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Fledgling God #3
Gathering Mage
Jason is getting ready to have the adventure of his life!
He and Sandy are heading to the Gathering, which is a conference where the Heads of the Households of the supernatural world network, talk about problems and solutions facing the Houses, and learn a few things.
Jason is going just to support Sandy, and figures he’ll have a mildly interesting time and be home soon. Instead, he gets poisoned, fights for his life, meets a whole new nation, learns the history and secrets of runes, has a cosmic encounter, makes many new friends, and finally gets in touch with his godhood.
It’s a wild ride, so make sure you have snacks, a comfy blanket, hot chocolate, a lap cat/dog/bunny of choice, and get ready for some fun!
He and Sandy are heading to the Gathering, which is a conference where the Heads of the Households of the supernatural world network, talk about problems and solutions facing the Houses, and learn a few things.
Jason is going just to support Sandy, and figures he’ll have a mildly interesting time and be home soon. Instead, he gets poisoned, fights for his life, meets a whole new nation, learns the history and secrets of runes, has a cosmic encounter, makes many new friends, and finally gets in touch with his godhood.
It’s a wild ride, so make sure you have snacks, a comfy blanket, hot chocolate, a lap cat/dog/bunny of choice, and get ready for some fun!
848 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2022
91 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Michael Taggart
9 books194 followersNOT the author of any books on debts, finance, law or medicine!
My first career was a gunslinger.
At 10 years old I learned everything I needed to know from Louis L'Amour and after rigorous practice in front of my bedroom mirror, I was ready to take on the bad guys. Later, I became a spy after reading some Tom Clancy - and infiltrated the kitchen and the living room and learned all the secrets available from living in a small trailer.
I finally found my true calling when I became a White Wizard and saved Middle Earth. Gandalf took me on as his apprentice and we had many adventures together. I rubbed elbows with Harry Dresden and the Iron Druid, but I always wanted to make my own world.
Finally, Jason, a down on his luck poker player with mage potential showed up, and together we create a whole new supernatural world based in Louisville Kentucky. Now I have the best job of all. I tell stories about the plucky band of adventurers and the strange and wonderful house they inhabit.
It’s a good life and a fun times!
My first career was a gunslinger.
At 10 years old I learned everything I needed to know from Louis L'Amour and after rigorous practice in front of my bedroom mirror, I was ready to take on the bad guys. Later, I became a spy after reading some Tom Clancy - and infiltrated the kitchen and the living room and learned all the secrets available from living in a small trailer.
I finally found my true calling when I became a White Wizard and saved Middle Earth. Gandalf took me on as his apprentice and we had many adventures together. I rubbed elbows with Harry Dresden and the Iron Druid, but I always wanted to make my own world.
Finally, Jason, a down on his luck poker player with mage potential showed up, and together we create a whole new supernatural world based in Louisville Kentucky. Now I have the best job of all. I tell stories about the plucky band of adventurers and the strange and wonderful house they inhabit.
It’s a good life and a fun times!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
February 2, 2022
So, so happy that book 4 has already been written! I hope we don't have to wait long! Instead of a typical review of a book, I want to mention the things that this author does in his books that are different and awesome.
First, the summary of what has happened so far at the beginning of the book. All authors should do this! Especially if it has been a minute since the last book was released. A huge pet peeve of mine is picking up a new book in a series and either being completely lost because there's no recap, or bored because the author constantly does the same world building at the beginning of each book in the series. The recap here reminds you of the important stuff, but allows you to skim or skip without missing anything new.
Next, the detail and vividness of the descriptions. Some people might not like it, but it is done so well by this author that it creates such a detailed visualization (more is more!) without screwing with the flow of the story. It is like Jason's little helpers writ large - the more detail provided makes the magic of the story stronger!
Third - the editing. Especially the copy editing! I find typos and grammatical mistakes very easily, and my brain latches on and obsesses. If there are too many, I cannot enjoy a story. Only found one in this book, which is truly impressive for a story this long. The quality of the writing coupled with the masterful editing allows the magic to really flow smoothly. (See what I did there?)
My only critique is a personal preference - I want on-page smut. However, I am a dirty, filthy person and definitely love the porn with my plot. Even though the hot man-on-man action happens mostly page adjacent, I do think that the hints we get do a remarkable job of conveying the passion and heat though. It also probably allows the series to appeal to a much broader audience as well. I would love to read some deleted scenes in the newsletter or something, though (hint, hint; nudge, nudge; bump, grind?). I think Mr. Taggart could probably write quite the one-handed read if he put his *erhm* mind to it....
Anyway - tl;dr. Awesome author that keeps bringing it! Can't wait for the series to continue!
First, the summary of what has happened so far at the beginning of the book. All authors should do this! Especially if it has been a minute since the last book was released. A huge pet peeve of mine is picking up a new book in a series and either being completely lost because there's no recap, or bored because the author constantly does the same world building at the beginning of each book in the series. The recap here reminds you of the important stuff, but allows you to skim or skip without missing anything new.
Next, the detail and vividness of the descriptions. Some people might not like it, but it is done so well by this author that it creates such a detailed visualization (more is more!) without screwing with the flow of the story. It is like Jason's little helpers writ large - the more detail provided makes the magic of the story stronger!
Third - the editing. Especially the copy editing! I find typos and grammatical mistakes very easily, and my brain latches on and obsesses. If there are too many, I cannot enjoy a story. Only found one in this book, which is truly impressive for a story this long. The quality of the writing coupled with the masterful editing allows the magic to really flow smoothly. (See what I did there?)
My only critique is a personal preference - I want on-page smut. However, I am a dirty, filthy person and definitely love the porn with my plot. Even though the hot man-on-man action happens mostly page adjacent, I do think that the hints we get do a remarkable job of conveying the passion and heat though. It also probably allows the series to appeal to a much broader audience as well. I would love to read some deleted scenes in the newsletter or something, though (hint, hint; nudge, nudge; bump, grind?). I think Mr. Taggart could probably write quite the one-handed read if he put his *erhm* mind to it....
Anyway - tl;dr. Awesome author that keeps bringing it! Can't wait for the series to continue!
February 4, 2022
I enjoyed it a lot
4.5/5 I really enjoyed this book, it's a really good continuation to the series. I read the book in one sitting (and all three books in two days)! I really like the characters, they're lovable and funny. I love how creative and fun the magic is and cant wait for book 4!
4.5/5 I really enjoyed this book, it's a really good continuation to the series. I read the book in one sitting (and all three books in two days)! I really like the characters, they're lovable and funny. I love how creative and fun the magic is and cant wait for book 4!
February 5, 2022
Not a perfect book but it kept me awake into the wee hours of the night. For me, the magic system was a stand-out feature, but I've said that about the first two books. I just love the crystalline/atomic-structure metaphor.
What differentiates Taggart's series from so many other fantasies is the use of love. Love is the primary motivation. Love and understanding are at the core of Jason's magical abilities. It's also what appears to be the basis of his next step toward godhood. It's not the simple romantic insta-love seen in so many fantasies, (why does the hero always fall for the first girl he meets), instead, it covers all the bases - from Eros to Agape. There's a core of respect and interest between the main characters which makes them seem real to me.
On the negative side, there were a couple of issues with pacing, for example, the historic info dump from a shopkeeper at the two-thirds point was a jarring departure from the norm. That collector of stories had some interesting philosophies though. Most egregiously, however, I felt that the corrupted house was excised a little too neatly to be believable. The self-righteous and immorally contagious rarely line up voluntarily to risk defeat, as shown here. And as for the unnecessary Deux ex Machina... I'll just say Sandy had it under control, and "kill them all and let God sort them out" is not the typical strategy of benign entities.
Despite these niggles, I loved the book. There's no denying how it forced me to drop everything for a day, drawing me ever onward to the conclusion.
What differentiates Taggart's series from so many other fantasies is the use of love. Love is the primary motivation. Love and understanding are at the core of Jason's magical abilities. It's also what appears to be the basis of his next step toward godhood. It's not the simple romantic insta-love seen in so many fantasies, (why does the hero always fall for the first girl he meets), instead, it covers all the bases - from Eros to Agape. There's a core of respect and interest between the main characters which makes them seem real to me.
On the negative side, there were a couple of issues with pacing, for example, the historic info dump from a shopkeeper at the two-thirds point was a jarring departure from the norm. That collector of stories had some interesting philosophies though. Most egregiously, however, I felt that the corrupted house was excised a little too neatly to be believable. The self-righteous and immorally contagious rarely line up voluntarily to risk defeat, as shown here. And as for the unnecessary Deux ex Machina... I'll just say Sandy had it under control, and "kill them all and let God sort them out" is not the typical strategy of benign entities.
Despite these niggles, I loved the book. There's no denying how it forced me to drop everything for a day, drawing me ever onward to the conclusion.
February 1, 2022
Pure magic!
This read is filled to the brim with exciting new experiences. I lost myself in an unbelievably detailed fantastical world with deeply lovable characters and an easy to hate bad guy. I was there and didn't want to leave the carefully created and wonderful world . It was a struggle to put it down and face reality, and I felt bereft when the end arrived. Highly recommended for lovers of fantasy and magic.
This read is filled to the brim with exciting new experiences. I lost myself in an unbelievably detailed fantastical world with deeply lovable characters and an easy to hate bad guy. I was there and didn't want to leave the carefully created and wonderful world . It was a struggle to put it down and face reality, and I felt bereft when the end arrived. Highly recommended for lovers of fantasy and magic.
January 31, 2022
nice continuation
If you are looking for a traditional mm paranormal romance, this will disappoint you. If you are looking for an urban fantasy with a gay male lead, then you will likely enjoy this series. While this still had quite a bit of exposition, the reader is learning about the magical world at the same time as our lead, so I didn’t have an issue with it. Enjoy the book, enjoy the magic, and get some kitten belly rubbing if you can.
If you are looking for a traditional mm paranormal romance, this will disappoint you. If you are looking for an urban fantasy with a gay male lead, then you will likely enjoy this series. While this still had quite a bit of exposition, the reader is learning about the magical world at the same time as our lead, so I didn’t have an issue with it. Enjoy the book, enjoy the magic, and get some kitten belly rubbing if you can.
February 7, 2022
A Big, Magical, Extravaganza!
Michael Taggart does it again with another spectacular installment in the Fledgling God series. This time, we accompany Jason, Bermuda and Sandy to a gathering of the houses, and all manner of adventures ensue. This book has so much to offer. It has moments of tention and suspense, of laughter and love, implacable enmity and profound friendship. If you have questions about magical society beyond House Louisville and the rotten mages, this book is a 7 course meal of information. It really enhances the amazing and occasionally terrifying universe the author has constructed. This is always going to be one of my favorite series, and this installment is just fabulous... in so many ways! I can't wait to read the next one!
Michael Taggart does it again with another spectacular installment in the Fledgling God series. This time, we accompany Jason, Bermuda and Sandy to a gathering of the houses, and all manner of adventures ensue. This book has so much to offer. It has moments of tention and suspense, of laughter and love, implacable enmity and profound friendship. If you have questions about magical society beyond House Louisville and the rotten mages, this book is a 7 course meal of information. It really enhances the amazing and occasionally terrifying universe the author has constructed. This is always going to be one of my favorite series, and this installment is just fabulous... in so many ways! I can't wait to read the next one!
December 30, 2024
2022 Re-Read:
Turns out the audiobook came out the day after I started reading the ebook. So I did what any reasonable person would do and went ahead and listened to it right away.
Original 2022 Review:
I just couldn't wait for the audiobook on this one, I had to dig right in. Good stuff.
Turns out the audiobook came out the day after I started reading the ebook. So I did what any reasonable person would do and went ahead and listened to it right away.
Original 2022 Review:
I just couldn't wait for the audiobook on this one, I had to dig right in. Good stuff.
January 31, 2022
highly imaginative, entertaining!
Rating: 4.75🌈
The third installment in Michael Taggert’s Fledgling God series is out and Gathering Mage is an absolute delight of a fantasy adventure tale!
Epic doesn’t begin to describe Jason and Sandy’s adventures at the Gathering, an enormous conference of the Heads of the Households of the supernatural world , including all the mages and supernatural beings get together. They network, talk regulations, issues…bring up collective problems. It’s an important event, especially for such a young House as House Louisville.
With all the problems facing the House at home, only Sandy and Jason are able to go and represent their house. Thinks newbs headed to NYC for the first time. Or Paris for that matter. You get my drift.
They have no idea what’s in store.
Now if you’re a reader who likes no explanation about their magic other than Kazaam, poof, and the magical spell has done its job, well this isn’t the book or series for you.
However, if you enjoy imaginative interpretations of a magical process, or a highly creative twist on magic, right down to the cellular level, including cute minute characters, dive right in! Taggert runs happily amuck with his magical processes, his highly creative philosophies on runes and magical power. It’s fascinating and it’s uses through Jason and Sandy here , especially Jason, keep us riveted to the story!
Both Jason and Sandy under go enormous amounts of growth here. Some are humorous, some are through some stunning emotional moments. We range from everything from lively hedge wars to intimate moments with llama centaurs and glassblowing to a final heartwarming Circle Dance.
There’s so much here. So many great memorable characters. The llama centaurs especially, that entire nation and element! Great characters, beautifully written scenes, fantastic descriptions…. Be still my heart!
Taggert gives Sandy’s journey an excellent amount of narrative time . She’s so important to Jason and their partnership. I was glad to feel that I never felt her part was less than his.
Gathering Mage was another one of those 2am finishes. I wasn’t going to put it down until it was done.
Michael Taggert has chosen an unusual format for this series in that none of these books end. They just….stop. Or perhaps I should say pause.
And the next starts immediately right where this one stops.
So it’s as if a reader has a divided book chopped into two and it’s missing the other half. Gathering Mage is sort of finished. They are home. But that last page is one where you’re going to turn into the next….
That’s the only reason this isn’t getting a 5 rating. Had it ended with them going through the portal? Awesome. I’d think brilliant.
But this is very close.
I’m highly recommending it and the first two.
I love the attention to details, one’s that don’t exist of course! But that so much fun! Can’t wait for more!
Fledgling God series:
Misfit Mage #1
Melee Mage #2
Gathering Mage #3
Rating: 4.75🌈
The third installment in Michael Taggert’s Fledgling God series is out and Gathering Mage is an absolute delight of a fantasy adventure tale!
Epic doesn’t begin to describe Jason and Sandy’s adventures at the Gathering, an enormous conference of the Heads of the Households of the supernatural world , including all the mages and supernatural beings get together. They network, talk regulations, issues…bring up collective problems. It’s an important event, especially for such a young House as House Louisville.
With all the problems facing the House at home, only Sandy and Jason are able to go and represent their house. Thinks newbs headed to NYC for the first time. Or Paris for that matter. You get my drift.
They have no idea what’s in store.
Now if you’re a reader who likes no explanation about their magic other than Kazaam, poof, and the magical spell has done its job, well this isn’t the book or series for you.
However, if you enjoy imaginative interpretations of a magical process, or a highly creative twist on magic, right down to the cellular level, including cute minute characters, dive right in! Taggert runs happily amuck with his magical processes, his highly creative philosophies on runes and magical power. It’s fascinating and it’s uses through Jason and Sandy here , especially Jason, keep us riveted to the story!
Both Jason and Sandy under go enormous amounts of growth here. Some are humorous, some are through some stunning emotional moments. We range from everything from lively hedge wars to intimate moments with llama centaurs and glassblowing to a final heartwarming Circle Dance.
There’s so much here. So many great memorable characters. The llama centaurs especially, that entire nation and element! Great characters, beautifully written scenes, fantastic descriptions…. Be still my heart!
Taggert gives Sandy’s journey an excellent amount of narrative time . She’s so important to Jason and their partnership. I was glad to feel that I never felt her part was less than his.
Gathering Mage was another one of those 2am finishes. I wasn’t going to put it down until it was done.
Michael Taggert has chosen an unusual format for this series in that none of these books end. They just….stop. Or perhaps I should say pause.
And the next starts immediately right where this one stops.
So it’s as if a reader has a divided book chopped into two and it’s missing the other half. Gathering Mage is sort of finished. They are home. But that last page is one where you’re going to turn into the next….
That’s the only reason this isn’t getting a 5 rating. Had it ended with them going through the portal? Awesome. I’d think brilliant.
But this is very close.
I’m highly recommending it and the first two.
I love the attention to details, one’s that don’t exist of course! But that so much fun! Can’t wait for more!
Fledgling God series:
Misfit Mage #1
Melee Mage #2
Gathering Mage #3
March 2, 2022
Like the first two books in the series, I loved this book. This book had what I was missing from the first two books, it expanded the world of the book and gave greater context to what was happening in the first two books. It helped the world feel more alive, and got us out of the microcosm of Louisville. This isn't to say that I needed this in the first two books. They were very good on their own. It just felt like it was time to expand things and give some context to the first two books, and that's exactly what this book did. I hope the next book doesn't pull back too far. It needs to focus back to Louisville, but I also hope it doesn't pull back completely.
If I had a complaint about the book it's that it lost focus towards the third quarter. There was a lot of interesting things and plot points going on in the first half of the book. These continue in the last quarter. However, the third quarter of the book looses these threads. There's a lot of good lore in this part of the book. I liked it. But it also kind of feels like a "side quest". The characters go shopping, literally. There isn't a problem with this. But it didn't quite match the rest of the book. It also felt like the characters "powered up". That's kind of a theme for this series but the characters always had to work for it. However, in this case it's almost like, here's a free power boost. I know why this part of the book it there and I enjoyed it. It was a big chunk of lore. It helped the characters survive the last part of the book. I just think it could have been handled better.
In the end I loved this book just like I loved the prior two. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I had some criticisms of the third quarter of the book, but I still enjoyed that part. At the end of the day, the book did what it needed to do, world building, and it did it well. I look forward to more!
If I had a complaint about the book it's that it lost focus towards the third quarter. There was a lot of interesting things and plot points going on in the first half of the book. These continue in the last quarter. However, the third quarter of the book looses these threads. There's a lot of good lore in this part of the book. I liked it. But it also kind of feels like a "side quest". The characters go shopping, literally. There isn't a problem with this. But it didn't quite match the rest of the book. It also felt like the characters "powered up". That's kind of a theme for this series but the characters always had to work for it. However, in this case it's almost like, here's a free power boost. I know why this part of the book it there and I enjoyed it. It was a big chunk of lore. It helped the characters survive the last part of the book. I just think it could have been handled better.
In the end I loved this book just like I loved the prior two. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I had some criticisms of the third quarter of the book, but I still enjoyed that part. At the end of the day, the book did what it needed to do, world building, and it did it well. I look forward to more!
March 1, 2022
This is the third book in the : Fledgling God Book Series .
This was an amazing read Mr Taggart in your last book I really didn't know were you where taking this series . What I mean by that is that I couldn't see your vision what you where trying to achieve with your story and with these wonderful characters that you have created . But this book was everything that I've been wanting from this series I adored the Centaurs they are a great addition to your series . I loved all the world building and all the new species that our main characters meant at the gathering . And let's not forget that Jason known knows what he is can't wait to see what new adventures he and the crew get into .
This was an amazing read Mr Taggart in your last book I really didn't know were you where taking this series . What I mean by that is that I couldn't see your vision what you where trying to achieve with your story and with these wonderful characters that you have created . But this book was everything that I've been wanting from this series I adored the Centaurs they are a great addition to your series . I loved all the world building and all the new species that our main characters meant at the gathering . And let's not forget that Jason known knows what he is can't wait to see what new adventures he and the crew get into .
February 3, 2022
This is the 3rd book of the Fledgling God series and is even better than the first two. Wow...I just felt WOW while reading this part of Jason's saga. The detail is descriptive and paints a vivid picture for the mind. A great deal of attention was paid and honed. The plot arcs are introduced and intertwined seamlessly and with fun. We don't get to spend much time with some of the characters from the first two books in person, but they are present in the story. There are more than enough new characters to keep us engaged and making new friends.
Gathering Mage was much more than I expected and thoroughly enjoyed reading the continuation of Jason's journey. The detail and depth of the story provide more insight into Jason's magic. We learn more about Mages and Supernaturals in general and their history. We explore some of the House and meet some of the other houses and influencers. There is greater insight into the Magical world that we are learning with our new Mage. Be prepared for rather good antagonists who put for a pretty exchange of magic. Our new friends are unexpected and add layers to the story that I enjoyed reading about very much.
Once again, Michael Taggart works his magic and tells a rather interesting and fun-filled story.
Gathering Mage was much more than I expected and thoroughly enjoyed reading the continuation of Jason's journey. The detail and depth of the story provide more insight into Jason's magic. We learn more about Mages and Supernaturals in general and their history. We explore some of the House and meet some of the other houses and influencers. There is greater insight into the Magical world that we are learning with our new Mage. Be prepared for rather good antagonists who put for a pretty exchange of magic. Our new friends are unexpected and add layers to the story that I enjoyed reading about very much.
Once again, Michael Taggart works his magic and tells a rather interesting and fun-filled story.
August 23, 2022
Dude! Seriously, just don't stop writing okay!! Just don't LOLOL
This book was an amazing adventure! I loved your creativity, I love the Centaur Llama's, I want to meet them!! I want to see those statues on the stairs! I would LOVE to have seen that display as they entered The House!! In my head I saw The Shrine and I wanted to sit and watch them 'become'!!
So I'm an Anne McCaffrey fan (+Tod McC) and for me you're up there beside her. This is my personal and VERY VERy subjective opinion!
Thank you for making Mage Cole so real. Thank your for his ego characters who have me giggling at their snark. I would LOVE to see his soul creations, maybe figurines are in your future!!
Stunning, stunning adventure!
This book was an amazing adventure! I loved your creativity, I love the Centaur Llama's, I want to meet them!! I want to see those statues on the stairs! I would LOVE to have seen that display as they entered The House!! In my head I saw The Shrine and I wanted to sit and watch them 'become'!!
So I'm an Anne McCaffrey fan (+Tod McC) and for me you're up there beside her. This is my personal and VERY VERy subjective opinion!
Thank you for making Mage Cole so real. Thank your for his ego characters who have me giggling at their snark. I would LOVE to see his soul creations, maybe figurines are in your future!!
Stunning, stunning adventure!
January 31, 2022
Wonderful addition to an already great series. Lots of things happening, some actual character development included. This provided a great introduction to the magical world at large beyond one single House. Loved it and very happy that the next book is already written. Now please hurry up and release it.
March 1, 2022
Love this series
I have been anxiously waiting for this book. The world, the characters, the magic all pull you in until you finally have to stop because it's 1a.m. and you're eyes are crossing. I did postpone until book 4 came out so I could dive right in and keep going. This book was more than worth the wait. On to book 4! Happy reading!
I have been anxiously waiting for this book. The world, the characters, the magic all pull you in until you finally have to stop because it's 1a.m. and you're eyes are crossing. I did postpone until book 4 came out so I could dive right in and keep going. This book was more than worth the wait. On to book 4! Happy reading!
August 11, 2022
So much love and action!
This hits all the right notes. Wit, humor, emotion, and action! I also have to compliment the author on being able to give us a gay love pairing with enough details to excite but not overwhelm the story or the feelings. It's just perfect. (Giving the author and readers a huge Annabeth hug!)
This hits all the right notes. Wit, humor, emotion, and action! I also have to compliment the author on being able to give us a gay love pairing with enough details to excite but not overwhelm the story or the feelings. It's just perfect. (Giving the author and readers a huge Annabeth hug!)
August 2, 2022
Absolutely Fantastic
This is the best one so far! It’s got all the great characters, add in several new and awesome characters, plus learning, growing, battles and celebrations. So much creativity and ingenuity went into this installment, it has been very hard to set aside at all until I was finished. Now, I just can’t wait for more!
This is the best one so far! It’s got all the great characters, add in several new and awesome characters, plus learning, growing, battles and celebrations. So much creativity and ingenuity went into this installment, it has been very hard to set aside at all until I was finished. Now, I just can’t wait for more!
April 9, 2022
wow that was good
All my spare time, I was enthralled. Walking down the hall way I’d read a little bit more. When I woke up and right before bed. Any spare time at all. I was reading this book. I feel represented. I’m excited to see what happens next…. Thank you Michael Taggart for writing this series. I’m hooked….
All my spare time, I was enthralled. Walking down the hall way I’d read a little bit more. When I woke up and right before bed. Any spare time at all. I was reading this book. I feel represented. I’m excited to see what happens next…. Thank you Michael Taggart for writing this series. I’m hooked….
May 22, 2022
Man, this guy can write! "Gathering Mage" is packed with magic, marvels, mysteries, new creature characters, new friends and enemies for Jason and Sandy (our chief protagonists in this 3rd book), a political situation among mages very au currant to the USA, and adventure galore! Rather than spoil any of the fun, though, I'd like to point out the thing that impressed me the most: Jason Cole expresses love and gratitude easily and often. He has a great deal to be grateful for, it's true, and ever more as the book goes on; but his expressions of gratitude make you understand and believe in his worthiness as a Fledgling God. This series, and this book in particular, are kind of an anti-Game of Thrones. There are villains here, sure, and the stakes are easily equal to trying to claim a throne, but the soul of the book is the soul of the man Jason Cole, and his steadfast love -- of friends and family, his much-more-than-a-cat Bermuda, and even his magical creations, make him the kind of god I could believe in and root for. I think you will too.
August 8, 2022
Amazing!
This series just gets better with each book. The author has a wonderful imagination. Lots of surprises here. A must read!! Highly recommended!
This series just gets better with each book. The author has a wonderful imagination. Lots of surprises here. A must read!! Highly recommended!
February 5, 2022
Fantastic
I'm eagerly awaiting the 4th book. You've made us fall in love with the whole merry group. I love the dialogue Jason runs through his head, lol
I'm eagerly awaiting the 4th book. You've made us fall in love with the whole merry group. I love the dialogue Jason runs through his head, lol
February 2, 2022
I find this series really enjoyable to read, and glommed this installment in two evenings. I especially love the original and detailed magic.
...And the cats 🐈 😻 🐈⬛
...And the cats 🐈 😻 🐈⬛
February 14, 2022
Candide-ly? The Gayest of All Possible Books
I still enjoyed some of the concepts and the magic theory-crafting.
But it was all a bit much.
There was an over-abundance of sweet, saccharine goodness and exuberant joyousness. The bad guys were so obviously evil as to be ridiculous, and everything the MC did became beneficial somehow. He never had a failure or misstep. Everyone (excepting the bad guys) was *so* supportive and *so* generous as to approach absurdity.
There wasn’t enough push-back, enough underlying tension. The antagonists appeared only when necessary, almost as if they were brought out of storage just long enough to remember they exist before disappearing again. There weren’t any mundane moments of disdain from people unrelated to the antagonists, exasperation from a more powerful but essentially uninterested third party.
A lot of stuff happened, and the underlying series was plot took several steps forward. But the narrative didn’t fully invest in any kind of deep plot in *this* book. I mean, the primary antagonist completely ignored…damn that’s a spoiler…he was just so stupid as to be questionable how he got so strong to begin with.
I still intend to continue with the series.
I still enjoyed some of the concepts and the magic theory-crafting.
But it was all a bit much.
There was an over-abundance of sweet, saccharine goodness and exuberant joyousness. The bad guys were so obviously evil as to be ridiculous, and everything the MC did became beneficial somehow. He never had a failure or misstep. Everyone (excepting the bad guys) was *so* supportive and *so* generous as to approach absurdity.
There wasn’t enough push-back, enough underlying tension. The antagonists appeared only when necessary, almost as if they were brought out of storage just long enough to remember they exist before disappearing again. There weren’t any mundane moments of disdain from people unrelated to the antagonists, exasperation from a more powerful but essentially uninterested third party.
A lot of stuff happened, and the underlying series was plot took several steps forward. But the narrative didn’t fully invest in any kind of deep plot in *this* book. I mean, the primary antagonist completely ignored…damn that’s a spoiler…he was just so stupid as to be questionable how he got so strong to begin with.
I still intend to continue with the series.
June 17, 2022
Fun series
I've really enjoyed these books so far. I like the humor, the character development, and the wonderful world building the author does. As a bisexual man it's fun to read from the mm side of things.
I've really enjoyed these books so far. I like the humor, the character development, and the wonderful world building the author does. As a bisexual man it's fun to read from the mm side of things.
February 23, 2022
Love this series!
Jason’s inner monologues/characters are hilarious and I think his soul creations are awesome - I’d love to have magic like that! Another great installment of this series!
Jason’s inner monologues/characters are hilarious and I think his soul creations are awesome - I’d love to have magic like that! Another great installment of this series!
February 6, 2022
love love love!
I read so much and it’s rare I find a book as good as this one. The story is funny, has suspense, romance, found family, magic used in new ways, and characters I want to be friends with. Seriously, a board game with Jason, Tyler, Anna Beth, sandy, and John would be the definition of a good time. I reread the whole series prior to starting this book and they were all just as good as the first time. I notice new things each time I open the covers and I know this story will be the same. Can’t wait to see what the rest of the crew was up to while sandy and Jason were at the gathering.
I read so much and it’s rare I find a book as good as this one. The story is funny, has suspense, romance, found family, magic used in new ways, and characters I want to be friends with. Seriously, a board game with Jason, Tyler, Anna Beth, sandy, and John would be the definition of a good time. I reread the whole series prior to starting this book and they were all just as good as the first time. I notice new things each time I open the covers and I know this story will be the same. Can’t wait to see what the rest of the crew was up to while sandy and Jason were at the gathering.
February 8, 2022
Great Gay Magical Fantasy
Really loved this book but maybe not as much as the other 2 books. I felt like this one was a bit light on conflict. Would luv to see the protagonist have a bit more inner conflict. Also, I know that Jason generates his power through love but could maybe dial the detail of the love back a bit. Not completely, it just felt like it kinda overwhelmed the story at some points. Loved all the steamy bits of course!!
Really loved this book but maybe not as much as the other 2 books. I felt like this one was a bit light on conflict. Would luv to see the protagonist have a bit more inner conflict. Also, I know that Jason generates his power through love but could maybe dial the detail of the love back a bit. Not completely, it just felt like it kinda overwhelmed the story at some points. Loved all the steamy bits of course!!
February 7, 2022
Great 3rd installment to the series
This was a great third installment of the series. It builds a little slow at first and then it just keeps building more and more action. It really was a great read and I finished quickly.
This was a great third installment of the series. It builds a little slow at first and then it just keeps building more and more action. It really was a great read and I finished quickly.
February 7, 2022
Love this series.
I really like this story arc. I like following Jason on his self discoveries. I love a hero with a good heart. The story was very engaging and I read it in 2 days!
I really like this story arc. I like following Jason on his self discoveries. I love a hero with a good heart. The story was very engaging and I read it in 2 days!
February 17, 2022
Another fine work from Michael!
I'm a member of the LGBTQ community. Finding books with gay characters that don't have excessive descriptive love scenes is rare. Michael keeps it interesting without all the graphic details which keeps it entertaining.
I love reading and am grateful for finding this wonderful world. I love all the characters and look forward to finding out how this ball turns out. I'm mosdef a fan. JAM
I'm a member of the LGBTQ community. Finding books with gay characters that don't have excessive descriptive love scenes is rare. Michael keeps it interesting without all the graphic details which keeps it entertaining.
I love reading and am grateful for finding this wonderful world. I love all the characters and look forward to finding out how this ball turns out. I'm mosdef a fan. JAM
February 19, 2022
love this series
Can’t wait for the next book! Love the positivity of the characters and the action adventures. Love the characters development, how they are growing into wonderful and powerful people
Can’t wait for the next book! Love the positivity of the characters and the action adventures. Love the characters development, how they are growing into wonderful and powerful people
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