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Rise of the Cheat Potion Maker #2

Master and Apprentices

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The story of Nate the potion maker continues!

Well, did you know that Kyushu is an F-ranked town? Neither did I, but had I known about this tidbit information, all of the unfortunate attacks would’ve made sense. I think. But the Lord Ruler truly is a douche canoe for leaving his people to fend for themselves.
That’s not all. My shop’s ranking is E, embarrassing really, despite all of the hard work put into building it.
There’s a lot of work to do to be competitive with the other shops out there. But the most important things are training my apprentices, getting to know my betrothed, understanding my pets, and welcoming our new farmhand.
Will I ever be confident enough to truly feel like a master of apprentices? Who knows?

The story begins with picking up my third apprentice from a mother who may have too much ambition and enough anger issues to give even Meredith Blake a run for her money.

Novel contains: Strong MC in a slice of life environment, dungeon diving, boss battles, cultivation and elements, mana/magic, mc exclusive system but it doesn't do the work for him, treasures, adventurers, slow world building, build-up, features that will not be introduced all at once (upgrades so on), actual good loot at the end of very powerful bosses, romance(no harem). As characters develop throughout the series, issues and emotions and even the mc may find himself in a corner or two. A story of an upcoming potion shopkeeper and his apprentices.

Building an S-ranked Potion Shop is easier said than done...

Edited by Adam Luopa.
Cover art by Shirasiyuki

469 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2022

433 people are currently reading
84 people want to read

About the author

Alvin Atwater

55 books139 followers
First off, thank you for reading: the books and this bio. A little about myself: I'm man of humor, fantasy, LitRPG, and a lover of characters and their dreams. Born in Florida, I did military service, and dropped out of college to foolishly pursue a writing dream.

If you're a fan and want early access to my works, consider subscribing to my Patreon at www.Patreon.com/syr456

It goes a long way in supporting the series, editing, covers, and maybe that one slice of pizza on a cheat day.

I'm humbled to have made this far thanks to your support and hope to push further beyond my current chokehold.

Questions or concerns or just need another online venue, here's the discord channel:

https://discord.gg/t2qVaAR

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Community Reviews

5 stars
1,197 (62%)
4 stars
490 (25%)
3 stars
170 (8%)
2 stars
31 (1%)
1 star
16 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Jacob Proffitt.
3,311 reviews2,153 followers
December 20, 2022
This is a LitRPG, isekai series that builds story and characters over time. Read them in order.

You know what you're getting. I'm still having fun with the snark and the bevy of friends and apprentices and Nate turning hostile encounters on their heads. It's samey-enough that I'm only going to give it four stars, but I'm totally down with continuing the story.

A note about Chaste: Still the same romantic setup, still extremely chaste.
Profile Image for Frank Bertino.
1,771 reviews19 followers
February 20, 2023
Entertaining Read

Nate and his crew are trying to live a peaceful life while trying to raise the rank of his shop and the town. However, trouble seems to come looking for them. The Hero's party is still hiding and hanging out with Nate. There are dungeons to conquer, materials to gather, bullies to put down, potions to make, and apprentices to teach. I look forward to the next book.
1,182 reviews17 followers
November 8, 2022
meandering story not much happens.

The first book in the series was a little slow because of world buildin so what is the excuse for this book, the world has been established, but not much happens during so what is the excuse for this book, the world has been established, but not much happens during the book. The town is still F ranked, the story is still quite a bit more spice of life and crafting, then action. The characters don’t grow that much until almost the end of the book. What was the purpose of the story? It was just like another humdrum week. The story hasn’t progressed, but more elements have been tossed in. And in my opinion, the MC is a character with his head in the sand. Yes, he’s supposed to be a reluctant hero, but he needs to learn how to fight in order to preserve his peace full environment. Some training could’ve been done and some power leveling as well. Too many stat pages this time I believe just to pad the pages. Don’t get me wrong still enjoy the storyline, as well as the MC and his associates but the book was kind of doll. Hopefully the next book will be more interesting with a little bit more action and a bit more character development. the book. g
2,527 reviews71 followers
October 4, 2022
Different balance than book one.

This has a lot more politics and a lot less slice of life than the first book. This is not bad, but it is a bit less entertaining.
Profile Image for James .
1,346 reviews20 followers
October 21, 2022
Pretty good book.

The book was pretty good but I am hoping to get more action in the next book as this one seemed to be focused on world building.
Profile Image for Desert Lumens.
621 reviews12 followers
May 23, 2023
sighs, well

I was caught between a 3 or 4 on this on but decided to rate low. The book was still funny and good and all but I don’t like the choices that Nate is making. I think he’s making bad choices. I truly understand his reasoning for wanting the slow life… but that’s impossible now… even the system is telling him trouble follows power. He’s just too famous now… certain people know him… he’s been seen and it’s going to be impossible to stay hidden. Since he’s finally but his nose to the grindstone to supposedly train and better himself tactically etc the most logical thing to do would be to become mayor or city lord… he’d have more options open to him and it would make his life and the townspeople’s lives way more easier to level up. But instead he’s crippling himself by saying hes not qualified yet what is he doing? Still giving half baked advice and still plotting on ways to increase to towns level! But if he had the title things would be easier! He’d have more avenues and options open to him. The system would be guiding him just like with the potions. But noooooo. Also why isn’t he trying to learn more spells? Also milias family would be there in a month, clearly a month has passed…. I think the timeline is clearly distorted… I’m shocked he hasn’t brought over Nia, attempted to bring over her contact that crafted the cauldron, spoken to the naga lady that was hunting the hallow rowbears and he’s in the saint realm, the SS ranked guy was nervous around him… just how tough is a SS ranked monster compared to a saint divine master magician? I mean it’s like he’s a demigod to most then a failure to others… what are the ranks of the other 3 master magicians? Also I’m curious the rank of ling and her dad. Just a lot of holes that need to be filled for me. Also it’s upsetting he won’t train the hero’s party…. He could have his own pocket team of skilled buff adventurers.. I mean even ramone is reformed and his super kind. Why not utilise that and have that extra resource for your new budding village that will soon take off? Imagine having the hero’s team under you and they’re your personal squad. But he’s too pigheaded. Sighs. I truly Iike the series… I just wish our MC would be more realistic. Also he hasn’t even been with his woman yet 🤦🏽‍♂️😩.. Onward lads!
Profile Image for David .
97 reviews7 followers
December 21, 2022
At my request I received a copy of this audiobook in order to give a fair and unbiased review

Genre: LitRPG fantasy with romance and society building
Explicit/adult material: None.

Summary
Nate is settling in as potion maker, but as always the system and surrounding nobles have plans of their own. His apprentices are getting better and will need further guiding from their potion making master.

Narration
Voice diversity: Good. So good. Every character has their own distinct voice and that voice is clearly a match for their personality and background.
Pacing and intonation: Very good.
Matt Hicks and Allie Piper does it again. Fantastic narration!
Overall: 5 / 5 stars.

The book’s strengths.
- Fantastic narration
- The characters are likeable and distinct.
- The book is fun, exciting, relatable and despite the wishes of the main character and epic fantasy adventure.
- I enjoy the focus on upgrading the shop and the town
- I absolutely love the pets and how they are used and their role in this story.

The book’s weaknesses.
- Great book, I can't think of anything

Overall: 5/5 stars
The series continues being absolutely amazing. Looking forward to seeing where this goes!
59 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2022
From slice of life to a action packed cultivation series

The “system” is pushing our best buddy to become a hero and by golly he is willing doing it bc he wanted to be the very best, like no one ever was!!! But to be serious I started this series to read a light story but for book two there was way more action that I 100% approve. Also, more upgrades, more new characters, teasing us of Milia’s fancy family, foreshadowing of making a golden core eventually. I love that this book will have more cultivation but without spending 10 books to get to the good high powered stuff. I’m all for letting the system cheat and power lvl Nate . This has all the good stuff without the wait and I don’t feel cheated for it!! Keep up the good writing
Profile Image for Dave Stone.
1,347 reviews96 followers
September 25, 2023
A pretty good light novel
...But it turns out I just don't like light novels. I want to like them, I've tried. But like a relationship, if it's this much work -It's just not right. DNF around 50%
If YOU like light novels, this is a good one but with one complaint.
NC-17 threats get PG responses.
There are threatened massacres, mass murders, torture, and punitive rapes (yes plural). The MC responds with a live & let live attitude, often letting the offender go with a warning. (with one exception)
This book should either tone down the threat level, (at least cut back on the express torture & implied rape) OR step up the severity of the reprisals.
But maybe that kind of imbalance is just standard fare in light novels, >shrugs< what do I know.
399 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2023
Rise of the Cheat Potion Maker: 2
Continues where the previous book left off. Nate feels challenged when he discovers the shop he's put so much work into (it's only been a few months?!) is only at an E rating, and he's determined to fix that. This book is the middle one in the trilogy, and unfortunately it feels like it. The author had a lot of ground to cover, and it felt like there was less of a plot than the first book. The stat listings are getting very annoying at this point. A summary would be fine. The writing is still solid, the main character likable, and the side characters very well drawn. Looking forward to reading the last book.
Profile Image for T..
Author 13 books572 followers
September 27, 2025
Master and Apprentices, book two of the Rise of the Cheat Potion Maker series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Just about everything about this series is engaging, especially the characters: Nate, our potion-maker who pushes against becoming a folk hero and Lord, Milia his dryad fiancee who is supportive and a good person to have at your back, their sentient pets (who have hilarious conversations with the farm animals), and the growing shop full of apprentices. There is always something going on, and even when things aren't going his way, Nate sticks to his morals and remains a nice guy.
689 reviews11 followers
December 20, 2022
A Master Magician in a Potion Maker's clothing

Nate is more than he looks. He is a devine master magician, a Dao creation follower, has a dragon fermiliar, a potion master in the making, and so much more, but he hides his abilities to just try to enjoy his life with his soon to be wife ( no sex), Apprentices, and loving pets and friends. But the system has other thoughts on his peace.
The world will soon try to break him, but it won't be easy!

This was a very fun read and a very complex character.

Read in 2 days
166 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2023
Really interesting continuation of the 1st book. The MC continues to grow in unexpected way!

MC is a very reluctant hero. He just wants to grow into the best potion maker that he can, but the "SYSTEM" won't let him! Bigger and badder monsters & NPCs keep confronting him. Roadblocks in getting the ingredients that he needs; lack of new potion recipes; and trying to upgrade not only himself but his shop, his town & his apprentices (he has 4ish now)!
Unique story AND I LOVE IT!!!
I've already purchased book 3!
GET THIS SERIES!!!
996 reviews13 followers
February 21, 2023
Still fun

Amusing lighthearted series. Protagonist Still wants a simple life but it's not to be. He is being power level by The gods and saddled with more responsibility than ever before. In this case his apprentices. He takes more on and focuses more on them And their distinct and unique abilities. Yes everything about him is a cheat. But I guess that's kind of the point considering the series name. The ultimate reason for all this push has not been revealed. However Big players are entering the game so more on horizon. Still a good book and amusing read.
Profile Image for Enzo.
927 reviews1 follower
February 22, 2023
Nate is at it again, but he has discovered his beloved potion shop is "E" ranked. That bothers him but then starts seeing everything. Wait, how did this start. Well Nate traveled to a bigger town for the first time and his scanning abilities kicked in. Now he is on a path to not only grow his shop but his town. Which leads Nate to politics. Yes, no way around it. Politics leads to conflict and the real fun on this book.
I love Isekai and when you mix politics, action and slice of life ... why not.
584 reviews
October 6, 2022
Good book

This is an amusing read, but the writing style can be a little off putting. Similar to the authors previous series it is a continual grind of increasing power/strength, which is needed as the opponents also increase in ability. I will probably continue to read this series as I enjoy the character interactions even though I was not a big fan of the over-the-top battles and continual aura/killing-intent aspects.
64 reviews
October 7, 2022
Longer and more exciting

I love that Alvin is moving to a longer format for his novels. Lots of excitement and entertainment follows not in this book and of could lots of laughs and deadpan humor towards anime and pop culture. I’m looking forward to the next book even as it saddens me to have to wait for it. CPM 2 is absolutely a wonderful addition to his library. I definitely also recommend his other works, Anime Trope System and Pinicle of Power as well
Profile Image for Steve Naylor.
2,484 reviews127 followers
December 22, 2022
Rating 4.0 stars

This is for those comic book/anime/light novel fans. Everything is a little over the top. The MC is super strong and keeps getting stronger without even trying. He actively tries to avoid doing anything heroic but keeps being put into situations. You do not need to engage any part of your brain while reading this one. It is pure mindless fun. Some people might find it boring but I enjoyed it.
Profile Image for John-Torleif  Harris.
2,725 reviews12 followers
January 17, 2023
Another delightfully silly adventure

I rather love the quasi-competition between the animals and the apprentices for learning the best from Nate. Will we start to see evolution coming to the spirit animals? Will the apprentices start to develop their cores? Will Mandi form hers?

What is the purpose that Nate was brought to this world? Was it simply entertainment for the two beings from the last book?
Profile Image for Kevin.
1,710 reviews30 followers
February 10, 2023
While I enjoyed the book, how the last book ended, it made you feel as if this book would be about the bride to be's family. But according to the protagonist, "that's a year away".

Other than that, I wished there was more meat in this soup. There is a lot of soup (story), but most of it is liquid. We want more chunks of valuable goodies. This felt too short even though it's so long. Almost like filler....

Will pick up the sequel.

3/5 Stars
Profile Image for MyDoRyS.
1,035 reviews4 followers
June 19, 2024
Audio: 5 Stars -These 2 narrators are amazing! There are TONS of characters,andthey voiced them incredibly, specially the male narrator.

Story: LOVED the first one, this one is ok BUT getting a bit tired of the full "copy/paste" reading of screens rather than focusing on the specific entry which is going to be upgraded or new. I do understand that sometimes reading the "full" screen is necessary but not EVERY time. This makes the book unnecessarily long. Onto my next adventure, Happy Readings!!!!
44 reviews
October 21, 2024
good Story with maybe too many balls in the air

There is a lot going on and the writing is very, very fast paced. The writer leans on the cozy aspects to try to slow the ball down, but it honestly makes me feel anxious that the story won’t resolve any of its plots. If there weren’t a lot of books already published in the series I would likely drop it here, but there are so I’ll keep going, happily.
75 reviews
October 6, 2022
Exquisite

This volume started a bit slow but quickly found it's groove. This is one of those books with tons of foreshadowing that then forces us to wait for the next or future volumes. Getting to the end of this book I let out an audible 'aw,' I can not wait for the next volume. It can be quite frustrating but I know it will be worth the wait.
15 reviews
October 25, 2022
Such a compelling leveling up story!

I really enjoyed this sequel. This series is truly splendid. I really like how the MC grows stronger over time, and how he is constantly being given challenges that he just barely manages to overcome! I'm hooked on this series, and can't wait to read more about the adventures of Nate!
395 reviews15 followers
November 2, 2022
Loved it!

We pick up where we left off!! Nate is trying to upgrade the town and save it from the idiot nobles who are deliberately crushing the economy, trying to grow and train his apprentices, and being completely oblivious to how hard the world is working to use him to save itself. More good times, fierce battles and progression ensue! I can’t wait for book 3!
11 reviews
January 12, 2023
Good read!

Great slice of life! Enough action, enough romance, enough challenge for the main character that it's still interesting, even though he is op. Not too much trope or fan service. I'm very much enjoying! I'll be starting number 3 immediately and I hope that number 4 will come out soon!
Profile Image for Levia.
1,380 reviews16 followers
January 21, 2023
Boom new devotees, boom new powerups

Seriously, this book is hilarious in how it's making positive enhancement happen to all the "good" characters. I honestly never know what to expect, which is exciting. I also love all the spirit characters. There's some giant foreshadowing or foundation work being laid. This series is exciting.
776 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2023
Three cheers for Cheetarah and Blueberry Pie!

Fascinating and fun. The author takes an entire season of anime and story arch\character development and breathtakingly turns it into a book that keeps your attention!

I started and finished this book in one day, I could NOT put it down!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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