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Magical Fusion #2
Academic ConFusion
As Larek uncovers the secrets of his past, he soon discovers that such secrets were probably best kept hidden…
After being kicked out of Crystalview Academy by Dean Wilburt, Larek and his new friends are forced to journey south where he is to continue his studies in yet another Academy named Copperleaf. Along the way, the Logger-turned-Fusionist expands his knowledge of the world and its people – and the world slowly learns about Larek in return.
Arriving at Copperleaf, the fledgling Fusionist soon learns that his new Academy is just as dangerous as Crystalview, but for altogether different reasons. Despite the danger, Larek also has the opportunity to expand his skill in creating Fusions in ways he had never dreamed of before – and there is no Dean ready to punish him for exercising that skill, either.
Unfortunately, dangerous information about who he is and his place in the world will be revealed to him, further muddying the waters of his academic experience. The shock and confusion this dangerous information produces will challenge Larek to new heights as he works to keep his secrets from those who would use them against him.
This weak-to-strong MC story contains LitRPG elements such as character progression and statistics, as well as a heavy crafting emphasis. No explicit sexual content or harems.
After being kicked out of Crystalview Academy by Dean Wilburt, Larek and his new friends are forced to journey south where he is to continue his studies in yet another Academy named Copperleaf. Along the way, the Logger-turned-Fusionist expands his knowledge of the world and its people – and the world slowly learns about Larek in return.
Arriving at Copperleaf, the fledgling Fusionist soon learns that his new Academy is just as dangerous as Crystalview, but for altogether different reasons. Despite the danger, Larek also has the opportunity to expand his skill in creating Fusions in ways he had never dreamed of before – and there is no Dean ready to punish him for exercising that skill, either.
Unfortunately, dangerous information about who he is and his place in the world will be revealed to him, further muddying the waters of his academic experience. The shock and confusion this dangerous information produces will challenge Larek to new heights as he works to keep his secrets from those who would use them against him.
This weak-to-strong MC story contains LitRPG elements such as character progression and statistics, as well as a heavy crafting emphasis. No explicit sexual content or harems.
452 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2023
619 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Brooks
93 books491 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 7, 2023
It's a hero problem *SPOILERS*
I loved the first book enough to read it twice. Larek was just out of his small town and his naivety made sense. In book one, he has had months of travel, his life almost lost based on one person's false accusation, threatened, ostracized and seemed to come into his own. This is why I simply cannot understand how much of an idiot he is in book 2. Like somewhere between book 1 and 2 despite his increases in intelligence, exposure to real damage to others and the knowledge of the thin line his freedom was on, he got dumber.
SPOILERS START HERE
Last book a bunch of students got hurt. His teacher who encouraged him died and her reputation screwed over because of both what Larek did as well as the prejudice of the dean. He was depressed and barely interacted with the other characters due to this. He knew his creations blew up an entire floor of the academy. All of this and he is still talking too much and exposing his friends to danger. 5 minutes into new book and he is sharing his MAJOR secret of stama? I could understand his telling them about the fusions issues but the other clearly dangerous thing in a not private area? Nope.
He was almost killed by the other student and his friends got hurt because of him and he STILL made such donkey decisions. After all that I simply didn't like him anymore because he is dumb, inconsiderate and makes absolutely stupid decisions. It makes no sense he is not locked up somewhere and the fact that he isn't makes this feel like a bad story. I kept getting mentally kicked out the story because things just didn't make sense.
Last thing, the games weren't real life and death fights and he bumps his stama stats right in the middle of an arena? Displaying all his physical power when just taking care of Neirda (sp?) was both the smart and right thing to do. Not rushing off to try to win this thing? ESPECIALLY after that meeting between Dean to prove it wasn't cheating? Come on!
I am going to try another series by the author to see if the issue is only this storyline. I hope the author fixes this one but at this point I don't know if I can continue this series.
I loved the first book enough to read it twice. Larek was just out of his small town and his naivety made sense. In book one, he has had months of travel, his life almost lost based on one person's false accusation, threatened, ostracized and seemed to come into his own. This is why I simply cannot understand how much of an idiot he is in book 2. Like somewhere between book 1 and 2 despite his increases in intelligence, exposure to real damage to others and the knowledge of the thin line his freedom was on, he got dumber.
SPOILERS START HERE
Last book a bunch of students got hurt. His teacher who encouraged him died and her reputation screwed over because of both what Larek did as well as the prejudice of the dean. He was depressed and barely interacted with the other characters due to this. He knew his creations blew up an entire floor of the academy. All of this and he is still talking too much and exposing his friends to danger. 5 minutes into new book and he is sharing his MAJOR secret of stama? I could understand his telling them about the fusions issues but the other clearly dangerous thing in a not private area? Nope.
He was almost killed by the other student and his friends got hurt because of him and he STILL made such donkey decisions. After all that I simply didn't like him anymore because he is dumb, inconsiderate and makes absolutely stupid decisions. It makes no sense he is not locked up somewhere and the fact that he isn't makes this feel like a bad story. I kept getting mentally kicked out the story because things just didn't make sense.
Last thing, the games weren't real life and death fights and he bumps his stama stats right in the middle of an arena? Displaying all his physical power when just taking care of Neirda (sp?) was both the smart and right thing to do. Not rushing off to try to win this thing? ESPECIALLY after that meeting between Dean to prove it wasn't cheating? Come on!
I am going to try another series by the author to see if the issue is only this storyline. I hope the author fixes this one but at this point I don't know if I can continue this series.
November 10, 2023
I'm not sure about the MC here. The bigger pictire and where Larek comes from comes into focus, which is good. He on the other hand I have a hard time really caring about, as there really isn't much to the character. Minor spoilers follow.
He spends most of this time in some sort of crafting fugue, and even when there's action he doesn't really want to win, unless it's life or death. In the latter case he deals quite ruthlessly with his tormentors, but then we have to deal with him feeling crappy about it. Just not the dynamic MC that I can really get behind. At the end some of the reasons for his reticence to make waves are removed, so hopefully the next book gives him a bit more "oomph".
He spends most of this time in some sort of crafting fugue, and even when there's action he doesn't really want to win, unless it's life or death. In the latter case he deals quite ruthlessly with his tormentors, but then we have to deal with him feeling crappy about it. Just not the dynamic MC that I can really get behind. At the end some of the reasons for his reticence to make waves are removed, so hopefully the next book gives him a bit more "oomph".
January 7, 2024
Book two starts with Larek and his friends leaving the college they spent book one in and moving to a new one. The big change this time is that the dean is a proponent of Larek's instead of hating him for being a fusionist.
The big problem I had in book two was the very thick plot armor. Larek consistently gets in trouble for various reasons (sometimes not his own fault), but nothing really comes from it. This is a very light fantasy story on enchanting and while book one was decent enough, book two just didn't work for me as much. I'm stopping the series here to move on to different books.
The editing is fine as are the stats, and if you can get past the plot armor you may find this enjoyable.
4/5*
The big problem I had in book two was the very thick plot armor. Larek consistently gets in trouble for various reasons (sometimes not his own fault), but nothing really comes from it. This is a very light fantasy story on enchanting and while book one was decent enough, book two just didn't work for me as much. I'm stopping the series here to move on to different books.
The editing is fine as are the stats, and if you can get past the plot armor you may find this enjoyable.
4/5*
October 19, 2023
Good follow up from book 1. Nothing out of the ordinary and no actual twists. Nice, organic progression from the previous book.
Looking forward to the next one.
Looking forward to the next one.
October 6, 2023
I am sorry, not good
The first was better. There is not enough advancement for our MC. Sure, he gains some levels, but things stay much the same. The concepts and plot in the story are overused and not well executed. Very much a rote effort.
The first was better. There is not enough advancement for our MC. Sure, he gains some levels, but things stay much the same. The concepts and plot in the story are overused and not well executed. Very much a rote effort.
July 31, 2025
Are secrets safe?
Larek has had quite an adventure so far. He has gone to a new school, which seems to be working out better for him. I love the skirmish and how he helped his team. I was not a great fan of how he dealt with the people who kidnapped him, but it was an effective way to go about it. I look forward to reading what happens to Larek in book 3.
Larek has had quite an adventure so far. He has gone to a new school, which seems to be working out better for him. I love the skirmish and how he helped his team. I was not a great fan of how he dealt with the people who kidnapped him, but it was an effective way to go about it. I look forward to reading what happens to Larek in book 3.
April 13, 2024
Really not a fan of this main character he is a complete dumbass blockhead who has a cheat ability and that is about it. He says he wants to keep his abilities secret and then tells the first teacher he meets who is nice to him after less than 5 minutes of knowing him. He is also very cowardly unless he is forced to do something. He also can't put more than two thoughts together without having everything spelled out to him honestly this guy is so bloody stupid. The well building and Crafting system is interesting however and there is enough story here to make it good but the main character really needs a lot of work. He never understands emotionally what other people are talking about whenever he has a conversation with anyone else. This makes absolutely no sense because he grew up with his family so why wouldn't he understand basic things about what people are talking about. He is also a constant scatterbrain he doesn't care about anything else besides fusions. Unless it helps him in some way he basically ignores the whole world and everyone around him he is very egotistical.
February 19, 2025
This book is extremely well-written with excellent plot points along the way. Larek's character is developed for the reader well beyond the first book, and it also brings understanding in how some of his unlikeable traits in the first book were from an immature understanding of his gifts and drawbacks. I really liked this book, and couldn't put it down. I very much appreciated the nuanced development and explanation of something really shocking that Larek does, of necessity. I normally speed read through anything gruesome but the author drew me in based on what was transpiring in Larek's head. Many new characters are introduced in compelling ways. This is top-notch writing! The fusion system is unbelievably well-devised and I found I was paying much closer attention to the details in this second volume. Despite all the negative issues, the reader is left with a kind of hope and anticipation that keeps them invested in the ongoing saga.
--the cover art makes no sense to me...
--the cover art makes no sense to me...
December 25, 2023
I enjoyed this book better than the first one - academy continued to be a big focus, plus all the crafting stuff. A few POV scenes from side-characters was a welcome addition, hope that'll continue in future books too. It was fascinating to see details of the overarching plot being revealed at various occasions, and it cleared some of the confusion I had in the previous book. And I especially liked that the main character got some much needed support from competent characters. I even enjoyed the political maneuvering, which I'm usually not a fan of. The intense conflict around the midway mark was well done, but a tad too-dark for me. I wish it was resolved differently, though it was understandable given the context and worldbuilding.
December 28, 2024
I like the series overall. I think the author is great at describing all the intricacies of fusion. Although sometimes I thought I was back in science class. I don’t think you need to over explain it all the time. And for some solutions just use the KISS principle. You know keep it simple stupid. Like say he tried to make a fusion for himself but it works better for martials. Ta Da. On to the next problem. I read a few reviews and a few people said they were not going to read the next book. But they still gave it 4 and 5 stars. So I guess the author is doing something right. The MC needs to smarten up. And don’t the citizens know how to fight. There’s no talk of them walking around with weapons. Just of them being killed
October 6, 2023
Great book
Truly enjoying the series. this book Continuous a great story. I'm a sucker for Crafting anyways and this book scratches that itch. The MC is progressing at a reasonable pace and having the usual quandaries and roadblocks. More of the over Arkansas storyline is revealed and as usual it is not pretty. I'm still a little concerned at the MC's Appearance of cowardice. Certainly don't expect him to be a warrior but he seems a bit more reluctant than I would like to step into the heroe role but maybe that's the point. Of course trying to advance abilities while hiding them is difficult. I certainly look forward to more of this in the next book.
Truly enjoying the series. this book Continuous a great story. I'm a sucker for Crafting anyways and this book scratches that itch. The MC is progressing at a reasonable pace and having the usual quandaries and roadblocks. More of the over Arkansas storyline is revealed and as usual it is not pretty. I'm still a little concerned at the MC's Appearance of cowardice. Certainly don't expect him to be a warrior but he seems a bit more reluctant than I would like to step into the heroe role but maybe that's the point. Of course trying to advance abilities while hiding them is difficult. I certainly look forward to more of this in the next book.
November 15, 2023
Has potential but needs so much work
It's interesting but so flat and simple it lacks real depth. SO much focus is put into the main character's skills that everything else seems to be secondary.
The flow of conversation is very bad as well as the personal interactions.
Here is a quote from the book “ Yes! I’ve seen the way you look at him; the way you covered him in kisses within minutes of meeting him was bad enough, but—”
Stuff like that happens a lot and the plot just moved forward.
Just one example of what I mean. I feel like that it was badly written even though it had a great concert but just can't make an actual working story
It's interesting but so flat and simple it lacks real depth. SO much focus is put into the main character's skills that everything else seems to be secondary.
The flow of conversation is very bad as well as the personal interactions.
Here is a quote from the book “ Yes! I’ve seen the way you look at him; the way you covered him in kisses within minutes of meeting him was bad enough, but—”
Stuff like that happens a lot and the plot just moved forward.
Just one example of what I mean. I feel like that it was badly written even though it had a great concert but just can't make an actual working story
December 4, 2023
Academic Confusion book 2 is a very good second in series. If you liked the first one, then you'll likely like this one just as much. More knowledge is learned, tricks are pulled off, and the academy reveals the main character as being a fusionist. Of course, it's not quite that simple, but I won't ruin it by telling how that occurred, so that's up to you to find out by reading it. It's a lot of fun, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series now.
October 8, 2023
Very good read. Simple, yet with game complexity! Entertaining !
Book two was very good in the series. Sometimes stories can fall off however this one kept the pace fast, fun, and enjoyable!
The game complexity was easy to follow as the writer explained the main characters progress well even if you're new to the genre. I enjoyed the world building in the story with the protagonist having new elements to him as the world building continues. Recommend book 1 and 2 definitely, can't wait for book 3!
Book two was very good in the series. Sometimes stories can fall off however this one kept the pace fast, fun, and enjoyable!
The game complexity was easy to follow as the writer explained the main characters progress well even if you're new to the genre. I enjoyed the world building in the story with the protagonist having new elements to him as the world building continues. Recommend book 1 and 2 definitely, can't wait for book 3!
March 25, 2024
Larek forced to serve the SIC to save his family from harm an serve the kingdom.
Larek an some other first years must travel to another academy for the rest of the first semester after their academy was attacked by monster's from a different realm . With destroying part of the academy living spaces were limited thus transferring students . The travel time was 3 months walking an riding wagons . An beginning attacked along the way by more monsters between academics . recommend reading excellent series.
Larek an some other first years must travel to another academy for the rest of the first semester after their academy was attacked by monster's from a different realm . With destroying part of the academy living spaces were limited thus transferring students . The travel time was 3 months walking an riding wagons . An beginning attacked along the way by more monsters between academics . recommend reading excellent series.
April 23, 2024
Non-standard Academy series
While I am not sure about the pace of this series, it at least isn’t following the pattern of magical academy stories that make it one book per school year. This is the second book, and Larek hasn’t even finished his first year of schooling. Granted, a lot of other stuff has happened to him - discoveries and abilities that turn his world upside down. And at least now he is in a situation where he isn’t actively being tormented.
Fun story this time around.
While I am not sure about the pace of this series, it at least isn’t following the pattern of magical academy stories that make it one book per school year. This is the second book, and Larek hasn’t even finished his first year of schooling. Granted, a lot of other stuff has happened to him - discoveries and abilities that turn his world upside down. And at least now he is in a situation where he isn’t actively being tormented.
Fun story this time around.
December 1, 2023
The story goes on in the next school. We learn a lot more why Larek is special and sticks out.
He makes some really dumb decisions.
While I like academy-based plots i am starting to be fed up with "yet another fighting competition". I reallly don't need X rounds of meaningless action.
Nevertheless there are some good ideas about his fusion abilities and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
He makes some really dumb decisions.
While I like academy-based plots i am starting to be fed up with "yet another fighting competition". I reallly don't need X rounds of meaningless action.
Nevertheless there are some good ideas about his fusion abilities and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
May 4, 2024
I basically lost interest in the series here, largely due to the protagonist being an annoying twatwaffle. The "clueless boy unaware of girl's interest" continues and, if anything, is amplified. Add onto that an annoying pacifist streak that emerged and...yeah, not my favorite.
Which is unfortunate, because I like the world the author built and the broader story arc. But I cannot get past the annoying MC.
Which is unfortunate, because I like the world the author built and the broader story arc. But I cannot get past the annoying MC.
June 2, 2024
Wow
Just how whiny can a writer make a character? Most of this book is about whining!! He killed people that tortured him, so 3 or 4 pages of whining Fromm that then he whined that he somehow influenced his teammates and started whining about that. Enough is enough no more will I read anything from this writer if he cannot get away from his whining in his writing and in his life probably!!
Just how whiny can a writer make a character? Most of this book is about whining!! He killed people that tortured him, so 3 or 4 pages of whining Fromm that then he whined that he somehow influenced his teammates and started whining about that. Enough is enough no more will I read anything from this writer if he cannot get away from his whining in his writing and in his life probably!!
April 30, 2025
The world expanded really well and I'm loving how the magic system is developing.
I was a little disappointed at the slow growth of the character's maturity/personality. He grew a ton in magic, but much less as a person. It's not terrible, it's just noticeably slower than his magic system growth.
However, in the end, I'm really enjoying this series. It's just what I was craving, a technical magic system to learn and play with.
I was a little disappointed at the slow growth of the character's maturity/personality. He grew a ton in magic, but much less as a person. It's not terrible, it's just noticeably slower than his magic system growth.
However, in the end, I'm really enjoying this series. It's just what I was craving, a technical magic system to learn and play with.
June 21, 2025
This book was cooken and really reved up the further ii flipped pages to the very end !
I have gotten hooked big time now and going for the next book !
I am very glad I gave this series a chance !
It's taking me at a fast pace and I must keep going!
Nice series of friends who were once enemies and showing how good friends are counted as very important !
Highly recommend and the mysteries keep coming !
Charles R
I have gotten hooked big time now and going for the next book !
I am very glad I gave this series a chance !
It's taking me at a fast pace and I must keep going!
Nice series of friends who were once enemies and showing how good friends are counted as very important !
Highly recommend and the mysteries keep coming !
Charles R
March 15, 2024
What a continuation
What a continuation of this series.Grabbed the first
book in a whim ( Kindle Unlimited ) loved it and jumped into book 2
The story of Larek.and companions connects.with me.Loved.the progression of plot , character. , book 2 is even better than book 1 .. Already downloaded book 3 and jumping into that as soon as possible
What a continuation of this series.Grabbed the first
book in a whim ( Kindle Unlimited ) loved it and jumped into book 2
The story of Larek.and companions connects.with me.Loved.the progression of plot , character. , book 2 is even better than book 1 .. Already downloaded book 3 and jumping into that as soon as possible
April 24, 2024
fun
The main character is a new school and faces new challenges, makes new friends, and eventually find a way to reveal to the world his skill at fusions.
The story is excellently told in the world world building is captivating. The narration is sitting on the ears. The pace of the story is excellent and ultimately this was a highly enjoyable listen.
The main character is a new school and faces new challenges, makes new friends, and eventually find a way to reveal to the world his skill at fusions.
The story is excellently told in the world world building is captivating. The narration is sitting on the ears. The pace of the story is excellent and ultimately this was a highly enjoyable listen.
December 30, 2024
One word.....over and and over.
The characters are decent if a little stock. The MC is over powered, but not pointlessly so. My problem is that there is one word, Fusion, that is used insanely too much. It is in nearly every paragraph, multiple sentences in a row. It is getting really hard to keep reading.
The characters are decent if a little stock. The MC is over powered, but not pointlessly so. My problem is that there is one word, Fusion, that is used insanely too much. It is in nearly every paragraph, multiple sentences in a row. It is getting really hard to keep reading.
August 17, 2025
Better than book 1
Fortunately this book was better than book 1 starting about 20% through the book. I'll leave off spoilers, but I appreciate the progression of the series not jumping too fast. That being the case, I get a sense from some of the discrepancies that the RPG aspects of the series weren't thought out entirely prior to finishing the first book.
Fortunately this book was better than book 1 starting about 20% through the book. I'll leave off spoilers, but I appreciate the progression of the series not jumping too fast. That being the case, I get a sense from some of the discrepancies that the RPG aspects of the series weren't thought out entirely prior to finishing the first book.
September 2, 2025
Kind of sad and isolating
It's hard to believe everything that has happened has only been in two books. Larek gets some new trauma, takes action that causes more trauma for him, and is very isolated by not being able to share new revelations with his friends. The doubts his mentors give him are sad too. I wish he had someone he could confide in.
It's hard to believe everything that has happened has only been in two books. Larek gets some new trauma, takes action that causes more trauma for him, and is very isolated by not being able to share new revelations with his friends. The doubts his mentors give him are sad too. I wish he had someone he could confide in.
October 6, 2023
Eagerly awaited, worth every moment!
First love your covers! Second totally enjoyed the sequel! Thank you for characters that stay true to themselves, and the story you are telling.
First love your covers! Second totally enjoyed the sequel! Thank you for characters that stay true to themselves, and the story you are telling.
October 19, 2023
Awesome!
Incredible second Magical Fusion book by Jonathan Brooks! Great story, fantastic world, interesting magic, not too much LITRPG stats but enough to help understand the character. I can’t wait for the next book!
Incredible second Magical Fusion book by Jonathan Brooks! Great story, fantastic world, interesting magic, not too much LITRPG stats but enough to help understand the character. I can’t wait for the next book!
January 14, 2024
Can’t continue
Lack of character growth, 11 year olds behaving like 20 year olds, 16 year olds behaving like 11 year olds, arbitrary plot devices, and really just annoying characters ruin a great magic system.
Lack of character growth, 11 year olds behaving like 20 year olds, 16 year olds behaving like 11 year olds, arbitrary plot devices, and really just annoying characters ruin a great magic system.
January 24, 2024
Academic ConFusion
Larek and several of his classmates have been transferred to another school after the multiple attacks on the school. The road to Copperleaf is long and a new school will be filled with new opportunities. Let’s hope they are more receptive to fusions than Crystalview was.
It has been a very nice change of pace to read a crafter focused series. There is still plenty of action, but Larek is primarily concerned with his fusions. The marshals play a larger part in this book, so it was great to see what they can do! As always, Miles Meili does fantastic narrating.
Content warning: one surprising dark part for a Jonathan Brooks book.
Larek and several of his classmates have been transferred to another school after the multiple attacks on the school. The road to Copperleaf is long and a new school will be filled with new opportunities. Let’s hope they are more receptive to fusions than Crystalview was.
It has been a very nice change of pace to read a crafter focused series. There is still plenty of action, but Larek is primarily concerned with his fusions. The marshals play a larger part in this book, so it was great to see what they can do! As always, Miles Meili does fantastic narrating.
Content warning: one surprising dark part for a Jonathan Brooks book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews