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Magic for Hire #1
Mercenary Wizard
A troubled past, a magical future, and a whole lot of adventure!
Raised in the slums and alleys of Helsin, Argo is tired of lurking. He is exhausted of living meal to meal and tries to elevate himself to a better life. The Rumi Guild he plans to depart, well, they decide the bury him instead of letting him escape their grip. Argo sees the trap coming, avoids the clutches of fate, and runs from everything he's ever known.
While on the trip across the desert to the fabled forests of Larjoon, fortune favors Argo. He becomes something more than he ever anticipated. As a new wizard traveling through an unknown realm, he eagerly becomes a - Mercenary Wizard.
Raised in the slums and alleys of Helsin, Argo is tired of lurking. He is exhausted of living meal to meal and tries to elevate himself to a better life. The Rumi Guild he plans to depart, well, they decide the bury him instead of letting him escape their grip. Argo sees the trap coming, avoids the clutches of fate, and runs from everything he's ever known.
While on the trip across the desert to the fabled forests of Larjoon, fortune favors Argo. He becomes something more than he ever anticipated. As a new wizard traveling through an unknown realm, he eagerly becomes a - Mercenary Wizard.
- GenresFantasy
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2022
386 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 1, 2022
A good beginning ruined
I really enjoyed the start of this book. The main character was resourceful and a good guy. And
I'm not sure where exactly it went off the rails, but it just became one of those Superman stories with no soul. I finished the whole thing. It wasn't the worst I've read.
I really enjoyed the start of this book. The main character was resourceful and a good guy. And
I'm not sure where exactly it went off the rails, but it just became one of those Superman stories with no soul. I finished the whole thing. It wasn't the worst I've read.
July 18, 2022
Fell apart
Is there any progression here? Feels more like floating down a river in a barrel and just getting pushed around by the vagaries of the gods and the currents. Very unsatisfying.
Is there any progression here? Feels more like floating down a river in a barrel and just getting pushed around by the vagaries of the gods and the currents. Very unsatisfying.
June 13, 2022
This is, as others said, quite boring.
July 3, 2022
3 You're A Sadist And I Think One Day I Shall Fear You Stars
Mercenary Wizard is the first book in this Progression Fanatasy Saga by Han Yang.
A benediction to the author, Han Yang: hire an editor, or have a friend spellcheck your work. You are correct in requesting the compliment of decent progression and enjoyable reading. Alas, the spelling and grammar errors ate at me while traversing the pages of this enjoyable read.
Argo seems a character possessing limitless potential. He will most likely go on to be a more experienced version of exactly who he is today. A little overpowered, and while everyone assures him it is his undervalued genius that tends to save the day, I will not discount the luck that cushions his survival. To place a pregnant and desperate woman in his path, is to ensure their safety and honor.
I wish there was more detail to the God's of this world, their history, and manipulations. The plot of the demigods that guard the Three Hells is intriguing, I can honestly say that much. But, it is simply the bare bones of a truly captivating story. Hopefully, the author will come to expand his initial world building and relieve us readers of the errors in spelling and grammar.
Mako is definitely a favorite character of mine, and he doesn't even talk. Perhaps one day Argo and Co. will stumble across Tara? All I understand for certain is he is meant for many more adventures before he settles either into the makings of a big family, or the lot of a wily cantankerous old man.
Mercenary Wizard is the first book in this Progression Fanatasy Saga by Han Yang.
A benediction to the author, Han Yang: hire an editor, or have a friend spellcheck your work. You are correct in requesting the compliment of decent progression and enjoyable reading. Alas, the spelling and grammar errors ate at me while traversing the pages of this enjoyable read.
Argo seems a character possessing limitless potential. He will most likely go on to be a more experienced version of exactly who he is today. A little overpowered, and while everyone assures him it is his undervalued genius that tends to save the day, I will not discount the luck that cushions his survival. To place a pregnant and desperate woman in his path, is to ensure their safety and honor.
I wish there was more detail to the God's of this world, their history, and manipulations. The plot of the demigods that guard the Three Hells is intriguing, I can honestly say that much. But, it is simply the bare bones of a truly captivating story. Hopefully, the author will come to expand his initial world building and relieve us readers of the errors in spelling and grammar.
Mako is definitely a favorite character of mine, and he doesn't even talk. Perhaps one day Argo and Co. will stumble across Tara? All I understand for certain is he is meant for many more adventures before he settles either into the makings of a big family, or the lot of a wily cantankerous old man.
July 21, 2022
This is an interesting and entertaining fantasy-novel story that will probably expand to a novel series soon. It is somewhat confusing on the animals-beast-like-monsters that attack the caravan or the main characters. Because the author has little to no character/world description/development it is hard to imagine what the main characters encounter in their adventures and quests. The author does not give an idea of what the money they exchange with is worth, so the gems might be cheap, small or minute or huge, the Dragons and Falcons are monies used but the author does not really distinguish worth or equivalencies that the readers can relate to. Sometimes the main characters stay at a cheap place, sometimes very expensive places but there are no real world references. Same happens with the magical abilities and skills, are they beginner, intermediate or advanced skills, and how much power do they really have? Thirty days, sixty days ride, but how many miles, kilometers, or how many miles can the camel/mare/lion/etc. ride for in a day? Most of the time it was crossing a desert or climbing snow covered terrain, but the author did not mention temperatures? So that the readers can get an idea of the places, the climate, and the clothing that the characters use, etc.
One quest, one caravan, one trip can make a mercenary wealthy according to what the author describes, so the impression one gets is that most if not all of the characters are poor or extremely poor. Same happens with the value a good horse, good weapon, a magical stone or the gems that they find...
So all the narratives and descriptions are shallow if any. The action descriptions are also superficial. The adventures, quests and narratives are not organized well. It leads to a lot of confusion. Story does not have interior illustrations, maps of the territories covered or character descriptions inside. It is over 300+ pages with 36 chapters, so each chapter has on average about 10 pages. It is mid-range for character and world development although most is just narrative on everything that happens around the characters.
Main character, Argo, is an orphan (raised in the slums), and is honorable, nice, kind and generous with those around him which is super positive. No profanity, no sexual assaults, no violence and gore. Also, super positive.
Main character and some of the side characters are going to learn magic and spells at the magic academy. But that's about it towards defining the main and secondary plot arcs or the purpose of this story book.
One quest, one caravan, one trip can make a mercenary wealthy according to what the author describes, so the impression one gets is that most if not all of the characters are poor or extremely poor. Same happens with the value a good horse, good weapon, a magical stone or the gems that they find...
So all the narratives and descriptions are shallow if any. The action descriptions are also superficial. The adventures, quests and narratives are not organized well. It leads to a lot of confusion. Story does not have interior illustrations, maps of the territories covered or character descriptions inside. It is over 300+ pages with 36 chapters, so each chapter has on average about 10 pages. It is mid-range for character and world development although most is just narrative on everything that happens around the characters.
Main character, Argo, is an orphan (raised in the slums), and is honorable, nice, kind and generous with those around him which is super positive. No profanity, no sexual assaults, no violence and gore. Also, super positive.
Main character and some of the side characters are going to learn magic and spells at the magic academy. But that's about it towards defining the main and secondary plot arcs or the purpose of this story book.
May 24, 2022
Too convolited
I may give three stars but it was a book mostly worth reading. It starts off good but ends up almost feeling like material was skipped or removed and replaced with stuff not pertinent to the story. Like months of travel where he took care of kids versus him a totally fighting stuff. Giving an old wizard youth instead of just buying scrolls. Did not make sense.
I may give three stars but it was a book mostly worth reading. It starts off good but ends up almost feeling like material was skipped or removed and replaced with stuff not pertinent to the story. Like months of travel where he took care of kids versus him a totally fighting stuff. Giving an old wizard youth instead of just buying scrolls. Did not make sense.
January 5, 2026
So much happens that it was boring, if that makes sense.
TL; DR: More a high fantasy than a litRPG, Mercenary Wizard has the bones of a good story, but poor execution that prevents it from being any more than your basic time waster.
This wasn’t that good and I’m not going to have much to say about it, to be totally honest. I wasn’t drawn in and I could feel myself slow blinking as I tried to get through it. It’s not bad, but unfortunately, nothing stood out to me, which is a terrible place to be for a high fantasy with an overarching plot.
Characters: I’ll be real with you, I couldn’t even tell you what the main character’s name is. Argo? Mercenary? I just didn’t care. I somehow got a really cool opening scene and then just nothing that I cared about. As for the side characters, it’s the same. There are so many nameless, faceless people to me that I can’t keep them straight. I know there was a kid he helped and she was smart and sassy and she had a rich runaway mom. Cool…that was way earlier in the book and I just didn’t care about the rest. Rough.
Setting: The desert was cool enough, but the rest just felt like “insert dangerous place and/or generic fantasy city here.” It didn’t feel inspired in the least.
Story: I barely held on to the plot, it’s another “chosen one” one. I kept it there, but good grief was it disappointing to try to hold on to. I just didn’t care.
Writing: Honestly, for quality, it’s not terrible, but the abuse of the story and lack of detail while also being too much detail is too much for me.
I didn’t have fun listening to this, which is weird, because there are some aspects of it that are right up my alley. Unfortunately, they just didn’t hit for me here. Maybe I’ll see if it gets better, maybe I won’t. Maybe it’s maybelline.
1.7 🌟
TL; DR: More a high fantasy than a litRPG, Mercenary Wizard has the bones of a good story, but poor execution that prevents it from being any more than your basic time waster.
This wasn’t that good and I’m not going to have much to say about it, to be totally honest. I wasn’t drawn in and I could feel myself slow blinking as I tried to get through it. It’s not bad, but unfortunately, nothing stood out to me, which is a terrible place to be for a high fantasy with an overarching plot.
Characters: I’ll be real with you, I couldn’t even tell you what the main character’s name is. Argo? Mercenary? I just didn’t care. I somehow got a really cool opening scene and then just nothing that I cared about. As for the side characters, it’s the same. There are so many nameless, faceless people to me that I can’t keep them straight. I know there was a kid he helped and she was smart and sassy and she had a rich runaway mom. Cool…that was way earlier in the book and I just didn’t care about the rest. Rough.
Setting: The desert was cool enough, but the rest just felt like “insert dangerous place and/or generic fantasy city here.” It didn’t feel inspired in the least.
Story: I barely held on to the plot, it’s another “chosen one” one. I kept it there, but good grief was it disappointing to try to hold on to. I just didn’t care.
Writing: Honestly, for quality, it’s not terrible, but the abuse of the story and lack of detail while also being too much detail is too much for me.
I didn’t have fun listening to this, which is weird, because there are some aspects of it that are right up my alley. Unfortunately, they just didn’t hit for me here. Maybe I’ll see if it gets better, maybe I won’t. Maybe it’s maybelline.
1.7 🌟
July 22, 2022
2 1/2 stars. Argo, the main character, flees his home city when the thieves' guild he works for gets word he is planning on leaving their wonderful employment. Instead of the death sentence they plan, he gets away and signs up with a caravan traveling across the desert. There are lots of adventures, he learns to be a wizard, and gets entangled with the demons and gods and must stop Armageddon.
Most people would just call this a fantasy. If you want to be really picky it might be considered a light progression novel which is it labeled on the cover. There is some aspect of that but it isn't a main feature and has no stats like a litrpg novel. So enjoy it for what you like.
I liked Argo. He has lots of potential and seem just like a decent guy. The adventure is good but some of the world needs to be filled out more. The gods and monsters need more substance. They are just vague.
I would more than likely read another in this series.
Most people would just call this a fantasy. If you want to be really picky it might be considered a light progression novel which is it labeled on the cover. There is some aspect of that but it isn't a main feature and has no stats like a litrpg novel. So enjoy it for what you like.
I liked Argo. He has lots of potential and seem just like a decent guy. The adventure is good but some of the world needs to be filled out more. The gods and monsters need more substance. They are just vague.
I would more than likely read another in this series.
August 2, 2022
Typical book for this author
It's a good story. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy this author's stories for the most part, but as is typical for this author, a lot of what he writes is worded strangely, or downright undecipherable. That is why I did not give this book 4 stars. It shouldn't be a chore or require a secret decoding ring to understand the story.
Other minor issues are when he wrote 'mist' instead of 'miss', but there were sentences and a few paragraphs where I had no clue what he was trying to say.
The other downfall of this book and author is, it jumps around so much, you aren't sure who is talking, if time has passed, or what the characters are even talking about.
It's a good story. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy this author's stories for the most part, but as is typical for this author, a lot of what he writes is worded strangely, or downright undecipherable. That is why I did not give this book 4 stars. It shouldn't be a chore or require a secret decoding ring to understand the story.
Other minor issues are when he wrote 'mist' instead of 'miss', but there were sentences and a few paragraphs where I had no clue what he was trying to say.
The other downfall of this book and author is, it jumps around so much, you aren't sure who is talking, if time has passed, or what the characters are even talking about.
May 26, 2022
For something that's supposed to be a progression story, (and lightly tagged as LitRPG), there was precious little progression of any kind. So, he learned some spells (how's that progression?) There wasn't any stats of any kind (how do you track progression?) Sure, the story wasn't too bad, but it wasn't anything to write home about either. No progression in this story I could find, so the title is misleading
It's not a bad story, just not what was promised, and one I'd not have bothered to read if I'd known it had no LitRPG elements in it.
Definitely won't care if no more in the series are ever made.
It's not a bad story, just not what was promised, and one I'd not have bothered to read if I'd known it had no LitRPG elements in it.
Definitely won't care if no more in the series are ever made.
July 20, 2022
Had promise with very good MC, but the Author kept F-ing him over. I hate stories where the Author builds the MC up just to stomp him flat with nothing MC can do to stop it. No bad choices or actions of MC, just the Gods taking a dump of him. Why get invested in a story like that? It is like a video game where you can buy weapons or vehicles for real money. Then the game Devs decide to Nerf what you just bought into uselessness. Why spend your money on that? Likewise why invest my time reading a book where no matter how good the MC is he can't win. NOPE! I can not recommend this book.
January 12, 2023
Good Read!
This is a fairly unconventional read but is enjoyable. The MC is smart and good. He is not overly cocky, which I always hate in a MC. The book does jump around a bit, and so you have to be reading carefully and thinking about what is going on, so not what I would call a relaxing read. However, the story is action packed, the world development is good and the side characters while not fully developed are developed enough for minor characters that pop in and out of the MCs life.
This is a fairly unconventional read but is enjoyable. The MC is smart and good. He is not overly cocky, which I always hate in a MC. The book does jump around a bit, and so you have to be reading carefully and thinking about what is going on, so not what I would call a relaxing read. However, the story is action packed, the world development is good and the side characters while not fully developed are developed enough for minor characters that pop in and out of the MCs life.
February 5, 2023
I enjoyed the author's other stories enough to give this a go without a recommendation. I hope my trust is rewarded.
Hmm.
This wasn't too bad. I think I might pick up the sequel. It didn't go how I expected and that is a plus.
I just hope the protagonist isn't continually lead about by his nose by others.
3/5 Stars
Hmm.
This wasn't too bad. I think I might pick up the sequel. It didn't go how I expected and that is a plus.
I just hope the protagonist isn't continually lead about by his nose by others.
3/5 Stars
November 8, 2022
Entertaining Read
Argo grew up in the city slums. While not a completely good guy he tries to help out the less fortunate. Trying to get away from the gang that won't let him go, he becomes a mercenary and protects clients from monsters and bad people. As things progress, he finds magic and becomes the mercenary wizard. I like the action, humor, magic system and intrigue. I look forward to the next book.
Argo grew up in the city slums. While not a completely good guy he tries to help out the less fortunate. Trying to get away from the gang that won't let him go, he becomes a mercenary and protects clients from monsters and bad people. As things progress, he finds magic and becomes the mercenary wizard. I like the action, humor, magic system and intrigue. I look forward to the next book.
November 19, 2022
a fun read
This was a fun book with lots of action and twists. It gets off to a rough start with a few events that don’t add much to the overall story, but doesn’t digress too much before taking off and taking us on a whirlwind adventure. Argo is a likable protagonist with street smarts and a heart of gold under a rough exterior. He makes a few mistakes which he manages turn to his favor, so it isn’t all desert roses. I look forward to the next book.
This was a fun book with lots of action and twists. It gets off to a rough start with a few events that don’t add much to the overall story, but doesn’t digress too much before taking off and taking us on a whirlwind adventure. Argo is a likable protagonist with street smarts and a heart of gold under a rough exterior. He makes a few mistakes which he manages turn to his favor, so it isn’t all desert roses. I look forward to the next book.
June 5, 2022
Hooked to the end
This book isnt amazing. Its quite run of the mill,save for one mesmerizing character.....Argo. He's an everyday man faced with challenges he isn't prepared for but still gets it done. He makes the hard choices today for a easier tomorrow. I'm hooked and can't wait to see hi hijinx's in book 2
This book isnt amazing. Its quite run of the mill,save for one mesmerizing character.....Argo. He's an everyday man faced with challenges he isn't prepared for but still gets it done. He makes the hard choices today for a easier tomorrow. I'm hooked and can't wait to see hi hijinx's in book 2
July 31, 2022
New plot
A likeable mc, an interesting new storyline, I liked that the mc is very no nonsense and still kind. The only problem I had was sometimes the descriptions were a bit vague so I didn't understand what was going on until I re read or read more. But I will definitely keep reading the series.
A likeable mc, an interesting new storyline, I liked that the mc is very no nonsense and still kind. The only problem I had was sometimes the descriptions were a bit vague so I didn't understand what was going on until I re read or read more. But I will definitely keep reading the series.
March 31, 2024
Book one
This is a fast little read.
For me the characters have almost no depth and I will forget them all by the end of the day.
It's still a decent read.
I only found one mistake, however I don't know if I will be able to post it on Goodreads.
More of this series has already been published.
7/10
This is a fast little read.
For me the characters have almost no depth and I will forget them all by the end of the day.
It's still a decent read.
I only found one mistake, however I don't know if I will be able to post it on Goodreads.
More of this series has already been published.
7/10
May 26, 2022
Fun read with interfering Goddess
Enjoyed the MC very much. The story progressed quickly and kept the action going. While I wasn't thrilled with how it ended, at least it wasn't a cliffhanger.
Enjoyed the MC very much. The story progressed quickly and kept the action going. While I wasn't thrilled with how it ended, at least it wasn't a cliffhanger.
June 2, 2022
Interesting reading
I liked the different magic system. The main character had the perfect skill set to be a mage.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sword and sorcery tales.
I liked the different magic system. The main character had the perfect skill set to be a mage.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sword and sorcery tales.
September 15, 2022
Awesome Story
This story of a street rat/thug trying to runaway from his former thieves guild becoming a wizard was fantastic. The story is set in Mythos the same as this Author’s other series just the Other side of the Jupiter size world.
This story of a street rat/thug trying to runaway from his former thieves guild becoming a wizard was fantastic. The story is set in Mythos the same as this Author’s other series just the Other side of the Jupiter size world.
September 22, 2022
Good so far, some translation issues
Same as title. Good so far but some odd translation issues that should be corrected.
Then again, I'm assuming its translation related. I bought book 2 though as the story is good.
Same as title. Good so far but some odd translation issues that should be corrected.
Then again, I'm assuming its translation related. I bought book 2 though as the story is good.
May 16, 2022
Good Book
In the first installment of what I hope is a long series I thought the book was pretty good and I look forward to the next book in the series.
In the first installment of what I hope is a long series I thought the book was pretty good and I look forward to the next book in the series.
May 17, 2022
Fantastic
A great fantasy novel focused on a MC who, although flawed, is a good man. The story appears completed in this book but I would loved to read more about this character.
A great fantasy novel focused on a MC who, although flawed, is a good man. The story appears completed in this book but I would loved to read more about this character.
May 18, 2022
A grand yarn
This book was a very good start to a new series. I look forward to the next one and then and as many as this man will write.
This book was a very good start to a new series. I look forward to the next one and then and as many as this man will write.
May 21, 2022
Good Day
Good book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
Good book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
May 21, 2022
read it
You’ll like this story. It’s goes forth and youll like the star. The hero lives in the gray and does what he has to do to survive. It’s a good book pick it up now
You’ll like this story. It’s goes forth and youll like the star. The hero lives in the gray and does what he has to do to survive. It’s a good book pick it up now
May 24, 2022
Cute
Fairly cute. Different, enjoyable to some degree but an odd story that lacks ummmphhh or depth that other stories have.
Fairly cute. Different, enjoyable to some degree but an odd story that lacks ummmphhh or depth that other stories have.
May 27, 2022
Fun progression story
I couldn't put it down. Was enjoyable to read and the MC is a good one. I'm excited for the next adventure
I couldn't put it down. Was enjoyable to read and the MC is a good one. I'm excited for the next adventure
June 1, 2022
Very good read
I enjoyed reading book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
I enjoyed reading book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like LitRPG and progression type of books with lots of action.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews