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The Genie and the Engineer #1
The Engineer Wizard
Paul Armstead is your average American senior citizen and electrical engineer. He’s 61 years old, unremarkably unattractive, and a self-proclaimed science-fiction nut. He’s lived the American dream in drab, typical fashion without a single noteworthy event in his rather mundane life. So how does he end up fleeing from one end of the world to the other, dodging government dragnets, evil, nightmarish monsters known as the Oni, good wizards, bad wizards, beautiful women, spies, and wizardly spells? Well, it is entirely the genie’s fault....
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 6, 2017
Paul has an ordinary life that is slowly killing him - that is until he picks up a stranger stranded in a storm - Given 3 wishes Paul does not choose the usual route and it changes his life. Shortly he finds himself on the run and in fear of his life. I found this book more enjoyable than expected and its better than a lot of self published fantasy I've read, though having said that is still somewhat uneven and the ending a bit strange for a fantasy novel with the character on the run. Its good enough for me that I'll be buying book 2 in the series when it eventually comes out. Its reasonably light entertainment as long as you don't expect too much from it.
June 25, 2015
This is an original review from http://bookedandloaded.com - I personally purchased this title. All opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.
The Engineer Wizard by Glenn Michaels is the first book in The Genie and the Wizard series. This is a DNF review. After a very strenuous attempt to listen and make it though, I got to about the 1/2 way mark before deciding I just needed to move on.
It has been a very long time since I have posted a DNF review. Making it just short of the half-way mark before throwing the towel in is a big deal for me and I feel I need to speak my mind about my thoughts. After all …. that is kind of the whole point of having this review blog. So let me begin…
Paul is a 60+ year old engineer that happens upon a genie and becomes a wizard. The how and the why are probably the best part of the story and it just goes to shit after that. Although I can appreciate the author trying to assure the reader of Paul’s sci-fi nerdiness, I found the movie and sci-fi culture references more than over the top. I love Easter Egg references, but the full on constant quotes were just too much and too often. And for someone that is not only educated, but well read Paul still appears to be incapable of having an actual thought without quoting someone else. Very little of Paul’s own internal dialog contained original thoughts. It reminded me very much of my children when they were pre-teen. Not exactly something you would expect from a senior. Paul also seemed unable to actually problem solve anything by himself and was always seeking out the form of help in histories (some fictional) man-folk. Now we dive into the predictable “the most beautiful women EVAH” entering the scene in which he gets an insta-crush on. Again..not something you would expect from someone in their 60’s. I started to get some pulled muscles from all the eye-rolling. The author sets the scene in the beginning about what a “great guy” Paul is, but honestly I felt he was a typical man-child. The beautiful women must be good and her man-friend must be evil that needs to be stopped and obviously Einstein and Holmes would have the answer to everything….
I was really hoping to find a great read in this book, but it just didn’t work for me.
Audiobook Thoughts PNG
HOLY SOUND EFFECTS BATMAN! Why? I think this is the first audiobook I have listened to that contained sound effects. I understand the thought behind it, but my imagination is a pretty vivid thing on its own and the only thing the sound effects accomplished was distracting me from the dialog. I will say after the first 3 or 4 chapters the sound effects did calm down some. The various narrators (see the above list) seemed to do a good job narrating the story, but because I was just not diggin’ the storyline It was really quite hard to say if they accurately portrayed the voice of the story. On a more personal note one of the male narrators sounded exactly like my brother, but I think I managed to put this aside and not allow it to affect my ability to objectively view the narration.
I rate The Engineer Wizard 1 out of 5 Bullets. DNF
The Engineer Wizard by Glenn Michaels is the first book in The Genie and the Wizard series. This is a DNF review. After a very strenuous attempt to listen and make it though, I got to about the 1/2 way mark before deciding I just needed to move on.
It has been a very long time since I have posted a DNF review. Making it just short of the half-way mark before throwing the towel in is a big deal for me and I feel I need to speak my mind about my thoughts. After all …. that is kind of the whole point of having this review blog. So let me begin…
Paul is a 60+ year old engineer that happens upon a genie and becomes a wizard. The how and the why are probably the best part of the story and it just goes to shit after that. Although I can appreciate the author trying to assure the reader of Paul’s sci-fi nerdiness, I found the movie and sci-fi culture references more than over the top. I love Easter Egg references, but the full on constant quotes were just too much and too often. And for someone that is not only educated, but well read Paul still appears to be incapable of having an actual thought without quoting someone else. Very little of Paul’s own internal dialog contained original thoughts. It reminded me very much of my children when they were pre-teen. Not exactly something you would expect from a senior. Paul also seemed unable to actually problem solve anything by himself and was always seeking out the form of help in histories (some fictional) man-folk. Now we dive into the predictable “the most beautiful women EVAH” entering the scene in which he gets an insta-crush on. Again..not something you would expect from someone in their 60’s. I started to get some pulled muscles from all the eye-rolling. The author sets the scene in the beginning about what a “great guy” Paul is, but honestly I felt he was a typical man-child. The beautiful women must be good and her man-friend must be evil that needs to be stopped and obviously Einstein and Holmes would have the answer to everything….
I was really hoping to find a great read in this book, but it just didn’t work for me.
Audiobook Thoughts PNG
HOLY SOUND EFFECTS BATMAN! Why? I think this is the first audiobook I have listened to that contained sound effects. I understand the thought behind it, but my imagination is a pretty vivid thing on its own and the only thing the sound effects accomplished was distracting me from the dialog. I will say after the first 3 or 4 chapters the sound effects did calm down some. The various narrators (see the above list) seemed to do a good job narrating the story, but because I was just not diggin’ the storyline It was really quite hard to say if they accurately portrayed the voice of the story. On a more personal note one of the male narrators sounded exactly like my brother, but I think I managed to put this aside and not allow it to affect my ability to objectively view the narration.
I rate The Engineer Wizard 1 out of 5 Bullets. DNF
March 12, 2019
I wish I could like this book. But it's written like high school fan fiction. I probably should have known better.
Also, having movie/book/TV quotes seemly every other page (especially with source) feels like the author was trying way to hard.
How can I make this agony stop?
"‘We cannot break free, Captain. We only have a fraction of the power necessary,’” he said, quoting Spock from Star Trek: The Motion Picture." he reviewed, quoting Paul from The Engineer Wizard...
Save yourself. Skip this book.
Also, having movie/book/TV quotes seemly every other page (especially with source) feels like the author was trying way to hard.
How can I make this agony stop?
"‘We cannot break free, Captain. We only have a fraction of the power necessary,’” he said, quoting Spock from Star Trek: The Motion Picture." he reviewed, quoting Paul from The Engineer Wizard...
Save yourself. Skip this book.
March 9, 2019
I was recommended this by someone who said there is a lot of magical engineering.
The blurb is raising all sorts of red flags telling me to avoid, but I will give it a try.
I'm already disliking this book with the star trek and star wars quotes. I hope this doesn't continue.
This author is describing every single thing, and is turning reading this book into a tedious chore.
It took five chapters before the story actually started. I had to deal with stupid quotes all the way through. No wonder the protagonist's wife dumped him. If he just randomly spews quotes at every available moment I would distance myself from him too. I don't read books so the author can throw movie and TV quotes at me.
I think the price for the protagonist to get that wish should have been him being unable to quote anything every again.
For someone who prides themselves on logic, the protagonist sure is dumb.
This book could have been so much better if the author didn't try to put as many movie and TV show quotes into it.
I'm eighteen chapters in, and he isn't referencing anything much, and the book is oddly entertaining.
Then he "spergs out" and HAS to quote something.
This book dropped to an absolute low when the protagonist couldn't even get revenge on his would be murderers. He patted himself on the back when he called the police on them instead.
I just want this to end.
Okay.
Well I'm done. This book could have been great if the author cut the quotes by 90%, and if he didn't have his protagonist do some of the things he did. The mixing of science and magic would have made this book an instant recommendation for me. But all I can do now is avoid anything else the author wrote, because I'm sure I will be inundated by a bunch of quotes.
