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Tales of Simple Magic #2
Maker Magic
Imagine a horse-powered world where magic is used for mending, making, and healing.
Magical ability is rare, but Ky Vaux—a peasant boy from a poor family—can not only mend and make, but is extremely powerful and hopes to fulfill his dream of working as a healer.
Ky’s gift of magic is now supporting Ky, his mother, his sister, and even his cousins.
But for Ky, taking care of his family isn’t enough. He wants to help others, the poor children of the city and those who're being tortured by a sadistic noble …
Magical ability is rare, but Ky Vaux—a peasant boy from a poor family—can not only mend and make, but is extremely powerful and hopes to fulfill his dream of working as a healer.
Ky’s gift of magic is now supporting Ky, his mother, his sister, and even his cousins.
But for Ky, taking care of his family isn’t enough. He wants to help others, the poor children of the city and those who're being tortured by a sadistic noble …
- GenresFantasy
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2026
319 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Laurence E. Dahners
62 books675 followersI was born on the island of Cyprus where my dad was employed as a mining engineer. We moved to the Philippines (more mining) when I was three and then to Arizona when I was 9. I went to med school at the University of Arizona and did a residency in Orthopaedics at the University of Kansas. I taught Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill until I retired in 2017.
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
I've always loved science fiction and it's been great fun getting to write some. I also like music and have a little home recording studio. You can read more, listen to some music and look at some of my art, at http://laury.dahners.com/ if you like.
If you want to contact me, or be put on my email list to be notified when new books come out, just email me at ldahners@gmail.com
Laury Dahners
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 9, 2026
Great book Two.
I highly enjoyed visiting this universe again.
I cant wait to read the next four books in the series.
I hope its soon.
I highly enjoyed visiting this universe again.
I cant wait to read the next four books in the series.
I hope its soon.
January 30, 2026
3.5 Stars. Cannibalized half of the ideas from his own Hyllis Family series.
At least you know what you're getting when you read a Dahners book. Fast paced, tightly focused stories within simplified worlds, but with an interesting magic/technological premise.
At least you know what you're getting when you read a Dahners book. Fast paced, tightly focused stories within simplified worlds, but with an interesting magic/technological premise.
January 9, 2026
More than a Mender
I prepaid to have this day of first sales. This afternoon I am writing to say it was a good purchase. Our young lender develops additional skills and discovers how to be a Maker and more. Side story of romance is good as well. It does include a character that is absolutely disicable.
I prepaid to have this day of first sales. This afternoon I am writing to say it was a good purchase. Our young lender develops additional skills and discovers how to be a Maker and more. Side story of romance is good as well. It does include a character that is absolutely disicable.
January 11, 2026
Devoured it in one day
Scrumptious absolutely delightful. That’s the best way I can describe this book and many of the writings from this author. I’m a fan of his. I’ve read so many series that he writes and this is just a continuation of another great series. Now I’m used to science fiction from this author, but this is magic fantasy. In this case, the MC continues from where we left off last book he learned more about himself about the potential powers that he has and we are introduced to new characters that help move the story forward. Overall great storytelling overall great advancement from one point to the next, overall just a delight to read. The saddest part of this book was just getting to the end because now it’s over and I have to wait for the next book in the series. Hopefully it comes real soon.
Message to the author:
Spoilers
Spoilers
Spoilers
First, I have to say I love the book. I got through it in a day 12 hours taking breaks here and there to do stuff around the house slowed me down. I’m a fan of so many of your series. Bonesetter still my favorite. Anyway, this story great I only had two I don’t wanna say issues, but I don’t know what to call them. The issue with the Account and his stubbornness, absolute stubbornness. My goodness did he have to be so dumb. It was like banging your head against the brick wall. I do get how it emphasized nobility, and how they are unwilling to bend, but it seemed to go a bit far when someone with sense would notice great power and say I better be nice to this guy I should work with this guy. Now there was one confusing part the end I get how the king survived and he killed everyone the heart attack excellent but it didn’t make sense to me that everybody just walked away like everything was normal. Nobody there realized how lucky they were to be alive. Nobody talked about how this young man led them to this situation. I can understand, saying the king had no experience leading and planning, but once everything had settled, I would think he would be asking questions like, how did we get to that location who led us here bring him to me I want answers. At the very least his daughter would have to give an account of what happened and he would say go get that young man right now. For the count not to realize who saved his daughter to me that made no sense. He had to have been smart enough to know that Ky did everything. At the very least, his wife should have told him how he tore down the wall how he eventually opened a hole underneath into a dungeon. With this information, someone somewhere should’ve been able to put two and two together and it just seems very weird that nobody seemed to do that but they just let him go to school a few days later. That’s the one row I have with the story that just doesn’t quite fit.
