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The Saga of the Nothing Mage #2
Untolled
He came aboard a broken ship,
To Lethis on the waves,
With lies and tricks and evil spells,
Their future, he would pave.
Beware, oh King, the Nothing Mage,
A force that pierces all,
The golden bell that sings of death,
‘Till lords and empires fall.
In silent dark, in dead of night,
He came in from the cold,
And through their screams and dying gasps,
The bell remained untolled.
At long last, Declan and his companions have arrived at the floating city of Lethis. Safely in neutral territory, the mages can continue their studies and even compete in the legendary Lethian Tournament. That is, until an unwelcome guest disrupts the competition, and Declan finds himself dragged beneath the dark waves and into a world of mystery and fate.
War has come to the denizens of Teralia, and the nothing mage is no exception.
To Lethis on the waves,
With lies and tricks and evil spells,
Their future, he would pave.
Beware, oh King, the Nothing Mage,
A force that pierces all,
The golden bell that sings of death,
‘Till lords and empires fall.
In silent dark, in dead of night,
He came in from the cold,
And through their screams and dying gasps,
The bell remained untolled.
At long last, Declan and his companions have arrived at the floating city of Lethis. Safely in neutral territory, the mages can continue their studies and even compete in the legendary Lethian Tournament. That is, until an unwelcome guest disrupts the competition, and Declan finds himself dragged beneath the dark waves and into a world of mystery and fate.
War has come to the denizens of Teralia, and the nothing mage is no exception.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2020
402 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 6, 2020
More typos
Far more than are good. An otherwise well crafted narrative hobbled by misspellings and wrong choices. There is also a strange flux in time, as ‘months’ are said to pass but then it’s really only been weeks. It can be confusing as to how long things actually take.
I will continue to read, but this needs cleaning.
Far more than are good. An otherwise well crafted narrative hobbled by misspellings and wrong choices. There is also a strange flux in time, as ‘months’ are said to pass but then it’s really only been weeks. It can be confusing as to how long things actually take.
I will continue to read, but this needs cleaning.
November 28, 2023
I'd say be careful with this one if you choose to continue with the series. It's full of the MC either dithering his progress away, becoming a blackout alcoholic at every chance, and needlessly letting people die for the sake of his noble ideals of not killing because he's too killed out. This coupled with the MC being a horrid compulsive trauma dumper makes for a very frustrating read. Why are we telling our life story and every single secret we learn to everyone we meet? Usually I get tired of MCs keeping secrets but holy fuck this is way too much honesty.
The first book I gave a little bit of slack to because it's a new world with new characters we have to learn about. Now there's no excuse for the frustrating way this is being written.
The first book I gave a little bit of slack to because it's a new world with new characters we have to learn about. Now there's no excuse for the frustrating way this is being written.
October 2, 2024
Not as good as the first. Rambling plot, things just happen, characters lose their agency and just follow orders.
January 17, 2021
One thing I really enjoy about this series is the trappings of scientific rigor that are applied to magic. Magic is hard and it has to be learned and no matter what kind of One True Wizard you are, you are not automatically good at it through sheer power. (I think it would probably fall apart if I tried to delve too hard into the actual detail of it, but fortunately that is not within my skillset.)
However, this (and the trilogy as a whole) is somewhat uneven and oddly paced. And dark. So much death. Which I don't inherently object to, but there's a tonal disparity sometimes that makes the darkness not so much shocking and gritty but just puzzling. Still, some good worldbuilding that is almost enough.
However, this (and the trilogy as a whole) is somewhat uneven and oddly paced. And dark. So much death. Which I don't inherently object to, but there's a tonal disparity sometimes that makes the darkness not so much shocking and gritty but just puzzling. Still, some good worldbuilding that is almost enough.
September 23, 2020
Continues well, and I'd say overall it's stronger than the first one.
Things really hit the fan at the end of this one. No big surprises there, but the wheels turning in the background start to come to light, but uncertainty remains as to the intentions of the meddling parties. This will take us into the third book where if nothing else more moving parts will be exposed.
Things really hit the fan at the end of this one. No big surprises there, but the wheels turning in the background start to come to light, but uncertainty remains as to the intentions of the meddling parties. This will take us into the third book where if nothing else more moving parts will be exposed.
August 9, 2023
I came back to this series because I had fond memories of the magic system. Overall, this novel is only okay. The main problem is that the protagonist has no goals. He rarely takes action to resolve larger issues until he is forced to by circumstance. I prefer a more motivated hero.
