The Cunning Man - Christopher G Nuttallepub Apr 2026

The story follows , a young man who desperately wants to be a magician but possesses no inherent magical spark. He is sent to Heart’s Eye University , an institution where magicians and "mundanes" (non-magical people) attempt to combine their skills. Adam soon discovers a secret that could reshape their world, but he must navigate intense social tensions and a looming external threat to the university. ✅ Key Strengths

Critics noted Nuttall's thoughtful exploration of social stratification and the friction between different economic and educational classes.

Some reviews pointed out instances where characters' motivations or societal norms are explained through dialogue rather than internal monologue or action.

The book explores "magic as technology" and the practical application of diverse ideas to solve real-world problems.

Readers appreciated Adam’s proactive nature and innovative approach to magical research, noting he has more "agency" than some previous series leads.

Early sections of the book, such as Adam's first train ride, were cited as lacking some descriptive depth that could have enhanced the immersion.

The Cunning Man by Christopher G. Nuttall is a 2021 fantasy novel that serves as a spin-off from his popular Schooled in Magic series. It has received generally positive feedback, with a average rating on Goodreads and 4.6/5 stars on Amazon . 📖 Plot Overview

At least one reviewer noted that the depictions of bullying in the school environment were quite intense and potentially off-putting.