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Mender Magic
Imagine a horse-powered world where magic is used for mending, making, and healing.
Magical ability is rare, but when he breaks a bowl and, distraught, accidentally mends it, Ky Vaux—a poor boy in a poor family—discovers he’s a mender.
Can Ky’s gift of magic support Ky, his mother, and his sister while they try to escape from his abusive and alcoholic father?
When Ky’s gift proves to be more powerful than they had hoped, they can’t help but wonder if it’ll be able to take them farther than they had dreamed!
For those among you who are fans of the Hyllis Family stories, these books might scratch that itch too.
Magical ability is rare, but when he breaks a bowl and, distraught, accidentally mends it, Ky Vaux—a poor boy in a poor family—discovers he’s a mender.
Can Ky’s gift of magic support Ky, his mother, and his sister while they try to escape from his abusive and alcoholic father?
When Ky’s gift proves to be more powerful than they had hoped, they can’t help but wonder if it’ll be able to take them farther than they had dreamed!
For those among you who are fans of the Hyllis Family stories, these books might scratch that itch too.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2025
455 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
September 3, 2025
I liked the novel, though not as much as other stories by the author. I like the story of a kid discovering a new talent, which he then uses to solve his family's problems. I also enjoyed this psionic talent variation which has obvious parallels with some of his other works.
I felt there was a bit too much avoidance of action and glossing over certain things, which the author might have been doing in an attempt to make this more young reader friendly...while also portraying some fairly traumatic and gruesome bits to the reader, ironically.
Eh, it was worth reading, at least once, and did give me some more tabletop gaming ideas, lol.
I felt there was a bit too much avoidance of action and glossing over certain things, which the author might have been doing in an attempt to make this more young reader friendly...while also portraying some fairly traumatic and gruesome bits to the reader, ironically.
Eh, it was worth reading, at least once, and did give me some more tabletop gaming ideas, lol.
September 14, 2025
Sad
Dahners is an outstanding author. But due to excessive crude language, sadistic dads, and gore, I quit 2/3 through the book.
I know some other authors have had the same characteristics in their early books but then - to their profit and increased audience - became writers of what I would choose to read. Best wishes.
Dahners is an outstanding author. But due to excessive crude language, sadistic dads, and gore, I quit 2/3 through the book.
I know some other authors have had the same characteristics in their early books but then - to their profit and increased audience - became writers of what I would choose to read. Best wishes.
September 13, 2025
Too Gory!
This was a frightening read. Father's killed, armed outlaws and rapists, scared mothers and girls. I seriously don't want my grandchildren reading this one even with amazing magic in it. Not for my family!
This was a frightening read. Father's killed, armed outlaws and rapists, scared mothers and girls. I seriously don't want my grandchildren reading this one even with amazing magic in it. Not for my family!
August 28, 2025
Good stitching minor flaws
First I love reading this authors Work I followed many of his series of them from start to finish others are still ongoing, and I read every last book when they drop. I was glad to see a new series being authored by him and I can’t wait to see how this goes now onto the review.
Here we have a solid world, a solid foundation and a good story overall. You have an MC family and a reason for change to occur. It all makes sense for the most part. I do take issue with a few times when things get technical, but the MC shouldn’t understand such technicalities . How does someone who’s never been to advanced schooling before even know what the word density is. Now it could be an oversight. It could just be the author ignoring the fact that this shouldn’t be possible knowledge, but giving it to him to make the story easier for us to digest. Either way it’s not a major flaw, but it is something you notice. There are some parts of the story that are a little fast, not necessarily in what occurs, but the explanation you might be given is really fast way fast and definitely could’ve lasted a little bit longer. I won’t give any examples but the end of the story the end of the epilogue great example. Nothing major happens but it’s a great example of wait a minute how did we get here. Again it doesn’t break the story when this happens, but it’s something you notice almost like someone hit mashing on the gas pedal. Overall, great story can’t wait for the next book in the series though.
