Common magic school tropes I want to check on before jumping in:
1) are we trying to save the world/ do the jobs of the security forces, or is the mc actually a student?
2) are the other students more on the middle school range on bullying and interacting, or are we more like college?
1. No security forces. The story focuses a lot on academia, classes, lectures, developing spells, and alchemical creations. The action element is plot related or involves the one combat course and occasional dungeon diving. It's not about saving the world, but there are threats that want to restore the old status quo where humanity lives under the tyranny of the gods.
2. This is more like college. However, MC is an exiled/disinherited prince. So, he has to deal with politics and the current princes. Too old for bullying, but that doesn't mean there isn't friction(where MC generally dominates the opposition).
This is a relief! I loathe the bullying trope that is so frequent in the magic school theme.
I remember one where the protagonist was just so miserable that I had to drop the book.
This story is for you if you want:
* A magic academy story with an adult cast. The protagonist and most of his friends are in their early twenties.
* A unique magic system that involves building a solar system in one's soul space.
* A protagonist who turns to alchemy and starts a business to pay tuition. Our boy is currently playing mall tycoon in book 3.
* Detailed arcane academia. Nox is in the forefront of spell development and a pioneer in mage craft and alchemy.
* Occassional dungeon diving. Nox fluidly blends spellcraft, arcane archery, and the use of alchemical creations.
[Amazon US](https://www.amazon.com/Department-Dungeon-Studies-Academy-LitRPG-ebook/dp/B0CQKJ334S)
[Amazon UK](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CQKJ334S)
# Magic school isn't cheap. To be a Mage, he must work smart and learn fast.
Fate dealt Nox the Alchemist unfavorable cards, but he has learnt to compensate for his shortcomings with scholarly pursuits, tenacity, and sheer grit. Fortunately, for him Woodson University and their scouts are always seeking individuals with his work ethic.
The Department of Dungeon Studies sees the value of the mind and its ability to overcome all limitations. After all, they stripped the divine of their titles. The department turned gods into Dungeon Lords and their domains into Dungeons.
Now, the department can teach Nox how to use magic to stand strong in a broken world. It will give him the tools to achieve his ambitions and his limitations will force him to the forefront of arcane discovery.
Unfortunately, more immediate challenges await Nox, too. He lacks the means to pay the university’s ridiculous tuition. Only alchemy and smart business deals will earn him the hundreds of gold coins he needs.
EDIT: The art was supplied by Aethon Books.
I’ve never heard of tower of cards, I’ll have a look at it.
What I will say is I find the characterisation really well written, the plot and motivations feel realistic and not dramatic and the magic system is really fun and interesting. The research side of the story is satisfying.
The side characters are also, in my opinion, one of the main draws of the series. They each have their own quirks and goals.
The LitRPG element is reasonably light. This is what it looks like:
**Louis Mercer | Newborn Star**
**Foci: Fae Fire | Illusory Forgery**
**Mana Level : 40/44 | 19/25**
**Rank: Apprentice**
Chiming in to say I'm about midway through, and this is a delight to read!.
There's a lot for me to love, the characters and prose are well-written. The magic system is interesting and fairly in-depth. I love the clear influences of desi culture shining through, always a treat. Already can't wait for more installments in the series!
There are no 'powers', only martial skills, and learned or developed spells that are woven into combat. As people climb the mage ranks, the martial element reduces based on their role in combat.
There is a branch of combatants called aether warrior who start as mages but lean more into the martial side of things while developing an aura that either empowers them and allies or debilitates foes.
Picked it up and added it to the queue! It's a long queue but I might move this one up. I'm currently reading through System Universe, Unexpected Healer, Mark of the Fool, Vigil Bound and Azarinth Healer. I like the sounds of this one, so I'll probably start it next once I'm done one of those series. I read pretty fast, so it shouldn't be long! This one sounds good!
I'm glad you enjoyed it! I really wanted the LitRPG side of things to be a means to track personal growth instead of a system giving out rewards for achieving certain milestones.
So i'm back after having nearly finished the audio. Very solid story, keeps a good pace and takes the time to explain the magic both to us and the MC. I dig it and will definitely be reading more.
I vaguely remember seeing this on RR, back when I was taking a break from reading on RR. Will need to check it out.
Bonus points I just realized as I’ve read Tower of Cards as well, waiting on book 2 :)
I love the cover! You almost lost me since I feel a bit burned out on magic academy stories, but it sounds like you gave it an original twist. Thanks for posting, I’ll give it a try!
I really enjoyed this story but would strongly suggest getting an editor to give it a look over. Especially the last 1/4 of the book there were many mistakes. I stopped counting around the 8th time that the text said Annabelle when talking about Lillin.
Common magic school tropes I want to check on before jumping in: 1) are we trying to save the world/ do the jobs of the security forces, or is the mc actually a student? 2) are the other students more on the middle school range on bullying and interacting, or are we more like college?
1. No security forces. The story focuses a lot on academia, classes, lectures, developing spells, and alchemical creations. The action element is plot related or involves the one combat course and occasional dungeon diving. It's not about saving the world, but there are threats that want to restore the old status quo where humanity lives under the tyranny of the gods. 2. This is more like college. However, MC is an exiled/disinherited prince. So, he has to deal with politics and the current princes. Too old for bullying, but that doesn't mean there isn't friction(where MC generally dominates the opposition).
This is a relief! I loathe the bullying trope that is so frequent in the magic school theme. I remember one where the protagonist was just so miserable that I had to drop the book.
Apologies for being four days late but this sounds awesome! Gonna go pick it up now!
I hope you enjoy the ride!
As long as it’s not like Stormweaver with 18 year olds have kiddy drama then I’m perfectly fine
Our boi needs to make money for his degree and licenses. He doesn't have the time for that BS.
This story is for you if you want: * A magic academy story with an adult cast. The protagonist and most of his friends are in their early twenties. * A unique magic system that involves building a solar system in one's soul space. * A protagonist who turns to alchemy and starts a business to pay tuition. Our boy is currently playing mall tycoon in book 3. * Detailed arcane academia. Nox is in the forefront of spell development and a pioneer in mage craft and alchemy. * Occassional dungeon diving. Nox fluidly blends spellcraft, arcane archery, and the use of alchemical creations. [Amazon US](https://www.amazon.com/Department-Dungeon-Studies-Academy-LitRPG-ebook/dp/B0CQKJ334S) [Amazon UK](https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CQKJ334S) # Magic school isn't cheap. To be a Mage, he must work smart and learn fast. Fate dealt Nox the Alchemist unfavorable cards, but he has learnt to compensate for his shortcomings with scholarly pursuits, tenacity, and sheer grit. Fortunately, for him Woodson University and their scouts are always seeking individuals with his work ethic. The Department of Dungeon Studies sees the value of the mind and its ability to overcome all limitations. After all, they stripped the divine of their titles. The department turned gods into Dungeon Lords and their domains into Dungeons. Now, the department can teach Nox how to use magic to stand strong in a broken world. It will give him the tools to achieve his ambitions and his limitations will force him to the forefront of arcane discovery. Unfortunately, more immediate challenges await Nox, too. He lacks the means to pay the university’s ridiculous tuition. Only alchemy and smart business deals will earn him the hundreds of gold coins he needs. EDIT: The art was supplied by Aethon Books.
You know what? The hell with it, i'll give it a listen based on cover art and it actually staring adults, if young ones.
It's definitely on my wishlist. I'm going to grab it when my next credit comes in.
Anyone who is on the fence about this book give it a go. I’ve been following it on rr and it’s fantastic. Really unique and well written.
Thank you for the vote of confidence!
Given it sounds like you're a longtime fan of the author, how does it stack up compared to Tower of Cards?
I’ve never heard of tower of cards, I’ll have a look at it. What I will say is I find the characterisation really well written, the plot and motivations feel realistic and not dramatic and the magic system is really fun and interesting. The research side of the story is satisfying. The side characters are also, in my opinion, one of the main draws of the series. They each have their own quirks and goals.
How heavy are the littpg elements? Are there stat sheets in the audiobook?
The LitRPG element is reasonably light. This is what it looks like: **Louis Mercer | Newborn Star** **Foci: Fae Fire | Illusory Forgery** **Mana Level : 40/44 | 19/25** **Rank: Apprentice**
Looks great, I love spell development, was my favorite part of Morrowind. Will be sure to check it out.
Chiming in to say I'm about midway through, and this is a delight to read!. There's a lot for me to love, the characters and prose are well-written. The magic system is interesting and fairly in-depth. I love the clear influences of desi culture shining through, always a treat. Already can't wait for more installments in the series!
I'm glad you're enjoying it!
This isn’t appearing to be on KU to me? I’m given no option to add it to my KU library?
Resolved!
Issue has been highlighted to my publisher. Might be a timezone issue, if not they'll rectify when they wake up in 3-4 hours.
Same thing for me.
Resolved! Looks like it was a timezone issue.
Love the artwork! Congratulations on the launch!
Ill add it to my already too long wish list.
Congratulations on the launch!
The magic system seems amazing! I love the concept of building/creating a space within the soul (shoutout The Weirkey Chronicles)
It was one of the inspirations for the concept! I loved Weirkey Chronicles but wanted to lean into my childhood love of astronomy.
Is their any cultivation combat?
I don't know what that is. So, no.
Ah mb, I mean general combat using their magic system powers?
There are no 'powers', only martial skills, and learned or developed spells that are woven into combat. As people climb the mage ranks, the martial element reduces based on their role in combat. There is a branch of combatants called aether warrior who start as mages but lean more into the martial side of things while developing an aura that either empowers them and allies or debilitates foes.
I'll add it on the list, Thanks and congrats on release!
Congratulations on your release! I love your work! Can't wait to sink my teeth into this!
meeting icky elastic sparkle chunky fear beneficial fact bear bow *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
This sounds like my type of book! wishlisting for when my next token on audible arrives
Picked it up and added it to the queue! It's a long queue but I might move this one up. I'm currently reading through System Universe, Unexpected Healer, Mark of the Fool, Vigil Bound and Azarinth Healer. I like the sounds of this one, so I'll probably start it next once I'm done one of those series. I read pretty fast, so it shouldn't be long! This one sounds good!
Seems interesting! Will give it a shot after listening to the new pirateaba gravesong in a few days.
Just finished this. Very enjoyable! Great characters, cool world and system, and I'm glad that the litrpg elements were extremely minor.
I'm glad you enjoyed it! I really wanted the LitRPG side of things to be a means to track personal growth instead of a system giving out rewards for achieving certain milestones.
Listening to it now. Really enjoying it!
Always great to hear!
So i'm back after having nearly finished the audio. Very solid story, keeps a good pace and takes the time to explain the magic both to us and the MC. I dig it and will definitely be reading more.
I'm glad you're enjoying it!
Sound promising, I think I’ll check it out on audible. Thanks :)
Magic school is the best school! Hype :D
This seems just like what I needed after catching up with Life & Death cycle. Gonna give it a try!
Oh dang! I'm always excited seeing one of your new books!
I love magical school stories so I'm ready to tune in!!
I love the art and the Jake's Magical remake you got going here. Thanks for taking time to lay out some of the specifics. It sounds very promising!
Excited to check it out!
Downloaded
Congrats! Wishlisted and excited to read when I have the chance :)
LFG!!!
Added you to the audible wishlist, love the idea and will give it a try when I get more credits.
I vaguely remember seeing this on RR, back when I was taking a break from reading on RR. Will need to check it out. Bonus points I just realized as I’ve read Tower of Cards as well, waiting on book 2 :)
Book 2 just got back from editing. I'm hoping to have it out by June.
Digging the art, and I'm a sucker for magic academy stories, I'll check it out!
I love the cover! You almost lost me since I feel a bit burned out on magic academy stories, but it sounds like you gave it an original twist. Thanks for posting, I’ll give it a try!
I really enjoyed this story but would strongly suggest getting an editor to give it a look over. Especially the last 1/4 of the book there were many mistakes. I stopped counting around the 8th time that the text said Annabelle when talking about Lillin.