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Remedial Magic

Step by Aching Step

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Where do I even begin to tell Aldric’s story?

Legends are whispered by both commoner and noble alike, full of fantastical claims about Rhagia’s Guardian Demon and the guild master of the Golden Workshop. Yet, he was not always so. Once, he was a boy, a child like any other. Too many of the stories forget that.

Noble yet scorned.

Brilliant yet flawed.

A good heart haunted by terrible demons.

So, let us start at the beginning. Before the legends, the battles, and the discoveries that would move nations to act. Before our hero became a washed-up drunk, wallowing in grief and failure.

And, of course, before he met her...

*Note: This book is part one of a two-part prequel to the series Remedial Magic. It is highly recommended that you read the first two entries in the series before you read this one.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 7, 2022

128 people are currently reading
31 people want to read

About the author

Nathan Gregg

9 books34 followers

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5 stars
339 (69%)
4 stars
113 (23%)
3 stars
31 (6%)
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3 (<1%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Winter.
493 reviews72 followers
October 12, 2022
Let me start by saying that Nathan Gregg is the "GOAT," if I have not said it before, then I am saying it now.
Gregg has just given the ultimate touchdown of the year, the fans are going wild, and the team is doing their touchdown dance.
Gregg knows how to deliver exactly what the crowd wants and when. With "Step by Aching Step," Gregg has done precisely that!
Let us begin: *" SPOILERS AHEAD"*
Our story begins with headmaster Almaris telling Professor Aldric's students the story of Professor Aldric's life and how it all began.
The children all sit around Headmaster Almaris impatiently as he tries to decide where to begin when finally, he begins where all stories start, at the beginning.
Aldric Dengarius:
Aldric wasn't always the person the children knew him to be; he was once Aldric Dengarius. He was a noble but from a disgraced house thanks to his father, Varon Dengarius, and his scheming ways. Aldric was constantly picked on by the more extraordinary Noble houses and got into many fights. However, one thing always remained constant, Aldric was never a quitter, no matter how big the bully was, no matter if he was going to get the stuffing beat out of him. Thankfully for his sake, his best friend was Zasia Glory, who most were terrified of, who would save him from getting beaten to death due to her strength in magic.
Aldric was always a brilliant and talented mage; however, his biggest problem was his mana pool, which was very small. But what he lacked in mana, he was big on talent and wit.
Aldric thrived on his knowledge of runes and deciphering how other mages performed their magic; with this knowledge, Aldric could duplicate their magic by using his blood, runes, and spell paper. Aldric was ingenious!
Enter Mirea Meltisse, the most beautiful girl Aldric had ever laid eyes upon, who happened to have a question for Aldric. She wanted to know how he was able to duplicate the magic she had witnessed, seeing as he was a sorcerer. But Aldric doesn't believe the "Meltisse" Noble of all people is sincere in questioning him and brushes her off. But Mirea is no regular Noble to be easily dismissed; she is persistent and wants to know all there is to know about Aldric. So with the help of her family name as the Headmaster's daughter, she accesses Aldric's school schedule and follows him instead of attending her classes.
Thankfully, she follows because Aldric finds himself the brunt of the bully brigade, and although he fights with all his might, he is overpowered. However, she saves his life with a bit of help from Mirea, out of sight and unbeknownst to Aldric.
Eventually, Mirea proves herself to Aldric and Zasia by stalking Aldric in the library and saving Aldric's life again. Finally, Aldric understands that Mirea wants the same thing: to fit in and have a friend. The three new friends become inseparable, and Mirea is quite the student and friend. On the night of the Empress Ball, Aldric and Mirea decide to do something fun and daring, leading them to the Empress's present closet. Inside they see all sorts of gifts when. Aldric wonders what his father has brought. When he comes across a gigantic statue, Aldric is appalled, for the figure costs more than they could afford, and he kicks the statue.
When Aldric kicks the statue, the statue cracks and Mirea and Aldric hear voices inside the figure. Out pop 12 men dressed as assassins, fuming over the timing, and they knew it wasn't the right time to present themselves. Varon Dengarius storms in and asks what's the meaning of them out of the statue; when he declares all is not lost, the Empress's guards have been handled. Next thing you know, the assassins wreck havoc in attempts to attack the Empress. When Varon realizes it was Aldric who set the statue off early, he flies into a rage, telling him how he is useless and always has been. THEN HE TELLS ALDRIC THE MOST SHOCKING THING "EVER" (Sorry! I Can't help you on this part, you absolutely "MUST" read this book). Before Varon flees, he shackles Aldric so that he will be captured and held responsible for this debauchery. Aldric, totally alone with nowhere to go and filled with hatred for his father, destroys his family home. He wanders until he overhears some men talking about joining the Rhagian Military. To Aldric, this is a brilliant idea; what better way to restore the glory to his house, to his name? So, he decides to join; however, he cannot join under a disgraced house, so Aldric changes his name to Aldric Gurdis; with this name, he will prove himself fit to carry a Noble name. However, he did not think about one thing. With no Noble house attached to the name Gurdis, he is simply a private, which made him nothing more than an errand boy. But remember, Aldric always makes the best of whatever is put before him. So, while learning to spar, he is injured and sent to the healers; while being mended, he needs surgery, which the healer performs. But of course, not before Aldric noticed that the healer had a unique talent for healing. The two end up swapping stories; this is how Aldric meets his best friend, Kendrin.
The next night Kendrin takes Aldric to the Penal camp; the penal camp is where the criminals are, the soldiers that are left to die to by Field Commander Cafferty. These are the Rhagian armies' decoy soldiers who are the first to die in the war. Listening to their story Aldric decides to get tossed into the Penal Squad and make a difference, and does he make a difference? He makes such a difference that he takes command of the Penal Squad and asks for nothing that they cannot scrounge for themselves. Field Commander Dylas Cafferat has no choice but to allow what Aldric requests.
When Dylas hears that 300 Veronian Soldiers outnumber 100 Rhagian troops, he has the "BRILLIANT" idea to rid himself of Aldric once and for all, along with the dreaded Penal Squad.
But little does Field Commander Dylas Cafferat know what he is sending Aldric into because if only he knew.
"IF ONLY HE KNEW"
Precisely what he was doing, he would never have done it.
This, my fellow Nathan Gregg fans, is where I must leave you.
"BUCKLE UP" Nathan Gregg is one "HELL" OF A STORYTELLER!!
Gregg is a stellar wordsmith with truly dynamic detail to precision.
His fantastical world is artistically and beautifully descriptive, and his battle scenes are thoughtfully well-drawn.
I can never give Gregg enough credit for these fantastical books other than "PLEASE NEVER STOP!!"
"GREGG IS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH"
"STADIUM AND FANS GO WILD FOR GREGG"
"GREGG HAS DONE IT AGAIN" AND AGAIN"
"STANDING OVATION"
"ABSOLUTE BEST OF 2022!!!"
"MASTER AT HIS CRAFT"
"NATHAN GREGG IS A BEAST"
I cannot wait for Remedial Magic, the continuation!

Thank you, Nathan Gregg/ I received an eARC from the author for my honest review. All opinions are of my own volition.

SORRY, SOMEHOW, MY REVIEW GOT ERASED.
Profile Image for Tony Hinde.
2,179 reviews79 followers
June 5, 2023
An amazing exploration of the early life of the protagonist and we have yet to see the whole body-guard years. Can't wait for more.
1 review1 follower
October 8, 2022
An entertaining and engrossing read. I finished this book in one evening, then did a full reread of the whole series during the night and morning. This prequel certainly gives more depth to the whole older crew.

Miraea was one of the highlights for me. She will be in the second part of prequel, but I can't help feeling bitter that she's likely dead in present timeline. Or is she? Would the author spend all that time to develop a brilliant chatacter just to kill her off and reduce her to motivation for others? Maybe she's alive somewhere, the kids would find her, bring her and Aldrick together and after much angst, drama and plots they will head into their happily ever after? That's what Remedial Magic means, right? RIGHT?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
137 reviews5 followers
January 4, 2023
I enjoyed this book, but admittedly not as much as the others. I didn't realize until after I started that it's actually the first of a two part sequel. Personally I think I would have preferred the prequel to be a separate series. I miss the original characters we grew to like, and it sucks that it'll be another 2 books before we see them again. That said, it was interesting to hear more about the MC's backstory. My main complaint was that it was frequently depressing, both in terms of events, and because we know more about the future. I'm not a fan of depressing books at all. I will definitely be continuing this series, but I look forward to book 5 where the original story is set to resume.
Profile Image for Ford Miller.
731 reviews7 followers
April 6, 2023
Great story prequel. Great read.

This is book 3 in the series and it was just as fun as the first two. The majority of the story tells the prequel of the main character and how The supporting cast all came together. I think there almost needs to be one more book to tell the story as it's pretty long but it never feels like that to the reader. The author is able to capture the struggle and strife with the main character without preaching too much or over-explaining.
If you're looking at this review for the first time the series is well worth the time and energy. it's a great world filled with a believable menagerie of characters with great dialogue and fast-paced action. I look forward to the rest of the series wherever it may lead.
4 reviews
October 25, 2025
Almost there.

.The characters are believable and there is plenty of action and magic. The plot holds your attention and it is hard to stop reading. It has everything you would want in a good fantasy novel except the writers continual use of profanity takes away from his work. It is not necessary to use vulgar language to express displeasure. I could not recommend this book for anyone with decent moral values or any young person that is trying to understand life. My question for the writer is do you teach your children or grandchildren to speak with profanity? Is it professional? It is time to bring your writing up to a higher level and get 5 stars instead of 3
645 reviews
October 8, 2022
4.5. This was so good and fun to read. A few typos and some rather unbelievable scenes where I feel like a bit more research into the human body and how much blood it has could have helped, but otherwise very entertaining.
I definitely preferred the first two books, but I absolutely loved learning more about Aldric’s past and putting the puzzle pieces together of who’s who and how everyone met. And of course the crazy plans and inventive magic and general awesomeness of all the characters. Some of whom could stand to be a little more 3D… but yeah, so much fun.
Profile Image for Phil Hershey.
4 reviews
November 27, 2022
Good series, 2 issues though

Enjoying the series. 2 caveats though. First, it's frustrating when I find an enjoyable series, only to discover it's not complete. I'm very poor at waiting for a new installment. Second, I need to dock it 1 star for the series not having Audible narration. Rare for me to be able simply to sit down and read for any extended period, so I like being able to switch back and forth with listening to my books. Very much looking forward (impatiently) to book 4.
Profile Image for Raeleane.
582 reviews20 followers
November 8, 2024
Aldric's Story

I love how this book starts out with Hedrin telling Aldric's students about his life. This story follows Aldric throughout his life and the many undeserving twists and turns his life takes. The characters development and the world building skills in this book are phenomenal. This has been a great series to read so far and and I absolutely recommend reading it. Can't wait to read book four.
5 reviews
October 18, 2022
Great new series

Its been looking for a new series and I'm so glad I found this. The characters are heroic and charming with sarcasm and issues. Love the blend! The plots are interesting but its the relationships between the various characters that kept me reading. Can t wait for the next book!
4 reviews
July 31, 2024
Best of the best of the best

For me to read this series one after the other is ‘unusual’. This is one of the few book series I’ve read that just capture’s you. You can’t put it down. Different perspective, very well detailed, original story line, at least I found it different. Which is refreshing after reading for over 50 yrs.
WELL DONE
Profile Image for Margaret.
792 reviews5 followers
September 22, 2024
Origin Story, in The Beginning

This book reveals how it got the way it is now. We come to understand the main characters so very well. We are almost up to date with these fascinating people…well, almost.
As I’ve said I my reviews of the first two books of the series, I just love this book too. Great characters, great world creation, and terrific plot.
5 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2023
Don’t like go-back-in-time stories, but…

I ended up enjoying this one quite a bit. Great underdog hero and a gentle man-woman romance/bromance. Really could be read as a stand-alone except for the first few opening pages.
Profile Image for Paps.
562 reviews3 followers
April 5, 2023
Nice story, we get to know more about Aldric and his struggle. Is nice to see where his friednships come from. I just hope the author doesn't fall in the trap of overbuilding the past and disconecting the continuity of the present.
1,106 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2024
Great!

I can’t believe Nathan Gregg doesn’t write for a living. He is one of the best writers I’ve read in a long time. And because it takes so long to get the next book, I wish he’d quit his day job and write full time. I can’t wait for book 4!
154 reviews
April 18, 2025
Loved it!! An incredible addition to this fascinating series!

Each book in the series increases the requirement to be able to award more than 5 stars!!. I couldn’t put it down. I’m eager to progress to book 4!
1 review
June 24, 2025
Great characters and lots of battles

I truly enjoyed this book. A great backstory with believable characters. To learn Aldric’s beginnings and begin to understand who he is and what shaped this man was a lot of fun to read. I highly recommend this book (and the two before)!
39 reviews
August 19, 2025
My new favourite book of all time, wierd in the fact that it is the 3rd book, but I felt so irrestibely drawn to these characters, especially knowing how they all turn out in book 1+2. So many mysteries. I genuinely could not put this down
Profile Image for Michael Burnett.
1,265 reviews7 followers
October 23, 2022
Great book

Great book I can't wait to read the next book in the series I would recommend this author to anyone
2 reviews
October 26, 2022
Amazing

Amazing book, as always. I can't wait for remedial magic 4. I sped through this series in 5 days. I wish the books were longer lol.
2,239 reviews8 followers
December 8, 2022
Very good read

I enjoyed reading this book very much and I recommend this book to anyone who like magic,intrigue and lots of action.
Profile Image for Thomas.
234 reviews2 followers
January 24, 2023
Nice follow up to the previous two entries to the series.

Nice follow up to the previous two entries to the series. I continue to enjoy this series and will follow any more.
139 reviews
February 22, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the series. I hope Book 4 in the series is finished soon; however, I can't find anything about it.
1,132 reviews9 followers
April 1, 2024
Backstory!

Great detour for the backstory of our hero and his family. Very enjoyable read and fills in a lot of the blanks.
Profile Image for Jim Phillips.
1,003 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2025
Nice

This was a good prequel. I really enjoyed hearing the backstory. The epilogue was first rate. Covered all the salient points and left us warm and happy.
Profile Image for Dawn.
13 reviews
August 12, 2024
Excellent series

I admit I was in a reading slump. Sooo glad I found this series!
The pace is perfect , with captivating characters and well written battle scenes.
Can’t wait for the next instalment!
Profile Image for Luke Lintelman.
42 reviews1 follower
November 28, 2023
Amazing series. I love it. PLEASE WRITE MORE NATHAN GREGG! IT'S BEEN 3 YEARS! Sorry I just need more of them. They are incredible. I've read the series about 4 times now and it seems to get better every time I read it.
112 reviews4 followers
January 19, 2023
Stop messing with my emotions

This book is amazing. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster. I laughed and cried alot while reading this story. I adore Alric, Gran, Zee, Miri, and the entire penal colony. Getting their backstories is an actual gift. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
4 reviews
October 10, 2025
The first part of the story was amazing. It reminded me a lot of Codex Alera. Then came the five year break in continuity... Honestly, his school life and subsequent career could have enough material for a 6-10 book series on its own.
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