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Millennial Mage #4
Bound
The world reclaims all things. Humanity shelters within their ever-dying cities. Mages and Archons create the only path forward.
Tala, a newly Bound Archon, strives against challenges, new and old, as the world opens up before her; even if her understanding is far from complete. Her responsibilities to her caravan have increased, with the newly added complication of being under the watchful eye of an overseer.
Determined to embrace and decipher her newfound power, not to mention chipping away at the debt that propels her forward, she faces a treacherous path to a new city, which has already proven to be more dangerous than her journey to Alefast, and they've only just begun.
Tala is learning valuable lessons about herself, the world around her, and the people who she is determined to protect as she settles into her new power and position as a Bound.
Tala, a newly Bound Archon, strives against challenges, new and old, as the world opens up before her; even if her understanding is far from complete. Her responsibilities to her caravan have increased, with the newly added complication of being under the watchful eye of an overseer.
Determined to embrace and decipher her newfound power, not to mention chipping away at the debt that propels her forward, she faces a treacherous path to a new city, which has already proven to be more dangerous than her journey to Alefast, and they've only just begun.
Tala is learning valuable lessons about herself, the world around her, and the people who she is determined to protect as she settles into her new power and position as a Bound.
421 pages, ebook
First published June 28, 2023
About the author
J.L. Mullins
15 books95 followersJ.L.Mullins has been writing since he was five years old. Blessedly, he has improved through the years, and while 'The Case of the Missing Stapler' will likely never see widespread publication, Mullins enjoys little more than sharing his newer stories—his worlds—with others.
He lives with his wife, six kids, and their rescue-akita named Fenrir.
Find him on Patreon:
patreon.com/MillennialMage
Join his Discord:
discord.gg/FddACAjUrR
Find the latest on Millennial Mage here:
royalroad.com/fiction/47826
He lives with his wife, six kids, and their rescue-akita named Fenrir.
Find him on Patreon:
patreon.com/MillennialMage
Join his Discord:
discord.gg/FddACAjUrR
Find the latest on Millennial Mage here:
royalroad.com/fiction/47826
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 10, 2025
This is part of a series you'll want to read in order.
Tala gets a bit of a talking to for being so careless as a dimensional mage for caravans (if she dies, the entire caravan is a dead loss as that means the dimensional wagon will simply disgorge everything and everyone will be stranded). She does manage to get permission to be both the dimensional mage and an official protector with higher wages as a result. But she also gets a babysitter in the form of Mistress Odera. I kind of love Mistress Odera and the calming influence she is without being preachy or a spoilsport.
I have a bit of an issue with the forest scenes on the way to the giant tree city of Makinaven. The Leshkin are kind of boring antagonists and having them soak up chapter after chapter in opposition to the caravan had me skipping chapters—particularly on this reread where I already know what's happening and why. I don't know why the author seems so enamored with the Leshkin. To me, they're just zombies made of plants and without the ability to infect others.
Anyway, the rest of the story is Tala in Makinaven where we get lots of sparring, conversations with various factions, and more power fantasy goodness as Tala improves her abilities and pals around with Rane.
Speaking of, there's some good development with Rane in this. Tala is completely clueless on the relationship front and he is clearly smitten. But he's not an idiot, either, so I like how they become trusted friends in this book. This builds a foundation that goes into the rest of the series and those first steps matter here. It's well done in a slow-burn kind of way even if I get impatient for Tala not to be so very clueless in this way.
Anyway, this is 4½ stars, but without enough weight to round up. Seriously, the Leshkin are blah.
A note about Chaste: Tala is still unwilling to forge intimate relationships. Which is too bad because Rane is awesome. Anyway, it's very chaste.
A note about reread: Yeah, there's still no hint of the mechanisms behind the societal bounds around marriage and sex. For how well they work eventually, it's clear the author didn't really have them in mind at least to this point of the story.
Tala gets a bit of a talking to for being so careless as a dimensional mage for caravans (if she dies, the entire caravan is a dead loss as that means the dimensional wagon will simply disgorge everything and everyone will be stranded). She does manage to get permission to be both the dimensional mage and an official protector with higher wages as a result. But she also gets a babysitter in the form of Mistress Odera. I kind of love Mistress Odera and the calming influence she is without being preachy or a spoilsport.
I have a bit of an issue with the forest scenes on the way to the giant tree city of Makinaven. The Leshkin are kind of boring antagonists and having them soak up chapter after chapter in opposition to the caravan had me skipping chapters—particularly on this reread where I already know what's happening and why. I don't know why the author seems so enamored with the Leshkin. To me, they're just zombies made of plants and without the ability to infect others.
Anyway, the rest of the story is Tala in Makinaven where we get lots of sparring, conversations with various factions, and more power fantasy goodness as Tala improves her abilities and pals around with Rane.
Speaking of, there's some good development with Rane in this. Tala is completely clueless on the relationship front and he is clearly smitten. But he's not an idiot, either, so I like how they become trusted friends in this book. This builds a foundation that goes into the rest of the series and those first steps matter here. It's well done in a slow-burn kind of way even if I get impatient for Tala not to be so very clueless in this way.
Anyway, this is 4½ stars, but without enough weight to round up. Seriously, the Leshkin are blah.
A note about Chaste: Tala is still unwilling to forge intimate relationships. Which is too bad because Rane is awesome. Anyway, it's very chaste.
A note about reread: Yeah, there's still no hint of the mechanisms behind the societal bounds around marriage and sex. For how well they work eventually, it's clear the author didn't really have them in mind at least to this point of the story.
May 3, 2024
A bit all over the place
I feel conflicted rating this 3 stars because I have really enjoyed this series overall but I rate for enjoyment and I didn’t enjoy a lot of this. This series is slice of life but has overall had some degree of momentum and interesting things that are being worked on but in this it just felt like tala was floating aimlessly from place to place. I felt like some of the character interactions in the first 3 quarters of the book fell flat and I found tala to be quite frustrating at points. Shes made some dumb decisions previously but I don’t think she has been quite as ineffectual as she spent a lot of this book being. I became quite irritated with her to be honest.
I will say the book ended well with some nice character interactions and tala making some interesting moves and gaining in power. Most of the book though I had to pull myself back to it — this took me quite a few days to read when if I love a book I’ll blow through it in one or two. That’s the true sign of a book that just wasn’t holding my interest. Hopefully I’m more engaged by the next one.
I feel conflicted rating this 3 stars because I have really enjoyed this series overall but I rate for enjoyment and I didn’t enjoy a lot of this. This series is slice of life but has overall had some degree of momentum and interesting things that are being worked on but in this it just felt like tala was floating aimlessly from place to place. I felt like some of the character interactions in the first 3 quarters of the book fell flat and I found tala to be quite frustrating at points. Shes made some dumb decisions previously but I don’t think she has been quite as ineffectual as she spent a lot of this book being. I became quite irritated with her to be honest.
I will say the book ended well with some nice character interactions and tala making some interesting moves and gaining in power. Most of the book though I had to pull myself back to it — this took me quite a few days to read when if I love a book I’ll blow through it in one or two. That’s the true sign of a book that just wasn’t holding my interest. Hopefully I’m more engaged by the next one.
September 24, 2024
Okay, I'm at the point were a little more plot would help justify all the progression mechanics.
September 19, 2023
I just finished this one last night. It was a classic case of staying up til midnight to finish a book. This book was too good not to finish.
Our main mage, Tala, is on her way to becoming 'Fused' where she merges her soul and body. To get there, she has tons to learn and lots of skills to develop. Now she's a two-fold mage, empowering dimensional spaces (for storage) and battling much more ferocious foes than ever before.
Along the way, she realizes she's a very small fish in a great ocean of magic, and even at her best, she is nothing compared to the great powers of the world. Too bad one of them has taken notice of her.
Read and find out!
Our main mage, Tala, is on her way to becoming 'Fused' where she merges her soul and body. To get there, she has tons to learn and lots of skills to develop. Now she's a two-fold mage, empowering dimensional spaces (for storage) and battling much more ferocious foes than ever before.
Along the way, she realizes she's a very small fish in a great ocean of magic, and even at her best, she is nothing compared to the great powers of the world. Too bad one of them has taken notice of her.
Read and find out!
August 27, 2024
I really enjoy this series and how it is progressing from one book to the next. I initially chose it because there were quite a few books published and I wanted to get into a series. The problem is I don’t really want to go as slowly as I originally planned (which is typical when I enjoy a book or series).
I love the FMC and all her quirkiness that can sometimes lead to dangerous, reckless behavior. I also like all of her tools and friends, especially Terry! I am interested to see where things are going to go with Rane because there are definitely hints of romance. Things are also becoming more interesting with Kit and It’ll be interesting to see what happens when she is ready to soul-bound.
I highly recommend this series! It is funny and entertaining. There is action, adventure, some intrigue, and interesting relationships. There is violence as part of the action and it is pretty gory in description sometimes but I don’t think it’s that bad.
I love the FMC and all her quirkiness that can sometimes lead to dangerous, reckless behavior. I also like all of her tools and friends, especially Terry! I am interested to see where things are going to go with Rane because there are definitely hints of romance. Things are also becoming more interesting with Kit and It’ll be interesting to see what happens when she is ready to soul-bound.
I highly recommend this series! It is funny and entertaining. There is action, adventure, some intrigue, and interesting relationships. There is violence as part of the action and it is pretty gory in description sometimes but I don’t think it’s that bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2024
Four books in and I just realised what was at the back of my head while reading. The series kind of reminds me of The Warded Man by Peter V Brett. Putting markings on your skin to fight back against things that saw you as cattle, and building weapons that turn the enemy's strength against them.
This entire book felt "fillery". It's not quite filler, as things did happen to move the series as a whole on, but it wasn't really that interesting to me.
I guess the next book is when things pick up. This book felt like the calm before the storm. Like from here on things will be crazy.
Already have the sequel and will pick it up next.
3/5 Stars
This entire book felt "fillery". It's not quite filler, as things did happen to move the series as a whole on, but it wasn't really that interesting to me.
I guess the next book is when things pick up. This book felt like the calm before the storm. Like from here on things will be crazy.
Already have the sequel and will pick it up next.
3/5 Stars
June 7, 2026
2.5 stars rounded down to 2 stars
Volume 4: Four Books and No Plot
I don't know how long I can stand the endless prep work, training montages, lore dumps, fiddling with magic theory through trial and error, meals, money and time management... all with tons of reckless and thoughtless decisions and NO RUSTIN' PLOT.
I was close to DNF in Vol. 3, even closer in this one. I started hoping Terry would just kill everybody and then get devoured by Kit, with the rest of the universe. That would at least be kinda funny.
I fear this series will just go on like this forever and prove to be a colossal waste of time.
Volume 4: Four Books and No Plot
I don't know how long I can stand the endless prep work, training montages, lore dumps, fiddling with magic theory through trial and error, meals, money and time management... all with tons of reckless and thoughtless decisions and NO RUSTIN' PLOT.
I was close to DNF in Vol. 3, even closer in this one. I started hoping Terry would just kill everybody and then get devoured by Kit, with the rest of the universe. That would at least be kinda funny.
I fear this series will just go on like this forever and prove to be a colossal waste of time.
June 29, 2023
Better
The MC magic is getting better but it’s still very limited and not all that impressive. I’m glad the author concentrated more on her growth in this book because the last two were disappointing magic wise. Good story and plot , I just hope she becomes a little more self sufficient and useful in the next novels. While this was a Great Leap Forward I’d still say her magic is pretty boring. It’s particularly why I hate cultivation based magic systems, the growth is a lot of work for very little gain.
The MC magic is getting better but it’s still very limited and not all that impressive. I’m glad the author concentrated more on her growth in this book because the last two were disappointing magic wise. Good story and plot , I just hope she becomes a little more self sufficient and useful in the next novels. While this was a Great Leap Forward I’d still say her magic is pretty boring. It’s particularly why I hate cultivation based magic systems, the growth is a lot of work for very little gain.
September 8, 2023
Book four
I'm enjoying the story, but would like to see more adventures. We get lots of training and eating but adventure has been lacking since book one. Oh sure the MC has done plenty of sparing, but that is just training.
So we get lots of everyday life with little dabs of excitement. The hunt could have used more detail and depth.
I also want to point out that the books keep getting shorter. This one was around 130 pages shorter than book one.
Mistakes will be listed on Goodreads and if you have finished all published books head over to Royalroad and keep reading.
7/10
I'm enjoying the story, but would like to see more adventures. We get lots of training and eating but adventure has been lacking since book one. Oh sure the MC has done plenty of sparing, but that is just training.
So we get lots of everyday life with little dabs of excitement. The hunt could have used more detail and depth.
I also want to point out that the books keep getting shorter. This one was around 130 pages shorter than book one.
Mistakes will be listed on Goodreads and if you have finished all published books head over to Royalroad and keep reading.
7/10
March 1, 2024
I really enjoyed the new adventures in this slice of Millennial Mage. The forest area was interesting, the scenery descriptions were refreshing and unique. The city of Makinaven made me want to see it for myself. Truly fascinating. Also I appreciated how Tala progressed. She has come so far from the first book but we can sense how far she has yet to go. Also the ominous and mysterious threats always just in the corner of your eye makes your heart beat a bit faster. Great combat scenes.
A good read !
March 19, 2025
Well, it had to happen sooner or later, given the dangerous world - the danger levels escalated in this book and there were on screen casualties. But true to the series premise, we had plenty of downtime as well, which was well appreciated. And of course, more worldbuilding, magic progression, etc. One detail that seems to solidify with every book is that there's high level of trust between humans than usual for fantasy stories (we did see criminal elements like bandits earlier) but there's no unpleasant stuff like political wars.
October 24, 2025
More fun and more depth
This book dives a bit deeper into the characters and world than the previous. The balance of time with each character is well handled, giving a wide and deep exploration of the types of people who live in this world and how it shapes them. At the same time, there's lots of fun moments. Funny bits, exciting bits, and clever bits break up the tension and make the whole book into an effortless read.
It's quite an unusual way to write, but I enjoy it a lot. If you've reached this point in the series, I imagine you do too.
This book dives a bit deeper into the characters and world than the previous. The balance of time with each character is well handled, giving a wide and deep exploration of the types of people who live in this world and how it shapes them. At the same time, there's lots of fun moments. Funny bits, exciting bits, and clever bits break up the tension and make the whole book into an effortless read.
It's quite an unusual way to write, but I enjoy it a lot. If you've reached this point in the series, I imagine you do too.
February 19, 2024
One thing I continue to strongly dislike about this entire series is where the story ends... It isn't logical and it drives me nuts. Now to the good part. Tala is growing as a mage and a person, she is really learning about what people have to offer. This journey upped the stakes as she becomes a mage protector as well. And we all learn something is up. It is also interesting to learn about all the mages in the world and their place in saving humanity.
September 5, 2023
Tala and her world expand and deepen
A story of many parts, battles in a forest, humour, exploring a new city, characters learning and growing and some practical RL councel too. We continue to learn more of this fascinating magical world, it's rules and inhabitants. My main regret? That there's only two books left in the series. I'd recommend it.
A story of many parts, battles in a forest, humour, exploring a new city, characters learning and growing and some practical RL councel too. We continue to learn more of this fascinating magical world, it's rules and inhabitants. My main regret? That there's only two books left in the series. I'd recommend it.
July 4, 2023
I really don't understand why I like these books so much.
This one has nailed the slice of life feeling. The general interactions coupled with the dribble of guild politics just makes for a relaxed reading experience.
This one has nailed the slice of life feeling. The general interactions coupled with the dribble of guild politics just makes for a relaxed reading experience.
August 8, 2023
Another good addition
I really like this story. This book was not as exciting as the others, but fleshing out characters is as important as anything. Will definitely read the next installment.
I really like this story. This book was not as exciting as the others, but fleshing out characters is as important as anything. Will definitely read the next installment.
March 4, 2024
I am very much enjoying this series but in some ways feel like the pacing is too fast in that the main character seems to progress too fast for my taste. still one of the best things i have seen in a while.
May 27, 2024
Oh wow... what a mystery! Tala encounters someone from her past... an unknown past because he removes all memories of himself from her memories. This is frightening!! I hope the other Archons help Tala figure out what's happening and kick his arse!
July 23, 2025
a little slower
Natural issue—as the MC grows in power, the narrative grows in scope. Therefore, things get more complex and the narrative ‘slows’ to accommodate more mental/metaphysical interludes.
Still enjoying. Going for 5.
Natural issue—as the MC grows in power, the narrative grows in scope. Therefore, things get more complex and the narrative ‘slows’ to accommodate more mental/metaphysical interludes.
Still enjoying. Going for 5.
October 26, 2025
Great continuation, enjoy the MC's growing understanding of how her gravity magic works, especially the conceptual understanding and how that affects the magic of other practitioners, like immaterial creators.
March 27, 2026
My thoughts? I liked everything about it. What’s not to like? Book 4 was as great as the previous 3 and the previous 3 were all very imaginative and fun reads. I’m looking forward to Book number 5 which I will begin literally momentarily
July 8, 2023
Remains interesting
This continues to be and interesting series, Tala is a good character. My only complaint is that I actually have no idea where this is leading to.
This continues to be and interesting series, Tala is a good character. My only complaint is that I actually have no idea where this is leading to.
August 30, 2023
its just good!
December 31, 2023
It's a fun read. Slow, but still enjoyable. Need to be in the right mood to read this because of the slow pace.
June 18, 2024
This was good stuff :)
July 2, 2024
Fun! I feel like a lot of characters are speaking the same way, though -- their characterizations aren't too distinct.
September 7, 2024
A favorite series.
February 24, 2025
Pretty exciting! Tons of development and new lore. Tala is learning a lot and the new people she meets are pretty fun too.
January 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ - so many little details in here that you don't think about but connect to the later books, i'm amazed how far in advance the author had things planned out
January 12, 2026
Slowly small mistakes are accumulating, but it's still good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews