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Mechanical Advantage
Not yet published
Expected 31 Jan 26When you try to save everybody, sometimes you save nobody - not even yourself.
When Connor Rourke, premier supernatural locksmith in the Boston area, agrees to do a favor for his sort-of-girlfriend Elise, he has no idea what he's signing up for. Looking for a missing professor? Sure. But then the trail leads to London... there are deaths... and then the zombies show up. Kind of. Some disagreement on that point.
Connor and his friends will need to find their way through the morass of mage society with enemies on all sides. They'll deal with unimaginable threats, international magical politics, a little bit of romance, and... the UK. Which of those will be the most challenging? Find out!
Mechanical Advantage is the second book in the urban fantasy series Origin Key. Book one, Applied Leverage, is available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, Audible, and on paperback from many online bookstores.
When Connor Rourke, premier supernatural locksmith in the Boston area, agrees to do a favor for his sort-of-girlfriend Elise, he has no idea what he's signing up for. Looking for a missing professor? Sure. But then the trail leads to London... there are deaths... and then the zombies show up. Kind of. Some disagreement on that point.
Connor and his friends will need to find their way through the morass of mage society with enemies on all sides. They'll deal with unimaginable threats, international magical politics, a little bit of romance, and... the UK. Which of those will be the most challenging? Find out!
Mechanical Advantage is the second book in the urban fantasy series Origin Key. Book one, Applied Leverage, is available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, Audible, and on paperback from many online bookstores.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a lively, non-stop roller coaster of a book! Lots happening in each chapter, whether it was banter between friends, political machinations or fight scenes in cemeteries. I was wholeheartedly caught up and enjoyed the thrills and spills.
Connor returned as the underpowered MMC, although he was going through some levelling up courtesy of hard work and consistent practice. I liked that message. I also liked that there'd been no sudden magical boost for him because these books seem to hinge on Connor supplying the brains to everyone else's brawn and yet it was fascinating to listen in on his self-doubt, scepticism and imposter syndrome.
The energy in the storytelling captured me, even more so than in book one. There were high tension moments interspersed with the quieter ones and I appreciated how the author used character interactions to keep things moving along as the bridge between those scenes.
It was good to spend time with Connor, Nia and Elise again. I feel like they all had added depth this time around and were more solid and quirky for it. The new characters were a mixed bag with a lot of strong personalities that, of course, added fireworks. DeRose and Blake were stand outs for me, for their 'get it done' attitudes once committed, charisma and outside the box style thinking.
The hook at the end did it's job and now I am very impatient to see what the author has in store there.
Half a star off because the constant digs at English culture and how different it is from American got old pretty quick.
This really was an impressive read and would suit fans of C.N. Rowan and C. Thomas Lafollette, who like romance free stories built around resilient characters. Looking forward to more.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
Connor returned as the underpowered MMC, although he was going through some levelling up courtesy of hard work and consistent practice. I liked that message. I also liked that there'd been no sudden magical boost for him because these books seem to hinge on Connor supplying the brains to everyone else's brawn and yet it was fascinating to listen in on his self-doubt, scepticism and imposter syndrome.
The energy in the storytelling captured me, even more so than in book one. There were high tension moments interspersed with the quieter ones and I appreciated how the author used character interactions to keep things moving along as the bridge between those scenes.
It was good to spend time with Connor, Nia and Elise again. I feel like they all had added depth this time around and were more solid and quirky for it. The new characters were a mixed bag with a lot of strong personalities that, of course, added fireworks. DeRose and Blake were stand outs for me, for their 'get it done' attitudes once committed, charisma and outside the box style thinking.
The hook at the end did it's job and now I am very impatient to see what the author has in store there.
Half a star off because the constant digs at English culture and how different it is from American got old pretty quick.
This really was an impressive read and would suit fans of C.N. Rowan and C. Thomas Lafollette, who like romance free stories built around resilient characters. Looking forward to more.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC (advance review copy) for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Note: This is the second book in the series, so you’ll want to start with Applied Leverage.
Sometimes sequels lose the charm of the original, but this one keeps everything I loved about the first book. My favorite part is that Connor is still a grounded, relatable human being rather than turning into an overpowered 'chosen one.' He definitely improves, but I liked that it’s handled as work-over-time rather than a training montage, and he is still well out-powered in his encounters.
New characters naturally join the tale and bring different skills and personalities. I especially enjoyed the mix of interactions with a teep named Fox—a wonderful back-and-forth rivalry that doesn’t fall into the trap of making them instantly fast friends or enemies.
The first-person narrative continues to be a huge strength here—it keeps the story moving fast and skips over the exposition that often drags down fantasy sequels. The magic system expands in interesting ways, but the Aaron Sher smartly focuses on the action rather than lecturing us on the mechanics. A fantastic continuation! I can’t wait for the next installment.
Note: This is the second book in the series, so you’ll want to start with Applied Leverage.
Sometimes sequels lose the charm of the original, but this one keeps everything I loved about the first book. My favorite part is that Connor is still a grounded, relatable human being rather than turning into an overpowered 'chosen one.' He definitely improves, but I liked that it’s handled as work-over-time rather than a training montage, and he is still well out-powered in his encounters.
New characters naturally join the tale and bring different skills and personalities. I especially enjoyed the mix of interactions with a teep named Fox—a wonderful back-and-forth rivalry that doesn’t fall into the trap of making them instantly fast friends or enemies.
The first-person narrative continues to be a huge strength here—it keeps the story moving fast and skips over the exposition that often drags down fantasy sequels. The magic system expands in interesting ways, but the Aaron Sher smartly focuses on the action rather than lecturing us on the mechanics. A fantastic continuation! I can’t wait for the next installment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read an ARC copy and I know the author. This is a great sequel and a fun read. Once the protagonist starts on his newest quest/mystery, the pace does not let up until a thoroughly thrilling, nail-biting boss fight at the end of the book. Connor is even more snarky than before, and both old and newly introduced characters are interesting. There's a bit more delving into psionics in this one as well as more exploration of the magic mechanics in this world. I also enjoyed the introduction of a new group of players in this marvelous mix of magic and psionics.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews