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The second book in The Elemental Magic Series.
With his power taken from him Alec must decide if he wants it back. Without it, maybe the gods would leave him alone and he could attend the Academy as a soldier. There are many struggles ahead and decisions to be made. Go back to the Academy or leave? Take the opportunities as they come and do what feels right, even if it hurts. How would a young man react with all these pressures on his shoulders? Prophecies fulfilled and the threat of war. Can a first love survive the politics of nobles?
With his power taken from him Alec must decide if he wants it back. Without it, maybe the gods would leave him alone and he could attend the Academy as a soldier. There are many struggles ahead and decisions to be made. Go back to the Academy or leave? Take the opportunities as they come and do what feels right, even if it hurts. How would a young man react with all these pressures on his shoulders? Prophecies fulfilled and the threat of war. Can a first love survive the politics of nobles?
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2015
90 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
February 17, 2017
Good story, poor writing, December 29, 2015
This review is from: Mage (The Elemental Magic Series Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
This series continues to be a good story poorly written yet well told. This anomaly is difficult to explain. The best I can do is to say that Mr. Nowotny would probably make a better bard or other verbal story teller than writer. However some of the poor grammar such as the inability to properly use good and well would still be noticeable. The poor organization of paragraphs and chapters less so. So long as the story continues to entertain I plan to follow it. I hope that he grows as a writer. He should pay close attention to where he is going to take the story of Alec and Christi. In this volume it is looking as though she may prove to be a shallow, untrustworthy person after Mr. Nowotny has spent most of two volumes building her up as loyal, brave and dependable.
This review is from: Mage (The Elemental Magic Series Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
This series continues to be a good story poorly written yet well told. This anomaly is difficult to explain. The best I can do is to say that Mr. Nowotny would probably make a better bard or other verbal story teller than writer. However some of the poor grammar such as the inability to properly use good and well would still be noticeable. The poor organization of paragraphs and chapters less so. So long as the story continues to entertain I plan to follow it. I hope that he grows as a writer. He should pay close attention to where he is going to take the story of Alec and Christi. In this volume it is looking as though she may prove to be a shallow, untrustworthy person after Mr. Nowotny has spent most of two volumes building her up as loyal, brave and dependable.
December 9, 2015
Good sequel
Very good book right up until the last pages, boy and girl madly in love ,he has to leave to protect her , it takes her only a
week to be happy with someone else . I don't think the book needed to end on that note when everyone knows they are meant for each other.
Very good book right up until the last pages, boy and girl madly in love ,he has to leave to protect her , it takes her only a
week to be happy with someone else . I don't think the book needed to end on that note when everyone knows they are meant for each other.
December 8, 2015
Though a bit short, the second book in the series is much better than the first one. I also think that the author rushed the story to much in terms of power - Alec is already on par with the gods. Where do you go from here? In my opinion, it would have been better to see Alec as a mage/knight for a while - defending the country and fighting with the army for a book or two, before introducing the fact that the elder gods feel threatened by Alec. Anyway, I was entertained and I want more. Please hurry with nr. 3 Mr Nowotny!
December 1, 2017
Fucking amazing read both books in a single day. I enjoyed them both to the point I couldn't put either down. The MC shows quite the character growth which I applaud for how well he grows. I am a little angry (not at the author, but a character) at the ending. Because of a certain female who I shall not name due to spoilers, but she is being so stupid even if I can understand a little why its happening. Seriously though she's caught to understand how dumb she's being. Depend on where the Author takes the MC and FMC relationship could potentially make the story personally hard to read. Literally cant wait for the third one.
December 16, 2015
Good, but short
I love this storyline, book 1 was great, it took what seamed like forever for book 2 to come about. There are a few grammar errors and spelling mistakes. But over all I could not put the book down. It's just too bad that this book was a short book and it took so long to put out. Hopefully book 3 will not take as long, be longer and have better proof reading.
I love this storyline, book 1 was great, it took what seamed like forever for book 2 to come about. There are a few grammar errors and spelling mistakes. But over all I could not put the book down. It's just too bad that this book was a short book and it took so long to put out. Hopefully book 3 will not take as long, be longer and have better proof reading.
June 16, 2016
A solid read, which won't disappoint
An excellent continuation of book 1 and kept me reading to finish in one sitting. Spoiler alert - I'm seriously hoping that the author doesn't create a love triangle with Christi for book 3, as right up to the epilogue she was a strong female character and I would hate for her to become a cliche.
An excellent continuation of book 1 and kept me reading to finish in one sitting. Spoiler alert - I'm seriously hoping that the author doesn't create a love triangle with Christi for book 3, as right up to the epilogue she was a strong female character and I would hate for her to become a cliche.
February 10, 2022
Yep
Okay so the second book in the series and it carries the story forward in a delightfully predictable manner. Many of the things that happened were exactly what you would think would happen, yet enough variance to make it a delightful read. Contains well executed characters, a relatable and understandable protagonist, and reads in a fun and enjoyable manner. Highly recommended can't wait for the next.
Okay so the second book in the series and it carries the story forward in a delightfully predictable manner. Many of the things that happened were exactly what you would think would happen, yet enough variance to make it a delightful read. Contains well executed characters, a relatable and understandable protagonist, and reads in a fun and enjoyable manner. Highly recommended can't wait for the next.
June 1, 2020
Not good
The main character is supposed to be a mage but all he accomplished is being beat up over and over the writer got stuck on one thing ...he got beat up by the same person over and over then he tells him to leave him alone? What world does the writer live in that it's ok to turn the cheek over and over ..very disappointed in this book!!!!
The main character is supposed to be a mage but all he accomplished is being beat up over and over the writer got stuck on one thing ...he got beat up by the same person over and over then he tells him to leave him alone? What world does the writer live in that it's ok to turn the cheek over and over ..very disappointed in this book!!!!
April 10, 2018
Action, adventure and romance.
This book will hold your mind in a world unlike ours. It has many adventures and magic . You will find yourself wanting more, but I have not read the third book ,but I can't wait.
This book will hold your mind in a world unlike ours. It has many adventures and magic . You will find yourself wanting more, but I have not read the third book ,but I can't wait.
September 20, 2018
Storys not finished and no #3 in sight! It's been years and I feel cheated!
First book good. Book 2 not as much because proof reader missed so much. But the big dissatisfaction is that there's no conclusion..no book 3!
First book good. Book 2 not as much because proof reader missed so much. But the big dissatisfaction is that there's no conclusion..no book 3!
March 6, 2021
Wonderful Second Book
It is a boo full of wonder. There are more trials and tribulations in the book. Part of the epilogue I find particularly disturbing. The book is excellent and I will be looking for the next book.
It is a boo full of wonder. There are more trials and tribulations in the book. Part of the epilogue I find particularly disturbing. The book is excellent and I will be looking for the next book.
July 22, 2021
Good read
Its a good book but way too short, and what is it with authors now a days starting a series and never finishing them there should be a law or like a "author's oath,", too finish a series!
Its a good book but way too short, and what is it with authors now a days starting a series and never finishing them there should be a law or like a "author's oath,", too finish a series!
November 1, 2022
Great reading.
The magic in this book is outrageously fun. Gods and wizards are amazingly close in purpose. Altogether, its great reading.
It could still use some editing but I still gave this book full stars. I recommend it highly.
The magic in this book is outrageously fun. Gods and wizards are amazingly close in purpose. Altogether, its great reading.
It could still use some editing but I still gave this book full stars. I recommend it highly.
May 8, 2019
Really good book
Really enjoyed this book well written can't wait to find book 3 feel sorry for what Alex has gone through but he's done so well
Really enjoyed this book well written can't wait to find book 3 feel sorry for what Alex has gone through but he's done so well
June 18, 2020
This is a dead unfinished story with no ending
February 16, 2021
Good relaxing read
Good story with several typos but nothing too bad jar me from the story. It is quite sad that it has been 5 years since this was released without a 3rd release
Good story with several typos but nothing too bad jar me from the story. It is quite sad that it has been 5 years since this was released without a 3rd release
June 6, 2024
Unfortunately, I read for enjoyment.
Each of these books end, leave you joyless.
I feel like I’ve been dragged through a swamp.
Don’t buy until the third book is published.
Each of these books end, leave you joyless.
I feel like I’ve been dragged through a swamp.
Don’t buy until the third book is published.
December 31, 2024
need more of Alec
Awesome. Wish they have book 3 ready to read. Cliffhanger is not healthy for the heart. Hurry up with the next book please.
Awesome. Wish they have book 3 ready to read. Cliffhanger is not healthy for the heart. Hurry up with the next book please.
December 10, 2015
This review will be spoiler-free (or spoilers will be marked as such)
Mage is the continuation of the Elemental Magic series, and while the plot thickens it contains several of the same issues that some people will most likely find annoying, while introducing some new issues.
First of let me state that I like the plot of the book. For the most part the same goes for the central characters.
The plot of the story develops well, and Alec is still as likable as he was in the first novel. The surrounding characters are expanded upon, and a lot of new characters are introduced that needs to be kept track of.
Now for the more annoying issues.
The book could use a second time through the editor, there are still some issues with spelling, and I noticed a couple of times where names seemed to be mixed up.
More importantly however, is the frequent shifts between characters and location. Between paragraphs, without any obvious change, the focus will go from one character in one location to another character at another location (and I suspect at some time also slightly different time). There is no distinction like a new chapter, a headline stating who is the focus character, or even just a blank line to indicate the shift. This is extremely confusing to read in the beginning because you end up going back and rereading several paragraphs to figure out what section relates to what character. A simple blank line or a line with "---" would have made this so much easier to read.
The last bit that annoyed me is related to the way dialogue is written. This was my biggest issue with the first book in the series and I was sorry to see it remain. The author seems to dislike writing dialogue, and instead gives a synopsis like:
Character 1 asked if he did it. Character 2 said yes.
Instead of writing the actual dialogue like: "Did you do it?" Character 1 asked. "Yes"
This will probably come down to personal preference, but overall I much prefer having the actual dialogue, as I feel it can give a understanding of the various characters, while still giving the same plot information.
All that being said, I'll still read the third installation when it is published, but whether I'll continue further on from there will depend on a weighing of the good and the bad of the next book. For the moment the plot is good enough to make up for the issues that I find annoying.
Mage is the continuation of the Elemental Magic series, and while the plot thickens it contains several of the same issues that some people will most likely find annoying, while introducing some new issues.
First of let me state that I like the plot of the book. For the most part the same goes for the central characters.
The plot of the story develops well, and Alec is still as likable as he was in the first novel. The surrounding characters are expanded upon, and a lot of new characters are introduced that needs to be kept track of.
Now for the more annoying issues.
The book could use a second time through the editor, there are still some issues with spelling, and I noticed a couple of times where names seemed to be mixed up.
More importantly however, is the frequent shifts between characters and location. Between paragraphs, without any obvious change, the focus will go from one character in one location to another character at another location (and I suspect at some time also slightly different time). There is no distinction like a new chapter, a headline stating who is the focus character, or even just a blank line to indicate the shift. This is extremely confusing to read in the beginning because you end up going back and rereading several paragraphs to figure out what section relates to what character. A simple blank line or a line with "---" would have made this so much easier to read.
The last bit that annoyed me is related to the way dialogue is written. This was my biggest issue with the first book in the series and I was sorry to see it remain. The author seems to dislike writing dialogue, and instead gives a synopsis like:
Character 1 asked if he did it. Character 2 said yes.
Instead of writing the actual dialogue like: "Did you do it?" Character 1 asked. "Yes"
This will probably come down to personal preference, but overall I much prefer having the actual dialogue, as I feel it can give a understanding of the various characters, while still giving the same plot information.
All that being said, I'll still read the third installation when it is published, but whether I'll continue further on from there will depend on a weighing of the good and the bad of the next book. For the moment the plot is good enough to make up for the issues that I find annoying.
January 19, 2018
Interesting series
In this episode Alex continues his battle with the minor gods when they continue to attempt to contain his powers.
In this episode Alex continues his battle with the minor gods when they continue to attempt to contain his powers.
April 20, 2016
With his power taken from him Alec must decide if he wants it back. Without it, maybe the gods would leave him alone and he could attend the Academy as a soldier. There are many struggles ahead and decisions to be made. Go back to the Academy or leave? Take the opportunities as they come and do what feels right, even if it hurts. How would a young man react with all these pressures on his shoulders? Prophecies fulfilled and the threat of war. Can a first love survive the politics of nobles?
This book just grabbed me and would not let go. I started reading this at 1735 hours and finished it at 2325 hours, a little less than 6 hours. I love everything about the book. the story moves right along and never gets boring. It makes me ache, haveing to wait for the next book to come out and to be able to tear into it. Highly recommend this book! Great Reading Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This book just grabbed me and would not let go. I started reading this at 1735 hours and finished it at 2325 hours, a little less than 6 hours. I love everything about the book. the story moves right along and never gets boring. It makes me ache, haveing to wait for the next book to come out and to be able to tear into it. Highly recommend this book! Great Reading Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 2, 2016
I didn't much like the first book of this series but I found the overall premise slightly intriguing so I read this novel hoping that some of the issues the first book had would be fixed as well as some of the other things that were bothering me.
Unfortunately none of the problems the first book had were resolved and actually it was even more of a mess to say it bluntly.
Author seemed to be confused about the names of some of his minor characters as they kept changing. The plot and actions of some of the very flat characters was contrived. Only saving grace of this entire series is the overall plot that has some promise but unfortunately the way the story was brought to life failed to represent the overall premise in the best possible light.
I seriously doubt I'll read the sequels to this series when it comes out.
Unfortunately none of the problems the first book had were resolved and actually it was even more of a mess to say it bluntly.
Author seemed to be confused about the names of some of his minor characters as they kept changing. The plot and actions of some of the very flat characters was contrived. Only saving grace of this entire series is the overall plot that has some promise but unfortunately the way the story was brought to life failed to represent the overall premise in the best possible light.
I seriously doubt I'll read the sequels to this series when it comes out.
January 28, 2025
Good but needs polishing
I am greatly enjoying the tale of Alec Carter, don't get me wrong, but the transitions in this book are jumpy and sometimes battle scenes are hard to follow. Because the scenes are not described with more clarity, I completely lost my mental grip of the story. I also found numerous grammatical and punctuational errors. Also, the transition of viewpoints from Alec to other characters is very abrupt and it is hard to follow from one scene to the next without some sort of break or proper flow. However, I am enjoying this story and look forward to reading the next novel!
I am greatly enjoying the tale of Alec Carter, don't get me wrong, but the transitions in this book are jumpy and sometimes battle scenes are hard to follow. Because the scenes are not described with more clarity, I completely lost my mental grip of the story. I also found numerous grammatical and punctuational errors. Also, the transition of viewpoints from Alec to other characters is very abrupt and it is hard to follow from one scene to the next without some sort of break or proper flow. However, I am enjoying this story and look forward to reading the next novel!
December 23, 2015
Good fantasy book as any!
While similar to some growing up stories I felt it got many things right and didn't feel stale. This second book was just as good as the first, maybe better. The proof reading want as good. Aside from a few wrong words used, a couple of second used the wrong name so you had to re-read to figure it out. The only other thing was the cast switch between two paragraphs without some sort of break as an indicator. Even so, I liked the two books that they still get 5 stars.
While similar to some growing up stories I felt it got many things right and didn't feel stale. This second book was just as good as the first, maybe better. The proof reading want as good. Aside from a few wrong words used, a couple of second used the wrong name so you had to re-read to figure it out. The only other thing was the cast switch between two paragraphs without some sort of break as an indicator. Even so, I liked the two books that they still get 5 stars.
February 10, 2016
The writing isn't the best. It gets in the way of the story with the lack of descriptions. Not that I like overly verbose prose, but come on. Let's have a little plot and character development. Also, the protagonist should have a weakness of some sort. He's written as a country bumpkin that's just going along with the flow and trying to do the 'right' thing. He mystically becomes the most powerful thing ever that can do anything in less than a chapter... As an afterthought.
January 11, 2016
This book was, for me, a strange mixture of enjoyable and off-putting. The story itself was interesting but there were some major flaws. The editing was nearly non-existent. There were so many grammatical mistakes I wondered if anyone besides the author read the book prior to publishing. Words were misused and mis-spelled. The writing style relied a bit too much on straight narrative. In spite of the flaws I actually enjoyed the story but would have been much happier with decent editing.
January 14, 2016
The story was very good but the misspelled words, the typos and misused words, and strange sentence structure kept me stopping to figure out what was meant and this spoils the reading of the story. Example: The king sat on his boarder. I do not think the king is renting a place that furnishes meals so borders would fit. Also every occasionally does not make sense. I would have given the story 4 stars.
May 27, 2022
This story is definitely great. I like it.
February 3, 2016
I gave it five out of five I love your books Michael nowotny but the only thing I didn't like of the new book is where you sent the romance aspect other than that amazing book keep us informed of book three
December 16, 2015
Great
I think this book deserves six stars!! I couldn't stop reading it. I love the story and the magic i do feel sometimes the explanations for the spells can be a little to simple. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a brilliant coming of age story
I think this book deserves six stars!! I couldn't stop reading it. I love the story and the magic i do feel sometimes the explanations for the spells can be a little to simple. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a brilliant coming of age story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews