Machine Mage - (In My Defense) by J Drude (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A teenage mechanic-turned-mage must battle hordes of hellish monsters and venture to the source of an apocalyptic plague in this gripping portal fantasy.

Coming off his first victory over the Scourge, Ryan Kotes is a bona fide hero to the people of Eclipse. But the war is far from over. The zombifying infection is still festering throughout Ralqir, and Ryan won't quit until he beats every last bit of it to a pulp. Joined by some unlikely allies-including a pair of dragonkin sisters, a carbine-wielding fox, and a hulking lion hybrid-there should be nothing standing in his way.

Unfortunately, the ragtag group is soon confronted by a painful truth. It seems the latest outbreak on Ralqir is tied directly to Ryan's own arrival on the planet. Now, disguising his identity and posing as a humble monk, he must figure out how to stop the spread and return to his home before there isn't one to go back to. And he'll need to start by taking the fight to where it all began: where he first entered this world . . .

Easier said than done, as the road there is paved with mobs of wild mutants, rage-fueled goblins, giant spiders, and the rising undead. To face off against enemies bigger, stronger, and faster than anything he's seen yet, Ryan will need to hone his magical skills and build weapons with explosive capabilities.

But will a big boom be enough to completely rid Ralqir of this contagion? When the insatiable Scourge demands more bodies, Ryan will have to ask himself what he's willing to sacrifice to save his companions once and for all.

The second volume of the hit LitRPG adventure series-with more than 950,000 views on Royal Road-now available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook!

About the Author

J. Drude is the author of the Turret Mage series, originally released on Royal Road. In addition to writer, he has at various times undertaken the roles of cook, computer jockey, soldier, and professional tabletop game master--yes, that last one's a real job; no, it doesn't pay well--but his most challenging and rewarding position to date has been that of a husband and father. J. Drude lives in Texas with his wife, two children, and a menagerie of creatures (only some of which are actually domesticated and at least one of which is most certainly plotting his death).