In the name of downvotes, low scores, failing grades, and dropping out. Give this book 1 star, so the author wrote, so he will reap.
1/5 Stars
The blurb is raising all sorts of red flags telling me to avoid, but I will give it a try.
I'm already disliking this book with the star trek and star wars quotes. I hope this doesn't continue.
This author is describing every single thing, and is turning reading this book into a tedious chore.
It took five chapters before the story actually started. I had to deal with stupid quotes all the way through. No wonder the protagonist's wife dumped him. If he just randomly spews quotes at every available moment I would distance myself from him too. I don't read books so the author can throw movie and TV quotes at me.
I think the price for the protagonist to get that wish should have been him being unable to quote anything every again.
For someone who prides themselves on logic, the protagonist sure is dumb.
This book could have been so much better if the author didn't try to put as many movie and TV show quotes into it.
I'm eighteen chapters in, and he isn't referencing anything much, and the book is oddly entertaining.
Then he "spergs out" and HAS to quote something.
This book dropped to an absolute low when the protagonist couldn't even get revenge on his would be murderers. He patted himself on the back when he called the police on them instead.
I just want this to end.
Okay.
Well I'm done. This book could have been great if the author cut the quotes by 90%, and if he didn't have his protagonist do some of the things he did. The mixing of science and magic would have made this book an instant recommendation for me. But all I can do now is avoid anything else the author wrote, because I'm sure I will be inundated by a bunch of quotes.
In the name of downvotes, low scores, failing grades, and dropping out. Give this book 1 star, so the author wrote, so he will reap.
1/5 Stars
December 1, 2018
Medium OK
Well. I’ve read this book twice. Once a few years ago and now i took the time to re-read it because I had fond memories. I should have left it in memory. It’s not awful, it’s just not good. (Spoilers) Capie is AWFUL. I mean, just terrible. Two dimensional and both dimensions make me want to run in terror. The superintelligences he summons get weirder and less intelligent as the book progresses. The “spells” if you can call them that are really just three pop culture names that have a slight connection to the effect he wants. It’s readable but the second time through it just felt so lackluster. There are redeeming parts. I liked some of the combinations of physics and magic, but other than that, not so great. Three stars for the memories (real review would be about a 2).
Well. I’ve read this book twice. Once a few years ago and now i took the time to re-read it because I had fond memories. I should have left it in memory. It’s not awful, it’s just not good. (Spoilers) Capie is AWFUL. I mean, just terrible. Two dimensional and both dimensions make me want to run in terror. The superintelligences he summons get weirder and less intelligent as the book progresses. The “spells” if you can call them that are really just three pop culture names that have a slight connection to the effect he wants. It’s readable but the second time through it just felt so lackluster. There are redeeming parts. I liked some of the combinations of physics and magic, but other than that, not so great. Three stars for the memories (real review would be about a 2).
April 9, 2019
A Fun Read
Paul is an older man working as an electrical engineer. The first part of the book sets the stage for what is to follow. I found this to be interesting as I got a good feel for Paul's life and character. The action hit like an explosion; followed by romance and more action. I also found the humor to be a plus. The book kept my interest as I read it in one sitting. I look forward to the next book.
Paul is an older man working as an electrical engineer. The first part of the book sets the stage for what is to follow. I found this to be interesting as I got a good feel for Paul's life and character. The action hit like an explosion; followed by romance and more action. I also found the humor to be a plus. The book kept my interest as I read it in one sitting. I look forward to the next book.
August 28, 2020
Great Science Fantasy read
It’s hard to find books that combine science fiction and fantasy in a good manner where each stands on its own. Glenn Michaels has brought a fun adventure to life with good pacing and enough real science to make it believable! The fantasy elements seem more believable to because his science is so strong. Although I found a few passages to be repetitious of what had already been described, the overall story was fresh and compelling.
It’s hard to find books that combine science fiction and fantasy in a good manner where each stands on its own. Glenn Michaels has brought a fun adventure to life with good pacing and enough real science to make it believable! The fantasy elements seem more believable to because his science is so strong. Although I found a few passages to be repetitious of what had already been described, the overall story was fresh and compelling.
January 30, 2019
All those quotes
A great premise. And I thought the author carried it off well. The characters came across very smoothly, and the background flowed along with no major holes in the plot. And I’ve read or watched all the references, but I applaud the author for being able to dig up all those quotes. Or he needs more of a life. Guess I’ll press onto the next installment.
A great premise. And I thought the author carried it off well. The characters came across very smoothly, and the background flowed along with no major holes in the plot. And I’ve read or watched all the references, but I applaud the author for being able to dig up all those quotes. Or he needs more of a life. Guess I’ll press onto the next installment.
June 16, 2021
Good, but...
A good premise, but it really needed some editing. I only found 2 or so words that were the wrong word, but the descriptions! Many of them were way too long, or too detailed.
A good premise, but it really needed some editing. I only found 2 or so words that were the wrong word, but the descriptions! Many of them were way too long, or too detailed.
November 6, 2022
This book started off really slow, but when it starting picking up the pace I was left spell bound. Love the characters and love the thought processes in trying to figure out magic, and talismans. The ending was very abrupt and I am looking forward to book #2.
May 30, 2019
Liked it
Fast paced page turner with interesting characters that you can instantly root for. I stayed up late to finish it once I started. Can't wait to start book two
Fast paced page turner with interesting characters that you can instantly root for. I stayed up late to finish it once I started. Can't wait to start book two
March 27, 2021
Whiskey Delta
I knew this was gonna be soft when I read that his powers wouldn't let him kill. Not for me.
I knew this was gonna be soft when I read that his powers wouldn't let him kill. Not for me.
December 20, 2021
3.5 Stars
May 5, 2022
The production of the Audible version was one of the best I ever listened to. Highly recommend it.
March 26, 2015
The Engineer Wizard is clearly a fantasy book based on its title. It tries to bridge the divide that literature has created between fantasy and science. Many books make the combination of these factors present in futuristic societies that really just set these two subjects further apart from our current day perspective. Glenn Michaels introduces the idea of magic being another use for the energy that science revolves around. He does this by taking the thought process and ideals of an electrical engineer and infusing the concept of magic. Paul Armstead, the engineer turned wizard, is brought to life through his sarcasm and love for science fiction. He constantly provides comic relief through quotes from notable science fiction. For example, when he meets his destined to be wife at a comic convention they have a quote duel that begins with him saying, “You sold a reverberating carbonizer with mutate capacity to an unlicensed cephalad?” (Michaels 295). This is in reference to Men in Black. If you enjoy connections between works then this book is for you. Throughout the book be sure to keep your mind open, like Paul’s; his mindset changes as he is introduced to more realities. The Engineer Wizard introduces Paul’s goal:to cure the world of the parasites that most wizards are.
The Engineer Wizard begins with Paul driving back from his strenuous job during a blizzard when he comes across a stranded person. He offers the imperilled man assistance for no charge. When Paul wakes up the next morning and goes to church he receives a box with a note saying a genie resided within. Tempting fate, he says the magic words and the genie appears before the church and frightens the whole community. Paul is wiser than most and sleeps on what he would wish for. He grants the genie two of his wishes to do as he pleases and the genie frees himself and gives Paul magic in return. The rest of the book follows Paul as he tries to take down the established order while being pursued by police, wizards, and Onu-- ape like creatures who hunt wizards.
The Engineer Wizard is an incredibly thought provoking book. Paul calls on ghosts of past great minds to help him integrate science and magic. He combines nuclear physics, CIA intellect, and magic to perform daring feats. This book obviously poses many questions about what could be possible if humans had magic abilities in a society as advanced as ours. The author seems to believe that while magic could be useful to society it would not be kept up to date like science, and that it would be hoarded by the most powerful. I think this is fairly accurate; however, if society was suddenly introduced to magic it would begin a new revolution to expand horizons. Another book that feels that society must avoid the supernatural is The Alchemyst series. Michael Scott, like Glenn Michaels, puts his characters in current day and they too have to fight against supernatural and executive forces to maintain freedom. The Engineer Wizard is a very interesting read due to its setting in a current day society.
After reading The Engineer Wizard the only thing I can say is, when does the next book come out? This is part of a series that has potential. The introduction can take time because it keeps you in the dark but once you get going you can’t stop wanting more. I have no doubt if you are looking for a current day fantasy book this is one you have to read. With a scientific spin on magic and the consistent wit this book is sure to enrapture fantasy readers.
The Engineer Wizard begins with Paul driving back from his strenuous job during a blizzard when he comes across a stranded person. He offers the imperilled man assistance for no charge. When Paul wakes up the next morning and goes to church he receives a box with a note saying a genie resided within. Tempting fate, he says the magic words and the genie appears before the church and frightens the whole community. Paul is wiser than most and sleeps on what he would wish for. He grants the genie two of his wishes to do as he pleases and the genie frees himself and gives Paul magic in return. The rest of the book follows Paul as he tries to take down the established order while being pursued by police, wizards, and Onu-- ape like creatures who hunt wizards.
The Engineer Wizard is an incredibly thought provoking book. Paul calls on ghosts of past great minds to help him integrate science and magic. He combines nuclear physics, CIA intellect, and magic to perform daring feats. This book obviously poses many questions about what could be possible if humans had magic abilities in a society as advanced as ours. The author seems to believe that while magic could be useful to society it would not be kept up to date like science, and that it would be hoarded by the most powerful. I think this is fairly accurate; however, if society was suddenly introduced to magic it would begin a new revolution to expand horizons. Another book that feels that society must avoid the supernatural is The Alchemyst series. Michael Scott, like Glenn Michaels, puts his characters in current day and they too have to fight against supernatural and executive forces to maintain freedom. The Engineer Wizard is a very interesting read due to its setting in a current day society.
After reading The Engineer Wizard the only thing I can say is, when does the next book come out? This is part of a series that has potential. The introduction can take time because it keeps you in the dark but once you get going you can’t stop wanting more. I have no doubt if you are looking for a current day fantasy book this is one you have to read. With a scientific spin on magic and the consistent wit this book is sure to enrapture fantasy readers.
July 22, 2015
Let me say from the outset that I am also an engineer, and that our writing tends to a bit terse and to the point.
THE GOOD STUFF
The premise for the book is fantastic. The book never takes itself too seriously (less comedy than Dresden Files) and I was laughing out loud throughout nearly the entire book. The main character makes sane and logical choices throughout the novel, though he can be a bit slow on the uptake, especially on matters of the heart (he's an engineer, that's just the way it is with a lot of us). There is a surprising amount of subtle character development, and some very blatant development. At times I wanted to scream at the protagonist (or the author) because I thought he was acting out of character. I was wrong it's a subtle part of development that I didn't expect.
THE BAD
Michaels' writing embodies the pitfalls that I find in my own writing; primarily a lack of submersive prose. This is especially evident toward the beginning of the book and while the details of how magic works is fleshed out. Anytime the author takes a broad overview of the subject, he loses most of his prose and grit and it threw me out of submersion.
The author only delves shallowly into the backgrounds of a few other characters, with one exception (that could be good or bad). It gives a very first person perspective, and you sometimes miss what the rest of the world is up to until it catches up to the protagonist.
I cannot wait for the next book!
THE GOOD STUFF
The premise for the book is fantastic. The book never takes itself too seriously (less comedy than Dresden Files) and I was laughing out loud throughout nearly the entire book. The main character makes sane and logical choices throughout the novel, though he can be a bit slow on the uptake, especially on matters of the heart (he's an engineer, that's just the way it is with a lot of us). There is a surprising amount of subtle character development, and some very blatant development. At times I wanted to scream at the protagonist (or the author) because I thought he was acting out of character. I was wrong it's a subtle part of development that I didn't expect.
THE BAD
Michaels' writing embodies the pitfalls that I find in my own writing; primarily a lack of submersive prose. This is especially evident toward the beginning of the book and while the details of how magic works is fleshed out. Anytime the author takes a broad overview of the subject, he loses most of his prose and grit and it threw me out of submersion.
The author only delves shallowly into the backgrounds of a few other characters, with one exception (that could be good or bad). It gives a very first person perspective, and you sometimes miss what the rest of the world is up to until it catches up to the protagonist.
I cannot wait for the next book!
May 14, 2015
The Engineer Wizard just didn't grab me. The constant SF quotes were okay, but didn't really add much; I would have been happy with just a handful to show how familiar the protagonist is with the culture and ideas. The magic system was hard to accept -- first, it appeared that it was nearly scientific in its consistency and rigor, but then the protagonist seems to do incredibly complex things like creating omniscient avatars and body modifications, with only a few days of experimentation. It would have been simpler to just hand-wave and say "it's magic" with its own rules, rather than to strain the physics analogies. Finally, I gave up around the time the protagonist decided he needed AIs (why would the avatars not be sufficient) and simplified analogies of computer components and the talk of MS Windows 3.1 just tore the suspension of disbelief.
On a less specific level, a lot of the initial conflicts seemed to consist of paragraphs of the hero being terrified, usually cowering more and more. It's a reasonable reaction from an average person, but it a) didn't add much beyond the first sentence or two; and it completely failed in portraying the confrontations as intense periods of fear, anger and confusion.
On a less specific level, a lot of the initial conflicts seemed to consist of paragraphs of the hero being terrified, usually cowering more and more. It's a reasonable reaction from an average person, but it a) didn't add much beyond the first sentence or two; and it completely failed in portraying the confrontations as intense periods of fear, anger and confusion.
March 18, 2015
This is an odd book. He's a 61 year old character, which is different and cool. The style is strange, it's not the best writing. The engineering bent is both a strength and weakness. I can only assume that the author is in some type of related field, so his thought processes are affected by this, and thus, his writing is too. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. The pacing is a little off, as well. So, all in all, the concept is intriguing, but needs the sequel to progress/resolve satisfactorily. The writing is distinctly subpar, he is not a skilled writer in terms of voices, pacing, characterization etc.
July 18, 2016
For an engineer this guy has no problem solving skills, lacks imagination, and for some reason thinks star-trek has the answer for everything. These very problems make him a bad engineer not to mention a wizard. No wonder his boss micromanages him. Even Paul calls himself and idiot. This guy is so stupid that he is afraid that a few IQ point will change his identity. The sad thing he is right the increased intelligence would force him to realize that he will not want to be that guy anymore.
The writing is annoying. The quotes are like in badly written high school paper many and pointless.
The same goes for the sound effect in the audio book.
The writing is annoying. The quotes are like in badly written high school paper many and pointless.
The same goes for the sound effect in the audio book.
March 30, 2016
The Engineer Wizard had a lot of potential, and I really enjoyed the many science fiction/fantasy references especially as I could place 90% of them. However, there were a few too many writing errors and some that just jumped out at me (they need to be quick!) and I had to reread because they made so little sense. Also, the love story was insanely quick but also rather stilted.
Overall, although I thought it was okay, and I'm in the process of reading book 2, it's not a book I'll be recommending without a good edit first.
Overall, although I thought it was okay, and I'm in the process of reading book 2, it's not a book I'll be recommending without a good edit first.
February 22, 2015
This was truly fun. I can't help but think some of the quotes should have been left to the reader as an exercise, because I'm that geeky and I enjoy that sort of thing. The ending was a bit of a let down, not because of what happens but because there's no more to read! I would hope that the next one is just as exciting and enjoyable and I'll be buying it on day of release, whenever that may be.
February 8, 2016
Some great ideas, but they are drowned in a sea of telling, no showing. A plot that disappears in the middle of the book and becomes a wedding instead. And a bit of misogynistic bullshit. This book reads like a "I wonder what my life would be if"
One star for effort and those few great ideas that never became anything great. Absolutely no stars for the awful ending. I will not read the next book too see what happens.
One star for effort and those few great ideas that never became anything great. Absolutely no stars for the awful ending. I will not read the next book too see what happens.
January 27, 2016
This is a difficult one to review
I like the science bits and the author seems to have read the same stuff I did including E E Doc Smith.
The writing style is descriptive but perhaps goes too much into some things removing the mystery and need for much imagination. The story is certainly different from anything I ave read before which is saying something.
I'll be reading book 2 as i suspect the author will mature in the writing style.
I like the science bits and the author seems to have read the same stuff I did including E E Doc Smith.
The writing style is descriptive but perhaps goes too much into some things removing the mystery and need for much imagination. The story is certainly different from anything I ave read before which is saying something.
I'll be reading book 2 as i suspect the author will mature in the writing style.
March 7, 2016
Wow most unexpected!
I did not anticipate it being this good and unique storyline. Of course the movie / TV quotes are fantastic. I knew many of them but not all of the quotes and definitely not in so much detail. A very enjoyable reading time. Well worth the time and cost. If you are looking for a unique magical structure this book would qualify. Already got the second book and we'll be reading it next!!
I did not anticipate it being this good and unique storyline. Of course the movie / TV quotes are fantastic. I knew many of them but not all of the quotes and definitely not in so much detail. A very enjoyable reading time. Well worth the time and cost. If you are looking for a unique magical structure this book would qualify. Already got the second book and we'll be reading it next!!
May 8, 2016
For the most part, the book was OK. As a geek, the quotes were cute at first but became tiresome, same as the spell verbal component. The love interest had a good start, but fell into the usual trope for indecisive, materialistic and all it was missing was for her to start stamping her foot. I did enjoy the scientific approach, but not enough to continue with this series.
June 4, 2016
Great story, but TMI
I loved the story idea and for the most part, I really enjoyed the book. But the author goes into too much detail describing stuff that is not relevant to the story and slows down the pace. With that I mean descriptions of places or the appearance of subplot characters. I found myself skipping pages to get past those scenes. Other than that, a good read.
I loved the story idea and for the most part, I really enjoyed the book. But the author goes into too much detail describing stuff that is not relevant to the story and slows down the pace. With that I mean descriptions of places or the appearance of subplot characters. I found myself skipping pages to get past those scenes. Other than that, a good read.
March 10, 2015
a very good read
Wow, I really liked this book! Magic, mayhem, mystery, and chaos all mixed in to make a delightfully enjoyable read!
I liked the magic system, and the way he worked it.
Now to find out where or when book two is coming out!
Wow, I really liked this book! Magic, mayhem, mystery, and chaos all mixed in to make a delightfully enjoyable read!
I liked the magic system, and the way he worked it.
Now to find out where or when book two is coming out!
April 10, 2016
Enjoyable book
I enjoyed parts of it. I liked the way the science of this universe. The hero is a bit too idealistic for me, a bit too simplistic. If you enjoy sci-fi and want a story with a more realistic magic system than some you'll like this book.
I enjoyed parts of it. I liked the way the science of this universe. The hero is a bit too idealistic for me, a bit too simplistic. If you enjoy sci-fi and want a story with a more realistic magic system than some you'll like this book.
April 1, 2015
Keep these stories comming
I like the. way Paul asked advice from famous people . Also the way you brought out the problems that go with having magical powers and the responsibility. I look forward to the rest of the series. Dan
I like the. way Paul asked advice from famous people . Also the way you brought out the problems that go with having magical powers and the responsibility. I look forward to the rest of the series. Dan
April 8, 2015
Decidedly Average
Forget world building and believability. This is wish fantasy without the tie ins. The characters are poorly defined and simplistic. It's an interesting premise but needs more work.
Forget world building and believability. This is wish fantasy without the tie ins. The characters are poorly defined and simplistic. It's an interesting premise but needs more work.
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