Imagine having your own place, no worries about money, a few lovely lady friends, and the ability to use magic. What more could you want?
That’s right—a couple of dungeon crawls and monster hunts!
With his life on the right track, Sean decides to invest in safety and clear out the nearby monster dens. But what he discovers and learns along the way will open some new doors for him and his women—literally. Their journey through the world of magic has only just begun…
"Mage of Waycross 2" by Jack Bryce, released in 2024, audiobook version is brought to life by narrators Giancarlo Herrera and Hannah Schooner. This 2nd installment in the series continues the enchanting journey of Sean, a man seeking simplicity in the small town of Waycross, only to find himself entwined with magic and a growing circle of endearing companions. With a blend of cozy slice-of-life charm and thrilling fantasy elements, this audiobook offers a delightful escape that builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor.
The story picks up with Sean now settled into his magical life, having embraced the mysterious powers unlocked by the book he discovered in his attic. Bryce excels at weaving a narrative that balances everyday joys—like fishing by the lake or chatting with neighbors—with the allure of magical discovery. In this installment, Sean’s ambitions evolve as he explores the extent of his abilities, venturing into monster-filled dungeons and uncovering new facets of Waycross’s hidden wonders. The stakes feel higher, yet the tone remains warm and inviting, making it a perfect listen for those who crave adventure without sacrificing comfort.
A key highlight is the expansion of Sean’s relationships. The supporting cast—ranging from the spirited farm girl Daisy to the introspective librarian—shines brighter here, each character gaining depth and agency. Bryce’s knack for relationship-building is evident as these women become more than just allies; they’re integral to Sean’s growth, offering unique perspectives and skills that enrich the story. The dialogue sparkles with authenticity, capturing the camaraderie and subtle flirtations that define this found family. One particularly memorable sequence involves a group effort to tackle a magical challenge, showcasing their teamwork amid lighthearted banter and tension.
The dual narration by Giancarlo Herrera and Hannah Schooner elevates the experience. Herrera’s rich, grounded tone perfectly suits Sean, conveying both his everyman relatability and his growing confidence as a mage. Schooner, meanwhile, brings a dynamic range to the female characters, infusing Daisy with bubbly energy and the librarian with a quiet, thoughtful cadence. Their interplay enhances the audiobook’s immersive quality, making each scene feel like a vivid performance. The pacing flows smoothly, with the narrators deftly handling both the tranquil moments and the bursts of action.
Thematically, the book explores self-discovery and community, wrapped in a fantasy veneer that never overwhelms the human elements. While the plot introduces new mysteries and a dash of danger, it wisely leaves room for anticipation without resolving everything, keeping listeners eager for the next chapter. The world-building expands subtly, hinting at larger forces at play, yet remains rooted in Waycross’s cozy allure with some hot scenes.
After really enjoying book 1, I found myself massively disappointed in this book 2.
The book starts off with the MC's librarian researcher woman having identified where the next sigil may be. So the MC grabs his shotgun, the farmer chick, and the librarian, and head off looking for the sigil. They find it in some magical underground tomb, and have to fight a handful of skeletons. Shotgun vs. skeleton does not make for an exciting battle. Neither of the women have a weapon at this point.
Then, after getting the sigil that allows the MC to open portals, they go shopping. The farmer chick gets a shotgun herself, while the librarian is now using... nothing. In fact, outside of the sex scenes and the one bit of research that started in the previous book, the librarian's claim to fame in this book is the ability to hold a flashlight, and hold a shield the MC makes in the final battle of the book. And at the very end when she worries she's useless, they cheer her up by telling her how important she was. Apparently, someone to hold the flashlight is critical.
The fact that the MC and one woman are using shotguns to battle skeletons and goblins, they have a former military guy acting as a scout and using a military rifle, makes every single combat scene feel low effort because they have such a tactical advantage over goblins with rusty weapons.
Like, I get that the author is going Slice of Life, but the supposedly high tension moments just aren't high tension. Everything is too easy. Even the ex-wife coming back and considering getting back together, even though the MC has openly acknowledged he has two girlfriends, is easy.
There's really nothing on the bone on this series. Book two is mostly filler trying to move the plot line along with suspense or nuance to give the characters any kind of depth or individuality. This book was clearly made just to pump out an AI story, as the overall quality is uninspiring and weak. The best part about the book is the cover art.
Magic, goblins, trolls, two beautiful women that adore him, a son and ex-wife who want to spend more time with him. What is going on in this peaceful little community? Sean has a lot on the plate, and he's loving every bite of it. Can't wait to read the next volume in the story of Sean: The Mage of Waycross.
This was a great continuation of the series, lots fun action and cool magic, I loved everything with Brooke, and I'm excited to see where that goes. All in all, I'm really excited for the next book.
DNF. 0 stars. The first book was bland but had a certain interesting newness. This book is *exactly* the same and 100 pages in I'm bored to tears. Pass on the whole series unless you're really into 40 year old divorcees stating the obvious over and over.
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 and series are definitely worth checking out.