Who Would Like This Book:
If you love inventive magic systems, epic dungeon crawls, and a dose of magic school intrigue, this one's for you! "Sufficiently Advanced Magic" combines the best parts of RPGs and anime-inspired fantasy with clever worldbuilding and a unique cast. Corin Cadence isn’t your average chosen one - he’s analytical, introverted, and not afraid to bend the rules, making him super relatable for fans of underdog protagonists. There’s LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse representation that’s seamlessly woven into the story, and a detailed, system-based approach to magic that hardcore worldbuilding geeks will adore. Fans of progression fantasy, LitRPG, and clever, character-driven narratives will have a blast.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers didn’t vibe with the slow middle section, which leans heavily into classroom scenes, worldbuilding details, and expository explanations of the magic system. If you’re looking for fast-paced action from start to finish, or you prefer your fantasy less ‘crunchy’ with numbers and rules, you might find the RPG-inspired mechanics a bit much. The writing can get technical, and the focus on system logic sometimes overshadows emotional stakes or dramatic tension. Also, if you’re hoping for a classic fantasy feel or dislike the protagonist’s nerdy, socially awkward voice, this one might not be for you.
About:
Sufficiently Advanced Magic by Andrew Rowe is a unique blend of RPG elements and intricate magic systems set in a world filled with dungeon crawls and magical schools. The story follows Corin Cadence, a character who is speculated to be on the autism spectrum, as he navigates through a world of attunements and cultivation-like progression. The book combines dungeon diving, magic school, and world-building with elements of betrayal and mystery, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged.
The writing style in Sufficiently Advanced Magic is characterized by detailed descriptions of the magic system and the world, reminiscent of a Dungeons and Dragons campaign or a computer program technical manual. The narrative balances between a dungeon grind and a detailed exploration of magical systems, enchanting, and attunements, offering a fresh take on the fantasy genre with modern touches on topics like racism, asexuality, and child abuse.
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From The Publisher:
Five years ago, Corin Cadence’s brother entered the Serpent Spire — a colossal tower with ever-shifting rooms, traps, and monsters. Those who survive the spire’s trials return home with an attunement: a mark granting the bearer magical powers.
According to legend, those few who reach the top of the tower will be granted a boon by the spire’s goddess.He never returned.Now, it’s Corin’s turn. He’s headed to the top floor, on a mission to meet the goddess.If he can survive the trials, Corin will earn an attunement, but that won’t be sufficient to survive the dangers on the upper levels.
For that, he’s going to need training, allies, and a lot of ingenuity.The journey won’t be easy, but Corin won’t stop until he gets his brother back
Ratings (179)
Incredible (26) | |
Loved It (53) | |
Liked It (40) | |
It Was OK (38) | |
Did Not Like (19) | |
Hated It (3) |
Reader Stats (316):
Read It (181) | |
Currently Reading (11) | |
Want To Read (87) | |
Did Not Finish (13) | |
Not Interested (24) |
8 comment(s)
It was pretty good but not worth spending audible credits to continue the series. I prob would have continued if it was convenient
Magic system is cool
I liked the concept for the magic system in this world and the plot progression but really did not like the main character. I'm not sure if I'll continue to the next book.
This was a fun book, but not sure if it grabbed me hard enough to continue with the series. I enjoyed the magic system, the setting, and the setup for what is going to be the series plot, but the main character is so much of a dweeb. There is already limitations put on the magic system, but there's an additional limiting factor put on the main character through his OCD/anxiety/neurotic behavior. It would have been a great aspect of his character arc, and would have felt great to see him overcome it, but instead it just gets worsse.
The progression in the series seems to be at the pace I like. Something slower with big power jumps between the magic levels, it is just all the other stuff that detracts from the bookk for me.
I liked this story. It felt like the author was still trying to find his style, but the story is so good, I can overlook the awkward way things are told and sometimes over explained.
My biggest criticism is how many times the characters scratch their chins. It caught me up every time it came up.
New magic system
To school focussed
Started off really well. Bit the farther into the series it gets, the more content gets added without really solving any of the old issues. There's like 3 different magic systems with sub systems and different worlds, and maybe a time skip.
Not a bad progression series. I liked the first book best, thought it’s slowed down after
What can you read after
Sufficiently Advanced Magic?
About the Author:
Andrew Rowe was once a professional game designer for awesome companies like Blizzard Entertainment, Cryptic Studios, and Obsidian Entertainment. Nowadays, he’s writing full time.
When he’s not crunching numbers for game balance, he runs live-action role-playing games set in the same universe as his books. In addition, he writes for pen and paper role-playing games. Aside from game design and writing, Andrew watches a lot of anime, reads a metric ton of fantasy books, and plays every role-playing game he can get his hands on.
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