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The second novel in J David Baxter's epic portal fantasy series, the Greymantle Chronicles. After surviving and defeating a plot to plunge the continent into war, Nate loves his new life. He has been awarded a knighthood and a position in the Royal Guard, where he has made good friends, as close as family. Unfortunately, he is torn by the need to get back home to save his sister from the consequences of his mysterious disappearance. Given a chance to petition the most powerful mage in the kingdom for help, he may soon have to decide between magic and the sword, thanks to guild politics, or face dire consequences. He may even find a surprising chance for romance. Still, none of it will matter if he can't survive assassination attempts from Blood Mage agents out for revenge.
Set in a unique world of swords and magic that is medieval in flavor but seen through the lens of a modern college student from Earth. The Greymantle Chronicles are an epic fantasy series on a high magic fantasy world where technology and science never existed. Yet, cities are cleaner, banking is done with magic tokens, floating carts are used to haul freight, and magic is a science in its own right.
Set in a unique world of swords and magic that is medieval in flavor but seen through the lens of a modern college student from Earth. The Greymantle Chronicles are an epic fantasy series on a high magic fantasy world where technology and science never existed. Yet, cities are cleaner, banking is done with magic tokens, floating carts are used to haul freight, and magic is a science in its own right.
- GenresFantasy
329 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 13, 2021
244 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
J. David Baxter
13 books36 followersJ David Baxter's career path has been as varied as it is intriguing. From the adrenaline-fueled days of falling off horses as a Renaissance Festival Jouster to managing teams and projects at Fortune 500 companies, his experiences are as diverse as they come. Armed with a degree in English and teaching certifications in English and History, J David has always been passionate about storytelling and education.
Most recently, J David lent his editorial expertise to the Stargate Role Playing Game Core Book produced by Wyvern Games. As a co-founder of Silver Paw Publishing, he is dedicated to helping new authors navigate the complexities of self-publishing, sharing his knowledge and experience to empower others.
J David writes in the Epic Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, and LitRPG genres, creating intricate tales that captivate and entertain readers.
Most recently, J David lent his editorial expertise to the Stargate Role Playing Game Core Book produced by Wyvern Games. As a co-founder of Silver Paw Publishing, he is dedicated to helping new authors navigate the complexities of self-publishing, sharing his knowledge and experience to empower others.
J David writes in the Epic Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, and LitRPG genres, creating intricate tales that captivate and entertain readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 13, 2023
I love the characters in this series. The main character is likable even if he is a tad OP. It's the supporting characters around him that truly help build the story. This is SO good... and that ending! Blew my effing mind!!
October 10, 2025
Cliff ahead
Cliffhangers are the worst literary crutch and every book that uses them should not be read until the complete series is published. (Not just the next book). I Cannot recommend this series and will not be reading any further in it until the final book is published.
That being said, this is not a bad story, but after 2 books I am not sure why the MC deserves my time. He is rather boring and gets stabbed a lot.
Cliffhangers are the worst literary crutch and every book that uses them should not be read until the complete series is published. (Not just the next book). I Cannot recommend this series and will not be reading any further in it until the final book is published.
That being said, this is not a bad story, but after 2 books I am not sure why the MC deserves my time. He is rather boring and gets stabbed a lot.
November 18, 2022
Great second book
I'm really enjoying this series and binging at. Luckily I came in after the series had been started so I can read a few in a row non stop. There are some serious dips and dives and convolutions to the story line all great mind you. A lot of the rules of this world are kind of infuriating at this point at least for the MC. But He doesn't let That keep him down for long. Hopefully he can do something about the guild strongholds in the future. But we'll see in later books of the series.
I'm really enjoying this series and binging at. Luckily I came in after the series had been started so I can read a few in a row non stop. There are some serious dips and dives and convolutions to the story line all great mind you. A lot of the rules of this world are kind of infuriating at this point at least for the MC. But He doesn't let That keep him down for long. Hopefully he can do something about the guild strongholds in the future. But we'll see in later books of the series.
November 18, 2021
Pleasant surprise!
A very good book series. If you like a series with a good clean story line to relax and read this is it. This is a series I read on K.U and purchased after book 2.
Honorable main character, building relationships and power on a new world. No useless drama, sex, rape etc.
Just a very good read. Anxiously awaiting book three and will purchase all in series to read again later.
A very good book series. If you like a series with a good clean story line to relax and read this is it. This is a series I read on K.U and purchased after book 2.
Honorable main character, building relationships and power on a new world. No useless drama, sex, rape etc.
Just a very good read. Anxiously awaiting book three and will purchase all in series to read again later.
March 5, 2023
Great Book
Nate learns magic and quickly progresses in power. He meets the elven princess Wren and sparks ensue. Assassins target Nate as intrigue tightens. Why is he being targeted? Why was he even brought to Greymantle? I like the action, humor, intrigue, and romance. I look forward to the next book.
Nate learns magic and quickly progresses in power. He meets the elven princess Wren and sparks ensue. Assassins target Nate as intrigue tightens. Why is he being targeted? Why was he even brought to Greymantle? I like the action, humor, intrigue, and romance. I look forward to the next book.
July 21, 2023
If the first book of this series had an inkling of common sense and justification, this second book throws it all out in a dumpster and sets it on fire. It doesn't make any sense. Nate, main character is still a King's Guard (for no real reason or purpose) other than the person that helped him in the first book Jordan March (not to be confused with the bankrupted department store Jordan Marsh) who was a king's Guard before he was violently murdered by the radical Blood Mage group that has stuck to Nate, like a bad rash. So, the continuation of this story is nonsensical, illogical and irrational.
There is no point to the story. Nate wants to go back to Earth. The Blood Mage Cult is continually trying to assassinate him over and over again, the King chastises Nate for using both weapons and magic - because it goes against the rules set up by the Mage guild - to keep their monopoly of Magic. So, it is easy to say that everybody in that other World wants Nate to leave or die, except for the author??? The author makes Nate be a guard for the King, train to be a guard, which is something he doesn't want, Nate apparently wants to learn magic to explore the possibility of returning to Earth. But if getting back to Earth is the point of this story, then what is the point of this story series in the first place??? Sending Nate (who doesn't want to leave Earth) to another World, where Nate doesn't like to be in this other World, doesn't want to be in this Other World, and is doing everything possible to go back to Earth, while at the same time the people from this Other World want Nate dead, want Nate to not learn magic, want Nate to continue to be a Knight Guard, a role/job that he does not want, does not like?? Is it possible to be more contradictory than this??
So, why the duels, competitions, dates with the princess, and the rest of the filler content if the main character only wants to leave?? I think the author should have made a better main theme and secondary story arcs, that or had a long series of therapeutic sessions with his psychologist to try to untangle the inconsistencies in his head. There is no point to reading a story of a main character that doesn't want to be in that fantasy-isekai-novel series.
I do not recommend this isekai-fantasy novel series.
There is no point to the story. Nate wants to go back to Earth. The Blood Mage Cult is continually trying to assassinate him over and over again, the King chastises Nate for using both weapons and magic - because it goes against the rules set up by the Mage guild - to keep their monopoly of Magic. So, it is easy to say that everybody in that other World wants Nate to leave or die, except for the author??? The author makes Nate be a guard for the King, train to be a guard, which is something he doesn't want, Nate apparently wants to learn magic to explore the possibility of returning to Earth. But if getting back to Earth is the point of this story, then what is the point of this story series in the first place??? Sending Nate (who doesn't want to leave Earth) to another World, where Nate doesn't like to be in this other World, doesn't want to be in this Other World, and is doing everything possible to go back to Earth, while at the same time the people from this Other World want Nate dead, want Nate to not learn magic, want Nate to continue to be a Knight Guard, a role/job that he does not want, does not like?? Is it possible to be more contradictory than this??
So, why the duels, competitions, dates with the princess, and the rest of the filler content if the main character only wants to leave?? I think the author should have made a better main theme and secondary story arcs, that or had a long series of therapeutic sessions with his psychologist to try to untangle the inconsistencies in his head. There is no point to reading a story of a main character that doesn't want to be in that fantasy-isekai-novel series.
I do not recommend this isekai-fantasy novel series.
November 7, 2022
solid but some significant issues
This was an entertaining read. I give it a solid 4.That said there were a few issues. Warning spoiler alert.
Throughout the book, there are several assassination attempts on the MC. No one does anything. They just take it as a given and barely exert any energy to find the perpetrators.
There’s this really silly rule that mages can’t use weapons unless they are part of a guild. This is absurd. Basically even if a mage runs out of magic in battle and is otherwise defenseless they can’t use a knife or a crossbow to defend themselves. This makes no sense. The King even agrees to not cross train his people. No sovereign would ever agree to something so stupid. The MC gets ambushed by 5 thugs . The best him and are getting ready to kill him. He can’t access his magic, but has a sword. He decides not to use the sword because of this rule. Utterly idiotic.
Finally. even though this is a completely different world, the characters all speak like they’re 21st century Americans. The author was pretty lazy when it came to world building and character development for side characters.
This was an entertaining read. I give it a solid 4.That said there were a few issues. Warning spoiler alert.
Throughout the book, there are several assassination attempts on the MC. No one does anything. They just take it as a given and barely exert any energy to find the perpetrators.
There’s this really silly rule that mages can’t use weapons unless they are part of a guild. This is absurd. Basically even if a mage runs out of magic in battle and is otherwise defenseless they can’t use a knife or a crossbow to defend themselves. This makes no sense. The King even agrees to not cross train his people. No sovereign would ever agree to something so stupid. The MC gets ambushed by 5 thugs . The best him and are getting ready to kill him. He can’t access his magic, but has a sword. He decides not to use the sword because of this rule. Utterly idiotic.
Finally. even though this is a completely different world, the characters all speak like they’re 21st century Americans. The author was pretty lazy when it came to world building and character development for side characters.
March 14, 2023
Book was good, ending was terrible imo. "Things went wrong, so I'm going to time travel about it" does less than nothing for me.
Not counting the ending I'd give the story a 3/5, I enjoy the character interactions that happen throughout and him dealing with the fallout of book 1, but everything to do with the spellswords is ridiculous at best. There's no way a group with their rules can exist. Group literally saying even if you're going to die someone who uses magic is not allowed to touch a weapon. I can't see a situation where every other magic based group wouldn't have an issue with that, even if they looked down on using weapons. They could have made sense if certain techniques such as using mana to enhance your body we're prohibited or secret to them, but no.
The ending I'd give 1/5.
Not counting the ending I'd give the story a 3/5, I enjoy the character interactions that happen throughout and him dealing with the fallout of book 1, but everything to do with the spellswords is ridiculous at best. There's no way a group with their rules can exist. Group literally saying even if you're going to die someone who uses magic is not allowed to touch a weapon. I can't see a situation where every other magic based group wouldn't have an issue with that, even if they looked down on using weapons. They could have made sense if certain techniques such as using mana to enhance your body we're prohibited or secret to them, but no.
The ending I'd give 1/5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2022
Book 2 is when we see things starting to go off the rails. There isn't much action in book 2 until the very end.
Even worse, Nate has no political sense so he doesn't understand what's happening to him. It was apparent to me (and most readers I suspect) but Nate doesn't see it, which is disappointing. Nate is forced to give up being a guardsman for reasons I won't spoil, making his a mage now.
His focus? To get back to his sister. It's brought up every few pages and I got tired of hearing about it, especially since Nate never considers bringing his sister to his new world. It's known that Earth doesn't have mana to bring them back, but does Nate think of that? No.
I should also mention that the editing takes a hit here, only coming in at fair. I wanted to like this series after book 1, but book two ends up being a letdown.
4/5*
Even worse, Nate has no political sense so he doesn't understand what's happening to him. It was apparent to me (and most readers I suspect) but Nate doesn't see it, which is disappointing. Nate is forced to give up being a guardsman for reasons I won't spoil, making his a mage now.
His focus? To get back to his sister. It's brought up every few pages and I got tired of hearing about it, especially since Nate never considers bringing his sister to his new world. It's known that Earth doesn't have mana to bring them back, but does Nate think of that? No.
I should also mention that the editing takes a hit here, only coming in at fair. I wanted to like this series after book 1, but book two ends up being a letdown.
4/5*
November 4, 2024
I like the writing quality of this book/series, but the main protagonist makes me cringe.
He is one of the most emotionally immature and overly sentimental characters ever portrayed in this genre. Where I grew up, we would refer to him as a needy, thumb sucker.
If his "character" were anymore sterling and shiny, readers would be blinded just by staring at him. Translation: "He is an Uber-Boy Scout."
*It grates upon the nerves. I had to stop reading the series originally. This is my second attempt to finish it without rolfing from the sickly sweet heroic taste. :-)
He is one of the most emotionally immature and overly sentimental characters ever portrayed in this genre. Where I grew up, we would refer to him as a needy, thumb sucker.
If his "character" were anymore sterling and shiny, readers would be blinded just by staring at him. Translation: "He is an Uber-Boy Scout."
*It grates upon the nerves. I had to stop reading the series originally. This is my second attempt to finish it without rolfing from the sickly sweet heroic taste. :-)
August 15, 2022
Fascinating and whimsical
The book has some easily fixed grammatical errors, but other than that it reads well and quick.
Second book in the series sees Nate having to make a tough choice. Once the choice is made he progresses faster than a book should, but it is explained away in an interesting manner.
Not a fan of the elusive bad guy when revealed as it seems too obvious but this is fantasy, not mystery. Have fun with the characters!!
The book has some easily fixed grammatical errors, but other than that it reads well and quick.
Second book in the series sees Nate having to make a tough choice. Once the choice is made he progresses faster than a book should, but it is explained away in an interesting manner.
Not a fan of the elusive bad guy when revealed as it seems too obvious but this is fantasy, not mystery. Have fun with the characters!!
January 27, 2022
Good book
I enjoyed this book more than the first one . The pacing and the storyline were both improved. The romantic engagement was a little unrealistic but didn't detract too much from the story. The plot twist at the end seems uncharacteristic given all the words devoted to how much the mc wants to go home. Good enough to read the next book.
I enjoyed this book more than the first one . The pacing and the storyline were both improved. The romantic engagement was a little unrealistic but didn't detract too much from the story. The plot twist at the end seems uncharacteristic given all the words devoted to how much the mc wants to go home. Good enough to read the next book.
September 27, 2023
Of course, Nate the MC, has huge magic potential. Of course, there's an Elven Princess love interest. Sigh.
It's still very well written. It's still an interesting world. The supporting characters are still good. There's a small tendency to over-explain everything. We get it from the hints. No reason to spell it out later.
It's still very well written. It's still an interesting world. The supporting characters are still good. There's a small tendency to over-explain everything. We get it from the hints. No reason to spell it out later.
September 5, 2024
We continue to follow Nate and his friends post their intense adventure of the first book.
Nate's come into his self in this new world and is making quite the name for himself but peace was not meant for him, apparently.
Assassin's, possible love, and magic bespeckles this entry that ends on a dang near illegal cliffhanger
Guess I need the next one.
Nate's come into his self in this new world and is making quite the name for himself but peace was not meant for him, apparently.
Assassin's, possible love, and magic bespeckles this entry that ends on a dang near illegal cliffhanger
Guess I need the next one.
February 24, 2022
Absolutely fantastic
I've read a lot of fantasy and portal fantasy in particular, and this stand with some of the best. Absolutely love the characters the author has created and the world that is being slowly revealed.
I've read a lot of fantasy and portal fantasy in particular, and this stand with some of the best. Absolutely love the characters the author has created and the world that is being slowly revealed.
September 1, 2022
As good as the first. Good MC, good plot. A few grammar things, but not enough to distract me much.
If you read the first book of the series, I don't need to tell you to read this one - you probably are doing so!
If you read the first book of the series, I don't need to tell you to read this one - you probably are doing so!
September 30, 2022
Cheap ending
Story went along pretty well though I find it interesting that he no longer needs a toilet. I guess after he soils his pants the cleaning spell takes care of things.
I'm also sorry there is a book three. That jump off the cliff ending was just bad writing.
Story went along pretty well though I find it interesting that he no longer needs a toilet. I guess after he soils his pants the cleaning spell takes care of things.
I'm also sorry there is a book three. That jump off the cliff ending was just bad writing.
February 12, 2022
Great book
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
March 27, 2022
great series so far…
This has been an enjoyable read. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend it.
This has been an enjoyable read. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend it.
April 30, 2022
Very good book
This is a fine fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I anxiously await the sequel to the series.
This is a fine fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I anxiously await the sequel to the series.
May 5, 2022
Awesome
Fantastic story lots of action not very gory and isn't centered on saving a damsel- hope there will be a book 3
Fantastic story lots of action not very gory and isn't centered on saving a damsel- hope there will be a book 3
May 23, 2022
Waiting on the next book.
I enjoyed reading this book. I was curious how Nate was going to get back to Earth and darn it didn't happen in book 2. Maybe book three?
I enjoyed reading this book. I was curious how Nate was going to get back to Earth and darn it didn't happen in book 2. Maybe book three?
July 19, 2022
Good First Two
I’m not sure if I can handle what’s in book three. But this book was a very interesting entertaining fast paced action packed story that I enjoyed.
I’m not sure if I can handle what’s in book three. But this book was a very interesting entertaining fast paced action packed story that I enjoyed.
August 7, 2022
I greatly enjoyed this.
The twist at the end was something I did not see coming but I so excited about what comes next. This is definitely one of my new favorite series.
The twist at the end was something I did not see coming but I so excited about what comes next. This is definitely one of my new favorite series.
September 30, 2022
Great read
I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like magic 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 and progression type of books with lots of action.
October 29, 2022
Not as good as the first book. Lots of framework building. The character introduces us to the elves and city. A cliffhanger at the end, that was a bit too clever.
February 3, 2023
Mage: greymantle book 2
This was a fun read. The plot and action was fast paced. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
This was a fun read. The plot and action was fast paced. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 24, 2023
Nice Story
The plot is decent. That being said I find the guilt complex the MC suffers through annoying at places. The worst part is the cliffhanger at the end!
The plot is decent. That being said I find the guilt complex the MC suffers through annoying at places. The worst part is the cliffhanger at the end!
June 10, 2024
It's an enjoyable, very quick read.
June 20, 2024
Mage by j. David baxter. I cannot believe how much this series has sucked me in. It is soo good. I'm sad he couldn't be a knight any more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews