This series has an interesting premise and, initially, a compelling narrative. The whole idea of a slow growing zone of magic controlled by a rogue AI set in our modern world is undeniably intriguing. Sadly, the promise of this idea is stifled by poor execution and authorship that keeps getting in its own way.
Two books in and this series has become plagued by a number of issues that were not so obvious when it began. But instead of breaking down all of them I will focus on the two most glaring anchors this series has layed around its own neck.
The most major problem, as I can see, is that this story seems to have only one real character.
The main character, Max. He started the story as a regular guy trying to figure out his new reality along with the other introduced characters. But then, as the story progressed, No other character ever seemed to flesh out beyond that introduction except Max.
And Max himself developed into one of those protagonists who seem to make most of the decisions and solve most of the problems. He is the strongest and most capable in almost every situation and all the other characters lose most of their agency. As the story keeps going it begins to feel like if a character is not taking part in what Max is doing they are offscreen waiting for Max to come back so they can be relevant.
The second major drag on this story can be summed up in one word: Tedium.
This story is filled with so many sentences and paragraphs that serve little to no function or purpose. There are so many superfluous explinations and unnecessary rehashes of things that just happened. There is also a great deal of overdetailed descriptions that really slow down the pace of the story.
Adding to the tedium is the repeated habit of slow problem solving. Many unimportant plot issues are focused on and take multiple chapters to come to resolution. It becomes quite frustrating.
Funny enough, both of these major problems could be solved with the same solution. Have more than one main or point of view character. Instead of making every character a vapid caricature except Max, have a number of compelling protagonists.
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This is basically the end of the review. below this are some things I desperately wanted the story to develop more into. Just wanted to share what I thought could have been.
(spoilers below)
Make Mark and Alex centered plots as they try to be traditional adventurers.
Instead of the “silly reporter being stupid” plot, make her and her team competent as they report from around different parts of the Zone.
More focus on Betty and her problems with the townfolk.
More detail on the reactions and decision making outside of the zone. Maybe with the President or Internationally.
Have the mother and her boyfriend be less low life scum and one note. Perhaps even a redemtion arc or something in the face of world changing circumstances.