Step into the electrifying world of Metal Mage, where modern ingenuity collides with a magical realm teeming with danger and adventure! Eric Vall’s Metal Mage series whisks readers away to Illaria, a fantasy land where Mason Flint, a 21st-century everyman, discovers his extraordinary powers as a Terra and Metal Mage. With a blend of action-packed battles, steamy romance, and cunning political intrigue, this series is a wild ride for fans of harem lit and epic fantasy.
From crafting guns in a sword-and-sorcery setting to battling evil wizards and monstrous creatures, Mason’s journey is anything but ordinary. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of an industrial revolution in a magical world or the charm of a cocky hero with a heart of gold, Metal Mage delivers a fresh twist on the isekai genre that’s hard to put down.
How Metal Mage Began
Launched in December 2018, the Metal Mage series sprang from the prolific mind of Eric Vall, a pseudonym often associated with a team of ghostwriters crafting fast-paced, genre-blending tales. Vall’s inspiration seems rooted in blending classic fantasy tropes with modern technological flair, creating a narrative that feels both timeless and innovative. The series’ debut novel, simply titled Metal Mage, set the stage for a 15-book saga that captivated readers with its bold mix of magic, machinery, and mayhem.
The concept of an ordinary guy thrust into a fantastical world isn’t new, but Vall’s take—infusing Illaria with an industrial revolution sparked by Mason’s Earth-born knowledge—gives Metal Mage a distinctive edge. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise its fleshed-out magic system and vibrant characters, suggesting Vall tapped into a winning formula for fantasy enthusiasts craving something new.
The Heart of Metal Mage
The series kicks off with Metal Mage (Book 1), where Mason is plucked from Earth by the goddess Nemris and dropped into Illaria. He teams up with Aurora, a fiery Ignis Mage, to battle a giant reptile, discovering his ability to manipulate earth and metal. By crafting guns and armor, Mason shakes up the medieval status quo, setting the tone for his revolutionary impact. Metal Mage 2 sees him building a battle robot, “Big Guy,” to tackle bandits, while Metal Mage 8 finds him returning to Illaria with lethal inventions to confront a corrupted mage order. The finale, Metal Mage 15 (2020), wraps up with Mason and his harem facing off against the sinister Master and a violent elven hierarchy.
At its core, Metal Mage explores themes of innovation, power, and loyalty. The magic system, reminiscent of Avatar: The Last Airbender, features elemental mages (fire, water, air, earth) with specialized abilities, like Mason’s metal mastery. The series’ harem lit style weaves romance and sensuality into the action, with strong female characters like Aurora shining as equals, not damsels. Illaria’s lush, dangerous landscape—complete with dwarven mountains, elven kingdoms, and monstrous threats—grounds the story in a vivid, immersive world.
Vall’s writing is fast-paced and unapologetically fun, balancing gritty battles with cheeky humor and steamy interludes. While some critics note predictable villains or inconsistent technical details (like gunpowder logistics), the series’ charm lies in its bold, escapist energy, making it a standout in the harem lit and litRPG genres.
Why Metal Mage Resonates
Metal Mage has carved a niche in the fantasy world, particularly among fans of harem lit and isekai tales. Its blend of modern technology with magical warfare offers a fresh spin, appealing to readers who love genre mashups. The series’ fanbase on Reddit and Amazon lauds its action, humor, and Mason’s inventive spirit, though some critique its heavy reliance on romantic subplots. With 15 books, Metal Mage has built a loyal following, with readers clamoring for more despite the series’ conclusion in 2020.
Its lasting appeal lies in its ability to balance escapism with empowerment. Mason’s journey from outsider to hero resonates with anyone who’s dreamed of rewriting the rules. For a niche series, Metal Mage punches above its weight, proving that a bold premise and vibrant world can captivate even in a crowded genre.
About Metal Mage
- First published: December 2018
- Total books: 15
- Genre: Harem lit, isekai, epic fantasy
- Author: Eric Vall (pseudonym)
Ready to fire up your imagination? Grab Metal Mage and dive into a world where magic meets machinery, and one man’s ingenuity changes everything!