Aquilon: The Water Mage (Book 1): A Historical Portal Progression Fantasy Series

Aquilon: The Water Mage #1

by Alex Toxic

The next books of the series!
The Water Mage (Book 2):
The Water Mage (Book 3):

I died a great mage, protecting my people. A millennium later, I wake to find true magic dead, completely replaced by gadgetry.

It appears that my descendants require a lesson in true sorcery. But first I need to find out something—who wants me dead badly enough to try killing me twice?

Genres: Fantasy

375 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2025

Reviews

[Junior · Rating 3 out of 5]

Went back and took off a star because this is following the ridiculous trend for Russian authors to put the first book on KU and subsequent books at cost for an absolutely insane price for what you are getting.

note to self: do not continue

[Johnny · Rating 3 out of 5]

this calls itself a portal progression fantasy and it's not. there's no portal. it's a merging of a conscience from his past life with the conscience of his life now. so, it's not even a reincarnation story. I think this is something new and deserves a different classification.
why did I give it three stars?
because every chapter ends a certain way but the next chapter will repeat how the chapter before ended but then it might add more details to totally change the situation.
it's because of this did you can tell that this is a web serial that has been published into book form. that's not saying that I don't like the series because I do.
it's something fresh it's something new but it also is a bit jarring for me the way it goes from chapter to chapter the way it's done I should say. I do like the finding of antiques and stuff from the waterways I always enjoy stuff like that. you can tell that the character is used to having money because at one point he actually says that coppers weren't even worth picking up. and only people with money think like that. even as a kid if I saw a penny on the street I picked it up. I was never too good for money of any type like this character is.
and that is why it only gets three stars. I don't like characters that act like they're too good for stuff. it's not how normal everyday people act. and I like normal everyday people. okay I don't really like people but you get the idea.

this is my personal review based off of an arc that I received from the publisher. your opinion May differ and that is completely fine. I found only 10 mistakes in the book. I sent what I found to the editor for consideration to be fixed.

6/10 I hope book two will be a smoother read.

[John Galt · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf at 1%. Clearly AI-assisted writing. Only a few pages in and several issues with the plot and character interactions. Nope

[Travis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a review copy of this book.
Aquilon is an interesting story about a mage that has been reborn into the same world he used to live in, only it's a thousand years later. It's a bit like The Dark Healer series in that regard, but we don't get to see a whole lot about that in this first book. At the end, we do catch a glimpse of a creation of his from his original life, but it's there where the book ends, so we don't get to see what that's all about, but not a bad spot to start the second book, so I'm looking out for that to drop to continue this story.
I've always liked stories where characters

[Ford Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, more so because of where I think this world can grow and develop.

This book has the potential to create a unique world and a fantastic protagonist. I enjoyed it because of what I think the story can develop into, what I hope it can develop into. I really like the protagonist, it's a unique main character because, he remained free of choice as he's starting to build his world again. Yet, and it's a big yet, the author followed basic writing tropes. I kept hoping there would be more depth to the character, at one point the supporting cast became more interesting. The books pacing struggle because it turned into basic mystery who done it, and other predictable plot lines. I enjoyed the book but I am the first to understand there's a lot of i than once. I hope the author proves me right!

[Murphies_law · Rating 4 out of 5]

A promising new series

The consciousness of an ancient archmage merges with the one of the last of his descendants who is banished from the capital. Soon he finds out that someone is trying to kill him and goes undercover. He learns that someone is poisoning water supplies in the whole region and first meets a nice travel companion and later even encounters a very cute elemental partner.

Criticism and comments

The MC's actions at the smugglers camp are quite dumb - especially considering his financial situation. I didn't understand why he wouldn't sell the nag and the waggon either.

The MC behaves very confused about shiny things at the bottom of sea at first and too arrogant about the small money given the scarcity of his assets.

[Jarred · Rating 5 out of 5]

It always fascinates me when a writer improves his craft, especially when the progress is readily seen or read (in this case).

From the natal writings in his series "kill or die" to Dark Healer, and now this new one, which is more polished and has some semblance of good world-building and story progression.

The worldview of his MCs changed, too!
From a grim, narcissistic, misogynistic, and ever-changing attitude of his MC in "Kill or Die" to the reincarnated and understanding MC in his series in the "Dark Healer", to this one, who is the most humane and has sympathy towards those who are weaker or in need.

I always root for positive growth! Props to you, Alex 5/5

[Bert Babb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rare find, very interesting.

The MC appears to be an ancient water magnus that somehow merged with a hydromancer student. Someone of means had it out for him and but for the magnus, their plan would have resulted in his death. But it didnt.

What was so interesting was the magnus' varied uses of water related arcana. From water needles, to "memory of water", to water shields and vortexes. Combined with a thoughtful process of research and finesse, rather than trying to overpower obstacles.

I look forward to reading the next installment.

[Endoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another one of the low-effort Russian fantasy novels that copy each other and use the same tropes.

1. Inheritance usurped by another family
2. MC is the unexpected sole heir
3. Secret Magic Identity enabling overpowered magic skills
4. Women are statists, and sexist remarks by the MC are to be expected
5. Weak to non-existent worldbuilding

Unless you know the Russian slop fantasy novels and just want a quick, dirty fantasy read that only stimulates about 10% of your brain, I'd stay away from this one and all novels of the Russian slop authors.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

historical progression

A bit simplistic, young mage with an ancient legacy finds himself on the run.

Some interesting magic systems, a bit obvious who the romantic interest will be (but not solely focused on kissy-kissy).

First book is Kindle Unlimited, the rest are paywalled. Not worth it to me to spend money on the sequels.

[Tony Hisgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyable read, Danilo is an interesting character, although at times there were a few minor inconsistencies in his actions. I considered five stars, but I did not like the ending, just stopping the story almost mid sentence seemed like a typical ploy to oblige the reader to immediately buy the next book.

[Noodle The Naughty Night Owl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice Little Magic Fantasy

Ended a little abruptly with no real resolution to the ongoing story. But, man, this was an easy and lovely read. Nice writing style, a good mystery, and a protagonist I liked. I'll be reading on in the series.

UPDATE: The rest of the series isn't in KU. You have to buy them. I'm devastated. And a little annoyed. I so want to read on but $$$$!

[Andrew Crews · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fun read

This was a fun read. I really enjoyed it—very much in line with the author’s other works. Lots of potential here, and I’m looking forward to seeing where things go in book two.

[Teresa Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cool magic

This series looks like it will be set in a similar magical system that is comfortably familiar, but it focuses on a clever new magical ability wielded by the MC. There’s plenty of action, mystery and adventure. Fun read

[R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am generally happy with the book, but I am taking 1 star for
- It finishes abruptly. Not so bad to be called cliffhanger but it still feels like a book cut in half.
- The first book is in Kindle Unlimited, but for each of the rest you need to pay $9.

[Al Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find this interesting. A melding of minds. What I find interesting is the young man doesn’t object at all. His body sometimes reacts like a young man’s but otherwise he just goes with the flow. I’m looking forward to the next book

[Billy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyable read

Kept my attention. I like the main character, the story progresses smoothly. As a mage I keep expecting the mc to become fully powerful as he had been in the past. He’s heading that direction.

[Liz K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 and on cost $8.99

The plot is creative and interesting. The writing is 3-4 stars. I dislike authors who entice you with book 1 as a KU book and then expect I’ll pay $8 -$10 for book 2 and beyond. If the writing was a solid 5-stars, then perhaps…

[Mim Crenshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay Read

I really enjoyed how the book started out, but kinda lost interest once the girl got involved and they started trying to solve the water epidemic. But it was well written story just didn't hold my interest.

[Curtis Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do not like to be led on by what is actually a good plot idea, but the series is more like a “ bait and switch” book where you read the first in the series for free, then get slugged an inflated price for the rest of the series.

[Grant Merrifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book one.

I highly enjoyed this book.
I can't wait to read the next four books in the series.
I hope it is soon.

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like it

Ends on a cliffhanger! Great world building and pacing. Lots of violence too. That next books needs to come out now

[Michael Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone

[Roberto Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has potential but lacks a solid direction. The characters are fun but flat. The action is consistent but unconnected. I hope this develops an overarching storyline soon.

[Daybreak · Rating 3 out of 5]

mc acts like his age and is ruthless and decisive but the story itself is just boring and bland nothing to break the monotony. aslo there are some typos that break the immersion.

[Roger H. Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Alex you write very well. I enjoyed the story. I'm just sorry you couldn't keep all of it in unlimited but I understand. It's a great story.

[Dantegideon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Absolutely no surprises in this.