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Fledgling God #1
Misfit Mage
He went searching for a fresh start. He didn’t expect to find unusual friends, fierce enemies, and primal powers.
Jason thought that it was the end of his life after being hunted and attacked by a band of ruthless thugs. Instead, he tapped into the source of creation and emerged from his Death Experience with magical powers.
As a new mage, Jason finds himself part of a wonderful - and dangerous - new supernatural world. He also finds himself in the middle of a mage war as he becomes part of an unlikely group of protectors who are defending a mystical mansion from those who want to destroy it.
Jason has little power, and the band of misfits are on the losing side, until he discovers he can see and manipulate magic at a remarkable level. What he detects begins his journey into discovering how his new powers really work, and just might be the edge that they need to survive.
If you like witty dialogue, diverse characters, magic that feels real, and intense action, then you will love this LGBTQ urban fantasy. Buy Misfit Mage today and step into a new enchanted world.
Jason thought that it was the end of his life after being hunted and attacked by a band of ruthless thugs. Instead, he tapped into the source of creation and emerged from his Death Experience with magical powers.
As a new mage, Jason finds himself part of a wonderful - and dangerous - new supernatural world. He also finds himself in the middle of a mage war as he becomes part of an unlikely group of protectors who are defending a mystical mansion from those who want to destroy it.
Jason has little power, and the band of misfits are on the losing side, until he discovers he can see and manipulate magic at a remarkable level. What he detects begins his journey into discovering how his new powers really work, and just might be the edge that they need to survive.
If you like witty dialogue, diverse characters, magic that feels real, and intense action, then you will love this LGBTQ urban fantasy. Buy Misfit Mage today and step into a new enchanted world.
339 pages, ebook
First published April 26, 2019
1112 people are currently reading
1496 people want to read
About the author
Michael Taggart
9 books193 followersNOT the author of any books on debts, finance, law or medicine!
My first career was a gunslinger.
At 10 years old I learned everything I needed to know from Louis L'Amour and after rigorous practice in front of my bedroom mirror, I was ready to take on the bad guys. Later, I became a spy after reading some Tom Clancy - and infiltrated the kitchen and the living room and learned all the secrets available from living in a small trailer.
I finally found my true calling when I became a White Wizard and saved Middle Earth. Gandalf took me on as his apprentice and we had many adventures together. I rubbed elbows with Harry Dresden and the Iron Druid, but I always wanted to make my own world.
Finally, Jason, a down on his luck poker player with mage potential showed up, and together we create a whole new supernatural world based in Louisville Kentucky. Now I have the best job of all. I tell stories about the plucky band of adventurers and the strange and wonderful house they inhabit.
It’s a good life and a fun times!
My first career was a gunslinger.
At 10 years old I learned everything I needed to know from Louis L'Amour and after rigorous practice in front of my bedroom mirror, I was ready to take on the bad guys. Later, I became a spy after reading some Tom Clancy - and infiltrated the kitchen and the living room and learned all the secrets available from living in a small trailer.
I finally found my true calling when I became a White Wizard and saved Middle Earth. Gandalf took me on as his apprentice and we had many adventures together. I rubbed elbows with Harry Dresden and the Iron Druid, but I always wanted to make my own world.
Finally, Jason, a down on his luck poker player with mage potential showed up, and together we create a whole new supernatural world based in Louisville Kentucky. Now I have the best job of all. I tell stories about the plucky band of adventurers and the strange and wonderful house they inhabit.
It’s a good life and a fun times!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
January 28, 2020
Me:
Oh, wow! I loved the premise and in-depth world building in this story, with its unique take on contemporary magical fantasy.
Also me:
*GAH!* OMMF GOD. Please, make it stop!
Spheres and matrixes and magical healing dust-bunnies.
Yes, you're giving me detail, but fuuuuuuck. This is *all* the detail, page after page after page after page after page after page, and I'm losing my will to fucking live!
Bottom line, there was a LOT to like in this story; however, a good editor could've lopped AT LEAST a hundred pages of description off of the reported 339 pages, which I honestly feel would have made the story more entertaining and easier to digest.
I'm rating this book at 4 *inconcise* stars and look forward to the next book in the series, while also hoping that the next editor brings an industrial-strength machete for the edits.
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August 19, 2019
Rating: 3.4 out of 5
I wanted to like this book so much! I am a complete sucker for the Undiscovered Hero trope (aka "Yer a wizard, Harry!") and that's definitely in play here. The world it is set in is interesting, the characters engaging and funny, and the plot is a fun one. So why didn't it wow me?
The problem here is entirely in the writing. The author spends way, way too much time telling, not showing. As an example: early on, the main character is injured and must spend an extended time recovering. Days pass and many conversations are had with the supporting characters, and yet in all of that this is not a word of dialogue. Instead, it's "X talked to Y about [topic] and learned [thing]."
And then there's the world-building. I strongly believe that if an author is going to have magic (or politics, or complicated relationships) then this should all be laid out on paper ahead of time so that when the author writes the story they have a reference to keep things consistent. The issue here is that several entire chapters are spent describing the specific mechanics of magic performed by the main character. This complexly derails the plot and removes any sense of urgency for the reader. Now, I want to say that what is described is interesting, and if I was reading a book about how to construct a theoretical system of magic that is coherent and believable, this would be great! But that's not what the reader is here for. Instead it's page after page of exposition and painfully detailed descriptions.
I think of it this way: A good approach for something like this would be the blind men and the elephant, where the reader learns small parts of the cohesive whole as the story progresses, and maybe pieces it all together by the end of the story (or series). Instead, this book has a detailed description of every square centimeter of the elephant.
Even after all of this, though, I would be willing to check out a sequel, because I really do like the characters and setting. I can only hope that the writing is whittled down a bit so that the plot is in the forefront and the minute details are perhaps less explicitly described.
A final note: this is definitely not a m/m romance book. As others have noted it falls more under queer urban fantasy (which I enjoy as well!).
I wanted to like this book so much! I am a complete sucker for the Undiscovered Hero trope (aka "Yer a wizard, Harry!") and that's definitely in play here. The world it is set in is interesting, the characters engaging and funny, and the plot is a fun one. So why didn't it wow me?
The problem here is entirely in the writing. The author spends way, way too much time telling, not showing. As an example: early on, the main character is injured and must spend an extended time recovering. Days pass and many conversations are had with the supporting characters, and yet in all of that this is not a word of dialogue. Instead, it's "X talked to Y about [topic] and learned [thing]."
And then there's the world-building. I strongly believe that if an author is going to have magic (or politics, or complicated relationships) then this should all be laid out on paper ahead of time so that when the author writes the story they have a reference to keep things consistent. The issue here is that several entire chapters are spent describing the specific mechanics of magic performed by the main character. This complexly derails the plot and removes any sense of urgency for the reader. Now, I want to say that what is described is interesting, and if I was reading a book about how to construct a theoretical system of magic that is coherent and believable, this would be great! But that's not what the reader is here for. Instead it's page after page of exposition and painfully detailed descriptions.
I think of it this way: A good approach for something like this would be the blind men and the elephant, where the reader learns small parts of the cohesive whole as the story progresses, and maybe pieces it all together by the end of the story (or series). Instead, this book has a detailed description of every square centimeter of the elephant.
Even after all of this, though, I would be willing to check out a sequel, because I really do like the characters and setting. I can only hope that the writing is whittled down a bit so that the plot is in the forefront and the minute details are perhaps less explicitly described.
A final note: this is definitely not a m/m romance book. As others have noted it falls more under queer urban fantasy (which I enjoy as well!).
June 13, 2019
Wonderful
This is a new author for me and I loved this book. I read it in one setting and enjoyed it so much. My only gripe is the next book is not out yet. I hate waiting. I also returned it and then bought it. I am not giving up this book. It is mine!
This is a new author for me and I loved this book. I read it in one setting and enjoyed it so much. My only gripe is the next book is not out yet. I hate waiting. I also returned it and then bought it. I am not giving up this book. It is mine!
November 22, 2019
Intriguing!
This is a really intriguing look at magic. Very descriptive and easily understandable.
I’d like some more world building & maybe some history but I loved all the characters & looking forward to more in the series.
Needs a bit of heat & sizzle though...
This is a really intriguing look at magic. Very descriptive and easily understandable.
I’d like some more world building & maybe some history but I loved all the characters & looking forward to more in the series.
Needs a bit of heat & sizzle though...
July 26, 2019
I might have been sucked in by the 5 star reviews and the cover art - but this didn't really cut it for me as an urban fantasy. The VAST amount of word space spent in delineating / explaining how magical power works by allegorical comparison with science and nature did not draw me into the plot. The action fight sequences with baddies were good but then the momentum drops as the MC kept getting seriously injured and had to painfully recover from drastic wounds. As I was fast-forwarding entire sections, I couldn't help thinking the book was being pitched at a tweenager audience.
March 8, 2021
If your very talented high school freshman were to write a book this would be a good first draft. I liked the characters well enough but the incredibly naive and clumsy handling of exposition and language was more than I could bear. The over compensation and padding of the book by adding unnecessary boring details made me finally give up and delete volume 2.
June 11, 2019
A decent beginning of the series. The writing style wasn’t consistent but I liked the characters & it has potential.
August 23, 2019
Just wow!!
That was... AMAZING!!!!! So, I usually only read romance books, but this one looked really interesting and I like a good book about magic! This one kept me up until 3am reading! I LOVED the incredible detail about Jason's magic and how he used it. It was so unique and I just couldn't stop reading!! I enjoyed the dynamics between Jason and his housemates and I can't wait to read the next book!
That was... AMAZING!!!!! So, I usually only read romance books, but this one looked really interesting and I like a good book about magic! This one kept me up until 3am reading! I LOVED the incredible detail about Jason's magic and how he used it. It was so unique and I just couldn't stop reading!! I enjoyed the dynamics between Jason and his housemates and I can't wait to read the next book!
May 14, 2022
I honestly didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did but I drawn in from the very first sentence. I love the world that Michael created and I love how in-depth he went with explaining their magic and how it related to the characters. I love how fun it was and the action was pretty great as well. I finished it in one sitting and now I can’t wait for book 2! Such an awesome read
June 18, 2019
A great series starter
I knew that I was going to enjoy this when the very first paragraph had me laughing out loud and was right. This was a fun, funny read with an amazing cast of characters and I can't wait to see what happens next.
I knew that I was going to enjoy this when the very first paragraph had me laughing out loud and was right. This was a fun, funny read with an amazing cast of characters and I can't wait to see what happens next.
November 28, 2019
It was different and I liked it. Wasn’t sure what to expect. I saw the title, the series name and then skimmed through to see troll and incubus. That was enough. The first few lines I thought it was a comedy but bloody hell are there rough parts. It was enjoyable had witty moments and plenty of violence.
I liked all the characters and what they mean to one another. The magic style is different, a little complex at points but I liked the imagination thing. The explanations did feel a little dragged out towards the end.
The ending itself was abrupt with questions left, right and centre. I have no idea what’s going to happen next but I’m looking forward to it.
I liked all the characters and what they mean to one another. The magic style is different, a little complex at points but I liked the imagination thing. The explanations did feel a little dragged out towards the end.
The ending itself was abrupt with questions left, right and centre. I have no idea what’s going to happen next but I’m looking forward to it.
June 29, 2019
This was Fantastic!
This book checked all my happy boxes. Urban fantasy? Check! Complex gay protagonist? Check! Smart, funny and creative plot with a new take on the genre? Check! Warm and fuzzy moments that just make you smile? Check!
I can't wait to find out what happens next in this series. I hope the author's creative juices are flowing freely, and we won't have to wait for long.
This book checked all my happy boxes. Urban fantasy? Check! Complex gay protagonist? Check! Smart, funny and creative plot with a new take on the genre? Check! Warm and fuzzy moments that just make you smile? Check!
I can't wait to find out what happens next in this series. I hope the author's creative juices are flowing freely, and we won't have to wait for long.
May 8, 2022
The concept of the story and the characters are 4 stars and more, what brought it "down" for me where the excessively long and detailed explanations about everything. They went from interesting to "too much" often.
I will probably try the others in the series though.
I will probably try the others in the series though.
September 27, 2023
Okay. Urban fantasy. Told from the pov of the "misfit mage" Jason, who happens to be an opinionated out young gay man. The world he lives in is Modern America, with people of all colours, backgrounds, genders and sexualities.
I'm really enjoying Jason, the other characters, the plot and the world building.
I have a real predilection for "problem solver" stories. Examples that spring immediately to mind are The Martian, The Delphi science fiction series, and this series. Where much of the story is detail about the MCs are solving an immediate problem such as "how do I feed myself for the next year on mars?" or "I have just found a whole bunch of fantastic alien technology - what do I do?" or "I need to design a magic force field...?"
Once I finished book 1, I immediately jumped into book 3.
ETA: promptly roared through books 3 and 4, as well, back to back. None of these books are short. I'm very pleased at this author's ability to plot thoroughly and well. I'm looking forward to book 5. Where is it?
ETA reread with enjoyment so upped to 5 stars.
I'm really enjoying Jason, the other characters, the plot and the world building.
I have a real predilection for "problem solver" stories. Examples that spring immediately to mind are The Martian, The Delphi science fiction series, and this series. Where much of the story is detail about the MCs are solving an immediate problem such as "how do I feed myself for the next year on mars?" or "I have just found a whole bunch of fantastic alien technology - what do I do?" or "I need to design a magic force field...?"
Once I finished book 1, I immediately jumped into book 3.
ETA: promptly roared through books 3 and 4, as well, back to back. None of these books are short. I'm very pleased at this author's ability to plot thoroughly and well. I'm looking forward to book 5. Where is it?
ETA reread with enjoyment so upped to 5 stars.
July 2, 2020
OMG!!!OMG!!!OMG!!!......I loved this book. I was just sucked right in and it was hard to put this book down. I picked up this book through Kindle Unlimited but loved it so much that before I was even half finished I purchased a copy so I will always have it. I will be reading this one again. It was so funny. Well written with kick ass characters. I am going to be dying waiting until the next book comes out. Awesome. Mr. Taggart is going on my must have favorite author list. Sept 2019.....Second read through....Loved it just as much the second time. Can't wait to see what comes next......1/21/20.... Everytime I read this book it just gets better. I can not wait for the next one.....7/1/20...Awesome again. I am so looking forward to the next story.
June 2, 2019
Solid fantasy world, MC and other characters are well rounded personalities!
I first picked this up under KU but after reading this story I had to purchase the book. If you’re looking for hot sex and a quick story you’ll be disappointed. If you’re looking for characters and a storyline that will keep you glued to a book you’re in the right place. Jason, the MC, is neither weak nor extraordinarily strong physically but he is a person who has learned to survive despite being tossed on his own at a young age. Now he has to learn that there’s more in this world than he thought. Great characters and good solid storyline, loved it! Can’t wait for the next one!
I first picked this up under KU but after reading this story I had to purchase the book. If you’re looking for hot sex and a quick story you’ll be disappointed. If you’re looking for characters and a storyline that will keep you glued to a book you’re in the right place. Jason, the MC, is neither weak nor extraordinarily strong physically but he is a person who has learned to survive despite being tossed on his own at a young age. Now he has to learn that there’s more in this world than he thought. Great characters and good solid storyline, loved it! Can’t wait for the next one!
December 30, 2024
I enjoyed the heck out of this. I went back and forth between 4 and 5 stars, and finally decided on 5, based mostly on the fact that I kept going out of my way to fire the audiobook back up, often at times when I really should have been doing other things.
Fun, interesting Urban Fantasy with a gay protagonist but no real romance. It was a leeeetle bit draggy in some places, but, mostly, watching Jason learn magic was entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next (since there are a lot of threads still dangling) but I see that there's no audiobook available for book 2 yet. I'll have to see if I want to wait, or dive into the ebook, instead.
Fun, interesting Urban Fantasy with a gay protagonist but no real romance. It was a leeeetle bit draggy in some places, but, mostly, watching Jason learn magic was entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next (since there are a lot of threads still dangling) but I see that there's no audiobook available for book 2 yet. I'll have to see if I want to wait, or dive into the ebook, instead.
April 25, 2020
I couldn't put this amazing book down!
The first person format allowed me, a stage actor, to BE Jason.
In fact, I saw, felt, experienced every situation, every emotion, every character hed.
The "he said" and "she said" disappeared and I was them.
I heard their distinct and individual "voices" in my head and I "lived" this book
I especially loved Jason's scenes of rebuilding his body.
Thank you, Michael. I eagerly await Book 2.
May you and yours stay safe and be well.
Jim Nugent, a NYC actor living in Hell's Kitchen.
The first person format allowed me, a stage actor, to BE Jason.
In fact, I saw, felt, experienced every situation, every emotion, every character hed.
The "he said" and "she said" disappeared and I was them.
I heard their distinct and individual "voices" in my head and I "lived" this book
I especially loved Jason's scenes of rebuilding his body.
Thank you, Michael. I eagerly await Book 2.
May you and yours stay safe and be well.
Jim Nugent, a NYC actor living in Hell's Kitchen.
June 25, 2019
Great start!!
So this book was so so good. I can’t wait to see how Jason grows over time. He’s got such an interesting perspective I really like it. I will say it’s a bit of a slow burn though, so there are parts which seem kind of slow. That being said the overall story and the characters all make up for any minor slow sections. I would really like to see this turned into an audiobook though. I think that would be amazing.
So this book was so so good. I can’t wait to see how Jason grows over time. He’s got such an interesting perspective I really like it. I will say it’s a bit of a slow burn though, so there are parts which seem kind of slow. That being said the overall story and the characters all make up for any minor slow sections. I would really like to see this turned into an audiobook though. I think that would be amazing.
January 14, 2024
I can’t believe I hadn’t read this series yet!
This is my favorite type of book series so it’s shocking that I hadn’t read it yet. But hey, on the bright side, now I have something awesome to read.
This book made me laugh a lot but it also made me cry. Jason was such a relatable character for me. Also, did I mention the book was hilarious? Jason’s magic was so damned cool. I’m really looking forward to the next book!
This is my favorite type of book series so it’s shocking that I hadn’t read it yet. But hey, on the bright side, now I have something awesome to read.
This book made me laugh a lot but it also made me cry. Jason was such a relatable character for me. Also, did I mention the book was hilarious? Jason’s magic was so damned cool. I’m really looking forward to the next book!
December 28, 2019
A fun read. I enjoyed learning about the magic system along with the main character. All the characters were very engaging and their relationships and interactions were enjoyable to read about. I won this through a GR giveaway.
August 3, 2019
Amazing! I can’t wait for the next book. Bermuda Moses and Jason <3
March 6, 2020
If you're looking for a tale with an ingenious magic concept and engaging characters imbedded in a interesting although more drafted than in-depth created world full of witches, trolls, incubus and fierce kitten living in a mystical house then you don't have to look further, just start reading but if you need romance mixed into the story, wouldn't mind a bit of smexy times on page and get easily distracted if said magical concept is loosing itself in nerdy details then this book might not be on top of your reading shelf.
I loved Jason and his way with magic by creating tiny detailed cartoon characters, his interaction with the other people in the house but a lot of times when his magic wasn't about his minions it got tiresome and I found myself skipping entire paragraphs to get things going again. Surely I lost some information that way and didn't get the feelings I always look for in this kind of story. At the end I got the impression of a long introduction of a series I like to follow – just please put the focus on romance, adventure and world-building, there's no need for more magic details (but keep the minions and if necessary your view on Excalibur) if not this 3 star rating might be a bit generous in hindsight.
I loved Jason and his way with magic by creating tiny detailed cartoon characters, his interaction with the other people in the house but a lot of times when his magic wasn't about his minions it got tiresome and I found myself skipping entire paragraphs to get things going again. Surely I lost some information that way and didn't get the feelings I always look for in this kind of story. At the end I got the impression of a long introduction of a series I like to follow – just please put the focus on romance, adventure and world-building, there's no need for more magic details (but keep the minions and if necessary your view on Excalibur) if not this 3 star rating might be a bit generous in hindsight.
April 14, 2021
This was a surprise winner for me. I'd normally bypass a story with LGBTQ tags, as they are so often romances... not my thing. While Jason is gay, the story is not primarily about his love life. It's an urban fantasy with one of the most interesting magic systems I've come across. The scene where Jason is building his internal power was so good. There's obviously so much more detail to dive into in future books.
The bad guys are a little faceless for my taste. Why are there so many of them? Is their method of power acquisition so much easier than the Home crowd? I'm looking forward to finding out. Also, I'm not sure if the concept of a sapient home is an homage to Ilona Andrews Innkeeper Chronicals or is parallel thinking. I like it either way.
The driving force behind the story is Jason. He's such a likable guy... the sort of person that apologizes to furniture if he bumps it. His quirky creations are wonderful - just another thing I want more of.
The bad guys are a little faceless for my taste. Why are there so many of them? Is their method of power acquisition so much easier than the Home crowd? I'm looking forward to finding out. Also, I'm not sure if the concept of a sapient home is an homage to Ilona Andrews Innkeeper Chronicals or is parallel thinking. I like it either way.
The driving force behind the story is Jason. He's such a likable guy... the sort of person that apologizes to furniture if he bumps it. His quirky creations are wonderful - just another thing I want more of.
July 16, 2019
Ok readers... I really enjoyed 95% of this book. My issue.... while the world building was really cool, there were parts that seemed like lecturing vs. story-telling. And because I love me some smexy times, I was really sad there wasn't much from the romance front. I hope the incubus can pull his weight next time.
By the way, this story is by a new author and I hope he continues writing because I would love to see more of this world. Please, please, please don't take three years. I really can't wait that long!
Happy Reading Lynz
By the way, this story is by a new author and I hope he continues writing because I would love to see more of this world. Please, please, please don't take three years. I really can't wait that long!
Happy Reading Lynz
January 9, 2020
A good start to a fascinating world
I found this book to be a very fun an and easy read. I feel like each of the characters were wonderfully introduced and I enjoyed getting to know them. I can't wait to read what happens next. I'm officially hooked on this series.
I found this book to be a very fun an and easy read. I feel like each of the characters were wonderfully introduced and I enjoyed getting to know them. I can't wait to read what happens next. I'm officially hooked on this series.
April 1, 2020
Good book
This a pretty good book. I am not much for modern fantasy but the world this author built is really freaking cool
This a pretty good book. I am not much for modern fantasy but the world this author built is really freaking cool
April 23, 2020
Wonderful beginning of a series
I loved this book! It’s well written and has an exciting plot. It is also one of the few fantasy novels I’ve read where the main character is gay without hijacking the entire story. I’m eager to read the he next book in the series. (And check out Michael’s picture in the author page-woof!)
I loved this book! It’s well written and has an exciting plot. It is also one of the few fantasy novels I’ve read where the main character is gay without hijacking the entire story. I’m eager to read the he next book in the series. (And check out Michael’s picture in the author page-woof!)
April 19, 2020
Fantastic!!
This was awesome!! I want more please!! I really like the world building and story set up. This should be an amazing series!!
This was awesome!! I want more please!! I really like the world building and story set up. This should be an amazing series!!
September 28, 2020
Rating =
3.5 rounded down It was good with the potential to be very good, if it wasn't for some parts that dragged like reading a technical manual.
Blurb = (Scale 1-5)
2 - The blurb, to me, implied a sarcastic Scooby Gang / Buffyverse type of read. I felt blindsided by a few atypical graphically detailed scenes that were extremely violent or technically dry. More to come later.
My Genre Scale = (Scale 1-5)
4
Odds if not your genre = (Scale 1-5)
²
Development of: = (Scale 1-5)
*World = 5 - but almost too detailed; i feel for some it will border on info dumping if bit surpass. I mostly liked all these details.
*Plot = 3 it feels really bogged down by extraordinarily long scenes of little movement.
*Characters (scratch below the surface?) = 3.5
What stood out =
John and his magic plus Penny
Mood Type / Appeal to those looking for = Very detailed, no romance, magical scooby gang protecting their home and each other.
Warnings =
Extremely long, very graphic torture scene that bordered on gratuitous.
Series Notes = 1st
*Reading on? Not sure
*Reading back to back? N/A
*Can be easily read without the previous? N/A
Rating Notes =
Pages and pages of ball & matrix making interrupted by a little excitement then back to more pages and pages of technical info of him basically condensing his magic. Enough typos and editing issues that I was thrown out of the story multiple times. This dampened my engagement and enjoyment significantly. I loved the concept. Liked the characters. They're was definite closure with enough left open to fuel another book.
**************
Below are my explanations or thoughts on reviewing!
***************
1.Obviously no one review can take into account all the various personal pet peeves of readers. But, I do try to take into account the common ones often bemoaned by other reviewers
2. If used in this review, the term Brain candy is not necessarily negative. It has its uses and at times it is my preference when I just want to pass some time; so it does not carry a negative connotation for me - unless I'm expecting the next great novel. (What falls under brain candy? The book is meant for pure entertainment to pass time. It may be formulaic, from an author published quickly like monthly, things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc.. Publishing industries version of pop music. Beach type reads etc... ).
3. Blurb rating purpose:
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another type. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read one. I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages; but the total number of books is usually much higher. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2020) was a 3.72 average for 1390 books. Which considering, you should be better at picking out books the more you read, I feel is a accurate average. I have over 700 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
3.5 rounded down It was good with the potential to be very good, if it wasn't for some parts that dragged like reading a technical manual.
Blurb = (Scale 1-5)
2 - The blurb, to me, implied a sarcastic Scooby Gang / Buffyverse type of read. I felt blindsided by a few atypical graphically detailed scenes that were extremely violent or technically dry. More to come later.
My Genre Scale = (Scale 1-5)
4
Odds if not your genre = (Scale 1-5)
²
Development of: = (Scale 1-5)
*World = 5 - but almost too detailed; i feel for some it will border on info dumping if bit surpass. I mostly liked all these details.
*Plot = 3 it feels really bogged down by extraordinarily long scenes of little movement.
*Characters (scratch below the surface?) = 3.5
What stood out =
John and his magic plus Penny
Mood Type / Appeal to those looking for = Very detailed, no romance, magical scooby gang protecting their home and each other.
Warnings =
Extremely long, very graphic torture scene that bordered on gratuitous.
Series Notes = 1st
*Reading on? Not sure
*Reading back to back? N/A
*Can be easily read without the previous? N/A
Rating Notes =
Pages and pages of ball & matrix making interrupted by a little excitement then back to more pages and pages of technical info of him basically condensing his magic. Enough typos and editing issues that I was thrown out of the story multiple times. This dampened my engagement and enjoyment significantly. I loved the concept. Liked the characters. They're was definite closure with enough left open to fuel another book.
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Below are my explanations or thoughts on reviewing!
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1.Obviously no one review can take into account all the various personal pet peeves of readers. But, I do try to take into account the common ones often bemoaned by other reviewers
2. If used in this review, the term Brain candy is not necessarily negative. It has its uses and at times it is my preference when I just want to pass some time; so it does not carry a negative connotation for me - unless I'm expecting the next great novel. (What falls under brain candy? The book is meant for pure entertainment to pass time. It may be formulaic, from an author published quickly like monthly, things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc.. Publishing industries version of pop music. Beach type reads etc... ).
3. Blurb rating purpose:
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another type. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read one. I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages; but the total number of books is usually much higher. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2020) was a 3.72 average for 1390 books. Which considering, you should be better at picking out books the more you read, I feel is a accurate average. I have over 700 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.
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