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Mephisto's Magic Online #1
Mageblood
A dazzling world of wonder and power. Gifts from the game gods for every person. The perfect magic for every user.
Seth, a popular streamer, can’t wait to see what this new world has in store. It’s sure to be a blast for a guy who always plays a caster, and his friends are going to be right in the thick of it with him! The game boasts algorithms designed to read biometrics and brain patterns to find the perfect magical fit for the user—magic so personalized that no two casters will ever be the same. In fact, the game company is so sure they will always be right that you can’t remake your character.
The unthinkable happened. The safeties and the guarantees failed, not just once but apparently only to them. The company has informed them that the system is infallible: there is nothing they will do. Players must use what they are given, so Seth and his team have no other choice—they need to grind it out and evolve their gifts in time to stream.
Loading… Welcome to Mephisto’s Magic Online!
Seth, a popular streamer, can’t wait to see what this new world has in store. It’s sure to be a blast for a guy who always plays a caster, and his friends are going to be right in the thick of it with him! The game boasts algorithms designed to read biometrics and brain patterns to find the perfect magical fit for the user—magic so personalized that no two casters will ever be the same. In fact, the game company is so sure they will always be right that you can’t remake your character.
The unthinkable happened. The safeties and the guarantees failed, not just once but apparently only to them. The company has informed them that the system is infallible: there is nothing they will do. Players must use what they are given, so Seth and his team have no other choice—they need to grind it out and evolve their gifts in time to stream.
Loading… Welcome to Mephisto’s Magic Online!
- GenresFantasy
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2020
312 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 19, 2020
I thought the general plot had a lot going for and there were some good moments it but it quickly devolved from its potential.
For a litRPG, there were only 5 fight scenes with monsters (assuming sheep and rats count) and assuming we are throwing in random encounters that barely have a sentence about them.
Instead, the protagonist spent his time emoting with NPCs and a fellow player, worrying about his stream followers, and buying deliberately low-quality weapons and armor.
For a litRPG, there were only 5 fight scenes with monsters (assuming sheep and rats count) and assuming we are throwing in random encounters that barely have a sentence about them.
Instead, the protagonist spent his time emoting with NPCs and a fellow player, worrying about his stream followers, and buying deliberately low-quality weapons and armor.
April 26, 2020
Made it through
It was rough. The format - spelling and grammar - was fine, but the illogical decisions without explanation drive me crazy. For example, he wants to learn the sword and the glaive, so for some reason he first learns the bo staff. Then he never bothers to use the bo staff. The entire story is full of these inconsistencies.
It was rough. The format - spelling and grammar - was fine, but the illogical decisions without explanation drive me crazy. For example, he wants to learn the sword and the glaive, so for some reason he first learns the bo staff. Then he never bothers to use the bo staff. The entire story is full of these inconsistencies.
May 19, 2020
This is not a book, it is a soap opera.
Overly dramatic scenes, poorly written characters, a plethora of bad romantic tropes. This thing is not a book. I got over half way through before I could not take anymore and I feel that I had still not read any actual storyline. That is not something anyone should ever say about a book.
Overly dramatic scenes, poorly written characters, a plethora of bad romantic tropes. This thing is not a book. I got over half way through before I could not take anymore and I feel that I had still not read any actual storyline. That is not something anyone should ever say about a book.
July 21, 2020
I want to kick the MC in the teeth
Seriously... Like two pages in and I want to cause the protagonist bodily harm. He actually asks himself if masculinity is what women want and then talks about his long rainbow hilighted hair before pointing out that neon green is his favorite color.
Its like the author is writing a guide on how to not get laid and suck at life.
The author also uses a lot of cringy phrasing and odd word choices that make it hard to read. It immediately had that "story written by someone with no life experience or social life" kind of vibe. And what's with litrpg authors always describing females as "fiery redheads with emerald eyes"... Seriously... Give it a rest already.
Seriously... Like two pages in and I want to cause the protagonist bodily harm. He actually asks himself if masculinity is what women want and then talks about his long rainbow hilighted hair before pointing out that neon green is his favorite color.
Its like the author is writing a guide on how to not get laid and suck at life.
The author also uses a lot of cringy phrasing and odd word choices that make it hard to read. It immediately had that "story written by someone with no life experience or social life" kind of vibe. And what's with litrpg authors always describing females as "fiery redheads with emerald eyes"... Seriously... Give it a rest already.
February 5, 2021
3.5 stars
May 18, 2020
Good read
I enjoyed this book, only complaint would be that it didn't really feel like much of anything was accomplished.. The way it ends feels...odd. I'm looking forward to book two and hope it's a bit longer and more fulfilling.
I enjoyed this book, only complaint would be that it didn't really feel like much of anything was accomplished.. The way it ends feels...odd. I'm looking forward to book two and hope it's a bit longer and more fulfilling.
April 14, 2020
Decent but uncompelling
Couldn’t finish it the idea of people playing roles they don’t know makes this a struggle. Especially having the mc be sword and board is just extremely boring to read. I’m sure theirs a “reason” for the way things are but I couldn’t find the desire to continue reading about a game with such a stupid mechanic.
Couldn’t finish it the idea of people playing roles they don’t know makes this a struggle. Especially having the mc be sword and board is just extremely boring to read. I’m sure theirs a “reason” for the way things are but I couldn’t find the desire to continue reading about a game with such a stupid mechanic.
June 5, 2020
A CW annoying young adult entailed snooze fest.
April 6, 2020
Alert
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.
So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”
Now, since I have to keep explaining myself to people who don't like my reviews, I guess some clarification is in order.
1. I am 100% against criticism for works of art. Art is subjective, meaning reviews are irrelevant. The observer's opinion is only relevant to the observer. It is my belief that regardless of what others might say, I have to experience the art for myself.
2. I read upwards of 20 books a month. The $10/month I spend on K U, feels like I am cheating the authors. But since I can't afford 20 books a month if I were to purchase them directly, all I can offer is a positive review. That leads us to the final point.
3. If I get to the end of a book, then it was worth my time. I give those books 5 stars because it helps the author get exposure. That is the only reason I write reviews at all.
I understand that people are people and they are going to do what they do regardless of my stance. I know the way that I review books upsets some people. I am sorry they feel that way but as many have said, they will just ignore my review going forward. In fact, if you made it this far through my review, you should definitely read the book and completely ignore all of the reviews here. You are a much better judge of what you will like than anyone here.
Cheers
October 9, 2021
Interesting concept but ... I didn't like any of the characters.
Bare-bones summary: new game (with an apt, if contrived, acronym), secretive company, rich kid playing with his friends. Everyone only gets one character and they cannot choose what their starter abilities are going to be. It's _supposed_ to give players the class they'd be best at, but instead gives them the class diametrically opposed to how they'd normally play. Mage becomes a tank, Healer becomes a mage, Tank becomes a healer, and childhood friend/love interest becomes a seductress.
Too many "lifelike" NPC women fawning over the main character including one of the four magical guardians of the city (a mermaid), a dye-maker merchant, and one of the elite soldiers the party gets weapons training from.
Extremely non-subtle hints about how the game is affecting real life and suggestions that sequels will deal more with using Mephisto's Magic _offline_ rather than online.
One other thing that seemed like a major inconsistency was the implication that people were given classes and abilities in opposition to their normal style ... but two of the player antagonists in the game were clearly being set up as bullies and thugs in the offline world.
An interesting concept but flawed execution. Unless you want to see how the childhood friend/love interest conflict resolves or are interested in reading more about mysterious shadowy figures committing arson and murder in hospitals ... then I couldn't really recommend the book.
I did manage to finish the book, which is why I gave it a 2-star rather than a 1-star, so there's that, at least...
Bare-bones summary: new game (with an apt, if contrived, acronym), secretive company, rich kid playing with his friends. Everyone only gets one character and they cannot choose what their starter abilities are going to be. It's _supposed_ to give players the class they'd be best at, but instead gives them the class diametrically opposed to how they'd normally play. Mage becomes a tank, Healer becomes a mage, Tank becomes a healer, and childhood friend/love interest becomes a seductress.
Too many "lifelike" NPC women fawning over the main character including one of the four magical guardians of the city (a mermaid), a dye-maker merchant, and one of the elite soldiers the party gets weapons training from.
Extremely non-subtle hints about how the game is affecting real life and suggestions that sequels will deal more with using Mephisto's Magic _offline_ rather than online.
One other thing that seemed like a major inconsistency was the implication that people were given classes and abilities in opposition to their normal style ... but two of the player antagonists in the game were clearly being set up as bullies and thugs in the offline world.
An interesting concept but flawed execution. Unless you want to see how the childhood friend/love interest conflict resolves or are interested in reading more about mysterious shadowy figures committing arson and murder in hospitals ... then I couldn't really recommend the book.
I did manage to finish the book, which is why I gave it a 2-star rather than a 1-star, so there's that, at least...
May 7, 2022
I listened to the first three books of this series. The many positive reviews created high expectations for the story. Unfortunately, it did not live up these reviews in the slightest. The author presents 4 people, all young adults (20s - 30s), who we are to believe are professional gamers. What I struggled with, from the first few chapters, was that these "professional gamers" act as if they have never played a video game in their lives. This leads me to suspect the author performed superficial research on gaming as the terminology, character backstory/development and events are significantly incongruent. The story makes large leaps which do not make sense, the characters have the emotional maturity of middle schoolers despite being college graduates, competitive atheletes or former military soldiers. The story is ok if you go in with low expectations with a character development akin to daytime soaps. Loose associations, poor reasons for motivations/choices and a main character who is unrelatable due to pure idiocy. Many better options for mmorpg stories. Would not recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2020
Fantastic. Can't wait for more
This book is fantastic. Well written, well planned, a unique world, characters that feel real and more importantly whose interactions feel real. I don't even know what more to say.
If you like LitRPG you will like this.
One con, because despite how much I love it I can't gush without pointing out the one problem I had: The relationship. I like when relationships feel real and this one certainly fit the bill. However, the conflict surrounding it was good at first but the longer it went on the more forced it felt. Two otherwise smart and friendly characters were intentionally obtuse towards each other.
I understand that the point was for there to be some tension moving forward but that could have been handled better so that it didn't feel so forced.
This book is fantastic. Well written, well planned, a unique world, characters that feel real and more importantly whose interactions feel real. I don't even know what more to say.
If you like LitRPG you will like this.
One con, because despite how much I love it I can't gush without pointing out the one problem I had: The relationship. I like when relationships feel real and this one certainly fit the bill. However, the conflict surrounding it was good at first but the longer it went on the more forced it felt. Two otherwise smart and friendly characters were intentionally obtuse towards each other.
I understand that the point was for there to be some tension moving forward but that could have been handled better so that it didn't feel so forced.
April 30, 2020
This was an excellent example of good LitRPG. Though there are always improvements to be made, I really think that the author did a truly excellent job of creating a whole new world for his story and characters. The MC doesn't seem to be the brightest character I've ever encountered in a LitRPG, the story and writing more than make up for any minor areas for improvement.
Overall, I think this book was well worth the time. I hope that the author will continue the series and I look forward to reading future books.
I requested and received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review. I was NOT required to write a positive review and this reflects my honest opinion of the work.
Overall, I think this book was well worth the time. I hope that the author will continue the series and I look forward to reading future books.
I requested and received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review. I was NOT required to write a positive review and this reflects my honest opinion of the work.
April 29, 2021
Interesting premise, a bit too much teen angst
Solid 3.5 stars, rounded up. Good world building and magic system. The issue that kept nagging at me was that the party (mostly Seth & Mona) seemed overly emotional. Like, even more overly emotional than I would have expected from a pair of teenagers, which these two aren’t. (i.e. Mona gets a weird admin message, and she shows up to her friend’s place crying? That doesn’t make any sense whatsoever). Also, they were... overly peppy about a lot of stuff at the beginning which just came off as a little fake. That being said, the two other party members are great, and I can’t wait to see the where the skill trees take all of them, and especially how the IRL parts go after the MMO powers get more widespread.
Solid 3.5 stars, rounded up. Good world building and magic system. The issue that kept nagging at me was that the party (mostly Seth & Mona) seemed overly emotional. Like, even more overly emotional than I would have expected from a pair of teenagers, which these two aren’t. (i.e. Mona gets a weird admin message, and she shows up to her friend’s place crying? That doesn’t make any sense whatsoever). Also, they were... overly peppy about a lot of stuff at the beginning which just came off as a little fake. That being said, the two other party members are great, and I can’t wait to see the where the skill trees take all of them, and especially how the IRL parts go after the MMO powers get more widespread.
April 3, 2020
A terrific story with an engaging premise
This book takes the classic trope of a virtual reality game becoming more real than anyone could imagine and gives it fresh new life. The world our characters log into is fun and endearing. The magic is full of potential and makes me want to learn more about it. The only falling of this book in my opinion is the pacing, which leaves something to be desired. Sometimes, due to moments of abrupt unexpected exposition or emotional revelation, the impact of the characters actions gets lost a little or seems far too over-explained. Still a fantastic book despite that though and I eagerly await the next.
This book takes the classic trope of a virtual reality game becoming more real than anyone could imagine and gives it fresh new life. The world our characters log into is fun and endearing. The magic is full of potential and makes me want to learn more about it. The only falling of this book in my opinion is the pacing, which leaves something to be desired. Sometimes, due to moments of abrupt unexpected exposition or emotional revelation, the impact of the characters actions gets lost a little or seems far too over-explained. Still a fantastic book despite that though and I eagerly await the next.
April 25, 2020
For those who care, this is a book where the game bleeds into the real world, so if that isn't your kind of thing, you may want to steer clear of this one.
Personally, I tend to like the ones where the real world is integrated into the game, though admittedly in this one, it's not too heavily integrated in this first book, though I expect that will change as things in the story progress in later books.
I liked the story, and I wouldn't mind reading more in the series.
There may not be enough here for some of the more hardcore LitRPG fans, but it's a decent enough story, and it's certainly worth the time spent reading it.
Personally, I tend to like the ones where the real world is integrated into the game, though admittedly in this one, it's not too heavily integrated in this first book, though I expect that will change as things in the story progress in later books.
I liked the story, and I wouldn't mind reading more in the series.
There may not be enough here for some of the more hardcore LitRPG fans, but it's a decent enough story, and it's certainly worth the time spent reading it.
April 13, 2020
Intriguing New LitRPG/Gamelit Entry, Highly Recommended
I was initially interested in this book from the description and it definitely lived up to expectations regarding the interesting setting and game/world mechanics. From there I was heavily drawn into the story of the MC and his gaming group. The author does a fantastic job deepening the backstory of each group member through their interactions with the MC which I very much appreciated. My only regret is that book one was just recently released so who knows how long it will be until I get book two in my hands!
I was initially interested in this book from the description and it definitely lived up to expectations regarding the interesting setting and game/world mechanics. From there I was heavily drawn into the story of the MC and his gaming group. The author does a fantastic job deepening the backstory of each group member through their interactions with the MC which I very much appreciated. My only regret is that book one was just recently released so who knows how long it will be until I get book two in my hands!
April 9, 2020
Too short by far
Fast paced, engaging characters, interesting narrative, and a unique twist on a familiar genre. Would love to see more about the game dynamics and character growth. Great interactions between the main party. I would like to know more about the MCs background. Great romantic tension, very reminiscent of young love and confusion of a potential developing romance from the ‘friend zone’. Something everyone can relate to. Great job!
Fast paced, engaging characters, interesting narrative, and a unique twist on a familiar genre. Would love to see more about the game dynamics and character growth. Great interactions between the main party. I would like to know more about the MCs background. Great romantic tension, very reminiscent of young love and confusion of a potential developing romance from the ‘friend zone’. Something everyone can relate to. Great job!
January 20, 2023
Fantastic opening to a really interesting world.
What if you had full Immersion in a new world where you get your very own, unique, magic? It just might cost you your soul, that's all.
The build up of the world, and the inter relations between the characters are well done too. Complete with insicurities from each group mate that are intrinsic to the plot.
The magic system is fairly unique, too. I look forward to learning more about it.
What if you had full Immersion in a new world where you get your very own, unique, magic? It just might cost you your soul, that's all.
The build up of the world, and the inter relations between the characters are well done too. Complete with insicurities from each group mate that are intrinsic to the plot.
The magic system is fairly unique, too. I look forward to learning more about it.
April 7, 2020
Fun plot, but main character is annoying
I enjoyed the overall ideas of this book, but I found the main character a little annoying at times. Seems like a good guy. He is annoyingly clueless in many ways. The plot is pretty easy to follow and predict, but a nice change of pace from other books in this genre. Thank you for writing.
I enjoyed the overall ideas of this book, but I found the main character a little annoying at times. Seems like a good guy. He is annoyingly clueless in many ways. The plot is pretty easy to follow and predict, but a nice change of pace from other books in this genre. Thank you for writing.
May 27, 2020
I wanted to like it more
I tried hard to like this book. The initial idea was well developed and I really do enjoy the writing style but I felt that I was basically forcing myself to turn the page. Character development is important but I felt that the action sequences were extremely sparse and under narrated.
I tried hard to like this book. The initial idea was well developed and I really do enjoy the writing style but I felt that I was basically forcing myself to turn the page. Character development is important but I felt that the action sequences were extremely sparse and under narrated.
October 15, 2020
Good solid book!
A bit of delayed juvenile relationship action.... But very appropriate for today's gamer culture. Very interesting premise that the admin demon violates right off the bat, Go Demon! What is one off these books without OP! Then again with the mana mechanism in place, lots of Magic types equals itty bitty pools....
A bit of delayed juvenile relationship action.... But very appropriate for today's gamer culture. Very interesting premise that the admin demon violates right off the bat, Go Demon! What is one off these books without OP! Then again with the mana mechanism in place, lots of Magic types equals itty bitty pools....
August 10, 2021
Not much here. Diologue is campy and fake, magic system is 'anything you can imagine within the arbitrarily assigned limits.' Lots of flirting, lots of whining, lots of carelessly easy questing.
The romantic drama is annoying, not enticing. The MC is oblivious. The recurring 'rival' is dimwitted to the point of mental retardation.
Everything this book has, emerillia does it better.
The romantic drama is annoying, not enticing. The MC is oblivious. The recurring 'rival' is dimwitted to the point of mental retardation.
Everything this book has, emerillia does it better.
April 4, 2020
There is magic out there for all of us
I am as enchanted with this book as Sergeant Toomgarak is with Sundar Strongtusk. It has world building, craft building and character building all in strong parts. I can’t wait foe the next book
I am as enchanted with this book as Sergeant Toomgarak is with Sundar Strongtusk. It has world building, craft building and character building all in strong parts. I can’t wait foe the next book
September 15, 2020
A bit muddled
This book has a lot to like but I found the story moving between real world and game world to be distracting, plot not withstanding. This does not stop me from wanting more though.
This book has a lot to like but I found the story moving between real world and game world to be distracting, plot not withstanding. This does not stop me from wanting more though.
March 8, 2021
An experiment for me
As I've only ever read one other litrpg series before, this is quite interesting. There are some aspects I really like, and others that are some what annoying. Onto the next to really get a feel for this author and his style.
As I've only ever read one other litrpg series before, this is quite interesting. There are some aspects I really like, and others that are some what annoying. Onto the next to really get a feel for this author and his style.
January 8, 2022
Interesting Read
While it's similar to a lot of basic storylines in the litrpg world, it has a fun and refreshing storyline and doesn't follow the normal crazy harem half the book is about sex formula that seems to be popular right now. I enjoyed the rounded characters and a well-developed form of magic. I can't wait to read the next book which is a sure sign of how good a book is. Always leave the reader watching more. Thank you.
While it's similar to a lot of basic storylines in the litrpg world, it has a fun and refreshing storyline and doesn't follow the normal crazy harem half the book is about sex formula that seems to be popular right now. I enjoyed the rounded characters and a well-developed form of magic. I can't wait to read the next book which is a sure sign of how good a book is. Always leave the reader watching more. Thank you.
April 3, 2020
Great book
I was thrilled to read this book. The world is interesting and I love the play between the main characters. Looking forward to the new book.
I was thrilled to read this book. The world is interesting and I love the play between the main characters. Looking forward to the new book.
April 5, 2020
Brilliant
Brilliant new series by the author, this book definitely leaves you wanting for more and really looking forward to book 2
Brilliant new series by the author, this book definitely leaves you wanting for more and really looking forward to book 2
April 14, 2020
Great story
Overall great story. Loved the characters and the twists as you move through the book. I look forward to the next book.
Overall great story. Loved the characters and the twists as you move through the book. I look forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews