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Hawkin's Magic Beers #2
Silver Rank Brewer
Hawkin distributes ethereal beer—a novel offering—to the city of Lavenfauvish. Now at silver rank, he continues to level up along the Brewer’s quest path with the help of his newfound friends, including Abigail Yak, a gold rank Brewer, and Thrush, a nightream with an (almost) insatiable appetite.
Desperate to be the only one to sell Hawkin’s beers, Hiccup, a gold rank Brewer, considers taking a risk that may not be worth the consequences. Meanwhile, a hungry market of monsters are devouring Hawkin’s goblin spit beer faster than he can brew it.
When Hawkin runs into new ingredients and brews specialty beer for friends of Abigail, his Brewer’s Reputation drastically increases. Alchemists, scholars, brewers, collectors, dungeon crawlers, kingdom seekers, grievers—even a necromancer—begin searching for Hawkin’s beers.
His success draws the ire of Margaux, a scornful diamond rank Brewer. After the results of a brewing competition are made public, she decides that Hawkin and his companions have become too much of a nuisance to put up with.
Desperate to be the only one to sell Hawkin’s beers, Hiccup, a gold rank Brewer, considers taking a risk that may not be worth the consequences. Meanwhile, a hungry market of monsters are devouring Hawkin’s goblin spit beer faster than he can brew it.
When Hawkin runs into new ingredients and brews specialty beer for friends of Abigail, his Brewer’s Reputation drastically increases. Alchemists, scholars, brewers, collectors, dungeon crawlers, kingdom seekers, grievers—even a necromancer—begin searching for Hawkin’s beers.
His success draws the ire of Margaux, a scornful diamond rank Brewer. After the results of a brewing competition are made public, she decides that Hawkin and his companions have become too much of a nuisance to put up with.
798 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2023
307 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 5, 2023
If you like brewing crafting books this is for you.
If you want action, this book isn't for you. For me, this was a bit of a chore to get through. There isn't much of an antagonist in the story and the character who might feel enough to actually do something about her doesn't. The writing is good and imaginative but there is absolutely no suspense in the plot. It is literally a book about fantasy brewing, written by someone who I can only surmise really likes beer. There is a bit of burgeoning romance that never really comes to fruition. Not my favorite, I was hoping for a bit more after the first novel.
If you want action, this book isn't for you. For me, this was a bit of a chore to get through. There isn't much of an antagonist in the story and the character who might feel enough to actually do something about her doesn't. The writing is good and imaginative but there is absolutely no suspense in the plot. It is literally a book about fantasy brewing, written by someone who I can only surmise really likes beer. There is a bit of burgeoning romance that never really comes to fruition. Not my favorite, I was hoping for a bit more after the first novel.
July 5, 2023
Silver Rank Brewer by James Ghoul certainly departs from the normal ranks of RPG fantasy novels. There is far less focus on leveling up and far more focus on characters, personalities, and their interactions. Even the villain has a POV chapter and you get to understand them far better.
Rotating POV among the various characters is wonderful, for it lets the reader see characters from different perspectives. Combine this with almost lyrical descriptions of scenery, food, and beer, and in depth descriptions of mundane activities like catching fish and planting grain, and your experience is much more like reading a poetic epic novel.
Highly recommended. Don't miss this one!
Rotating POV among the various characters is wonderful, for it lets the reader see characters from different perspectives. Combine this with almost lyrical descriptions of scenery, food, and beer, and in depth descriptions of mundane activities like catching fish and planting grain, and your experience is much more like reading a poetic epic novel.
Highly recommended. Don't miss this one!
July 27, 2023
KU Review
Of all the games I’ve played and all the litrpg I’ve read, this is the single greatest class ever created. Took me forever to finish this book. Every time they start describing the flavors in such exquisite detail, I have to go find a beer or bake some cookies or bread. Pretty sure I gained 10 lbs from this book.
General disclaimer: I want to be clear in that I do not factor cost into any review and as such, this is simply a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
Of all the games I’ve played and all the litrpg I’ve read, this is the single greatest class ever created. Took me forever to finish this book. Every time they start describing the flavors in such exquisite detail, I have to go find a beer or bake some cookies or bread. Pretty sure I gained 10 lbs from this book.
General disclaimer: I want to be clear in that I do not factor cost into any review and as such, this is simply a reflection of my enjoyment of the book and in no way reflects cost to value analysis.
July 27, 2023
Having just finished book two of the Hawkin’s Magic Beers Series, I am looking forward to the next installment. These are gentle books, they carry you through relationships/friendships, at times tearfully, more times joyfully, without being frightening or disturbing. How refreshing! There are many adventures to enjoy, and a good many plot devises to be immersed in.
Mostly, and I must agree with other reviewers, these are books written by an author who is able to beautifully describe scenery, emotions, events, and, yes, beer. I would have never predicted I could enjoy such narratives as abound in these books, but the author is a master at sharing brewing and tasting moments with the reader in such a way that they are compelling and a joy to read.
Mostly, and I must agree with other reviewers, these are books written by an author who is able to beautifully describe scenery, emotions, events, and, yes, beer. I would have never predicted I could enjoy such narratives as abound in these books, but the author is a master at sharing brewing and tasting moments with the reader in such a way that they are compelling and a joy to read.
September 27, 2023
Hawkin Brews New Magics
Hawkin co tonnes on the Brewer's Path. Those who fear, or envy, his growing fame and the powers of his magical beers continue to search for him and plot against him. His friends continue on their own individual Paths as well; which has some of them traveling away from Hawkin and his warded Northern woods. Abigail Yak continues to pursue the favor asked of her by her god, which may hasten the day she departs from Hawkin's woods as well. He may soon have the isolation he sought back — but does he still want it?
Hawkin co tonnes on the Brewer's Path. Those who fear, or envy, his growing fame and the powers of his magical beers continue to search for him and plot against him. His friends continue on their own individual Paths as well; which has some of them traveling away from Hawkin and his warded Northern woods. Abigail Yak continues to pursue the favor asked of her by her god, which may hasten the day she departs from Hawkin's woods as well. He may soon have the isolation he sought back — but does he still want it?
June 24, 2023
Beautiful addition to the series
The love and growth of each character shines even brighter in the second book. We see the changes and concern and the passion of each character comes further into the light. The way the author describes the beer and the memories evoked still take the cake with the imagery shared. I'm usually not one for slice of life stories, but I can't help fall in love with the characters and the world Hawkin lives in. One of my favorite series to date.
The love and growth of each character shines even brighter in the second book. We see the changes and concern and the passion of each character comes further into the light. The way the author describes the beer and the memories evoked still take the cake with the imagery shared. I'm usually not one for slice of life stories, but I can't help fall in love with the characters and the world Hawkin lives in. One of my favorite series to date.
July 5, 2023
Read 1/3
This book has just gotten too low stakes for me to stick with it. The first book stayed interesting by exploring the ever-sinking goblin fleet, or by Thrush questing across the world. All of the great characters are here, but they're not doing anything interesting. I suspect if you really like slice-of-life stories, you'll really enjoy this book. But that genre really isn't my thing, and the book isn't holding my interest.
This book has just gotten too low stakes for me to stick with it. The first book stayed interesting by exploring the ever-sinking goblin fleet, or by Thrush questing across the world. All of the great characters are here, but they're not doing anything interesting. I suspect if you really like slice-of-life stories, you'll really enjoy this book. But that genre really isn't my thing, and the book isn't holding my interest.
September 7, 2023
Long, deeply enjoyable story.
A great 2nd-in-series book. This one is -- amazingly to me -- even better than the first!
This book is a delightful mixture of prose and poetry.
Finally, I love the way the people (it seems belittling to call them mere "characters" because they have come to seem so real to me) throughout this book grow and become better, more loving persons. I feel the author is leading me to be better too!
🥰😍
A great 2nd-in-series book. This one is -- amazingly to me -- even better than the first!
This book is a delightful mixture of prose and poetry.
Finally, I love the way the people (it seems belittling to call them mere "characters" because they have come to seem so real to me) throughout this book grow and become better, more loving persons. I feel the author is leading me to be better too!
🥰😍
January 8, 2024
Loved it
Don't let the hundred something chapters fool you, it'll feel like it was over too soon by the time you reach the end.
There was wonderful development for all characters, old and new, and even things like what skills Hawkin was developing were fun to read about. I also find it delightful to read about all the plant stuff; it fuels the imagination.
Big things happened in this book, and I'm looking forward to seeing where they lead to for everyone in the next!
Don't let the hundred something chapters fool you, it'll feel like it was over too soon by the time you reach the end.
There was wonderful development for all characters, old and new, and even things like what skills Hawkin was developing were fun to read about. I also find it delightful to read about all the plant stuff; it fuels the imagination.
Big things happened in this book, and I'm looking forward to seeing where they lead to for everyone in the next!
March 29, 2025
Great Read
I loved the drama in this one with Margaux, Hiccup, and Thrush's evolution/change. But I'm finding that I'm still not caring for Hawkin and A big who's mentorship/ friendship/ relationship. ...both of them are very naive when dealing with people and even more so with feelings and relationships. But when dealing with Thrush, Boggo, Barnacle-eyes, and other goblins and orcs, I find that I enjoy them as characters.
I loved the drama in this one with Margaux, Hiccup, and Thrush's evolution/change. But I'm finding that I'm still not caring for Hawkin and A big who's mentorship/ friendship/ relationship. ...both of them are very naive when dealing with people and even more so with feelings and relationships. But when dealing with Thrush, Boggo, Barnacle-eyes, and other goblins and orcs, I find that I enjoy them as characters.
May 3, 2025
This series is incredible! Highly recommend!!
I have truly fallen in love with this series. All the characters are beautifully written with their own individual personalities. And the world building!! I would give anything to walk in Abigail and Hawkins garden, or to sail with Barnacle Eyes on her ship! I can’t wait to start the next book in this series, very very well done Mr. Ghoul! 5/5 stars from me, highly highly recommend.
I have truly fallen in love with this series. All the characters are beautifully written with their own individual personalities. And the world building!! I would give anything to walk in Abigail and Hawkins garden, or to sail with Barnacle Eyes on her ship! I can’t wait to start the next book in this series, very very well done Mr. Ghoul! 5/5 stars from me, highly highly recommend.
June 22, 2023
I adored this book
Great addition to the series and amazing book 2. I absolutely loved this book. We get more world building, deeper characterization and chew yet building and more fleshing out of the side characters. So many heart warming moments and a number of concerns for book 3 but no cliff hangers.
Great addition to the series and amazing book 2. I absolutely loved this book. We get more world building, deeper characterization and chew yet building and more fleshing out of the side characters. So many heart warming moments and a number of concerns for book 3 but no cliff hangers.
June 24, 2023
The biggest problem with this book is it ended
Wow, what a wonderful second book. Sometimes the second book can’t hold up to the beginning. But this book really enriched each character, and made them more real, entertaining entertaining, and fun. A few tears with smiles. A few heartaches included. Completely worth reading again and again.
Wow, what a wonderful second book. Sometimes the second book can’t hold up to the beginning. But this book really enriched each character, and made them more real, entertaining entertaining, and fun. A few tears with smiles. A few heartaches included. Completely worth reading again and again.
June 27, 2023
delightful prose that transports you to a fantastical land and sea
The Brewer books I bronze, rank, Brewer, and then silver, rank, brewer transport you to a high fantasy land. Where magic is the world, and skills have levels.
The people are hyper, real, four dimensional, real and complex
Try it for yourself, esp the second book.
The Brewer books I bronze, rank, Brewer, and then silver, rank, brewer transport you to a high fantasy land. Where magic is the world, and skills have levels.
The people are hyper, real, four dimensional, real and complex
Try it for yourself, esp the second book.
July 1, 2023
Yes, Yes, a very good slice of lifeyet THE most beautiful prose! Extraordinary!
So beautiful! This should be therapy for people who have lost their sense of taste/smell! So evocative!! This will re-light those nerves with new memories and emotions. This, this is what Tolkein and elves aspire to!
So beautiful! This should be therapy for people who have lost their sense of taste/smell! So evocative!! This will re-light those nerves with new memories and emotions. This, this is what Tolkein and elves aspire to!
July 20, 2023
Lost in the depth of a mug.
Who would have thought that the pages would fly by as the author masterfully reworks an old trope. It takes Serio’s skill and imagination to dream up so many ales, beers, stouts, etc. Each description of the many brews had me jealous of the characters. Except of course for those nasty goblin brews.
Who would have thought that the pages would fly by as the author masterfully reworks an old trope. It takes Serio’s skill and imagination to dream up so many ales, beers, stouts, etc. Each description of the many brews had me jealous of the characters. Except of course for those nasty goblin brews.
September 26, 2023
Wonderful story
I can’t think of anything more to say that other reviews haven’t already or that my review for the 1st book doesn’t; so I will talk about my hopes that the series continues as there is plenty more to explore and find out. I also hope that this series get made into an audiobook at some point so I can listen to the story and better imagine everything.
I can’t think of anything more to say that other reviews haven’t already or that my review for the 1st book doesn’t; so I will talk about my hopes that the series continues as there is plenty more to explore and find out. I also hope that this series get made into an audiobook at some point so I can listen to the story and better imagine everything.
October 3, 2023
And the shtick wears thin. I guess there are only so many ways to say "this beer taste good." In fact after a while Hawkin kind of stops focusing on taste and spends a lot of time...on varieties of beer foam...so many varieties of foam...
The found family parts are still good, as the friends grow beyond Hawkin's cabin in the woods to go out and explore the world.
The found family parts are still good, as the friends grow beyond Hawkin's cabin in the woods to go out and explore the world.
October 17, 2023
A full sensory experience!
Would definitely recommend a read. Lots of great characters, totally unique. Some stunning depth of descriptive language that draws you in and makes your head spin with visions of nature, memories, emotions and rioting colour. Can't speak for the accuracy of technical aspects of the brewing but I found it engaging nevertheless.
Would definitely recommend a read. Lots of great characters, totally unique. Some stunning depth of descriptive language that draws you in and makes your head spin with visions of nature, memories, emotions and rioting colour. Can't speak for the accuracy of technical aspects of the brewing but I found it engaging nevertheless.
June 21, 2023
Decent, but aggravating
After slowly teasing one big source of conflict for two entire books, and then being a very slow progressing mellow novel, to leave the resolution on such a drastically unresolved cliffhanger regarding that conflict is in the very poorest of taste.
After slowly teasing one big source of conflict for two entire books, and then being a very slow progressing mellow novel, to leave the resolution on such a drastically unresolved cliffhanger regarding that conflict is in the very poorest of taste.
July 1, 2023
Intriguing look into what motivates actions and healing
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it has humor which frankly I need in a book, but the characters have so much depth. Some areas are absolutely heartbreaking and yet hopeful. I highly recommend this series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it has humor which frankly I need in a book, but the characters have so much depth. Some areas are absolutely heartbreaking and yet hopeful. I highly recommend this series.
July 8, 2023
amazing! author & artist
The entire series was amazing this book especially! Riveted throughout the entire book excited for each individual characters growth. Well thought out structure as well with vast potential to grow upon. This book is literally art.
The entire series was amazing this book especially! Riveted throughout the entire book excited for each individual characters growth. Well thought out structure as well with vast potential to grow upon. This book is literally art.
July 10, 2023
You can Taste the Writing
This books makes you want to race to your local brew pub and run through a flight of beers ever so slowly so you can figure out every nuanced flavor. Enjoy the Beer!
This books makes you want to race to your local brew pub and run through a flight of beers ever so slowly so you can figure out every nuanced flavor. Enjoy the Beer!
July 19, 2023
More please
The descriptions are such that you can feel yourself in the story and taste the beer. The characters are well developed and very interesting. I would read more any time.
The descriptions are such that you can feel yourself in the story and taste the beer. The characters are well developed and very interesting. I would read more any time.
August 16, 2023
I want go make friends with a blue beastie
I want more. The books are quickly becoming favorites if mine. Gentle adventure is the name of the game. It's like spending good time with great friends.
I want more. The books are quickly becoming favorites if mine. Gentle adventure is the name of the game. It's like spending good time with great friends.
December 4, 2023
A great time.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth reading.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and entertaining. The story and characters were interesting and engaging. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth reading.
January 28, 2024
Brought to literal tears.
The prose style, while the same, improved. We're seeing a lot more drama and danger than before and more possibilities. I can't wait to see where Ghoul takes this next!
4.5/5
The prose style, while the same, improved. We're seeing a lot more drama and danger than before and more possibilities. I can't wait to see where Ghoul takes this next!
4.5/5
June 6, 2024
Good story
James makes the beer sound so good. I like the storyline. It keeps me interested and wanting more. Can't wait to see what Thrush will do as well as Hawkins and the rest of his friends.
James makes the beer sound so good. I like the storyline. It keeps me interested and wanting more. Can't wait to see what Thrush will do as well as Hawkins and the rest of his friends.
June 28, 2023
Nice
Its an interesting story. The unusual vegetation along with the strange creatures makes for fascinating reading. Hope the series continues
Its an interesting story. The unusual vegetation along with the strange creatures makes for fascinating reading. Hope the series continues
June 29, 2023
Really enjoyable reading. I love the environment and the idea that beer can do a lots of things really nice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews