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The Aegis of Merlin #2
The Awakening
Nothing has gone right for Conryu Koda since learning he’s a wizard. On his first day at The North American Alliance’s Arcane Academy he’s greeted by protestors and pelted with tomatoes. On the second day he nearly dies in a magical ritual. It’s all downhill from there.
With enemies around every corner, not to mention a crazy professor, will Conryu even make it to winter break?
Conryu’s journey down the wizard’s path continues in the thrilling second book of the Aegis of Merlin Urban Fantasy Series.
With enemies around every corner, not to mention a crazy professor, will Conryu even make it to winter break?
Conryu’s journey down the wizard’s path continues in the thrilling second book of the Aegis of Merlin Urban Fantasy Series.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2017
136 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 8, 2024
Yeah, this is a book for young adults. I take back my great for preteens statement.
March 13, 2019
Rating 4.0 stars
This book is much better than the first one. To begin with, this story involved the main character a lot more than in the first book. I mean for real, how can the main character have less page time than the supporting characters in the first book. Also, the main character actually uses magic in this book. In the first book he wasn't able to use any magic at all. Conryu finds himself at school learning how to use magic, the exact place and the exact thing he doesn't want to do. He is surrounded by about 500 girls who all either hate him, fear him, or are jealous of him. I have read other reviews that feel this was the perfect set up for a harem type series but I have to disagree. If he was in school with 10-12 girls maybe, but 500? Conryu is in a no win situation. Since he is the only boy, even at a conservative estimate, there has to be at least 50 girls that would like him even if just out of convenience. Then add to that number because of his magical potential, then add a little more since he is a badass martial artist, then add a couple more because he is a good guy. Even if he wanted to date someone, that would be almost impossible as it would piss off every other girl there that liked him.( it seems counterintuitive but he would have had a better chance getting a date if he had less women around him). I liked what the author did with Maria making her his best friend and occasional girlfriend? ( there relationship isn't really well defined, but I think that actually works better in this instance).
He goes to school and he keeps blowing peoples minds. Most magic uses have a primary source of power with either dark, light, fire, water, air or earth. Conryu ends up with affinity for every power, and oh by the way even his weakest affinity is stronger than any of the other magic users strongest affinity. Not everything is great for him though. He is scorned throughout most of the book by the rest of his classmates and he even had tomatoes thrown at him on the first day. The there was the murder attempt by a couple of other students - lets not forget that. I wouldn't necessarily call this a YA story, I might describe it more as PG-13 and I think it works really well.
This book is much better than the first one. To begin with, this story involved the main character a lot more than in the first book. I mean for real, how can the main character have less page time than the supporting characters in the first book. Also, the main character actually uses magic in this book. In the first book he wasn't able to use any magic at all. Conryu finds himself at school learning how to use magic, the exact place and the exact thing he doesn't want to do. He is surrounded by about 500 girls who all either hate him, fear him, or are jealous of him. I have read other reviews that feel this was the perfect set up for a harem type series but I have to disagree. If he was in school with 10-12 girls maybe, but 500? Conryu is in a no win situation. Since he is the only boy, even at a conservative estimate, there has to be at least 50 girls that would like him even if just out of convenience. Then add to that number because of his magical potential, then add a little more since he is a badass martial artist, then add a couple more because he is a good guy. Even if he wanted to date someone, that would be almost impossible as it would piss off every other girl there that liked him.( it seems counterintuitive but he would have had a better chance getting a date if he had less women around him). I liked what the author did with Maria making her his best friend and occasional girlfriend? ( there relationship isn't really well defined, but I think that actually works better in this instance).
He goes to school and he keeps blowing peoples minds. Most magic uses have a primary source of power with either dark, light, fire, water, air or earth. Conryu ends up with affinity for every power, and oh by the way even his weakest affinity is stronger than any of the other magic users strongest affinity. Not everything is great for him though. He is scorned throughout most of the book by the rest of his classmates and he even had tomatoes thrown at him on the first day. The there was the murder attempt by a couple of other students - lets not forget that. I wouldn't necessarily call this a YA story, I might describe it more as PG-13 and I think it works really well.
March 22, 2018
My original The Awakening audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
Story
The Awakening: Aegis of Merlin Series, Book 2 by James E. Wisher and narrated by Joe Hempel is the second in a trilogy of books. The story picks up at the end of the summer break as Conryu and Maria head to The North American Alliance’s Arcane Academy by a magically powered train. He is once again harried by the press and one reporter in particular. Conryu is a fish out of water at the academy. He does not want to be there any more than most of the student population that views him as an abomination wants him to be there. This could not be made more clear that his initial reception of being bombarded with tomatoes upon arrival by three upper-class wizards.
The first book in the series was devoted to world building and giving broad strokes to a wide canvas to give the reader and listener a feel for what kind of scope there was to this magical world. This time out the author has pulled back to focus on the hero’s journey. We get to see the highs and low’s Conryu endures during his first semester at the Academy. He is ostracized, attacked, and even Maria has little time for him. What is the only male wizard to do?
Conryu strives to make the best of it while trying to slowly understand his magical abilities and learn to live in a world foreign to him. He slowly makes friends and joins a Wizards club. As the semester goes on life moves on for both Conryu and Maria. When she is No longer the center of Conryu’s universe leads it leads to Maria’s consternation.
Attention Holding
The story is excellent at holding my attention and was over much too soon. There are bound to be some comparisons to Harry Potter due to the Magic Train and a Magic Academy. But that’s about where it will end. These books are for older audiences and Harry Potter never signed a contract with a Demon. The world is unique and thought-provoking and holds the listener's interest due to the great story and the great narration.
Narration/Production Quality
The narration is by Joe Hempel. Mr. Hempel again provides an outstanding vocal performance in this second audiobook in this series. He delivers not only compelling narration but also provides a wide range of vocal character’s interpretations. Each character was recognizable with unique voices done in a natural manner. The production quality by Tantor was top of the line as always they never fail to produce a high-quality audio product. Tantor delivered a crystal clear product of the highest listening quality.
Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.
Story
The Awakening: Aegis of Merlin Series, Book 2 by James E. Wisher and narrated by Joe Hempel is the second in a trilogy of books. The story picks up at the end of the summer break as Conryu and Maria head to The North American Alliance’s Arcane Academy by a magically powered train. He is once again harried by the press and one reporter in particular. Conryu is a fish out of water at the academy. He does not want to be there any more than most of the student population that views him as an abomination wants him to be there. This could not be made more clear that his initial reception of being bombarded with tomatoes upon arrival by three upper-class wizards.
The first book in the series was devoted to world building and giving broad strokes to a wide canvas to give the reader and listener a feel for what kind of scope there was to this magical world. This time out the author has pulled back to focus on the hero’s journey. We get to see the highs and low’s Conryu endures during his first semester at the Academy. He is ostracized, attacked, and even Maria has little time for him. What is the only male wizard to do?
Conryu strives to make the best of it while trying to slowly understand his magical abilities and learn to live in a world foreign to him. He slowly makes friends and joins a Wizards club. As the semester goes on life moves on for both Conryu and Maria. When she is No longer the center of Conryu’s universe leads it leads to Maria’s consternation.
Attention Holding
The story is excellent at holding my attention and was over much too soon. There are bound to be some comparisons to Harry Potter due to the Magic Train and a Magic Academy. But that’s about where it will end. These books are for older audiences and Harry Potter never signed a contract with a Demon. The world is unique and thought-provoking and holds the listener's interest due to the great story and the great narration.
Narration/Production Quality
The narration is by Joe Hempel. Mr. Hempel again provides an outstanding vocal performance in this second audiobook in this series. He delivers not only compelling narration but also provides a wide range of vocal character’s interpretations. Each character was recognizable with unique voices done in a natural manner. The production quality by Tantor was top of the line as always they never fail to produce a high-quality audio product. Tantor delivered a crystal clear product of the highest listening quality.
Audiobook was provided for review by the narrator.
August 26, 2023
The writing is awful but the storyline has something that is making me continue reading.
May 10, 2021
This is like a modern day / spoof Harry Potter.
-He has a lot of hidden wizards trying to kill him after his identity is revealed.
-He is some big celebrity / infamous personality in the wizarding world.
-Hell, he even rides a magic train to not-Hogwarts in the woods.
Not sure how I feel about all this. Fell out of favour with magic schools for a while now. At Least weeks are flying by quickly.
The names for "magic spells" are totally ridiculous, so is the fact that security would be so lax at an important place of business. I will pickup the sequel in the future.
3/5 stars
-He has a lot of hidden wizards trying to kill him after his identity is revealed.
-He is some big celebrity / infamous personality in the wizarding world.
-Hell, he even rides a magic train to not-Hogwarts in the woods.
Not sure how I feel about all this. Fell out of favour with magic schools for a while now. At Least weeks are flying by quickly.
The names for "magic spells" are totally ridiculous, so is the fact that security would be so lax at an important place of business. I will pickup the sequel in the future.
3/5 stars
March 21, 2018
Amazing. Thoroughly enjoyed
This book is way better than the first and I enjoyed it to the core.
Hope the next one will be like this
This book is way better than the first and I enjoyed it to the core.
Hope the next one will be like this
February 9, 2018
Review originally published at: http://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookre...
The beginning of the academic course has started and Conryu and Maria join The North American Alliance’s Arcane Academy. Not only is he unhappy about having to attend the academy, but it also seems he is not very well received by the girls. Conryu will have to work hard to gain his place within the academy, and also try to survive, because even there he is not safe, since there are some people who want to end the abomination.
After listening to the previous book I was looking forward to this one. In this book the story is focused on Conryu, unlike in the previous book, where half of the book was focused on secondary characters. Here we have to chance to know Conryu a little bit better, and to see him interact with the other students. There are some new interesting characters in this book, they are not ultra developed, but they feel differentiated enough to be able to identify them, since each of them has unique characteristics. I especially liked Conryu's relationship with the girls at the club.
I am a bit bothered about Maria's attitude towards Conryu, and it makes me want to roll my eyes and slap her in the face, but I guess that attitude will work against her in future books, making for an interesting plot.
There is plenty of action and tension, and a couple of twists and surprises. While listening to this book it is almost impossible not to think about Harry Potter, since it's about a similar subject, but this one is for an older audience, since is much darker at least than the first HP books.
Joe Hempel has excelled at narrating this audiobook. He has brought the characters to life in a subtle way. All characters are recognizable, but at the same time, the voices don't sound forced. There is a very thin line between differentiating character's voices and overdoing it, and Hempel knows very well where that line is and doesn't cross it. He has a very pleasant voice and has a compelling style, making you want to listen for hours. The audio production was spotless.
I am really enjoying this series, and I am looking forward to see what happens to Conryu and Maria, and also see how they and the other characters evolve. I am sure it will be amazing.
The beginning of the academic course has started and Conryu and Maria join The North American Alliance’s Arcane Academy. Not only is he unhappy about having to attend the academy, but it also seems he is not very well received by the girls. Conryu will have to work hard to gain his place within the academy, and also try to survive, because even there he is not safe, since there are some people who want to end the abomination.
After listening to the previous book I was looking forward to this one. In this book the story is focused on Conryu, unlike in the previous book, where half of the book was focused on secondary characters. Here we have to chance to know Conryu a little bit better, and to see him interact with the other students. There are some new interesting characters in this book, they are not ultra developed, but they feel differentiated enough to be able to identify them, since each of them has unique characteristics. I especially liked Conryu's relationship with the girls at the club.
I am a bit bothered about Maria's attitude towards Conryu, and it makes me want to roll my eyes and slap her in the face, but I guess that attitude will work against her in future books, making for an interesting plot.
There is plenty of action and tension, and a couple of twists and surprises. While listening to this book it is almost impossible not to think about Harry Potter, since it's about a similar subject, but this one is for an older audience, since is much darker at least than the first HP books.
Joe Hempel has excelled at narrating this audiobook. He has brought the characters to life in a subtle way. All characters are recognizable, but at the same time, the voices don't sound forced. There is a very thin line between differentiating character's voices and overdoing it, and Hempel knows very well where that line is and doesn't cross it. He has a very pleasant voice and has a compelling style, making you want to listen for hours. The audio production was spotless.
I am really enjoying this series, and I am looking forward to see what happens to Conryu and Maria, and also see how they and the other characters evolve. I am sure it will be amazing.
December 1, 2018
Well now that I have read book two.. Its not anything like Harry Potter. One factor to note is that magic school is actually college so most of the characters are above the age of 18. There are hints of things going dark. People do die and would have been gory if it were a movie or a tv series but no so much while reading or listening to the book.
It is light enough for an easy read. Another thing that is of interest is that even if the books have a time jump the plot movements do not take the standard academic year. I appreciate the focus of the author to key events.
The awakening is cool and it bring out how strong the main character but then again we are reminded how it takes time to adjust to powers and responsibility.
It is a good read, looking forward to completing the series.
It is light enough for an easy read. Another thing that is of interest is that even if the books have a time jump the plot movements do not take the standard academic year. I appreciate the focus of the author to key events.
The awakening is cool and it bring out how strong the main character but then again we are reminded how it takes time to adjust to powers and responsibility.
It is a good read, looking forward to completing the series.
April 25, 2018
For books 1, 2, 3 - they're basically one long story. I've not read further yet.
Overall, it's a fine series. Bubble gum for the brain.
The MC is a bit of a 'Mary Sue' (or Marty Stu) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Sue] type of character. He is so freakishly powerful that he might eat the world. Next to him, pretty much everyone else is half or less - and he's still at his first semester of magic school.
While there is nothing especially deep or quotable here but it is an enjoyable way to pass some time.
I'd listen to more (audio).
Overall, it's a fine series. Bubble gum for the brain.
The MC is a bit of a 'Mary Sue' (or Marty Stu) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Sue] type of character. He is so freakishly powerful that he might eat the world. Next to him, pretty much everyone else is half or less - and he's still at his first semester of magic school.
While there is nothing especially deep or quotable here but it is an enjoyable way to pass some time.
I'd listen to more (audio).
June 11, 2018
Better than the first book, could use some polishing
This book was by far better than its predecessor. You actually have a story with the main character. Go figure. Although, I do believe the story needs to have more detail added. I’m having trouble visualizing some of the story because lack of detail. The storyline is growing on me., though. I’m hoping for more in the next installment.
This book was by far better than its predecessor. You actually have a story with the main character. Go figure. Although, I do believe the story needs to have more detail added. I’m having trouble visualizing some of the story because lack of detail. The storyline is growing on me., though. I’m hoping for more in the next installment.
December 19, 2017
Continued interest
As the first book dealt with selection, this book is the first semester of "college".
Our main character begins to understand power. Here he, on the woman's world, must be true to himself and understand how to us his 50lb sledgehammer of power.
The book continues to hold my interest even as the main character is very powerful.
As the first book dealt with selection, this book is the first semester of "college".
Our main character begins to understand power. Here he, on the woman's world, must be true to himself and understand how to us his 50lb sledgehammer of power.
The book continues to hold my interest even as the main character is very powerful.
March 19, 2019
One semester!
Harry Potter gave us a whole school year! But that being said great action and new characters. Liked that this chapter focused on Conryu this time. The first book seemed more about the villian than "hero". This one has the making of the hero wizard but in truth his parent started the journey.
Harry Potter gave us a whole school year! But that being said great action and new characters. Liked that this chapter focused on Conryu this time. The first book seemed more about the villian than "hero". This one has the making of the hero wizard but in truth his parent started the journey.
May 26, 2017
It was a good book fast paced good characters all a round good book. It Left me wanting more already have the next one on order.
I will let you know about the rest of the series when I read them. I will see you the bye.
I will let you know about the rest of the series when I read them. I will see you the bye.
May 25, 2017
Better than the first!
Now we finally see some magic! Conryu survives The Sorting then The Awakening. A protest, a giant snake and demons are only some of the issues our hero has to deal with while keeping his homework done. A very enjoyable read!
Now we finally see some magic! Conryu survives The Sorting then The Awakening. A protest, a giant snake and demons are only some of the issues our hero has to deal with while keeping his homework done. A very enjoyable read!
June 9, 2017
Hogwarts it isn't
The world's only male magician enters school and it isn't Hogwarts by any means. Suitable second book in the series, brings some more of the magic system to light and we see the characters and their world develop further.
The world's only male magician enters school and it isn't Hogwarts by any means. Suitable second book in the series, brings some more of the magic system to light and we see the characters and their world develop further.
June 28, 2017
Even better than the first!
A welcome change from the first book, much more focused on the hero, with just enough of the surrounding events and world to open up the world. A bit of action, a ton of world building and some character development. Can't wait for the follow up!
A welcome change from the first book, much more focused on the hero, with just enough of the surrounding events and world to open up the world. A bit of action, a ton of world building and some character development. Can't wait for the follow up!
September 2, 2017
Read in a single sitting
I sat and read this in one go. It must, therefore, be quite engrossing. I must away now and stretch the kinks out. Quite good, much better than most urban fantasy.
I sat and read this in one go. It must, therefore, be quite engrossing. I must away now and stretch the kinks out. Quite good, much better than most urban fantasy.
December 12, 2017
Looks like an intermediate book. There's a very minor plot, readily finished, but most of the book is spend setting up various things (and nefarious plans) for future books. Since there's already multiple following books, that's not too bad, but it would have been if I had started the series early.
August 24, 2019
I read this book as part of an omnibus. It was well written with interesting characters and a decent plot. However, while the plot and characters seem aimed at a young middle school audience he occasionally included incidents that were very adult making it hard to recommend this book.
April 22, 2020
A quick read
Didn't take me long to finish this one, a little faster than book one. The story more along with the main character easily handling everything that comes after him. Not a lot suspense there but I bought the next book anyway.
Didn't take me long to finish this one, a little faster than book one. The story more along with the main character easily handling everything that comes after him. Not a lot suspense there but I bought the next book anyway.
September 27, 2018
Enjoyable
I liked this book better than the first book it flowed much better . My only complaint is that it was too short I read it in a couple of hours .
I liked this book better than the first book it flowed much better . My only complaint is that it was too short I read it in a couple of hours .
September 29, 2018
Love these, nice fun read from start to finish
March 23, 2020
Amazing teen series
May 18, 2020
Looking forward to book 3
Great sequel to book one perhaps a little.better. I could hardly stand to.put it down even to go to sleep!
Great sequel to book one perhaps a little.better. I could hardly stand to.put it down even to go to sleep!
April 17, 2021
Great
I am rereading the series. I like everything James Wisher writes! I get more feeling for the characters as I reread his story.
I am rereading the series. I like everything James Wisher writes! I get more feeling for the characters as I reread his story.
Read
April 17, 2021Excellent!
Fantastic read! I absolutely loved it! I can not wait for the next one to be release! Such great characters in this book!
Fantastic read! I absolutely loved it! I can not wait for the next one to be release! Such great characters in this book!
October 8, 2022
Great book.
I really like this world. Every book allows the reader to see more of it. Cannot wait to read the next book and highly recommend it.
I really like this world. Every book allows the reader to see more of it. Cannot wait to read the next book and highly recommend it.
December 5, 2022
What a twist in this book. James is amazing writer, you cannot put the book down and you just have to continue with the story. Loved it so much
April 3, 2023
Story is interesting, if very short.
However, the price tag for the story is steep.
If you're to buy it, get the omnibus, you get a much more decent pricing.
However, the price tag for the story is steep.
If you're to buy it, get the omnibus, you get a much more decent pricing.
October 25, 2021
Awesome
This is a good book. My biggest problem is the length of the book. It only took me about 2 and a half hour to read it. That is the only reason I gave it 4 stars. I really enjoyed this book otherwise. The next book has already been preordered.
This is a good book. My biggest problem is the length of the book. It only took me about 2 and a half hour to read it. That is the only reason I gave it 4 stars. I really enjoyed this book otherwise. The next book has already been preordered.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews