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Mark of the Fool #5
Mark of the Fool 5
The Fool has been hunted. But he must become the hunter.
Accompanying an expedition of wizards, Alex has proved himself against the dangers of Greymoor, calling upon summoned servants to defeat the Ravener’s hunters. But with the death of his pursuers, no answers are apparent, only more questions.
And now Alex, the Heroes, his cabal and the mighty Baelin seek answers in the ancient Crymlyn swamp, which the Sage of Thameland calls home.
But other eyes also watch the Crymlyn. Evil eyes. Demonic eyes.
And the Ravener is far from done with Alex.
For it has yet to call upon its more powerful servants…
Book 5 of the Best-Selling series. Continue your fantastical journey into a coming of age magic academy fantasy with a weak-to-strong progression into power, deepening mystery, a setting inspired by D&D, detailed world building and magical science, action, comedy, slice-of-life, and GameLit elements.
Accompanying an expedition of wizards, Alex has proved himself against the dangers of Greymoor, calling upon summoned servants to defeat the Ravener’s hunters. But with the death of his pursuers, no answers are apparent, only more questions.
And now Alex, the Heroes, his cabal and the mighty Baelin seek answers in the ancient Crymlyn swamp, which the Sage of Thameland calls home.
But other eyes also watch the Crymlyn. Evil eyes. Demonic eyes.
And the Ravener is far from done with Alex.
For it has yet to call upon its more powerful servants…
Book 5 of the Best-Selling series. Continue your fantastical journey into a coming of age magic academy fantasy with a weak-to-strong progression into power, deepening mystery, a setting inspired by D&D, detailed world building and magical science, action, comedy, slice-of-life, and GameLit elements.
572 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2023
853 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
October 16, 2023
Rating 5.0 stars
This is a really good series. It has a nice balance between world building, magic system, character interactions, and crafting. This one also has a pretty good story behind everything. In this one the group is able to get a live dungeon core and run some experiments. What they find leads to even more questions. Overall a really enjoyable series. I can't wait for the next one. I just wish it was out on audiobook. I no longer have the patience to wait the 3 months it takes after the books release to wait for the audiobook, so I read the last 2 books instead of listening. Still good but I miss the audiobook version.
This is a really good series. It has a nice balance between world building, magic system, character interactions, and crafting. This one also has a pretty good story behind everything. In this one the group is able to get a live dungeon core and run some experiments. What they find leads to even more questions. Overall a really enjoyable series. I can't wait for the next one. I just wish it was out on audiobook. I no longer have the patience to wait the 3 months it takes after the books release to wait for the audiobook, so I read the last 2 books instead of listening. Still good but I miss the audiobook version.
October 18, 2023
I think I might be jumping off this series. This book was ok but was very event driven without advancing the development of the characters in any meaningful way. I found myself skim reading through parts as some of the descriptions were repetitive and I wasn't super invested in what was going on.
It's a shame because I enjoyed the earlier books quite a bit. The MC finding a way to turn an apparent handicap into a strength was great and the supporting cast were distinct and likeable in their personalities.
It's a shame because I enjoyed the earlier books quite a bit. The MC finding a way to turn an apparent handicap into a strength was great and the supporting cast were distinct and likeable in their personalities.
October 14, 2023
not terrible but MC Development is too slow
This series has a lot of potential but some series flaws as well. The story is interesting. But the author is taking forever unveil it. 5 books in and the MC still has zero offensive capabilities. He can’t do much as throw a punch. At this points his potions are laughable. 5 books in and we’re still wondering about the main plot point. This series is not good enough to be a 10-book series. I feel last 5 books represent a major lost opportunity.
This series has a lot of potential but some series flaws as well. The story is interesting. But the author is taking forever unveil it. 5 books in and the MC still has zero offensive capabilities. He can’t do much as throw a punch. At this points his potions are laughable. 5 books in and we’re still wondering about the main plot point. This series is not good enough to be a 10-book series. I feel last 5 books represent a major lost opportunity.
October 3, 2023
Slower than I hoped
October 11, 2023
still good
But I must admit, I *was* getting a little impatient with the pace of the narrative. A few too many side stories dragging things out.
I will pre-order the next, even so. Hoping the plot inches closer to conclusion.
But I must admit, I *was* getting a little impatient with the pace of the narrative. A few too many side stories dragging things out.
I will pre-order the next, even so. Hoping the plot inches closer to conclusion.
March 31, 2024
A good installment
significant events transpire that advance the larger story.
I felt the last book dragged in places and that characters were just spinning their wheels to fill time.
I cynically wondered just how many books J.M. Clarke was going to try and milk this series for.
Not as often in this one, Big stuff goes down.
significant events transpire that advance the larger story.
I felt the last book dragged in places and that characters were just spinning their wheels to fill time.
I cynically wondered just how many books J.M. Clarke was going to try and milk this series for.
Not as often in this one, Big stuff goes down.
October 17, 2023
Mark of the Fool 5 delivers another thrilling installment in the series, as Alex's journey takes a darker turn. With suspenseful twists and the looming threat of the Ravener's powerful servants, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The Crymlyn swamp becomes a captivating and treacherous setting, adding depth to the story. As the plot thickens and danger looms, it's impossible not to eagerly anticipate the next book in Alex's journey. Bring on the next chapter!
October 22, 2023
This felt like a minor improvement over the last book. The enemy is upping his game while the Fool's identity is close to being revealed. Lots of tension.
The plot is greatly helped by the all-powerful chancellor's absences at critical junctures. This allows the heroes to strain and grow. As a plot device, it's a little clumsy but I don't mind.
I enjoyed the heartwarming ending, and I will be happy to carry on with this series.
The plot is greatly helped by the all-powerful chancellor's absences at critical junctures. This allows the heroes to strain and grow. As a plot device, it's a little clumsy but I don't mind.
I enjoyed the heartwarming ending, and I will be happy to carry on with this series.
November 7, 2023
One of the best books I read this! I love this author’s writing style so much. This book has some of my favorite scenes in the series! This book was an amazing mixture of action, slice of life, world-building, and character development! Alex and his cabal were amazing in this book and the other main characters as well. I can’t wait for next book! Read this series!
April 21, 2024
I could not put this book down!! I can’t wait for the 6th audio book to be released so I can get back right into it.
June 28, 2024
Oh dear lord. The author has started back with the multiple POVs of people I want nothing to know of.
Thank god the author didn't pull a book two(?) and start giving a bunch of long boring POVs. What we had here was great.
I will happily pick up the next book in the series. Things will come to a head soon enough. It will be great to see how the protag continues to think outside the box to solve problems. When life gives you lemons, make a nine volt battery and power a light bulb.
3/5 Stars
Thank god the author didn't pull a book two(?) and start giving a bunch of long boring POVs. What we had here was great.
I will happily pick up the next book in the series. Things will come to a head soon enough. It will be great to see how the protag continues to think outside the box to solve problems. When life gives you lemons, make a nine volt battery and power a light bulb.
3/5 Stars
December 31, 2024
Even worse than the last
November 13, 2023
Amazing honestly wish it hadn't ended
This series is so good and so entertaining. Alex always has me laughing and just when I think I figured out what is next the book drops a big change in direction
This series is so good and so entertaining. Alex always has me laughing and just when I think I figured out what is next the book drops a big change in direction
February 19, 2024
5 Cracks In Faith. Cracks In Purpose Stars
Mark of the Fool 5 is the fifth book in A Progression Fantasy Epic series by J. M. Clarke.
Ending the book right there? Treachery and emotional manipulation of the highest order. Something that I believe every reader has been waiting and willing to happen from the moment it became even a possibility. Little hints sprinkled throughout until they evolved into mountains of near certainty.
On another note, it is relieving to have some defined points regarding dungeon cores, the Ravener, and Uldar himself. Still far more questions and uncertainties have arisen with a certain earth shaking and faith shattering discovery. It was a letdown the blue hag's plan to reveal the spy that snuck in their midst did not come to fruition.
But from that failure, a deeper bond and connection has grown between the Generasi researchers and the Heroes of Thameland. Which I believe will only bring more safety to Alex and the secret he hides from them. They're more likely to be forgiving now that it is obvious he has been fighting in his own way, all along.
Yet, I am more concerned about the next Ravener guided attack against the Usurpers. How will the Generasi people prepare for it? Guard against it? When this one almost took them entirely by surprise. Pointing out the many breaches in their security they didn't even know to consider. With every more enemies building against them, or new 'allies' pretending to offer aid all while hiding their intentions..
Mark of the Fool 5 is the fifth book in A Progression Fantasy Epic series by J. M. Clarke.
Ending the book right there? Treachery and emotional manipulation of the highest order. Something that I believe every reader has been waiting and willing to happen from the moment it became even a possibility. Little hints sprinkled throughout until they evolved into mountains of near certainty.
On another note, it is relieving to have some defined points regarding dungeon cores, the Ravener, and Uldar himself. Still far more questions and uncertainties have arisen with a certain earth shaking and faith shattering discovery. It was a letdown the blue hag's plan to reveal the spy that snuck in their midst did not come to fruition.
But from that failure, a deeper bond and connection has grown between the Generasi researchers and the Heroes of Thameland. Which I believe will only bring more safety to Alex and the secret he hides from them. They're more likely to be forgiving now that it is obvious he has been fighting in his own way, all along.
Yet, I am more concerned about the next Ravener guided attack against the Usurpers. How will the Generasi people prepare for it? Guard against it? When this one almost took them entirely by surprise. Pointing out the many breaches in their security they didn't even know to consider. With every more enemies building against them, or new 'allies' pretending to offer aid all while hiding their intentions..
December 12, 2023
I started Mark of the Fool much the same as I enter any new series - with some vague hope of a good story but the awareness things don't always turn out that way. I exited my haze of reading as I caught up to the latest chapter released by the author on Royal Road at the time, having moved from my Kindle so that I wouldn't have to stop my binge. That is, I paused at Chapter 692 because I ran out of chapters to read at the time.
I choose Book #5 to write an actual review for because it's the most recently released book to Kindle, and as such I wanted to share my thoughts at this most recent point for those outside of the Royal Road bubble.
I truly, truly love this series. It kind of crept up on me over time; when I first started it, I was immediately interested in the central plot and the plight of Alex Roth, our protagonist. Branded with the Mark of the Fool which seemingly curses him to never be able to live the life he dreamed of, or even to live much longer at all, it was a significantly powerful draw at the beginning of what would quickly consume months of my reading time.
At the time I truly did not know that draw would pull me into a vortex I couldn't escape from. I don't think I've been stuck on a binge like this one since I first discovered Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive, when the only novels out were Way of Kings, Words of Radiance and Oathbringer.
Don't let that confuse you as to what you'd be experiencing if you read Mark of the Fool though; although I made the above comparison, it was only to explain how strong the story's grip on me was. Like the day I finished the last page of Oathbringer and suddenly realized it was 4:30AM on a Monday morning, I only put this down for work or my family until the day I finally caught up to what was available to me and realized once again that I had, in a fugue state, consumed the last hundred chapters in a single, free day of reading while my wife and son were gone all day long, broken only for a few hours when they returned before I continued reading late into the night.
I cannot recommend Mark of the Fool enough.
If I were forced to make a comparison, it seems to me it most closely resembles some arcane amalgamation of Harry Potter (a magical academy with an incredibly powerful headmaster, and at which a massive portion of the story takes place) and Dungeons & Dragons (for the complexity of the magic system and the way in which those living in this world grow in strength and the magical background of different worlds and planes of existence).
That comparison doesn't truly do Mark of the Fool justice as a peek at what you will experience, but it was the best description I could think of to explain what you might be in for should you pick up this series. I really do think that you will fall in love with it as I have.
I choose Book #5 to write an actual review for because it's the most recently released book to Kindle, and as such I wanted to share my thoughts at this most recent point for those outside of the Royal Road bubble.
I truly, truly love this series. It kind of crept up on me over time; when I first started it, I was immediately interested in the central plot and the plight of Alex Roth, our protagonist. Branded with the Mark of the Fool which seemingly curses him to never be able to live the life he dreamed of, or even to live much longer at all, it was a significantly powerful draw at the beginning of what would quickly consume months of my reading time.
At the time I truly did not know that draw would pull me into a vortex I couldn't escape from. I don't think I've been stuck on a binge like this one since I first discovered Brandon Sanderson's Stormlight Archive, when the only novels out were Way of Kings, Words of Radiance and Oathbringer.
Don't let that confuse you as to what you'd be experiencing if you read Mark of the Fool though; although I made the above comparison, it was only to explain how strong the story's grip on me was. Like the day I finished the last page of Oathbringer and suddenly realized it was 4:30AM on a Monday morning, I only put this down for work or my family until the day I finally caught up to what was available to me and realized once again that I had, in a fugue state, consumed the last hundred chapters in a single, free day of reading while my wife and son were gone all day long, broken only for a few hours when they returned before I continued reading late into the night.
I cannot recommend Mark of the Fool enough.
If I were forced to make a comparison, it seems to me it most closely resembles some arcane amalgamation of Harry Potter (a magical academy with an incredibly powerful headmaster, and at which a massive portion of the story takes place) and Dungeons & Dragons (for the complexity of the magic system and the way in which those living in this world grow in strength and the magical background of different worlds and planes of existence).
That comparison doesn't truly do Mark of the Fool justice as a peek at what you will experience, but it was the best description I could think of to explain what you might be in for should you pick up this series. I really do think that you will fall in love with it as I have.
April 2, 2024
Why did you read this book?
I am really enjoying this series and I plan to read what has been published.
What format did you read this book in?
Read it as an eBook on Kindle.
Is this an educational book or a book for entertainment?
I read this book for pure entertainment purposes.
What genres do you think this book belongs to?
Fantasy, Humor and Comedy, Romance, Young Adult
What was your favorite part of the book?
My favorite part is when Balin calls on the high-level demon that almost decimated Alex’s party to work a deal with her. I laughed when Balin and the Demon started to flirt with each other, which made Alex silent and disgusted.
Who would you suggest this book to?
Anyone who likes slow-building LitRPG fantasy stories.
What is your general opinion/ rating of this book?
This book in the series was a bit lackluster compared to others. However, it blew my mind when it was revealed that believers of Alex’s religion could control the cores. I have a feeling that their God is causing these cycles of attacks, but nothing is certain yet. The battle in the Sage’s home and the last battle in the fortress were nail-biting. I was afraid that some of my favorite characters were going to die! I am happy Claygon evolved. Overall, there were exciting points in this book, but I felt like this one dragged a bit more than the others. I still like the series, and I will finish it when I get the chance.
EXTRA
Any trigger warnings?
Racial and Religious: Racial Profiling, Microaggressions, Prejudice, Genocide, Witch Prosecution
Mental Health: PTSD, Panic Attacks, Trauma
Violence and Death: Death, Graphic Deaths, Mass Death, Murder, Execution, Decapitation, Suffocation, Burning People, Extreme Violence, Gore, Torture, Mutilation, Mutilation of Corpses, Cutting of Limbs, Forced Blood Draining, Escalating Violence, Described Blood, Graphic Violence
Other: Hostage Situation, Profanity, Classism
I am really enjoying this series and I plan to read what has been published.
What format did you read this book in?
Read it as an eBook on Kindle.
Is this an educational book or a book for entertainment?
I read this book for pure entertainment purposes.
What genres do you think this book belongs to?
Fantasy, Humor and Comedy, Romance, Young Adult
What was your favorite part of the book?
My favorite part is when Balin calls on the high-level demon that almost decimated Alex’s party to work a deal with her. I laughed when Balin and the Demon started to flirt with each other, which made Alex silent and disgusted.
Who would you suggest this book to?
Anyone who likes slow-building LitRPG fantasy stories.
What is your general opinion/ rating of this book?
This book in the series was a bit lackluster compared to others. However, it blew my mind when it was revealed that believers of Alex’s religion could control the cores. I have a feeling that their God is causing these cycles of attacks, but nothing is certain yet. The battle in the Sage’s home and the last battle in the fortress were nail-biting. I was afraid that some of my favorite characters were going to die! I am happy Claygon evolved. Overall, there were exciting points in this book, but I felt like this one dragged a bit more than the others. I still like the series, and I will finish it when I get the chance.
EXTRA
Any trigger warnings?
Racial and Religious: Racial Profiling, Microaggressions, Prejudice, Genocide, Witch Prosecution
Mental Health: PTSD, Panic Attacks, Trauma
Violence and Death: Death, Graphic Deaths, Mass Death, Murder, Execution, Decapitation, Suffocation, Burning People, Extreme Violence, Gore, Torture, Mutilation, Mutilation of Corpses, Cutting of Limbs, Forced Blood Draining, Escalating Violence, Described Blood, Graphic Violence
Other: Hostage Situation, Profanity, Classism
October 28, 2023
While i enjoyed this series to start with, it started to become formulaic, slow and a bit dull in the latter books. For some reason i thought that this would be the last one so i picked it up despite my better judgement, sadly it is not the final book and it follows the same formula as before.
Oh no the Ravener is cooking up some scary monster that will hunt Alex! 700 pages later consisting of slice of life stuff and side story adventures and it is time for the big epic battle where Alex friends triumphs over the Ravener monster without losing anyone of importance.
There is very little development in terms of the main plot and considering how much side stuff is getting introduced i wouldn't expect the next book to wrap it up either.
I don't want to seem too negative as i still find the writing and some of the characters charming. However as the setting grows the slice of life part of the story is getting weaker and weaker due to it losing focus. There are too many characters over too many places and they don't get their time to shine. The school setting is barely there anymore and not believable in the slightest anymore where the cast can ace their classes despite almost not being there.
Furthermore, while i can like powertrip main characters as a guilty pleasure, Alex has grown into something which is impossible to take seriously.
No i think this is where i will eject from this series at least.
Oh no the Ravener is cooking up some scary monster that will hunt Alex! 700 pages later consisting of slice of life stuff and side story adventures and it is time for the big epic battle where Alex friends triumphs over the Ravener monster without losing anyone of importance.
There is very little development in terms of the main plot and considering how much side stuff is getting introduced i wouldn't expect the next book to wrap it up either.
I don't want to seem too negative as i still find the writing and some of the characters charming. However as the setting grows the slice of life part of the story is getting weaker and weaker due to it losing focus. There are too many characters over too many places and they don't get their time to shine. The school setting is barely there anymore and not believable in the slightest anymore where the cast can ace their classes despite almost not being there.
Furthermore, while i can like powertrip main characters as a guilty pleasure, Alex has grown into something which is impossible to take seriously.
No i think this is where i will eject from this series at least.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2023
Selena receives an upgrade
Theresa receives an upgrade
Claygon receives three upgrades
Alex treads water
Baelin is marginalized
The dungeon fights are same 'ole, same 'ole
You can skip the dungeon fights. They're not even worth responding to at this point if you've read the previous books in the series. Outside of this, the storyline continues to sparkle.
The fight with the major demon was a fun encounter, and the source of one of Claygon's upgrades (I won't mention him again because of spoilers, but his upgrades are fun to see realized even if you as a reader know they are coming).
The way the Sage met the demands of the fae king, and the way she deduced the main mystery of the story was fun to see play out.
Not so fun: Baelin - in this book. Just as the group gets ready for a major fight he takes off. Dumb. Then when the fight is basically over and they're mopping up, he swoops in and saves the day with a single utterance. Yeah, that was a big help, big guy. If you're going to write him into the story as a bit player, then leave him a bit player. Don't dump unearned glory on him in the last few pages.
Alex, oh Alex. What can I say. I hope Book 6 treats you with the respect and growth you deserve, 'cause you sure didn't get it in this book.
Theresa receives an upgrade
Claygon receives three upgrades
Alex treads water
Baelin is marginalized
The dungeon fights are same 'ole, same 'ole
You can skip the dungeon fights. They're not even worth responding to at this point if you've read the previous books in the series. Outside of this, the storyline continues to sparkle.
The fight with the major demon was a fun encounter, and the source of one of Claygon's upgrades (I won't mention him again because of spoilers, but his upgrades are fun to see realized even if you as a reader know they are coming).
The way the Sage met the demands of the fae king, and the way she deduced the main mystery of the story was fun to see play out.
Not so fun: Baelin - in this book. Just as the group gets ready for a major fight he takes off. Dumb. Then when the fight is basically over and they're mopping up, he swoops in and saves the day with a single utterance. Yeah, that was a big help, big guy. If you're going to write him into the story as a bit player, then leave him a bit player. Don't dump unearned glory on him in the last few pages.
Alex, oh Alex. What can I say. I hope Book 6 treats you with the respect and growth you deserve, 'cause you sure didn't get it in this book.
October 28, 2023
Now that the expedition to Greymoor is well underway, Alex finds himself working more directly with some of the other Heroes. They have demon worshipers and Ravener-spawn to worry about . . . but the close contact means his secrets are closer than ever to coming out.
This part of the story covers two major events: the Crymlyn Swamp, and the final battle. Both feature some really nice extended fight scenes, where the strategy and action stretch out over multiple chapters. But in some ways, my favorite part of this volume is the insight into the other Heroes.
Alex has always intentionally isolated himself from them, so it's fun to see how they're working together (with three of the four of them not even realizing Alex is their missing Hero). And Drestra in particular has a complicated relationship with him. Especially after she meets a few people from Alex's hometown.
Overall this is another solid volume for the series. I like how we can see the characters growing and changing, bit by bit, and how the overall narrative is dropping hints at the greater mysteries. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
This part of the story covers two major events: the Crymlyn Swamp, and the final battle. Both feature some really nice extended fight scenes, where the strategy and action stretch out over multiple chapters. But in some ways, my favorite part of this volume is the insight into the other Heroes.
Alex has always intentionally isolated himself from them, so it's fun to see how they're working together (with three of the four of them not even realizing Alex is their missing Hero). And Drestra in particular has a complicated relationship with him. Especially after she meets a few people from Alex's hometown.
Overall this is another solid volume for the series. I like how we can see the characters growing and changing, bit by bit, and how the overall narrative is dropping hints at the greater mysteries. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
October 12, 2023
I was super excited for this book after having binge read the first four books earlier this year. And it turned out to be another great addition to this series.
At first, events moved smoothly from the end of the fourth book (planting of the Aeld tree, experiments with the dungeon core, etc). When it moved the swamp sub-plot, I found it a bit tedious despite the interesting stuff about the witches. Thankfully, the fight turned out to be awesome and much tougher than I expected. The rest of the book flowed well - I especially liked the Heroes working with the expedition team and coming to terms with the revelations. The power-ups for characters at the end were great.
I just wish there were more scenes based on the academy classes.
At first, events moved smoothly from the end of the fourth book (planting of the Aeld tree, experiments with the dungeon core, etc). When it moved the swamp sub-plot, I found it a bit tedious despite the interesting stuff about the witches. Thankfully, the fight turned out to be awesome and much tougher than I expected. The rest of the book flowed well - I especially liked the Heroes working with the expedition team and coming to terms with the revelations. The power-ups for characters at the end were great.
I just wish there were more scenes based on the academy classes.
May 14, 2024
Ahh this was utterly excellent. we come to the last installations weave and build up to this book, parts that seemed less relevant grow and become important and interesting. The connection of the two different continents/locations to make them both important in their own ways and connecting them. A fear I had was that it would be weird when the MC would return to his homeland but it was done excellently to where that is no longer a concern of mine.
Once again, I reiterate that the characters are the upside to this series, the camaraderie is immensely enjoyable, so is the worldbuilding and magic systems. KLAYGON!!!!!!!!!!!
I greatly look forward to reading the rest of this great series.
4.25-4.5*
Once again, I reiterate that the characters are the upside to this series, the camaraderie is immensely enjoyable, so is the worldbuilding and magic systems. KLAYGON!!!!!!!!!!!
I greatly look forward to reading the rest of this great series.
4.25-4.5*
December 22, 2023
this is one book that you will not want to put down
Okay so the others were all pretty awesome like this one, so another GREAT work of J.M. Clarke…the suspense you feel for the last half to a third of the book keeps you on the edge and leaves you reading onward to find out what happens next…im not gonna spoil anything if someone reads this before reading the book but the ending is just like a Hell yeah! Moment. The only thing im sad about is that at this time i have to wait 47 days (Eagerly) for the next book. If your reading this J.M. Clarke im so damn happy you started this series and i will eagerly read every book i can of yours.
Okay so the others were all pretty awesome like this one, so another GREAT work of J.M. Clarke…the suspense you feel for the last half to a third of the book keeps you on the edge and leaves you reading onward to find out what happens next…im not gonna spoil anything if someone reads this before reading the book but the ending is just like a Hell yeah! Moment. The only thing im sad about is that at this time i have to wait 47 days (Eagerly) for the next book. If your reading this J.M. Clarke im so damn happy you started this series and i will eagerly read every book i can of yours.
October 25, 2023
This book continues the series as one of the best I have read in a long time.
I am so glad that the series continues. So far it has not failed in providing good entertainment. A well constructed and planned series, continuing down a twisty road of growth and education of the protagonist and his friends. It is close to some of the greats like Lord of the Rings. No one of the characters is perfect, but they are doing the best that they can with what they have. I look forward to the last book in the series, and to reading more by the author..
I am so glad that the series continues. So far it has not failed in providing good entertainment. A well constructed and planned series, continuing down a twisty road of growth and education of the protagonist and his friends. It is close to some of the greats like Lord of the Rings. No one of the characters is perfect, but they are doing the best that they can with what they have. I look forward to the last book in the series, and to reading more by the author..
November 18, 2024
Another good installment on a fun series. While it didn’t have the crafting I was hoping for it was still cool in other ways.
Claygon’s progression was so fun. Don’t want to ruin anything but I love reading about him in particular. I also loved reading about his girlfriend and her struggle to understand her grandfather’s sword(s).
Really wish the author would take the MC back to his basics. For instance, have him become OP with the things he is good at like crafting, potions, summoning, mana manipulation, etc.
Claygon’s progression was so fun. Don’t want to ruin anything but I love reading about him in particular. I also loved reading about his girlfriend and her struggle to understand her grandfather’s sword(s).
Really wish the author would take the MC back to his basics. For instance, have him become OP with the things he is good at like crafting, potions, summoning, mana manipulation, etc.
October 15, 2023
Each book is better than the last....!
The storyline remains strong and delightful! Just enough humor to make you quit biting your fingernails during intense scenes, and make you laugh in relief, our hero survives another Ravener attack! I love the fact that Claygon is finally showing his sentience... I can hardly wait until the next book in the series, coming in January. Read starting with book one before reading this book...to help you see the whole story to now.
The storyline remains strong and delightful! Just enough humor to make you quit biting your fingernails during intense scenes, and make you laugh in relief, our hero survives another Ravener attack! I love the fact that Claygon is finally showing his sentience... I can hardly wait until the next book in the series, coming in January. Read starting with book one before reading this book...to help you see the whole story to now.
November 1, 2023
The 4th book had ended on a sour note for me and I wasn't too optimistic on the direction of this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. I liked that we got to spend some more time with the Heroes and see them grow and evolve as well. I particularly enjoyed Dresdra's pov and how she worked her way to arriving at some interesting conclusions.
I find myself looking forward to the next book much more than I had this one.
I find myself looking forward to the next book much more than I had this one.
April 21, 2024
A slow beginning to this episode, but a banger of an ending. Excellent development of both the plot of Alex keeping his secret and the mystery of the Ravener. Not so much development in the schooling plot, which seems to be hand-waved this time.
Strong character development for both Alex and his girlfriend, as well as for Claygon.
The series still feels like it takes a great deal from the D&D universe, which is occasionally distracting, but less so as time goes on.
Recommended.
Strong character development for both Alex and his girlfriend, as well as for Claygon.
The series still feels like it takes a great deal from the D&D universe, which is occasionally distracting, but less so as time goes on.
Recommended.
November 26, 2024
Cliff ganging at night
I continue to like the various characters.
I appreciate that, at least so far, certain personal relationships have been more about allusion and less about explicity.
There have been a few times when it seems the story has taken a simplistic approach to life. But I appreciate that more than brutality .
Adults still need to read or listen to this story alone or with suitably matured companions.
I continue to like the various characters.
I appreciate that, at least so far, certain personal relationships have been more about allusion and less about explicity.
There have been a few times when it seems the story has taken a simplistic approach to life. But I appreciate that more than brutality .
Adults still need to read or listen to this story alone or with suitably matured companions.
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