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The Magitech Chronicles #1
Tech Mage
A Man With No Past Fighting for a Future
Aran awakens in chains with no memory. He’s conscripted into the Confederate Marines as a Tech Mage, given a spellrifle, then hurled into the war with the draconic Krox and their Void Wyrm masters.
Desperate to escape, Aran struggles to master his abilities, while surviving the Krox onslaught. Fighting alongside him are a Major who will do anything to win, a Captain who will stop at nothing to see him dead, and a woman who’s past is as blank as his own.
Caught between survival and loyalty Aran must choose. If he flees he will survive, but the Krox will win and the galaxy will burn. Stopping them requires a price Aran may be unable to pay:
Learning to trust the very people who enslaved him.
Aran awakens in chains with no memory. He’s conscripted into the Confederate Marines as a Tech Mage, given a spellrifle, then hurled into the war with the draconic Krox and their Void Wyrm masters.
Desperate to escape, Aran struggles to master his abilities, while surviving the Krox onslaught. Fighting alongside him are a Major who will do anything to win, a Captain who will stop at nothing to see him dead, and a woman who’s past is as blank as his own.
Caught between survival and loyalty Aran must choose. If he flees he will survive, but the Krox will win and the galaxy will burn. Stopping them requires a price Aran may be unable to pay:
Learning to trust the very people who enslaved him.
Audible Audio
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About the author
Chris Fox
87 books672 followersBy day I am an iPhone developer architecting the app used to scope Stephen Colbert’s ear. By night I am Batman. Ok maybe not. One can dream though, right?
I’ve been writing since I was six years old and started inflicting my work on others at age 18. By age 24 people stopped running away when I approached them with a new story and shortly thereafter I published my first one in the Rifter.
Wait you’re still reading?
Ok, the facts I’m supposed to list in a bio. As of this writing I’m 38 years old and live just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in the beautiful town of Mill Valley. If you’re unsure how to find it just follow the smell of self-entitlement. Once you see the teens driving Teslas you’ll know you’re in the right place.
I live in a tiny studio that I can cross in (literally) five steps and don’t own an oven. But you know what? It’s worth it. I love developing iPhone apps and if you want to work in San Francisco you accept that rent for a tiny place costs more than most people’s mortgage.
If you and about 2 million other people start buying my books I promise to move out of Marin to a house in the redwoods up in Guerneville. No pressure. Wait that’s a lie. Pressure.
I’ve been writing since I was six years old and started inflicting my work on others at age 18. By age 24 people stopped running away when I approached them with a new story and shortly thereafter I published my first one in the Rifter.
Wait you’re still reading?
Ok, the facts I’m supposed to list in a bio. As of this writing I’m 38 years old and live just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in the beautiful town of Mill Valley. If you’re unsure how to find it just follow the smell of self-entitlement. Once you see the teens driving Teslas you’ll know you’re in the right place.
I live in a tiny studio that I can cross in (literally) five steps and don’t own an oven. But you know what? It’s worth it. I love developing iPhone apps and if you want to work in San Francisco you accept that rent for a tiny place costs more than most people’s mortgage.
If you and about 2 million other people start buying my books I promise to move out of Marin to a house in the redwoods up in Guerneville. No pressure. Wait that’s a lie. Pressure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
February 11, 2018
For me, this book had a lot of potential. It had the ability to set up a wonderful world with wonderful characters, but it doesn't. It sets up for you to get lost. When you start the book, you know that there is technology and magic, but you don't know how either of it works, and then you also recognize that there is ZERO explanation of how anything works as far as the magic goes. He is all you get. There's a war, your mind was wiped, and you are now fighting on a side you don't if you belong to or not. That's about it.
The characters don't really develop at all. People who are jerks in the beginning are still jerks in the end. A lot of people are doing messed up stuff in the name of survival, and the people cough in the crossfire are pretty much left to fend for themselves. Then there's a moment when something happens and it's pretty much Deus Ex Machina and undone with a beer. No I'm serious. A Beer.
There is NO way this book ends with the way it ends. I'm all about having a nice ending, but the characters in this book are so under powered, and the bad guys aren't even OP. They are gods playing with ants and the ants win because....reasons.
The character development is about as flat as pancakes and the "bonds" between them are less believable than someone calming to have found Bigfoot riding on the back of a unicorn holding a leprechaun. The one good thing is that characters I didn't like did die. And believe me, there are some MAJOR asshats in this book that deserve to die, be res'd and then killed again.
The possible "romantic" story (if you could try and justifiably call it that.) is also not believable. I've seen better love scenes in porn flicks.
The biggest grip I have is the lack of world building. NOTHING is explained in the book. There is ZERO backstory. it just starts. And despite people having their mind wipe, they just remember (at key points mind you.) how to use their powers despite NEVER being told anything. They just all of a sudden remember how to throw lighting bolts up someone's ass or how to turn invisible at the right time, or how to summon the holy undead to storm beaches like it's D Day at Normandy. (I'm obviously being over the top here, but it's akin to what happens in the book. I'm deadass serious about that. )
So if you want a book that does nothing but throw you in a stiution you know nothing about, but what to see people die left and right. This book is for you.
If you want something that actually ties all the points together and that fleshes out what is an AWESOME premise with characters and worlds that are being begged to brought to life. I would tell you to skip this book. Seriously.
To sum it up. This book is like hearing one of your friends who has problems telling a story explain to you one of the most EPIC adventures in the world but forgets key points. Yeah, they get from A to B, but it leaves you with so many questions.
I'm just so disappointed in this book. I really wanted to be good. I really did.
The characters don't really develop at all. People who are jerks in the beginning are still jerks in the end. A lot of people are doing messed up stuff in the name of survival, and the people cough in the crossfire are pretty much left to fend for themselves. Then there's a moment when something happens and it's pretty much Deus Ex Machina and undone with a beer. No I'm serious. A Beer.
There is NO way this book ends with the way it ends. I'm all about having a nice ending, but the characters in this book are so under powered, and the bad guys aren't even OP. They are gods playing with ants and the ants win because....reasons.
The character development is about as flat as pancakes and the "bonds" between them are less believable than someone calming to have found Bigfoot riding on the back of a unicorn holding a leprechaun. The one good thing is that characters I didn't like did die. And believe me, there are some MAJOR asshats in this book that deserve to die, be res'd and then killed again.
The possible "romantic" story (if you could try and justifiably call it that.) is also not believable. I've seen better love scenes in porn flicks.
The biggest grip I have is the lack of world building. NOTHING is explained in the book. There is ZERO backstory. it just starts. And despite people having their mind wipe, they just remember (at key points mind you.) how to use their powers despite NEVER being told anything. They just all of a sudden remember how to throw lighting bolts up someone's ass or how to turn invisible at the right time, or how to summon the holy undead to storm beaches like it's D Day at Normandy. (I'm obviously being over the top here, but it's akin to what happens in the book. I'm deadass serious about that. )
So if you want a book that does nothing but throw you in a stiution you know nothing about, but what to see people die left and right. This book is for you.
If you want something that actually ties all the points together and that fleshes out what is an AWESOME premise with characters and worlds that are being begged to brought to life. I would tell you to skip this book. Seriously.
To sum it up. This book is like hearing one of your friends who has problems telling a story explain to you one of the most EPIC adventures in the world but forgets key points. Yeah, they get from A to B, but it leaves you with so many questions.
I'm just so disappointed in this book. I really wanted to be good. I really did.
Read
November 25, 2017Dragons in space? Hell yes. Magical weapons and the ability to collect additional powers from weird god-memory portals? CHECK. Tech Mage is a nonstop thrill ride with captivating characters and rich world building. Don't miss this one.
April 17, 2018
This review is for the audiobook version of Tech Mage by Chris Fox and narrated by Ryan Kennard Burke.
Let me just say, "wow!" I wasn't prepared to enjoy Tech Mage as much as I did. I am a fan of Sci-Fi and Fantasy as distinct genres. I usually hate it when the two are lumped together as a single category of literature. They are distinct IMHO.
However, Tech Mage, like the Pern novels and some of Piers Anthony's early works, successfully blends the two genres in a way that feels natural and organic. I love the concept of magic being harnessed by technology.
Aran is a decent protagonist and I especially enjoyed his relationship with Nara (spelling? sorry, in Audio you have to guess these things) as it developed from slave/captor to peers to ... we'll see.
The narrator, Ryan Kennard Burke, does a fine job with the performance. He comes across (to me at least) as a poor man's Luke Daniels. He has a similar sound, range, and expressions. This isn't meant as a slight against Burke. Daniels is audiobook A-List royalty and any comparison to him is high praise.
If you're looking for true Sci-Fi/Fantasy with a touch of military and political intrigue thrown in for good measure, then pick up Tech Mage. I'll probably be checking out the rest of this series as it is released.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Let me just say, "wow!" I wasn't prepared to enjoy Tech Mage as much as I did. I am a fan of Sci-Fi and Fantasy as distinct genres. I usually hate it when the two are lumped together as a single category of literature. They are distinct IMHO.
However, Tech Mage, like the Pern novels and some of Piers Anthony's early works, successfully blends the two genres in a way that feels natural and organic. I love the concept of magic being harnessed by technology.
Aran is a decent protagonist and I especially enjoyed his relationship with Nara (spelling? sorry, in Audio you have to guess these things) as it developed from slave/captor to peers to ... we'll see.
The narrator, Ryan Kennard Burke, does a fine job with the performance. He comes across (to me at least) as a poor man's Luke Daniels. He has a similar sound, range, and expressions. This isn't meant as a slight against Burke. Daniels is audiobook A-List royalty and any comparison to him is high praise.
If you're looking for true Sci-Fi/Fantasy with a touch of military and political intrigue thrown in for good measure, then pick up Tech Mage. I'll probably be checking out the rest of this series as it is released.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 14, 2017
Not really a book 1
There is too much that isn't explained. If you label a novel as the first book in a series, it needs to act like the first book and establish the universe. I understand this follows another series, but if you can't get into this series without reading the previous one, then it's not book one.
I do not plan on starting the previous series either. Magic is no reason to do away with logic.
There is too much that isn't explained. If you label a novel as the first book in a series, it needs to act like the first book and establish the universe. I understand this follows another series, but if you can't get into this series without reading the previous one, then it's not book one.
I do not plan on starting the previous series either. Magic is no reason to do away with logic.
June 11, 2019
Five stars because I couldn't put it down and I am already on book two!
Chris Fox is amazing and I enjoyed how he combined magic with technology, hence the name. I stumbled on a short except from 'Tech Mage' while reading an anthology collection with contribution from Alec Hutson (The Crimson Queen; The Silver Sorceress). Tech Mage was the first short story and I was instantly hooked. I had to read the rest. Now I am a chapter into book two of the series and I haven't completed or even read Alec Hutson's story in that anthology collection!
Great universe building, intresting plot, likeable characters (cliched but still) and humorous action scenes.
"Local man is contented. 'It was a beautiful start to a book series', he reported." 😊
Chris Fox is amazing and I enjoyed how he combined magic with technology, hence the name. I stumbled on a short except from 'Tech Mage' while reading an anthology collection with contribution from Alec Hutson (The Crimson Queen; The Silver Sorceress). Tech Mage was the first short story and I was instantly hooked. I had to read the rest. Now I am a chapter into book two of the series and I haven't completed or even read Alec Hutson's story in that anthology collection!
Great universe building, intresting plot, likeable characters (cliched but still) and humorous action scenes.
"Local man is contented. 'It was a beautiful start to a book series', he reported." 😊
May 6, 2018
Actual Rating 3,5 Stars
It is an interesting book, with good world-building and characters but it did not grip me, I hope that the other two books in the series will get better, so - we will see!
It is an interesting book, with good world-building and characters but it did not grip me, I hope that the other two books in the series will get better, so - we will see!
