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Academy of Outcasts #2
Magic and Bullets
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!
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!
372 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2026
About the author
Larry Correia
117 books4,465 followersLarry Correia (born 1977) is the New York Times bestselling author of the Monster Hunter International series, the Grimnoir Chronicles, and the thriller Dead Six.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
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!
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!
May 25, 2026
Another fun romp featuring the group of misfits who make up the Academy of Outcasts.
The Outcasts are doing relatively well for being broke most of the time, and barely eating enough to sustain them. Other than Trax of course. When the local crimelord comes calling for back rent of course they have no money to pay. As he considers them in his debt they now have to become adventurers and retrieve some sort of magical item.
This goes about as well as you might expect and the rest of the book has them doing whatever they can to erase the debt.
The Outcasts are doing relatively well for being broke most of the time, and barely eating enough to sustain them. Other than Trax of course. When the local crimelord comes calling for back rent of course they have no money to pay. As he considers them in his debt they now have to become adventurers and retrieve some sort of magical item.
This goes about as well as you might expect and the rest of the book has them doing whatever they can to erase the debt.
May 20, 2026
I'm not sure why this novel didn't move the needle. It had good pacing and sympathetic characters... perhaps it lacked realism. For example, the amount of trouble a bunch of clueless newbie magicians gave a seasoned mercenary company was laughable.
On the plus side, it was easily digested. So, no harm - no foul. Three stars.
On the plus side, it was easily digested. So, no harm - no foul. Three stars.
May 19, 2026
4.8 stars. This is really a great new series from Larry Correia. Magic and Bullets definitely lived up to bar set by the first installment, and continued the story in fine fashion. I really enjoy the cast of characters he has created for this one. Now, the downside is having to wait for the release of the next book in the series…
June 25, 2026
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my opinion.
I just love when I find new favourites, when I’m reading a book and I can’t do anything else until I’ll finish the said book. That’s what happened with “Academy of Outcasts” and the same happened with “Magic and Bullets”.
The story continues immediately after book one and we follow the wizards as they try to grow their new Academy. That should be easy, right? Well, it’s not.
The found family part is as good as in the first book, maybe even better, because we meet new characters. It’s one of my favourite tropes and the author did an excellent job with it in “Magic and Bullets”. As a main character, Oz is one of the best, I love his dynamic with the rest of the outcasts, especially with Trax. Trax is so charming for someone who has an appetite for humans, and he’s funny. He brings something special to the team and I think the series is so good because of him. I laughed a lot of time throughout the whole book thanks to his jokes and mood.
There are a lot of new characters that make the book so enjoyable and so fast paced. There’s no time for drama or boredom. They don’t stay in the same place for more than 4 pages and that helps so much with seeing the worldbuilding. Which is an amazing one. I can’t compare it with anything else, because it’s so well developed and so huge. The story does not slow down, there are no filler chapters or unnecessary dialogue or scenes. Everything that takes place is important to the plot. The pacing is excellent and with a small number of pages, makes a great book.
Overall, I loved it. While I loved book one more, because i felt more engaged in the story and I found it more deeper, book two is a fantastic follow up! I’m sure the next books will be even better than these and I can’t wait to continue the series.
I just love when I find new favourites, when I’m reading a book and I can’t do anything else until I’ll finish the said book. That’s what happened with “Academy of Outcasts” and the same happened with “Magic and Bullets”.
The story continues immediately after book one and we follow the wizards as they try to grow their new Academy. That should be easy, right? Well, it’s not.
The found family part is as good as in the first book, maybe even better, because we meet new characters. It’s one of my favourite tropes and the author did an excellent job with it in “Magic and Bullets”. As a main character, Oz is one of the best, I love his dynamic with the rest of the outcasts, especially with Trax. Trax is so charming for someone who has an appetite for humans, and he’s funny. He brings something special to the team and I think the series is so good because of him. I laughed a lot of time throughout the whole book thanks to his jokes and mood.
There are a lot of new characters that make the book so enjoyable and so fast paced. There’s no time for drama or boredom. They don’t stay in the same place for more than 4 pages and that helps so much with seeing the worldbuilding. Which is an amazing one. I can’t compare it with anything else, because it’s so well developed and so huge. The story does not slow down, there are no filler chapters or unnecessary dialogue or scenes. Everything that takes place is important to the plot. The pacing is excellent and with a small number of pages, makes a great book.
Overall, I loved it. While I loved book one more, because i felt more engaged in the story and I found it more deeper, book two is a fantastic follow up! I’m sure the next books will be even better than these and I can’t wait to continue the series.
June 2, 2026
4.25 Stars
This was the second book in this series and another really fun entry having us follow along with the newly formed Academy of Outcasts. It takes place immediately after the events in the first book and we are following along as the new "wizards" seem to be having a bit of a hard time getting their new Academy off the ground. To make things worse, the under slum gangster boss has decided that they should have been paying him rent for the deserted, ghost filled, completely destroyed tower that they have been staying in (and slowly turning into their Academy). Did I mention he's a scary boss with scary enforcers?
Because they have NO money, they get coerced by this boss into going on what is probably a suicide quest to try to find a long lost item that has been lost on a particular island. So far, it hasn't been found in hundreds of years and most everybody that has tried ends up dead. So, yeah.
Things go from bad to worst as our motley crew just seems to have a knack for finding trouble. The pacing on this book was actually very good as there weren't really any points in the story that felt like the story slowed down or became uneven. Our gang just seems to get into one dilemma after the other and the deadline begins to loom over them as time begins to run out.
I really liked Trax in the first book, but for whatever reason, I really fell in love with him in this book. We also got some major character development from our MMC Ozwald Carnavon.
Things did wrap up for this storyline but definitely set the stage for the next book(s) in the series :)
This was the second book in this series and another really fun entry having us follow along with the newly formed Academy of Outcasts. It takes place immediately after the events in the first book and we are following along as the new "wizards" seem to be having a bit of a hard time getting their new Academy off the ground. To make things worse, the under slum gangster boss has decided that they should have been paying him rent for the deserted, ghost filled, completely destroyed tower that they have been staying in (and slowly turning into their Academy). Did I mention he's a scary boss with scary enforcers?
Because they have NO money, they get coerced by this boss into going on what is probably a suicide quest to try to find a long lost item that has been lost on a particular island. So far, it hasn't been found in hundreds of years and most everybody that has tried ends up dead. So, yeah.
Things go from bad to worst as our motley crew just seems to have a knack for finding trouble. The pacing on this book was actually very good as there weren't really any points in the story that felt like the story slowed down or became uneven. Our gang just seems to get into one dilemma after the other and the deadline begins to loom over them as time begins to run out.
I really liked Trax in the first book, but for whatever reason, I really fell in love with him in this book. We also got some major character development from our MMC Ozwald Carnavon.
Things did wrap up for this storyline but definitely set the stage for the next book(s) in the series :)
May 24, 2026
4.5 stars! I always have the best time with these books! As I was reading I released that these actually remind me a lot of Black Clover, more specifically the Black Bulls and how they are a band of outcasts trying to become stronger to prove everyone wrong! If you like that type of vibe you should definitely check out this series bc it’s so fun!
June 20, 2026
Another very fun read.
May 18, 2026
Jumping straight into the second book, I’m really enjoying where this story is going and I already can’t wait for the next one. Magic and Bullets throws you right back into the chaos with Carnavon and the guild trying to survive as actual adventurers even though they’re still broke and honestly kind of a mess half the time. The found family part of this series is still my favorite because I just really like seeing all these outcasts slowly become closer and learn how to work together.
This is definitely a progression fantasy, so a huge part of the story is the characters slowly getting stronger, learning new magic, gaining skills, and basically leveling up after every mission or disaster they survive. It honestly reminded me of a fantasy video game or a D&D campaign because every chapter feels like a new quest where the characters grow a little more each time. The pacing stays super fast because there’s basically always something happening, whether it’s monsters, fights, mafia problems, or magic training gone wrong.
The book also feels very YA in the way it’s written, which made it really easy and fun to binge. The overall tone stays pretty lighthearted and sarcastic most of the time, and there are a lot of tongue-in-cheek moments even during serious situations. But then there are also random moments of violence that pop up out of nowhere, which makes the tone feel a little chaotic sometimes. I do think the first book had slightly better character focus because this one introduces so many new people, but overall I still had a really fun time with it and I’m excited to keep going with the series!
This is definitely a progression fantasy, so a huge part of the story is the characters slowly getting stronger, learning new magic, gaining skills, and basically leveling up after every mission or disaster they survive. It honestly reminded me of a fantasy video game or a D&D campaign because every chapter feels like a new quest where the characters grow a little more each time. The pacing stays super fast because there’s basically always something happening, whether it’s monsters, fights, mafia problems, or magic training gone wrong.
The book also feels very YA in the way it’s written, which made it really easy and fun to binge. The overall tone stays pretty lighthearted and sarcastic most of the time, and there are a lot of tongue-in-cheek moments even during serious situations. But then there are also random moments of violence that pop up out of nowhere, which makes the tone feel a little chaotic sometimes. I do think the first book had slightly better character focus because this one introduces so many new people, but overall I still had a really fun time with it and I’m excited to keep going with the series!
May 8, 2026
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.
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.
May 15, 2026
This improved on book 1, specifically the pacing. In my book 1 review, I had noted that the pacing was just too exhausting, moving from one life-on-the-line scene directly into another, barely any breathing room. Every action sequence was mortal peril.
This book was far more balanced.
Also, Carreia is an outliner / plotter vs. a discovery writer, but this series he was experimenting with discovery writing. I think that's why the first book felt so wild and chaotic. This book read much more like a structured, plotted fantasy book. There was an overall arc, problems to be solved, and they interleaved nicely throughout.
The ensemble cast is fun. Great personalities. I hope in future books we get to see more from them. Morton & his gnomish family in particular were unexpectedly great.
This book was far more balanced.
Also, Carreia is an outliner / plotter vs. a discovery writer, but this series he was experimenting with discovery writing. I think that's why the first book felt so wild and chaotic. This book read much more like a structured, plotted fantasy book. There was an overall arc, problems to be solved, and they interleaved nicely throughout.
The ensemble cast is fun. Great personalities. I hope in future books we get to see more from them. Morton & his gnomish family in particular were unexpectedly great.
June 5, 2026
⚔️ New obsession unlocked. ⚔️
*Magic and Bullets* absolutely lived up to the high bar set by book one and kept me hooked from start to finish.
✨ What worked for me:
• A fantastic cast of characters that keeps getting better
• D&D-style questing and adventuring
• Old-school duels and action
• A story that expands the world while keeping the momentum going
My only complaint? Now I have to wait for the next book. 😭
If you’re looking for fantasy packed with adventure, magic, and a lovable ensemble cast, this series deserves a spot on your TBR.
⭐️ My verdict: the wait for book three is already painful.
*Magic and Bullets* absolutely lived up to the high bar set by book one and kept me hooked from start to finish.
✨ What worked for me:
• A fantastic cast of characters that keeps getting better
• D&D-style questing and adventuring
• Old-school duels and action
• A story that expands the world while keeping the momentum going
My only complaint? Now I have to wait for the next book. 😭
If you’re looking for fantasy packed with adventure, magic, and a lovable ensemble cast, this series deserves a spot on your TBR.
⭐️ My verdict: the wait for book three is already painful.
May 20, 2026
Oz and Team Are an Awesomely Motley Crew
The story picks up not long after the conclusion of Academy of Outcasts and we get to a lot more of the three MCs (Oz, Aharon, & Trax) and also a few new characters. A new character I really enjoyed is Krachma and his lovely disposition. Don’t worry, Trax, you’re still my favorite.
This is another fun adventure for learning and survival for Oz and his rag tag group of outcasts. I really enjoy what Correia has done in the series and am excited for book 3, Reap the Whirlwind, when it releases next April.
The story picks up not long after the conclusion of Academy of Outcasts and we get to a lot more of the three MCs (Oz, Aharon, & Trax) and also a few new characters. A new character I really enjoyed is Krachma and his lovely disposition. Don’t worry, Trax, you’re still my favorite.
This is another fun adventure for learning and survival for Oz and his rag tag group of outcasts. I really enjoy what Correia has done in the series and am excited for book 3, Reap the Whirlwind, when it releases next April.
June 20, 2026
If you ever played a D&D game and got to the point where your wizard just wanted to shoot something with a gun instead of casting another fireball, this is the book series for you.
Correia took his merry band of misfits from the first book, sprinkled in some new characters coming to the Academy, and then brought in the mob as the antagonists. Plenty of action and melee magic ensues as the Academy has to find a way to support themselves while the slum lords horde in.
Correia took his merry band of misfits from the first book, sprinkled in some new characters coming to the Academy, and then brought in the mob as the antagonists. Plenty of action and melee magic ensues as the Academy has to find a way to support themselves while the slum lords horde in.
May 10, 2026
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
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
May 13, 2026
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.
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.
May 8, 2026
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.
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.
May 14, 2026
Can’t wait for book 3
Book was really good. I’m loving the series. The characters and development is great. The main characters sarcasm is fantastic and the narrator in the audiobook is fantastic. And can’t replace Trax as a character!!
Book was really good. I’m loving the series. The characters and development is great. The main characters sarcasm is fantastic and the narrator in the audiobook is fantastic. And can’t replace Trax as a character!!
May 20, 2026
I would judge this book to be about a 4.5 and a very good follow up on Academy of Outcasts. I am a fan of the author's Monsters Hunters International series, so I tried this series and at least for now I am hooked.
June 2, 2026
Slow
In this series Oz, the protagonist, has a noble goal in mind. This goal is to train to become a powerful wizard so that he can free his family from bondage. At the pace of the first 2 books I estimate that it will take another 38 books for him to reach his goal.
In this series Oz, the protagonist, has a noble goal in mind. This goal is to train to become a powerful wizard so that he can free his family from bondage. At the pace of the first 2 books I estimate that it will take another 38 books for him to reach his goal.
June 11, 2026
I love Trax and reading mainly for Trax.
Other than that, love how our group of outcasts is growing.
Wish there was more story on getting a bit closer to the main villain. It felt like a detour/side quest from the main goal to pay rent. However, I am still very happy and enjoyed myself!
Other than that, love how our group of outcasts is growing.
Wish there was more story on getting a bit closer to the main villain. It felt like a detour/side quest from the main goal to pay rent. However, I am still very happy and enjoyed myself!
June 24, 2026
Another Great Story
Correia's hero has dirty hands and a big heart. Carnavon isn't the best or the brightest but he believes in the right things and never gives up. Entertaining, funny, exasperating, rewarding: Academy of Outcasts is time well spent.
Correia's hero has dirty hands and a big heart. Carnavon isn't the best or the brightest but he believes in the right things and never gives up. Entertaining, funny, exasperating, rewarding: Academy of Outcasts is time well spent.
June 26, 2026
The second in the series is great!
This is a more light hearted series than the one that started with Son of the Black Sword. It still has a lot of high stakes action for the protagonist and his fellow aspiring wizard outcasts and the stage is set for plenty of trials to come.
This is a more light hearted series than the one that started with Son of the Black Sword. It still has a lot of high stakes action for the protagonist and his fellow aspiring wizard outcasts and the stage is set for plenty of trials to come.
May 7, 2026
4/5
Again, a fun book from Larry Correia.
Again, a fun book from Larry Correia.
May 10, 2026
Another fun adventure that made me laugh out loud several times
May 14, 2026
fun…
If you enjoyed the first you’ll like this installment. Easy and entertaining a perfect distraction from reality. Everyone needs a little break.
If you enjoyed the first you’ll like this installment. Easy and entertaining a perfect distraction from reality. Everyone needs a little break.
May 16, 2026
Great book two! Was counting down the days till this came out.
May 16, 2026
Great book
As usual Larry knocks it out of the park. Wonderful characters and fast paced continuous action. 5 stars for sure
As usual Larry knocks it out of the park. Wonderful characters and fast paced continuous action. 5 stars for sure
May 17, 2026
Just keeps getting better
Larry is building a large world here, and I think we have lots more to see. Eagerly awaiting the next one.
Larry is building a large world here, and I think we have lots more to see. Eagerly awaiting the next one.
May 19, 2026
My sixteen year old son read the book and enjoyed it. That alone makes the rating for me. I enjoyed the book too.
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