An Arch Magus dies, only to find himself in the body of a young man in a medieval Kingdom. He finds out that he is the second son of a Duke, exiled to a desolated town by his own family. Shackled by the notorious reputation of his new shell, he tries his best to develop his domain, implementing new policies and innovations, leading his subjects to prosperity. In this world where magic is undeveloped, he shall once again pave a new path.
Liked the story, but the writing is atrocious, making this a painful read. Horrible grammar, misused phrases, overexplanation on the on hand, but no storytelling on the other hand. Repeating the same information in the same words multiple times, sometimes not even a sentence apart. The character behaves like he is a small child and at the same time always has a plan - without planning anything. Very short book, ending quite abruptly, but for me this was a good thing.
Hiring an editor and listening to her, as well as attending writing workshops (or something similar) is highly recommended to the author.
One really has to wonder where the large number of very positive reviews comes from.
Pros: I like the whole "I come from the future/alternative dimension and I will make your life better for no selfish-reason" type of ruling. :D
Cons: Very repetitive... Protagonist is too over-powered, knowledgeable, compassionate, flawless, basically a male Mary Sue. He doesn't seem to have any personal struggles, all he cares about is his people and a way to become more powerful so he can care better for his people... Why? No reason, he is just a goooood wizard. Where is the conflict?
Conclusion: DNF:30% Why are people still worried about their master's safety? After the 20th time Lark saves everybody from monsters/hunger/idiocy and provides them with money/food/jobs/safety, his subjects still look at him as if he is a powerless child that doesn't know any better and needs protection.
This book is sort of a milestone for me. 600 books read ( at least the ones that I have documented. There are much more that I have read and just forgot about - when I was younger). All in all this was a good book for the milestone.
For those of you who like world building and invention, then this is a good book to pick up. There are hints of Daniel Black (without as much magic) and Fostering Faust ( without any of the sex). The story begins with an Arch Magus dying. He is surrounded by his students. He is dying because of experiments that he conducted as a younger person looking for immortality. Instead he ended up poisoning himself. After he dies he wakes up in another younger body. He find out that he is the second son of a duke. It looks like the noble died after being kidnapped and now the arch magus is inhabiting his body. The noble is about 14 or 15 years old. Turns out the former owner of his new body was a huge Dick. A spoiled brat who was cruel to everyone he meets. Now that the Arch Magus has his body things change. He doesn't really know where he is or why he is here but he despite being in a young body, he still has a lot of knowledge that his new people lack. He has to prevent his people from starving, build up his city and has to do it all while everyone still remembers how much of a dick he used to be.
There was magic in this book, but the magic system wasn't described in great detail. There were some things that need to be fleshed out more. I was really enjoying the buildup of the city and if that was all there was I would have rated it five stars. The other parts of the story with the monsters and the rest of the world need more development. There were hints in this book, but not enough for me to get a clear picture about the world and whose side I should be rooting for.
I have already bought the next book and look forward to reading it.
Fortunately, the contents of the book does not reflect its cover art which is well rather uninspiring to express it mildly. It begins with what I would call a creation myth, a world and its characters that would influence in godlike fashion another world in which they would find themselves. When the protagonists wakes up in a body not his own, in a world unknown to him, he is destined to become a determinist force in this new world. The plot revolves around how the main character uses his superior magical abilities to fashion a better place for the people around him. He constructs, develops and teaches for and to his new subjects; he uses his superior knowledge and shrewd diplomacy to get potential enemies on his side. The plot is well-paced, the characters are inspiring and, promising start in mind, we love to find out how it all will fall into place eventually.
After reading so many others reviews of this book, I thought this would be a good book to read. I was wrong. This was a GREAT book! Wonderful characters, magic, all powerful MC given a second chance at life in the body of a weak Magicked wastrel, a realistic and gritty world and just so much more. My only complaint was how short the story was. I cannot wait for the sequel. Highly, highly recommended.
Mistakes: First off this is a novella not a book. While the editing has been vastly improved from when the story first came out, you can clearly see that it is the author’s first attempt. The dialogue is stilted and choppy at times. The author doesn’t really know the age of his own character. He is always complaining he doesn’t have enough magic, but always has just enough for whatever he is doing. For being a child he has the physical strength to hurt monsters and beat on trained assassins. Also the book is way overpriced.
Plot: A Grand and powerful wizard dies and is reborn in a body of a young nobleman that has just died. He proceeded to rebuild the town he is managing. Really could have used more details about the different projects. If the character has all this knowledge why not share it with the readers? Oh because the author doesn’t have the same knowledge and maybe didn’t want to do all that research? So instead we just got the broad outlines of the projects.
Characters: They have no depth. The author doesn’t even know how old his main character is. Somewhere between fourteen and sixteen from the writing. Even though he is in a weak and untrained body of a spoiled noble he is a master of the spear, and let’s not forget about being strong enough to cause that monster pain. What a joke!
3/10 This really shouldn’t be priced at more than .99 cents. I hope that the writing and length improve because I bought the entire series.
I've spent the last couple of weeks looking for a series of books in the same vein as this series as I enjoyed them so much, but was unable to find anything quite as good (despite finding some good series). Therefore, on a whim, I decided to re-read these books despite only being a few weeks since I read them last and amazingly I loved them just as much on a second read.
That says a lot about a series when you can re-read it so close to the last time and not only enjoy it, but love it all the more. The only other series I can do that with is The Demon Accords series by John Conroe, which six years after discovering them I still read about twice a year.
I think that the key thing I like about this series, in particular, is that the story doesn't just explore war and using magic for violence (though there is a lot of this), but also explores how magic can be used to make the world a better place. I love the chapters about building up Blackstone town as much if not more than I do the action scenes.
Sure there are other elements here that play to my own personal tastes as well, like an overpowered main character and a bit of wish fulfilment. But though I know those things are frowned on in story-telling circles, I've always maintained that they are perfectly acceptable when they are written well.
Overall, this is a really fun story that is a quick and easy read that is fast becoming a favourite. If anyone knows another series like this, please let me know. And please don't hesitate to read this book or this series. If you're anything like me, you'll be glad you picked them up.
If not for the premise I would give it 2 stars. I have some issues with the writing, the main character "characterization" and the way the p.o.v. changes are made, to me it feels a little too forced transitions and sort of forgettable. The author used this book as a setup for grander things which honestly, in my opinion, hasn't earn the right to count on readers, to, well, keep reading. This feels like a quarter book, but considering on how fast a read it is, I can't say it felt like too much of a waste of time.
I'm a little surprised of how good the review score is. Some say it's inspired by Release That Witch which I can see the resemblance for the future, though it being poorly translated in my opinion, had a little better portrayal of the main character. Like I said, I like the premise, maybe I'll give the next book a chance but, I won't stick with this in the long run. Wish you the best and keep on reading.
This was such a great intro to the series!! It kept me hooked and I literally couldn't physically do anything else but read the books because I was so addicted. I was so hooked that I could say that I finished 8 books in the series in just a day like HOW??😭
3.5 If The Core Is Rotten, So Will Be The Body Stars
The Expansion is the first installment in the Legend of the Arch Magus series by Michael Sisa.
3.5 🌟:
The world building is interesting. Especially when factoring in the ‘learn as the narrator does’ air. Alas, many questions are left unanswered. Very little is actually presented in this book, given the length.
The writing: Due to a somewhat lacking translation the prose is a little off. All is understandable and easily grasped, at least. However, the way in the story carries does not allow for smooth comprehension, forcing one to re-read various portions and convert different tenses to fit.
Character development: Surprisingly well done. There’s a decent foundation for the main characters and the different forces within the world. A definite building block for which the rest of the series can stand on.
Plot: Lark Marcus was the dis-communicated ‘demon’ second son of the Duke, Lord Marcus. At the moment of his death his body is then inhabited be the recently reincarnated Evander , a long ago Master to the most heroic of Magicians remembered through history. The now Lark Marcus sets out to learn all that he can about this new life and world he is in. Since a thousand years after his time, he has much to learn. His first step is strengthening the small impoverished town he lords over. A certain feat given the general dislike for the character of the young whose life he now lives.
There are monsters, mysterious ‘Endless Forest’, assassins guilds, Kings heir hunts, Magicians, and more. Lots of fun!
Second read:
I'm excited to have found a better translation for this book. While there were still a few spelling errors to interrupt the reading experience. The discomfort in flow was not as pronounced in this second look into The Legend. There are however a few too many moments of verbatim repetition that kept poking at me, as the consistency increased.
I truly adore the attention to character building Sisa has placed on this first foray into Lark Marcus/ Evander's second life. The way in which we experience the Head Butler Gaston reacting to Lark's evolution. The slow and steady change of public opinion within the populace of Blackstone Town from disgust to adoration for their young master.
I'm excited to re-delve into the mysteries the Endless Forest holds. Especially along the lines of the soon to be confrontation with the Grakas Alliance.
I originally read a rough draft predecessor to this story on an online fiction site. I must say, I really like the changes. I just hope the author cranks out book 2 soon, as this one absorbed me fast.
Has minor spelling errors and a couple spots near the beginning that were a bit confusing, but nothing that detracts from the story. Need MORE!!!
The Arch Magus, at the height of an age of magic, knowledge and wisdom. Dies surrounded by his students. Only he doesn't die, he wakes up in the body of a young duke who seemingly died. (and thus got resurrected).
It reminds me a lot of the isekai genre within anime and manga, just other than someone from earth you have someone from a magical place being transported elsewhere.
It's the same realm tho, the arch magus finds out, he's 1500 years in the future. A future where the legends of his students can still be found in the history book but where, at one point, a lot of said knowledge is lost.
The body he now resides in, has been banished to a small village. Starving and on the brink of being forgotten by all, the now duke uses his forgotten knowledge to transform the village into a bustling place. With plans to expand and enrich his people.
It's one of those typical stories where he has all this unknown knowledge, and powers beyond anyones imagination and he uses that to put himself in a better position and help the people around him.
Which means it's all very heavily on the whole wish-fulfillment. However, I've read 2 books as I'm writing this and it's a very clean story. Usually these sorts of things end up as a harem and there is no sign of that happening here.
There are bigger things in the background. A dying king wanting an heir to the throne and makes it into a competiton. War brewing on the horizon. But the new duke just wants his village to florish.
So it's slife-of-life, with wish-fullfillment, and overall just a whimsical tale of all the forgotten knowledge that this realm has somehow forgotten.
There are darker aspects of the story, there is slaves that is common (tho not in his village). There are beastmen being eaten, which is pretty morbid considering they're intelligent and can communicate with the humans. There is small scenes which tells us how slaves are being abused. But not *in his village*, so I get the feeling if it happened in his village he'd put a stop to it.
"The Expansion" by Michael Sisa, the 1st book in the "Legend of the Arch Magus" series, published in 2020, is a captivating entry into the progression fantasy and isekai genres. Narrated by Tom Taylorson, this audiobook delivers a blend of magical adventure, kingdom-building, and a touch of economic strategy, wrapped in a story about rebirth and redemption. While it has its flaws, the audiobook offers an engaging experience for fans of epic fantasy with a focus on a powerful, yet nuanced, protagonist.
The story follows an Arch Magus who, after his death, awakens in the body of a young man in a medieval kingdom. This new vessel is the exiled second son of a duke, relegated to a desolate town and burdened by a notorious reputation. The premise sets up a classic reincarnation trope, but Sisa distinguishes it with a focus on the protagonist’s efforts to transform his domain through innovative policies, magical prowess, and sheer intellect. The narrative shines in its depiction of village development, where the protagonist applies his ancient knowledge to modernize a backward society, blending magic with practical governance. These kingdom-building elements are a highlight, offering a satisfying mix of strategy and world-building that appeals to readers who enjoy seeing tangible progress in their fantasy settings.
Sisa’s writing is fast-paced and accessible, prioritizing action and magical battles over dense lore. The protagonist, a genius mage, is undeniably overpowered, which serves the escapist power-fantasy well but occasionally borders on making challenges feel trivial. The supporting cast, while functional, often lacks depth, with simplistic characterizations and quirky names like “Silverclaw” that can jolt the listener out of immersion. The plot, while engaging, leans heavily on setting up future conflicts, sometimes at the expense of emotional resonance or character development. This makes The Expansion feel more like a foundation for the series than a standalone triumph.
Tom Taylorson’s narration is a standout, elevating the material with his versatile performance. His deep, commanding voice suits the protagonist’s authoritative presence, while his range brings life to the varied cast, from gruff soldiers to scheming nobles. Taylorson’s pacing complements the story’s brisk tempo, and his ability to inject subtle emotion into key scenes helps offset the narrative’s occasional lack of depth.
"The Expansion" is not without criticism. The protagonist’s near-perfect competence and lack of personal flaws can make him feel like a “Mary Sue,” and the absence of emotional stakes or complex relationships may leave some listeners wanting more. Yet, for those seeking a lighthearted, action-packed fantasy with a focus on progression and clever problem-solving, it delivers. "The Expansion" (part of Legend of the Arch Magus: Publisher’s Pack) has a strong fan following, and is a solid choice for genre enthusiasts, earning praise for its creativity and narration.
I didn’t think I was going to like this book but I did...A LOT Evarus is an ambitious mage consumed with finding the key to immortality, so much so that he starts a spell that consumes his soul. He died and ends up reincarnation in the body of a vapid, cruel, sociopathic second son of a noble. The world is in is primitive and he starts by one- fighting for his life and 2 trying to make the lives of those he’s responsible for better. It’s a really fast past good read and I can’t wait for book 2 where he see more world building
I really liked this book! The whole setting is my cup of tea. An owerpowered protagonist who reincarnates into an useless waste and tries to restart from scratch. A whole of "kingdombuilding" as the mc is an useless second son of a duke and has a small town on the verge of starving under his jurisdiction. The book has a great time line as the story progresses fast enough and still describes the whole progress of the town development.
I loved the premise of this book. It was what a good reincarnation story in a fantasy world should be like. What keeps this book from being more is how limited it is. After finishing it, I left like there could have been so much more done with it if the author worked on it a little more. The ending left me unsatisfied and wanting more yet the beginning held promise for a solid 4.5.
@author if your reading this, please do the next book justice and do what you can to help this series reach us potential. I know that’s a lot easier said than done but I was hook at the beginning and thought this would be a 5
A little predictable. I like the main character, Lark. Other characters are more one dimensional. Book gets sloppy towards the end with overuse of "kids" and modern terms. But the author is a good storyteller.
Love the audiobooks narrator. He’s the same one who did the wizards Butler. His voice is just so calming. I love listening to it. Good fantasy about an arch mage, who ends up occupying the body of another after his passing works hard for his territory and helps the kingdom.
So reincarnated with all memories but a weak body of MC sets out to not just survive but thrive. He is picking up his town by its bootstraps and dragging them into prosperity using his superior knowledge from the past. This should be a fun story as the scavengers start to take notice and the political drama begins to unfold.
I was looking for reading material when I came across this book. Out of curiosity I decided to read it. I’m glad I did. It started a little slow but it picked up very quickly. Basically the story involves a great mage who is reincarnated over 1000 years after his death into the body of a young noble killed by kidnappers. The young noble had been exiled by his father, the duke, because he was a malignant terrible little shit. The mage works to rebuild his image and to improve the villagers lives. The King has announced that his successor will be the son of one of three dukes. One of the Dukes plans to kill the competitors including the mage .All in all a nice little story. I will definitely read the second volume when it comes out.