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Paranoid Mage #2
Renegade Mage
After escaping from the Guild of Arcane Regulation and the Bureau of Secret Enforcement, Callum has lost his greatest protection: his obscurity. Now the powers that be know who he is, and hiding is harder than ever. Nor is hiding a plan, just a reaction.
Now Callum is forced to decide how he wants to approach the supernatural world, and how he’s going to keep himself secure when the apparatus of government is arrayed against him. Even if he wanted to live as a mage, that bridge has been thoroughly burned, and even if he wanted to live as a normal person, he is far too deep to close his eyes to what he’s seen.
Now Callum is forced to decide how he wants to approach the supernatural world, and how he’s going to keep himself secure when the apparatus of government is arrayed against him. Even if he wanted to live as a mage, that bridge has been thoroughly burned, and even if he wanted to live as a normal person, he is far too deep to close his eyes to what he’s seen.
419 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 3, 2022
223 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 10, 2022
4.5/5
Another clean strike from the author with quality writing and clever plotting
Our cautious MC is back with his simple yet brilliant scheming and a more than a healthy dose of paranoia in another successful entry.
But I gotta say it has the same issue I had with book 1, i.e the slow pacing in the middle chapters even though the explosive finale more than made up for it and lack of intersting secondary characters beside Lucy.
Hoping for an early release of book 3.
Another clean strike from the author with quality writing and clever plotting
Our cautious MC is back with his simple yet brilliant scheming and a more than a healthy dose of paranoia in another successful entry.
But I gotta say it has the same issue I had with book 1, i.e the slow pacing in the middle chapters even though the explosive finale more than made up for it and lack of intersting secondary characters beside Lucy.
Hoping for an early release of book 3.
February 1, 2025
Almost as good as the first. I just love the scientific exploration of his powers and magic in general.
July 11, 2022
Science!
I see your magic and raise you Science!
I wasn’t expecting this book, so this was a nice surprise.
Still loving how they think he is a team.
I see your magic and raise you Science!
I wasn’t expecting this book, so this was a nice surprise.
Still loving how they think he is a team.
August 15, 2022
Callum Wells is still on the run from (magic) law, and would like nothing better than to lay low and consolidate and expand upon what he had learned in the previous book. But the casual abuse of mundanes by mages and supernatural creatures alike again and again forces his hand to intervene where he can.
Meanwhile his persuers, now aware of his real identity and at least part of his capabilities, try to lay out traps for him and his identify allies and helpers within their system.
***
Everything that made the previous book (or, well, the previous chapters really, this originally being a web series) great is still here. Callum continues to be a sympathetic protagonist that stays ahead of his vastly more powerful enemies with a combination of paranoia, hard work, careful and creative research and planning, and his exotic powerset that the other side hasn't figured out yet. Said other side isn't lazy or incompetent either, trying several approaches to find or trap him, with varied success. Add some more or less fleshed out, interesting side characters and you have again a book that I found hard to put away.
Meanwhile his persuers, now aware of his real identity and at least part of his capabilities, try to lay out traps for him and his identify allies and helpers within their system.
***
Everything that made the previous book (or, well, the previous chapters really, this originally being a web series) great is still here. Callum continues to be a sympathetic protagonist that stays ahead of his vastly more powerful enemies with a combination of paranoia, hard work, careful and creative research and planning, and his exotic powerset that the other side hasn't figured out yet. Said other side isn't lazy or incompetent either, trying several approaches to find or trap him, with varied success. Add some more or less fleshed out, interesting side characters and you have again a book that I found hard to put away.
July 8, 2022
Awesome
Love this book- can't wait for the next one - wish could get notifications when the next book will be out- just luck that I noticed book 2-.
Love this book- can't wait for the next one - wish could get notifications when the next book will be out- just luck that I noticed book 2-.
March 14, 2023
I'm really enjoying this series. In a direct continuation from book one, the plot thickens, Callum keeps adding to his bag of tricks, and he keeps getting into deeper trouble as each incident draws more attention from powerful forces.
I think what I really like about this series is how detailed the magic system is. While it gets a little long-winded at times, digging into the nuts and bolts of things, I guess I prefer a system that goes a bit too far on technical crunchiness than a system that seems too soft.
It's also interesting when all the characters have strengths but also limitations. I enjoy some OP character shenanigans as much as the next guy, but I really love a well-crafted conflict full of people with particular skill sets, so the whole thing feels like a puzzle of strange pieces coming together.
I think what I really like about this series is how detailed the magic system is. While it gets a little long-winded at times, digging into the nuts and bolts of things, I guess I prefer a system that goes a bit too far on technical crunchiness than a system that seems too soft.
It's also interesting when all the characters have strengths but also limitations. I enjoy some OP character shenanigans as much as the next guy, but I really love a well-crafted conflict full of people with particular skill sets, so the whole thing feels like a puzzle of strange pieces coming together.
April 7, 2024
Small grievance, Lucy doesn’t know everything obviously but more than enough to let GAR know it really is just him. They did a deep dive into her mind and basically only came away with he will come for her?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2022
Wow. That was quick. Progression is still insanely fast but hey, he's a Mary Sue and it works. Accept it and just enjoy the read.
July 4, 2022
Excellent second book
I love this set of books. This is a good sequel to the first and my only complaint is that it seemed like it I finished it much too quickly.
I love this set of books. This is a good sequel to the first and my only complaint is that it seemed like it I finished it much too quickly.
February 14, 2023
These things are like popcorn. I haven't been this entertained since Will Wight's Cradle books. Our hero Callum keeps trying to go live quietly somewhere, but his conscience won't let him. He kills some bad guys and he gets in even more trouble with the corrupt magical government. I enjoy the magic and worldbuilding, and the characters are fine, but most of all I appreciate the pace and the craftsmanship of the plot. Keep going, IC!
July 10, 2022
Top Shelf
These two books just nailed me. I want more! I read once that a story had to be believable within the construct of the imagined technology. The author has nailed that. Everything is a logical next step with the MC, very believable and a likeable character. Very well done, thank you.
These two books just nailed me. I want more! I read once that a story had to be believable within the construct of the imagined technology. The author has nailed that. Everything is a logical next step with the MC, very believable and a likeable character. Very well done, thank you.
July 17, 2022
Excellent follow up.
This book is an excellent follow up to the first. The characters continue to be intelligent and well written. And the story is a wonderful ride full of action, adventure and fun. I’d recommend this one to anybody who liked the first book. And if you haven’t read the first book what are you doing? Go read it.
This book is an excellent follow up to the first. The characters continue to be intelligent and well written. And the story is a wonderful ride full of action, adventure and fun. I’d recommend this one to anybody who liked the first book. And if you haven’t read the first book what are you doing? Go read it.
July 24, 2022
Really interesting
I really liked the continuation to the story. I fond that I liked the premise of the book and that this universe was so similar to our own (sans magic). The use of mundane knowledge/technology used in order to enhance magic (also know as magictech) vs old "pure" magic is interesting and refreshing.
I really liked the continuation to the story. I fond that I liked the premise of the book and that this universe was so similar to our own (sans magic). The use of mundane knowledge/technology used in order to enhance magic (also know as magictech) vs old "pure" magic is interesting and refreshing.
July 12, 2022
sorry it ended
It’s got it’s slow parts. The world building is meticulous and believable. The protagonist is a bit of a paranoid scitso, but really…is it paranoia if they are really out to get you? Great read…can’t wait for the next.
It’s got it’s slow parts. The world building is meticulous and believable. The protagonist is a bit of a paranoid scitso, but really…is it paranoia if they are really out to get you? Great read…can’t wait for the next.
October 27, 2023
Renegade Mage is the second book in the Paranoid Mage series by Inadvisably Compelled. It follows the story of Callum, a young mage who is on the run from the government. Callum is determined to expose the government's corruption and to free the magical community from its oppression.
The book is full of clichés and tropes. Callum is the stereotypical "chosen one" who is destined to save the world. He is surrounded by a cast of supporting characters who are all one-dimensional and predictable. The plot is also predictable and full of holes.
One of the most cynical aspects of the book is its portrayal of the government. The government is depicted as being completely corrupt and evil. All of the government officials are portrayed as being either incompetent or malicious. This is a very simplistic and unrealistic view of the government.
Another cynical aspect of the book is its portrayal of magic. Magic is portrayed as being a force for good and justice. However, the book does not explore the potential negative consequences of magic. For example, the book does not address the issue of what would happen if magic fell into the wrong hands.
Overall, Renegade Mage is a cynical book that promotes simplistic and unrealistic views of the government and magic. It is a book that is more interested in preaching to the choir than in telling a good story.
Review
In addition to the cynical aspects of the book, there are also a number of other critical problems with Renegade Mage. The pacing is slow, the plot is convoluted, and the characters are underdeveloped. The book also suffers from a number of grammatical and editing errors.
The book is full of clichés and tropes. Callum is the stereotypical "chosen one" who is destined to save the world. He is surrounded by a cast of supporting characters who are all one-dimensional and predictable. The plot is also predictable and full of holes.
One of the most cynical aspects of the book is its portrayal of the government. The government is depicted as being completely corrupt and evil. All of the government officials are portrayed as being either incompetent or malicious. This is a very simplistic and unrealistic view of the government.
Another cynical aspect of the book is its portrayal of magic. Magic is portrayed as being a force for good and justice. However, the book does not explore the potential negative consequences of magic. For example, the book does not address the issue of what would happen if magic fell into the wrong hands.
Overall, Renegade Mage is a cynical book that promotes simplistic and unrealistic views of the government and magic. It is a book that is more interested in preaching to the choir than in telling a good story.
Review
In addition to the cynical aspects of the book, there are also a number of other critical problems with Renegade Mage. The pacing is slow, the plot is convoluted, and the characters are underdeveloped. The book also suffers from a number of grammatical and editing errors.
November 7, 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.
December 25, 2025
I read all 5 of the books of this series one after the other on Royal Road before the physical versions arrived. Unfortunately that means I cant separate out my thoughts on the individual books but overall its still really good.
It starts with a non-typical urban fantasy protagonist who takes one look at the secrets of the magical world and decides he wants nothing to do with the multi generational authoritarian nonsense it represents. The main character has a single rare type of magic that he gets to abuse with modern physics against the magical group thats largely locked into the 1800's to become a real menace, and there is a lot of the early story that is the established mages relentlessly hunting him down.
Eventually he manages to establish a safe operating base at which point the tone changes a bit, it doesnt get worse with the shift in a rare example of the type, but it is very different once the main character can stop running and starts being able to kill.. pretty much anyone he needs to at ranges that can not be contested.
At this point a side story thats been running since the start comes a bit more into the spotlight, where a more standard group of urban fantasy protagonists get to start working in the chaos the actual main character created and really? its just fun, with fairly consistent worldbuilding and a soft magic system that still makes sense in the lore of the world.
It might not be worth paying for the physical version, but for a story thats still fully free on RR its a great way to kill a few days reading.
It starts with a non-typical urban fantasy protagonist who takes one look at the secrets of the magical world and decides he wants nothing to do with the multi generational authoritarian nonsense it represents. The main character has a single rare type of magic that he gets to abuse with modern physics against the magical group thats largely locked into the 1800's to become a real menace, and there is a lot of the early story that is the established mages relentlessly hunting him down.
Eventually he manages to establish a safe operating base at which point the tone changes a bit, it doesnt get worse with the shift in a rare example of the type, but it is very different once the main character can stop running and starts being able to kill.. pretty much anyone he needs to at ranges that can not be contested.
At this point a side story thats been running since the start comes a bit more into the spotlight, where a more standard group of urban fantasy protagonists get to start working in the chaos the actual main character created and really? its just fun, with fairly consistent worldbuilding and a soft magic system that still makes sense in the lore of the world.
It might not be worth paying for the physical version, but for a story thats still fully free on RR its a great way to kill a few days reading.
July 28, 2023
I'm just binging this series. It's SO GOOD.
Big Five trad pub is really missing out when they ignore stuff like this. It's like a more adult version of Jumper mixed with an original (not fanfic) version of the Methods of Rationality mixed with the Dresden Files, but just a lot edgier, newer, and better, IMO. There's an element of Art of the Adept in there, too.
Callum is a spatial mage. They're undervalued in the mage community. So he just breaks laws and rescues mundanes (muggles) from predatory fae, vampires, and archmages. After all, he has knowledge of physics and engineering, so he can figure out how to use magic to far greater effect than the monopolistic spatial archmage.
Even though he just wants to protect mundanes, his actions will spark a war and change laws and overthrow magical governments.
He just keeps being awesome.
Big Five trad pub is really missing out when they ignore stuff like this. It's like a more adult version of Jumper mixed with an original (not fanfic) version of the Methods of Rationality mixed with the Dresden Files, but just a lot edgier, newer, and better, IMO. There's an element of Art of the Adept in there, too.
Callum is a spatial mage. They're undervalued in the mage community. So he just breaks laws and rescues mundanes (muggles) from predatory fae, vampires, and archmages. After all, he has knowledge of physics and engineering, so he can figure out how to use magic to far greater effect than the monopolistic spatial archmage.
Even though he just wants to protect mundanes, his actions will spark a war and change laws and overthrow magical governments.
He just keeps being awesome.
July 13, 2025
Very strong UF that's running with the magic (spacial magic) and exploiting all the possible loopholes in the most scientific way possible. Gotta love this kind of thing when done well, and since it's just him and very few confidantes versus the whole mage world with multiple realms, it can get quite dicey.
It helps that I just love how he wants to be left alone and can't abide having anyone he's helped in the past get screwed over by the authoritarian magical government. He can't abide it, and uses lethal force. :)
Fun stuff.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews is be interested in reading my SF (Very hard SF, mind you), I'm open to requests.
Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Arctunn.com
It helps that I just love how he wants to be left alone and can't abide having anyone he's helped in the past get screwed over by the authoritarian magical government. He can't abide it, and uses lethal force. :)
Fun stuff.
Personal note:
If anyone reading my reviews is be interested in reading my SF (Very hard SF, mind you), I'm open to requests.
Just direct message me in goodreads or email me on my site. I'd love to get some eyes on my novels.
Arctunn.com
August 6, 2022
More the same and quite good.
So far the story is quite good but unfortunately the direction it is heading is not good, unless something changes it is basically going to be the end of it, for the main character. The main character just keeps building up more and more enemies without doing anything about it pretty soon he’ll have the entire world after him. Something very radical is going to have to happen in order to save this character. Right now the author is painting himself into a corner. But I’m sure he just has some kind of Deus ex machina planned to get his character out of this.
So far the story is quite good but unfortunately the direction it is heading is not good, unless something changes it is basically going to be the end of it, for the main character. The main character just keeps building up more and more enemies without doing anything about it pretty soon he’ll have the entire world after him. Something very radical is going to have to happen in order to save this character. Right now the author is painting himself into a corner. But I’m sure he just has some kind of Deus ex machina planned to get his character out of this.
April 13, 2023
Still pretty good
A little slower than book one at first, but very much the same spirit.
If you liked the first book you won't have any problems with this one.
In my review for the first book I thought the "Draft" was for foreign wars. Now having read book two it seems more like colonial occupation and dangerous resource gathering (for export and domestic consumption). I'm guessing if there was any war of conquest the mages won it long ago. Now it's just pacification and plundering.
I see why our guy doesn't want any part of that. (except a little light plundering of his own)
A little slower than book one at first, but very much the same spirit.
If you liked the first book you won't have any problems with this one.
In my review for the first book I thought the "Draft" was for foreign wars. Now having read book two it seems more like colonial occupation and dangerous resource gathering (for export and domestic consumption). I'm guessing if there was any war of conquest the mages won it long ago. Now it's just pacification and plundering.
I see why our guy doesn't want any part of that. (except a little light plundering of his own)
January 21, 2025
deserves 1 star but 2 stars because I managed to finish it. this book adds noting to the story, feels like typical book 2 that is only there to setup some plots for the next one. From the beginning it was fairly obvious where it was going and in the end it didn't even fully got there. Just finished at the obvious to make us read the next book. This could have been just a chapter. The over explained magic system was fun in the first book but in this one is just a chore to get through. I might try the next one one day to see if it is any better.
July 15, 2022
Good addition to the story
Neat story where the mc isn't the best but is the trickiest.
Callen is the MC and was brought into magic stunningly late for the folks. His education is mundane and the arcane despise and have utter contempt for that.
This is a smart story where the mc is cleaver but not all powerful and knows it. The enemy doesn't oblige him, like many stories, and becomes utterly idiotic. He fights a reasonable system with good opponents.
Neat story where the mc isn't the best but is the trickiest.
Callen is the MC and was brought into magic stunningly late for the folks. His education is mundane and the arcane despise and have utter contempt for that.
This is a smart story where the mc is cleaver but not all powerful and knows it. The enemy doesn't oblige him, like many stories, and becomes utterly idiotic. He fights a reasonable system with good opponents.
July 16, 2022
I want MORE!
Loving the characters, loving the plot, loving the satirical commentary on bureaucracy, loving the portrayal of the various cultures, and simply just LOVING IT! This story is awesome!
I did, however, still find a couple editing errors. Not enough to deduct stars from fantastic storytelling, but they do slightly detract from my personal enjoyment either book, and I know of know artisan that likes to leave such things uncorrected.
Loving the characters, loving the plot, loving the satirical commentary on bureaucracy, loving the portrayal of the various cultures, and simply just LOVING IT! This story is awesome!
I did, however, still find a couple editing errors. Not enough to deduct stars from fantastic storytelling, but they do slightly detract from my personal enjoyment either book, and I know of know artisan that likes to leave such things uncorrected.
May 17, 2025
I hate the scenes where the MC is by himself just messing around with his magic.
That just isn't a fun read. I can't get into this guy "enchanting" stuff with his vis and describing in detail all the "tubes" and stuff he is making. Usually I would be into the magic stuff, but this is always so boring that I skim read all those sections.
Kinda weird but every section that is in the perspective of some other character (not the main character), I always read, and don't skim read. Because it actually has to do with the plot and isn't just a stupid progress report on how he is teleporting to Texas and securing some more tubes to some more anchors.
That just isn't a fun read. I can't get into this guy "enchanting" stuff with his vis and describing in detail all the "tubes" and stuff he is making. Usually I would be into the magic stuff, but this is always so boring that I skim read all those sections.
Kinda weird but every section that is in the perspective of some other character (not the main character), I always read, and don't skim read. Because it actually has to do with the plot and isn't just a stupid progress report on how he is teleporting to Texas and securing some more tubes to some more anchors.
July 8, 2022
Really good follow up
I've been looking forward to the 2nd book for months and while it didn't disappoint, there was much more of a technological bent to the novel this go around. In definitely a combat junkie, so was a little disappointed, or didn't last. I am really looking forward to book 3!
I've been looking forward to the 2nd book for months and while it didn't disappoint, there was much more of a technological bent to the novel this go around. In definitely a combat junkie, so was a little disappointed, or didn't last. I am really looking forward to book 3!
July 16, 2025
4.5/5
The action scenes are usually great, and I like the characters. My main problem is the parts in which Callum tries to figure out how magic etc works - I find these uninteresting, unfortunately. I don't know why exactly, given that in HPMOR these parts were so much fun in HPMOR. Maybe because Callum is alone in these parts (maybe realistic, yet less interesting to me).
The action scenes are usually great, and I like the characters. My main problem is the parts in which Callum tries to figure out how magic etc works - I find these uninteresting, unfortunately. I don't know why exactly, given that in HPMOR these parts were so much fun in HPMOR. Maybe because Callum is alone in these parts (maybe realistic, yet less interesting to me).
July 8, 2022
Another Great Addition
I’m a huge fan of this series. Fantasy, intrigue, well fleshed out plot, shockingly few grammatical errors to pull you from the story. I can’t wait to read the next addition!
I’m a huge fan of this series. Fantasy, intrigue, well fleshed out plot, shockingly few grammatical errors to pull you from the story. I can’t wait to read the next addition!
July 11, 2022
good
Overall a good read. More characters and interactions than expected, but the story did lack details in certain areas that could be illuminated on more. If food, it’d be chain restaurant level.
Overall a good read. More characters and interactions than expected, but the story did lack details in certain areas that could be illuminated on more. If food, it’d be chain restaurant level.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews