Secrets and Spellcraft (Art of the Adept #2)

Editing: 5/5 Nothing stood out to me as a bad edit
Plot: 5/5: It wasn’t a straight forward, at lesat at first, story as it could have been. While the story ended up kinda where you “wanted” the MC to get to, it did so in a fairly round about way where you are wondering for a while just who is going to win what/who.
Backstory: 4/5: I chip a star off here as the world as created so far seems relatively simple. There is obviously back story of not only the surrounding lands, but also the kingdom indicated by references, but nothing solid. For example, of the “nobility” only 1 duke was mentioned in addition to 2 seperate counts, not nearly enough for a “court” or kingdom to exist on. The story could easy use more coverage in that area to build out what should be more a nation than a small realm.
Character Development: The MC builds in both personality and maturity and changes between the start and finish, going from a relatively yet still confident ex-soldier coming out of several victories, to the world-aware, damn-it-all mage willing to take on anyone even if it kills him.

Overall I loved it and read it straight through in one sitting it was so engrossing. MGM has demonstrated an incredible skill at world and story building in his previous series, and I am incredibly excited to see where this one will go. I do think it will be best fulfilled in at least a 5-novel arc, as a trilogy will leave far too little time to expand and the resolve the many issues that remain in the storyline.

The fist book in the series was somewhat original, this second was an entirely predictebale read. Trope after trope and no real originality.

It’s an bog standard hero’s journey.

The MC gets everything with no real effort…

This is a significant deviation from Mordecai’s world. Much more playful, definitely doesn’t take itself too seriously. The magic system is thoughtful and well designed, the characters are enjoyable, and the pacing is appropriate, as usual for Michael. My biggest problem with the book is that I now have to wait a while for the next one because I finished it on the first day it was released.

So many books have some orchestrated event or event that stops the main character from just wrecking shop. Not here! Our young wizard is basically attacked non stop and he defends himself leaving no doubt as to why true wizards are so much more awesome than sorcerers!! Book One the main character was sort of a whiny little wuss. Book Two he grows a lot and just leaves so many in the wake of his destruction! Muahaha

For those that read book one and were aghast at losing the sarcastic one (dont want to spoil). Do not fear!!! You will love how that all turns out!!!

Based on how book 2 ends book 3 should be a wild wild ride!!!

Oh no……..
I haven’t finished Secrets and Spellcraft yet, I am at 79% and am missing Will and all the other characters already.
This is a book that you pick up and suddenly you realize it’s 2 AM. Time flies when the story grips you.
Michael Manning has written many enjoyable books-I have them all and can see his Mageborn map from where I sit.
Secrets and Spellcraft is one of the most enjoyable so far, possibly his best. He continues to improve with each book.
I recommend Secrets and Spellcraft highly. Get it. Make some free time. Prepare to be immersed in Will’s world.

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