Message to the author
Spoilers
Spoilers
Spoilers
Spoilers
I always write a message to the author, especially for this books that I really like and all of your work I’m a huge fan of. Whether it’s the Hylis Family, Ryn and her friend, Ell and that ever growing universe or my favorite from long ago Bonesetter. I read that last series at least once a year. Now about this book great book I enjoyed it had to slow myself down while reading it. I thought the MC was great. I thought the universe was great and I was getting a bit of Hylis family vibes. Everybody can do magic. Not sure if the story is gonna go that route or not, but it was enjoyable. I did have issues with some knowledge. The MC appeared to have that I thought he shouldn’t. Knowledge about density he’s never been to school really how could he know what density is. I know it would’ve seemed weird to have him fumbling around discussing the thickness of air versus water versus metal or wood so I can understand giving him that knowledge but I just thought it felt weird to be there. There were some parts of the story, felt it moved a little bit too rapidly or we arrived at a particular point and not enough story had occurred to bridge the gap from one point to another. The kiss at the end is a perfect example. When did they develop this affection for one another. We went from shy boy afraid to talk to a girl And a girl who he just seemed to be making custom pillows with to two people kissing at the end of the epilogue. What made her want to just kiss him all of a sudden? It seemed like a bit of a stretch. Also, I do feel a bit weird with him developing so much magic so fast. Developing all of these new abilities like at the end where he can suddenly put people to sleep. I get it. I wouldn’t mind him having that ability but it’s like it almost just falls in his lap. When his sister could feel what others were thinking, that’s what gave me the Hylis family vibe I said oh maybe she’s a little different than he is. Then I see him having mind powers of some sort. I guess I’m just hoping that everybody’s a little different and not just a stronger variant of one another. Either way, I’m hoping for another great book after this one. Can’t wait for some of the other series that are on going to get their next book as well. I read them all.
Also, I just have to say it I would love for another Bonesetter or Hylis book. I know I’m dreaming, but you can’t blame a man for dreaming.
First I love reading this authors Work I followed many of his series of them from start to finish others are still ongoing, and I read every last book when they drop. I was glad to see a new series being authored by him and I can’t wait to see how this goes now onto the review.
Here we have a solid world, a solid foundation and a good story overall. You have an MC family and a reason for change to occur. It all makes sense for the most part. I do take issue with a few times when things get technical, but the MC shouldn’t understand such technicalities . How does someone who’s never been to advanced schooling before even know what the word density is. Now it could be an oversight. It could just be the author ignoring the fact that this shouldn’t be possible knowledge, but giving it to him to make the story easier for us to digest. Either way it’s not a major flaw, but it is something you notice. There are some parts of the story that are a little fast, not necessarily in what occurs, but the explanation you might be given is really fast way fast and definitely could’ve lasted a little bit longer. I won’t give any examples but the end of the story the end of the epilogue great example. Nothing major happens but it’s a great example of wait a minute how did we get here. Again it doesn’t break the story when this happens, but it’s something you notice almost like someone hit mashing on the gas pedal. Overall, great story can’t wait for the next book in the series though.
Message to the author
Spoilers
Spoilers
Spoilers
Spoilers
I always write a message to the author, especially for this books that I really like and all of your work I’m a huge fan of. Whether it’s the Hylis Family, Ryn and her friend, Ell and that ever growing universe or my favorite from long ago Bonesetter. I read that last series at least once a year. Now about this book great book I enjoyed it had to slow myself down while reading it. I thought the MC was great. I thought the universe was great and I was getting a bit of Hylis family vibes. Everybody can do magic. Not sure if the story is gonna go that route or not, but it was enjoyable. I did have issues with some knowledge. The MC appeared to have that I thought he shouldn’t. Knowledge about density he’s never been to school really how could he know what density is. I know it would’ve seemed weird to have him fumbling around discussing the thickness of air versus water versus metal or wood so I can understand giving him that knowledge but I just thought it felt weird to be there. There were some parts of the story, felt it moved a little bit too rapidly or we arrived at a particular point and not enough story had occurred to bridge the gap from one point to another. The kiss at the end is a perfect example. When did they develop this affection for one another. We went from shy boy afraid to talk to a girl And a girl who he just seemed to be making custom pillows with to two people kissing at the end of the epilogue. What made her want to just kiss him all of a sudden? It seemed like a bit of a stretch. Also, I do feel a bit weird with him developing so much magic so fast. Developing all of these new abilities like at the end where he can suddenly put people to sleep. I get it. I wouldn’t mind him having that ability but it’s like it almost just falls in his lap. When his sister could feel what others were thinking, that’s what gave me the Hylis family vibe I said oh maybe she’s a little different than he is. Then I see him having mind powers of some sort. I guess I’m just hoping that everybody’s a little different and not just a stronger variant of one another. Either way, I’m hoping for another great book after this one. Can’t wait for some of the other series that are on going to get their next book as well. I read them all.
Also, I just have to say it I would love for another Bonesetter or Hylis book. I know I’m dreaming, but you can’t blame a man for dreaming.
November 6, 2025
Can't wait for book 2!
Yet another fantastic Dahners series! I... don't know what else to say! If you're also waiting for book 2, check out some of his other series:
Bonesetter takes place in the distant past and evolves from the premise that one person noticing small things can have a big impact on a prehistoric tribe.
The Ell Donsaii series takes place in present day and evolves from the premise of a genetic mutation making the brain signal slightly faster and more efficently and how that can have an outsized effect on a single life, family, and the world at large.
These are just two of the series, but there are several more. I found myself surprised to enjoy them all, even though I didn't initially find myself equally attracted to the various premises or topics.
Dahners does a good job of character development, world building, and narrative weaving, paradoxically it seems by not trying to - he focusses on making one small change and letting the logical butterfly effect play out. The only criticism - a small one at that - is that we often end up with one overpowered character, but not always, and even so it's done in a way that the character doesn't deform the story. It's not "look at me, I can move mountains" but more like everyone else going "wow you could probably move mountains!" and the main character being like "I doubt that somewhat, I just dug a hole" and the other characters being like "yeah but it was a big hole and you only just figured out you can dig holes!"
... So anyway none of the current books have anything to do with digging holes actually, it was just the first example that seemed like it would make sense.
But yeah - If there's magic, it's one simple thing and seeing how far you could take it. If it's technology, it's again one simple thing and seeing how far you could take it. In a word, Dahners' books are the narrative embodiment of innovation.
Yet another fantastic Dahners series! I... don't know what else to say! If you're also waiting for book 2, check out some of his other series:
Bonesetter takes place in the distant past and evolves from the premise that one person noticing small things can have a big impact on a prehistoric tribe.
The Ell Donsaii series takes place in present day and evolves from the premise of a genetic mutation making the brain signal slightly faster and more efficently and how that can have an outsized effect on a single life, family, and the world at large.
These are just two of the series, but there are several more. I found myself surprised to enjoy them all, even though I didn't initially find myself equally attracted to the various premises or topics.
Dahners does a good job of character development, world building, and narrative weaving, paradoxically it seems by not trying to - he focusses on making one small change and letting the logical butterfly effect play out. The only criticism - a small one at that - is that we often end up with one overpowered character, but not always, and even so it's done in a way that the character doesn't deform the story. It's not "look at me, I can move mountains" but more like everyone else going "wow you could probably move mountains!" and the main character being like "I doubt that somewhat, I just dug a hole" and the other characters being like "yeah but it was a big hole and you only just figured out you can dig holes!"
... So anyway none of the current books have anything to do with digging holes actually, it was just the first example that seemed like it would make sense.
But yeah - If there's magic, it's one simple thing and seeing how far you could take it. If it's technology, it's again one simple thing and seeing how far you could take it. In a word, Dahners' books are the narrative embodiment of innovation.
September 13, 2025
I have enjoyed the vast majority of Laurence Dahners' work although most of his books are currently listed on Goodreads.com under Laurence E. Dahners. Amazon makes it clear that these are not two different authors as does the story line. This author in several series presents potentially small tech changes that in have world shaking results. Here he now does the same with magic.
The MC (Ky) discovers the ability to repair things. His drunk of a father (Janson) refuses to believe it and assualts MC, and MC's mother (Wrissa) and sister (Arly). However Ky's new ability now means the family can make money without the father so Ky and co. leave in the middle of the night while Janson is passed out. They head for Wrissa's sister (Nalla) because Nalla also ended up married to a mean drunk resulting in no contact for 15 years. Wrissa wants to check on Nalla and help her if possible. While they traval Ky learns more about his abilities and sells his services. Girt, a former soldier of some renown but now just a wagon master, comes to recognize that Ky's abilities are significant and so throws in his lot with Ky and co.
So this is essentially a story about the journey Ky and co. are taking. This is important becuase books about a character's journey are the only books that can legitimately end without some form of significant story resolution. This book does end on a bit of a high point for Ky but it is also clear that much still lies ahead.
The MC (Ky) discovers the ability to repair things. His drunk of a father (Janson) refuses to believe it and assualts MC, and MC's mother (Wrissa) and sister (Arly). However Ky's new ability now means the family can make money without the father so Ky and co. leave in the middle of the night while Janson is passed out. They head for Wrissa's sister (Nalla) because Nalla also ended up married to a mean drunk resulting in no contact for 15 years. Wrissa wants to check on Nalla and help her if possible. While they traval Ky learns more about his abilities and sells his services. Girt, a former soldier of some renown but now just a wagon master, comes to recognize that Ky's abilities are significant and so throws in his lot with Ky and co.
So this is essentially a story about the journey Ky and co. are taking. This is important becuase books about a character's journey are the only books that can legitimately end without some form of significant story resolution. This book does end on a bit of a high point for Ky but it is also clear that much still lies ahead.
January 2, 2026
Simple, but Fun
I’ve read a lot of fantasy, which means I’ve encountered countless takes on how magic works. My main issue with this book is that the magic largely “just happens” whenever the main character wants it to. There’s no apparent cost, limitation, or ongoing upkeep for even the most extreme changes. For example, he can make air stick to air and turn it into a pillow—and that change is permanent.
A lack of upkeep makes sense when you’re repairing a crack or reshaping an existing material. But permanently making a gas behave like a liquid or solid, purely by wishing it so, stretches plausibility even by fantasy standards. I generally prefer worlds where magic has rules—constraints that make it feel grounded and internally consistent.
There’s also a tonal whiplash that was hard to ignore. Most of the story unfolds as a relaxed slice-of-life narrative where nothing too stressful happens. Then, without much warning, the book drops casual murder and attempted rape into the mix, only to swing right back to the low-stakes, wish-your-problems-away atmosphere.
Overall, the book is readable and occasionally fun, but the lack of clear magical rules and the jarring shifts in tone kept me from fully enjoying it.
I’ve read a lot of fantasy, which means I’ve encountered countless takes on how magic works. My main issue with this book is that the magic largely “just happens” whenever the main character wants it to. There’s no apparent cost, limitation, or ongoing upkeep for even the most extreme changes. For example, he can make air stick to air and turn it into a pillow—and that change is permanent.
A lack of upkeep makes sense when you’re repairing a crack or reshaping an existing material. But permanently making a gas behave like a liquid or solid, purely by wishing it so, stretches plausibility even by fantasy standards. I generally prefer worlds where magic has rules—constraints that make it feel grounded and internally consistent.
There’s also a tonal whiplash that was hard to ignore. Most of the story unfolds as a relaxed slice-of-life narrative where nothing too stressful happens. Then, without much warning, the book drops casual murder and attempted rape into the mix, only to swing right back to the low-stakes, wish-your-problems-away atmosphere.
Overall, the book is readable and occasionally fun, but the lack of clear magical rules and the jarring shifts in tone kept me from fully enjoying it.
August 30, 2025
Laurence Dahners is one of my absolute favorite hard sci-fi authors. I’ve addictively gobbled up each of his series and have eagerly awaited each new offering. They’ve all both had sci-fi science (ie, not actual but logically potentially there, and he explains the real science that led to his “projections” in appendices), great story telling and superb characters. I’d highly recommend any of them to anyone. Having said that, Mender Magic (Tales of Simple Magic #1), is a major departure as there’s simply no hard sci-fi in this, his first attempt at fantasy. As such, I suspect that it was a bit of an experiment for him and I wondered how well it would work. Happily I can report that this experiment was a total success. He created a whole new but logically consistent magic system that works beautifully and fits perfectly into his initial story which, as usual for this author, had superbly drawn characters and was wonderfully written (and even has the start of what looks to be a bit of romance). I once again was addictively drawn in - and my only real regret is that now I have to wait for book 2 to come along in order to find out what’s next for Ky. This story is easy to rate as five stars, and easy to highly recommend (and, yes, while clearly the start of a series, it does have a “happily enough for now” ending with not cliffhanger).
October 6, 2025
My reviews are my own. If you liked this book, I’m glad you enjoyed it. If not, I respect your opinion. This is merely my opinion, so let's keep it courteous.
The story was ok, I did not enjoy the multi-POV and could have done without the mother and the sister. I mean, they were not abusing him, but they didn't help him either, so he should have just left them. Basically, we have all these people munching off of him. I would have enjoyed him developing his powers while learning instead of wasting his time teaching his mom and sister, who have the power but not the intelligence to achieve the same on their own. Like I said, totally useless to the story. The gore and vulgarity were also unnecessary. The idea was good, just poorly developed.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
The story was ok, I did not enjoy the multi-POV and could have done without the mother and the sister. I mean, they were not abusing him, but they didn't help him either, so he should have just left them. Basically, we have all these people munching off of him. I would have enjoyed him developing his powers while learning instead of wasting his time teaching his mom and sister, who have the power but not the intelligence to achieve the same on their own. Like I said, totally useless to the story. The gore and vulgarity were also unnecessary. The idea was good, just poorly developed.
On to my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
August 30, 2025
Good but…
The story was overall enjoyable, but has some pacing issues that make it feel rushed. Even the end encounter makes you scratch your head at the fast pace. The MC is overpowered which is fine, but feels like a rush to get to max power. He also turns into a bit of a psychopath. Some of the choices are a bit bizarre like invisible goods and not sure how much thought was put towards the economy and cost of goods. I kind of wish the MC wasn’t so overpowered since I think other stories focused on those other powers could have been interesting. I do also worry this is going to turn into another trope of the overpowered MC who has to save the word. All that being said I am definitely along for the ride for now and look forward to the next book.
The story was overall enjoyable, but has some pacing issues that make it feel rushed. Even the end encounter makes you scratch your head at the fast pace. The MC is overpowered which is fine, but feels like a rush to get to max power. He also turns into a bit of a psychopath. Some of the choices are a bit bizarre like invisible goods and not sure how much thought was put towards the economy and cost of goods. I kind of wish the MC wasn’t so overpowered since I think other stories focused on those other powers could have been interesting. I do also worry this is going to turn into another trope of the overpowered MC who has to save the word. All that being said I am definitely along for the ride for now and look forward to the next book.
December 12, 2025
If I hadn't read any other Dahners books I'd rate this five stars. It's a compelling read with relatable characters. However, so much of the magic system is the same as his Hillis Family series. If he'd set this story in the same world, I'd be totally on board but it's just different enough that we know it's not a shared-universe.
As with most of his work, the weakest element is the simply-rendered characters. They lack nuance and sometimes feel like puppets at the mercy of the plot. Conversely, the strength of his stories is in the deep exploration of a narrow band of magic. In this case, Mending. Dahners always finds a creative way for his characters to exploit their unique abilities. "Air pillows," it is to laugh.
As with most of his work, the weakest element is the simply-rendered characters. They lack nuance and sometimes feel like puppets at the mercy of the plot. Conversely, the strength of his stories is in the deep exploration of a narrow band of magic. In this case, Mending. Dahners always finds a creative way for his characters to exploit their unique abilities. "Air pillows," it is to laugh.
December 29, 2025
Well written and a different take on magic than I've seen before.
This is my 1st book by Mr. Dahners and I liked it so much that I've already bought book #2 (even though it won't be out for 2 more weeks) and the 1st book in another series by him.
Enjoyable MC, interesting magic system, and clean. Plus, you can tell that he's either been writing for a while (which I know that he has based on the # of books listed on his author's page) or that he's got really good editors! Why do I say that? Because I don't think that i submitted even one spelling note or punctuation complaint!
Thank you, Laurence! I'm a retired teacher and I read a lot! I look forward to trying some of your other series.
This is my 1st book by Mr. Dahners and I liked it so much that I've already bought book #2 (even though it won't be out for 2 more weeks) and the 1st book in another series by him.
Enjoyable MC, interesting magic system, and clean. Plus, you can tell that he's either been writing for a while (which I know that he has based on the # of books listed on his author's page) or that he's got really good editors! Why do I say that? Because I don't think that i submitted even one spelling note or punctuation complaint!
Thank you, Laurence! I'm a retired teacher and I read a lot! I look forward to trying some of your other series.
August 26, 2025
Simple yet entertaining
I binged this book in a few hours. It's simple but good. The writing is simple, the characters aren't complex and the story is a simple slice of life, however it has just enough substance to keep you entertained.
I don't know how many in this future series I'll actually read but it was a quick simple read for my current book slump.
If you like fantasy stories with a protagonist who always wins and is overpowered this story is that. However, don't expect epic fights and face slapping nobles. This book is about a family finding their way and slowly moving up the ladder. It has heart.
I binged this book in a few hours. It's simple but good. The writing is simple, the characters aren't complex and the story is a simple slice of life, however it has just enough substance to keep you entertained.
I don't know how many in this future series I'll actually read but it was a quick simple read for my current book slump.
If you like fantasy stories with a protagonist who always wins and is overpowered this story is that. However, don't expect epic fights and face slapping nobles. This book is about a family finding their way and slowly moving up the ladder. It has heart.
August 27, 2025
Great job
This is a wonderful new series a spinoff of the healer series. I’m glad it came out when it did I got an unlucky case of the new Covid this one last longer than the last it sucked. But it gave me time to read and your book was one that came out while I was sick. I don’t know if you have retired but please write more in this series because I can’t wait to see what happens. I could also encourage you to write more in the Eli
Donsaii series please I want to know what the twins and their brother are going to get up to. In other words your books are fantastic and as a fan I want more please Thanks.
This is a wonderful new series a spinoff of the healer series. I’m glad it came out when it did I got an unlucky case of the new Covid this one last longer than the last it sucked. But it gave me time to read and your book was one that came out while I was sick. I don’t know if you have retired but please write more in this series because I can’t wait to see what happens. I could also encourage you to write more in the Eli
Donsaii series please I want to know what the twins and their brother are going to get up to. In other words your books are fantastic and as a fan I want more please Thanks.
September 10, 2025
Great start to a new series!
Fun and entertaining. I’m very happy to have found this book. The author has written a lot of books. Many to my taste some not so much but still readable. Many of them I own. This new series is to me a different take on magic. I’m not one of those who think you can only learn from a master or school. After all unless a god gives you the magic in the story there had to be a first and so on. Good characters who fit the storyline. I’m REALLY looking forward to reading more. Thanks to kindleunlimited I was able to read this. I’m on disability so the first of next month I will buy this one to add to my library.
Fun and entertaining. I’m very happy to have found this book. The author has written a lot of books. Many to my taste some not so much but still readable. Many of them I own. This new series is to me a different take on magic. I’m not one of those who think you can only learn from a master or school. After all unless a god gives you the magic in the story there had to be a first and so on. Good characters who fit the storyline. I’m REALLY looking forward to reading more. Thanks to kindleunlimited I was able to read this. I’m on disability so the first of next month I will buy this one to add to my library.
September 27, 2025
Another Winner by a Great Writer.
As always Great writing. As to your request for input! When I am reading, I place my self in the environment you write in my mind. Give no thought of language as we should accept what the story is describing, the characters, the storyline. It is similar to being in virtual reality. If a writer can do that, it keeps my interest. If not, I very rarely finish it. my favorite will always be Donsaii, Hyllis 2nd. So far Mender will come in 3rd. Have reread those multiple times.
As always Great writing. As to your request for input! When I am reading, I place my self in the environment you write in my mind. Give no thought of language as we should accept what the story is describing, the characters, the storyline. It is similar to being in virtual reality. If a writer can do that, it keeps my interest. If not, I very rarely finish it. my favorite will always be Donsaii, Hyllis 2nd. So far Mender will come in 3rd. Have reread those multiple times.
December 31, 2025
This was a far better story than I was expecting. The characters are vivid and engaging, the plot is straight forward, and the premise is taking a family and surviving with out the brutal father they escaped from. This in itself is a really good story, but the magic of mending makes the story great, especially with Ky's learning what all he can do with his magic. It's a two edged sword, Ky's magic, it mends but it can also unmake things. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the thought of magic and the morals that have to be inherently formed to use it in the best and safest ways.
August 24, 2025
Excellent fantasy and crafting
This book is well written with interesting characters and good world building. I enjoyed the young man learning about how power and the world around him while dealing with the trauma of his drunk of a father. He is clever and caring but still naive in the world. Well worth the read and hope there is another in the series soon. I liked the writing enough I am going to go find more by this author for my next book(s).
This book is well written with interesting characters and good world building. I enjoyed the young man learning about how power and the world around him while dealing with the trauma of his drunk of a father. He is clever and caring but still naive in the world. Well worth the read and hope there is another in the series soon. I liked the writing enough I am going to go find more by this author for my next book(s).
August 24, 2025
More please! Too short.
I felt that this book could be a continuing of the Hillis Family series from a different part of the world with a new family as the main characters. Which for me is not a problem as I enjoyed that series. I am probably wrong as that series had a prologue about the origin of the abilities but if you liked that series I think you would like this book. Hopefully the next book is longer.
I felt that this book could be a continuing of the Hillis Family series from a different part of the world with a new family as the main characters. Which for me is not a problem as I enjoyed that series. I am probably wrong as that series had a prologue about the origin of the abilities but if you liked that series I think you would like this book. Hopefully the next book is longer.
August 25, 2025
Great start for a new series!
Mr. Dahners is on my auto but list and I've been very much looking forward to this book. It did not disappoint! This was fun and interesting and all around a great read. 10/10 would recommend! I do wish the rest of the series was already out, but I am ecstatic he is already writing book 2.
Ok off to re read the Hyllis family stories series because I don't want the magic to end.
Mr. Dahners is on my auto but list and I've been very much looking forward to this book. It did not disappoint! This was fun and interesting and all around a great read. 10/10 would recommend! I do wish the rest of the series was already out, but I am ecstatic he is already writing book 2.
Ok off to re read the Hyllis family stories series because I don't want the magic to end.
August 26, 2025
Dahner Does It Again!
It's getting harder & harder to wait for the latest Dahner joint! No one does empowered families like Dahner. Once again, Laurence kick starts a whole new series! Please do yourself a favor & buy a Dahner book. Any series will entrapment you! That's why hand's down LD is my favorite author! Perhaps, one day, someone will use AI to feature a films of the greatest Dahner books. One can only hope!
It's getting harder & harder to wait for the latest Dahner joint! No one does empowered families like Dahner. Once again, Laurence kick starts a whole new series! Please do yourself a favor & buy a Dahner book. Any series will entrapment you! That's why hand's down LD is my favorite author! Perhaps, one day, someone will use AI to feature a films of the greatest Dahner books. One can only hope!
August 28, 2025
Another great tale!
Laurence never fails to bring good fun to interesting concepts. 'What ifs', as he calls them. While the abilities in this story aren't exactly new, he manages to show a different side to how our characters experience them. Always entertaining, Laurence brings heart to the otherwise grim reality of life without our modern science and medicine. I'm sure others will give a better synopsis than I can, so I'll just end this review with two thumbs up!
Laurence never fails to bring good fun to interesting concepts. 'What ifs', as he calls them. While the abilities in this story aren't exactly new, he manages to show a different side to how our characters experience them. Always entertaining, Laurence brings heart to the otherwise grim reality of life without our modern science and medicine. I'm sure others will give a better synopsis than I can, so I'll just end this review with two thumbs up!
August 30, 2025
Another excellent stkry
I really enjoy reading stories from Mr. Dzhners. There are well written with characters easy to relate to. The storyline is easy to follow. I do have one problem. I don't want to stop reading, but if i don't take breaks, the book is finished too soon. I think a sequel for Mender Magic is needed. I hope you read this, Mr. Dahners. Thank you for your stories.
I really enjoy reading stories from Mr. Dzhners. There are well written with characters easy to relate to. The storyline is easy to follow. I do have one problem. I don't want to stop reading, but if i don't take breaks, the book is finished too soon. I think a sequel for Mender Magic is needed. I hope you read this, Mr. Dahners. Thank you for your stories.
September 17, 2025
Very good
Ive enjoyed this authors other books and was excited to see a male protagonist in this one, its a very good coming of age book, a young man finds he can mend things which leads to him and his sister and mother running away from an abusive husband, the story is a nice pace and one I know people will enjoy.
I hope we get to see more adventures from the family maybe a school arc with many young nobleman tropes in book 2.
Ive enjoyed this authors other books and was excited to see a male protagonist in this one, its a very good coming of age book, a young man finds he can mend things which leads to him and his sister and mother running away from an abusive husband, the story is a nice pace and one I know people will enjoy.
I hope we get to see more adventures from the family maybe a school arc with many young nobleman tropes in book 2.
December 27, 2025
Magic right
I got to say taking a story that is supposed to take place in the twelfth century and giving them twenty century morals should get all your characters dead or raped but not here . I guess that must be the magic. Not a bad story if you get past the virtue signaling moral judgment of the author.all the evil characters are alcoholic and spouses abusers.. I really think the author has slot of self loathing.enjoy!
I got to say taking a story that is supposed to take place in the twelfth century and giving them twenty century morals should get all your characters dead or raped but not here . I guess that must be the magic. Not a bad story if you get past the virtue signaling moral judgment of the author.all the evil characters are alcoholic and spouses abusers.. I really think the author has slot of self loathing.enjoy!
August 26, 2025
Dr. Dahners is truly a gifted writer and Mender Magic confirms it.
Mender Magic is absolutely a great book. I got caught up quickly and hated to put it down. Laurence Dahners has again given us a engaging story with excellent, well written characters. I strongly recommend this book.
Mender Magic is absolutely a great book. I got caught up quickly and hated to put it down. Laurence Dahners has again given us a engaging story with excellent, well written characters. I strongly recommend this book.
August 27, 2025
this is a poor rendition of the Hyllis family.
I enjoyed Laurence’s other books, but this one sounds and feels too formulated! It does not have the depth I’ve discovery that the Hyllis family had!
I’m not exactly sure how the author is going to proceed With subsequent books, everything was already discovered as far as extra power to concern.
I enjoyed Laurence’s other books, but this one sounds and feels too formulated! It does not have the depth I’ve discovery that the Hyllis family had!
I’m not exactly sure how the author is going to proceed With subsequent books, everything was already discovered as far as extra power to concern.
August 27, 2025
Another magical tale
As is typical from Dr. Dahners, this story is heartwarming and fun. The evil guys get their appropriate ending, and the good guys win. There's even a little hint of romance. Perhaps this should be a spoiler alert, but isn't that how we want our happy stories to turn out? I'm looking forward to many more in this series.
As is typical from Dr. Dahners, this story is heartwarming and fun. The evil guys get their appropriate ending, and the good guys win. There's even a little hint of romance. Perhaps this should be a spoiler alert, but isn't that how we want our happy stories to turn out? I'm looking forward to many more in this series.
August 30, 2025
Good start and middle, end got too simple and ethically challenging in its justifications of actions. Borrowed using Kindle Unlimited, read with Alexa audio assistance, there was an annoying technical issue at the end of each chapter the app got caught up in a loop of repeating the word chapter requiring a manual jump over the glitch.
September 4, 2025
Yea!! A new series!!
I so enjoyed this new book! No, I don't care for the new format. It takes me away from the story. Yes, I have all your books and most of them on Audible. In fact I found the Ell Donsii series and bought all nineteen on sale for $5 each. It hurt this month but what a deal!!
I so enjoyed this new book! No, I don't care for the new format. It takes me away from the story. Yes, I have all your books and most of them on Audible. In fact I found the Ell Donsii series and bought all nineteen on sale for $5 each. It hurt this month but what a deal!!
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