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The Artifice Mage Saga #1
Rotten Magic
Devin will do anything to win. Even resort to magic!
Devin competes to become the best artificer in the mage phobic Iron Empire. Who needs magic when you can master the art of machinery? The other apprentices envy his genius and skills . . . especially Benson. Every apprentice hones their craft building and fighting in crude prototypes of powered armor. Some add frills, others barbs or horns. When Devin transforms himself into a mechanical dragon to slaughter the competition, Benson steps into the role of dragon slayer.
But Devin harbors a secret as he claws his way to the top of the Artificer's Guild: he's a mage. These new abilities are thrilling and frightening, and the voices more so. How long can Devin be content wearing a steel dragon mask when the seductive promise of true arcane power whispers in his ear?
Experience the novella prequel to the Artifice Mage Saga: a fantasy steampunk brawl of metal vs. magic where sorcery is bloody, science is greasy, and nobody's hands are clean.
Devin competes to become the best artificer in the mage phobic Iron Empire. Who needs magic when you can master the art of machinery? The other apprentices envy his genius and skills . . . especially Benson. Every apprentice hones their craft building and fighting in crude prototypes of powered armor. Some add frills, others barbs or horns. When Devin transforms himself into a mechanical dragon to slaughter the competition, Benson steps into the role of dragon slayer.
But Devin harbors a secret as he claws his way to the top of the Artificer's Guild: he's a mage. These new abilities are thrilling and frightening, and the voices more so. How long can Devin be content wearing a steel dragon mask when the seductive promise of true arcane power whispers in his ear?
Experience the novella prequel to the Artifice Mage Saga: a fantasy steampunk brawl of metal vs. magic where sorcery is bloody, science is greasy, and nobody's hands are clean.
122 pages, ebook
First published August 8, 2017
170 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
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February 28, 2018
WARNING! THE TITLE IS WRONG! THIS IS BOOK #1! THERE IS NO PREQUEL. FROM VERSION 1.0, THAT WAS TO BE THE PREQUEL, BUT OBVIOUSLY, THE AUTHOR CHANGED HIS MIND... FOR THE BETTER!
The eternal clash between Magick vs Steampunk Mechanics.
(Note: Technically, it should be Rotten Magick (discerning and controlling the alchemical energies of the multi-universes) rather than Rotten Magic, the art of sleight-of-hand illusions… just smoke and mirrors.)
For some reason, I got an early manuscript of this story, and I must admit, I was not impressed. It was… so pedestrian. It lacked spirit and – pardon the pun – FIRE! I was in the middle of a two-star review because it lacked so much… then I received Rotten Magic 2.0.
HUH?????
OMG! That’s when I realized the error, and I couldn’t have been happier. Version 2.0 wasn’t pedestrian. It was breath-taking. But it was like watching a train crash in slow motion. You know what’s going to happen and how bad it’ll be, but you cannot look away from the encroaching carnage. And carnage, there is.
Rotten Magic is the set-up first book of the Artifice Mage Saga (allegedly a trilogy, but that’s what they said about the movie franchise Attack of the Killer Tomatoes). It’s the classic brilliant yet misunderstood and taken-advantaged young apprentice trying to earn his journeyman status while dealing with an ineffectual educational system and the quintessential bully who likes to beat him up in the guise of a game whose original purpose of inspiring creativity/troubleshooting problems has been now twisted and corrupted. But there’s more to Devin than the rest know (maybe with the exception of his mother, but even she appears clueless to the “voices” inside of Devin’s head).
In this world, magick is a dirty, six-letter word, and the mere whiff of its energy will earn you immediate judgment and punishment. And with the escalation of hostilities on Benson the Bully’s part, Devin paints himself in the proverbial corner, trapping himself by his own actions working against him.
Length: Short novel, and this is after its fleshing out. (Praise the five gods!) I think it was more than double Version 1.0.
Character development: I will have to say that the development of the main characters was quite detailed in comparison to other stories I’ve read lately. Jeffrey Bardwell used the juxtaposition of the warring voices inside Devin’s head to help eek that out on behalf of our dear master artificer wannabe. And as much as I had hoped Devin would not succumb to the easy cheat when he should have remained true and accept mechanical failure, I knew I would see him act like a… guy. *sigh* It really saddened my heart, but having been a student of humanity practically all my life, I knew this would be the natural progression and final response. But then again, we would not have a story. I did appreciate the verbal sparring between Devin and Master Huron. Compared to Version 1.0, Version 2.0 did a far better job. As for Benson, it would be so easy to use the ol’ school bully template. Yes, he is a school bully of the worse sort, but if things could go even more wrong, he is a cunning bully but not quite a candidate for becoming a secret master of the universe. (Those of you out know what I’m talking about.) That, I leave to Drucilla. It needs to be considered whether or not she really is a true friend of Devin or… she has her own dark designs. At the very end, I think Mr. Bardwell might have overplayed his hand. It’s not like I want to hate Drucilla. She is a brilliant apprentice in her own way, and she thinks of the bigger picture, something Devin could not wrap his brain (or his ego) around. She could see the very real dangers of Devin’s journeyman’s project, but she certainly demonstrates how scheming she can be to “free” the true Devin within. (It makes me wonder what other secrets she knows that she has yet to reveal to the reader.) Be cruel to be kind? Really? Knowing the almost Nazi-like presence of the Black Guard who allegedly was formed to protect the public from maniacal mages? I want to like her, but I don’t trust her. Despite her final words of encouragement, did she not know that he could easily be contained, tortured, and executed by the Iron Empire? Or did she have more faith in his skills which has hardly matured enough to get outta Dodge. I guess we’ll have to see in the next book.
Emotional factor: Yesterday, my mother was admitted to the hospital in a not-so-good condition. So I distracted myself by doing a very detailed examination on motives (good, bad, and indifferent) and discovered a very complicated web of intrigue, far better than I’ve seen in the last one hundred novels I’ve read. THIS IS WHAT I WAS WAITING FOR! To “grab the dragon by the horns” and introduce a whole host of warring emotions for so many characters. Who’s hurting. Who’s doing the hurting. And for what end? As much as I as I am so sympathetic to Devin for losing his future career as a respected artificer, I can’t deny acknowledging his personal motives. The end justify the means. Yeah, it’s a lovely goal, but I keep getting the feeling that what if things had gone differently and he finally made it to his goal?… Nah! There’s a little voice in his head that would sabotage that dream. And the other voice is as worthless and the complete antithesis of a real mentor, and that is what a master artificer is supposed to be? I could teach a class of science fiction literature on this book alone.
Speed of action: It wasn’t rushing as it was compelling. Remember that runway train? That’s what it felt like. Getting closer and closer to the inevitable crash in order to discover the exact body count.
Predictability: There are quite a few plot twists and turns, and you’re left wondering what just happened. Yeah, it’s a cliff-hanger at the end. It reminds me of the finale of a zombie movie in which our weary protagonist realizes he must still pass through a mega-gauntlet of the walking dead if he is to survive, but his changes are infinitesimal at best.
Credibility issues: I hate to be confused. I’ve gone back over and realized that there are two mysterious boxes. The box that Master Huron kept in his office… the writer should had been a little more distinctive between that and the broken large box. I know my eyes might have missed a critical word, and this doesn’t happen often.
Grammar and technical errors: This novel is a formatting nightmare! No, not to distract the reader with all the thought processes emphasized by italics, but there are a few errors throughout the novel where non-italicized words were. I saw this mostly towards the end. Reminds me of a very tired and weary writer and editor who should had done a better job. This isn’t an easy book to proofread!
I remember ranting on how Rotten Magic 1.0 should had been longer, better fleshed-out with layers of intrigue and betrayal. Guess what? Version 2.0 NAILED IT! So what did I do? I removed free Version 1.0 and 2.0 off my Kindle and bought the box set. THAT’S how good this novel is, and don’t let its label for youthful readers fool you. It’s a great read for adults and very refreshing to a reader who wishes more authors had more conniving brains that would make a Cardassian mother proud.
This was an ARC, no-pulled punches, honest review done by me.
The eternal clash between Magick vs Steampunk Mechanics.
(Note: Technically, it should be Rotten Magick (discerning and controlling the alchemical energies of the multi-universes) rather than Rotten Magic, the art of sleight-of-hand illusions… just smoke and mirrors.)
For some reason, I got an early manuscript of this story, and I must admit, I was not impressed. It was… so pedestrian. It lacked spirit and – pardon the pun – FIRE! I was in the middle of a two-star review because it lacked so much… then I received Rotten Magic 2.0.
HUH?????
OMG! That’s when I realized the error, and I couldn’t have been happier. Version 2.0 wasn’t pedestrian. It was breath-taking. But it was like watching a train crash in slow motion. You know what’s going to happen and how bad it’ll be, but you cannot look away from the encroaching carnage. And carnage, there is.
Rotten Magic is the set-up first book of the Artifice Mage Saga (allegedly a trilogy, but that’s what they said about the movie franchise Attack of the Killer Tomatoes). It’s the classic brilliant yet misunderstood and taken-advantaged young apprentice trying to earn his journeyman status while dealing with an ineffectual educational system and the quintessential bully who likes to beat him up in the guise of a game whose original purpose of inspiring creativity/troubleshooting problems has been now twisted and corrupted. But there’s more to Devin than the rest know (maybe with the exception of his mother, but even she appears clueless to the “voices” inside of Devin’s head).
In this world, magick is a dirty, six-letter word, and the mere whiff of its energy will earn you immediate judgment and punishment. And with the escalation of hostilities on Benson the Bully’s part, Devin paints himself in the proverbial corner, trapping himself by his own actions working against him.
Length: Short novel, and this is after its fleshing out. (Praise the five gods!) I think it was more than double Version 1.0.
Character development: I will have to say that the development of the main characters was quite detailed in comparison to other stories I’ve read lately. Jeffrey Bardwell used the juxtaposition of the warring voices inside Devin’s head to help eek that out on behalf of our dear master artificer wannabe. And as much as I had hoped Devin would not succumb to the easy cheat when he should have remained true and accept mechanical failure, I knew I would see him act like a… guy. *sigh* It really saddened my heart, but having been a student of humanity practically all my life, I knew this would be the natural progression and final response. But then again, we would not have a story. I did appreciate the verbal sparring between Devin and Master Huron. Compared to Version 1.0, Version 2.0 did a far better job. As for Benson, it would be so easy to use the ol’ school bully template. Yes, he is a school bully of the worse sort, but if things could go even more wrong, he is a cunning bully but not quite a candidate for becoming a secret master of the universe. (Those of you out know what I’m talking about.) That, I leave to Drucilla. It needs to be considered whether or not she really is a true friend of Devin or… she has her own dark designs. At the very end, I think Mr. Bardwell might have overplayed his hand. It’s not like I want to hate Drucilla. She is a brilliant apprentice in her own way, and she thinks of the bigger picture, something Devin could not wrap his brain (or his ego) around. She could see the very real dangers of Devin’s journeyman’s project, but she certainly demonstrates how scheming she can be to “free” the true Devin within. (It makes me wonder what other secrets she knows that she has yet to reveal to the reader.) Be cruel to be kind? Really? Knowing the almost Nazi-like presence of the Black Guard who allegedly was formed to protect the public from maniacal mages? I want to like her, but I don’t trust her. Despite her final words of encouragement, did she not know that he could easily be contained, tortured, and executed by the Iron Empire? Or did she have more faith in his skills which has hardly matured enough to get outta Dodge. I guess we’ll have to see in the next book.
Emotional factor: Yesterday, my mother was admitted to the hospital in a not-so-good condition. So I distracted myself by doing a very detailed examination on motives (good, bad, and indifferent) and discovered a very complicated web of intrigue, far better than I’ve seen in the last one hundred novels I’ve read. THIS IS WHAT I WAS WAITING FOR! To “grab the dragon by the horns” and introduce a whole host of warring emotions for so many characters. Who’s hurting. Who’s doing the hurting. And for what end? As much as I as I am so sympathetic to Devin for losing his future career as a respected artificer, I can’t deny acknowledging his personal motives. The end justify the means. Yeah, it’s a lovely goal, but I keep getting the feeling that what if things had gone differently and he finally made it to his goal?… Nah! There’s a little voice in his head that would sabotage that dream. And the other voice is as worthless and the complete antithesis of a real mentor, and that is what a master artificer is supposed to be? I could teach a class of science fiction literature on this book alone.
Speed of action: It wasn’t rushing as it was compelling. Remember that runway train? That’s what it felt like. Getting closer and closer to the inevitable crash in order to discover the exact body count.
Predictability: There are quite a few plot twists and turns, and you’re left wondering what just happened. Yeah, it’s a cliff-hanger at the end. It reminds me of the finale of a zombie movie in which our weary protagonist realizes he must still pass through a mega-gauntlet of the walking dead if he is to survive, but his changes are infinitesimal at best.
Credibility issues: I hate to be confused. I’ve gone back over and realized that there are two mysterious boxes. The box that Master Huron kept in his office… the writer should had been a little more distinctive between that and the broken large box. I know my eyes might have missed a critical word, and this doesn’t happen often.
Grammar and technical errors: This novel is a formatting nightmare! No, not to distract the reader with all the thought processes emphasized by italics, but there are a few errors throughout the novel where non-italicized words were. I saw this mostly towards the end. Reminds me of a very tired and weary writer and editor who should had done a better job. This isn’t an easy book to proofread!
I remember ranting on how Rotten Magic 1.0 should had been longer, better fleshed-out with layers of intrigue and betrayal. Guess what? Version 2.0 NAILED IT! So what did I do? I removed free Version 1.0 and 2.0 off my Kindle and bought the box set. THAT’S how good this novel is, and don’t let its label for youthful readers fool you. It’s a great read for adults and very refreshing to a reader who wishes more authors had more conniving brains that would make a Cardassian mother proud.
This was an ARC, no-pulled punches, honest review done by me.
September 5, 2021
3.25*
In a world with artefacts and magic, this book will always have a comparison to Harry Potter and that is undeserved. The story is different, more steampunk and I like the difference. it feels something more akin to Warhammer, than anything else, and the concept of a university tinkering away is a pretty cool concept, compared to the threat of magic and it kept the 'chosen one' trope at arms distance.
All in all, I just didn't mesh with the characters. Devin was as annoying as Harry Potter (unfair I know), but I didn't get much of a sense of 'him' under the suppressed magic, wanting to prove himself, hillbilly chip on shoulder, and showing off and Dru wasn't there enough early on to bring her out. By the time the plot ramped up towards the end, I was loosing interest in the characters before they became estranged.
Good concept, potentially great threat, but it didn't push it enough for me, or make me invested in the characters enough to really root them on. Almost, but not quite for me, but a cool alternative to Harry Potter, with potential.
In a world with artefacts and magic, this book will always have a comparison to Harry Potter and that is undeserved. The story is different, more steampunk and I like the difference. it feels something more akin to Warhammer, than anything else, and the concept of a university tinkering away is a pretty cool concept, compared to the threat of magic and it kept the 'chosen one' trope at arms distance.
All in all, I just didn't mesh with the characters. Devin was as annoying as Harry Potter (unfair I know), but I didn't get much of a sense of 'him' under the suppressed magic, wanting to prove himself, hillbilly chip on shoulder, and showing off and Dru wasn't there enough early on to bring her out. By the time the plot ramped up towards the end, I was loosing interest in the characters before they became estranged.
Good concept, potentially great threat, but it didn't push it enough for me, or make me invested in the characters enough to really root them on. Almost, but not quite for me, but a cool alternative to Harry Potter, with potential.
September 1, 2017
Although this is described as a novella prequel to the Artifice Mage series, I didn't find it particularly illuminating as the start to a series. And, as it appears that this addition to the series was released after Book 1, I'm not entirely sure that it was intended to be the series starter.
I confess that I found myself confused for much of this book. There wasn't much in the way of back story or explanation for the voices or the game or, well, anything. As a result, it was a slow read and felt longer than 126 pages.
I didn't particularly connect with any of the characters, and found some of their behaviours and reactions to be somewhat inconsistent.
Sadly, although I can see the promise in the plot line, I'm afraid that the delivery didn't sell it for me.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I confess that I found myself confused for much of this book. There wasn't much in the way of back story or explanation for the voices or the game or, well, anything. As a result, it was a slow read and felt longer than 126 pages.
I didn't particularly connect with any of the characters, and found some of their behaviours and reactions to be somewhat inconsistent.
Sadly, although I can see the promise in the plot line, I'm afraid that the delivery didn't sell it for me.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
October 30, 2018
As this metal versus magic novel begins we see Drusilla breaking into Gildmaster Huron’s padlock and we learn her home life has been anything but good. We see this as she prays to the 5 Gods after thinking she wouldn’t mind seeing her father dragged screaming to the dungeons.
Bardwell makes us aware Drusilla wants to be more like Devin and we see she longs for the old Devin she knew. To her, the new Devin is much like a puzzle box she feels she needs to unlatch.
Traveling back in time, admittedly, Devin’s dream was to join the artificer’s Guild. However, Devin’s Mom, a tailor, could not afford those fees so Devin spent time working as a craftsboy earning some money. These earnings he would combine with his Mother’s savings.
We see Devin is whimsical. While he’s working, he’s imagining drilling into the moon. Devin keenly studies objects in play. When pieces break down, he courageously rebuilds them, though a little sweat is involved.
Devin knows he must barter bits and pieces and a few of his mother’s textiles in his quests to obtain screws and rivets. So, he packs his satchel and drags his sister along to the village square. Lining up behind the carts, he recalls, “Tis the duty of the young to redress the follies of their elders.”
To hone his machine, Devin keeps busy at work hardly eating or sleeping. His Mother reminds him, “Even metal fatigues and breaks if you keep bending it.” And she tells him if he doesn’t show for meals or rest, his tools will be melted down to become part of her tailoring necessities.
Devin does as he is told, honing his invention with his touch of magic. When Devin resumes a place at the square, Coriolo is impressed with the 'artificer quality work’ but not its presentation. Coriolo agrees to share the machine with friends in the city and reminds Devin of the importance of style being applied to the craftsman as well as his machine.
Devin is reminded that an apprentice main function is using their skills to service machines.
Soon after, a group from the Artificers Guild request to view Devin’s workshop. And, when the test is administered, Devin receives the offer of a full scholarship for a perfect score.
Fast forward, and Devin still has two voices in his mind which are constantly at battle even during part of a troubleshooting game played by fellow Guild members who sometimes forget the guild is first and foremost a team of peers.
Yes, it is said you can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation and here we see that Drusilla is clever. Undoubtedly more clever than the braggart Benson. She's helped Devin prepare for a battle he may win with a bit of Rotten Magic.
In closing, Bardwell skillfully uses alliteration to creatively write a fun and educational narrative that has this reader scrambling to learn more details of this metal versus magic universe.
A copy of this book was provided by the author. If you want more details please see Bardwell's Author Spotlight on my blog.
Bardwell makes us aware Drusilla wants to be more like Devin and we see she longs for the old Devin she knew. To her, the new Devin is much like a puzzle box she feels she needs to unlatch.
Traveling back in time, admittedly, Devin’s dream was to join the artificer’s Guild. However, Devin’s Mom, a tailor, could not afford those fees so Devin spent time working as a craftsboy earning some money. These earnings he would combine with his Mother’s savings.
We see Devin is whimsical. While he’s working, he’s imagining drilling into the moon. Devin keenly studies objects in play. When pieces break down, he courageously rebuilds them, though a little sweat is involved.
Devin knows he must barter bits and pieces and a few of his mother’s textiles in his quests to obtain screws and rivets. So, he packs his satchel and drags his sister along to the village square. Lining up behind the carts, he recalls, “Tis the duty of the young to redress the follies of their elders.”
To hone his machine, Devin keeps busy at work hardly eating or sleeping. His Mother reminds him, “Even metal fatigues and breaks if you keep bending it.” And she tells him if he doesn’t show for meals or rest, his tools will be melted down to become part of her tailoring necessities.
Devin does as he is told, honing his invention with his touch of magic. When Devin resumes a place at the square, Coriolo is impressed with the 'artificer quality work’ but not its presentation. Coriolo agrees to share the machine with friends in the city and reminds Devin of the importance of style being applied to the craftsman as well as his machine.
Devin is reminded that an apprentice main function is using their skills to service machines.
Soon after, a group from the Artificers Guild request to view Devin’s workshop. And, when the test is administered, Devin receives the offer of a full scholarship for a perfect score.
Fast forward, and Devin still has two voices in his mind which are constantly at battle even during part of a troubleshooting game played by fellow Guild members who sometimes forget the guild is first and foremost a team of peers.
Yes, it is said you can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation and here we see that Drusilla is clever. Undoubtedly more clever than the braggart Benson. She's helped Devin prepare for a battle he may win with a bit of Rotten Magic.
In closing, Bardwell skillfully uses alliteration to creatively write a fun and educational narrative that has this reader scrambling to learn more details of this metal versus magic universe.
A copy of this book was provided by the author. If you want more details please see Bardwell's Author Spotlight on my blog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2018
Okay, how to put this. “Rotten Magic” is not a novel. According to the title of the Introduction, it is “Notes from the Artificer’s Guild.” A much more apt description. It is more like a series of short stories with chapters interspersed between each other.
Likewise, the writing style comes at you just a bit slantwise. There seems to be plenty of action and lots of things happening, but everything is filtered through the emotions of the main character of the given chapter: Drusilla in the first person or Devin in third, which leads us to suspect that sooner or later they will be together in one story. Or not. So we get a fragmented, emotionally charged interpretation of what is happening rather than a straight narrative. Mildly disorienting at first, but one soon gets used to it.
A particular strength of this work is the complex steampunk world the author has created, with both technical details and social ethics that all add to the richness of the experience.
A good read for those looking for something slightly different. And steampunk fans, of course.
Likewise, the writing style comes at you just a bit slantwise. There seems to be plenty of action and lots of things happening, but everything is filtered through the emotions of the main character of the given chapter: Drusilla in the first person or Devin in third, which leads us to suspect that sooner or later they will be together in one story. Or not. So we get a fragmented, emotionally charged interpretation of what is happening rather than a straight narrative. Mildly disorienting at first, but one soon gets used to it.
A particular strength of this work is the complex steampunk world the author has created, with both technical details and social ethics that all add to the richness of the experience.
A good read for those looking for something slightly different. And steampunk fans, of course.
August 17, 2017
Initial Thoughts Upon Finishing
This was a very interesting start to the series. I loved that Devin, the main character, was such a tinkerer and could create what was effectively a mechanical dragon. It wasn't quite what I was anticipating but the story holds a bunch of potential. It'll be make or brake to see which direction book one takes things in!
Rotten Magic
This is a novella which gives us a very interesting introduction to the series. It follows a young boy - an apprentice - called Devin who has a secret: he posses magic. This is an epic fantasy setting - fantastical and medieval. Magic is a no-no and greatly feared. Mages are seen as evil and Devin is part of a cohort who are trying their best to rise up in the ranks of their institution.
Devin plays a game in-between classes with his fellow apprentices and its called Knights and Dragon. Devin plays the dragon. The novella isn’t giving too much away as to where the plot is going to go next but Devin’s role as the dragon and his ability to create a mechanical dragon into which he transforms is surely a clue, no?
The only sad thing with this novella is that I really thought the actual dragon aspect of it would be more prevalent, but it’s not really.
Devin
What this novella is clearly doing, is setting up Devin’s character for us. I have no idea what the first book is actually about, but this novella does some solid character-building for the boy and has me 100% hooked on the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
He’s quite a complex character and has two voices in his mind that battle with him constantly. I quite liked this element within the context as an added complication to Devin’s true character. His need to succeed and clear longing for company - although he has practically shut off the world from himself -
is plain to see.
I hope he doesn’t give into the negativity that is there and become completely evil - but at the same time I’d be so curious to follow a series where the main character is evil and hopefully see a transformation.
Summary
This was a thoroughly enjoyable novella. Quick, but helping flesh out a character, I thought it was great. It’s convinced me to continue with the series as I’m invested in Devin’s future and what is to come of him. Not to mention the whole mechanical dragon thing. I'm also super interested to learn more about this world!
Happy reading!
This was a very interesting start to the series. I loved that Devin, the main character, was such a tinkerer and could create what was effectively a mechanical dragon. It wasn't quite what I was anticipating but the story holds a bunch of potential. It'll be make or brake to see which direction book one takes things in!
Rotten Magic
This is a novella which gives us a very interesting introduction to the series. It follows a young boy - an apprentice - called Devin who has a secret: he posses magic. This is an epic fantasy setting - fantastical and medieval. Magic is a no-no and greatly feared. Mages are seen as evil and Devin is part of a cohort who are trying their best to rise up in the ranks of their institution.
Devin plays a game in-between classes with his fellow apprentices and its called Knights and Dragon. Devin plays the dragon. The novella isn’t giving too much away as to where the plot is going to go next but Devin’s role as the dragon and his ability to create a mechanical dragon into which he transforms is surely a clue, no?
The only sad thing with this novella is that I really thought the actual dragon aspect of it would be more prevalent, but it’s not really.
Devin
What this novella is clearly doing, is setting up Devin’s character for us. I have no idea what the first book is actually about, but this novella does some solid character-building for the boy and has me 100% hooked on the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
He’s quite a complex character and has two voices in his mind that battle with him constantly. I quite liked this element within the context as an added complication to Devin’s true character. His need to succeed and clear longing for company - although he has practically shut off the world from himself -
is plain to see.
I hope he doesn’t give into the negativity that is there and become completely evil - but at the same time I’d be so curious to follow a series where the main character is evil and hopefully see a transformation.
Summary
This was a thoroughly enjoyable novella. Quick, but helping flesh out a character, I thought it was great. It’s convinced me to continue with the series as I’m invested in Devin’s future and what is to come of him. Not to mention the whole mechanical dragon thing. I'm also super interested to learn more about this world!
Happy reading!
August 10, 2017
If you're looking for a book that reads like a steampunk version of Ender's Game with magic and an element of dragons - look no further. You're currently reading a review of that book. A slim novella packed with punches, Jeffrey Bardwell's Rotten Magic starts off the Artifice Mage Saga with a bang (several, in fact). Setting and characters are intriguing, relationships are complex, ambition is powerful, and magic is dangerous.
Devin is an intriguing character because he doesn't fit nicely into the young underdog genius mold. At first, he seems to: a young, intelligent apprentice working on a secret project, regularly taking the brunt from the school bullies.
But as things go on, we realize that's not Devin at all. He is intelligent, but his secret project isn't all that original, and he can't even seem to get it to work when he tries to present it at his examination.
He does often take the brunt from the school bullies, but that's only because he seems to enjoy fighting and has accepted the rule that the dragon always loses. And he prefers to play as the dragon. Far from just an innocent young victim, Devin longs for retribution and it looks like he's going to get it. He can be savage when crossed, and even his family and friends aren't always safe.
Rather than some young genius who's probably going to save the world with his invention, Devin is a frustrated apprentice who has big ideas that never seem to get off the ground, and he may very well end up destroying the world, rather than saving it. That makes him less of an idealized fantasy hero and more of a, well, human. But one with a dark side that makes him all the more compelling.
Devin's nemesis, Benson, doesn't fit the common character mold either. He's a bully - but as Devin points out, he's not just your average bully with no brain but plenty of brawn. Benson is intelligent as well, and that's mainly why Devin is having such a hard time taking him down.
But back to Devin himself. He becomes even more intriguing as a character when we hear the voices inside his head (yes, everyone has those voices, but Devin's seem to be more vocal than most of ours are). In Devin's thoughts, the voice of the artificer and the voice of the mage are always in conflict. Like the gas lamp he accidentally blows up in his room, Devin is poised to explode at any moment, and when he does, the consequences will be dire. (But you might just have to read the next book to find out how dire.)
Told in an engaging style with suspense, wry humor, and a strong undercurrent of magic, Rotten Magic is a thrilling roller coaster of a ride up to the top - where I expect we can catch the next book and set off on an even more thrilling journey. Bring it on!
http://woodbtwntheworlds.blogspot.com...
Devin is an intriguing character because he doesn't fit nicely into the young underdog genius mold. At first, he seems to: a young, intelligent apprentice working on a secret project, regularly taking the brunt from the school bullies.
But as things go on, we realize that's not Devin at all. He is intelligent, but his secret project isn't all that original, and he can't even seem to get it to work when he tries to present it at his examination.
He does often take the brunt from the school bullies, but that's only because he seems to enjoy fighting and has accepted the rule that the dragon always loses. And he prefers to play as the dragon. Far from just an innocent young victim, Devin longs for retribution and it looks like he's going to get it. He can be savage when crossed, and even his family and friends aren't always safe.
Rather than some young genius who's probably going to save the world with his invention, Devin is a frustrated apprentice who has big ideas that never seem to get off the ground, and he may very well end up destroying the world, rather than saving it. That makes him less of an idealized fantasy hero and more of a, well, human. But one with a dark side that makes him all the more compelling.
Devin's nemesis, Benson, doesn't fit the common character mold either. He's a bully - but as Devin points out, he's not just your average bully with no brain but plenty of brawn. Benson is intelligent as well, and that's mainly why Devin is having such a hard time taking him down.
But back to Devin himself. He becomes even more intriguing as a character when we hear the voices inside his head (yes, everyone has those voices, but Devin's seem to be more vocal than most of ours are). In Devin's thoughts, the voice of the artificer and the voice of the mage are always in conflict. Like the gas lamp he accidentally blows up in his room, Devin is poised to explode at any moment, and when he does, the consequences will be dire. (But you might just have to read the next book to find out how dire.)
Told in an engaging style with suspense, wry humor, and a strong undercurrent of magic, Rotten Magic is a thrilling roller coaster of a ride up to the top - where I expect we can catch the next book and set off on an even more thrilling journey. Bring it on!
http://woodbtwntheworlds.blogspot.com...
August 22, 2017
Rotten Magic is a sort of prequel to the main series of books, known as the Artiface Mage Saga, by Jeffrey Bardwell.
Rotten Magic tells the story of Devin, who is a young apprentice with the Artifacer's Guild. The only problem is, Devin has a secret he can't share with anyone. Only his little sister, Misera, knows he can do "something special" with his hands, and it's not creating machines to help the Guards or anyone else.
Devin is also part of a game played by fellow Guild members, but he happens to be the villain rather than one of the heroes. However, he seems perfectly happy with that. He's always felt different, and being the villain lets him embrace that.
Later in the book, something Devin does (I won't spoil it) sets off the chain of events for the very end of the story that I assume segues into the beginning of the first book in the series.
Overall, the book isn't a bad read. It's a new take on steampunk fantasy, with machines, magic, and mayhem. Dragons seem to be Devin's obsession, hence his desire to create a machine that shoots flames.
The plot is a bit slow to start, but I found myself rushing through the book once I got about 1/4 of the way in. It picks up, and you find yourself curious to see where the story is going to go, and how it's going to end.
The characters aren't super well-developed, but they're not completely one-dimensional. I did think their dialogue, at times, was a bit off. Like with Devin's mom. Some of the things she said didn't really seem like realistic "mom" dialogue, if you will. There are characters you will like, and some you won't, but they don't get a ton of development in the story.
There were also some editing errors I noticed, but I tried not to let them detract from the story.
Overall, not a bad read, and I'm curious to see where the series will lead readers. I give Rotten Magic 4 stars.
Rotten Magic tells the story of Devin, who is a young apprentice with the Artifacer's Guild. The only problem is, Devin has a secret he can't share with anyone. Only his little sister, Misera, knows he can do "something special" with his hands, and it's not creating machines to help the Guards or anyone else.
Devin is also part of a game played by fellow Guild members, but he happens to be the villain rather than one of the heroes. However, he seems perfectly happy with that. He's always felt different, and being the villain lets him embrace that.
Later in the book, something Devin does (I won't spoil it) sets off the chain of events for the very end of the story that I assume segues into the beginning of the first book in the series.
Overall, the book isn't a bad read. It's a new take on steampunk fantasy, with machines, magic, and mayhem. Dragons seem to be Devin's obsession, hence his desire to create a machine that shoots flames.
The plot is a bit slow to start, but I found myself rushing through the book once I got about 1/4 of the way in. It picks up, and you find yourself curious to see where the story is going to go, and how it's going to end.
The characters aren't super well-developed, but they're not completely one-dimensional. I did think their dialogue, at times, was a bit off. Like with Devin's mom. Some of the things she said didn't really seem like realistic "mom" dialogue, if you will. There are characters you will like, and some you won't, but they don't get a ton of development in the story.
There were also some editing errors I noticed, but I tried not to let them detract from the story.
Overall, not a bad read, and I'm curious to see where the series will lead readers. I give Rotten Magic 4 stars.
February 18, 2018
This book starts of the story of the prospective apprentice, Devin, who joins the Artificer’s Guild on his quest to become a Journeyman. An Artificer works on machines, invent and do repairs for the people.
He wants to be the best of the best and become the first apprentice in his class to pass the exams to become a Journeyman, the next level up. But, he has a secret, which he has only shared with his little sister, that he is a Mage. Someone who can do Magic, which is outlawed and anyone suspected of being a Mage is hunted down.
While morning classes are held in a classroom, the afternoon classes are outside with all the apprentices working on battles with their own armour, worked on by them, in a game called Knights and Dragon. Devin, a loner, is always made to play the part of the Dragon by the class bully, Benson. Devin takes the role of Dragon seriously and tries to always defeat the Knights with his dragon influenced armour and weapons.
He also has to work on his own invention, to pass his Journeyman exams, and resents the time he has to spend on other duties for his superiors and their lack of acknowledgement of his ideas or suggestions for their own machines. The beginning of his isolation and madness takes hold. Others are working against him in his pursuit of excellence in his studies and his aim to be a Journeyman.
A great start into the series, I read this one second and it ended up clearing up so much of what was in Broken Wizards. You can read these as separate books, but it definitely gives you some interesting background on the main characters and why things start to happen in the next book of the series. Good and interesting start to the series, with magic being seen in a different light and the job of a Journeyman of the Artificer’s Guild in fixing general bits and pieces of machinery. Looking forward to reading the latest book, Hidden Revolt.
He wants to be the best of the best and become the first apprentice in his class to pass the exams to become a Journeyman, the next level up. But, he has a secret, which he has only shared with his little sister, that he is a Mage. Someone who can do Magic, which is outlawed and anyone suspected of being a Mage is hunted down.
While morning classes are held in a classroom, the afternoon classes are outside with all the apprentices working on battles with their own armour, worked on by them, in a game called Knights and Dragon. Devin, a loner, is always made to play the part of the Dragon by the class bully, Benson. Devin takes the role of Dragon seriously and tries to always defeat the Knights with his dragon influenced armour and weapons.
He also has to work on his own invention, to pass his Journeyman exams, and resents the time he has to spend on other duties for his superiors and their lack of acknowledgement of his ideas or suggestions for their own machines. The beginning of his isolation and madness takes hold. Others are working against him in his pursuit of excellence in his studies and his aim to be a Journeyman.
A great start into the series, I read this one second and it ended up clearing up so much of what was in Broken Wizards. You can read these as separate books, but it definitely gives you some interesting background on the main characters and why things start to happen in the next book of the series. Good and interesting start to the series, with magic being seen in a different light and the job of a Journeyman of the Artificer’s Guild in fixing general bits and pieces of machinery. Looking forward to reading the latest book, Hidden Revolt.
September 2, 2017
In the year 491, young Devin dreams of becoming a Journeyman, but fate has something-else in store.
Throughout the book, we’re presented with two voices in Devin’s head, viewed as entirely separate entities. These are ‘The Mage’ and ‘The Artificer.’ While one voice appears to encourage magical antics, the other is strongly opposed to such sorcery.
Devin is an intriguing character. He enjoys time alone, no doubt due to childhood bullying and seems to be socially awkward- something I find it easy to relate to.
As for the story, it progressed steadily without any dull moments. I loved Devin’s interior-monologue; it was interesting to be privy to such deep and thought-provoking discussions.
The language used was easy to understand and remained that way throughout. I felt that the author possessed a genuine gift for expression and could readily imagine the scenes they were painting.
Overall, a short and compelling read.
Rated 4/5 stars.
March 27, 2019
[NOTE: This is a review of the latest edition of Rotten Magic. I've also reviewed two previous versions.]
As a fellow writer, it's easy for me to understand why author Jeffrey Bardwell has rewritten Rotten Magic twice (well, at least twice, as far as I know).
I'm also happy to say that this third (and, as he tells me, final) incarnation of Devin's story is not only the best yet, but a more complete, satisfying story than either of the previous two versions.
First of all, I LOVE LOVE LOVE that the story starts in Devin's village before he gets accepted into the Artificer's Guild. He's still a poor, innocent country boy with stars in his eyes. Reading the first few chapters of the story, I just kept thinking, "Yes! Yes! Yes! This is where Devin's story starts."'
It's soooo much more interesting and satisfying to start here when he's an ignorant young bumpkin who wants nothing more than to study at the Artificer's Guild. He's never seen the Iron City: he has no idea what he's in store for, or what the Artificer's Guild is really like.
It gives the tragedy that follows (in this book and the sequels) so much more weight. And it makes Devin's character arc so much more compelling.
I equally loved getting to see Devin's first encounter with Drusilla, Benny, and all the other students. The first two Rotten Magics started with Devin already in his last year of apprenticeship--at which point he'd been living in the Iron City for a few years and was already enmeshed in the tangled web of the Artificer's Guild, with Benny as his nemesis and Drusilla as his best friend.
In those other two drafts, I never realized what I was missing. It's so fun to see these relationships take shape. It's so fascinating to see Devin transform from his first to final year as an Artificer.
For anyone who hasn't had the benefit of seeing this story slowly take shape (and it's been so interesting to see), I'll stop talking about the changes and just dive into the story itself.
Magic. Steampunk. Characters so complex you cheer for them one moment and cringe for them the next. You love them, hate what they're doing, and find the whole thing so utterly fascinating you can't look away from the impending train wreck. WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE HERE? THIS IS EVERYTHING I WANT IN A BOOK.
Devin is such a fascinating character, and perhaps equally fascinating is Drusilla. Though I'm still perplexed by her actions in the final chapter (how does she think turning Devin over to the Black Guards is going to free him?), I so love Drusilla's character and her inner monologues:
And of course you're only doing this for Devin's sake, I told myself. Because his behavior has grown so bizarre, his inventions so dangerous. Not from any sense of jealousy? Not because never in your craziest dreams could you have imagined such an awesome flame-throwing device? And you, the lamper's daughter, no less!
As for Devin himself, he's your ultimate troubled hero. I love the boy to death and want nothing more than for him to succeed. But from the moment he first kindles a fire from his fingertips--not even a fire, really, just a faint, fleeting warmth--you know where this is all headed.
Oh, did I mention? Magic is forbidden in the Iron Empire. Devin's not only a crazy brilliant artificer--he's secretly a mage.
Also, he's unstable as heck. Is it something to do with the magic? Does magic make a person unstable? Dangerous? Is Devin really--like the mages on all those propaganda posters--a monster?
I love it, I'm here for all of it--even the train wreck at the end.
And writing this, the spirit of my former English major (writing her senior thesis on Frankenstein adaptations) just resurfaced. Because what screams Frankenstein's monster like a troubled boy--cast out by his fellows and denied fellowship until he's desperate--igniting a room full of innocent bystanders (well, admittedly, they are Black Guards who are probably going to arrest him, but still....)?
Whenever the Artificer's Guild students play Knights and Dragons--a bit like Capture the Flag, but the Flag is the Dragon and once you find him, well let's just say it's a bit more violent than Capture the Flag--Devin is ALWAYS the Dragon. Dragon Boy. That's his nickname. Why not just call him a monster and have done with it?
But somehow, like Frankenstein's monster, Devin may be the least monstrous of them all. He's so innocent. And yet--he's anything but innocent. It's complex, it's fascinating, it's beautiful. It's Rotten Magic 3.0.
As a fellow writer, it's easy for me to understand why author Jeffrey Bardwell has rewritten Rotten Magic twice (well, at least twice, as far as I know).
I'm also happy to say that this third (and, as he tells me, final) incarnation of Devin's story is not only the best yet, but a more complete, satisfying story than either of the previous two versions.
First of all, I LOVE LOVE LOVE that the story starts in Devin's village before he gets accepted into the Artificer's Guild. He's still a poor, innocent country boy with stars in his eyes. Reading the first few chapters of the story, I just kept thinking, "Yes! Yes! Yes! This is where Devin's story starts."'
It's soooo much more interesting and satisfying to start here when he's an ignorant young bumpkin who wants nothing more than to study at the Artificer's Guild. He's never seen the Iron City: he has no idea what he's in store for, or what the Artificer's Guild is really like.
It gives the tragedy that follows (in this book and the sequels) so much more weight. And it makes Devin's character arc so much more compelling.
I equally loved getting to see Devin's first encounter with Drusilla, Benny, and all the other students. The first two Rotten Magics started with Devin already in his last year of apprenticeship--at which point he'd been living in the Iron City for a few years and was already enmeshed in the tangled web of the Artificer's Guild, with Benny as his nemesis and Drusilla as his best friend.
In those other two drafts, I never realized what I was missing. It's so fun to see these relationships take shape. It's so fascinating to see Devin transform from his first to final year as an Artificer.
For anyone who hasn't had the benefit of seeing this story slowly take shape (and it's been so interesting to see), I'll stop talking about the changes and just dive into the story itself.
Magic. Steampunk. Characters so complex you cheer for them one moment and cringe for them the next. You love them, hate what they're doing, and find the whole thing so utterly fascinating you can't look away from the impending train wreck. WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE HERE? THIS IS EVERYTHING I WANT IN A BOOK.
Devin is such a fascinating character, and perhaps equally fascinating is Drusilla. Though I'm still perplexed by her actions in the final chapter (how does she think turning Devin over to the Black Guards is going to free him?), I so love Drusilla's character and her inner monologues:
And of course you're only doing this for Devin's sake, I told myself. Because his behavior has grown so bizarre, his inventions so dangerous. Not from any sense of jealousy? Not because never in your craziest dreams could you have imagined such an awesome flame-throwing device? And you, the lamper's daughter, no less!
As for Devin himself, he's your ultimate troubled hero. I love the boy to death and want nothing more than for him to succeed. But from the moment he first kindles a fire from his fingertips--not even a fire, really, just a faint, fleeting warmth--you know where this is all headed.
Oh, did I mention? Magic is forbidden in the Iron Empire. Devin's not only a crazy brilliant artificer--he's secretly a mage.
Also, he's unstable as heck. Is it something to do with the magic? Does magic make a person unstable? Dangerous? Is Devin really--like the mages on all those propaganda posters--a monster?
I love it, I'm here for all of it--even the train wreck at the end.
And writing this, the spirit of my former English major (writing her senior thesis on Frankenstein adaptations) just resurfaced. Because what screams Frankenstein's monster like a troubled boy--cast out by his fellows and denied fellowship until he's desperate--igniting a room full of innocent bystanders (well, admittedly, they are Black Guards who are probably going to arrest him, but still....)?
Whenever the Artificer's Guild students play Knights and Dragons--a bit like Capture the Flag, but the Flag is the Dragon and once you find him, well let's just say it's a bit more violent than Capture the Flag--Devin is ALWAYS the Dragon. Dragon Boy. That's his nickname. Why not just call him a monster and have done with it?
But somehow, like Frankenstein's monster, Devin may be the least monstrous of them all. He's so innocent. And yet--he's anything but innocent. It's complex, it's fascinating, it's beautiful. It's Rotten Magic 3.0.
August 10, 2017
Rotten Magic is a prequel novella to the Artifice Mage Saga from Jeffrey Bardwell. The story follows Devin, a young apprentice to the Artificer’s Guild, who seeks to prove his worth as an artificer by building unique weapons and armour from metal and machinery.
However, Devin has an unusual gift, the ability to do magic. This, for some unknown reason, has been banned in the Iron Empire, and Mage’s are not welcome in the Artificer’s Guild.
Will Devin succeed in passing his evaluation exam?
If it wasn’t for the use of more mature language in the opening paragraph, I might have judged this a children’s book, rather than young adult fantasy. I’m not certain as to what specific ages the characters are supposed to be in this story, but the term ‘youth’ is used at times to describe Devin which would suggest that the apprentices are teenagers. However, they appear to act more like young children as they play and fight and bully each other during their games of ‘knights and dragons’.
The games seem immature and childish, but are given grand terms such as contests or competitions, suggesting that they are more mature than they appear, and are actually looked upon with favour by the Journeymen as a sort of rite of passage, or official aspect of their education, which I couldn’t quite fathom.
I can’t say that I found any of the characters even remotely likeable, the older Journeymen are quite arrogant and condescending, while the apprentices as already mentioned are immature and childish. Devin’s younger sister is the most annoying of them all though, with her garbled words and sentences. Again I’m not sure just what age, Misera is supposed to be, but quotes such as:
“Don’t wanna be an artsy facer.” – p12
“Be a red sodder or a black gourd or a gold mat.” – p13
“Momma sent you din dins.” - p118
These, and lots of others, almost had me giving up reading before the end of the first chapter, as I had to re-read entire sentences in order to comprehend her conversations.
There were numerous spelling mistakes within the text which always irritates me, especially considering the use of a professional publisher, and the lack of breaks in the text, to signify the significant passage of time from one scene to another, had me backing up and once again re-reading portions to confirm that the story had shifted forward a few days, and I hadn’t missed anything significant.
The book title and synopsis reeled me in with its talk of magic and dragons, but it wasn’t quite what I had anticipated, and with its sudden conclusion I would be reluctant to recommend it, unless you are a young adult already familiar with the Artifice Mage Saga.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
However, Devin has an unusual gift, the ability to do magic. This, for some unknown reason, has been banned in the Iron Empire, and Mage’s are not welcome in the Artificer’s Guild.
Will Devin succeed in passing his evaluation exam?
If it wasn’t for the use of more mature language in the opening paragraph, I might have judged this a children’s book, rather than young adult fantasy. I’m not certain as to what specific ages the characters are supposed to be in this story, but the term ‘youth’ is used at times to describe Devin which would suggest that the apprentices are teenagers. However, they appear to act more like young children as they play and fight and bully each other during their games of ‘knights and dragons’.
The games seem immature and childish, but are given grand terms such as contests or competitions, suggesting that they are more mature than they appear, and are actually looked upon with favour by the Journeymen as a sort of rite of passage, or official aspect of their education, which I couldn’t quite fathom.
I can’t say that I found any of the characters even remotely likeable, the older Journeymen are quite arrogant and condescending, while the apprentices as already mentioned are immature and childish. Devin’s younger sister is the most annoying of them all though, with her garbled words and sentences. Again I’m not sure just what age, Misera is supposed to be, but quotes such as:
“Don’t wanna be an artsy facer.” – p12
“Be a red sodder or a black gourd or a gold mat.” – p13
“Momma sent you din dins.” - p118
These, and lots of others, almost had me giving up reading before the end of the first chapter, as I had to re-read entire sentences in order to comprehend her conversations.
There were numerous spelling mistakes within the text which always irritates me, especially considering the use of a professional publisher, and the lack of breaks in the text, to signify the significant passage of time from one scene to another, had me backing up and once again re-reading portions to confirm that the story had shifted forward a few days, and I hadn’t missed anything significant.
The book title and synopsis reeled me in with its talk of magic and dragons, but it wasn’t quite what I had anticipated, and with its sudden conclusion I would be reluctant to recommend it, unless you are a young adult already familiar with the Artifice Mage Saga.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
November 11, 2018
I was on the fence about whether to give this book 2 stars or 3, but in the end its flaws dragged it down for me.
Goodreads is a little confused about where this book fits in the series. I’ve seen it listed as both a prequel and Book 1. Other reviewers have confirmed it’s Book 1, although it’s short—116 pages according to my Kindle—which may have confused people. On to the review!
Rotten Magic tells the story of Devin, a young apprentice artificer in a kingdom where engineering has supplanted magic and mages are considered violent criminals. However, as his journeyman’s test approaches, it becomes harder for Devin to conceal his secret: he’s really a mage.
I picked up this story on the strength of the premise, which promised an interesting dichotomy between technology and magic reminiscent of Ian Irvine’s Well of Echoes quartet. However, while the artificers’ creations are well fleshed out, it remains unclear what the mages’ capabilities are beyond shooting fire and levitating things. The world building is thin on the ground generally; enough so that in a closing scene that describes Devin turning into a dragon, I was unsure if this was meant to be metaphorical or literal.
The characterizations are also inconsistent: Drusilla in particular seems underdeveloped in her motivations, despite half of the chapters being from her point of view. This becomes a problem when she becomes the antagonist thwarting Devin’s graduation test. We never learn why beyond a vague concern she has about Devin going down a dark path with his invention, a plot point which receives almost no set up and thus doesn’t feel earned. Even this motivation for her is contradicted completely at the end, which left me totally lost as to who she is or what she wants.
Overall, though there is an interesting narrative structure in this book, I think the author didn’t have enough control over the technique or characters to pull it off. Final verdict: 2 stars.
Goodreads is a little confused about where this book fits in the series. I’ve seen it listed as both a prequel and Book 1. Other reviewers have confirmed it’s Book 1, although it’s short—116 pages according to my Kindle—which may have confused people. On to the review!
Rotten Magic tells the story of Devin, a young apprentice artificer in a kingdom where engineering has supplanted magic and mages are considered violent criminals. However, as his journeyman’s test approaches, it becomes harder for Devin to conceal his secret: he’s really a mage.
I picked up this story on the strength of the premise, which promised an interesting dichotomy between technology and magic reminiscent of Ian Irvine’s Well of Echoes quartet. However, while the artificers’ creations are well fleshed out, it remains unclear what the mages’ capabilities are beyond shooting fire and levitating things. The world building is thin on the ground generally; enough so that in a closing scene that describes Devin turning into a dragon, I was unsure if this was meant to be metaphorical or literal.
The characterizations are also inconsistent: Drusilla in particular seems underdeveloped in her motivations, despite half of the chapters being from her point of view. This becomes a problem when she becomes the antagonist thwarting Devin’s graduation test. We never learn why beyond a vague concern she has about Devin going down a dark path with his invention, a plot point which receives almost no set up and thus doesn’t feel earned. Even this motivation for her is contradicted completely at the end, which left me totally lost as to who she is or what she wants.
Overall, though there is an interesting narrative structure in this book, I think the author didn’t have enough control over the technique or characters to pull it off. Final verdict: 2 stars.
October 29, 2018
AIN'T NO DAVID COPPERFIELD HERE!!!
Talk about no walk in the park. This is one exciting, action packed, fast paced, nailbiting, pulse racing, page turning tale that captivates from the start. All the twists and turns, ins and outs, ups and downs, along with a few glitches and bumps make for one enjoyable experience. You get pulled in so deep that everything else ceases to exist. The characters and their personalities are unique with traits that flow along smoothly. You feel what the characters feel, be it disappointment, anxiety, pressure or just try to get through. The scenes are so graphic and detailed it's easy to picture each scenario as it plays off one another perfectly. Jeffrey did a remarkable job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Fantastic job Jeffrey, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Talk about no walk in the park. This is one exciting, action packed, fast paced, nailbiting, pulse racing, page turning tale that captivates from the start. All the twists and turns, ins and outs, ups and downs, along with a few glitches and bumps make for one enjoyable experience. You get pulled in so deep that everything else ceases to exist. The characters and their personalities are unique with traits that flow along smoothly. You feel what the characters feel, be it disappointment, anxiety, pressure or just try to get through. The scenes are so graphic and detailed it's easy to picture each scenario as it plays off one another perfectly. Jeffrey did a remarkable job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Fantastic job Jeffrey, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
March 30, 2021
An interesting book. Devin, who lives in a small village ,loves to tinker with machines . He is working on a machine for a person and wants to improve on it. His work is so good that he draws attention from the Artificers Guild and becomes an an apprentice. However; he has a hidden talent, that of a mage which is outlawed in the country where he lives. Life in the Guild is somewhat different than he imagines and is thrust into an intrigues thus meets the lovely Drusilla who introduces him to Knights and Dragon. A games played with wooden swords and armor which each apprentice creates his own. Other apprentices are jealous of Devin and as he plays the part of the dragon, things becomes serious for him and he has to do a lot of soul searching in order to try and meet his goal of being the best in the Guild. Well worth reading.
July 25, 2018
A very interesting story that kept me reading from start to finish. Author Jeffrey Bardwell certainly gave the reader a few characters to root for and some to root against. And, of course, there was the small issue of magic and mage being illegal during the period of this story, which in turn leads to some unpleasant events which I'm going to presume are further explained in the first book in the series. The book certainly takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride of highs and lows, frustrations and exaltations. and hope and despair. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
December 27, 2017
Devin, a young man who is an apprentice, dreams of becoming a journeyman. None of the other apprentices would play with him and everyone believed the lies that Benny, another apprentice and bully, spread about him.
This book just didn’t suck me in. Usually I get really involved with the story and this time all I could muster was some anger on behalf of Devin for the way he was treated. The writing was confusing to me, there was so much more that could have been said or done in my opinion. It felt rushed. I won’t be continuing with this series.
This book just didn’t suck me in. Usually I get really involved with the story and this time all I could muster was some anger on behalf of Devin for the way he was treated. The writing was confusing to me, there was so much more that could have been said or done in my opinion. It felt rushed. I won’t be continuing with this series.
June 18, 2018
Breaking point - when does the worm finally turn
A good start to a new series. Mages are feared and expelled from society but artificers are treated as the cream. What happens when you have a mix of the two in one young teen? A teen that is trying to gain his credentials. A teen that has been set apart by his difference and the target for a bully. Will the two parts join together?
A really good start to what should become an epic saga of a young man's journey to try and meld the two parts of himself into one.
A good start to a new series. Mages are feared and expelled from society but artificers are treated as the cream. What happens when you have a mix of the two in one young teen? A teen that is trying to gain his credentials. A teen that has been set apart by his difference and the target for a bully. Will the two parts join together?
A really good start to what should become an epic saga of a young man's journey to try and meld the two parts of himself into one.
September 29, 2017
This was the first steampunk story i've read, it was a novella so I read it pretty quickly and I think it was a good introduction into the world of steampunk for me .
I enjoyed it, it was well written and the main character, Devin was intriguing. He was making mechanical inventions to try and become a journeyman .
I look forward to reading more about his adventures in the next book by this author .
I enjoyed it, it was well written and the main character, Devin was intriguing. He was making mechanical inventions to try and become a journeyman .
I look forward to reading more about his adventures in the next book by this author .
January 6, 2018
This was recommended to me by one of my favorite fantasy reviewers. It is an interesting story with a lot of potential. I was hoping for a little more magic and action, but it was a good read overall, if not a little short and a rather abrupt ending.
The author's writing certainly has potential and I'm curious to see where he goes. :)
The author's writing certainly has potential and I'm curious to see where he goes. :)
January 18, 2018
Not really a book just a beginning of a story
I see this as the childhood beginnings of an epic mage tale. A plot has to work for a story to come to life. This plot was everything up to the inciting incident and a little after. Maybe it could have been the first obstacle and overcome if it hadn't stopped half way.
I see this as the childhood beginnings of an epic mage tale. A plot has to work for a story to come to life. This plot was everything up to the inciting incident and a little after. Maybe it could have been the first obstacle and overcome if it hadn't stopped half way.
February 17, 2018
I read Metal vs Magic Anthology - Last Hope & Warped Goals (which is great by the way) And in those 2 stories, I had my first introduction to Devin & Drusilla. I thought the story and characters were great and it was a cool read. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series and everything else from this Author.
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
I was gifted an ARC in return of an honest review.
April 28, 2018
CARING VERSUS TEMPTATION
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ADVANCE READER COPY OF THIS BOOK
The first book in the series. A wonderful telling of the beginning of the Mage Devin. Book contains trust, betrayal and discovery. A struggle to find oneself, leads to disastrous results; especially when you want to be the best and lose yourself in the process.
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED AN ADVANCE READER COPY OF THIS BOOK
The first book in the series. A wonderful telling of the beginning of the Mage Devin. Book contains trust, betrayal and discovery. A struggle to find oneself, leads to disastrous results; especially when you want to be the best and lose yourself in the process.
October 8, 2018
I enjoyed reading this novel, it is not a prequel, immensely. The world building is a clash of magic vs machine and Jeffrey does it well. The characters are fleshed out and human as all of us have a little bad in them. I look forward to the next installment of the Artificer Mage to see what happens next.
February 20, 2019
This book is not for me!!
I would not recommend this book,supposedly the main character has a best friend in this book,she was and is more evil than being a mage..plus the style of writing was not to my liking,you could not know the main character but you could know the evil friend? Wasted my time and money!!
I would not recommend this book,supposedly the main character has a best friend in this book,she was and is more evil than being a mage..plus the style of writing was not to my liking,you could not know the main character but you could know the evil friend? Wasted my time and money!!
August 22, 2017
I enjoyed this story, and it left me wanting more. It is a great story about prejudice and bullying. When society only accepts certain people, there is bound to be secrets hidden and a rebellion. I would like to see how this series continues.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2017
It is hard to pin down why this book isn't working for me. I think the YA bullying is dominating the story, rather than the steampunk development of the character's techology, which is what it was supposed to be about.
September 23, 2019
Five star book but!!!
No real pace, yet the intricacy of the story keeps you reading.
Despite being overly long THE BOOK DOESN'T FINISH!!!!!!
This is my beef, after a three day investment in the story the author has cheated me of my just desert, a conclusion.
No real pace, yet the intricacy of the story keeps you reading.
Despite being overly long THE BOOK DOESN'T FINISH!!!!!!
This is my beef, after a three day investment in the story the author has cheated me of my just desert, a conclusion.
August 11, 2017
Definitely a darker "Ender's Game" styling with magic.
Slow to start but built up towards the end. Unexpected turncoat to destroy his dreams but a bittersweet ending?
Slow to start but built up towards the end. Unexpected turncoat to destroy his dreams but a bittersweet ending?
October 6, 2017
Jeff writes great tales, and this is one of them. Devin is a young Artificer hoping to make journeyman soon. BUT things go from bad to worse, or do they? find out for yourself.
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