Magic and Bullets

Academy of Outcasts #2

by Larry Correia

The thrilling sequel in this epic new saga from LARRY CORREIA, award-winning author of Monster Hunter International and Saga of the Forgotten Warrior.

This progression fantasy epic features a D&D-inspired setting split by portals into elemental realms, slow-growth power progression, magic academies, and unforgettable characters!

Genres: Fantasy

390 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2026

About the author

Larry Correia (born 1977) is the New York Times bestselling author of the Monster Hunter International series, the Grimnoir Chronicles, and the thriller Dead Six.

Reviews

[Jonathan Koan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my most anticipated release of 2026, so as soon as I recieved my copy I made sure to carve out the time to read it. In less than a day, I had devoured it. It definitely lives up to the first book in the series.

This book picks up with Ozwald Carnavon in charge of the newly formed Academy of Outcasts while their patron mage, Gaul Hadder is off of the core world. Oz finds himself and the academy desitute and in need of a way to pay rent to the fearsome gang in charge of his territory. Thankfully, he and his merry band of outcasts have been given an opportunity, they can wipe out their previous months' rent by looting a haunted island filled with monsters. But as often happens, everything does not go according to plan.

Ozwald continues to be an excellent POV character, and I also continued to enjoy his dynamic with Azarin in this book. Rade also added some depth in this book. But the standout of this series just continues to be Trax Bloodtrail. A character who is ostesibly comedic relief, but he also adds so much heart and charm to the cast. Literally every time he is on the page I have a smile on my face, and his line "I am the best secretary ever" was just a hilarious line that had me laughing so hard. (I know it seems like nothing out of context, but when you read it in the book you'll laugh too).

We also have some new characters in this book. I did enjoy both Cutter Joran and Carcalla were excellent takes on the mob-boss characters, and their dynamic with Oz was fun to read. We also get Dathka Walker, who is such a wild card that she was both terrifying, charming, funny, and kind of endearing all at the same time. Definitely the standout of the new additions to the book. There are a few other new characters, but I will not spoil them here.

This book continues the tropes and plot of a progression fantasy. Our characters are clearly trying to level up, and they are working on learning new skills to do so. But in no way is understanding all of those spells or skills necessary to your enjoyment of the book. Correia has cracked the code of telling this type of story while not burdening the audience with statistics or magic systems (even though the magic system is somewhat explained). It really is a Progression Fantasy, not a LitRPG.

I will echo that the book does not have wasted chapters. There were no times that I felt the story slowed down unnecessarily, nor were there any chapters that I felt could have been adjusted or changed up. Larry truly keeps the pacing most excellent in this book.

Regarding the plot, this book definitely has the quests/side-quests ideas of a D&D campaign (as advertised in the marketing of the series), but the characters, worldbuilding and yes the plot are strong enough that it doesn't just feel like we're experiencing a campaign, but rather the ideas of a campaign inspired the book.

While I enjoyed the story and even the pacing of this book more than book 1, I will say that this book didn't quite have as deep themes as book one. However, they kind of even out in my enjoyment and I'll say that they're neck-and-neck in terms of how I'd rate them right now.

Overall, this is an fantastic follow up to a magnificent first book. Larry Correia's writing, much like his characters' magical power, is leveling up with this series. Truly excellent in just about every way. 9.7 out of 10!

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

This second installment in the Academy of Outcasts series continues on pretty much exactly where we left off from book one. Carnavon and his outcasts are now, on paper at least, a proper guild. They are struggling to train themselves as mages with little money or resources to do so. They run afoul of the local mafia and are forced to go adventuring to be able to afford to stay where their guild is located.

The story is competent, though very linear and simple, feeling like reading the book version of an episodic Saturday morning cartoon. In each 'episode,' they acquire new people, learn new skills and spells and go up a level. The overall tone is very light and airy, almost tongue-in-cheek but then we encounter moments of brutal violence which are almost played off for laughs. It's not quite enough to be off-putting, but it is at least a bit odd.

The best part, like in book one, is the characters. This time we have many more characters than the 'core' three from the original. While the new ones are interesting, I feel it leaves too little time to concentrate on our main characters. There's also perhaps a bit too much action; in the first book we got a lot more discovery, which in turn gave us more time to learn about the characters

All in all, if you liked the first book, you should read this one. It's not quite as strong, but still a decent second entry. It's a bit of a fluffy read, perfect for a plane or whenever you want something easy and enjoyable. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[TheGnoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

For book two I definitely found that the story of Oz and the characters of the Outcast Academy are starting to evolve. I'm getting into how they're going to survive and what they're going to do in order to get through the life that they've chosen for themselves. I did get to see some interesting new characters and some nice potential for D&D-type questing and adventuring as well as a good old-fashioned dueling ring. This is a book that I feel is going to continue to get better and stay interesting throughout so book two has managed to hook me. It will continue to stay on my playlist.

We do carry book one in store and we'll be getting book two as soon as I can get it in. If you're interested in something new for lit RPG, this is more progression/fantasy, less traditional lit RPG, so some people may like that more than others. While there are levels to wizards, there are no game levels and stuff like that.

[Nicholas Budler · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Academy of Outcasts has no fans, I must be a dead a hundred times over!!!

“Outcasts have formed a tribe. Not a good tribe. More like the leftovers and garbage none of the real tribes wanted. But that garbage became a tribe.”

You couldn’t have been paid me to give this anything but 5 stars and anyone who says otherwise is simply wrong as hell. I love these crazy kids. The only shit thing about this entire book is that it's far too short; I'm pissed it only took me three days to read. I need Larry to be putting his heart and soul into Reap the Whirlwind if I have to wait an entire year for it.

Provisionally on Best of '26 shelf.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relentless after the action starts.

After the main plotline started you know after introducing characters, and such, it was a nonstop action roller coaster ride till the end very fun.

I had no idea what was going to happen next. Some book you can guess how it’s gonna end but this was an awesome adventure that I couldn’t guess at all

[Jim R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Winner

As usual, Larry Correia puts together a great story. Great pacing, great dialogue, and some truly memorable chuckles. This is one of those series that I half wish was already completed so that I could stay immersed in the world a bit longer, but I'll be anxiously awaiting the next one.

[Anthony Perna · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent sequel

Oz continues to impress and grow as he makes his way through continuous challenges. Love the Outcast family and look forward to the next book expanding on the hidden secrets of this interesting collection of realms.

[jeevan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

Again, a fun book from Larry Correia.

[Tess Jones-Orta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun adventure that made me laugh out loud several times

[Mathew Gorin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic indeed

Loved this book, Larry is very good at world building, and this books only disappointment is how long I’m going to have to wait for the next one.