March 20, 2022
Slice of life, but from the life of the chosen one, and some college politics
I don’t know why this book works but it really does. This is kind of a chosen one that will change the world story, but the story is written like a slice of college life book instead. The hero's main concern is if he gets the title of Magus (equal to PHD I think) and his studies. In this installment he actually does some fighting and does change the course of one really important battle, but then he goes to an even fancier college to continue his studies. He also gets a cryptic fortune telling from the water Fay, which was supposed to be long gone, and he blindly decides to follow it. Why? Umm just because! But again, this book works for some reason. We get to read about the normal life parts of a kid who is supposed to change the world and really doesn't want the part he was cast in. Sure, the big parts are moving in the story, but we get to see how he progresses in life and meet new friends and lose some of them to war on the way.
Urgh I don’t know guys, this book is told like a fantasy, explains magic like a science fiction, and addresses the normal aspect of the life of the chosen one. Weird, should not work, but totally does.
3.5/5 recommended as a light read when you fell you need to read something a bit different.
I don’t know why this book works but it really does. This is kind of a chosen one that will change the world story, but the story is written like a slice of college life book instead. The hero's main concern is if he gets the title of Magus (equal to PHD I think) and his studies. In this installment he actually does some fighting and does change the course of one really important battle, but then he goes to an even fancier college to continue his studies. He also gets a cryptic fortune telling from the water Fay, which was supposed to be long gone, and he blindly decides to follow it. Why? Umm just because! But again, this book works for some reason. We get to read about the normal life parts of a kid who is supposed to change the world and really doesn't want the part he was cast in. Sure, the big parts are moving in the story, but we get to see how he progresses in life and meet new friends and lose some of them to war on the way.
Urgh I don’t know guys, this book is told like a fantasy, explains magic like a science fiction, and addresses the normal aspect of the life of the chosen one. Weird, should not work, but totally does.
3.5/5 recommended as a light read when you fell you need to read something a bit different.
December 19, 2024
spoilers
I’m not sure how I felt about this book. There were some exciting spots. Some boring spots. Characters I liked and thought were well rounded and others not so much. I’m interested enough in the plot to continue to book three but I truly hope we see some growth. In the end the MC all but allowed a companion to die because he was too timid to kill guards in his escape. I’ve obviously never been in a life or death situation but if you allow your friends to die because you’re to much of a coward to adequately defend yourself, you’re certainly not an MC I like. I get he has some PTSD from his time in the “war” that he volunteered for, but It makes me realize I’m not sure I’ve ever really liked him. I kind of keep reading because I like the world, the magic, the plot, and I’ll probably just skim book 3 to see how it ends.
I’m not sure how I felt about this book. There were some exciting spots. Some boring spots. Characters I liked and thought were well rounded and others not so much. I’m interested enough in the plot to continue to book three but I truly hope we see some growth. In the end the MC all but allowed a companion to die because he was too timid to kill guards in his escape. I’ve obviously never been in a life or death situation but if you allow your friends to die because you’re to much of a coward to adequately defend yourself, you’re certainly not an MC I like. I get he has some PTSD from his time in the “war” that he volunteered for, but It makes me realize I’m not sure I’ve ever really liked him. I kind of keep reading because I like the world, the magic, the plot, and I’ll probably just skim book 3 to see how it ends.
February 18, 2024
~Disclaimer: I received a free audiobook copy of this book.~
The sequel delves into a more ominous atmosphere compared to its predecessor. It skillfully intertwines elements of magic and politics, involving kings, tower leaders, and the pervasive influence of propaganda.
While the pacing lacks the seamless flow of the first book, the narrative offers realistic portrayals of characters grappling with the traumas of war and death.
For those who enjoyed the initial installment, this follow-up is likely to leave you satisfied. Numerous plot threads are still awaiting resolution, creating anticipation for the third book.
Spencer Dillehay's narration is a highlight, delivering an excellent performance that is both engaging and easy to listen to.
The sequel delves into a more ominous atmosphere compared to its predecessor. It skillfully intertwines elements of magic and politics, involving kings, tower leaders, and the pervasive influence of propaganda.
While the pacing lacks the seamless flow of the first book, the narrative offers realistic portrayals of characters grappling with the traumas of war and death.
For those who enjoyed the initial installment, this follow-up is likely to leave you satisfied. Numerous plot threads are still awaiting resolution, creating anticipation for the third book.
Spencer Dillehay's narration is a highlight, delivering an excellent performance that is both engaging and easy to listen to.
December 7, 2021
A solid follow-up to the first book in the series, continuing the adventures of the Nothing Mage as he learns to both expand his powers and better control them. I particularly liked how this book focused on themes of war and the emotional damage that comes along with it. Given the MC's particular weakness, where he is likely to leak toxic energy if his emotions run out of control, it felt like there was even more potential in this book to explore the dangers and consequences of sending such a man into battle. Still, the book felt well rounded, and I have no real complaints about it. The ending in particular was satisfying and worth the read to get to, if nothing else.
October 13, 2020
Subverts Expectations (in a good way)
This series definitely doesn't follow the conventional tropes for a story of this type. It's a much muddier, more realistic take on such stories. Very few characters are universally good, our hero struggles to figure out what is the right thing to do, mystic sources give vague and dubious advice, etc. It's not a tidy sorry by any means.
I can certainly see how this style could be off-putting for some people, but I'm enjoying it quite a lot myself.
This series definitely doesn't follow the conventional tropes for a story of this type. It's a much muddier, more realistic take on such stories. Very few characters are universally good, our hero struggles to figure out what is the right thing to do, mystic sources give vague and dubious advice, etc. It's not a tidy sorry by any means.
I can certainly see how this style could be off-putting for some people, but I'm enjoying it quite a lot myself.
August 16, 2020
Needs more polishing
Where the Nothing Mage is a solid foundation for the series, this book felt like it was developed in a rather lacklustre manner.
The twists and turns didn’t feel quite impactful, the characters felt more distant and less sympathetic than they previously were, and most importantly, it felt like they’re played by low budget actors and actresses.
Four stars for the continuation of the plot, the expansion of the world, and of the twists and turns
Where the Nothing Mage is a solid foundation for the series, this book felt like it was developed in a rather lacklustre manner.
The twists and turns didn’t feel quite impactful, the characters felt more distant and less sympathetic than they previously were, and most importantly, it felt like they’re played by low budget actors and actresses.
Four stars for the continuation of the plot, the expansion of the world, and of the twists and turns
August 17, 2025
happenstance
A lot of moving around at the whim of Plot (and fate). Does well relating the horror of war and the physical and psychological wounds it leaves.
Some moments of forced high drama seem a bit overdone, including finding evidence after the first crying spell, rather than needing to stake out conspirators for weeks.
The moment Declan cracked was good, for all it was silly.
A lot of moving around at the whim of Plot (and fate). Does well relating the horror of war and the physical and psychological wounds it leaves.
Some moments of forced high drama seem a bit overdone, including finding evidence after the first crying spell, rather than needing to stake out conspirators for weeks.
The moment Declan cracked was good, for all it was silly.
June 13, 2022
Well, I mean, the sentient nuclear weapon is wearing a bell.....
A nice continuation of the trilogy. There's more politics happening, and more hints of who many be interfering in events. As usual, Declan and crew seem to spend a lot of time traveling, frequently being chased. Looking forward to the next book in the assumption that it is the conclusion of the trilogy.
A nice continuation of the trilogy. There's more politics happening, and more hints of who many be interfering in events. As usual, Declan and crew seem to spend a lot of time traveling, frequently being chased. Looking forward to the next book in the assumption that it is the conclusion of the trilogy.
June 27, 2023
Excellent
Declan continues to grow in power, however he still has many unanswered questions. I can feel the depth of the characters' emotions. Particularly his regrets and the death of friends. Twists and turns abound as he tries to figure out the clues to his destiny. I like the action, mystery, and magic. I look forward to the next book.
Declan continues to grow in power, however he still has many unanswered questions. I can feel the depth of the characters' emotions. Particularly his regrets and the death of friends. Twists and turns abound as he tries to figure out the clues to his destiny. I like the action, mystery, and magic. I look forward to the next book.
February 5, 2024
An adventure in part 2!
I was itching to read this after finishing book 1, and it didn't disappoint! This story is full of happiness, sadness, love, despair, suspense, and so much more. The last few chapters especially had me completely sucked in. I can't wait to see what is in store for Declan and crew in book 3!
I was itching to read this after finishing book 1, and it didn't disappoint! This story is full of happiness, sadness, love, despair, suspense, and so much more. The last few chapters especially had me completely sucked in. I can't wait to see what is in store for Declan and crew in book 3!
June 12, 2024
A Masterpiece
This is the best book I have read in a long time. I rejoiced in the success. I cried in the terrible things he had to endure. And I shivered when reading the section of the ballad as events unfolded.
The first book was a good solid 4 stars this is a definite 5 star, a masterpiece of writing.
This is the best book I have read in a long time. I rejoiced in the success. I cried in the terrible things he had to endure. And I shivered when reading the section of the ballad as events unfolded.
The first book was a good solid 4 stars this is a definite 5 star, a masterpiece of writing.
September 14, 2020
Nice read, unneeded content.
This is a nice read and I would recommend it if not for the homosexual content pushed in like a thorn. If that sort of thing is to your liking then this may be for you. Otherwise stay away.
This is a nice read and I would recommend it if not for the homosexual content pushed in like a thorn. If that sort of thing is to your liking then this may be for you. Otherwise stay away.
October 10, 2020
Magic and action
A charming story with great characters and abundant excitement. The understated and quirky magical abilities create a subtle and engaging atmosphere for the characters to grow.
A charming story with great characters and abundant excitement. The understated and quirky magical abilities create a subtle and engaging atmosphere for the characters to grow.
February 26, 2021
Wonderful!
Better than even the first book! I hope Eric and Declan find their way back to each other. They’re so cute! I’m so sorry for the loss is that Declan suffered it’s so sad. This series just tugs at my heart strings.
Better than even the first book! I hope Eric and Declan find their way back to each other. They’re so cute! I’m so sorry for the loss is that Declan suffered it’s so sad. This series just tugs at my heart strings.
March 5, 2021
Thrilling and makes you root for a murderer
I could not help but clap with Declan's defiance towards Julien and Julien's so called "authority" . I also love the friendship and connections with the other characters. Just well thought out and beautifully written.
I could not help but clap with Declan's defiance towards Julien and Julien's so called "authority" . I also love the friendship and connections with the other characters. Just well thought out and beautifully written.
October 28, 2021
I really enjoy the dissonance within this story. The general light-heartedness only makes the dark moments even grimmer. This book also really moves the plot forward. I'm really curious about the various mysteries presented will be resolved.
May 11, 2023
Better than the 1st one
I enjoyed it. Very readable. Would enjoy a bit more fleshing out of the mechanics of the towers and monsters of the land. Maybe I will get it in the third book?
I enjoyed it. Very readable. Would enjoy a bit more fleshing out of the mechanics of the towers and monsters of the land. Maybe I will get it in the third book?
June 11, 2023
Spoiler
Spoiler spoiler spoiler WHY??? Spoiler spoiler spoiler 😱 sob. Spoiler spoiler spoiler 😭. I gave it 3 stars because spoiler. Why didn't the author just kill off Sarah? I don't even like her. ********†************†**********†*****************************
Spoiler spoiler spoiler WHY??? Spoiler spoiler spoiler 😱 sob. Spoiler spoiler spoiler 😭. I gave it 3 stars because spoiler. Why didn't the author just kill off Sarah? I don't even like her. ********†************†**********†*****************************
June 19, 2023
Audio: 5 Stars
Story: I did not enjoy it as much as the first one because for someone so powerful, Declan lets everyone use him as a puppet. However, it still remains an interesting story, one more book to go! Onto the next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
Story: I did not enjoy it as much as the first one because for someone so powerful, Declan lets everyone use him as a puppet. However, it still remains an interesting story, one more book to go! Onto the next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
September 5, 2020
Even better than book 1
Was not disappointed! As the epic story continued, we see character growth and see both the vulnerability and strength of the H. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Was not disappointed! As the epic story continued, we see character growth and see both the vulnerability and strength of the H. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
September 19, 2020
Great story
This story of a guy whose mana is invisible and is toxic to everything was a very entertaining fast paced action packed read.
This story of a guy whose mana is invisible and is toxic to everything was a very entertaining fast paced action packed read.
July 6, 2021
Much better
Much better than book one. A lot faster paced with a lot of unnecessary stuff left out. Really advances the plot line
Much better than book one. A lot faster paced with a lot of unnecessary stuff left out. Really advances the plot line
February 17, 2022
Not as good as first book
Not bad, but I didn't enjoy the second book as much as the first. Hopefully things will pick back up in the third, and final, book.
Not bad, but I didn't enjoy the second book as much as the first. Hopefully things will pick back up in the third, and final, book.
March 30, 2022
Very good read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like magic dragons and progression type of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like magic dragons and progression type of books with lots of action.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews