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Melody of Mana #2
Melody of Mana 2: A Progression Fantasy
Magic-wielding bard Alana confronts political turmoil, mystical secrets, academic woes, and personal dramas as this imaginative fantasy series continues.
Alana has not had an easy second life. Ever since she was reborn in the Kingdom of Bergond after meeting her untimely demise on Earth, she’s struggled—first, as the poor daughter of a peasant farmer; next, as an orphan on the run from the war; then, as a formidable novice mage with skills well beyond most of those her age. Now, she’s facing a challenge unlike any she’s had to confront in this world school.
Within the hallowed halls of the Bergond Academy of Mages, Alana must contend with an entirely new set of political and personal struggles—from understanding the mores of dealing with wealthy nobles to hiring a maid to help with her daily duties to navigating (for a second time) adolescent flirtations, romances, friendships, and puberty.
And as if that weren’t enough, as Alana’s skill in spellcasting, magical-item creation, and combat grows, it becomes clear to her professors that she’s no ordinary student. Alana must figure out how to keep her past life a secret while using her otherworldly knowledge to the best of her ability. Because war is looming ever closer—and not all the students at the academy will make it out unscathed.
Filled with twisty political intrigue, clever world-building, and unforgettable characters, Melody of Mana 2 is a brilliant mix of isekai fantasy and dark academia tropes.
The second volume of the hit progression-fantasy series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available on Audible and wherever audiobooks are sold!
Alana has not had an easy second life. Ever since she was reborn in the Kingdom of Bergond after meeting her untimely demise on Earth, she’s struggled—first, as the poor daughter of a peasant farmer; next, as an orphan on the run from the war; then, as a formidable novice mage with skills well beyond most of those her age. Now, she’s facing a challenge unlike any she’s had to confront in this world school.
Within the hallowed halls of the Bergond Academy of Mages, Alana must contend with an entirely new set of political and personal struggles—from understanding the mores of dealing with wealthy nobles to hiring a maid to help with her daily duties to navigating (for a second time) adolescent flirtations, romances, friendships, and puberty.
And as if that weren’t enough, as Alana’s skill in spellcasting, magical-item creation, and combat grows, it becomes clear to her professors that she’s no ordinary student. Alana must figure out how to keep her past life a secret while using her otherworldly knowledge to the best of her ability. Because war is looming ever closer—and not all the students at the academy will make it out unscathed.
Filled with twisty political intrigue, clever world-building, and unforgettable characters, Melody of Mana 2 is a brilliant mix of isekai fantasy and dark academia tropes.
The second volume of the hit progression-fantasy series—with more than a million views on Royal Road—now available on Audible and wherever audiobooks are sold!
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First published November 29, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 19, 2024
I reviewed this as a series. It was really good. Details at the review of the first.
April 2, 2025
I'm enjoying this series quite a bit.
Much of this isn't necessarily tailored to me, but the general genre trappings are there and the story is done well. The worldbuilding, in particular, is interesting and has depth without being infodumpy. The plot has kept Alana in motion over these first two volumes, moving from one city to another, though this one also has a magic school arc. So the author was able to describe new things from Alana's experiences without feeling like things were going off on a tangent to mention them.
Something I really like is the way the various temple Orders function. In typical fantasy stories, the priests, clerics, or paladins usually serve a specific patron diety and their divine spellcasting comes from that patron. In these stories, priest magic differs from bardic or wizard magic, but there's no mention of a god anywhere. Rather, it's rooted in belief and a value system. It reminds me a little of paladin oaths, where their actions must align with a specific set of values and their spells will be strong when acting according to their sense of right/wrong within that value system.
I also appreciate the exploration of how magic works and the development of spells. While I'm not the biggest fan of uber-crunchy litrpg, I do prefer hard magic systems to soft ones. I want to know why things happen and to establish ground rules rather than know the author can simply hand-wave difficulties away at convenient times.
So all in all, I'm enjoying this series and am curious to see where things go in future volumes.
Much of this isn't necessarily tailored to me, but the general genre trappings are there and the story is done well. The worldbuilding, in particular, is interesting and has depth without being infodumpy. The plot has kept Alana in motion over these first two volumes, moving from one city to another, though this one also has a magic school arc. So the author was able to describe new things from Alana's experiences without feeling like things were going off on a tangent to mention them.
Something I really like is the way the various temple Orders function. In typical fantasy stories, the priests, clerics, or paladins usually serve a specific patron diety and their divine spellcasting comes from that patron. In these stories, priest magic differs from bardic or wizard magic, but there's no mention of a god anywhere. Rather, it's rooted in belief and a value system. It reminds me a little of paladin oaths, where their actions must align with a specific set of values and their spells will be strong when acting according to their sense of right/wrong within that value system.
I also appreciate the exploration of how magic works and the development of spells. While I'm not the biggest fan of uber-crunchy litrpg, I do prefer hard magic systems to soft ones. I want to know why things happen and to establish ground rules rather than know the author can simply hand-wave difficulties away at convenient times.
So all in all, I'm enjoying this series and am curious to see where things go in future volumes.
April 20, 2024
While the grammar is annoying, the story has a sense of realism in the little things. It draws you in.
June 22, 2024
just a well develope story. Slowly opening world welle executed.
August 16, 2023
3.5 rounded up. I considered rounding down because of one action that I'll put under a spoiler later.
This book continues where the first left off. Alana is now in a magic academy, so most of the book deals with learning magic. I liked that magic in this world isn't generic, but has different types, and needs different techniques. The academy has an interesting set-up taking in any student that can pass the tests (nothing outrageous) and can pay. Also... no mean girls. In fact, Alana spent a lot of time making connections with other people, including her classmates, which is refreshing.
This book also focuses more on things Alana brought with her from her first life, which was interesting. She put a lot of thought into what she could introduce into this world without causing damage.
Something that really bothered me. It's toward the end of the book, and involves abuse.
SPOILER:
SPOILER:
SPOILER:
With that said, I'll take a break for now, and continue with the series later.
This book continues where the first left off. Alana is now in a magic academy, so most of the book deals with learning magic. I liked that magic in this world isn't generic, but has different types, and needs different techniques. The academy has an interesting set-up taking in any student that can pass the tests (nothing outrageous) and can pay. Also... no mean girls. In fact, Alana spent a lot of time making connections with other people, including her classmates, which is refreshing.
This book also focuses more on things Alana brought with her from her first life, which was interesting. She put a lot of thought into what she could introduce into this world without causing damage.
Something that really bothered me. It's toward the end of the book, and involves abuse.
SPOILER:
SPOILER:
SPOILER:
With that said, I'll take a break for now, and continue with the series later.
November 30, 2022
a wonderful sequel
I really liked the first book in this series. A nice fantasy world of magic based in a setting where wars and famine destroy commoners. I loved the MC and her family, and this book is just as good, with the MC’s new friends. This book starts a little slow and I worried it might be some melodramatic academy setting with stupid romances and the like. But terrible mana sucking monsters hits and kills like a demon lord and the overall mood returns to a much darker mood. This book is just as good as the first - the magic system is pretty clever and consistent. The MC is a strong and lovable bad ass Isekai hero, but she’s hardly over powered and comes across as an empathetic girl who’s been traumatized by the world and bravely faces forward.
I really liked the first book in this series. A nice fantasy world of magic based in a setting where wars and famine destroy commoners. I loved the MC and her family, and this book is just as good, with the MC’s new friends. This book starts a little slow and I worried it might be some melodramatic academy setting with stupid romances and the like. But terrible mana sucking monsters hits and kills like a demon lord and the overall mood returns to a much darker mood. This book is just as good as the first - the magic system is pretty clever and consistent. The MC is a strong and lovable bad ass Isekai hero, but she’s hardly over powered and comes across as an empathetic girl who’s been traumatized by the world and bravely faces forward.
April 6, 2024
Books one and ongoing read of book two:
Rating 2.5
The authors rough overuse of the MC as a plot progression device leads to unbelievable, in my opinion, character behaviour. Behaviour which in the end damages the character and ultimately the story as a whole. It just rings false by to high a degree.
Then there is the still shallow world-building, its there but far to curtailed imho. Still very little to no established foundational background to why the world is the way it is.
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Rating 2.5
The authors rough overuse of the MC as a plot progression device leads to unbelievable, in my opinion, character behaviour. Behaviour which in the end damages the character and ultimately the story as a whole. It just rings false by to high a degree.
Then there is the still shallow world-building, its there but far to curtailed imho. Still very little to no established foundational background to why the world is the way it is.
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January 16, 2025
I'm really enjoying this series so far. It's hard getting well written female protagonists.
This is funny.
This was fun. I will pick up the sequels. There was no drop in quality in this book, so I expect the author will keep the steam.
3/5 Stars
This is funny.
This was fun. I will pick up the sequels. There was no drop in quality in this book, so I expect the author will keep the steam.
3/5 Stars
March 3, 2023
still shops read and now a bit older
Albeit nothing very new I the sense of the universe, I am still captivated by the story and setting.
This book had a few more word issues than number 1. But honestly nothing to detract from the writing.
The most difficult thing is/are the abrupt changes in the point of view from which the story is told. There is nothing to warn you apart from a subtle (to me) hints…sometimes at least!
Regardless good read!
Albeit nothing very new I the sense of the universe, I am still captivated by the story and setting.
This book had a few more word issues than number 1. But honestly nothing to detract from the writing.
The most difficult thing is/are the abrupt changes in the point of view from which the story is told. There is nothing to warn you apart from a subtle (to me) hints…sometimes at least!
Regardless good read!
December 31, 2022
Good series
I have enjoyed this series and it sure deserves a solid 5 stars except for one annoying detail. When changing a viewpoint there is no mention of who that view is. This can happen at the beginning or even the middle of chapters, leaving the reader guessing as to whom your reading about
I have enjoyed this series and it sure deserves a solid 5 stars except for one annoying detail. When changing a viewpoint there is no mention of who that view is. This can happen at the beginning or even the middle of chapters, leaving the reader guessing as to whom your reading about
March 6, 2023
I was still as taken of this second book than of the first. Getting to see Alana grow up and understand her world slowly is a treat, and she is an interesting heroine to follow. The other main characters are also fun, and I am looking forward to ready the next book...
Fans of Isekai, just get this series, it's refreshing!
Fans of Isekai, just get this series, it's refreshing!
April 2, 2023
School arc! The story managed to make a convincing school story while also showing Alana's preparations for the future, as well as many schemes around her that she's doing her best to circumvent. Also delves a lot more into her thoughts about others around her and her complicated emotions. Very good read.
October 13, 2023
Excellent
Undoubtedly, an excellent addition to the series with plenty of great action, more intricacy for the magic system, and some great world building. The main character is still very likable, and all the side characters are very entertaining to read, and very much feel realistic within the story. If you enjoyed the first book, I’m sure you would enjoy this one.
Undoubtedly, an excellent addition to the series with plenty of great action, more intricacy for the magic system, and some great world building. The main character is still very likable, and all the side characters are very entertaining to read, and very much feel realistic within the story. If you enjoyed the first book, I’m sure you would enjoy this one.
July 23, 2023
Perfect fantasy...
This book is both beautifully written and perfectly narrated. The world building excels and the writing is excellent. It is immersive, engaging, compelling...the main character is really someone a reader can attach themselves to and care about.
This book is both beautifully written and perfectly narrated. The world building excels and the writing is excellent. It is immersive, engaging, compelling...the main character is really someone a reader can attach themselves to and care about.
July 24, 2023
This held my interest all the way through. It doesn't really break new ground in the genre or anything, but I liked the world, and was invested in the protagonist enough to basically binge the whole book. Now on to the third...
October 17, 2023
started with a bang ended with a banger
Wow 🤩 this book started on a high note and ended on a high note. So many breadcrumbs sprinkled in previous books are clarified and so many more morsels are sprinkled waiting to be unveiled on the next one. I can’t wait
Wow 🤩 this book started on a high note and ended on a high note. So many breadcrumbs sprinkled in previous books are clarified and so many more morsels are sprinkled waiting to be unveiled on the next one. I can’t wait
December 16, 2023
Better than the first one
More magic, more characters, more mayhem, more character development, more drama and above all more of one of the most enjoyable and well out main characters in a long time. I absolutely love this saga and I'll be picking up the third book right now.
More magic, more characters, more mayhem, more character development, more drama and above all more of one of the most enjoyable and well out main characters in a long time. I absolutely love this saga and I'll be picking up the third book right now.
September 28, 2024
I don't like how this hinted at awesome stuff then proceeded with an irritating plot of communication problems. The MC is told constantly that they should rely on those around her for everyone around her to be kinda awful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2025
Again I couldn't put it down
I am glad how this ended. I am glad book three is there and I am happy to recommend your writing to anyone and everyone I know. Please keep up your great work
I am glad how this ended. I am glad book three is there and I am happy to recommend your writing to anyone and everyone I know. Please keep up your great work
Read
September 28, 2023Better
October 25, 2023
great continuation
Really enjoying this series. Great growth of the character and excited to see what happens once she starts schooling next.
Really enjoying this series. Great growth of the character and excited to see what happens once she starts schooling next.
December 12, 2023
Similar to the first book
March 27, 2024
great addittion.
4.5/5
4.5/5
April 29, 2024
Great second book.
I like that the main character is the typical “all powerful” but she’s still young so she knows her limitations and to be cautious in certain situations
I like that the main character is the typical “all powerful” but she’s still young so she knows her limitations and to be cautious in certain situations
February 13, 2025
becoming unlikable
I like the books and enjoy all the characters and the general story though I find her earth knowledge and not sharing of it makes her unlikable
I like the books and enjoy all the characters and the general story though I find her earth knowledge and not sharing of it makes her unlikable
September 28, 2025
Reading on Royal Road. I really appreciated the growth of the MFC and it not being rushed. Liked the Magic School and the system of magic and the priests system.
February 3, 2025
I enjoyed reading the second installment of the story. The FMC is a character I feel invested in as are the other characters around her. I think the romance between the 2 girls was interesting and cute. Overall, I enjoy the storyline I think it is a decent mix of slice of life, action/adventure, fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews