Discoveries: A Dystopian Fantasy Quest covering the span of the globe

by T.N. Baldwin

Science is Magic. Magic is Science.Carla is smothered in secrets. Logan obeys without thinking. Junior regrets every choice he makes.They all want one thing.In a dystopian future, humanity has been forced underground by Mythtakes, fantasy creatures created through the power of magicium. And when the Mythtakes rebelled, the secrets of manipulating magicium were lost.All three are in a race to the broken city of Shanghai to recover a prized canister of the magical substance. Determined to brave the Open, each will discover about the lost science of magic on their quest - and will risk being torn apart by their mistakes, past and present.If you don't know you're in a race, how do you know when you've won?Praise for the Magicium Series...the characters are compelling, the storyline and lore are original, and the author has abandoned tiresome clich�s for raw, refreshing interactions... I've had trouble finding a good book to read recently, but I felt like I couldn't get enough of this one! Ariel M. A new platform for our imaginations, Baldwin takes you into a future full of fantasy discovering our magical pasts with characters you'll both love and hate... We have a new author here to inspire reading amongst our teens and I can't wait for book two of the Magicium series to come out. Catherine E.Discover the long-lost science of magic as a host of intriguing characters from across a future war-torn world race to do the same... I enjoyed discovering the forgotten science of magic in this world, but perhaps the biggest mystery was who could be trusted! A well thought out plot... an enthralling read. Tom S.

395 pages, Paperback

Published April 19, 2020

About the author

Award-winning author T.N. Baldwin is an Australian who dreamed of writing a novel when he was a tiny boy in primary school. As a tiny man, he made several unsuccessful attempts over the years. Then, one fateful day (October 14th, 2018) he woke with... THE IDEA. He began writing that day. Four months later, he completed his first draft. Over twenty drafts later, he had the first novel ready for release. And The Magicium Series was born…

An English/Drama teacher in his former life, he has lived and taught on three continents. These experiences have broadened the horizons of the boy who grew up in western NSW and Queensland in Australia. Today he lives in NSW with his wife and children – along with two dogs he pretends not to like. In his spare time he plays football and cricket, as well as listening to hard rock music. He has released five novels so far: Discoveries (winner of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award), Disruptions, Disciples, Disintegration and Dissidents. His sixth novel is due for release in 2023.

Reviews

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Junior, a monster-hunting Scav, is looking for a better hand in life for himself and his little family. Carla, a magi and teacher, wants an end to the War no matter the cost. Logan, a promising young magi, just wants to go home. Set in a dystopian future, a world where humanity has been forced underground in order to survive, Discoveries: Book 1 of the Magicuim Series follows three strangers on their way to Shanghai to find the answers they’ve been looking for and some that they never wanted to find. Beset by monsters known as abominations, through love, loss, and odd friendships, these three will stop at nothing to get what they’re after.

T.N. Baldwin’s debut novel is a thrilling rollercoaster of action and drama that leaves the reader wanting more. While each chapter focuses on one of the three protagonists, they fit together seamlessly. Baldwin lets the puzzle pieces fall into place with each word and creates something much greater than your average fantasy novel.

Beyond the plot, Baldwin also does a masterful job of weaving characters that have been clearly affected by the world around them. Carla’s skepticism of the Open, Junior’s stern care, and even Logan’s naivety all make sense when considering how they were forced to live. All the characters feel like people just doing their best to survive. They’re relatable and realistic, which makes it so much easier to sink into the world that’s being spun. It’s hard not to feel like one of the group.

For fans of dystopian fantasy, Discoveries is a great addition to the genre. With a thrilling and original plot, realistic characters, magic, and adventure, this book has something for everyone. I can’t wait to follow Junior, Logan, and Carla through their future adventures.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

The plot of this book is loosely based on the movie Tank Girl except it’s about magicium instead of water. There are parts of this book that are pieced together like a poorly written 8th grade essay. Long winded and truly painful to read. Would not recommend wasting precious time on this deplorable piece of garbage. I wouldn’t even recommend it to young adult readers. Could actually feel brain cells dying while reading. DO NOT READ.