books address these issues, including the MC growing to not be so repulsive (including his parents) I'm good to slog through.... Otherwise it may stay DNF for good.
2 stars for an interesting premise and potential for fun progression growth.
----
Original review:
MC and his parents show racist and sexist stereotypes over and over. Boring stereotypes from the 50s and earlier.
I'm in chapter 7 and I've already considered DNFing 5 times.
Others have mentioned silly plot holes (eg. Continuing to see the same pediatrician is an easy way to find the family).
It could be a silly fun sci-fi-ish progression fantasy. It's difficult to continue when I start to question if the author is wanting to make stupid sexist and racial generalizations themselves through the writing or is this just part of the character development.
Continued comments on how "Asians" all look alike, their eyes, etc. Half handed attempt by one person saying one time not to talk that way then making those comments again and again... Ugh
DNF in a couple more chapters if it continues to be repulsive.
Too bad... It is somewhat interesting premise. I may try to come back and finish book 1 in the future, but it is DNF for now. If I find out the next books address these issues, including the MC growing to not be so repulsive (including his parents) I'm good to slog through.... Otherwise it may stay DNF for good.
2 stars for an interesting premise and potential for fun progression growth.
----
Original review:
MC and his parents show racist and sexist stereotypes over and over. Boring stereotypes from the 50s and earlier.
I'm in chapter 7 and I've already considered DNFing 5 times.
Others have mentioned silly plot holes (eg. Continuing to see the same pediatrician is an easy way to find the family).
It could be a silly fun sci-fi-ish progression fantasy. It's difficult to continue when I start to question if the author is wanting to make stupid sexist and racial generalizations themselves through the writing or is this just part of the character development.
Continued comments on how "Asians" all look alike, their eyes, etc. Half handed attempt by one person saying one time not to talk that way then making those comments again and again... Ugh
DNF in a couple more chapters if it continues to be repulsive.
July 13, 2025
Fun premise, but absolutely terrible implementation.
The protagonist has an adult mind trapped in a baby's body. He can't speak or walk despite being an adult mentally, since his baby's brain still needs to develop. That's great. What's not great is that he's a little psychopath who enjoys seeing people die and is constantly thinking megalomaniacal and/or murderous things.
Books with deliberately unlikeable main characters have to give me reasons to continue reading anyway, and this one doesn't succeed.
The story meanders all over the place, and lots of things make little sense. For example, assassins come to murder Micheal's parents, and after his father kills them, they decide to drop everything and run. Understandable. But then they continue to see their pediatrician, so anyone chasing them will find them easily by following up on this.
There are also little interludes that don't seem relevant to anything.
I gave up on the book fairly early because I got bored with the overall lack of plot.
The protagonist has an adult mind trapped in a baby's body. He can't speak or walk despite being an adult mentally, since his baby's brain still needs to develop. That's great. What's not great is that he's a little psychopath who enjoys seeing people die and is constantly thinking megalomaniacal and/or murderous things.
Books with deliberately unlikeable main characters have to give me reasons to continue reading anyway, and this one doesn't succeed.
The story meanders all over the place, and lots of things make little sense. For example, assassins come to murder Micheal's parents, and after his father kills them, they decide to drop everything and run. Understandable. But then they continue to see their pediatrician, so anyone chasing them will find them easily by following up on this.
There are also little interludes that don't seem relevant to anything.
I gave up on the book fairly early because I got bored with the overall lack of plot.
May 18, 2025
interesting premise
This is not a cookie cutter book which I found refreshing, it is set seemingly in Russia so the currency is not normal, and also in a modern period with mobile phones on 5G, but also with people who have magical powers. The MC is a reincarnation of someone or something which is stated early so not a spoiler, he is also injected with nanotechnology at birth, which is an unknown technology as far as the MC can discover. I believe this is a translation from Russian, but done well besides the currency which feels odd. Only issue I had was he mentioned listening to a TV in the womb, then later extrapolating electricity due to a television in the house, should have known that in the womb then.
This is not a cookie cutter book which I found refreshing, it is set seemingly in Russia so the currency is not normal, and also in a modern period with mobile phones on 5G, but also with people who have magical powers. The MC is a reincarnation of someone or something which is stated early so not a spoiler, he is also injected with nanotechnology at birth, which is an unknown technology as far as the MC can discover. I believe this is a translation from Russian, but done well besides the currency which feels odd. Only issue I had was he mentioned listening to a TV in the womb, then later extrapolating electricity due to a television in the house, should have known that in the womb then.
February 28, 2025
I received a review copy of this book.
Mysterious strangers passing legacies to babies, Babies growing 3 times faster than they should, cults stirring up trouble, Grandmothers .... the less said about the better until you read the book.
Lots of laugh out loud moments in this one. This is what happens when a reincarnated soul is dropped into a defective body. Ok, not really defective, just exposed to mana entirely too early (I'll give you that one), for the rest, you'll need to read the book. It's amusing to the extreme, nothing like a 1 year old telling you things no teenager should know. Great character development, and lots of fun. This is definitely a series to watch.
Mysterious strangers passing legacies to babies, Babies growing 3 times faster than they should, cults stirring up trouble, Grandmothers .... the less said about the better until you read the book.
Lots of laugh out loud moments in this one. This is what happens when a reincarnated soul is dropped into a defective body. Ok, not really defective, just exposed to mana entirely too early (I'll give you that one), for the rest, you'll need to read the book. It's amusing to the extreme, nothing like a 1 year old telling you things no teenager should know. Great character development, and lots of fun. This is definitely a series to watch.
July 20, 2025
You'll either love it or hate it. It was a solid story overall!
The main character being a newborn- 1-year-old, can get very tiresome as dialogue is in child talk. The supporting cast in the plot were solid. I'd like to book overall but it was tough to get through it times because, even as a parent, it gets tiresome from the viewpoint of such a young character.
I enjoyed it enough to want to read more in the series. The unusualness of the plot was unique enough to keep me interested. Overall it was a solid story.
The main character being a newborn- 1-year-old, can get very tiresome as dialogue is in child talk. The supporting cast in the plot were solid. I'd like to book overall but it was tough to get through it times because, even as a parent, it gets tiresome from the viewpoint of such a young character.
I enjoyed it enough to want to read more in the series. The unusualness of the plot was unique enough to keep me interested. Overall it was a solid story.
November 10, 2025
Note to self: why do I keep giving books like this a try? Who knows, certainly not you, you dingus.
There's something about books by russian authors in this genre that get so weird so quickly. And the translation certainly doesn't help, with the strange word choices and odd turns of phrase.
But, at least, they can be a fun rest from the sameness of other publications... until it just goes off the rails too far, which they all eventually do.
Yup, time to get off this crazy train.
There's something about books by russian authors in this genre that get so weird so quickly. And the translation certainly doesn't help, with the strange word choices and odd turns of phrase.
But, at least, they can be a fun rest from the sameness of other publications... until it just goes off the rails too far, which they all eventually do.
Yup, time to get off this crazy train.
March 7, 2025
Adorable Little Wannabe Murder Hobo
Adorable Little Wannabe Murder Hobo, who just keeps going for self defense and making friends instead. But wot course with the power to back it up at need.
Very cute. But then, don't we all have minor delusions of mayhem and monstrous attitudes on occasion?
Adorable Little Wannabe Murder Hobo, who just keeps going for self defense and making friends instead. But wot course with the power to back it up at need.
Very cute. But then, don't we all have minor delusions of mayhem and monstrous attitudes on occasion?
March 12, 2025
interesting
Baby born aware gets a nanite swarm. He grows in strength, Gains magic, and develops faster than he should. He gets into preschool at one year of age and competes in children’s drama. He gets swept up into a cult and takes it down. Then his great grandmother shows up. End
An interesting read. Good pacing. Wonderful side characters. Please enjoy
Baby born aware gets a nanite swarm. He grows in strength, Gains magic, and develops faster than he should. He gets into preschool at one year of age and competes in children’s drama. He gets swept up into a cult and takes it down. Then his great grandmother shows up. End
An interesting read. Good pacing. Wonderful side characters. Please enjoy
March 16, 2025
A laugh every page.
Devil reborn broken? How a baby with an ancient soul survives his first year. Spoiler, not this world or our same history, just close enough to be interesting. A great read and very entertaining with more questions than answers that kept me wanting more. Read it in one day., couldn't put it down.
Devil reborn broken? How a baby with an ancient soul survives his first year. Spoiler, not this world or our same history, just close enough to be interesting. A great read and very entertaining with more questions than answers that kept me wanting more. Read it in one day., couldn't put it down.
May 7, 2025
very funny
I couldn’t help but laugh so hard. This is an excellent book to read. Can’t wait to see what the little devil does next. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book but I couldn’t put it down. It’s very entertaining. It was well thought out, plenty of world building
Thank you for your imagination.
Wendy
I couldn’t help but laugh so hard. This is an excellent book to read. Can’t wait to see what the little devil does next. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading this book but I couldn’t put it down. It’s very entertaining. It was well thought out, plenty of world building
Thank you for your imagination.
Wendy
May 26, 2025
A good attempt but not good enough to finish, too many noncognitive events. Child, unborn then near death when saved by nanite transfer, then magic talent. Both nanites and magic are nearly totally inhibited. Writing is emotionless third person style. Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, read with the Alexa audio assist application. DNF, stopped at 30 percent read.
March 25, 2025
entertaining
I found the story was humorous and it entertained me. The book is well written and the story flows well. It was interesting as these stories skip this stage in a few chapters.
I found the story was humorous and it entertained me. The book is well written and the story flows well. It was interesting as these stories skip this stage in a few chapters.
April 7, 2025
something different!
Ok Nikolai, I thoroughly enjoyed your book (and your bio). I don’t know if your premise will be sustainably entertaining, but book 1 is completely unique. Very fun.
Ok Nikolai, I thoroughly enjoyed your book (and your bio). I don’t know if your premise will be sustainably entertaining, but book 1 is completely unique. Very fun.
April 29, 2025
a new series
Well written progression . If the rest of the books are as new and interesting as this one I just found a new author to follow . From befor birthday to who knows where.
Well written progression . If the rest of the books are as new and interesting as this one I just found a new author to follow . From befor birthday to who knows where.
May 1, 2025
Could not put it down
I did presume that with the main character being a baby, the story would be lackluster. However, I was pleasantly surprised and engaged by the fascinating story, and I looked forward to more.
I did presume that with the main character being a baby, the story would be lackluster. However, I was pleasantly surprised and engaged by the fascinating story, and I looked forward to more.
June 18, 2025
amusing
But directionless. A certain amount of meandering should be expected when the MC is a toddler, but there are too many threads to support the narrative this early.
DNF. I have more interesting books to read.
But directionless. A certain amount of meandering should be expected when the MC is a toddler, but there are too many threads to support the narrative this early.
DNF. I have more interesting books to read.
October 3, 2025
KINDLE UNLIMITED
Loved it! I enjoyed this book from start to finish. Misha is beyond precocious with Mom and Dad remaining mysterious until the end. Plus, the cover of this book is perfect!
Loved it! I enjoyed this book from start to finish. Misha is beyond precocious with Mom and Dad remaining mysterious until the end. Plus, the cover of this book is perfect!
March 5, 2025
Amazing
I laughed a whole night at this baby. Puts you in the mind of boss baby on humor level with a intricate yet currently mysterious magic systeml. Release the next one!
I laughed a whole night at this baby. Puts you in the mind of boss baby on humor level with a intricate yet currently mysterious magic systeml. Release the next one!
March 8, 2025
Really fun
This was one of the most fun books I've read in a long time. There are lots of parts that are honestly laugh out loud funny.
Highly recommended.
This was one of the most fun books I've read in a long time. There are lots of parts that are honestly laugh out loud funny.
Highly recommended.
March 9, 2025
Lots of fun - but Not for Kids
Some laughs & jokes, but plenty of blood and bloody messy bad guys too.
Black humor, gross in some spots.
Some laughs & jokes, but plenty of blood and bloody messy bad guys too.
Black humor, gross in some spots.
March 18, 2025
The ending is a bit forced, but the rest is great. It is very funny with a solid direction and leaves plenty of room for growth.
March 19, 2025
funny fun
It was an interesting change as the author mixed the age and personality aspects of the MC. For off beat progression story.
It was an interesting change as the author mixed the age and personality aspects of the MC. For off beat progression story.
March 23, 2025
great read
Such a great read that kept
Me engaged and laughing the entire time. I can’t wait to see what book 2 holds
Such a great read that kept
Me engaged and laughing the entire time. I can’t wait to see what book 2 holds
March 23, 2025
Good read!
The author did a good job writing this book! Not a lot of useless fill in! I enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading book two!
The author did a good job writing this book! Not a lot of useless fill in! I enjoyed reading it and look forward to reading book two!
April 3, 2025
amazing
Didn’t expect it to be so good but it’s the perfect balance of not to op but still strong and interesting enough to keep you hooked
Didn’t expect it to be so good but it’s the perfect balance of not to op but still strong and interesting enough to keep you hooked
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews