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The Lightning Mage #1
The Lightning Mage
Jonathan Thunder has finally reached the age of education when all citizens born with magical talent have to go to the Tower of Magic to refine their gift. Although one of the few mages the kingdom of Kirby has, Jonathan is not expecting to be welcomed with open arms for two reasons. The first is that he is a commoner, the majority of mages are nobles and believe commoners should not have access to such power. The second is that commoner mages are normally weak and Jonathan is one of the strongest mages the kingdom of Kirby has ever seen and has a spell no noble mage can match. Join Jonathan as he proves to everyone while they are better off avoiding instead of making an enemy of The Lightning Mage.
119 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2019
About the author
Whiskey Flowers
79 books77 followersI know a bunch of you have been asking exactly you the heck I am. First off, my name is Whiskey Flowers, I was active duty army and now I am a proud member of the New Mexico National Guard. In my day job, I am a corrections officer, I watch the best and brightest Albuquerque has to offer and make little money doing it. I am originally from Oakland, California, home of dumbasses and knuckleheads everywhere where I attempted to become their leader until the army put me on a different path. As many of you have pointed out, I never got my high school diploma, I am a GED student but I make it look good. If any of you are ever in New Mexico and want a drinking partner, I got you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 19, 2019
Petty nobles being petty for 100 pages
I was about 20% in when I noticed this formula wasn't going to change, so I dropped it. Having nothing better to do, I came back and skimmed a little. It does get a little better, but only marginally. It goes from petty nobles to teen angst. Some of the angry dialogues were quite funny, so +1 star for that. One particular quote I liked was this one, where his parents tell the main character about the nobles:
This author seems to have a particular dislike for commas, which is a shame.
I was about 20% in when I noticed this formula wasn't going to change, so I dropped it. Having nothing better to do, I came back and skimmed a little. It does get a little better, but only marginally. It goes from petty nobles to teen angst. Some of the angry dialogues were quite funny, so +1 star for that. One particular quote I liked was this one, where his parents tell the main character about the nobles:
I hate dealing with these people. It's the reason your mother and I want you to become one of their numberYep, I am sure your son joining the nobility will help you better avoid nobles.
This author seems to have a particular dislike for commas, which is a shame.
January 29, 2020
Poorly written and dull
If one is going to start a book with dialogue, it should be well written. Unfortunately there is not one line of dialogue in this book that sounds remotely natural. In addition, the opening chapter is a nonsensical info-dump of things the MC should already know in a fashion more fitting a child learning about the birds and the bees. Characters are dull and flat, naming conventions are silly and the developed culture doesn't make sense. The writer probably should have gotten some honest beta readers to tell him this was painfully boring to read.
If one is going to start a book with dialogue, it should be well written. Unfortunately there is not one line of dialogue in this book that sounds remotely natural. In addition, the opening chapter is a nonsensical info-dump of things the MC should already know in a fashion more fitting a child learning about the birds and the bees. Characters are dull and flat, naming conventions are silly and the developed culture doesn't make sense. The writer probably should have gotten some honest beta readers to tell him this was painfully boring to read.
May 10, 2019
Squabbles and angst for the sake of their being squabbles. I got about 2/3 the way through until I dropped it because I realised that is just read the same thing for an hour and a half. Nice idea, poorly excecuted.
July 17, 2019
Not bad but far from good
So there were things that I did not like about this book but let me start with what I did. The story showed promise and the structure of the writing was pretty good so it was not painful in that way. What I did not like was the characters that had no depth, the royal had no depth to them and were not remotely believable and what should have been the last half the book was done in 20 pages. I was going for something more and it just never got there.
So there were things that I did not like about this book but let me start with what I did. The story showed promise and the structure of the writing was pretty good so it was not painful in that way. What I did not like was the characters that had no depth, the royal had no depth to them and were not remotely believable and what should have been the last half the book was done in 20 pages. I was going for something more and it just never got there.
June 28, 2019
The Lightning Mage
A wonderful coming of age story of magic and prejudice. I enjoyed the characters and loved watching Jonathan grow into himself and become more then he ever thought possible.
A wonderful coming of age story of magic and prejudice. I enjoyed the characters and loved watching Jonathan grow into himself and become more then he ever thought possible.
June 3, 2019
Waste of time
A simplistic idea poorly executed. Characters behaving in unbelievable tropes. Story arc that has insufficient setup. This book is poorly written.
A simplistic idea poorly executed. Characters behaving in unbelievable tropes. Story arc that has insufficient setup. This book is poorly written.
July 15, 2020
3.5 We Are Proud Stock Stars
The Lighting Mage is the first novel in the series of the same title by Whiskey Flowers.
Real quick; what kind of name is Whiskey Flowers? I’m kind of jealous to the point I hope it’s a pseudonym. It sounds like some badass crime-fighting assassin or something of the same ilk.
The writing. It’s honestly not the worst I’ve come across. It didn’t make me cringe from overwhelming corny or juvenile prose. But the run-on sentences, and less eloquent nature of it sourced the story somewhat. It sounded like a second hand retelling, all rushed and lacking finesse.
I do love Jonathan, though. He’s definitely rough around the edges. Lacking the upbringing of the many noble mages surrounding him. But I love how he was raised, the honor he displays in every aspect of life. Well, maybe not when he’s talking about bedding your sister or your mother taking it up the ass. He’s got a foul-mouth and quick temper when you insult those he respects or cares for. He doesn’t stand for bullying or cowardly behavior.
I wish the magic had been explained better, more in depth. The general world building is such an interesting concept. It could use some work. With this being such a more intriguing and enjoyable read to what I’ve read recently I may be giving it higher marks than it deserves.
The Lighting Mage is the first novel in the series of the same title by Whiskey Flowers.
Real quick; what kind of name is Whiskey Flowers? I’m kind of jealous to the point I hope it’s a pseudonym. It sounds like some badass crime-fighting assassin or something of the same ilk.
The writing. It’s honestly not the worst I’ve come across. It didn’t make me cringe from overwhelming corny or juvenile prose. But the run-on sentences, and less eloquent nature of it sourced the story somewhat. It sounded like a second hand retelling, all rushed and lacking finesse.
I do love Jonathan, though. He’s definitely rough around the edges. Lacking the upbringing of the many noble mages surrounding him. But I love how he was raised, the honor he displays in every aspect of life. Well, maybe not when he’s talking about bedding your sister or your mother taking it up the ass. He’s got a foul-mouth and quick temper when you insult those he respects or cares for. He doesn’t stand for bullying or cowardly behavior.
I wish the magic had been explained better, more in depth. The general world building is such an interesting concept. It could use some work. With this being such a more intriguing and enjoyable read to what I’ve read recently I may be giving it higher marks than it deserves.
October 24, 2020
Worthy
First off, this is a prequel series covering the backstory of a single character. I did not know this until I finished the book, and I'm going to wait until I know this characters story before getting into the main storyline because I enjoyed it so much.
There's a lot of establishing characters in this book, without a lot of character progression. This isn't really a bad thing as this is the first Arc of a characters first journey so there's a lot to set up.
The storyline is a little choppy, nice solid intro then it starts jumping over bits of time when it feels like some more world building could be done or bits the characters reflect on that aren't portrayed directly. Overall I'd call them missed opportunities, possibly points where previously established lore from earlier published books could of fit in neatly, I certainly enjoyed the latter chapters from the points of view of other characters and think they could of been used better by adding some into the earlier portions of the book.
First off, this is a prequel series covering the backstory of a single character. I did not know this until I finished the book, and I'm going to wait until I know this characters story before getting into the main storyline because I enjoyed it so much.
There's a lot of establishing characters in this book, without a lot of character progression. This isn't really a bad thing as this is the first Arc of a characters first journey so there's a lot to set up.
The storyline is a little choppy, nice solid intro then it starts jumping over bits of time when it feels like some more world building could be done or bits the characters reflect on that aren't portrayed directly. Overall I'd call them missed opportunities, possibly points where previously established lore from earlier published books could of fit in neatly, I certainly enjoyed the latter chapters from the points of view of other characters and think they could of been used better by adding some into the earlier portions of the book.
Read
March 22, 2021I bounced off of this real hard. I'll try this again later, but here are my thoughts as of first attempt:
Endless exposition. There is so much "tell, don't show" through the first 20 pages that I had to put it down. We aren't even told what the characters look like before they're explaining their family history. In-depth.
Jonathan, our main character, seems to think purely to provide even more exposition. He thinks about how shitty nobility is to his family. He thinks about how his parents are just the best thing since sliced bread. He thinks about spell theory purely for the reader's benefit. He doesn't ever seem to think as a person, just as something to spout lore at us.
The world is ripe for a good mage class struggle, which I like, but it genuinely seems like Jonathan has almost no personality. I'll come back to this later and see if it gets better, but I'm just going to put this down for now.
Endless exposition. There is so much "tell, don't show" through the first 20 pages that I had to put it down. We aren't even told what the characters look like before they're explaining their family history. In-depth.
Jonathan, our main character, seems to think purely to provide even more exposition. He thinks about how shitty nobility is to his family. He thinks about how his parents are just the best thing since sliced bread. He thinks about spell theory purely for the reader's benefit. He doesn't ever seem to think as a person, just as something to spout lore at us.
The world is ripe for a good mage class struggle, which I like, but it genuinely seems like Jonathan has almost no personality. I'll come back to this later and see if it gets better, but I'm just going to put this down for now.
November 12, 2019
It's functionally fine. Everyone in the story - even the MC but who can blame him - is an ass or worse. The world isn't built well and we just get a jerk-ass kingdom where the schism between royalty and commoners is exacerbated with the existence of magic.
Nothing is nuanced. Everything is obvious. I don't want to root for anyone because I want everyone to be beaten up like Red. I expected a revolution or the royalty's head on a pike for the level of elitist bigotry going on, but a conveniently distracting war and series of deaths detract from me caring about the world setting.
The series is fine. Nothing special - feels like a "fight your bullies" afterschool writing assignment where the beats are foreshadowed.
Nothing is nuanced. Everything is obvious. I don't want to root for anyone because I want everyone to be beaten up like Red. I expected a revolution or the royalty's head on a pike for the level of elitist bigotry going on, but a conveniently distracting war and series of deaths detract from me caring about the world setting.
The series is fine. Nothing special - feels like a "fight your bullies" afterschool writing assignment where the beats are foreshadowed.
May 23, 2020
Punches above its weight
This book is what happens when a mediocre writer tells a good story.
The book is almost entirely dialogue. That keeps the story flowing at tearing pace, so caricarization, setting and description are an afterthought at best. On top of that, even the dialogue is often anachronistic and flat.
But you know what? The story caught me. I was hooked by the idea of an angry young man with the power to burn down most anything that gets in his way.
This isn't a good book, but it is a good story. 4/5, not sure I'd read it again, but I'm happy I read it.
This book is what happens when a mediocre writer tells a good story.
The book is almost entirely dialogue. That keeps the story flowing at tearing pace, so caricarization, setting and description are an afterthought at best. On top of that, even the dialogue is often anachronistic and flat.
But you know what? The story caught me. I was hooked by the idea of an angry young man with the power to burn down most anything that gets in his way.
This isn't a good book, but it is a good story. 4/5, not sure I'd read it again, but I'm happy I read it.
October 1, 2020
Needs work, but good start
It’s surprisingly short but still a decent read. World building is good and characters, while not completely well written, are emotionally driven and not motives by the awful ‘because it’s the right thing to do’. The problem with this book is that it is in fact, short. There are a lot of parts where it would have been so much better if there was more detail and explanation into the characters actions and the cause-and-effect of their relationships. I wanted there to be a little bit more, shall we say, texture into the ins and outs of this, but overall it was a fun read.
It’s surprisingly short but still a decent read. World building is good and characters, while not completely well written, are emotionally driven and not motives by the awful ‘because it’s the right thing to do’. The problem with this book is that it is in fact, short. There are a lot of parts where it would have been so much better if there was more detail and explanation into the characters actions and the cause-and-effect of their relationships. I wanted there to be a little bit more, shall we say, texture into the ins and outs of this, but overall it was a fun read.
February 10, 2021
I like the idea behind the story. That is probably the only good thing I can say about this book. The writing is atrocious. Absolutely terrible. The dialogue has to be the most unnatural I have ever seen. Worse than your average trash TV dialogue.
It‘s really sad because the story was kind of interesting and kept me engaged so I managed to read through the first book (really it’s a short story with slightly more than 100 pages).
When the second book started every single sentence for a full page with Jonathan (I‘m not kidding). I couldn’t take it anymore though.
So if you don’t mind absolutely child like writing and fancy a quick in between read this might be for you. Otherwise: Stay away!
It‘s really sad because the story was kind of interesting and kept me engaged so I managed to read through the first book (really it’s a short story with slightly more than 100 pages).
When the second book started every single sentence for a full page with Jonathan (I‘m not kidding). I couldn’t take it anymore though.
So if you don’t mind absolutely child like writing and fancy a quick in between read this might be for you. Otherwise: Stay away!
September 23, 2020
Difficult to finish
Characters are very one dimensional. Nobles are all jerks, and commoners are great. Main character is treated badly, but the rules or random people in power conveniently keep him from being hurt too badly. There is no growth or development, except one noble girl who might kinda like commoners now for no reason (and it is obvious that this will happen because it is convenient).
Plot is bland and predictable. Deaths are telegraphed and have little impact because the characters are one dimensional.
Pro: It’s short
Characters are very one dimensional. Nobles are all jerks, and commoners are great. Main character is treated badly, but the rules or random people in power conveniently keep him from being hurt too badly. There is no growth or development, except one noble girl who might kinda like commoners now for no reason (and it is obvious that this will happen because it is convenient).
Plot is bland and predictable. Deaths are telegraphed and have little impact because the characters are one dimensional.
Pro: It’s short
July 9, 2021
Horrible grammar
The structure of the story, the grammar, and the characters are sub-par at best. Its sounds like a middle schooler wrote this, and only gets a little better as it goes on. The only reframing quality of the book is the premise and plot of the book. I think that if the author focused more on what actually happened in the tower, and actually knew how to write then this could have been a decent book. Instead it was a pain to get through, and if book 2 isn't better, then I won't be reading much more of this.
The structure of the story, the grammar, and the characters are sub-par at best. Its sounds like a middle schooler wrote this, and only gets a little better as it goes on. The only reframing quality of the book is the premise and plot of the book. I think that if the author focused more on what actually happened in the tower, and actually knew how to write then this could have been a decent book. Instead it was a pain to get through, and if book 2 isn't better, then I won't be reading much more of this.
November 10, 2021
Great book!
I'll start with the few problems with this book/ novela. The biggest issue was the mix of writing styles of modern American English and English language. Speaking with multiple dialects in the dialogue makes for poor grammar and disrupts the flow of the reader. That said the editing was awful, again making me pause often to make sure I understood the plot. All that aside, I love this simple story. I was engaged and really loved the MC as well as the supporting cast. It read fast and fun and the world, story and plot were great! I wish it had been longer! The was a great story that it's flaw's in the writing was easy to overlook!
Look forward to next book in the series!
I'll start with the few problems with this book/ novela. The biggest issue was the mix of writing styles of modern American English and English language. Speaking with multiple dialects in the dialogue makes for poor grammar and disrupts the flow of the reader. That said the editing was awful, again making me pause often to make sure I understood the plot. All that aside, I love this simple story. I was engaged and really loved the MC as well as the supporting cast. It read fast and fun and the world, story and plot were great! I wish it had been longer! The was a great story that it's flaw's in the writing was easy to overlook!
Look forward to next book in the series!
April 13, 2023
MC is a commoner in a world where mostly nobles can do magic. but he fights in the academy for his place.
The conflict between commoners and nobles are soo big that it feels a bit artificial. Somehow the world does not feel "real". And i wonder why they coped with the sassy MC.
In the beginning the writing wasn't very good - the dialogues could have been a bit better refined but later on the story reads really well.
The scenes were good to read and i really enjoyed reading the book.
The conflict between commoners and nobles are soo big that it feels a bit artificial. Somehow the world does not feel "real". And i wonder why they coped with the sassy MC.
In the beginning the writing wasn't very good - the dialogues could have been a bit better refined but later on the story reads really well.
The scenes were good to read and i really enjoyed reading the book.
June 1, 2019
Read an have some fun.
Will I for one bought this book an enjoyed ever but if it. An ready to go read next book in line. I do dislike bullys. I love reading Whiskey and he is a off the wall writer an makes me laugh with his story's an just his own comments.Thanks it was a fun read. I've read Night Mage few years back. I read so much I didn't know there was Dragon Mage. Great writing keep up the good work.
Will I for one bought this book an enjoyed ever but if it. An ready to go read next book in line. I do dislike bullys. I love reading Whiskey and he is a off the wall writer an makes me laugh with his story's an just his own comments.Thanks it was a fun read. I've read Night Mage few years back. I read so much I didn't know there was Dragon Mage. Great writing keep up the good work.
July 30, 2019
Great read
Believable story line with all the touches. Poor standing up to rich; common standing up to nobility; gifted standing up for those not so gifted. I couldn't put the book down, devoured it in one sitting and found myself cheering for a champion who is human, gifted, normal in many ways yet head and shoulders above the most powerful. Really looking forward to book 2!!
Believable story line with all the touches. Poor standing up to rich; common standing up to nobility; gifted standing up for those not so gifted. I couldn't put the book down, devoured it in one sitting and found myself cheering for a champion who is human, gifted, normal in many ways yet head and shoulders above the most powerful. Really looking forward to book 2!!
June 26, 2020
Fun read but poor writing
Writing 5/10
Story 9/10
The ideas behind the story were fun
But everything felt rushed. A lot of the details of the world were just told to use via run on dialogue and outright descriptions. There was no discovering for yourself the world. It's basically being told to you with no nuance.
Overall it was enjoyable but the author definitely has some room to grow.
Writing 5/10
Story 9/10
The ideas behind the story were fun
But everything felt rushed. A lot of the details of the world were just told to use via run on dialogue and outright descriptions. There was no discovering for yourself the world. It's basically being told to you with no nuance.
Overall it was enjoyable but the author definitely has some room to grow.
October 31, 2020
A Good Read
I finished this book and really enjoyed it. Now this says a lot because if I'm reading and I get bored I will put the book down and look for another doesn't madder if its the first chapter or two chapters left in the book. The author wrote a good story with good characters and the right amount of action and what more could you want in a book. I give the book a thumbs up.
I finished this book and really enjoyed it. Now this says a lot because if I'm reading and I get bored I will put the book down and look for another doesn't madder if its the first chapter or two chapters left in the book. The author wrote a good story with good characters and the right amount of action and what more could you want in a book. I give the book a thumbs up.
November 25, 2020
Inconsistent and poorly written. BTW, is the main character's name Jonathon or John? Seems to change from time to time.
I read the whole thing, I was out of WiFi range and couldn't dump it. The lack of commas almost makes the story unreadable. The character changes from wanting to keep his head down, not be noticed, to suddenly, mouthing off to the nobles and purposely picking fights, challenging everyone in sight.
A yawner the whole way.
I read the whole thing, I was out of WiFi range and couldn't dump it. The lack of commas almost makes the story unreadable. The character changes from wanting to keep his head down, not be noticed, to suddenly, mouthing off to the nobles and purposely picking fights, challenging everyone in sight.
A yawner the whole way.
May 28, 2019
So so.
The author has a good story line but the constant barrage of elitist against commoner got very old. The reader gets it...nobles bad...commoner good. Struggle consistent. I like the building of the main character. He acts like a 16 year old, thinks like one...etc.
Hopefully the next in the series will improve a bit. Good effort.
The author has a good story line but the constant barrage of elitist against commoner got very old. The reader gets it...nobles bad...commoner good. Struggle consistent. I like the building of the main character. He acts like a 16 year old, thinks like one...etc.
Hopefully the next in the series will improve a bit. Good effort.
October 17, 2020
Easy Read, poor dialog between characters but great concept
I gave it a 3 star rating as the book was enjoyable. The themes and flow are uplifting. The dialog between characters was lacking in depth or reasoning. Their conversations were very repetitive. I'd like to read the other books in the series.
I gave it a 3 star rating as the book was enjoyable. The themes and flow are uplifting. The dialog between characters was lacking in depth or reasoning. Their conversations were very repetitive. I'd like to read the other books in the series.
February 24, 2021
Wow that’s bad
People do not talk like that. Certainly not between parents and child. Which was the second problem: remembering which male name was the father and which was the MC.
The whole first chapter was awful to read. Stiff, emotionless...telling and not showing. I was more confused after reading it.
Pass.
DNF
People do not talk like that. Certainly not between parents and child. Which was the second problem: remembering which male name was the father and which was the MC.
The whole first chapter was awful to read. Stiff, emotionless...telling and not showing. I was more confused after reading it.
Pass.
DNF
March 25, 2019
Lightning mage
Not a lot I can say about it really except to say it is up to the standards of his other books. I keep waiting for one to become boring like so many other authors but they don’t so what more can I say. GREAT
Not a lot I can say about it really except to say it is up to the standards of his other books. I keep waiting for one to become boring like so many other authors but they don’t so what more can I say. GREAT
April 8, 2019
Another Great Book
This book is another great read. The storyline his interesting and entertaining. The characters are well written and enjoyable. Hope the author will write the sequel for it.☺
This book is another great read. The storyline his interesting and entertaining. The characters are well written and enjoyable. Hope the author will write the sequel for it.☺
April 15, 2019
Good Read
Jonathan is the son of two powerful commoner mages. As such, he develops into one of the most powerful mages in the Kingdom. I like the action, humor, and overcoming obstacles of prejudice. I look forward to another book.
Jonathan is the son of two powerful commoner mages. As such, he develops into one of the most powerful mages in the Kingdom. I like the action, humor, and overcoming obstacles of prejudice. I look forward to another book.
May 30, 2019
Great read!!!!
This book was bought because i didn’t have anything other to read. This book held my attention from the first to let page. I can’t wait until the next one comes out. Highly recommended
This book was bought because i didn’t have anything other to read. This book held my attention from the first to let page. I can’t wait until the next one comes out. Highly recommended
July 14, 2019
A good story
This was a very good and well thought out story. The characters all had a good amount of thought put into their creation. I will need to read the other books that have been written.
This was a very good and well thought out story. The characters all had a good amount of thought put into their creation. I will need to read the other books that have been written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews