Summary:

4.5 Stars!

Paranoid Mage by Inadvisably Compelled (internet handle) is an addicting progression fantasy that focuses on intellect and strategy, with a unique main character and fun worldbuilding.

An architect from a small American town discovers that he has spatial magic… when inhuman creatures try to burn down his gym. When the magic government arrests him and informs him that all mages must serve them or die, he goes on the run. His application of mundane science results in shockingly unconventional power, and vigilantism that shakes the magic society to its core.

Characters: 5/5

I love Callum, an architect from the Midwest with a unique combination of practicality, paranoia about the government, and curious intellectualism. I love how he embodies the best of what it means to be an American. It’s so fun seeing him throw himself into learning about the magical world, trying new things, and acting like a vigilante hero.

Plot: 5/5

Some readers might find the plot a little slow, since much of it orients around Callum’s discovery of his magic. I personally found this very satisfying, with intricate details about his experiments, based in his understanding of mathematics and physics. Otherwise, he’s on the run from the evil magic government, and tangles with various other members of the supernatural world.

Worldbuilding: 4/5

It feels like a mix between anime/Webtoon fantasy worlds and modern paranormal fiction. Shifters, fae, vampires, dragons, and mage Big Brother, plus noble houses and portal hopping. I’m interested in all the history of the world, their laws, and how their society became this way. His ability, and the way he uses it, offers a nice twist to how he interacts with the world.

Writing: 3/5

The writing could definitely use some editing. It feels clunky at times and some of the sentences run on and get rather technical about his abilities and techniques. It improves as he goes, though, and on the whole I didn’t think it detracted much from the story. However, I read it for free on Royal Road, so I’m not sure whether the author hired a copyeditor to clean it up before publishing it on Amazon.

Impact: 5 stars!

This was a really fun book to read. I tore through this one and the next couple in quick succession. Great pacing, cliffhangers, and characters.

This was my second exposure to progression fantasy in novel form. I’ve read cultivation stories on Webtoon and watched wuxia and xianxia TV shows. I think the genre translates well to novel form, and I continue to be impressed by the progression fantasy I encounter – they’re more than just brain candy.

Paranoid Mage has also been adapted into a comic on Webtoon, which is actually where I first discovered it. I think it’s a pretty good adaptation, though much less detailed than the novel, of course.

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