October 24, 2018
Ok premise yet lacking in execution
The premise is interesting enough, it reminded me a bit of the Hand of Mars series. It is interesting too and I want to better imagine the way things work yet somehow it is a bit difficult in the way it's written.
Viewpoint reminds me of a TV series- a few main characters. This works well in the interpersonal scenes but gets lost in the larger space opera actions: case in point, they are on a cruiser in space yet it only ever seems like there are 6 people on the whole ship?
Bottom line: promising elements weighed down with muddled writing and clashing styles of personal storytelling vs expansive space opera action. If the author can get these right a la David Weber for example, then this will be a great addition to the genre.
The premise is interesting enough, it reminded me a bit of the Hand of Mars series. It is interesting too and I want to better imagine the way things work yet somehow it is a bit difficult in the way it's written.
Viewpoint reminds me of a TV series- a few main characters. This works well in the interpersonal scenes but gets lost in the larger space opera actions: case in point, they are on a cruiser in space yet it only ever seems like there are 6 people on the whole ship?
Bottom line: promising elements weighed down with muddled writing and clashing styles of personal storytelling vs expansive space opera action. If the author can get these right a la David Weber for example, then this will be a great addition to the genre.
October 4, 2017
Magic in space. Fantastic
Another fantastic book from Chris Fox. Magic and space. What a fantastic combination. One of my favorite things about Chris Fox's writing is he writes women as real characters. They are not relegated to some support role, weak damsels in distress or made bitches to be strong decisive characters.
Another fantastic book from Chris Fox. Magic and space. What a fantastic combination. One of my favorite things about Chris Fox's writing is he writes women as real characters. They are not relegated to some support role, weak damsels in distress or made bitches to be strong decisive characters.
September 1, 2020
I rather enjoyed this book, but something really stuck me as off. So, in this universe, mind wiping people is very, very common and easy. So, why isn't there standard procedures for recording people (particularly important people), on the probable chance that you'll be wiped. It's a silly thing and small but it really bothered me.
September 12, 2020
DNF, to nawet nie jest złe jak się przyjmie konwencje, ale poziom papki jest tak przerażający, że czułem się jakbym był poddany deprywacji sensorycznej w budyniu.
September 20, 2017
"I received a free copy from the author. I had the option of reviewing or not."
I love when an author brings something I had never thought of before and that is what a got a Full plate of here!
I can't wait until the next one...
I love when an author brings something I had never thought of before and that is what a got a Full plate of here!
I can't wait until the next one...
November 8, 2017
Good
Excellent imagination and combination of technology and magic. The depth of the story is compelling and am curious if any romantic intrigue will be added in the series
Excellent imagination and combination of technology and magic. The depth of the story is compelling and am curious if any romantic intrigue will be added in the series
January 22, 2020
This book is like a B-movie in novel form and I love it.
Wait, not a B-movie, it's actually more of a D&D campaign set in space. I'm here for it. The spells even have levels, lol.
This is precisely the kind of fun story I was looking for when I picked up the Blood on the Stars books. I wanted some sci-fi(ish) escapism, the other series was fine but a little too self serious. This book had a space dragon. It's a nice change of pace from all the gritty edgelord shit that usually makes it into my reading queue.
I just finished downloading book 2, so I'll start that one on my ride home tonight. I am really hoping the Author can keep me interested in this world. Far too many of the series I've been reading lately get too repetitive too quickly. If all that changed from book 1 to book 4 is the name of the Villain threes a problem.
Side note I really wish we could give half stars. This is more of a 3.5 than a 4, but I always round up and am a fairly forgiving reader anyway. If I want to keep reading your stuff, Ill usually give you a 4 or a 5. Deserved or not. If I rate your book a 1 or a 2 it really sucked.
Wait, not a B-movie, it's actually more of a D&D campaign set in space. I'm here for it. The spells even have levels, lol.
This is precisely the kind of fun story I was looking for when I picked up the Blood on the Stars books. I wanted some sci-fi(ish) escapism, the other series was fine but a little too self serious. This book had a space dragon. It's a nice change of pace from all the gritty edgelord shit that usually makes it into my reading queue.
I just finished downloading book 2, so I'll start that one on my ride home tonight. I am really hoping the Author can keep me interested in this world. Far too many of the series I've been reading lately get too repetitive too quickly. If all that changed from book 1 to book 4 is the name of the Villain threes a problem.
Side note I really wish we could give half stars. This is more of a 3.5 than a 4, but I always round up and am a fairly forgiving reader anyway. If I want to keep reading your stuff, Ill usually give you a 4 or a 5. Deserved or not. If I rate your book a 1 or a 2 it really sucked.
October 27, 2017
This was an utterly fascinating read. Imagine taking all the futuristic world of starship combat, but then mixing it with elements of Mages that weave magic through sigils or glyphs in the air to form complex spells to either cast defensive or offensive spells. Then add in armour that is specially designed to do battle (void armour) in these circumstances, along with pistols and rifles that are able to cast magic as well, at different levels, depending on the capability of the user. There are potions as well that allow for a range of different things, depending on who brewed it – healing, invisibility, amplification. Then there are the Krox, the enemy, whose allies are Void Wyrms, or as we know them, Dragons. So we have starships, with spell cannons and spell drives, casting offensive and defensive magic against Dragons in space.
It is a pretty fun concept, made all the better by Chris Fox and his well-developed and engaging characters as well as a storyline that is at the same time thrilling and exhilarating. The story moves at an incredible speed, and there is so much exceptional detail, the dialogue is masterful, and although there are elements from some different stories I can think of (such as J.S. Morin’s Black Ocean Series), there are very few books that come to mind that combine Magic and Technology so completely as this series, or do it as well.
The main story starts with the main character, Aran, awakening with no memory, nothing, to be told that he has been mind-wiped and is now the property of some slavers. He makes a pact with one of the other slaves, and through a series of events, they end up under another Slaver called Nara.
Through another series of events, Aran and Nara end up with a Major of the Confederate Army, aboard her ship, ‘The Wyrm Hunter’. They are all that stand between the Krox, and army of Void Wyrms and a planet full of people, as well as possibly the future of the galaxy.
This is an exceptional story, incredibly action packed, with the most amazing storyline, it is part thrilling, part terrifying, with the combination of Magic and Technology mixed in this unique hybrid that creates this story that you will just not be able to put down, with characters that you will be become very engaged with.
This is just a sensational thrill ride, and should not be missed.
It is a pretty fun concept, made all the better by Chris Fox and his well-developed and engaging characters as well as a storyline that is at the same time thrilling and exhilarating. The story moves at an incredible speed, and there is so much exceptional detail, the dialogue is masterful, and although there are elements from some different stories I can think of (such as J.S. Morin’s Black Ocean Series), there are very few books that come to mind that combine Magic and Technology so completely as this series, or do it as well.
The main story starts with the main character, Aran, awakening with no memory, nothing, to be told that he has been mind-wiped and is now the property of some slavers. He makes a pact with one of the other slaves, and through a series of events, they end up under another Slaver called Nara.
Through another series of events, Aran and Nara end up with a Major of the Confederate Army, aboard her ship, ‘The Wyrm Hunter’. They are all that stand between the Krox, and army of Void Wyrms and a planet full of people, as well as possibly the future of the galaxy.
This is an exceptional story, incredibly action packed, with the most amazing storyline, it is part thrilling, part terrifying, with the combination of Magic and Technology mixed in this unique hybrid that creates this story that you will just not be able to put down, with characters that you will be become very engaged with.
This is just a sensational thrill ride, and should not be missed.
December 17, 2017
This book can be summed up in two words: crazy and fun.
This can be both a good thing and a bad thing. I will say that I was entertained the entire time. However, it did feel like I was dropped into a world with no idea what was going on. It also took me a while to warm to the characters, and while I liked them overall, I never felt any deep connection to them.
Despite that, this book was just plain fun to read. Fantasy and science fiction are my two favorite genres. So what could be better than putting the two together? I could see space fantasy becoming one of those niche genres I really enjoy, and this was a solid entry in that genre.
Rating: 8/10
This can be both a good thing and a bad thing. I will say that I was entertained the entire time. However, it did feel like I was dropped into a world with no idea what was going on. It also took me a while to warm to the characters, and while I liked them overall, I never felt any deep connection to them.
Despite that, this book was just plain fun to read. Fantasy and science fiction are my two favorite genres. So what could be better than putting the two together? I could see space fantasy becoming one of those niche genres I really enjoy, and this was a solid entry in that genre.
Rating: 8/10
January 16, 2024
It's space D&D. That's it. That's the book.
If you've ever wondered how you could use an RPG campaign as inspiration for a novel, this isn't that. This is far less subtle. This is a campaign that has been directly turned into a novel, I actually lost it when I heard the phrases "Breath Weapon" and "5th level spell." For many of the climactic battle scenes, you could practically hear Matt Mercer say, "How do you wanna do this?".
If you have the slightest knowledge of D&D or any other RPG, these moments will completely ruin your immersion, however without that context the story and world building simultaneously feel bland yet overly complex, almost as if the banal "Oohrah Space Marines" plot has been overlaid on an already preconstructed yet unexplained set of complex rules (see player's handbook).
If you've ever wondered how you could use an RPG campaign as inspiration for a novel, this isn't that. This is far less subtle. This is a campaign that has been directly turned into a novel, I actually lost it when I heard the phrases "Breath Weapon" and "5th level spell." For many of the climactic battle scenes, you could practically hear Matt Mercer say, "How do you wanna do this?".
If you have the slightest knowledge of D&D or any other RPG, these moments will completely ruin your immersion, however without that context the story and world building simultaneously feel bland yet overly complex, almost as if the banal "Oohrah Space Marines" plot has been overlaid on an already preconstructed yet unexplained set of complex rules (see player's handbook).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2019
First note that when I rate things 4s are rare and 5s are flat out reserved for the true greats. The story isn't ground breaking but the characters are decent. It might have been at least tempted to bump it up to a three but the world building was lacking. There were hints that it might be a really interesting world! But there was no real attempt to flesh it out. Maybe in later books.
If you like space opera with a bit of military flavor that doesn't go overboard and don't mind a magic veneer instead of handwaved super science this isn't a bad little read. I would just advise folks not to go in with expectations too high. Take it for what it is or leave it and find something that suits you better.
If you like space opera with a bit of military flavor that doesn't go overboard and don't mind a magic veneer instead of handwaved super science this isn't a bad little read. I would just advise folks not to go in with expectations too high. Take it for what it is or leave it and find something that suits you better.
October 23, 2017
Really had to work at it to like this book. There wasn't much at the beginning to help me find something I could relate to. Even the characters were distant and unapproachable. I did get through it and it did get easier as things began to feel a bit familiar but the characters were never lovable. Won't read more but good luck to the author.
December 30, 2024
Reminded me of an even cheesier version of Dune and I just couldn't take it.
August 3, 2021
🌟7/10🌟
Tech Mage rises some ambivalent feelings in me, on the one hand the book in its entirety was interesting and had good pacing. I never had a moment I felt dragged on too long or was superfluous in its writing.
The plot was interesting and overall entertaining so I can’t step away with this book by any means with a low score.
However, on the other hand, the book has some glaring issues that I feel like if you’re going to pick up the book should be aware about.
Firstly, there are plot holes peppered throughout the novel that can be pretty aggravating. The characters that have their mind wiped will recall and regain memories conveniently for a lot of sequences. Even the story starts out with the characters receiving new names and having zero memory, but somehow know how to utilize a gun and tactics without being shown how to. As another person mentioned it just feels like a Deus ex machina button being abused.
Secondly, this book invokes a lot of fear involved in the natural setting Space/Voyaging has. At times highlighting the “Umbral Depths” (this place of infinite darkness with unknown entities within it) and the hard choices of resource management. It also is a war novel, naturally a lot of death and viscera are expected. Both of which make for an amazingly gritty backdrop for this book to take place. However, a lot of these amazing elements are subverted because the author’s choice of diction and writing style really makes the character dialogue and interactions INCREDIBLY campy/absurd. At one point he wrote “gank the healer”, the title of a chapter was “we’re fooked” or something, “you’re a piece of space bacon”, “ooookaaayy, owwww, (or any other goofy word)” One character has a pending quirky sexual harassment case waiting on standby. It just feels like a round table DND night at times more so than a gritty space war novel I expected, which segways into my third point…
…Thirdly, and now this is just personal preference, but I’m pretty critical when fantasy elements are taken to a separate genre and an attempt isn’t made to try to blend the two together. For example, in the book literal potions are being used. Instead of going the extra step to change some words to stay in-line with the genre and keep the immersion, I’m always drawn back to a high fantasy game “potion of magic resist, healing potions, a literal chapter of the book called ‘Side Quest’.” The days of the week we use here on Earth is also conveniently the ones used in the novel as well (Again slightly nitpicking but personally it does draw away from the world and realm that’s being constructed.)
So ultimately I give it a 7/10. Since there’s no half stars I went ahead and did four. Like I said aside from these issues, the book is a really fun, quick read. The world building and explanations aren’t handed to you on a silver platter or explained in an overly redundant way which I appreciate as a reader personally, and enough action and good pacing to keep it going. I think it ultimately succeeds as a young adult novel with obvious heavy catering to the gaming crowd. Don’t expect any existential or allegorical meaning from it, just have fun.
P.S. surprised there was some spelling errors here and there in the book. Editor definitely wasn’t on the ball at some points. But this is an incredibly minute detail and wouldn’t bother paying attention to it, you can gloss it over.
Tech Mage rises some ambivalent feelings in me, on the one hand the book in its entirety was interesting and had good pacing. I never had a moment I felt dragged on too long or was superfluous in its writing.
The plot was interesting and overall entertaining so I can’t step away with this book by any means with a low score.
However, on the other hand, the book has some glaring issues that I feel like if you’re going to pick up the book should be aware about.
Firstly, there are plot holes peppered throughout the novel that can be pretty aggravating. The characters that have their mind wiped will recall and regain memories conveniently for a lot of sequences. Even the story starts out with the characters receiving new names and having zero memory, but somehow know how to utilize a gun and tactics without being shown how to. As another person mentioned it just feels like a Deus ex machina button being abused.
Secondly, this book invokes a lot of fear involved in the natural setting Space/Voyaging has. At times highlighting the “Umbral Depths” (this place of infinite darkness with unknown entities within it) and the hard choices of resource management. It also is a war novel, naturally a lot of death and viscera are expected. Both of which make for an amazingly gritty backdrop for this book to take place. However, a lot of these amazing elements are subverted because the author’s choice of diction and writing style really makes the character dialogue and interactions INCREDIBLY campy/absurd. At one point he wrote “gank the healer”, the title of a chapter was “we’re fooked” or something, “you’re a piece of space bacon”, “ooookaaayy, owwww, (or any other goofy word)” One character has a pending quirky sexual harassment case waiting on standby. It just feels like a round table DND night at times more so than a gritty space war novel I expected, which segways into my third point…
…Thirdly, and now this is just personal preference, but I’m pretty critical when fantasy elements are taken to a separate genre and an attempt isn’t made to try to blend the two together. For example, in the book literal potions are being used. Instead of going the extra step to change some words to stay in-line with the genre and keep the immersion, I’m always drawn back to a high fantasy game “potion of magic resist, healing potions, a literal chapter of the book called ‘Side Quest’.” The days of the week we use here on Earth is also conveniently the ones used in the novel as well (Again slightly nitpicking but personally it does draw away from the world and realm that’s being constructed.)
So ultimately I give it a 7/10. Since there’s no half stars I went ahead and did four. Like I said aside from these issues, the book is a really fun, quick read. The world building and explanations aren’t handed to you on a silver platter or explained in an overly redundant way which I appreciate as a reader personally, and enough action and good pacing to keep it going. I think it ultimately succeeds as a young adult novel with obvious heavy catering to the gaming crowd. Don’t expect any existential or allegorical meaning from it, just have fun.
P.S. surprised there was some spelling errors here and there in the book. Editor definitely wasn’t on the ball at some points. But this is an incredibly minute detail and wouldn’t bother paying attention to it, you can gloss it over.
February 23, 2019
So, I've been meaning to try Chris Fox's fiction for quite some time.
His non-fiction writing books are excellent and I know most of his readers rave about his stories.
The problem is, most of what he writes is science fiction, which I have very little interest in.
Which brings us to this series, which is solidly in the sphere of space fantasy. We have wizards, dragons, sentient magical items, the whole bit. It just happens to take place in space with magically powered guns and, so far as I can tell, magically powered ships.
So I was on board with this, if a bit skeptical. I'm sure it goes without saying that I went into this with pretty low expectations.
Okay, I have three major detractors that kept this from being a 5-star read.
1, significant portions of the dialogue are simply atrocious. Listening to it, I couldn't help thinking, really? Are you serious? Especially with the way the Dragons speak.
2, I just cannot suspend disbelief when I'm expected to swallow that a dragon can be a one-hit-wonder. I don't care how powerful the magic is, nothing short of a god (or a Dragonlance) should be able to kill a dragon in a single attack.
And 3, unless it's litRPG (which this book is not), then I just can't take you seriously when characters are referring to spells by level (as in, "normally he couldn't cast a third level spell"). Now, I admit that in the military the relative power of a weapon very well may be denoted by a "level" but in this context I just can't take it seriously.
All that aside, however, I love that the author didn't bombard me with huge swaths of Backstory (in fact, the two main characters have had their memories wiped, so it's a complete non-issue), that I wasn't overwhelmed with technical mumbo jumbo, and that it didn't take a third to half the book to get to the point.
The story hit the ground running on the first page of chapter one and kept the momentum going with great character development, great character moments, an interesting magic system, great suspense, awesome battle scenes, awesome mysteries, reveals, and twists, and a phenomenal plot!
I also very much enjoy that there was not a single info dump (okay, I suppose you might classify the prologue as an info dump, but it was very short and not at all distracting). All the information we are given comes across naturally and organically, and no aspect of the world (universe?) building ever took over the narrative.
Solid 4-stars. I'll definitely be continuing this series!
His non-fiction writing books are excellent and I know most of his readers rave about his stories.
The problem is, most of what he writes is science fiction, which I have very little interest in.
Which brings us to this series, which is solidly in the sphere of space fantasy. We have wizards, dragons, sentient magical items, the whole bit. It just happens to take place in space with magically powered guns and, so far as I can tell, magically powered ships.
So I was on board with this, if a bit skeptical. I'm sure it goes without saying that I went into this with pretty low expectations.
Okay, I have three major detractors that kept this from being a 5-star read.
1, significant portions of the dialogue are simply atrocious. Listening to it, I couldn't help thinking, really? Are you serious? Especially with the way the Dragons speak.
2, I just cannot suspend disbelief when I'm expected to swallow that a dragon can be a one-hit-wonder. I don't care how powerful the magic is, nothing short of a god (or a Dragonlance) should be able to kill a dragon in a single attack.
And 3, unless it's litRPG (which this book is not), then I just can't take you seriously when characters are referring to spells by level (as in, "normally he couldn't cast a third level spell"). Now, I admit that in the military the relative power of a weapon very well may be denoted by a "level" but in this context I just can't take it seriously.
All that aside, however, I love that the author didn't bombard me with huge swaths of Backstory (in fact, the two main characters have had their memories wiped, so it's a complete non-issue), that I wasn't overwhelmed with technical mumbo jumbo, and that it didn't take a third to half the book to get to the point.
The story hit the ground running on the first page of chapter one and kept the momentum going with great character development, great character moments, an interesting magic system, great suspense, awesome battle scenes, awesome mysteries, reveals, and twists, and a phenomenal plot!
I also very much enjoy that there was not a single info dump (okay, I suppose you might classify the prologue as an info dump, but it was very short and not at all distracting). All the information we are given comes across naturally and organically, and no aspect of the world (universe?) building ever took over the narrative.
Solid 4-stars. I'll definitely be continuing this series!
January 23, 2019
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the audio book in exchange for an honest review.
Magitek Chronicles is a space marine story set in a Space Fantasy world. It has the normal military science fiction tropes but with elements welded in from fantasy. This is critical to understanding just what you are in for.
Some franchises I’ve enjoyed that do similar things include Star Wars, RWBY, Final Fantasy and Babylon 5.
If the idea of a space marine shooting a rifle that flings level 3 Void spells or a space dragon fighting capital ships fills you with delight then you are in the right place. Buckle in an enjoy the ride.
From the moment you are dropped into the world with an amnesiac hero, the brisk action keeps up a break neck pace to a rousing conclusion that promises the action and plot will only continue to escalate in future sequels which I will be delighted to read.
The characterization is interesting because the main characters have no memory. We get hints of who they might have been and I look forward to learning more but they are sympathetic and likeable.
The tone balances levity with mind blowing magic sci fi action. The use of weapons, armor, ships, spells, potions etc gives it nearly a LitRPG feel but not in a distracting way.
The spectacle alone is enough to recommend the book. I hope the rest of the series continues to deliver on it’s large promise.
The narrator did an excellent job. His voice is clear, easy to understand and helps guide you along, even while pronouncing the names of strange demons, dragons and old gods. There is some minor cursing but the worst of it was heavily accented which was appreciated.
Magitek Chronicles is a space marine story set in a Space Fantasy world. It has the normal military science fiction tropes but with elements welded in from fantasy. This is critical to understanding just what you are in for.
Some franchises I’ve enjoyed that do similar things include Star Wars, RWBY, Final Fantasy and Babylon 5.
If the idea of a space marine shooting a rifle that flings level 3 Void spells or a space dragon fighting capital ships fills you with delight then you are in the right place. Buckle in an enjoy the ride.
From the moment you are dropped into the world with an amnesiac hero, the brisk action keeps up a break neck pace to a rousing conclusion that promises the action and plot will only continue to escalate in future sequels which I will be delighted to read.
The characterization is interesting because the main characters have no memory. We get hints of who they might have been and I look forward to learning more but they are sympathetic and likeable.
The tone balances levity with mind blowing magic sci fi action. The use of weapons, armor, ships, spells, potions etc gives it nearly a LitRPG feel but not in a distracting way.
The spectacle alone is enough to recommend the book. I hope the rest of the series continues to deliver on it’s large promise.
The narrator did an excellent job. His voice is clear, easy to understand and helps guide you along, even while pronouncing the names of strange demons, dragons and old gods. There is some minor cursing but the worst of it was heavily accented which was appreciated.
October 29, 2020
Aran awakes as a slave. He’s got no memory of who he was or how he got here. All he knows is that his masters want him to find something on a rock in deep space. What happens next is a slaughter. Most of the slaves die. They find what they’re looking for, but Aran gets something more: magic and a purpose beyond working for the slavers. Well, at least having a goal is better than sitting on his ass-teroids.
Aran trades one master for another. He’s rescued only to be conscripted into an army. At least these people appear to be fighting for the right reasons, but how can he be sure. And how desperate must they be to conscript random people and wipe their memories. It’s always been this way, at least it has been for as long as Aran can remember.
The Knox and their Void-Wyrm masters have a plan to take over the galaxy. Shaya’s resources are spread too thin. The planet Aran and his companions are sent to protect is far more important than anyone realizes. The stakes are the very highest. As the saying goes, beware of dragons for thou art crunchy and good with ketchup.
Chris Fox merges Sci-fi and Fantasy in this space borne action adventure. The characters have amazing depth and complex goals. The plot is well put together and has plenty of cliff hangers. It’s difficult to merge Sci-fi and Fantasy and do it well, but Chris Fox proves he’s more than up for the challenge. 5 out of 5 stars.
Aran trades one master for another. He’s rescued only to be conscripted into an army. At least these people appear to be fighting for the right reasons, but how can he be sure. And how desperate must they be to conscript random people and wipe their memories. It’s always been this way, at least it has been for as long as Aran can remember.
The Knox and their Void-Wyrm masters have a plan to take over the galaxy. Shaya’s resources are spread too thin. The planet Aran and his companions are sent to protect is far more important than anyone realizes. The stakes are the very highest. As the saying goes, beware of dragons for thou art crunchy and good with ketchup.
Chris Fox merges Sci-fi and Fantasy in this space borne action adventure. The characters have amazing depth and complex goals. The plot is well put together and has plenty of cliff hangers. It’s difficult to merge Sci-fi and Fantasy and do it well, but Chris Fox proves he’s more than up for the challenge. 5 out of 5 stars.
August 9, 2019
TLDL: Fun stories, word smithing could use more depth, read these Do Not Listen to them.
Chris Fox does a great job immersing you in a fun world. Space dragons, gods, Hi-Tech meets magic all together really fun. I am listening the the 4-book series because I bought them together. I have two major writing points and 1 for audio listeners to make.
1) The writing is fantastical, but the word choice seems to need an improvement. Anything of importance has spell ammended to the word. Spell pistol, spell rifle, spell armor spell sandwich....ok maybe not sandwich but you get the picture.
2) This is the first book in the series and after finishing it I still have little understanding of how magic actually works in this. Glyphs - check. Power from gods - check. Why certain mixes of the 8 powertypes provide certain outcomes - I'm lost.
3) audiobook only. The audiobook on audible is quite painful. Most voices are super similar with little actual emotion in the voice. Exclamations sound like conversations. Furthermore the choice of a Scottish (kind of) accent for the Drifter race seemed really weird. I can honestly say that I will only listen to three more books because I already paid. If I only had book 1 on audio I would buy the other three and read them and try my best to forget the voices tied to the characters after this audiobook.
Chris Fox does a great job immersing you in a fun world. Space dragons, gods, Hi-Tech meets magic all together really fun. I am listening the the 4-book series because I bought them together. I have two major writing points and 1 for audio listeners to make.
1) The writing is fantastical, but the word choice seems to need an improvement. Anything of importance has spell ammended to the word. Spell pistol, spell rifle, spell armor spell sandwich....ok maybe not sandwich but you get the picture.
2) This is the first book in the series and after finishing it I still have little understanding of how magic actually works in this. Glyphs - check. Power from gods - check. Why certain mixes of the 8 powertypes provide certain outcomes - I'm lost.
3) audiobook only. The audiobook on audible is quite painful. Most voices are super similar with little actual emotion in the voice. Exclamations sound like conversations. Furthermore the choice of a Scottish (kind of) accent for the Drifter race seemed really weird. I can honestly say that I will only listen to three more books because I already paid. If I only had book 1 on audio I would buy the other three and read them and try my best to forget the voices tied to the characters after this audiobook.
September 17, 2020
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The first entry of Chris Fox’s Magitech Chronicles series is a mix of science-fiction and fantasy, opening with a hunt of tech demons. One of the primary protagonists, Aran, is conscripted into the Confederate Marines as a “wipe,” a term used to describe those who have their memories wiped. Aran and his companion Nara endure training as Tech Mages, and face several battles that put their skills to the test, notably against space dragons known as Void Wyrms. A race known as the Krox also serve as antagonists, with Aran stuck between a rock and a hard place as to whether he wants to serve.
Most of the book involves Aran wrestling with the choices of abandoning his service and surviving, although doing so would open his galaxy to Krox conquest, and he’s forced to trust the very people who conscripted him. All in all, this was an okay book, although I didn’t find it particularly memorable, with the chapters being generally short and not having much action, although that does somewhat make it a quicker read than usual. I definitely appreciated the mix of science-fiction and fantasy akin to the Star Wars franchise, and am still interested in how this particular series will progress.
The first entry of Chris Fox’s Magitech Chronicles series is a mix of science-fiction and fantasy, opening with a hunt of tech demons. One of the primary protagonists, Aran, is conscripted into the Confederate Marines as a “wipe,” a term used to describe those who have their memories wiped. Aran and his companion Nara endure training as Tech Mages, and face several battles that put their skills to the test, notably against space dragons known as Void Wyrms. A race known as the Krox also serve as antagonists, with Aran stuck between a rock and a hard place as to whether he wants to serve.
Most of the book involves Aran wrestling with the choices of abandoning his service and surviving, although doing so would open his galaxy to Krox conquest, and he’s forced to trust the very people who conscripted him. All in all, this was an okay book, although I didn’t find it particularly memorable, with the chapters being generally short and not having much action, although that does somewhat make it a quicker read than usual. I definitely appreciated the mix of science-fiction and fantasy akin to the Star Wars franchise, and am still interested in how this particular series will progress.
June 16, 2018
Great Effort
Mr. Fox, a tip of the hat to you Sir. I've had trouble with the re-imagining of myths and legends that has set boundaries to our human hubris and daring. But now books and films depicts vampires as friends and lovers, dragons a pets and benign creatures who can be tamed. I am a firm believer that we should fear the night and that which thrives therein and there are powers in this universe that should scare us and humble us. In physics there is string theory that says we are surrounded by at least 7 dimensions we do not know how to access and personally I find it impossible to accept that these dimensions are empty and void.
Your book feels so right on so many levels. Is there chaos, destruction and death embodied in corporeal and non-corporeal beings? I believe the answer is yes. You have told a very good story that speaks to my primal fears and I will hold onto those fears as long as I live. I enjoyed your book like a primitive listening to cautionary tales around a fire. Keep up the good work.
Mr. Fox, a tip of the hat to you Sir. I've had trouble with the re-imagining of myths and legends that has set boundaries to our human hubris and daring. But now books and films depicts vampires as friends and lovers, dragons a pets and benign creatures who can be tamed. I am a firm believer that we should fear the night and that which thrives therein and there are powers in this universe that should scare us and humble us. In physics there is string theory that says we are surrounded by at least 7 dimensions we do not know how to access and personally I find it impossible to accept that these dimensions are empty and void.
Your book feels so right on so many levels. Is there chaos, destruction and death embodied in corporeal and non-corporeal beings? I believe the answer is yes. You have told a very good story that speaks to my primal fears and I will hold onto those fears as long as I live. I enjoyed your book like a primitive listening to cautionary tales around a fire. Keep up the good work.
May 28, 2020
My first audio book, and it was pretty good!
What I liked
I liked the action and the banter between characters. It felt like a popcorn movie, and I enjoyed it.
I found the world building interesting, with the Umbral Depths and gods being able to give magic to people. I have never read anything about magic in space before.
The pacing. It really ripped along and I was never bored or didn't know what was going on.
What I didn't like so much
Everything was called spell-something. Spell-ship. Spell-sword. Spell-rifle. Spell-pistol. Spell-armour. We get it.
I am not a fan of amnesia in stories, especially when it is used as a cop out so characters can explain to the reader what is happening. This did make sense in the end, and it started looking into how memory affects who we are as people, but this wasn't into enough depth that I would like.
I found that I still don't really understand any of the main characters much. They felt quite thin and generic.
It was a good first book in the series and I will be starting the next one when I go shopping or do the washing up.
What I liked
I liked the action and the banter between characters. It felt like a popcorn movie, and I enjoyed it.
I found the world building interesting, with the Umbral Depths and gods being able to give magic to people. I have never read anything about magic in space before.
The pacing. It really ripped along and I was never bored or didn't know what was going on.
What I didn't like so much
Everything was called spell-something. Spell-ship. Spell-sword. Spell-rifle. Spell-pistol. Spell-armour. We get it.
I am not a fan of amnesia in stories, especially when it is used as a cop out so characters can explain to the reader what is happening. This did make sense in the end, and it started looking into how memory affects who we are as people, but this wasn't into enough depth that I would like.
I found that I still don't really understand any of the main characters much. They felt quite thin and generic.
It was a good first book in the series and I will be starting the next one when I go shopping or do the washing up.
January 3, 2021
In my not so humble opinion, a book should grab you in the first chapter, preferably the first paragraph. This book did neither so I didn't get far.
Part of the reason for that is me; I'm a rationalist so, whilst I am happy to read stuff that is clearly fantasy, the universe has to make sense (be set in our universe or a rational extrapolation of it) or the author has to quickly explain the universe and its rules then stick to them. The other part was the cover art ... it looked like some kind of military science fiction but ... well ... isn't!
I suppose the explanations might have come had I given it longer but the author lost me (my interest) by the end of the first couple of pages which is a shame because it was promoted by one of my very favourite military science fiction authors, Jay Allan (another reason why I thought it might be mil-sci and potentially good).
However, the only thing I lost was time and I didn't actually hate it, just wasn't interested, so I'm allowing two stars.
Part of the reason for that is me; I'm a rationalist so, whilst I am happy to read stuff that is clearly fantasy, the universe has to make sense (be set in our universe or a rational extrapolation of it) or the author has to quickly explain the universe and its rules then stick to them. The other part was the cover art ... it looked like some kind of military science fiction but ... well ... isn't!
I suppose the explanations might have come had I given it longer but the author lost me (my interest) by the end of the first couple of pages which is a shame because it was promoted by one of my very favourite military science fiction authors, Jay Allan (another reason why I thought it might be mil-sci and potentially good).
However, the only thing I lost was time and I didn't actually hate it, just wasn't interested, so I'm allowing two stars.
February 23, 2024
Science-fiction and magic mix in this fascinating space drama. It’s got spaceships that cast counterspells, slightly sentient swords, and weapons that level up when exposed to wells of energy. There’s space battles and reanimated corpses and void wyrms hell bent on human’s destruction. I greatly enjoyed Chris Fox’s worldbuilding.
Mages gain access to eight different types of magics (fire, void, dream, air, life, water, spirit, earth) by visiting catalysts, powerful places that arise when gods die. The magic is mixed with technology that allows the mage to harness and control the forces of whatever magic type they are using. Hence the term, Tech Mage.
These magical tools are absolutely necessary against the void wyrms who are hell bent on human’s destruction. These things don’t go down easy, and it takes everything you’ve got when you battle against them. This book contains a lot of death, some amnesia, and even a tiny bit of trauma bonded family. At the end of it, I’m ready for the next book, and eager to see what else Fox has in store in terms of lore.
Mages gain access to eight different types of magics (fire, void, dream, air, life, water, spirit, earth) by visiting catalysts, powerful places that arise when gods die. The magic is mixed with technology that allows the mage to harness and control the forces of whatever magic type they are using. Hence the term, Tech Mage.
These magical tools are absolutely necessary against the void wyrms who are hell bent on human’s destruction. These things don’t go down easy, and it takes everything you’ve got when you battle against them. This book contains a lot of death, some amnesia, and even a tiny bit of trauma bonded family. At the end of it, I’m ready for the next book, and eager to see what else Fox has in store in terms of lore.
August 4, 2019
It's quite hard to categorize this book. There is space travel, dragon shapeshifters, Irish(?) Travellers(!) in space, techno-magic and what not. It had all the fun stuff from both fantasy and SciFi so I thought it would be bad.
I liked that the main character (as well as a few others) starts from a blank page, being "mind-wiped", not even knowing their names. Played right, it makes for a really good character-building later in the series. As for this book, the characters were quite shallow. You know all about them from the first description: The bad ones never better and the good ones will never fail in character.
It's quite clear that the author loves/loved Dungeons & Dragons or something similar. You have one magic-wielder, one fighter, a rogue, a healer etc etc, but that's ok. I like that!
I liked that the main character (as well as a few others) starts from a blank page, being "mind-wiped", not even knowing their names. Played right, it makes for a really good character-building later in the series. As for this book, the characters were quite shallow. You know all about them from the first description: The bad ones never better and the good ones will never fail in character.
It's quite clear that the author loves/loved Dungeons & Dragons or something similar. You have one magic-wielder, one fighter, a rogue, a healer etc etc, but that's ok. I like that!
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