Machina Arcanis: Two Worlds Collided [Book 3 - Complete]

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

Mecha. Magic. Mythos. And the clash of two worlds.

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TheOsten Empire, wielders ofarcane sorcery, and theDunkelheit Empire, masters ofadvanced mechs and mobile suits, have waged war for decades, their conflict stretching across the stars. But everything changes when aforbidden spell, the Light of Punishment, is unleashed, shattering the balance of power and plunging both empires into chaos.

Jack Squirewas never a soldier. A veterandebris collector, he had spent years drifting through space, scavenging wreckage for a paycheck, with only one goal in mind:reuniting with his familyon Earth. He had no interest in the war, no stake in the empires’ struggle.

But fate had other plans.

When theLight of Punishmentis unleashed, Jack finds himself stranded in a warzone wheremagic defies logic,andmachines shape destiny. With his survival instincts and a lifetime of piloting experience navigating treacherous space wreckage, he mustadapt, upskill, and outmaneuverenemies far beyond his league. Every choice he makes could mean the difference between life and death, and the only way forward is through the battlefield.

He’s not fighting for a cause. He’s fighting tostay aliveand tofind the people he lovesbefore it’s too late.

But as alliances shift and war machines clash against sorcery, ahidden forceemerges. One that couldrewrite the fate of both empiresand change the course of history forever.

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What to Expect

- Epic Science Fantasy

- Multiple POVs, but still centre MC

- Space Opera

- Love, War and Tragedy

- Slight Anime Undertone

- Clash of Ideologies

- Fast-paced

The average chapter length:Avg.2k Words. |Release schedule:3 chapters per week.

Notice:

Book 1 and 2 of Machina Arcanis are STUBBED and can be read on Kindle Unlimited here:https://www.royalroad.com/amazon/B0FZDLJF88

Book 1 commissioned art from Polar Engine Studio. Book 2 commissioned art from Incross.

Chapters(101 total)

Reviews

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Community Reviews(10)

  • D.N. NewynRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    I've read forward to Chapter 9 but somehow it shows Chapter 8, just want to let you know.
    I have yet to read a story that blends magic arcane magic and technology together, but this one has met my expectation of how the concept should be tackled. With a cinematic writing style, the author effectively captured the tension of the life of a man amidst warfare and chaos.
    Style: As said above, the author's gone with a cinematic style that works well for this kind of story. The action is described with a sharp and visceral clarity, and many scenes were very much alive. The fight scenes blend magic and tech together and are an absolute joy to read.
    Story: So far the most interesting aspect of this story is the clash between machine and magic. However, it doesn't mean that Jack's personal journey lacks substance. He has a backstory deep-rooted in magic despite working on a high-tech Luna Base, and it is interesting to see how he manages. The lore is well-developed and the build-up towards the all-out war is appropriately-paced.
    Grammar: Apart from some small mistakes, I don't really see any grammatical errors. The writing is clean and easy to follow, and I wasn't taken out of the story at any time.
    Character: Jack is a likeable protagonist, and the characters around him serve their purposes. If anything, I would like him to have a more established personality and a more burning desire toward a goal in his life. Hopefully we'll see more of his backstory and personal commentary on the war!
    All in all, this is a solid story that effectively merges magic and technology in a way that feels natural and compelling. The world is immersive, the action is thrilling, and the protagonist's journey holds plenty of promise. Give it a go!
  • Deadly_SinRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    So far, the novel has been enjoyable to me with the cinematic actions and character introduction. Nothing is bland/dull about them. There are bits and crumbs of foreshadowing and lore, and I believe this is handled with a certain level of planning. It either leaves people in disarray or extremely intrigued, like myself. I want to read more when I get the chance. The slow revelation has been pretty rewarding. I feel like something big is lurking… So I’m quite excited to read more, but here’s what I’ve got to say about this saga:
    Machina Arcanis offers a compelling sci-fi/fantasy blend, establishing a world torn between the technological Dunkelheit Empire and the magic-wielding Osten Empire. The conflict is uniquely viewed through Jack Squire, a relatable debris collector, giving a civilian perspective on the war. The pacing is brisk, escalating from a routine mission to the "Light of Punishment," a cataclysmic event that destroys Luna Base and strands Jack on a war-torn Earth, shifting the story's tone. Early chapters adeptly build the world by introducing concepts like puny bots, Armatus mobile suits, and the core geopolitical conflict. Character development is effective, focusing on Jack’s transformation from a simple worker into a resourceful survivor. The supporting cast introduces key facets of the world: Rhok Wagner as the hardened super-soldier, Lupus Hoffmann as the whimsical arcanist, and Frain adds social commentary on slavery and prejudice. The plot skillfully weaves multiple perspectives, from personal survival to military campaigns and high-level political tension. With the exploit of multiple POVs, its show-don't-tell approach to the world's systems, like the neural load of piloting bots or the power of high-tier magic, is highly immersive and feels logical. Overall, it establishes a rich, conflict-driven world with fun characters.
  • Don'tMessWithMeKiddoRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    Ok, the blurp doesn’t lie… There’s huge cast of characters. But, but, but, he did a pretty good job making them unique with a few lines.
    Get ready for a wild ride where the only thing bigger than the explosions is the main character's sheer, dumb luck! Our MC, Jack Squire, is a middle-aged (what?), back-aching space janitor whose only goal is to retire and see his family. But the universe has other plans, throwing a full-scale intergalactic war at him, complete with giant mechs, magical space lasers. I’ve been curious to see how the fight turns out I wonder how the author managed to paint this so vividly.
    A ridiculously overpowered bunny-girl mage who might just be the death of him… ahem… by thigh-choke!
    Pacing is insane and fast, pretty simulating in a way.
    One minute Jack's snatching treasure and cracking jokes with his buddy David. The next, he's surviving a moon-shattering apocalypse , hijacking an enemy Armatus with a bluff , and crash-landing on a war-torn planet. No rest for our MC then?
    He then teams up with Lupus Hoffmann, an "Olympian mage" who's as deadly in a fight as she is childishly playful, and Frain, a quiet lioness Wildren with a soft spot for head pats and a surprisingly massive battle axe.
    This book is an (at-time) hilarious, action-packed mashup of space opera chaos and fantasy absurdity.
    I think there’s foreshadowing going on, I just couldn’t piece it together yet.
  • Kamikaze_101Royal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    Machina Arcanis: Two Worlds Collided is a nice blend of arcane mysticism and high-tech warfare. The world-building is incredibly immersive and massive, feel alive. The historical crumbs and lore are everywhere, but never feel like a massive lore dump. He often tells it through scene, place, and objects so it feels genuine. Prose and style is detailed and sometimes technical. I like technical so I buy it.
    The protagonist, Jack Squire, eh?, is compelling, and his journey is full of tension, action, and intrigue. Grazing time: He is not that typical self-insert guy. Dude got honour and really earn my respect, is he preachy? Noooo. I think he isn't trying to be a saint. More like a reluctant war survivor at first, then he evolves. Clearly not your typical good guy either. He just makes sense, and really tactical. I absolutely feel excited everytime he is on the menu, it's that crazy.
    The pacing is well, really, really fast, spot-on, with cinematic battle sequences and deeply emotional moments, that's the nice balance imo.
    The bunny girl, Lupus? O lord, she adds a unique charm, keeping the story balanced between intensity and wit. Well... too bad...
    I've been following Joeing since his debut in WN, his novel is never surface level, he has this deep layers in it, like something carefully planned. No action is a miss, it reflects in the world, even affecting the character development.
    If you're a fan of sci-fi-meets-fantasy epics, or craving how that "what-ifs" will turn out?
    Read it, read it! Highly recommended!
    Update:
    After reading through the recent chapters, I must admit that this is getting better and better in Book 2. It feels less clips, because the narrative put you in a more personal level. But like damn, everything, literally, everything is connected!  Senses are being made!
    ...Something otherworldly, and cosmic. Completely, blew my mind.
    Lastly, this novel actually rewards the careful readers. But can easily binge it, still fun regardless.
    My favourite characte
  • Rayne-rueRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    It was great reading the book and it actually felt as if I were watching it live. great character descriptions, although I have already fallen for one character haha. Loved how the Author wrote each word for quite an interesting book; wouldn't mind reading it again or recommending it. The world background absolutely loved it—kings and castles, my kind of good read. Thumbs Up!!!
  • SahqoreythRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    This story skillfully intertwines the realms of science fiction and fantasy, delivering a narrative where advanced mecha technology clashes with formidable magic casters on an Earth where far more than just Humans exist. The world building is solid, and it's clear a lot of thought and effort went into how things work the way they do, and why.​
    Style: The author's writing is a bit short for my tastes, and some chapters would benefit from being merged into one instead of a bit awkwardly cut in half, but the content is interesting and the descriptions of battles and particularly of the spells is quite well done.
    Story: The novel's premise is compelling, depicting two distinct civilizations, one based on technology and one based on magic, in a brutal, and senseless war with each other. The leaders of said factions are a bit of a mystery, as is our protag, who looks suspiciously like another character of seeming importance, but is way to old to be them...probably. The threads of the perspectives were given weave together rather well, and while things might seem like sunshine and bunny girls for our hero at times, it's clear that the war isn't stopping in the background.
    Grammar: The novel maintains a high standard of grammar, with only minor error scattered throughout. The prose is engaging, though slight refinements  and descriptions of characters and environments could enhance clarity and impact. These errors do not detract from the overall story itself.
    Character: The protagonist, Jack Squire, serves as an excellent focal point, providing a grounded average aged human perspective amidst the chaos of war. Characters like Lupus and Rhok also help flesh out the story with useful perspectives. My only note would be that some of the names of the nobles are a bit long, and harder to remember. Adding a physical description to jog our memory or a prose reminder of who they are and why they're important could fix that, however.
    I've very much enjoyed reading this story and loo
  • SkylerAnRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    "Machina Arcanis: Two Worlds Collided" immerses the reader in a vibrant universe where the high technology of mechs meets the ancestral force of magic. The premise itself is intriguing: imagine epic clashes between giant piloted robots and mages who control the elements. The story builds this world with a wealth of detail, presenting futuristic cities, war-torn landscapes, and kingdoms with distinct cultures, all tied together by an intricate and well-defined magic system.
    We mainly follow two groups. On one side, Jack, a former space debris collector who returns to a world at war, joins forces with the charismatic mage Lupus and the enigmatic Frain. The dynamic of this unlikely trio is one of the narrative's strong points. On the other, Princess Aurelia and her loyal guardian Friederich embark on a humanitarian mission, adding another layer to the plot.
    The action scenes are a highlight, with vivid descriptions that transport us to the midst of battles, whether it's the metallic impact of the mechs or the magical glow of spells. The setting, as a whole, is one of the great strengths, making us feel part of this world in conflict.
    The story balances moments of tension well with lighter and even fun sequences, largely thanks to Lupus's contagious personality, who steals the show on several occasions. The development of her relationship with Jack, although rapid, is one of the most interesting arcs.
    Although the narrative has some pacing fluctuations, with occasional explanations that could be integrated more organically into the plot, the main storyline manages to maintain the reader's interest, especially through the curiosity to unravel the mysteries of the world and the fate of the characters.
    In short, "Machina Arcanis: Two Worlds Collided" is an exciting adventure that combines the best of fantasy and science fiction. With a rich world, mostly captivating characters, and good doses of action, the story has the potential to please a wide audience, compensating fo
  • pretty juiceRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    Honestly, the storyline of the novel is pretty compelling in its own way, whether you like it or not. It’s easy to understand the world it builds, at least more than I expected at first. Yeah, there are some errors here and there, but if you can look past those, the story itself is actually quite good. It feels real and relatable in a way.
  • MOMONGAAINZRoyal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    https://www.royalroad.com/fi
    The writing style is cinematic and intense, perfectly suited for the high-stakes, war-driven narrative. The author effectively conveys tension and urgency, especially in battle sequences, making them feel immersive and fast-paced. Descriptions of mecha combat, arcane sorcery, and large-scale conflicts are vivid and engaging. The dialogue is crisp, and the characters’ voices are distinct, adding to the overall depth of the story. There’s a good balance between action and introspection, allowing the reader to feel the weight of the war while staying engaged with the plot.
    Story:
    The fusion of mecha warfare and arcane magic is an exhilarating concept that is executed well. The story’s premise, where two vastly different civilizations—one wielding advanced technology and the other ancient magic—collide in an all-out war, is compelling. The stakes feel appropriately high, with the introduction of powerful factions, forbidden spells, and devastating consequences like the destruction of Luna Base. The narrative seamlessly shifts between perspectives, giving a well-rounded view of the unfolding conflict. The worldbuilding is rich, with well-developed lore and political intrigue that adds layers to the main storyline.
    Grammar:
    The grammar is mostly solid, with only minor errors that do not detract from the reading experience. Sentence structures are varied, which helps maintain a dynamic flow throughout the novel. However, there are occasional awkward phrasings and punctuation missteps, but nothing that disrupts comprehension. The prose is engaging, though it could benefit from slight refinements for even greater clarity and impact.
    Character:
    The protagonist, Jack Squire, is an excellent focal point for the story’s opening. His perspective as a debris collector caught in a war beyond his control adds a grounded, relatable element to the narrative. Meanwhile, characters like Queen Charlotte and Rhok Wagner bring distinct personalities and motivat
  • MisterSir013Royal Road
    ★★★★★ 5.0
    Style:
    I really appreciate an author that’s able to write in a way that feels natural while still providing an emotional impact. If an author can pull that off, then the words just flow naturally off the page and I forget I’m even reading. I love that, and the writing of Machina Armani’s manages to induce that flow state in me. That’s the sign of a very well written book, in my opinion.
    Story:
    Without spoiling anything, I am very impressed with the story so far. The way the author is able to pit magic and technology against each other, combining science fiction and fantasy, makes for a really unique, interesting setting ripe with fun ideas to explore. It also works really well to make the story feel grand and epic, even when the focus is only on a couple of characters.
    Characters:
    This plays into the writing style, so I’ll try not to repeat myself too much, but I appreciate the way that the characters’ dialogue works to make them feel natural and real. Even in this crazy fantasy+scifi world, I feel like I can easily relate to the characters.
    Grammar:
    No grammar issues that I noticed.
    Overall:
    Give this book a shot if you’re looking for something fun and different! I’m thoroughly enjoying it so far.