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Metal Mage #2
Metal Mage 2
If you thought having magic and guns were cool while everyone else has swords, imagine having robots. 5 - Build a battle robot. 6 - Kill the bandits terrorizing the land. 7 - Find out just how grateful the princess really is.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2019
636 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Eric Vall
353 books690 followersThanks for reading!
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Buy my audiobooks directly from me at:
www.ericvall.com
Read and listen to early chapters, see NSFW covers, and subscribe to my discounted audiobook bundle at:
www.patreon.com/ericvall
https://www.facebook.com/authorericvall
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
February 9, 2019
I genuinely have no idea why this book has so many good reviews. It's in a completely different league than the first one but not in a positive way. This book, frankly, made no sense. The world building is bare bones, the numbers don't add up and the story and solutions were horrid. The grammar was decent though. So two stars for that!
Let's start with the world building. It's basically nonexistent. The author seems to have no grasp on numbers, units etc. He's the poster child for the trope of writings having no sense of scale. The story takes place mostly in Cedis, the second Kingdom our hero visits. Cedis is, paper thin in a way. It's a one-dimensional facade.
It's a kingdom with several cities, towns, and villages. Yet it somehow has a grand total of about 80 soldiers. All of whom stay around exclusively in the capital. There's no civil guard, no night watch, not even a militia in most towns. They also seem to lack any kind of organization or authority whatsoever. The only two functionaries we ever meet are the royal guard captain and the king. All of this makes frankly zero sense.
Next, we run into more "number" problems. The entire royal treasure has a handful of copper coins and about two to three bars of iron. Apparently, there's also no blacksmiths or any such thing in the entire city. Since our heroes are required to visit the kingdoms mine, yes the kingdom has a grand total of ONE mine. A single mine, for an entire kingdom. So we now know that nobody here seems to use money, there's no economy, no traders, nothing whatsoever.
Our upgrade to the guns used in the last book, which our MC tells princess Balmier are not the solution for her problems. Is about the worst "Golem/Robot" I've seen in a long time. Pretty much the entire book is about making "Big Guy" because somehow guns can't solve the problem they primarily solve in the end anyway.
Let's ignore for a moment how a single golem can't do a damn thing unless the bandits all meet up in one place and decide to attack it. In which case guns would be just as effective, if not more so. The golem he ends up making is more of a liability than a boon.
Our MC is a metal/terra mage who wields guns. He can throw up walls, shoot with high accuracy, kill with stone spikes etc. Since the Golem is more of a magical drone, he's effectively taken out of combat while piloting it.
That the Golem itself is pretty much a joke once one thinks about it just makes the situation even weirder. It's an iron golem, which means pistol shots should blast it apart. If you don't believe it, google some impact of guns and hand fire weapons on steel plates, who are far superior to iron. It also doesn't have a gun, it comes with a sword and a crossbow. Why a crossbow? I've got no idea whatsoever. Apparently, we're downgrading here.
So the entire story is about creating a single subpar magical drone, that uses up most of the magic and attention of the MC. Who himself would be more efficient than "Big Guy" himself. All to end up in a confrontation that frankly didn't need him and could've easily been fought with guns and magic.
Why? Because the bandits, who really should've been called rebels more than anything. Conveniently all come to take over the capital. Because the entire royal guard was caught unaware and sleeping. So now the MC has to take the capital back.
Nothing here makes sense. Not the population numbers, the lack of any kind of organized government and government presence in most places, the resources available, the soldiers the kingdom fields, the golem, nothing.
Let's start with the world building. It's basically nonexistent. The author seems to have no grasp on numbers, units etc. He's the poster child for the trope of writings having no sense of scale. The story takes place mostly in Cedis, the second Kingdom our hero visits. Cedis is, paper thin in a way. It's a one-dimensional facade.
It's a kingdom with several cities, towns, and villages. Yet it somehow has a grand total of about 80 soldiers. All of whom stay around exclusively in the capital. There's no civil guard, no night watch, not even a militia in most towns. They also seem to lack any kind of organization or authority whatsoever. The only two functionaries we ever meet are the royal guard captain and the king. All of this makes frankly zero sense.
Next, we run into more "number" problems. The entire royal treasure has a handful of copper coins and about two to three bars of iron. Apparently, there's also no blacksmiths or any such thing in the entire city. Since our heroes are required to visit the kingdoms mine, yes the kingdom has a grand total of ONE mine. A single mine, for an entire kingdom. So we now know that nobody here seems to use money, there's no economy, no traders, nothing whatsoever.
Our upgrade to the guns used in the last book, which our MC tells princess Balmier are not the solution for her problems. Is about the worst "Golem/Robot" I've seen in a long time. Pretty much the entire book is about making "Big Guy" because somehow guns can't solve the problem they primarily solve in the end anyway.
Let's ignore for a moment how a single golem can't do a damn thing unless the bandits all meet up in one place and decide to attack it. In which case guns would be just as effective, if not more so. The golem he ends up making is more of a liability than a boon.
Our MC is a metal/terra mage who wields guns. He can throw up walls, shoot with high accuracy, kill with stone spikes etc. Since the Golem is more of a magical drone, he's effectively taken out of combat while piloting it.
That the Golem itself is pretty much a joke once one thinks about it just makes the situation even weirder. It's an iron golem, which means pistol shots should blast it apart. If you don't believe it, google some impact of guns and hand fire weapons on steel plates, who are far superior to iron. It also doesn't have a gun, it comes with a sword and a crossbow. Why a crossbow? I've got no idea whatsoever. Apparently, we're downgrading here.
So the entire story is about creating a single subpar magical drone, that uses up most of the magic and attention of the MC. Who himself would be more efficient than "Big Guy" himself. All to end up in a confrontation that frankly didn't need him and could've easily been fought with guns and magic.
Why? Because the bandits, who really should've been called rebels more than anything. Conveniently all come to take over the capital. Because the entire royal guard was caught unaware and sleeping. So now the MC has to take the capital back.
Nothing here makes sense. Not the population numbers, the lack of any kind of organized government and government presence in most places, the resources available, the soldiers the kingdom fields, the golem, nothing.
April 2, 2019
Ok so I finished this and I regret not finishing earlier it was amazing. The MC is getting even stronger and the girls are awesome as their personality is even overshadowing the MC's... The plot thickens too, the "master" is showing that he is scary powerful as he makes things happen from afar.
October 1, 2019
The robot he builds is one of the dumber things I've read about.
Some explanation for why Mason is a ridiculously good shot is required.
As are the logistics of gunpowder/primer production.
And, it seems like some of the writers (Eric Vall is obviously multiple people) know what a single-action pistol is, but others do not.
November 1, 2023
I really hope he finds a way to fire his gun without needing gunpowder.
Isn't the reason a bike "growls", the exhaust and engine burning fuel? If you have a heat exchange engine that gets its' energy (fuel) from an external source, i.e. the fire mage..... Doesn't that mean there is no need for burning gas (growling)? The only sound is supposed to be the wheels on the ground, and the chain / piston / whatever is used to transfer the movement in the engine to the wheels?
How in God's name is a sealed system growling like an internal combustion engine? This can't be corrected in the future, as it is part of the plot (people hearing them approach before seeing them).
The "bad guys" are so cliched, and spill everything like a Saturday cartoon villain. Also, how did the King not once mention or asked why or if the protagonist was bonking his daughter?
It still gets me that the bike "growls". I see on future covers that the protagonist has a car. I wonder if that will growl too.
I guess I will find out as I plan to read the sequel.
2.5/5 Stars
Isn't the reason a bike "growls", the exhaust and engine burning fuel? If you have a heat exchange engine that gets its' energy (fuel) from an external source, i.e. the fire mage..... Doesn't that mean there is no need for burning gas (growling)? The only sound is supposed to be the wheels on the ground, and the chain / piston / whatever is used to transfer the movement in the engine to the wheels?
How in God's name is a sealed system growling like an internal combustion engine? This can't be corrected in the future, as it is part of the plot (people hearing them approach before seeing them).
The "bad guys" are so cliched, and spill everything like a Saturday cartoon villain. Also, how did the King not once mention or asked why or if the protagonist was bonking his daughter?
It still gets me that the bike "growls". I see on future covers that the protagonist has a car. I wonder if that will growl too.
I guess I will find out as I plan to read the sequel.
2.5/5 Stars
May 28, 2019
Big Guy
Wow! Here we go again! Mason, Aurora and Cayla set out to save Cedis from monsters and bandits. The bandits seem to be the big problem with the monsters a no show. Mason decides that he needs to build an animatron (his name for a warrior robot). So, after killing a few baddies and making himself known to the king, Cayla’s father, he, the girls and Stan go looking for a mine for more ores. It amazes me that on this world so many ores are found in the same mines! However, anything to make the story work. It’s still good fun and I recommend it to anyone who likes sword and sorcery fantasy.
Wow! Here we go again! Mason, Aurora and Cayla set out to save Cedis from monsters and bandits. The bandits seem to be the big problem with the monsters a no show. Mason decides that he needs to build an animatron (his name for a warrior robot). So, after killing a few baddies and making himself known to the king, Cayla’s father, he, the girls and Stan go looking for a mine for more ores. It amazes me that on this world so many ores are found in the same mines! However, anything to make the story work. It’s still good fun and I recommend it to anyone who likes sword and sorcery fantasy.
December 3, 2019
Dumb....
With such an awesome premis. You kinda tanked this story. First off the world feels very empty. Why in the hells does no one help the mc. Only he can do anything worth mentioning. Second, so you have OP magic powers instead of using your imagination to do extraordinary things. You spend a whole book making guns. Ok fine. So book two. You make a crippled failed robot. WTF! A robot really. I get your going for golem but man oh man did you fall flat. I finished your book. But I feel like I wasted my time. Book one at least. I could follow but this was garbage.
With such an awesome premis. You kinda tanked this story. First off the world feels very empty. Why in the hells does no one help the mc. Only he can do anything worth mentioning. Second, so you have OP magic powers instead of using your imagination to do extraordinary things. You spend a whole book making guns. Ok fine. So book two. You make a crippled failed robot. WTF! A robot really. I get your going for golem but man oh man did you fall flat. I finished your book. But I feel like I wasted my time. Book one at least. I could follow but this was garbage.
February 10, 2019
Another excellent read by Eric Vall
I am enjoying the series, although some of the work Mason does seems more about him learning new skill than just getting the job of defeating the bad guys done. I’m sure that without Big Guy he still could have defeated the bandits with his guns and a shield of earth or metal. Whatever, it was still a fun story to read, and up there with Summoner and Succubus Lord as my favourites from Mr Vall.
I am enjoying the series, although some of the work Mason does seems more about him learning new skill than just getting the job of defeating the bad guys done. I’m sure that without Big Guy he still could have defeated the bandits with his guns and a shield of earth or metal. Whatever, it was still a fun story to read, and up there with Summoner and Succubus Lord as my favourites from Mr Vall.
February 14, 2019
Fun read
These are fun books. I like the progression but the pacing was a little slower in the book. That was offset by the MC learning much more about his magic. Not many new characters in this one however there was progression towards the larger goal. The MASTER....
I enjoy this slow contemplative progression and like the inevitable new discoveries. Looking forward to number 3
These are fun books. I like the progression but the pacing was a little slower in the book. That was offset by the MC learning much more about his magic. Not many new characters in this one however there was progression towards the larger goal. The MASTER....
I enjoy this slow contemplative progression and like the inevitable new discoveries. Looking forward to number 3
March 22, 2019
Very well written and the story line makes you want the next book in the series
As I said a very well written and the story line makes you want the next book in the series. This is one of the best series I've had the pleasure of reading in a while and the lives of people with power's that he also finds in himself as the next book in the series I'm sure you can find it in your heart to save everyone and himself in the series
As I said a very well written and the story line makes you want the next book in the series. This is one of the best series I've had the pleasure of reading in a while and the lives of people with power's that he also finds in himself as the next book in the series I'm sure you can find it in your heart to save everyone and himself in the series
February 22, 2019
Delightful
This is a fun series with zero complexity and zero complaints: as straightforward as riding your Harley to a great burger joint for lunch, and with a similar feel. A fast-paced action fantasy adventure with a good dose of harem, the characters are thin but not paper thin, and the action and invention is just plain fun. Grab book one first. Recommended.
This is a fun series with zero complexity and zero complaints: as straightforward as riding your Harley to a great burger joint for lunch, and with a similar feel. A fast-paced action fantasy adventure with a good dose of harem, the characters are thin but not paper thin, and the action and invention is just plain fun. Grab book one first. Recommended.
July 3, 2019
Great 2nd Book
Like that the second book picks up right where the first ends and the author doesn't spend a lot of time "catching" you up. He gets right on with the story. Will he interesting to see where the author takes the MC and his group. Very much looking forward to the next book.
Like that the second book picks up right where the first ends and the author doesn't spend a lot of time "catching" you up. He gets right on with the story. Will he interesting to see where the author takes the MC and his group. Very much looking forward to the next book.
May 24, 2020
Fun Read
Mason and his beautiful companions, a mage and a Princess, set out to save the Princess's kingdom from bandits. After wiping out bandits and protecting towns on the way to the Capital, Mason creates weapons for the Royal Guard. I like the action, humor, and romance. Reactions and awe after seeing what Mason can do are fun. I look forward to the next book.
Mason and his beautiful companions, a mage and a Princess, set out to save the Princess's kingdom from bandits. After wiping out bandits and protecting towns on the way to the Capital, Mason creates weapons for the Royal Guard. I like the action, humor, and romance. Reactions and awe after seeing what Mason can do are fun. I look forward to the next book.
February 1, 2019
Please Sir May we have Some more.
Wow was this ever a fun read. The plot continues to thicken and develop. The MC is fun to read and Stan is a great sidekick. His ladies are interesting and important to the story. Overall I loved this book.
Wow was this ever a fun read. The plot continues to thicken and develop. The MC is fun to read and Stan is a great sidekick. His ladies are interesting and important to the story. Overall I loved this book.
February 12, 2019
Good book
Nice easy read. Good pacing and flow, not repetative or stuffed with filler. The sex is explicit but confined to easily flipped passed sections. The story is good and believable.
Nice easy read. Good pacing and flow, not repetative or stuffed with filler. The sex is explicit but confined to easily flipped passed sections. The story is good and believable.
March 21, 2019
Junk
This book is nothing more than on outline. There is no plot this reminds me of the crap story lines from 80 cartoons that were really toy advertisements. So it probably appealing to 12 year old boys.
This book is nothing more than on outline. There is no plot this reminds me of the crap story lines from 80 cartoons that were really toy advertisements. So it probably appealing to 12 year old boys.
April 10, 2019
Really fun read
A really good sequel. A lot of authors will lose what made their first book in the series so enjoyable, when they come out with a sequel. This book keeps all the fun discovery of a new system of magic while allowing the MC to continue to grow in power. 9/10
A really good sequel. A lot of authors will lose what made their first book in the series so enjoyable, when they come out with a sequel. This book keeps all the fun discovery of a new system of magic while allowing the MC to continue to grow in power. 9/10
June 3, 2019
3.5 to 3.75 but I will round up to 4 stars as I am a sucker for these type of books and this one is done pretty good. This books are not for everyone but I like them and I like this series so far. Fun likable characters and a decent story/plot. I will for sure continue with it.
February 26, 2020
Good Read.
The story continues. The plot continues to expand. The story does harem elements and adult situations. I enjoyed the story and reading straight through the available books (currently book #10).
The story continues. The plot continues to expand. The story does harem elements and adult situations. I enjoyed the story and reading straight through the available books (currently book #10).
March 28, 2020
Could Have Been A Five.
In fact it would have been a five if it had been better proof read. Mistakes such as were made makes a story difficult for me to really enjoy. Still the overall story is outstanding and the characters are beyond compare.
In fact it would have been a five if it had been better proof read. Mistakes such as were made makes a story difficult for me to really enjoy. Still the overall story is outstanding and the characters are beyond compare.
July 28, 2020
Dip in quality
I hope the dip in quality of this book isn’t indicative of what the future ones hold.
The MC comes up with stupid ideas, blacks out, puts ppl in danger, plot armor saves the day from stupidity. Yay!
I hope the dip in quality of this book isn’t indicative of what the future ones hold.
The MC comes up with stupid ideas, blacks out, puts ppl in danger, plot armor saves the day from stupidity. Yay!
January 29, 2019
Great book
I love this book, it is a little slow in the beginning but it picks up and just delivers.
There is a good balance in the amount of fighting and the story line.
I love this book, it is a little slow in the beginning but it picks up and just delivers.
There is a good balance in the amount of fighting and the story line.
January 31, 2019
Great book
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this book to anyone
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this book to anyone
February 2, 2019
this is shaping up to be a fun book series I hope theres plenty more to come
February 2, 2019
Awesome
Even better than the first book. The characters are just great and the they enter act with one another, just makes the book. It’s a great book that I highly recommend.
Even better than the first book. The characters are just great and the they enter act with one another, just makes the book. It’s a great book that I highly recommend.
February 6, 2019
Continued good reading
Mr. Vail does not disappoint, he has a great premise and continues to flesh out the characters. Looking forward to the next book
Mr. Vail does not disappoint, he has a great premise and continues to flesh out the characters. Looking forward to the next book
February 15, 2019
Cool concept run into the ground far too quickly
The idea that a mage could have a special ability allowing him to manipulate metal as well as earth was cool and interesting for awhile.
Within a span of a few days he went from making knives and swords too... guns, OK. Then he magically made a motorcycle that worked the first time he tried it.
Now he's making sentient or at least autonomous metal creatures. Just seems that there were a lot of interesting cool steps skipped by too quickly.
Aurora and Cayla are definitely more interesting then Mason the workaholic.
Wonder where things could possibly go next.
The idea that a mage could have a special ability allowing him to manipulate metal as well as earth was cool and interesting for awhile.
Within a span of a few days he went from making knives and swords too... guns, OK. Then he magically made a motorcycle that worked the first time he tried it.
Now he's making sentient or at least autonomous metal creatures. Just seems that there were a lot of interesting cool steps skipped by too quickly.
Aurora and Cayla are definitely more interesting then Mason the workaholic.
Wonder where things could possibly go next.
February 11, 2019
Great
Guns magic and sex, definitely not in that order. The development of a automation, fighting a robber horde all in a day's for for the medal mage.
Guns magic and sex, definitely not in that order. The development of a automation, fighting a robber horde all in a day's for for the medal mage.
February 15, 2019
Good book
Another great book of this series. Can't wait for the next to come out. Great author and I'll definitely be reading more from him
Another great book of this series. Can't wait for the next to come out. Great author and I'll definitely be reading more from him
February 19, 2019
Could not stop reading
Just as good as the first book. Once I started reading I just could not put the book down as the action continued.
Just as good as the first book. Once I started reading I just could not put the book down as the action continued.
February 21, 2019
Really enjoyed
I really enjoyed reading these books, and I hope that the author writes a couple more pretty quickly. Great work!
I really enjoyed reading these books, and I hope that the author writes a couple more pretty quickly. Great work!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews