Just Add Mana

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

The more lives you've lived, the more mana you have, and Cale has lived too many lives to count. At this point, his core is closer to the magical equivalent of a nuclear reactor. The downside to this is that conventional spells have become impossibly difficult to cast: Cale simply has too much mana. His spells collapse under the weight of his magic. Then he finds himself summoned to a new world. One with a spellwork system capable of adjusting to his ridiculous reserves, creating new spells just for him. Of course, things are never that simple. New magic means new things to learn, and if he wants to make spells worth having, that means going to a magic academy. On top of that, an old dragon has taken an interest in him, the kingdom's hunters seem alarmingly intent on attacking his classmates, and Cale's pretty sure at least one ancient evil has followed him from a past life. But who knows? With magic back on the table, he might finally be able to perform what he sees as the true pinnacle of spellwork: baking. -- Updates Tues/Thurs/Sat at ~7AM PT. Cover may change! This is one is by poweredbygif. :)

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2025
Author: SilverLinings

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.7/ 5.0
Followers: 13,076
Views: 3,194,623

Chapters(132 total)

What readers say about Just Add Mana

“The story is rather low stakes because the main character is very overpowered but it’s is done in a tasteful way that leaves room for progression. Characters are well fleshed out and the story seems to have an end goal planned out, very cohesive writing and…”
ProgressionFantasyGuyRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“I'm only a few chapters in and I'm thoroughly enjoying it so far. That characters are quick to get into and enjoy. It's a fresh take ona magic system. I feel like the author could do a touch better with describing the surrounding environments the MC is in.…”
Mordecai25Royal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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Community Reviews(10)

ProgressionFantasyGuyRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The story is rather low stakes because the main character is very overpowered but it’s is done in a tasteful way that leaves room for progression. Characters are well fleshed out and the story seems to have an end goal planned out, very cohesive writing and lots of Chekhov’s guns. World building is steady and not in your face, which is good. A nice, easy read to pass time on.
Mordecai25Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I'm only a few chapters in and I'm thoroughly enjoying it so far. That characters are quick to get into and enjoy. It's a fresh take ona magic system. I feel like the author could do a touch better with describing the surrounding environments the MC is in. But otherwise. Solid!!!!
OnyxmnRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
So, the story is really interesting.
To me, it feels like One Punch Man if he had magic instead of punching.
The humor is great, the world building is developing really nicely. The characters act like how I'd expect real people to act in a situation they're in.
He's a little crazy in the head, but who wouldn't be if they lived that long?
Update: I'm at the end of book 2, still enjoying the story quite a lot. It has become one of my favorites of all time. I love all the characters, the world building, the history behind it all.
Its funny, its tense, its emotional, its everything I love in a book.
G1IRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
If you like OPMC, this is worth your time.
I’ll start on grammar and such, because that part’s easy; very good editing, some minor points where I felt the pacing was a little off, but overall I’d say it’s nearly print-ready just as-is. I’ve definitely seen things get published with worse editing.
Style and story I’m going to blend together, because they’re so linked I have a hard time prying them apart. The feeling I get from this world reminds me a touch of Industrial-Strength Magic, for those that have read that series; it manages to create an atmosphere of light-hearted comedic fun in a broken world of horror and loss, without in any way giving up the ability to turn dark and serious in a heartbeat. It’s a mix that doesn’t feel like it should work, but pulled off like this is amazing. The lore is fascinating, the potential is endless, and every new little “oh yeah, I remember when…” from the main character opens up a whole new can of ancient and tangled Eldritch worms.
The characters are very well done, with an entertaining and diverse supporting cast. I’m very interested in the development of the side characters, which is critical when dealing with an OPMC. The main character would make the day of any psych student needing a dissertation subject. 10/10 no notes.
Overall, I’m having a great time.
HugabusRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The dynamic between the characters and the pacing of the story is just sublime.For me personally i just love the way the author creates these moments of emotion, like pure unadulterated emotion. Its not just sadness or sorrow but happiness and elation as well. In a recent chapter I just felt dread at what was about to happen, just to be genuinely touched by the actions of another in the story.Tldr: Good pacing, fleshed out characters, incredibly engaging writing
Brood0077Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This is the best "overpowered main character" novel I have ever read. The world-building is so wonderfully done that it is pretty much the only time I've wanted to actively learn more about the world. I would gladly take 20 chapters of nothing but world-building, and I'd be happy with that. Can't wait to see where this novel goes. Trust me, this is 1000% worth the read!
AlioshahuracanRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This is an amazing book. If you like the delightful unhinged feel of The Perfect Run, Just Add Mana manages to capture that feeling while feeling fresh and completely original. I usually value the worldbuilding of a story more than it's characters, but the surprising depth of them and the speed at which you understand and care for them was frankly shocking. The characters that have shown up so far are each interesting enough to feel like they could carry a book as a protagonist, without feeling like told much is being crammed into the story. And the worldbuilding is stupendous. The little glimmers of knowledge we get give us a glimpse into a vast, complex world that feels completely unique. Even just the continent the story takes place in (so far) is packed with exciting details, much less the countless other realms that have been referenced throughout the story. Hidden in the story are secrets about the past of the characters and the lore of the book that kept me hooked from the moment I started reading. I haven't been able to put it down since I started. As a cherry on top, the author's writing style is hilarious. The chapters are all super long, and the pacing feels great so far. I'm definitely recommending this to everyone I know!
KoraithonRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
A very fun read with surprising depth. One where the main character is great but the side characters are also just so perfect. Would definitely recommend to anyone who is a fan of world building, OP MCs (but with a fun twist), magic systems, and of course baking!
Thanks for the great treat
Khaos DragonRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
A Litrpg? Okay.A reincarnator in a Litrpg? Nice.An OP reincarnator in a Litrpg? Interesting.An OP reincarnator in a Litrpg who can't effectively use his OP-ness and has to use his knowledge (and the occasional uncontrollable spells) to navigate the new and surprisingly interesting world in which he finds himself and has to make sure that he doesn't blow up everything and everyone around him? Sign me up!As stated, the story has a very intriguing premise and it's potential is undeniable.I'm eagerly waiting for more chapters to keep coming.
Random AnswerRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
I'm almost at the end of book one...Ch40. Barring something terrible coming up to ruin it. I love it. Hope the author has a long way to go. I really did the MC. It's a different take from what I'm used to since the MC is essentially OP, but at the same time is hamstrung in what he can do so there's plenty of progression fantasy there.