Scrumptious absolutely delightful. That’s the best way I can describe this book and many of the writings from this author. I’m a fan of his. I’ve read so many series that he writes and this is just a continuation of another great series. Now I’m used to science fiction from this author, but this is magic fantasy. In this case, the MC continues from where we left off last book he learned more about himself about the potential powers that he has and we are introduced to new characters that help move the story forward. Overall great storytelling overall great advancement from one point to the next, overall just a delight to read. The saddest part of this book was just getting to the end because now it’s over and I have to wait for the next book in the series. Hopefully it comes real soon.
Message to the author:
Spoilers
Spoilers
Spoilers
First, I have to say I love the book. I got through it in a day 12 hours taking breaks here and there to do stuff around the house slowed me down. I’m a fan of so many of your series. Bonesetter still my favorite. Anyway, this story great I only had two I don’t wanna say issues, but I don’t know what to call them. The issue with the Account and his stubbornness, absolute stubbornness. My goodness did he have to be so dumb. It was like banging your head against the brick wall. I do get how it emphasized nobility, and how they are unwilling to bend, but it seemed to go a bit far when someone with sense would notice great power and say I better be nice to this guy I should work with this guy. Now there was one confusing part the end I get how the king survived and he killed everyone the heart attack excellent but it didn’t make sense to me that everybody just walked away like everything was normal. Nobody there realized how lucky they were to be alive. Nobody talked about how this young man led them to this situation. I can understand, saying the king had no experience leading and planning, but once everything had settled, I would think he would be asking questions like, how did we get to that location who led us here bring him to me I want answers. At the very least his daughter would have to give an account of what happened and he would say go get that young man right now. For the count not to realize who saved his daughter to me that made no sense. He had to have been smart enough to know that Ky did everything. At the very least, his wife should have told him how he tore down the wall how he eventually opened a hole underneath into a dungeon. With this information, someone somewhere should’ve been able to put two and two together and it just seems very weird that nobody seemed to do that but they just let him go to school a few days later. That’s the one row I have with the story that just doesn’t quite fit.
January 25, 2026
Young person book, need editing. Very weak writing.
Possible story but nothing to improve upon the first book. There's really no nuance as everything is overexplained which I understand that for young audience whoever the story skips around, has very poor editing and dialogue seems contrite.
This did not help the series, a lot of logical thinking just didn't make sense and as a reader you had to pause and think why would people put up with that or why would people stay in a situation that could become negative. The main character has incredible powers to the point of overpower, yet as a young adult stumbles upon situations that have no logical sense for a teenager. Especially because most times the main character takes control and leads adults. Just not very well written. A young adult person may not notice. An adult reader the book is painful.
Possible story but nothing to improve upon the first book. There's really no nuance as everything is overexplained which I understand that for young audience whoever the story skips around, has very poor editing and dialogue seems contrite.
This did not help the series, a lot of logical thinking just didn't make sense and as a reader you had to pause and think why would people put up with that or why would people stay in a situation that could become negative. The main character has incredible powers to the point of overpower, yet as a young adult stumbles upon situations that have no logical sense for a teenager. Especially because most times the main character takes control and leads adults. Just not very well written. A young adult person may not notice. An adult reader the book is painful.
January 25, 2026
Such a good read.
It starts off right where it left off basically. I didn't really care about the incongruence between his speech and knowledge but that's bc I understand this is a fantasy world and it's just fun to be inside it so I dont ruin it for myself by picking little pleasure pieces apart. I enjoy the day to day journey with Ky. I love his Altruism and they straight forward way he deals with people which is a deep fantasy of mine that I really wish were a way people communicated. it's another cozy story with fun magic with new rules that are easy and fun to understand and think about. It's a quick read and great continuation. In the next book I'd like to hear more about spoilers
running the apartment complex, seeing if Templa comes around or pisses Ky off into making his own carriage business and who is Ky gonna marry?
It starts off right where it left off basically. I didn't really care about the incongruence between his speech and knowledge but that's bc I understand this is a fantasy world and it's just fun to be inside it so I dont ruin it for myself by picking little pleasure pieces apart. I enjoy the day to day journey with Ky. I love his Altruism and they straight forward way he deals with people which is a deep fantasy of mine that I really wish were a way people communicated. it's another cozy story with fun magic with new rules that are easy and fun to understand and think about. It's a quick read and great continuation. In the next book I'd like to hear more about spoilers
running the apartment complex, seeing if Templa comes around or pisses Ky off into making his own carriage business and who is Ky gonna marry?
January 13, 2026
Laurence Dahners - already one of my favorite hard sci-fib writers - is back with the second book, Maker Magic, in “Tales of Simple Magic”, his first fantasy series and to no great surprise it’s superb. He’s created an entirely new magic system that works beautifully and just makes sense. Add in a story with compelling characters and a superb plot line that has drama and action while not following some formulaic fantasy trope like so many series these day. Superbly written and total fun this book and series are highly recommended (though best to start at book 1 for maximum enjoyment) with yet another “happy enough for now” ending though I will admit I’m still already craving for book 3 to come out.
January 10, 2026
I truly did thoroughly enjoy the first book in this series, but this one literally blew me away, it was that good! Anytime a reader finds an author who will take the time to teach us how to treat people better and shows us the moral of treating people fairly is one to watch. The protagonist characters are all beyond outstanding, and the antagonist character is so evil, he reflects just how good Ky is as a person, and the author shows just how hard Ky Vaux works at staying that way. All I am truly saying is the very real fact most people will LOVE this book and the first one IF they give the story a chance. I just wish they were available in hardback!
January 11, 2026
Enjoyable, clean, kid friendly series with some hard truths & magic.
The 2 books in this series have a different take on how magic works in a medieval world. The author also presents a hard but honest description of how the poor, as well as the rich, live in this type of world. And how people with low morals and ethics treat others, without being preachy about it, just stating it as facts to be dealt with.
The magic presented is practical, not flashy, and shows how that magic could be helpful.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the 1st book in the series and I look forward to the next book!
The 2 books in this series have a different take on how magic works in a medieval world. The author also presents a hard but honest description of how the poor, as well as the rich, live in this type of world. And how people with low morals and ethics treat others, without being preachy about it, just stating it as facts to be dealt with.
The magic presented is practical, not flashy, and shows how that magic could be helpful.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the 1st book in the series and I look forward to the next book!
January 20, 2026
A friggintastic cozy slice-of-life tale...
Another delightfully cozy slice-of-life adventure. Ky's life with his extended family is really captivating to read about as he learns new things/tricks to do with his magic as he enters Cloet Mage Academy. Which gives him the initiative to try out new ideas and products to sell at the shop his family now owns. He's also a hard negotiator when it comes down to the price. And he's the most productive member of his family run business! And wow Ky only wants to save people one person or mind at a time. You just can't get any cozier than that!
So yeah grab the book sit back on your comfy cushion and enjoy!
Another delightfully cozy slice-of-life adventure. Ky's life with his extended family is really captivating to read about as he learns new things/tricks to do with his magic as he enters Cloet Mage Academy. Which gives him the initiative to try out new ideas and products to sell at the shop his family now owns. He's also a hard negotiator when it comes down to the price. And he's the most productive member of his family run business! And wow Ky only wants to save people one person or mind at a time. You just can't get any cozier than that!
So yeah grab the book sit back on your comfy cushion and enjoy!
January 12, 2026
An excellent magical fantasy series
I wouldn't exactly call this a cozy series because there's some very bad people running around in it, but it is a story about a family that learns that they can do a magical thing called mending. They then find various ways of making and unmaking things at pays money in their medieval world, one with horses and carriages and things like that. The characters are very enjoyable to read about, and I liked the plot. I really enjoyed this author and I will definitely read the next book in this series.
I wouldn't exactly call this a cozy series because there's some very bad people running around in it, but it is a story about a family that learns that they can do a magical thing called mending. They then find various ways of making and unmaking things at pays money in their medieval world, one with horses and carriages and things like that. The characters are very enjoyable to read about, and I liked the plot. I really enjoyed this author and I will definitely read the next book in this series.
January 12, 2026
It just works!
Okay folks this is becoming a broken record! There has not been a series that Mr. Dahners has penned that I have not thoroughly loved! Read Dahners second entry for the Tales of Simple Magic as it continues his appeal! Once again I must wait with bated breath for the next book in the series! Please Mr. Dahner, contract out your series to other writers just so we can continue adventures in your varied literary universes! Here's an idea for a new series: a crossover of your series! One can only dream!
Okay folks this is becoming a broken record! There has not been a series that Mr. Dahners has penned that I have not thoroughly loved! Read Dahners second entry for the Tales of Simple Magic as it continues his appeal! Once again I must wait with bated breath for the next book in the series! Please Mr. Dahner, contract out your series to other writers just so we can continue adventures in your varied literary universes! Here's an idea for a new series: a crossover of your series! One can only dream!
February 25, 2026
Love the story
I really enjoyed the story, and am looking forward to the next book. The only thing I wish was different is to remover the picture from the chapter pages. It causes Alexa to get stuck from continuing and just goes "chapter...chapter...chapter...chapter" and I have to manually jump ahead to continue. I'd really like to listen all the way through using Alexa since kindle assisting reader uses Google text to speech and it's complete cram and monotone.
But I love the story! Worth the trouble
I really enjoyed the story, and am looking forward to the next book. The only thing I wish was different is to remover the picture from the chapter pages. It causes Alexa to get stuck from continuing and just goes "chapter...chapter...chapter...chapter" and I have to manually jump ahead to continue. I'd really like to listen all the way through using Alexa since kindle assisting reader uses Google text to speech and it's complete cram and monotone.
But I love the story! Worth the trouble
January 9, 2026
Could be a 4 Star but….
So I’m torn, I really am enjoying these
Books, but I’m thrown out of them constantly due to there being no distinction between the POV’s. You never knew whose POV you were in as it changed without notice during chapters, and it took a bit to figure out who you were reading. But if this was fixed, I absolutely would bump it up to a 4star. Still, can’t wait for the next one. Although, can we dispense with the cliffhangers please 🙏
So I’m torn, I really am enjoying these
Books, but I’m thrown out of them constantly due to there being no distinction between the POV’s. You never knew whose POV you were in as it changed without notice during chapters, and it took a bit to figure out who you were reading. But if this was fixed, I absolutely would bump it up to a 4star. Still, can’t wait for the next one. Although, can we dispense with the cliffhangers please 🙏
January 9, 2026
Love this series
This is the second volume of zTales of Simple Magic.
In book 1, Ky Vaux discovers he can "mend" things.
In this book 2, Ky learns he can make things magically & heal people.
As he develops his powers, he must save his family & develop a sense of ethical behavior
This is the second volume of zTales of Simple Magic.
In book 1, Ky Vaux discovers he can "mend" things.
In this book 2, Ky learns he can make things magically & heal people.
As he develops his powers, he must save his family & develop a sense of ethical behavior
January 10, 2026
A very bare bones, juvenile book. Probably good for middle schoolers, but the world building is scarce, the MC almost too good at everything and the portrayal of the nobility is just caricature. Probably should have given it three stars, but it was a quick read, and I realized that I wasn't really the audience the author was aiming for.
January 11, 2026
Sad world
More of the same from the first book. It feels like almost everyone in this world are absolutely horrible people. With the exception of his family, every adult man is a drunk and women are just schemers or liars. It is truly a bleak world. The MC is perhaps too brilliant and strong for there to be any real tension or character growth.
More of the same from the first book. It feels like almost everyone in this world are absolutely horrible people. With the exception of his family, every adult man is a drunk and women are just schemers or liars. It is truly a bleak world. The MC is perhaps too brilliant and strong for there to be any real tension or character growth.
January 19, 2026
A good addition to the series!
I almost didn't read this second book because I didn't like how the first one ended, but I tried it and was pleasantly surprised that the thing I didn't like about it was quickly fixed in this one. I really like the main character and how capable and kind he is.
I almost didn't read this second book because I didn't like how the first one ended, but I tried it and was pleasantly surprised that the thing I didn't like about it was quickly fixed in this one. I really like the main character and how capable and kind he is.
February 25, 2026
More mending
A relaxing fantasy. As a child, i liked Little Eddie books and while this series is magic and fantasy, it brings back some of the wonder of discovering new ways to help others. There is some light politics and fights and many magical ideas was Ky, a young, powerful Mender learns unique ways to use has incredible talent.
A relaxing fantasy. As a child, i liked Little Eddie books and while this series is magic and fantasy, it brings back some of the wonder of discovering new ways to help others. There is some light politics and fights and many magical ideas was Ky, a young, powerful Mender learns unique ways to use has incredible talent.
January 10, 2026
Great continuation of the new series
The characters are continuing to grow and experience more of the world and people. The story was solid and the editing was good. Hoping the series continues and looking forward to the next one.
The characters are continuing to grow and experience more of the world and people. The story was solid and the editing was good. Hoping the series continues and looking forward to the next one.
January 10, 2026
Good Tale
It seems that there are a few common elements from another series, but I still enjoyed the book. I will even confess I have been waiting for it. With the clues I wonder if It's issues with reading cannot not be "cured" with his own new efforts.
It seems that there are a few common elements from another series, but I still enjoyed the book. I will even confess I have been waiting for it. With the clues I wonder if It's issues with reading cannot not be "cured" with his own new efforts.
January 10, 2026
Awesome series
An awesome well written book that pulls you in, takes you for a ride and leave you satisfied at the end. I can’t wait for the next book in this series and appreciate the author for taking time to write down an awesome story for us to read. Thank you.
An awesome well written book that pulls you in, takes you for a ride and leave you satisfied at the end. I can’t wait for the next book in this series and appreciate the author for taking time to write down an awesome story for us to read. Thank you.
January 10, 2026
As always, superb
Laurence Dahners is one of my most favorite authors. I can always trust that I'll love it book by him. And this one is no exception. I loved it. Mr Dahners, please write quickly.
Laurence Dahners is one of my most favorite authors. I can always trust that I'll love it book by him. And this one is no exception. I loved it. Mr Dahners, please write quickly.
January 11, 2026
Maker, magic, book 2
I have yet to read a book by Lawrence Dahners that I did not think it was a wonderful book to read. He does a amazing job of storytelling. I would recommend you read all of his books.
I have yet to read a book by Lawrence Dahners that I did not think it was a wonderful book to read. He does a amazing job of storytelling. I would recommend you read all of his books.
January 11, 2026
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes a lot of action and new concepts that are close to the reality of our world but different.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who likes a lot of action and new concepts that are close to the reality of our world but different.
January 11, 2026
Brilliant Again!
I'd read anything this author writes. This was a great addition to the series. I can't wait for the next. Great characters, a good villain, and a wonderful world to get lost in. Love the magic and the morals. Ky is a protag I can get behind. Loved it!
I'd read anything this author writes. This was a great addition to the series. I can't wait for the next. Great characters, a good villain, and a wonderful world to get lost in. Love the magic and the morals. Ky is a protag I can get behind. Loved it!
January 12, 2026
Interesting story which follows the first very well
Interesting story, clean writing so everyone can read and enjoy. Interesting story line with reasonable ideas and views about how to live in a magical environment. Enjoyable story, which kept me up very late.
Interesting story, clean writing so everyone can read and enjoy. Interesting story line with reasonable ideas and views about how to live in a magical environment. Enjoyable story, which kept me up very late.
January 12, 2026
Maker Magic—Glad Ky is a good guy
Ky is compassionate, introspective and generous. I love how his humble actions rub off on the other characters. I’m optimistic about the change he creates in his world and look forward to the next book in the series.
Ky is compassionate, introspective and generous. I love how his humble actions rub off on the other characters. I’m optimistic about the change he creates in his world and look forward to the next book in the series.
January 14, 2026
Not War and Peace
Book arrived at midnight. Finished by 4:30 AM. Now waiting for third book in series. Wish the books in the series were longer, but then I would have to wait longer. Went back and read it a second time.
Book arrived at midnight. Finished by 4:30 AM. Now waiting for third book in series. Wish the books in the series were longer, but then I would have to wait longer. Went back and read it a second time.
January 14, 2026
enjoyable
I always enjoy anything that Laurence Dahners writes. Likable characters who have a solid moral compass and want to make the world a better place. I recommend anything he writes.
I always enjoy anything that Laurence Dahners writes. Likable characters who have a solid moral compass and want to make the world a better place. I recommend anything he writes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews