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Intergalactic Wizard Scout Chronicles #2
Wizard Cadet
Wizard scouts are the elite, deep-recon forces of the Intergalactic Empire. They are a mix of technology and magic-like abilities.
Richard, a cadet at the Intergalactic Wizard Scout Academy, is on assignment to retrieve a defecting scientist on a planet deep behind enemy lines. In theory, it should be a simple in-and-out mission. But as Richard learned long ago, nothing is ever simple. With a deadly Crosioian scout hot on his trail, Richard soon finds himself stuck with a couple of super-genius children who may hold a secret that could mean the salvation or destruction of three galaxies. Between dodging plasma rounds from heavily-armored Crosioian soldiers to battling werewolves, ogres, magic users and deadly dimension-shifting cats the size of lions, Richard soon finds himself far outside his original mission parameters.
Even with the help of his battle computer, Nickelo, the odds of Richard completing his mission and getting the children safely home is low. Add in the interference of the mysterious entity known as ‘the One’ along with an all too suave master demon, and the odds of survival decreases even more rapidly. Will Richard’s wizard scout training prevail, or is he doomed to fail? His only hope may well be to find allies in the most unlikely of places. Of course, a liberal sprinkling of luck wouldn’t hurt either.
Richard, a cadet at the Intergalactic Wizard Scout Academy, is on assignment to retrieve a defecting scientist on a planet deep behind enemy lines. In theory, it should be a simple in-and-out mission. But as Richard learned long ago, nothing is ever simple. With a deadly Crosioian scout hot on his trail, Richard soon finds himself stuck with a couple of super-genius children who may hold a secret that could mean the salvation or destruction of three galaxies. Between dodging plasma rounds from heavily-armored Crosioian soldiers to battling werewolves, ogres, magic users and deadly dimension-shifting cats the size of lions, Richard soon finds himself far outside his original mission parameters.
Even with the help of his battle computer, Nickelo, the odds of Richard completing his mission and getting the children safely home is low. Add in the interference of the mysterious entity known as ‘the One’ along with an all too suave master demon, and the odds of survival decreases even more rapidly. Will Richard’s wizard scout training prevail, or is he doomed to fail? His only hope may well be to find allies in the most unlikely of places. Of course, a liberal sprinkling of luck wouldn’t hurt either.
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2015
197 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Rodney W. Hartman
21 books111 followers Rodney Hartman is a retired US Army veteran with over twenty years of experience in military operations ranging from Infantry Private in the paratroops to Chief Warrant Officer flying helicopters during the Persian Gulf War. Mr. Hartman worked for many years as a computer programmer before retiring and pursuing a career as a fulltime writer. Mr. Hartman lives in North Carolina with his wife and family along with their cat, McKenzie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 5, 2017
There were parts of the first book I liked and parts I didn't, sadly this second entry in the series quickly jumps to the style I wasn't too keen on from the first book. I'm just not keen on the fantasy aspect of the story, it feels very hacky, like it's been lifted from a game Dungeons and Dragons.
It doesn't help that the writing keeps returning to the same trivial points all the time. We constantly have conversation between two characters discussing things they both know over and over, as though the author doesn't trust the reader to remember how this simple things work.
Add to this some bland characterisation and the books habit of creating a world whose rules seems arbitrary and inconsistent and it just leads to a very bland read.
It doesn't help that the writing keeps returning to the same trivial points all the time. We constantly have conversation between two characters discussing things they both know over and over, as though the author doesn't trust the reader to remember how this simple things work.
Add to this some bland characterisation and the books habit of creating a world whose rules seems arbitrary and inconsistent and it just leads to a very bland read.
August 3, 2016
It seems that every time the author runs into a problem he drags his character to a new dimension so he doesn't have to figure out anything hard.
February 28, 2017
Why did I get this book...the main characters sheer stupidity is driving me off the deep end.
May 29, 2017
Alot of repeditive talking, some of it was to fill in someone who hadn't read the first book but after that it got painfull. Also I'm starting to dislike the main character.
November 5, 2017
A very good book, an easy 4-star rating. I look forward to the rest of the series. If you liked the first book you should like this one, it is a little better.
August 11, 2016
Richard is still ignorant. He still acts like a dumb a kid. He might as well have been a teen playing black ops on xbox than a trained black ops personnel with 5 years of training and a year of actual field experience. Seriously, the guy is 26 years old but act like he is 14. In the first book the guy acted more mature.
And why the fuck do to they keep complaining about cursing then curse the next damn sentence. No adult especially military would give a damn in the field.
Plus the moron can't think. Stupid idiot can't think beyond orders. They would have been better off having the AI run things than this idiot. Seriously the training in the first book is geared to grunts acting in units not single scouts who need to able to think fluidly and innovatively. No wonder they have such high attrition rates.
Empathic healing is just dumb. It is just the author's attempt to keep from having a god like MC. And the the crap needed to explain it is just doesn't make sense.
I didn't get past 2nd chapter. The main character was just too fucking annoying.
And why the fuck do to they keep complaining about cursing then curse the next damn sentence. No adult especially military would give a damn in the field.
Plus the moron can't think. Stupid idiot can't think beyond orders. They would have been better off having the AI run things than this idiot. Seriously the training in the first book is geared to grunts acting in units not single scouts who need to able to think fluidly and innovatively. No wonder they have such high attrition rates.
Empathic healing is just dumb. It is just the author's attempt to keep from having a god like MC. And the the crap needed to explain it is just doesn't make sense.
I didn't get past 2nd chapter. The main character was just too fucking annoying.
November 18, 2015
I liked the first book more than I did the sequel. Rick doesn't seem to act like the troops that I know (much less how a SF would act), and the long periods where he was interacting with the children were a bit boring.
I'll definitely read the sequel though... the concept of a "wizard scout" is an interesting one.
I'll definitely read the sequel though... the concept of a "wizard scout" is an interesting one.
July 31, 2018
I'm kind of torn on how to rate and review this one. On one hand, this book is very flawed, but, on the other, I did find myself enjoying the story enough that I was able to see it through to its end and it now has me wondering whether or not I should buy the third. By the halfway point of this book, though, I was thoroughly convinced that I wouldn't continue this series, but now I'm not so sure.
I am sure that the most positive reviews have come from people who can probably relate with Richard, the protagonist, best. I found myself unable to relate to Rick most of the time because Rick is an idiot. Rick did suffer some brain trauma between the first and second book so, I guess, that explains that. The author feels like he constantly has to remind the reader that Rick has "above average intelligence".
Bull.
Someone who has above average intelligence doesn't constantly get a headache trying to comprehend half the things that are told to him and would think things through more often rather than dive into every problem head first like Leroy Jenkins.
Rick's simple mind made him hard to relate to and did take away from my enjoyment of this book. It's also hard to believe in the world the author is creating, especially when you mix in time travel and other nonsense. So much of this book is just absolutely corny or senseless.
Underneath it all, including some annoying repetition, though, it's a decent science-fiction-meets-fantasy story. It's not great. It's decent. And I enjoyed the story.
Would I recommend the book? Eh. Probably not. There are numerous books I'd recommend before I would even considered this, but this is the only science fantasy novel I know of. Giving this book 3-stars is generous, but I don't hate it enough to rate it 2.
Now...to flip a coin to see if I want to move forward or move on to a different series.
I am sure that the most positive reviews have come from people who can probably relate with Richard, the protagonist, best. I found myself unable to relate to Rick most of the time because Rick is an idiot. Rick did suffer some brain trauma between the first and second book so, I guess, that explains that. The author feels like he constantly has to remind the reader that Rick has "above average intelligence".
Bull.
Someone who has above average intelligence doesn't constantly get a headache trying to comprehend half the things that are told to him and would think things through more often rather than dive into every problem head first like Leroy Jenkins.
Rick's simple mind made him hard to relate to and did take away from my enjoyment of this book. It's also hard to believe in the world the author is creating, especially when you mix in time travel and other nonsense. So much of this book is just absolutely corny or senseless.
Underneath it all, including some annoying repetition, though, it's a decent science-fiction-meets-fantasy story. It's not great. It's decent. And I enjoyed the story.
Would I recommend the book? Eh. Probably not. There are numerous books I'd recommend before I would even considered this, but this is the only science fantasy novel I know of. Giving this book 3-stars is generous, but I don't hate it enough to rate it 2.
Now...to flip a coin to see if I want to move forward or move on to a different series.
September 4, 2023
Help me read more books
I liked this book just as much as the first one. There appeared to be fewer jokes, or maybe I just missed them, but regardless, the story carries on fairly well, and I really like where it seems to be going, so I fully intend to read more books in the series.
I liked this book just as much as the first one. There appeared to be fewer jokes, or maybe I just missed them, but regardless, the story carries on fairly well, and I really like where it seems to be going, so I fully intend to read more books in the series.
April 3, 2025
DNF at 60%
This is a pretty good book with one huge exception. The main character's personality doesn't match his lifestyle. He is too stupid for his role in life and he whines like a small child who's dropped their ice cream ALL the time. It's infuriating and I couldn't read any more. It's a shame because if he was a decent strong character this would have been a great series.
This is a pretty good book with one huge exception. The main character's personality doesn't match his lifestyle. He is too stupid for his role in life and he whines like a small child who's dropped their ice cream ALL the time. It's infuriating and I couldn't read any more. It's a shame because if he was a decent strong character this would have been a great series.
November 11, 2017
Very well done
Jumped from the first book to the second. Now, I’m heading to find the next in the series. Excellent writing, the story is involved enough to keep you looking for what comes next. Overall, very well done. Now to book three.
Jumped from the first book to the second. Now, I’m heading to find the next in the series. Excellent writing, the story is involved enough to keep you looking for what comes next. Overall, very well done. Now to book three.
November 18, 2023
Book is awesome
I liked the first book in the series so I got the second one the story and characters are well filled out and I have enjoyed both books this is a series I would consider buying
I liked the first book in the series so I got the second one the story and characters are well filled out and I have enjoyed both books this is a series I would consider buying
November 24, 2023
Rick is saved from imminent death to help 'The One' with another task which, of course, puts him in mortal danger several times.
With-reservations:
violence, death, war, prejudice, bullying, children in danger
With-reservations:
violence, death, war, prejudice, bullying, children in danger
October 17, 2017
Another promising series down the toilet. entertaining first book, ridulous, boring second book. oh well, time for some nonfiction to cleanse the palate.
November 3, 2017
Loved it
Holy heck what an awesome book words do not describe it. I stayed up late to finish it and will be starting the next one
Holy heck what an awesome book words do not describe it. I stayed up late to finish it and will be starting the next one
August 20, 2018
Overall a good story, just annoying how often it repeats certain events and information.
September 21, 2018
I really tried to get into the second of the Wizard Scout chronicles but it went a different direction than expected and I couldn't finish the book.
An OK but not great read.
An OK but not great read.
May 8, 2019
Will he ever get his temper under control?
Fun read. I couldn’t put it down. I hope the cadet will live long enough to graduate and see all his friends again.
Fun read. I couldn’t put it down. I hope the cadet will live long enough to graduate and see all his friends again.
August 24, 2020
Really enjoying this series! Especially like that the books are getting longer. They are well written, very enthralling, and hilarious. The characters really suck you in! I highly recommend checking this out!
September 8, 2020
No improvement at all from the first book the MC is still a bird brain and sorry birds.
Had the audio vers fell asleep like 10 times, run from this series and this author.
Had the audio vers fell asleep like 10 times, run from this series and this author.
September 23, 2020
I like the series and the writing's good. There are long shifts to a separate point of view(another character) on a separate plot line that ties in that I have difficulty with.
August 17, 2021
Loved it!
March 23, 2017
very repetitive
December 8, 2015
Richard, aka Cadet 832, is back again reporting for more action. Set in the future, like way in the future. Society is ran by an A.I. that has sent Richard to Wizard Scout training. He just got back from a mission that sent him into the past. Richard and his trusty helmet, Nickelo, are back to being regular cadets. Training is being accelerated due to the Crosioian empire breaking treaty. Another mission needs Cadet 832. Richard has to rescue a scientist and his adopted children from a Crosioian attack. They have a project they are working on that can not fall into enemy hands. Rick finds himself facing a Crosioian assassin with more training and experience than him that he has to evade. He and the children are sent to another time to complete a mission that the Master Computer has given with some cryptic instructions of Help the children help her, find what they need you have 30 days.
February 7, 2017
Hard to put down!
The main character continues to be challenged in unorthodox ways that are different from his fellow cadets. The character development of those he has to work is superior and we get more of an idea of the childhood that shaped his look on life.
The main character continues to be challenged in unorthodox ways that are different from his fellow cadets. The character development of those he has to work is superior and we get more of an idea of the childhood that shaped his look on life.
December 31, 2016
The first novel of a series that really should have been just two books (and is now pending it's fifth installment), this self-published effort that showed up in my Kindle recommendation queue (bad Amazon, bad!) is a travesty of writing. There's a core of a good story, but the author throws all pretense of attempting to write a decent series out the window early on when he adopts all of the tropes from the multiple genres he mashes together with no interesting or unique method for conveying his ideas.
Clunky sentence structure, excruciating dialogue, ridiculously poor plotting, and frustratingly bland characters all combine to make this a book and a series you should avoid.
Clunky sentence structure, excruciating dialogue, ridiculously poor plotting, and frustratingly bland characters all combine to make this a book and a series you should avoid.
May 29, 2016
If you loved the first one, don't even think twice before picking up the second.
Yet another great book from Hartman. This book continues our journey with Richard and Nick. Some characters are returning with a line up of new characters.
This book sees Richard on his first assignment, and as per usual. Things head south.
I enjoy the dialogue between Richard and his battle computer Nick, providing amusement throughout the book. This book also sees character development in both Richard and Nick.
Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
Yet another great book from Hartman. This book continues our journey with Richard and Nick. Some characters are returning with a line up of new characters.
This book sees Richard on his first assignment, and as per usual. Things head south.
I enjoy the dialogue between Richard and his battle computer Nick, providing amusement throughout the book. This book also sees character development in both Richard and Nick.
Can't wait to read the next one in the series.
October 11, 2015
Interesting concept
This book was very good. The author did a good job with the convergence of science and magic and has really found a good character in both Rick and Nick. At points in the story the bumbling and stupidity of Rick got a little annoying but it was not so bad I could not over look it.
All in all the book was a good second book and it continued to build on the cool concept started inn the first one.
This book was very good. The author did a good job with the convergence of science and magic and has really found a good character in both Rick and Nick. At points in the story the bumbling and stupidity of Rick got a little annoying but it was not so bad I could not over look it.
All in all the book was a good second book and it continued to build on the cool concept started inn the first one.
June 23, 2016
Sci Fi meets Fantasy
Sometimes it takes me years to find a good series that I can't put down. This one has been a nice surprise. The author captures you interest and has developed a world that is both appealing and you feel a connection with the main protagonist. I can't stop reading, I keep putting off other books to keep reading
Sometimes it takes me years to find a good series that I can't put down. This one has been a nice surprise. The author captures you interest and has developed a world that is both appealing and you feel a connection with the main protagonist. I can't stop reading, I keep putting off other books to keep reading
September 23, 2015
This is another book full of rip-roaring action. Sadly, it inherits the faults of the previous book in that there's not a lot of world-building. Readers barely glimpse any of the atmosphere of the settings at all. This is quite a missed opportunity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews