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Stuck In Magic #1
Stuck In Magic
Elliot Richardson thought he’d lost everything.
He’d come home from deployment to find his wife cheating on him, his sons strangers and his life in tatters. Driving away, unsure where he was going, he fell through an interdimensional rift and found himself in a very different world, a city of magic and mystery and dangers beyond his comprehension, a land spinning out of control as innovations from the distant west unsettle the monarchy and challenge the position of the aristocrats and warlords that hold the kingdom in their grasp.
Powerless and alone, with no way home, Elliot struggles to survive long enough to make a new life. But as war looms on the horizon, he finds himself forced to use his skills to make a name for himself, all too aware that the slightest slip will mean instant death - or worse.
He’d come home from deployment to find his wife cheating on him, his sons strangers and his life in tatters. Driving away, unsure where he was going, he fell through an interdimensional rift and found himself in a very different world, a city of magic and mystery and dangers beyond his comprehension, a land spinning out of control as innovations from the distant west unsettle the monarchy and challenge the position of the aristocrats and warlords that hold the kingdom in their grasp.
Powerless and alone, with no way home, Elliot struggles to survive long enough to make a new life. But as war looms on the horizon, he finds himself forced to use his skills to make a name for himself, all too aware that the slightest slip will mean instant death - or worse.
- GenresFantasy
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2021
169 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
April 6, 2022
Good book but no zing
1st of all I love the author. Second I love the world That the character finds himself in from prior books. I enjoyed the book for the most part. The story was well written and well thought out plus very Disturbing with the moral implications. The main problem I have is there's no big kick. The character does not bring too much to the table other than military experience no abilities no specialties. Just one pistol that I don't know if he saving brass that will become useless soon without some extreme effort. I personally like to read about MC's that bring something special to the table, Magic, Anti magic, A lot of technical knowledge. Anything really will do. This MC only has military experience so he knows how to train. I do actually enjoy the MC's morals and the fact that he's willing to stand behind them. Rare these days as it is probably even harder in that world. So though I enjoyed the book and I probably will read the second one, it's certainly not one of my go to series at this point.
1st of all I love the author. Second I love the world That the character finds himself in from prior books. I enjoyed the book for the most part. The story was well written and well thought out plus very Disturbing with the moral implications. The main problem I have is there's no big kick. The character does not bring too much to the table other than military experience no abilities no specialties. Just one pistol that I don't know if he saving brass that will become useless soon without some extreme effort. I personally like to read about MC's that bring something special to the table, Magic, Anti magic, A lot of technical knowledge. Anything really will do. This MC only has military experience so he knows how to train. I do actually enjoy the MC's morals and the fact that he's willing to stand behind them. Rare these days as it is probably even harder in that world. So though I enjoyed the book and I probably will read the second one, it's certainly not one of my go to series at this point.
April 30, 2023
It didn't work for me.
I held it in for more than 35%, the things that were mildly annoying finally got exasperating.
The Good:
There is a certain restraint in the author's style that I've found in few other entries in the subgenre. The MC is not in an OP race, doesn't get a load of incredible abilities and the automatic adulation of whoever he meets. That was appreciated. It makes for a more balanced story.
In the same vein, the author takes pain to avoid crassly manichean world-building. It doesn't always work, but the effort is appreciated.
The Less Good:
The world-building was a bit too light for me.
I was especially confused with this insistence on "diversity" that was never contextualized. It's fantasy so it's fine, I guess. Yeah, well, things like that... bother me. Ethnic diversity always has trauma behind it, one way or another. It never just is. In our world, it is the consequence of deportation, or mass immigration. Very tangible reasons. So when I see it in made-up worlds, I expect it to be explained or contextualized, eventually. I expect it to matter.
It may be that the reader is expected to be acquainted with the world, but I am not.
The MC is very lucky. The world offers solutions to every issue he has. Communication, job... It all gets solved at once. No struggle. Lots of talking about struggling, but no actual struggle.
The Bad:
The neverending inner monologue.
The MC is constantly pontificating about one thing or another, permanently lecturing, comparing cultures, highlighting and distributing morality points. It got on my nerves. Especially since a lot of the observations were very biased. I will conceded that the MC is speaking from his own point of view, but he tends to present his experience as a cultural assertions, which felt very conceited and self-aggrandizing. That's what killed this book for me.
The Conclusion
I couldn't connect with the book on any level. I could not build rapport with neither the MC nor the world. So I cut my losses.
I held it in for more than 35%, the things that were mildly annoying finally got exasperating.
The Good:
There is a certain restraint in the author's style that I've found in few other entries in the subgenre. The MC is not in an OP race, doesn't get a load of incredible abilities and the automatic adulation of whoever he meets. That was appreciated. It makes for a more balanced story.
In the same vein, the author takes pain to avoid crassly manichean world-building. It doesn't always work, but the effort is appreciated.
The Less Good:
The world-building was a bit too light for me.
I was especially confused with this insistence on "diversity" that was never contextualized. It's fantasy so it's fine, I guess. Yeah, well, things like that... bother me. Ethnic diversity always has trauma behind it, one way or another. It never just is. In our world, it is the consequence of deportation, or mass immigration. Very tangible reasons. So when I see it in made-up worlds, I expect it to be explained or contextualized, eventually. I expect it to matter.
It may be that the reader is expected to be acquainted with the world, but I am not.
The MC is very lucky. The world offers solutions to every issue he has. Communication, job... It all gets solved at once. No struggle. Lots of talking about struggling, but no actual struggle.
The Bad:
The neverending inner monologue.
The MC is constantly pontificating about one thing or another, permanently lecturing, comparing cultures, highlighting and distributing morality points. It got on my nerves. Especially since a lot of the observations were very biased. I will conceded that the MC is speaking from his own point of view, but he tends to present his experience as a cultural assertions, which felt very conceited and self-aggrandizing. That's what killed this book for me.
The Conclusion
I couldn't connect with the book on any level. I could not build rapport with neither the MC nor the world. So I cut my losses.
August 7, 2021
Awesome new series in the Nameless world
I started reading this thinking that I wouldn't enjoy it as I predominantly read books where magic plays a central role, BOY WAS I WRONG! I have read both Schooled in Magic (23 book + 2 side books and 2 novellas) and the first 3 books in the Zero Enigma series (just started a few days ago, gimme a chance, lol) and this series captured my interest immediately and I fell into the world as though I was Elliot, having no magic it was very easy to identify with him (I also like guns but never served in the Army). If you enjoy Christopher Nuttall's other magical/fantasy books I feel that you will enjoy this. If I have one thing to say it is, Christopher please keep these amazing books coming, since finding SIM in January of 2020 you have skyrocketed to a place in my top 3 favorite authors (all are tied for first) with Terry Goodkind and Brent Weeks
I started reading this thinking that I wouldn't enjoy it as I predominantly read books where magic plays a central role, BOY WAS I WRONG! I have read both Schooled in Magic (23 book + 2 side books and 2 novellas) and the first 3 books in the Zero Enigma series (just started a few days ago, gimme a chance, lol) and this series captured my interest immediately and I fell into the world as though I was Elliot, having no magic it was very easy to identify with him (I also like guns but never served in the Army). If you enjoy Christopher Nuttall's other magical/fantasy books I feel that you will enjoy this. If I have one thing to say it is, Christopher please keep these amazing books coming, since finding SIM in January of 2020 you have skyrocketed to a place in my top 3 favorite authors (all are tied for first) with Terry Goodkind and Brent Weeks
August 11, 2021
Great beginning to another view of the Unnamed World
I have enjoyed Schooled in Magic. The speculation of what would happen to an essentially feudal society in the face of simple technological advancement has given me much to think about. The world that Christopher Nuttall has carefully crafted is ripe with possibility. The idea of others who cross over from Earth and bringing additional expertise and change is a good one.
Elliot is a conflicted man. His values and experiences from Earth work to.his disadvantage in the unnamed world. He does not have magic, which makes him desperately vulnerable in world that does. What he does have is army training and a desire to survive and thrive in the most hostile environment he has ever encountered. Christopher Nuttall delivers in this story of rebirth and redirection.
I have enjoyed Schooled in Magic. The speculation of what would happen to an essentially feudal society in the face of simple technological advancement has given me much to think about. The world that Christopher Nuttall has carefully crafted is ripe with possibility. The idea of others who cross over from Earth and bringing additional expertise and change is a good one.
Elliot is a conflicted man. His values and experiences from Earth work to.his disadvantage in the unnamed world. He does not have magic, which makes him desperately vulnerable in world that does. What he does have is army training and a desire to survive and thrive in the most hostile environment he has ever encountered. Christopher Nuttall delivers in this story of rebirth and redirection.
August 3, 2021
Excellent! Highly Recommended!!!
A completely new take on The Nameless World! This is a fascinating adventure and an exciting journey, for all fantasy and adventure readers. Our hero falls out of Earth somehow, and appears on this amazing and richly detailed world, fully realized in every way, with magic being at the top of the pecking order. Our hero, is not a magician, and is forced to find his way from scratch, a job made harder at every turn by obvious proof that he is NOT the first person from Earth to have accidentally landed up here!
Whether you are familiar with the series Schooled in Magic, or new to reading Christopher Nuttall, this book has something for both readers.
Highly Recommended!!!
A completely new take on The Nameless World! This is a fascinating adventure and an exciting journey, for all fantasy and adventure readers. Our hero falls out of Earth somehow, and appears on this amazing and richly detailed world, fully realized in every way, with magic being at the top of the pecking order. Our hero, is not a magician, and is forced to find his way from scratch, a job made harder at every turn by obvious proof that he is NOT the first person from Earth to have accidentally landed up here!
Whether you are familiar with the series Schooled in Magic, or new to reading Christopher Nuttall, this book has something for both readers.
Highly Recommended!!!
August 1, 2021
A nice spin off to Schooled in Magic
Excellent take on something rare in books about magical worlds,, the common guy. Most tales involve someone moved over to the magical world and arriving with almost god like powers. What if you lacked what it took to make magic?
I am very much looking forward to a sequel. The main character is likeable and real. The Nameless World is see from a much lower view.
Excellent take on something rare in books about magical worlds,, the common guy. Most tales involve someone moved over to the magical world and arriving with almost god like powers. What if you lacked what it took to make magic?
I am very much looking forward to a sequel. The main character is likeable and real. The Nameless World is see from a much lower view.
August 18, 2021
I really enjoy Christopher Nuttall’s stories. I normally read his science fiction books, but the premise of Stuck in Magic intrigued me. I am glad I purchased the book because, as usual, he did not disappoint. The MC has to deal with magic as well as a society with different social mores. His world building and character development are very interesting and engaging. A very entertaining book and I look forward to a continuation of the story.
August 29, 2021
Enjoyable. Worth the money. Buy it!
I have read all of the "Schooled" books so the context of the book was already set in my mind. I was intrigued that Nuttall was using a protagonist quick to take practical actions .....a touch of "Bad Boy as a Good Guy". I believe this will give this character more range....if the Author is willing to go there with his character's development.
I have read all of the "Schooled" books so the context of the book was already set in my mind. I was intrigued that Nuttall was using a protagonist quick to take practical actions .....a touch of "Bad Boy as a Good Guy". I believe this will give this character more range....if the Author is willing to go there with his character's development.
September 18, 2021
Christopher Nuttall’s books are definitely worth reading.
I’ve read all 24 books in the Schooled in Magic series plus a few of the novellas. Was really excited to read the spin-off series. This story shows us another perspective of this complex world he has created. Definitely worth the read! Would 100% recommend reading the first 20 Schooled in Magic books before taking this one on. It will all make a little more sense, but it’s not necessary.
I’ve read all 24 books in the Schooled in Magic series plus a few of the novellas. Was really excited to read the spin-off series. This story shows us another perspective of this complex world he has created. Definitely worth the read! Would 100% recommend reading the first 20 Schooled in Magic books before taking this one on. It will all make a little more sense, but it’s not necessary.
April 8, 2022
Enjoyed this book
This book was the opposite of Schooled In Magic. The protagonist in this book was not granted with magic as Emily in Schooled In Magic was. Both were thrown in a world of magic from our world and had to learn how to cope in this new world. Found this book very interesting as Elliot tried to understand this new world while also trying to survive it. It was a nice take on visiting another magical world.
This book was the opposite of Schooled In Magic. The protagonist in this book was not granted with magic as Emily in Schooled In Magic was. Both were thrown in a world of magic from our world and had to learn how to cope in this new world. Found this book very interesting as Elliot tried to understand this new world while also trying to survive it. It was a nice take on visiting another magical world.
December 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️ Did not like, will not continue if series, may not read from the same author again
Seems written specifically for someone who enjoys a more military/police story (with a touch of magic).
I gave it a fair shake, but I have to stop. The focus on his military background would’ve been fine if he didn’t keep circling the same five points in his head. I just couldn’t care about him or anyone else so I couldn’t care enough to finish the book.
Seems written specifically for someone who enjoys a more military/police story (with a touch of magic).
I gave it a fair shake, but I have to stop. The focus on his military background would’ve been fine if he didn’t keep circling the same five points in his head. I just couldn’t care about him or anyone else so I couldn’t care enough to finish the book.
July 27, 2021
Great start on a new arc
Despite his concerns about starting this series about a different part of the world that Emily has started upending, I think it's a great idea, and an excellent start. His style in this book is more like his Empire Marines, but then the MC is not a teenage girl, but a seasoned soldier.
Enjoyed it, look forward to the next! Buy, Read, Enjoy.
Despite his concerns about starting this series about a different part of the world that Emily has started upending, I think it's a great idea, and an excellent start. His style in this book is more like his Empire Marines, but then the MC is not a teenage girl, but a seasoned soldier.
Enjoyed it, look forward to the next! Buy, Read, Enjoy.
August 9, 2021
A new take on a familiar world
After 20+ novels the world had taken on a fairly familiar thematic style. Magic was at the core of both the problem and the solution.
This turns that on its head and you get a mil adventure based on what a trained solider can do with only his memory and his wits. … and of course the twist leading to the next book.
After 20+ novels the world had taken on a fairly familiar thematic style. Magic was at the core of both the problem and the solution.
This turns that on its head and you get a mil adventure based on what a trained solider can do with only his memory and his wits. … and of course the twist leading to the next book.
August 18, 2021
Stuck in Magic
First I must admit that I am biased. I love Christopher's writing and read most of his books in different genres. I like that this book takes the universe of School of Magic in a different direction and view point. Afterwards reading his Afterwards I find the direction even more fascinating. I can hardly wait for the next book in this new series.
First I must admit that I am biased. I love Christopher's writing and read most of his books in different genres. I like that this book takes the universe of School of Magic in a different direction and view point. Afterwards reading his Afterwards I find the direction even more fascinating. I can hardly wait for the next book in this new series.
August 29, 2021
What if a Marine got sent to the nameless world?
Decent story about an infantry or rifleman who comes home early to the classic story about a cheating wife, and on leaving the house, falls through into a fantastic world. However, with no magic, he has to figure out how to earn a living with a soldier’s training, in a world where sorcerers run things. Decent read.
Decent story about an infantry or rifleman who comes home early to the classic story about a cheating wife, and on leaving the house, falls through into a fantastic world. However, with no magic, he has to figure out how to earn a living with a soldier’s training, in a world where sorcerers run things. Decent read.
September 9, 2021
Goatfoot
A refreshing change of viewpoint to the world that "Schooled in Magic" is set in. The entry of a middle aged soldier to teach the modern theory of warrior training to a basically 16th century society makes for an entertaining story line. I look forward to seeing how this story line develops
A refreshing change of viewpoint to the world that "Schooled in Magic" is set in. The entry of a middle aged soldier to teach the modern theory of warrior training to a basically 16th century society makes for an entertaining story line. I look forward to seeing how this story line develops
September 20, 2021
Excellent. Same world. Different starting point.
I don't give out 5 stars to anything but Hugo/Nebula winners.
This book shows excellent story craft as well as story telling.
And it does a decent job of standing on its own even though the back story from the original series impinges on it.
Enjoy.
I don't give out 5 stars to anything but Hugo/Nebula winners.
This book shows excellent story craft as well as story telling.
And it does a decent job of standing on its own even though the back story from the original series impinges on it.
Enjoy.
October 6, 2021
Great Book!!!
I am a huge fan of books that the MC either crosses over to another world or gets displaced in time in the past the best part is that those characters bring their own experiences, and knowledge in order to shape their surrounding environment and possibly make a difference and this Book falls in my favorite category.
I am a huge fan of books that the MC either crosses over to another world or gets displaced in time in the past the best part is that those characters bring their own experiences, and knowledge in order to shape their surrounding environment and possibly make a difference and this Book falls in my favorite category.
December 23, 2021
This is a good spinoff
I really enjoy CGN fantasy and first contact series. This book puts a well trained and experienced soldier in the nameless world. I found his life experience from our world clashing with the world he entered. His frank struggle with our rules and the entitled rulers were intriguing.
Good read.
I really enjoy CGN fantasy and first contact series. This book puts a well trained and experienced soldier in the nameless world. I found his life experience from our world clashing with the world he entered. His frank struggle with our rules and the entitled rulers were intriguing.
Good read.
December 31, 2021
Same world as "Schooled in Magic" but instead of a young girl with magic we have an older (he had two children on Earth) but with military experience. We watch as he struggles to find a place in this nameless world.
The book works because of the author's skill - a lesser writer could not have done it. I wonder where he is going to go with this character.
As always, recommended
The book works because of the author's skill - a lesser writer could not have done it. I wonder where he is going to go with this character.
As always, recommended
January 3, 2022
Want sequel!
Concurrent with schooled in magic, in same world, this takes the perspective of a modern Earth transplant without magic. It fits well with the other series, but can be read alone...that might not be true for future additions, though, since Chris Nuttall has said he might have Emily and the main character in this book meet.
Concurrent with schooled in magic, in same world, this takes the perspective of a modern Earth transplant without magic. It fits well with the other series, but can be read alone...that might not be true for future additions, though, since Chris Nuttall has said he might have Emily and the main character in this book meet.
February 6, 2023
My daughter had introduced me to the school of magic, and this is a spin from that. Being in a world of magic, without having magic.. Lucky enough he has some military and survival skills. Yes I am looking forward to Read/listen to the nexts book. I am looking forward to what skill and knowledge he will bring to this backward world.
December 14, 2023
Love the story of a soldier without magic getting transported to a world of magic. The only thing I didn't like was the previous story line that is hinted. I hadn't read the prior series. It looks like there is a long running series that I will have to decide to buy just to satisfy my curiosity. Still, a fun series that stands well on it's own.
July 26, 2021
An interesting concept
Based in the same universe as Schooled In Magic, yet the main character has no magic. And he has to find a way to get along in a world where he’s very vulnerable.
Based in the same universe as Schooled In Magic, yet the main character has no magic. And he has to find a way to get along in a world where he’s very vulnerable.
August 7, 2021
Another wonderful Book
Another great book gadreat book by one of the best in the business. Every book written by him, and I believe I have read them all, is fascinating and a joy to the end. I will read every new one without fail,
Another great book gadreat book by one of the best in the business. Every book written by him, and I believe I have read them all, is fascinating and a joy to the end. I will read every new one without fail,
August 8, 2021
No one is better than Christopher Nuttall at world building. His stories are highly entertaining, VERY reasonably priced and are the best value in reading entertainment. I am looking forward to the next installment of this story arc.
August 11, 2021
Another GREAT 👍 Nuttall book
I wondered what would come next. A mundane in a land of magic users. What caused his transport there. Maybe the ignition of all those nexis points opened other gateways.
I wondered what would come next. A mundane in a land of magic users. What caused his transport there. Maybe the ignition of all those nexis points opened other gateways.
August 12, 2021
He does it again!!!
Ok.....I've decided every thing written by Mr. Burt all has to be good. At this rate I'll have to buy a Kindle just dedicated to ChristopherNuttall. Long life! You have the nack
Ok.....I've decided every thing written by Mr. Burt all has to be good. At this rate I'll have to buy a Kindle just dedicated to ChristopherNuttall. Long life! You have the nack
August 12, 2021
Fantastic new take on the Nameless World
This is a great new take on the Nameless World the author introduced to readers over 20 books ago. Seeing the world from the perspective of a mundane was fun.
This is a great new take on the Nameless World the author introduced to readers over 20 books ago. Seeing the world from the perspective of a mundane was fun.
August 17, 2021
Got of to a bit of a slow start but finished in the authors normal fine style. A good spinoff to the base series that is capable of standing alone. (though familiarity with the base series will provide context)
To Mr. Nuttal; yes I would like to see the two protagonists meet.
To Mr. Nuttal; yes I would like to see the two protagonists meet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews