Being able to rip the soul out of a creature, store it in a precious gem, and use it to cast spells might make me the most powerful student at the Astra Argent Magical Academy. Only I can’t tell anybody about it. Because it's illegal, and they’ll kill me if they find out. But they need me whether they know it yet or not, so I’m going to capture a lot of souls and cast a lot of spells. This is gonna be a crazy semester.
This is a monster-girl harem dark-magic academy story.
An intriguing light harem story that appears to be set in a world half-way between MagiPunk and traditional high fantasy.
You'll see a lot of familiar tropes of the 'magic academy' and 'harem' genres, complete with rich bully nemesis for the protagonist.
The sex-scenes aren't gratuitous in quantity or description resulting in them not breaking the flow of the story too significantly, often actually lending themselves to the narrative. (An achievement that many authors of harem struggle to attain in my experience.)
The world setting could use more description and fleshing out, but I'm hopeful that will come in book two as I get the impression the author tends to use the first book in a series as a 'pilot' to see if there's interest in the story and the characters.
I have a few bones to pick with the portrayal of the protagonist, Zayre. Initially we see a huge reluctance in him taking the life of magical creatures but he seems to get over that rather quickly and without much fanfare. I'd like to see this point tackled in future books as I feel this is a facet of the character that needs expanding upon. Given the scene the first book ended upon, I can foresee the author having plenty of scope to explore this facet of Zayre's psyche as he comes to terms with what happened (and no I won't go into more description of the event as it is a massive spoiler).
All in all I give this book a three star (Liked it) rating on Goodreads as the shortage of world building resulted in me not being as immersed in the world as I could have been. Taslyn and Zayre are intriguing characters and I can foresee interesting paths for them in future books. If Logan Jacobs can flesh out the world further, like he's done with his Arena series as the books progressed, then future works will probably net a four star rating from me. (As always, for a book to hit five stars in my eyes it has to leave a long-lasting impression and even change me in some way.)
Like his other harem stories Logan shows his understanding of the way life can be with intelligent beings.His grasp of sex and love are wise and fun,and his characters are awesome.
It took me a bit to get into the story. I would read some, read something else, come back, and then I hit the second half of the book. Once I hit that point it was hard to put down.
The story feels a lot like Harry Potter as well as another story I can't think of except that Harry is sleeping with both Hermione and Luna Lovegood. One love interest is apparent from first introduction and the other builds up, which was nice.
The end of the story had quite the twist and there's a lot of open questions that will be exciting to see come into the light.
I'll read the second book but it will be after I finish some other reading.
Yet another book that my "Recommendations" section eventually hectored me into trying. The author's work is hit-and-miss for me, but this one hit more than it missed so it was a worthwhile read.
It felt a bit long for the amount of plot movement, but not overly so. For a harem-type book it had decently "realistic" dynamics between the MC and his partners, and the former wasn't an insufferable smartass, so two major pitfalls of the genre were avoided. I'll read the next one assuming there is one and see how it goes.
A whole new milieu from Jacobs, with some really interesting characters and magic system. I’d like to see it get a tad more visceral, maybe even darker, and a little slower pace, too. This isn’t a criticism, it’s just the car is driving a little fast, and the scenery is really something. The plot could really take us deep into the history of the world, and it seems to echo some “Skullduggery” notes (although it’s definitely not the same), so I’d expect a jaw-dropping revelation or two. Nice work; intriguing possibilities.
This book just got better and better as it progressed. At first I couldn’t figure out where it was going but once it did it caught fire. In a world of Fae like characters a human alchemist try’s to fit in and fit he does. In fact so well that he becomes a hero. It’s how all this happens that makes this a great read and I’m sure it will continue into the 2nd book of which I’m anxious to begin immediately after this. In the meantime, I highly recommend that those desiring a fun filled story begin to read this one.
The book was a little slow in parts, but enjoyable enough to keep me reading to see where it was going. I’m more a fan of MC’s who have a hard working attitude and a do good personality. This MC seemed to fit that description until near the end of the book, where he starts to not meet my expectations. I will not explain why as it would be a spoiler, but I’m not certain if I will read book 2 as there are so many books in this genre left to try on Kindle Unlimited.
This was a good book. Slightly different as the MC had no powers in the beginning and is a humble alchemist. Though it is a harem novel the sex is not intrusive and feels natural. By the end of the book the MC has determined the first major plot arc and hopefully the second book will tell us what he plans to do about it. This is of course hampered by his lack of knowledge about his powers and the fact that they are illegal. Well will be fun to see what he gets up to in the next book.
My new personal favorite from this author. The world is very well built. Plot is very intriguing. The MC and the side characters are unique, don't get drowned out, and grow with the story. 5 star book in my opinion. If you read this review, I strongly suggest reading this book. It's worth it.
When you look at the various works of Logan Jacobs so far many of the to me have come of as repeditive and lacking. This however is a really change from your cliche Sword and Magic Fantasy. I don't entirely know what it is but I don't want the tale to stop. Book 1 peaked my interest. I hope book 2 will be just as captivating.
A magical world where humans don’t have magic. But a lowly human working as an alchemist ( think repairman) at a magic university discovered he has a talent, he can imprison the soul of magical creatures in gems and acquire their magical power. A game changer, and very illegal. A good read.
I am a voracious reader. I don’t recall how about this either but I’m glad I did. This story on how most other citizens of this world have magic but humans is a great start. Will the “hero“ find others like him? When his powers corrupt him? I can’t wait to see but if it goes as well as expected they should have a long series.
The villain was over the top pathetic. which made him less of a victory,
Also the Fox girl is a good attitude about sex. I think she could have said. "I am not looking for other partners at the moment but if I find someone you will know about it and we can decide together if they are a good choice" it is okay for women to have sex with other men.
3 to 3.25 stars, it was okay, I have some issues with it for sure but it was okay. It really did not go anywhere and is more of a setup book. Sometimes things just fall into place a little to easy and it is some what predictable at times. The character are for the most part likable but the magic system is not really explained the best. I think I will continue with the series.
Truthfully I find this one a little boring. Compared to Logan Jacobs other work, it just doesn't have the same depth of character nor the world-building that his Skulduggery series offers. Everything is just to easy for the MC and I don't feel that he has any real stakes to deal with. Just another perfect character that is great at everything, so o won't be continuing this series past this one.
I mean the title of this review should be enough to spark your interest and if that doesn't do it you can look at Mr. Jacobs impressive catalogue of work! This was a great read and the characters and overall world building is fantastic!
I am not sure how Logan Jacobs does this with such regularity, it each and every book of his has been quite the wild ride! Personally I hope that this series doesn’t get all intrigue-y. This setup will certainly be epic
Interesting start to an interesting series. Love the characters and creatures and the connection the MC has with each. Plus the illegal magic and conspiracy make for a great story.
Another great series begins. A bit of the Skulduggery feeling with humans being at the bottom of the power structure but not as severe. Looking forward to the next book.
There wasn't anything bad about this book but there also wasn't anything too good about it either. Story was simple, magic not explained well and the characters were one dimensional. The end just came, nothing really leading up to it.
I enjoyed it. It was overall well written. I believe the main character overcame his reluctance to kill rather abruptly. I hope the author deals with this some. I will read more of the series.
The story has a great plot and steady progression and so far has a well developed MC and one other secondary that is also developing along with the main. I am looking forward to the next book.
Really liked this book an series. Its much like the summoner seiries from Vall. You need to be really in it though it did't pull me into the world or action as much as other books of this take do
Needs another good editing. Not horribly written, but lots of little mistakes. Also, it’s a bit disjointed in places, and slanted towards the MC—people just blindly fall into his bed. Yes, I know it’s a harem book, but still. Way too easy.
A good story... interesting plot, well done characters and magic system. Definitely interested in checking out the sequel. I do have to add that unlike much of the genre, you should be aware aware of graphic sexual content
I particularly enjoyed the various tips of the hat to Terry Pratchett's Discworld. It also led to a few questionable searches on the internet. An enjoyable fantasy experience. I also am quite eager to see where the story goes