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Paranoid Mage #1
Paranoid Mage
Callum had seen things all his life. There are monsters and beasts living among people, but he learned very early not to admit such things, not if he didn’t want people to think him crazy.
It turns out that the supernatural is real, but at thirty Callum has no desire to be part of that secret. Not that he has a choice when it turns out he is a mage, albeit one that hasn’t cast any spells in all his life. There are requirements, duties, and education that the powers that be insist he be subject to.
To hell with that.
---
An Urban Fantasy and Magical Realism story with a healthy dash of genre subversion.
It turns out that the supernatural is real, but at thirty Callum has no desire to be part of that secret. Not that he has a choice when it turns out he is a mage, albeit one that hasn’t cast any spells in all his life. There are requirements, duties, and education that the powers that be insist he be subject to.
To hell with that.
---
An Urban Fantasy and Magical Realism story with a healthy dash of genre subversion.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2022
233 people are currently reading
989 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
August 2, 2022
4.5/5
One of the underrated gem I found on Kindle.
Fair warning though if you go into this book expecting mage battles and actions you'll be disappointed, there's minimum actions (Just 2 actually) .
But, if you want an MC who is a grown adult and think through every situations before getting into it rather than jumping blindly in a tight spot then this one is for you.
The MC is one of the most interesting character I've ever read, he leads this book with heart, brilliance, determination and a healthy dose of Paranoia.
This book would have been a 5 ⭐ read if it isn't for the drag that occurs in the later half of the book. Even though this book is just 310 pages if felt like reading a 600 page one i.e sometimes for the best and sometimes for the worst.
Anyhow, I'm intrigued enough to moving on to the sequel straightaway... Renegade Mage, Here i come...
One of the underrated gem I found on Kindle.
Fair warning though if you go into this book expecting mage battles and actions you'll be disappointed, there's minimum actions (Just 2 actually) .
But, if you want an MC who is a grown adult and think through every situations before getting into it rather than jumping blindly in a tight spot then this one is for you.
The MC is one of the most interesting character I've ever read, he leads this book with heart, brilliance, determination and a healthy dose of Paranoia.
This book would have been a 5 ⭐ read if it isn't for the drag that occurs in the later half of the book. Even though this book is just 310 pages if felt like reading a 600 page one i.e sometimes for the best and sometimes for the worst.
Anyhow, I'm intrigued enough to moving on to the sequel straightaway... Renegade Mage, Here i come...
May 23, 2022
Ignore the cover- this is honestly excellent fun.
Normal guy Callum discovers he has magic, and objects to being forcibly tattooed and drafted into magical society as one of their lowly tools. Instead, he goes on the run, covers his trail, and tries to live his life away from the tentacles of the all-controlling governmental group that regulate mage society, all the while using mundane science and technology to try and figure out his magical skills on his own. Hijinks ensure.
Normal guy Callum discovers he has magic, and objects to being forcibly tattooed and drafted into magical society as one of their lowly tools. Instead, he goes on the run, covers his trail, and tries to live his life away from the tentacles of the all-controlling governmental group that regulate mage society, all the while using mundane science and technology to try and figure out his magical skills on his own. Hijinks ensure.
March 12, 2022
Need more
Warning to new readers, this book is the first 20 chapters of the web novel. I say this not to scare anyone away, but to warn you that web novels are usually a slow process taking hundreds of chapters to end on average. Luckily the author here provides substantial chapters, so 20 chapters add up to a good story.
The story of a man trying (and succeeding) to evade the notice of the magical power structure is great. The corresponding lockdown of magical knowledge hampers the main character's ability to grow his magical aptitude in a traditional manner. This is the first novel's focus with a lot of frustration and grasping at straws. Luckily, after a heroic adventure, the main character finds a few potential allies to offer help. But, obviously, the magic government is not about to let him slip away.
I loved the author's last work, Blue Core, so I am happy with the start of Paranoid Mage. The main character has a good morality, but is also smart enough to not look for more trouble. Since the main character is on the run, most side characters feel temporary. I hope in the future, he can find those willing to stand/run with him.
Warning to new readers, this book is the first 20 chapters of the web novel. I say this not to scare anyone away, but to warn you that web novels are usually a slow process taking hundreds of chapters to end on average. Luckily the author here provides substantial chapters, so 20 chapters add up to a good story.
The story of a man trying (and succeeding) to evade the notice of the magical power structure is great. The corresponding lockdown of magical knowledge hampers the main character's ability to grow his magical aptitude in a traditional manner. This is the first novel's focus with a lot of frustration and grasping at straws. Luckily, after a heroic adventure, the main character finds a few potential allies to offer help. But, obviously, the magic government is not about to let him slip away.
I loved the author's last work, Blue Core, so I am happy with the start of Paranoid Mage. The main character has a good morality, but is also smart enough to not look for more trouble. Since the main character is on the run, most side characters feel temporary. I hope in the future, he can find those willing to stand/run with him.
April 10, 2022
I got to the seventy percent mark of He Who Fights with Monsters book five and I couldn't take anymore, so I read this.
It was a really good decision. Callum is a thirty year old engineer. His entire life he's been able to see ghosts (or something) moving around that other people can't see. He does his best to ignore it, but it's difficult, and of course he can't talk to anyone about it either.
He's at a gym when a fire breaks out, and he helps move people outside. The smoke is getting thick, and he has one person left when he can't take it anymore.
He passes out.
Next thing he knows, he's at a magical academy. And it's not the nice kind of magical academy. it's the kind with strict rules that would warm a National Socialist's heart on a cold winter day. There are rules for everything: what kind of magic is allowed, that only magical academy members can wield magic, and that mundanes (us) are viewed as less than human and mostly disposable.
Callum doesn't like any of this, so he sneaks out the first night and escapes. He buys a derelict house in S Dakota, and plans to hunker down until the trouble passes. He's on the run for the rest of the book.
It wouldn't be a very good b00k if that happened. I won't spoil what comes next because it's integral to the plot, but Callum gets even more involved than before. There are hints at magical politics going on, but we never get to see the whole picture.
I really liked this book up until the point he leaves South Dakota. After that the book gets text heavy at time as Callum tries to figure magic out without bringing attention to himself from the magic users. The book slows down there, but it wraps up nicely, and I'm looking forward to book two.
I will note that there are editing errors, and the notifications don't really exist.
4.5/5*
It was a really good decision. Callum is a thirty year old engineer. His entire life he's been able to see ghosts (or something) moving around that other people can't see. He does his best to ignore it, but it's difficult, and of course he can't talk to anyone about it either.
He's at a gym when a fire breaks out, and he helps move people outside. The smoke is getting thick, and he has one person left when he can't take it anymore.
He passes out.
Next thing he knows, he's at a magical academy. And it's not the nice kind of magical academy. it's the kind with strict rules that would warm a National Socialist's heart on a cold winter day. There are rules for everything: what kind of magic is allowed, that only magical academy members can wield magic, and that mundanes (us) are viewed as less than human and mostly disposable.
Callum doesn't like any of this, so he sneaks out the first night and escapes. He buys a derelict house in S Dakota, and plans to hunker down until the trouble passes. He's on the run for the rest of the book.
It wouldn't be a very good b00k if that happened. I won't spoil what comes next because it's integral to the plot, but Callum gets even more involved than before. There are hints at magical politics going on, but we never get to see the whole picture.
I really liked this book up until the point he leaves South Dakota. After that the book gets text heavy at time as Callum tries to figure magic out without bringing attention to himself from the magic users. The book slows down there, but it wraps up nicely, and I'm looking forward to book two.
I will note that there are editing errors, and the notifications don't really exist.
4.5/5*
July 9, 2022
An enjoyable hidden world fantasy that focuses on a well-rounded magic system, in between action scenes.
Callum is a sympathetic protagonist, in spite of having more money than 95% of people. He's cast as the underdog because of his late introduction to the authoritarian world of magic. Opting out from day one, his achievements serve as an illustration of how much the system is suppressing everyone living under its banner. His journey starts off as a simple attempt to save an innocent life and blossoms into a one-man fight against the world-spanning mystical government. Good stuff!
Callum is a sympathetic protagonist, in spite of having more money than 95% of people. He's cast as the underdog because of his late introduction to the authoritarian world of magic. Opting out from day one, his achievements serve as an illustration of how much the system is suppressing everyone living under its banner. His journey starts off as a simple attempt to save an innocent life and blossoms into a one-man fight against the world-spanning mystical government. Good stuff!
May 4, 2022
Only made it about 3/4 of the way through. The writing is good, the world is interesting, but the main guy is just such a downer. Always complaining and finding fault. I can think of maybe one occasion where he cracked a smile. Just trundling about by himself grumbling about how nothing’s ever good enough. Maybe that’s realistic but good lord, give him a friend.
April 30, 2022
Note: This book is Vol 1 of a currently ongoing Web Serial. Feel free to read further chapters in RR and contribute to author's Patreon.
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/498...
A really good Urban Fantasy which subverts the tropes in a refreshing way.
Callum always knew he could "see" things that shouldn't ideally exist in this world, but after a few sessions with doctor decides to keep it to himself. When caught inadvertently in a accident, he ends up knowing more about our own world and ends up in a magical academy. He realizes he doesn't want to be a "academy" mage, so escapes out to make this own way. But life rarely turns out simple. After being pulled into some other situations the plot is all about adventures of Callum as he tries unsuccessfully to remain under the radar.
The books is a fun, fact read which literally drops you into the action from get go. The world is built as we learn through our MC, who has a healthy disregard for 'establishment'. Situation is more complex as pretty much all the magical races including humans have low regard for non-magical humans and MC is a crusade against that. Just when you think you see a trope, it gets subverted into something new and refreshing. Callum is a fun character to follow too.
There are some minor niggles as I felt that the discoveries of the MC make him a bit OP and his skills and the way he uses them should already have been existing in history of magic.
Still, it was a very good read and I'll continue to follow this.
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/498...
A really good Urban Fantasy which subverts the tropes in a refreshing way.
Callum always knew he could "see" things that shouldn't ideally exist in this world, but after a few sessions with doctor decides to keep it to himself. When caught inadvertently in a accident, he ends up knowing more about our own world and ends up in a magical academy. He realizes he doesn't want to be a "academy" mage, so escapes out to make this own way. But life rarely turns out simple. After being pulled into some other situations the plot is all about adventures of Callum as he tries unsuccessfully to remain under the radar.
The books is a fun, fact read which literally drops you into the action from get go. The world is built as we learn through our MC, who has a healthy disregard for 'establishment'. Situation is more complex as pretty much all the magical races including humans have low regard for non-magical humans and MC is a crusade against that. Just when you think you see a trope, it gets subverted into something new and refreshing. Callum is a fun character to follow too.
There are some minor niggles as I felt that the discoveries of the MC make him a bit OP and his skills and the way he uses them should already have been existing in history of magic.
Still, it was a very good read and I'll continue to follow this.
September 2, 2022
Callum is an consultant of thirty years, and has a lifetime of seeing strange things almost every week. But since noone else seems to notice, and he doesn't want to look crazy, he so far never told anyone about it.
That changes when he is part of a magical occurance, supernatural law enforcement takes notice, and reveals a whole secret society of mages and other creatures to him. He is told that he was obviously a mage that slipped through the net, and will learn magic soon when he's drafted into the service of defending humanity from otherworldy dangers, as all mages do.
But Callum only hears "secret and possibly not democratically legitimized government organization trying to press people into service, probably for brainwashing reasons"though. And so he immediately ditches his watchdog and goes underground. As he tries to evade surveillance and detection (being told in no uncertain terms that rogue mages are hunted down and killed) he slowly tries to gather information about the secret society he almost became a part of, all while coming to terms with his newly awakened powers.
***
An urban fantasy wizard story in which the protagonist rejects the wondrous magic society revealed to them is quite a breath of fresh air, especially since it's due to them being a criticial grown-up with a healthy distrust for power.
What follows is a story a bit akin to the television series/movie The Fugitive, with Callum on the run from the law while having to interact with what he tries to evade to find crucial information - or simply by chance.
The protagonist has an unusual kind of magic that seems a bit OP at times, but then again it being unusual makes it harder for him to find documentation on it. Plus he only slowly builds up his power, putting a LOT of work and discovery into it while the story unfolds. So it doesn't feel unearned, and a lot of his power actually seems to derive from him re-discovering that kind of magic off the beaten path, which helps too.
Add a reasonably well thought-through magic system and lots of interactions with fun (if not too deep) characters and you have a nice and entertaining novel at your hand. I, for one, enjoyed it a lot, and plowed through it in just two working days.
Only word of warning: this is a web series put into novel form, so expect a lack of decisive story arcs and definitive conclusions, though it was structured in a way that each book has some form of climax. It's also still ongoing (at the time of writing of this review), so you might want to take that into consideration.
That changes when he is part of a magical occurance, supernatural law enforcement takes notice, and reveals a whole secret society of mages and other creatures to him. He is told that he was obviously a mage that slipped through the net, and will learn magic soon when he's drafted into the service of defending humanity from otherworldy dangers, as all mages do.
But Callum only hears "secret and possibly not democratically legitimized government organization trying to press people into service, probably for brainwashing reasons"though. And so he immediately ditches his watchdog and goes underground. As he tries to evade surveillance and detection (being told in no uncertain terms that rogue mages are hunted down and killed) he slowly tries to gather information about the secret society he almost became a part of, all while coming to terms with his newly awakened powers.
***
An urban fantasy wizard story in which the protagonist rejects the wondrous magic society revealed to them is quite a breath of fresh air, especially since it's due to them being a criticial grown-up with a healthy distrust for power.
What follows is a story a bit akin to the television series/movie The Fugitive, with Callum on the run from the law while having to interact with what he tries to evade to find crucial information - or simply by chance.
The protagonist has an unusual kind of magic that seems a bit OP at times, but then again it being unusual makes it harder for him to find documentation on it. Plus he only slowly builds up his power, putting a LOT of work and discovery into it while the story unfolds. So it doesn't feel unearned, and a lot of his power actually seems to derive from him re-discovering that kind of magic off the beaten path, which helps too.
Add a reasonably well thought-through magic system and lots of interactions with fun (if not too deep) characters and you have a nice and entertaining novel at your hand. I, for one, enjoyed it a lot, and plowed through it in just two working days.
Only word of warning: this is a web series put into novel form, so expect a lack of decisive story arcs and definitive conclusions, though it was structured in a way that each book has some form of climax. It's also still ongoing (at the time of writing of this review), so you might want to take that into consideration.
January 5, 2023
It can't be a coincidence that some of my favourite books I have read over the last few years are all coming out of Royal Road. Beware of Chicken, He Who Fights with Monsters, Mother of Learning, Defiance of the Fall, and The Legend of Randidly Ghosthound are not just among my favourite books/series of the last two years, but are some of the most creative and interesting stories I have read in a long, long time. For a while now my reading habits are moving more towards self-published works than traditional publishing, and in reading these series it's not hard to see why. They are just doing things that no traditionally published book is doing right now, and Paranoid Mage is another book that keeps up with that trend.
This is the story of a magical late bloomer who, when he is introduced to his powers and the mage society, immediately decides that he trusts no one and goes on the run. It's a wonderful twist on the tired old trope of being introduced to a magical world and immediately getting caught up with this new magical society.
Despite running from this shady magical government, the protagonist is not shy about exploring magic which is another pro for this novel. There is a very interesting magic system at work here and the author isn't shy about putting that up front, letting the exploration of that magic guide the story rather than the need for action scenes. The few action scenes that are there serve more as a way to explore the potential of the magic even further rather than for the sake of action on its own, which just reinforces what I feel are the strengths of this novel. It shows that the author trusts his story enough to let it do the talking without feeling the need to try to keep up the pace with meaningless action scenes.
Overall what I am saying is that this is a unique story that is wonderfully told and kept me gripped from the opening pages right through to the final chapter. I can't wait to read the next one and see what is next for the Paranoid Mage.
This is the story of a magical late bloomer who, when he is introduced to his powers and the mage society, immediately decides that he trusts no one and goes on the run. It's a wonderful twist on the tired old trope of being introduced to a magical world and immediately getting caught up with this new magical society.
Despite running from this shady magical government, the protagonist is not shy about exploring magic which is another pro for this novel. There is a very interesting magic system at work here and the author isn't shy about putting that up front, letting the exploration of that magic guide the story rather than the need for action scenes. The few action scenes that are there serve more as a way to explore the potential of the magic even further rather than for the sake of action on its own, which just reinforces what I feel are the strengths of this novel. It shows that the author trusts his story enough to let it do the talking without feeling the need to try to keep up the pace with meaningless action scenes.
Overall what I am saying is that this is a unique story that is wonderfully told and kept me gripped from the opening pages right through to the final chapter. I can't wait to read the next one and see what is next for the Paranoid Mage.
July 6, 2024
Ok, this was one of the most fun reads I've happened upon in a long time. The MC is a self-employed architectural designer who lives a comfortable life, but has seen magical creatures since he was a child. He pretty much ignores them until he's involved in an altercation between a couple supernaturals and ends up on the radar of the MIB, which in this book is pretty much the Mages In Black since they regulate all magic and supernaturals.
The MC has little choice other than being forcibly drafted into the organization that will likely send him off to some parallel worlds to die in a war against supernatural invaders. Being underestimated since he has little magical knowledge, he slips away from his probation officer and goes into hiding. The rest of the story is basically the MC discovering and practicing his magic while trying to dodge the authorities and it reminded me of an urban fantasy crossover with The Bourne Identity.
I really enjoyed the magic system in this story and specifically how the MC became competent due to his skillset while still being plausibly ignorant on most fundamentals. There have been a variety of poorly-written stories that have magic systems revolving around convoluted concepts to allow the random engineer MC to become OP, but this story approached it from a way that I preferred: what would an architectural designer's mundane skills translate into for magical talent? Rather than being OP because the magic system is crafted around the MC, the MC manages to develop a few specialized tricks and uses them to navigate the supernatural and magical underground by the skin of his teeth.
I'm curious to see where things go in book two.
The MC has little choice other than being forcibly drafted into the organization that will likely send him off to some parallel worlds to die in a war against supernatural invaders. Being underestimated since he has little magical knowledge, he slips away from his probation officer and goes into hiding. The rest of the story is basically the MC discovering and practicing his magic while trying to dodge the authorities and it reminded me of an urban fantasy crossover with The Bourne Identity.
I really enjoyed the magic system in this story and specifically how the MC became competent due to his skillset while still being plausibly ignorant on most fundamentals. There have been a variety of poorly-written stories that have magic systems revolving around convoluted concepts to allow the random engineer MC to become OP, but this story approached it from a way that I preferred: what would an architectural designer's mundane skills translate into for magical talent? Rather than being OP because the magic system is crafted around the MC, the MC manages to develop a few specialized tricks and uses them to navigate the supernatural and magical underground by the skin of his teeth.
I'm curious to see where things go in book two.
October 22, 2023
Do you enjoy cringey dialogue? The kind only found on Sesame Street crossed with Mister Roger's neighborhood? Well, then, this book is for you! But wait, that's not all! Do you also thrill to unoriginal storylines?
Stop me if you've heard this one before. A guy spends thirty years not knowing he has magical powers, but when he accidentally realizes he does, a shadow government tries to capture and control him! While on the run from the evil men in black, he learns by Sheer trial-and-error to become the great and powerful Oz!
But we're not done yet! To make this book a truly horrible experience, you must listen to the truly bad audible version! They've hired what must be the razzy's version of the worst reader available! The guy couldn't do a girl's voice to save his life! Fingernails on the chalkboard would be melodic after listening to this person try to do a female voice.
And the dialogue! Did I mention the dialogue? It's a marathon of eye rolling "romance" CRINGE! Truly bad, awful, horrible
juvenile writing!
Stop me if you've heard this one before. A guy spends thirty years not knowing he has magical powers, but when he accidentally realizes he does, a shadow government tries to capture and control him! While on the run from the evil men in black, he learns by Sheer trial-and-error to become the great and powerful Oz!
But we're not done yet! To make this book a truly horrible experience, you must listen to the truly bad audible version! They've hired what must be the razzy's version of the worst reader available! The guy couldn't do a girl's voice to save his life! Fingernails on the chalkboard would be melodic after listening to this person try to do a female voice.
And the dialogue! Did I mention the dialogue? It's a marathon of eye rolling "romance" CRINGE! Truly bad, awful, horrible
juvenile writing!
July 23, 2022
Frustrating read
In this story, the 30-something MC one day learns that the world is ruled by supernatural beings in an authoritarian and highly discriminating system. So, without knowing much about anything, including his own unsuspected capabilities, he immediately decides to be an outlaw and escape from the officials who wanted to draft him, and the story goes on like that.
What I found very annoying was how, multiple times, he takes great risks to rescue victims, kill perpetrators, and spare innocents and gets away with everything, workout much explanation of what makes him so capable on his own.
In this story, the 30-something MC one day learns that the world is ruled by supernatural beings in an authoritarian and highly discriminating system. So, without knowing much about anything, including his own unsuspected capabilities, he immediately decides to be an outlaw and escape from the officials who wanted to draft him, and the story goes on like that.
What I found very annoying was how, multiple times, he takes great risks to rescue victims, kill perpetrators, and spare innocents and gets away with everything, workout much explanation of what makes him so capable on his own.
March 7, 2022
If they're out to get you it isn't paranoia
Fantastic addition to the Urban Fantasy world.
Fun, interesting characters that have their own goals and perspectives with Cal coming ahead. Even with us spending so much time with him, he's still a bit of a mystery with hints all over the place.
The world build is great with many different places to explore and see the "behind-the-scenes".
Can't wait for the next book
Fantastic addition to the Urban Fantasy world.
Fun, interesting characters that have their own goals and perspectives with Cal coming ahead. Even with us spending so much time with him, he's still a bit of a mystery with hints all over the place.
The world build is great with many different places to explore and see the "behind-the-scenes".
Can't wait for the next book
December 9, 2022
DNF at about half way
Urgh, talk about anti-hero ass. Terrible world building and unlikable characters
Urgh, talk about anti-hero ass. Terrible world building and unlikable characters
February 2, 2023
It is strange for a son to have a funeral for his two parents together (author did not explain accident or common death), but they were almost in their nineties, and supposedly the main character (changes his name a lot - Callum) was thirty...so unless his "parents" adopted him, or were somehow his "grandparents) having kids at late 50's is unheard of...and highly unlikely... This main character had magical powers but never developed them (as a late bloomer) his powers were related to "space magic" (teleportation and such). But author somehow gives him incredible gun fighting/assassination skills and abilities...Having no information on his past (because the author never really develops this main character) we do not know what he worked at, why is he so good at killing people??? Was the main character in the military? Was he a spy?? Was he a criminal?? Who knows how to fly "crop duster" planes as well?? Was the main character in a "right-wing-militia"???
Where I'm going with this is, this story lacks consistence and cohesion. Because the author does not develop the main character, the "other hidden magical world", the readers are taking an unknown roller coaster ride that the author wrote, but that nobody knows where the roller coaster is going...
The main character could see magical beings from his youth, and pretended not to see them. Sad, really, cause if he would have spoken to any of them, main character could have trained all of his life and made it a much more interesting story...
So is the main character a spy? An assassin?? What?? Paranoid mage??? At thirty?? So, why is the cover illustration so indescript then?? The author did not place his name on the story, more than a "Paranoid Mage", I think a better tittle for this story would be an "Ashamed Author" that had an urge to publish a story filled like a sieve with plot holes...
Where I'm going with this is, this story lacks consistence and cohesion. Because the author does not develop the main character, the "other hidden magical world", the readers are taking an unknown roller coaster ride that the author wrote, but that nobody knows where the roller coaster is going...
The main character could see magical beings from his youth, and pretended not to see them. Sad, really, cause if he would have spoken to any of them, main character could have trained all of his life and made it a much more interesting story...
So is the main character a spy? An assassin?? What?? Paranoid mage??? At thirty?? So, why is the cover illustration so indescript then?? The author did not place his name on the story, more than a "Paranoid Mage", I think a better tittle for this story would be an "Ashamed Author" that had an urge to publish a story filled like a sieve with plot holes...
May 17, 2023
Too much telling.
April 12, 2023
That was a fun ride
I was starting to think something was wrong with me. The last half dozen books I've read were so damn annoying. I can't remember DNFing so many books in such a short time. I don't feel cranky, is the problem me?
Then I got down my "To be read" list to the Paranoid Mage and I feel much better for two reasons. No, the problem wasn't just me, And I found an enjoyable read that kept me up late reading into the small hours of the night.
This story is a bit like a thriller, a bit like a police procedural, and a bit like a dystopian urban fantasy. -In this world every mage must be registered with the magical authorities by law. there is also compulsory military service in the portal worlds by law, and the survival rate is weighted to members of the noble houses. So... The powerful rule every aspect of your life, and the poor go die in foreign wars to enrich the powerful. Everyone in this society is indoctrinated from childhood to accept that this is just the way it is. But what if you get thrown into it as an adult? ...Well, first of all you are already a criminal for not having registered. Your survival rate in those wars just went down big time. They think they own you and can do whatever they like with you. Except that the MC has been a paranoid guy his whole life. They aren't used to people saying no and walking out.
They take that as an assault on their authority.
So what happens when you corner a man who was just minding his own business?
I was starting to think something was wrong with me. The last half dozen books I've read were so damn annoying. I can't remember DNFing so many books in such a short time. I don't feel cranky, is the problem me?
Then I got down my "To be read" list to the Paranoid Mage and I feel much better for two reasons. No, the problem wasn't just me, And I found an enjoyable read that kept me up late reading into the small hours of the night.
This story is a bit like a thriller, a bit like a police procedural, and a bit like a dystopian urban fantasy. -In this world every mage must be registered with the magical authorities by law. there is also compulsory military service in the portal worlds by law, and the survival rate is weighted to members of the noble houses. So... The powerful rule every aspect of your life, and the poor go die in foreign wars to enrich the powerful. Everyone in this society is indoctrinated from childhood to accept that this is just the way it is. But what if you get thrown into it as an adult? ...Well, first of all you are already a criminal for not having registered. Your survival rate in those wars just went down big time. They think they own you and can do whatever they like with you. Except that the MC has been a paranoid guy his whole life. They aren't used to people saying no and walking out.
They take that as an assault on their authority.
So what happens when you corner a man who was just minding his own business?
November 22, 2022
This book was entertaining however, the progression was a bit haphazard. The protagonist went from zero to hero in no time flat. Discovered the intricacies of magic in six seconds (or days) and graduated to vigilante in record time. That said... it was still rather entertaining.
PS The book cover needs work.
PS The book cover needs work.
August 12, 2022
Easy 4 stars, good book and I look forward to the next one.
February 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this
July 11, 2024
Sometimes you just have to give a book with a really hideous cover a try
July 7, 2024
Review for the first two and a half ish books, since that's where I stalled out. (Minor spoilers for some plot points, but kept very vague)
This series started off fairly interesting and fun but rapidly descended into something that reads like the author's power fantasy and wish fulfillment.
The premise is that an architect in his 30s (40s?) discovers he's a mage, takes exception to the way the magical government operates, and goes on the run while learning about magic and the magical world on his own. A good premise! Then a Bad Thing happens and he has to become a vigilante who's suddenly ridiculously capable....and it basically continues/escalates from there.
This book is very much one of those "man does A. then man does B. then man does C." etc books. I actually enjoy that a lot of the time! "mother of learning"(which I really like) is like that, for example, but stories that successfully use that approach generally include other aspects like character growth and worldbuilding. from what I've read so far, the main character has no real growth: his opinions and feelings never really change, and while his goals shift slightly, it's only really an escalation of his previous goals as he gains more skills and resources.
The character's morality is pretty questionable and inconsistent, but is consistently treated as the correct choice. There's no nuance or consideration of the morality of vigilante "justice", it's seen as the reasonable choice because the government is bad - and yes, the magical government is legitimately bad, but I don't think that somehow makes murder just a-ok. there are lots of weapons and a bunker and the description of them really reads like the author really wants (or already has) lots of weapons and a cool bunker and is writing out his dream setup.
which is really my main problem with this series. it all seems to be the author thinking "you know what would be cool? THIS THING" and then just writing it out without really reflecting on it at all. it has major Gary Stu vibes, and while a bit of that can be fun, it's not enough to build a whole series on. the character goes from a normal architect man to a magical overpowered superhero pretty much entirely on his own, just by practicing and thinking about things.
the other problem I have is that all the world building and magic details only really show up as they're needed. character needs to do X, so immediately before that happens we learn Y, which makes X possible. it turns things from interesting plot points into a sequence of events that happened, which is so boring!
and it's a shame, because there are some interesting ideas in there! the character's exploration of magic in general, his magic in particular, and the world building were compelling enough to keep me reading for quite a while. there was a lot of potential, but everything else just got to me. the third book in particular is so boring I couldn't make it through.
but the worst thing for me was the absolutely repulsive flirting and romantic relationship. (in fact, looking at the covers for the later books is what made me give up on the series, since it looks like that continues and I guess they have a kid or something??). it's so bad. so bad. awkward and just kind of shoved in, and weirdly generic and impersonal? like if someone learned about flirting from action movies and has never experienced it in real life. it annoyed me when it started and it just escalated from there. the woman also calls him "big man" instead of a name, even after they start their relationship (excuse me while I throw up in my mouth).
she also doesn't have any personality except as it relates to the main character. she goes through various difficult situations but doesn't really have that many thoughts or feelings about them, and a lot of the time even the feelings that are expressed are just the main character thinking about how she's probably feeling (instead of, I don't know, actually talking to her about it?). she's perfectly happy to go along with his plans and help out with her super amazing computer skills - she never actually wants anything herself. it just grossed me out.
maybe things improve in later books. it can happen, especially with amateur/newer authors who are still figuring out how to write effectively, but I'm not sticking around to find out.
This series started off fairly interesting and fun but rapidly descended into something that reads like the author's power fantasy and wish fulfillment.
The premise is that an architect in his 30s (40s?) discovers he's a mage, takes exception to the way the magical government operates, and goes on the run while learning about magic and the magical world on his own. A good premise! Then a Bad Thing happens and he has to become a vigilante who's suddenly ridiculously capable....and it basically continues/escalates from there.
This book is very much one of those "man does A. then man does B. then man does C." etc books. I actually enjoy that a lot of the time! "mother of learning"(which I really like) is like that, for example, but stories that successfully use that approach generally include other aspects like character growth and worldbuilding. from what I've read so far, the main character has no real growth: his opinions and feelings never really change, and while his goals shift slightly, it's only really an escalation of his previous goals as he gains more skills and resources.
The character's morality is pretty questionable and inconsistent, but is consistently treated as the correct choice. There's no nuance or consideration of the morality of vigilante "justice", it's seen as the reasonable choice because the government is bad - and yes, the magical government is legitimately bad, but I don't think that somehow makes murder just a-ok. there are lots of weapons and a bunker and the description of them really reads like the author really wants (or already has) lots of weapons and a cool bunker and is writing out his dream setup.
which is really my main problem with this series. it all seems to be the author thinking "you know what would be cool? THIS THING" and then just writing it out without really reflecting on it at all. it has major Gary Stu vibes, and while a bit of that can be fun, it's not enough to build a whole series on. the character goes from a normal architect man to a magical overpowered superhero pretty much entirely on his own, just by practicing and thinking about things.
the other problem I have is that all the world building and magic details only really show up as they're needed. character needs to do X, so immediately before that happens we learn Y, which makes X possible. it turns things from interesting plot points into a sequence of events that happened, which is so boring!
and it's a shame, because there are some interesting ideas in there! the character's exploration of magic in general, his magic in particular, and the world building were compelling enough to keep me reading for quite a while. there was a lot of potential, but everything else just got to me. the third book in particular is so boring I couldn't make it through.
but the worst thing for me was the absolutely repulsive flirting and romantic relationship. (in fact, looking at the covers for the later books is what made me give up on the series, since it looks like that continues and I guess they have a kid or something??). it's so bad. so bad. awkward and just kind of shoved in, and weirdly generic and impersonal? like if someone learned about flirting from action movies and has never experienced it in real life. it annoyed me when it started and it just escalated from there. the woman also calls him "big man" instead of a name, even after they start their relationship (excuse me while I throw up in my mouth).
she also doesn't have any personality except as it relates to the main character. she goes through various difficult situations but doesn't really have that many thoughts or feelings about them, and a lot of the time even the feelings that are expressed are just the main character thinking about how she's probably feeling (instead of, I don't know, actually talking to her about it?). she's perfectly happy to go along with his plans and help out with her super amazing computer skills - she never actually wants anything herself. it just grossed me out.
maybe things improve in later books. it can happen, especially with amateur/newer authors who are still figuring out how to write effectively, but I'm not sticking around to find out.
September 16, 2022
So grading this on a serious curve since I enjoyed it right up until the book ended with zero story resolution. I looked into why this may be and discovered this book is still available for free on Royalroad.com, which is where I suggest you read it because I'm not getting my $5 bucks back. (I'm old- I still think of $5 as a buffet, not two candy bars). Seriously, if you are considering reading this either wait for book 2 to come out or be prepared for zero story resolution.
The story: MC, a thirty something, is able to see the magic creatures that secretly share our world. MC successfully hides this fact so as to not be labeled crazy. One day MC witnesses an attack on a supernatural being. This brings MC to the attention of the magic authorities and their police forces. MC is told he will be drafted and forced to serve. Not happy with having his freedom striped or his chances of survival MC makes a run for it, successfully. (Note, it is bizarrely easy for MC to get fake ids in this story and, while this bothered me somewhat, I lack any better suggestions since making this part of the story more detailed would have just caused the book to drag.)
While hiding out and learning what magic he can MC is drawn into a werewolf-vampire conflict. Turns out MC has a real talent for killing notoriously hard to kill vampires. The resulting investigation causes MC to flee. MC, forced to abandone his home, switches to an RV and begins hitting magical bookstores. This patern allows the werewolf alpha to find MC. The werewolves have four more problematic vampire nests and wish to hire MC to deal with them. MC's price is information as he still has much to learn. MC quickly kills three of the four nests and is told by alpha to let the last go since they are running away.
In a magic bookstore the MC meets a magic student (Gayle). Unknown to MC Gayle is a member of a powerful mage clan. Gayle is avoiding an apprenticeship because of politics. MC successfully pretends to be a professor and advances his magic understanding while helping Gayle in her studies. Gayle must pass a test to be considered a full mage and one aspect of the test is an offensive spell. Gayle, a healer, has no such spell until MC points out that a healer can kill by simply making unhealthy changes to body. This, it turns out, is considered a secret in the magic world and gets Gayle investigated and MC captured. MC has planned for such an event but can't immediately escape his imprisonment which is fine because it allows the MC to learn a few useful items.
MC escapes. The end.
Here's the thing: If the author was just telling the story of MC's day to day survival this would have been a good book. Unfortunately the author repeatedly drops hints (or outright tells the reader) that the MC will need to do something about the totalitarian regime that runs the magic world. The story has the MC make obvious connections (the werewolves and Gayle) who will be able to aid in this mission. Frankly this is extremely unfortunate because just a slight change to the story focus would have made this book good rather than good when grading on a curve.
The story: MC, a thirty something, is able to see the magic creatures that secretly share our world. MC successfully hides this fact so as to not be labeled crazy. One day MC witnesses an attack on a supernatural being. This brings MC to the attention of the magic authorities and their police forces. MC is told he will be drafted and forced to serve. Not happy with having his freedom striped or his chances of survival MC makes a run for it, successfully. (Note, it is bizarrely easy for MC to get fake ids in this story and, while this bothered me somewhat, I lack any better suggestions since making this part of the story more detailed would have just caused the book to drag.)
While hiding out and learning what magic he can MC is drawn into a werewolf-vampire conflict. Turns out MC has a real talent for killing notoriously hard to kill vampires. The resulting investigation causes MC to flee. MC, forced to abandone his home, switches to an RV and begins hitting magical bookstores. This patern allows the werewolf alpha to find MC. The werewolves have four more problematic vampire nests and wish to hire MC to deal with them. MC's price is information as he still has much to learn. MC quickly kills three of the four nests and is told by alpha to let the last go since they are running away.
In a magic bookstore the MC meets a magic student (Gayle). Unknown to MC Gayle is a member of a powerful mage clan. Gayle is avoiding an apprenticeship because of politics. MC successfully pretends to be a professor and advances his magic understanding while helping Gayle in her studies. Gayle must pass a test to be considered a full mage and one aspect of the test is an offensive spell. Gayle, a healer, has no such spell until MC points out that a healer can kill by simply making unhealthy changes to body. This, it turns out, is considered a secret in the magic world and gets Gayle investigated and MC captured. MC has planned for such an event but can't immediately escape his imprisonment which is fine because it allows the MC to learn a few useful items.
MC escapes. The end.
Here's the thing: If the author was just telling the story of MC's day to day survival this would have been a good book. Unfortunately the author repeatedly drops hints (or outright tells the reader) that the MC will need to do something about the totalitarian regime that runs the magic world. The story has the MC make obvious connections (the werewolves and Gayle) who will be able to aid in this mission. Frankly this is extremely unfortunate because just a slight change to the story focus would have made this book good rather than good when grading on a curve.
August 24, 2022
4*
Quick read
Quick read
March 27, 2022
Started this book on RoyalRoad but ended up buying a copy to support the author. I’m glad I did, it was an exciting story. Most books that explore the modern secret magic society trope never really go the conspiratorial route quite like this story. The MC was extremely careful and purposeful in his actions, the magic system was intriguing, the side characters were realistic and there were very real consequences.
I hope in the next book the parallel worlds as well as the more esoteric magical races will be explored. The MC is using his modern scientific sensibilities to get as much of an advantage on the magic society. Hopefully in the next book he won’t be completely outmatched in the magical aspects. Can’t wait!
I hope in the next book the parallel worlds as well as the more esoteric magical races will be explored. The MC is using his modern scientific sensibilities to get as much of an advantage on the magic society. Hopefully in the next book he won’t be completely outmatched in the magical aspects. Can’t wait!
November 11, 2022
This might be the most fun I've had with a book all year. That sense that the whole world goes away and now it's 5pm. The last time I was so transported by a novel was the Martian. I cannot thank Inadvisably Compelled enough for consuming my weekend.
Paranoid Mage is about a man (rather than a boy) who finds out he's part of a secret magical world. And you have a rare kind of magic. Congratulations. Now it's time to train you up for the epic war we're fighting on another world.
Our protagonist is having none of that. He escapes and goes off the grid. The problem is that he doesn't know what the grid _is_. He can see magic, but he can only barely use it. Who can he trust to train him and not turn him in? But without training, he doesn't stand a chance against the magical police, who are hunting him down. It's a fascinating dilemma.
Paranoid Mage is about a man (rather than a boy) who finds out he's part of a secret magical world. And you have a rare kind of magic. Congratulations. Now it's time to train you up for the epic war we're fighting on another world.
Our protagonist is having none of that. He escapes and goes off the grid. The problem is that he doesn't know what the grid _is_. He can see magic, but he can only barely use it. Who can he trust to train him and not turn him in? But without training, he doesn't stand a chance against the magical police, who are hunting him down. It's a fascinating dilemma.
March 18, 2022
the price of arrogance
You aren’t really paranoid if ‘they’ *are* out to get you. And an educated mind is one of the most dangerous weapons in the world.
When a world spanning policing organization has few capable enemies, they tend to be less competent and more arrogant than is wise.
I very much would like a sequel.
No sex, limited violence. Quite well written.
You aren’t really paranoid if ‘they’ *are* out to get you. And an educated mind is one of the most dangerous weapons in the world.
When a world spanning policing organization has few capable enemies, they tend to be less competent and more arrogant than is wise.
I very much would like a sequel.
No sex, limited violence. Quite well written.
May 3, 2022
It's fun, and I applaud the author's hard work, but it really needs an editor.
Looking forward to reading the next book. I just hope the quality of the author's works improves in the future.
Looking forward to reading the next book. I just hope the quality of the author's works improves in the future.
October 27, 2023
Paranoid Mage follows the story of Callum, a young man who discovers that he is a mage in a world where magic is strictly controlled by the government. Callum is reluctant to get involved in the magical world, but he is forced to take action when he is targeted by a group of rogue mages.
The plot of Paranoid Mage is well-paced and engaging. The author does a good job of introducing the characters and the world, and the story quickly builds momentum. The plot is also full of twists and turns, which keeps the reader guessing.
However, the plot is not without its flaws. One issue is that the author sometimes relies too heavily on exposition to explain the world and the magic system. This can make the story feel slow at times. Additionally, the climax of the story is a bit rushed, and some of the plot threads are not fully resolved.
Overall, the plot of Paranoid Mage is a solid effort. It is well-paced and engaging, but it is also flawed by some exposition and a rushed climax.
Critical Analysis
One of the strengths of Paranoid Mage is its characters. Callum is a likable and relatable protagonist. He is flawed and insecure, but he is also brave and resourceful. The supporting characters are also well-developed and interesting.
Another strength of the book is its worldbuilding. The author has created a detailed and believable world where magic is real but strictly controlled. The magic system is also well-designed and thought-out.
However, the book also has some weaknesses. One issue is the author's reliance on exposition. The author sometimes dumps large amounts of information on the reader at once, which can be overwhelming. Additionally, the climax of the story is a bit rushed, and some of the plot threads are not fully resolved.
Overall, Paranoid Mage is a good book with a lot of potential. The author has a clear talent for storytelling, and the characters and worldbuilding are both excellent. However, the book could be improved by reducing the amount of exposition and by fleshing out the climax and plot resolution.
The plot of Paranoid Mage is well-paced and engaging. The author does a good job of introducing the characters and the world, and the story quickly builds momentum. The plot is also full of twists and turns, which keeps the reader guessing.
However, the plot is not without its flaws. One issue is that the author sometimes relies too heavily on exposition to explain the world and the magic system. This can make the story feel slow at times. Additionally, the climax of the story is a bit rushed, and some of the plot threads are not fully resolved.
Overall, the plot of Paranoid Mage is a solid effort. It is well-paced and engaging, but it is also flawed by some exposition and a rushed climax.
Critical Analysis
One of the strengths of Paranoid Mage is its characters. Callum is a likable and relatable protagonist. He is flawed and insecure, but he is also brave and resourceful. The supporting characters are also well-developed and interesting.
Another strength of the book is its worldbuilding. The author has created a detailed and believable world where magic is real but strictly controlled. The magic system is also well-designed and thought-out.
However, the book also has some weaknesses. One issue is the author's reliance on exposition. The author sometimes dumps large amounts of information on the reader at once, which can be overwhelming. Additionally, the climax of the story is a bit rushed, and some of the plot threads are not fully resolved.
Overall, Paranoid Mage is a good book with a lot of potential. The author has a clear talent for storytelling, and the characters and worldbuilding are both excellent. However, the book could be improved by reducing the amount of exposition and by fleshing out the climax and plot resolution.
March 8, 2022
Callum has been able to see odd creatures his whole life, but up until things literally explode in his face while exercising in the gym he had been able to ignore it. Now he learned he is actually a space mage, and that the world is ruled by a magic bureaucracy that tightly regulate the magic world. Callum is not one to trust faceless organizations blindly, and finding evidence of nepotism and callousness he decides to escape from their control. Staying under the radar is difficult though when you know nothing about the supernatural world and why you care too much about innocents in a world of vampires, fae, werewolves, mages and a callous bureaucracy who care mostly about themselves and keeping the mundane people in the dark.
The main selling point of the story is the smart believable protagonist and similarly believable opponents even though the world sticks a bit too much to generic tropes of the urban fantasy genre at times. Which is immediately my dislike with this story (and many other urban fantasy ones as well): I am not a particular fan of those tropes, whether alpha werewolves, murdering brooding vampires or a hidden world that somehow kept themselves hidden from the mundane world. The reaction to the healing being used for harm felt a bit over the top as well. That is such an easy and obvious step, long before modern healing, that it just felt a bit ridiculous to me.
Still, overall I like the story well enough to keep continue reading any next volume. Curious where things are going.
The main selling point of the story is the smart believable protagonist and similarly believable opponents even though the world sticks a bit too much to generic tropes of the urban fantasy genre at times. Which is immediately my dislike with this story (and many other urban fantasy ones as well): I am not a particular fan of those tropes, whether alpha werewolves, murdering brooding vampires or a hidden world that somehow kept themselves hidden from the mundane world. The reaction to the healing being used for harm felt a bit over the top as well. That is such an easy and obvious step, long before modern healing, that it just felt a bit ridiculous to me.
Still, overall I like the story well enough to keep continue reading any next volume. Curious where things are going.
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