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Jake's Magical Market #3
Home Sweet Home
The exciting conclusion to the Jake's Magical Market series!
No, I'm not putting any spoilers here yet. You need to finish book two first - I'll update the blurb after people have a chance to read that book first!
But it's gonna be epic!
No, I'm not putting any spoilers here yet. You need to finish book two first - I'll update the blurb after people have a chance to read that book first!
But it's gonna be epic!
762 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2024
572 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
April 28, 2024
Conflicted
I’m really quite conflicted about the book and the series finale.
The first 65ish percent of the book we saw Jake be all moody and whiney. The final 20% was a mad rush to the finish.
A lot of it was trying to pile every LitRPG trope into the book. We had System, Oathbound, Mage, Cultivation, Cards, Godhood, Martial, etc.
Then of course he couldn’t write without throwing a bit of pandering in.
The first book was def the best on the series by far, with each successive book weaker than the last with a more annoying MC, until the end when the author finally decided to move away from Emo Jake.
But, I will say it is one of the few LitRPG series that are actually complete.
I’m really quite conflicted about the book and the series finale.
The first 65ish percent of the book we saw Jake be all moody and whiney. The final 20% was a mad rush to the finish.
A lot of it was trying to pile every LitRPG trope into the book. We had System, Oathbound, Mage, Cultivation, Cards, Godhood, Martial, etc.
Then of course he couldn’t write without throwing a bit of pandering in.
The first book was def the best on the series by far, with each successive book weaker than the last with a more annoying MC, until the end when the author finally decided to move away from Emo Jake.
But, I will say it is one of the few LitRPG series that are actually complete.
June 24, 2024
Review reflects the entirety of the series rather then this specific book. While the overarching story itself is interesting, characters are decent (although they certainly get weaker the more the story progresses but this is kindof inevitable given the scope of the story), the series itself suffers from a few significant problems that keep it from being a truly great read. Specifically, the following issues come to mind:
1. The scope of the story got too large for the number of books written. E.g. - Interesting events and plot lines oftentimes got trimmed down to be a summary of events rather then actually experienced through the reading of the story. The final book had 200 years or so summarized for the reader in a few pages which just felt like handwaving rather then actual storytelling imho.
2. Power Progression felt convenient rather then earned (wasn't really the case with the first book, but certainly true for the second and third). Every time Jake needed some more power, there were convenient and easy to achieve powers just sitting right in front of him, ready for him to obtain and trivially master. While this is forgivable in most genres, it's a pretty big blunder in LitRPG or Progressive fantasy since it removes the feeling of triumph or effort that so many readers are actively looking for. (Probably a preference imho)
3. Lack of meaningful consequences for the main characters many, and I mean MANY, evil acts. Throughout the story Jake constantly takes actions and embodies ideals that are generally considered amoral. His inner monologue even outright states this exact thing over and over. Does he ever get punished for such actions? Nope. Brutally murder a snake lady in front of your close friends? Jake, we were only worried about YOU! We don't care that you are suddenly a raging psychopath!!!
Metaphorically, all the pieces were there to bake a really good cake.... And the author seemingly forgot a few key ingredients and the end results were lack-luster.
1. The scope of the story got too large for the number of books written. E.g. - Interesting events and plot lines oftentimes got trimmed down to be a summary of events rather then actually experienced through the reading of the story. The final book had 200 years or so summarized for the reader in a few pages which just felt like handwaving rather then actual storytelling imho.
2. Power Progression felt convenient rather then earned (wasn't really the case with the first book, but certainly true for the second and third). Every time Jake needed some more power, there were convenient and easy to achieve powers just sitting right in front of him, ready for him to obtain and trivially master. While this is forgivable in most genres, it's a pretty big blunder in LitRPG or Progressive fantasy since it removes the feeling of triumph or effort that so many readers are actively looking for. (Probably a preference imho)
3. Lack of meaningful consequences for the main characters many, and I mean MANY, evil acts. Throughout the story Jake constantly takes actions and embodies ideals that are generally considered amoral. His inner monologue even outright states this exact thing over and over. Does he ever get punished for such actions? Nope. Brutally murder a snake lady in front of your close friends? Jake, we were only worried about YOU! We don't care that you are suddenly a raging psychopath!!!
Metaphorically, all the pieces were there to bake a really good cake.... And the author seemingly forgot a few key ingredients and the end results were lack-luster.
April 22, 2024
okay
Good to see an ending to a decent story; these days most authors seem intent on never ending series that end up unsatisfying as they run out of material. However, the MC is almost as evil as his foes due to thoughtlessness, cowardice, & hypocrisy. A system supporting an order of magnitude greater people & evils. Never confronting significant mental problems, even after ‘finding’ some kind of childish halfway resolution. And it’s moral to steal & murder anyone who has money or power, unless they are you or your friends, or you arbitrarily approve of their career? To slaughter enemy soldiers & citizens just because they are part an evil leader’s nation? Yah… no. Supposedly an adult, but the MC is simply ignorant, myopic, & careless.
Good to see an ending to a decent story; these days most authors seem intent on never ending series that end up unsatisfying as they run out of material. However, the MC is almost as evil as his foes due to thoughtlessness, cowardice, & hypocrisy. A system supporting an order of magnitude greater people & evils. Never confronting significant mental problems, even after ‘finding’ some kind of childish halfway resolution. And it’s moral to steal & murder anyone who has money or power, unless they are you or your friends, or you arbitrarily approve of their career? To slaughter enemy soldiers & citizens just because they are part an evil leader’s nation? Yah… no. Supposedly an adult, but the MC is simply ignorant, myopic, & careless.
April 29, 2024
took long enough
I think the story got too big too quick, and the author had to stretch to bring it home. A kitchen sink was the least of the additions to the whole mess.
Really it was quite inventive. Crossing multiple systems, throwing in various gods and pantheons, cultivation cards, and litRPG. Time, dimensions, chaos, and whimsy. Yet still finding time for deep introspection.
It took me longer than I like to finish. The pacing and flow of the narrative didn’t always work for me.
Overall, I still think the series was worth reading.
I think the story got too big too quick, and the author had to stretch to bring it home. A kitchen sink was the least of the additions to the whole mess.
Really it was quite inventive. Crossing multiple systems, throwing in various gods and pantheons, cultivation cards, and litRPG. Time, dimensions, chaos, and whimsy. Yet still finding time for deep introspection.
It took me longer than I like to finish. The pacing and flow of the narrative didn’t always work for me.
Overall, I still think the series was worth reading.
April 27, 2024
Bro went to therapy, progress fantasy fr fr
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2024
The series definitely didn't end the way I thought it would, but it made sense with all the time traveling going on. A very bittersweet conclusion.
-----
Ratings - completed series:
#1 Jake's Magical Market: ★★★★☆
#2 A Trek Through Time: ★★★★☆
#3 Home Sweet Home (this book): ★★★★☆
-----
Ratings - completed series:
#1 Jake's Magical Market: ★★★★☆
#2 A Trek Through Time: ★★★★☆
#3 Home Sweet Home (this book): ★★★★☆
April 30, 2024
Empty drivel!
I don't know what happened to J.R.
The previous two books in this series was readable.
Book #3 is filled with meaningless drivel that has no place in the story.
Very disappointed!
I don't know what happened to J.R.
The previous two books in this series was readable.
Book #3 is filled with meaningless drivel that has no place in the story.
Very disappointed!
June 30, 2024
2.5 Stars
One of my most disappointing read of the year. 36 hours of listening to things I have zero interest in. It dragged and dragged and then all of a sudden everything is solved. I didn't like the ending😑
One of my most disappointing read of the year. 36 hours of listening to things I have zero interest in. It dragged and dragged and then all of a sudden everything is solved. I didn't like the ending😑
December 27, 2025
I’m speechless. This was everything I needed from Jake’s chaotic adventure! I will hold out hope that we get more content about Jake and his friends, but this was the perfect ending to an epic tale.
March 8, 2025
Overall an imaginative series full of exciting and innovative ideas not seen yet, at least by myself, in the progression genre. However, the execution of how everything plays out and comes together is poor.
This series suffers from many superfluous and often repetitive sub-acrs. For instance in this novel, the first arc is on a giant ship to carry our MC and his party teammate to a new continent. We spend multiple chapters on this boat, describing it, describing what they are doing for fare passage, being guards, despite not explaining why the only seller of cards on the planet has no money. They fight ocean monsters. Jake opens a single meridian, and then gets fired and abandons Yeena despite the end of book two making a point of his character growth asking her to come with him to this other continent. So, near as I can tell, the point of this whole escapade playing out over multiple chapters instead of a handful paragraphs is that Jake needs to be alone when he arrives on the continent. You can’t even add the meridian thing because that proves to be something the author easily summarizes and glosses over later in the book. My question is all that to get rid of Yeena? Couldn’t we have come up with something a bit better than that?
Because in the last arc before the climax, our MC spends literally centuries in a type of exile, cultivating and evolving, and doing all sorts of really important stuff before the climax. But THAT is summarized. Obviously at that point, the author had already written a long book, so he was pumping the breaks.
This is just what I mean when I say poor execution. And don’t get me started on Jake taking three books to get any type of real character growth on one issue, being the morality of what he’s doing. It is discussed so often in this series that I totally stop identifying with it, and starting being annoyed by it. It’s one thing to explore moral implications, I actually respect that, but only when done right. In my opinion, this is power fantasy; it’s escapism. Authors in this genre should either stick to the good and evil narrative and ignore discussing the implications entirely, or if they explore it, do so in an assertive manner and remain logically consistent then move on. In this author’s attempt to be self-aware, he does the opposite and proves he doesn’t wholly understand the genre he’s writing for.
Time and again Jake seemed to come to a functional consensus on this never ending issue and then he immediately goes back to the waffling about it. Drove me absolutely crazy!
Another issue the author struggles with is pacing. I mean we spend all these chapters on a boat that doesn’t matter then a few paragraphs summarizing 200 years, and frankly a rather rushed climax.
One of the author’s wildest ideas was the introduction of the inter-dimensional spider beings who can weave and thus change the reality of various dimensions, what the author seems to be referring to with that term is alternate universes. We discover these beings are responsible, a future version of the ones he meets at least, for creating the system that allowed for trillions in the future to essentially be farmed by evil gods as power food. That left me and the MC with a bad taste in our mouths, understandably. So after the good guys have won, what does MC do? He goes to them to create a new system! Yay… where again might will make right… The author wants to write a series where he focuses on moral implications, what about that? That’s a fundamental amoral aspect of power fantasy, one often used to pit good against evil. But even then it really is never a fair world that is painted because the difference between a magic wielder and someone who isn’t is like a mountain and a hole in the ground. It’s not like real life where every human is basically within a set range of abilities as anyone else. The scale is not that wide.
And so why does Jake create another way to allow for this disparate power? If the author really wanted to blow my mind, he would have forced the spiders to end magic altogether.
Now enough complaints, I did enjoy the plot and story of this series. As I said, the author has some very imaginative and innovative ideas. I would even venture to say this series has the best accumulation of cool ideas and concepts I’ve seen in this entire genre. But just like wild ideas can’t make The Three Body Problem a good novel, it doesn’t work here either.
Overall, I would NOT recommend this series to any but the most prolific of progression fantasy readers, cause they will use any pulp to fuel that fire. For the casual reader, you can do a lot better with your free time.
This series suffers from many superfluous and often repetitive sub-acrs. For instance in this novel, the first arc is on a giant ship to carry our MC and his party teammate to a new continent. We spend multiple chapters on this boat, describing it, describing what they are doing for fare passage, being guards, despite not explaining why the only seller of cards on the planet has no money. They fight ocean monsters. Jake opens a single meridian, and then gets fired and abandons Yeena despite the end of book two making a point of his character growth asking her to come with him to this other continent. So, near as I can tell, the point of this whole escapade playing out over multiple chapters instead of a handful paragraphs is that Jake needs to be alone when he arrives on the continent. You can’t even add the meridian thing because that proves to be something the author easily summarizes and glosses over later in the book. My question is all that to get rid of Yeena? Couldn’t we have come up with something a bit better than that?
Because in the last arc before the climax, our MC spends literally centuries in a type of exile, cultivating and evolving, and doing all sorts of really important stuff before the climax. But THAT is summarized. Obviously at that point, the author had already written a long book, so he was pumping the breaks.
This is just what I mean when I say poor execution. And don’t get me started on Jake taking three books to get any type of real character growth on one issue, being the morality of what he’s doing. It is discussed so often in this series that I totally stop identifying with it, and starting being annoyed by it. It’s one thing to explore moral implications, I actually respect that, but only when done right. In my opinion, this is power fantasy; it’s escapism. Authors in this genre should either stick to the good and evil narrative and ignore discussing the implications entirely, or if they explore it, do so in an assertive manner and remain logically consistent then move on. In this author’s attempt to be self-aware, he does the opposite and proves he doesn’t wholly understand the genre he’s writing for.
Time and again Jake seemed to come to a functional consensus on this never ending issue and then he immediately goes back to the waffling about it. Drove me absolutely crazy!
Another issue the author struggles with is pacing. I mean we spend all these chapters on a boat that doesn’t matter then a few paragraphs summarizing 200 years, and frankly a rather rushed climax.
One of the author’s wildest ideas was the introduction of the inter-dimensional spider beings who can weave and thus change the reality of various dimensions, what the author seems to be referring to with that term is alternate universes. We discover these beings are responsible, a future version of the ones he meets at least, for creating the system that allowed for trillions in the future to essentially be farmed by evil gods as power food. That left me and the MC with a bad taste in our mouths, understandably. So after the good guys have won, what does MC do? He goes to them to create a new system! Yay… where again might will make right… The author wants to write a series where he focuses on moral implications, what about that? That’s a fundamental amoral aspect of power fantasy, one often used to pit good against evil. But even then it really is never a fair world that is painted because the difference between a magic wielder and someone who isn’t is like a mountain and a hole in the ground. It’s not like real life where every human is basically within a set range of abilities as anyone else. The scale is not that wide.
And so why does Jake create another way to allow for this disparate power? If the author really wanted to blow my mind, he would have forced the spiders to end magic altogether.
Now enough complaints, I did enjoy the plot and story of this series. As I said, the author has some very imaginative and innovative ideas. I would even venture to say this series has the best accumulation of cool ideas and concepts I’ve seen in this entire genre. But just like wild ideas can’t make The Three Body Problem a good novel, it doesn’t work here either.
Overall, I would NOT recommend this series to any but the most prolific of progression fantasy readers, cause they will use any pulp to fuel that fire. For the casual reader, you can do a lot better with your free time.
January 23, 2025
4 Stars
Series Review:
This series took me on quite the journey over three quite long books. All of the reviews that say these books are chaotic and all over the place are correct. However, it really worked for me here. The journey Jake takes us on is whacky and ever evolving. What I loved about this series was the personal evolution and growth Jake experiences. This is a world where insane things happen and anything is on the table, but Jake is just a normal guy trying to find his way. He desperately holds on to people and things that hinder his daily life. He is forced to learn to let go of the past in order to make the most of the present. I think this was a lesson I needed to hear from this book at the time I read it. If you are willing to let a book take you on a journey, even when it goes off the rails, then I highly recommend this! Book 3 gave me a good cry and has the sweetest messages about friendship and trust for those of us that struggle with self isolation. Depression is a major theme of this series and something I thought was very accurately depicted and dealt with in a way that made me give much thought to the relationships in my own life. All in all, if you want a story about a guy running a magical market this may not be for you. However, if you are open to a thematic journey discussing depression, relationships, and loss, give this story a try. It was quite beautiful :)
Series Review:
This series took me on quite the journey over three quite long books. All of the reviews that say these books are chaotic and all over the place are correct. However, it really worked for me here. The journey Jake takes us on is whacky and ever evolving. What I loved about this series was the personal evolution and growth Jake experiences. This is a world where insane things happen and anything is on the table, but Jake is just a normal guy trying to find his way. He desperately holds on to people and things that hinder his daily life. He is forced to learn to let go of the past in order to make the most of the present. I think this was a lesson I needed to hear from this book at the time I read it. If you are willing to let a book take you on a journey, even when it goes off the rails, then I highly recommend this! Book 3 gave me a good cry and has the sweetest messages about friendship and trust for those of us that struggle with self isolation. Depression is a major theme of this series and something I thought was very accurately depicted and dealt with in a way that made me give much thought to the relationships in my own life. All in all, if you want a story about a guy running a magical market this may not be for you. However, if you are open to a thematic journey discussing depression, relationships, and loss, give this story a try. It was quite beautiful :)
April 18, 2024
A great ending for a great series
The Jake's Magical Market trilogy is all about the journey. Not just the physical journey, though that is fantastical, but the emotional and personal journey of Jake himself. I laughed and teared up more than once. Never did I feel rushed, though I often felt, "how is this going to resolve in just one book. Amd yet it manages all of that without an issue. And no slip of fate or plot armor to detract from the story. And the ending which I lived in fear of, thinking this can't end as well as it's been written to this point...turned out I was wrong. It was Chef's kiss.
The Jake's Magical Market trilogy is all about the journey. Not just the physical journey, though that is fantastical, but the emotional and personal journey of Jake himself. I laughed and teared up more than once. Never did I feel rushed, though I often felt, "how is this going to resolve in just one book. Amd yet it manages all of that without an issue. And no slip of fate or plot armor to detract from the story. And the ending which I lived in fear of, thinking this can't end as well as it's been written to this point...turned out I was wrong. It was Chef's kiss.
August 28, 2024
Amazing
Honestly, this is a really good ending. I remember not being a fan of what happened half way through the first book, and was quite close to dropping the book entirely, but I'm glad I carried reading.
Honestly, this is a really good ending. I remember not being a fan of what happened half way through the first book, and was quite close to dropping the book entirely, but I'm glad I carried reading.
August 18, 2025
I wish the first 2 had spent the same level of time and detail. I almost dropped the second book but the 3rd was very worth it
August 25, 2025
Man this series is so weird, you can never guess what twist will happen next. Overall, a fun read with crazy power leveling, some good humor, and overall an interesting story. Really could have had a more stable supporting cast though. Still, enjoyed a lot!
August 4, 2024
This book redeems the story a bit, in its second half, after a huge drop in storytelling quality in the second one.
Jake eventually . Finally. That's all he needed to truly grow in power and as a person. Turns out the only thing holding him back washimself the author. The end.
Seriously.
Ok, if you need more, this book contextualises most of what seemed strange about the first and second books. All this weird stuff about Jake constantly getting further and further away from his goals? Turns out .
I buy that, but seriously I'm sure this story could've been told in a less cringe and painful way. They say that in a good story the characters write themselves, and this is most definitely NOT an example of that. The author seriously tried hard to keep Jake as immature, sad and vulnerable as he was in the beginning of the story, going to great lengths to force Jake to make stupid decisions, overlook obvious weaknesses, and generally disregard his emotional health, even though the character clearly, desperately, wanted to improve himself and get out of his funk. Jake himself questions all of that, but mysteriously finds himself unable to change. And every time Jake starts getting too overpowered? He just conveniently 'forgets' about one of his powers to make up for it. That's seriously messed up, man! Maybe the villain was the author all along.
The end feels right, if unsatisfying, but the whole trilogy is one hell of a trojan horse. It's not about running a market, not about magic cards, not even about progressive fantasy and the power of friendship. It's all about
I recommend anyone that made it past the first book to read this one. The second can be skipped. A lot of it is thematically repeated in the first half of the third anyway.
Oh and capitalism rules, apparently. #godofcapitalismamiright
Jake eventually . Finally. That's all he needed to truly grow in power and as a person. Turns out the only thing holding him back was
Seriously.
Ok, if you need more, this book contextualises most of what seemed strange about the first and second books. All this weird stuff about Jake constantly getting further and further away from his goals? Turns out .
I buy that, but seriously I'm sure this story could've been told in a less cringe and painful way. They say that in a good story the characters write themselves, and this is most definitely NOT an example of that. The author seriously tried hard to keep Jake as immature, sad and vulnerable as he was in the beginning of the story, going to great lengths to force Jake to make stupid decisions, overlook obvious weaknesses, and generally disregard his emotional health, even though the character clearly, desperately, wanted to improve himself and get out of his funk. Jake himself questions all of that, but mysteriously finds himself unable to change. And every time Jake starts getting too overpowered? He just conveniently 'forgets' about one of his powers to make up for it. That's seriously messed up, man! Maybe the villain was the author all along.
The end feels right, if unsatisfying, but the whole trilogy is one hell of a trojan horse. It's not about running a market, not about magic cards, not even about progressive fantasy and the power of friendship. It's all about
I recommend anyone that made it past the first book to read this one. The second can be skipped. A lot of it is thematically repeated in the first half of the third anyway.
Oh and capitalism rules, apparently. #godofcapitalismamiright
May 29, 2025
And then the author was tired of writing...
The first 70% of this book were really enjoyable. Kinda confusing, because you can't imagine the story arc is almost over, but you finally see Jake getting smarter about how to gain power and intergrate the various systems and relationships he encounters. And then, boom, OP character wins.
On a related note that is more my pet peeve with modern stories, all the multiverse and timeline shenanigans slip into the realm of plot convenience. This isn't unique to this book but it's the death of story tension in many a modern book.
The first 70% of this book were really enjoyable. Kinda confusing, because you can't imagine the story arc is almost over, but you finally see Jake getting smarter about how to gain power and intergrate the various systems and relationships he encounters. And then, boom, OP character wins.
On a related note that is more my pet peeve with modern stories, all the multiverse and timeline shenanigans slip into the realm of plot convenience. This isn't unique to this book but it's the death of story tension in many a modern book.
February 22, 2025
I rarely finish a book that I rate 2 stars. But the first book was so good. The second book was, ok. But in book 3 the incredible inconsistencies in the time system ruined this book for me. The suspension of disbelief broke. I finished it for the characters, but I'm so disappointed. The worst part is I know the author could have pulled it off, but didn't.
October 7, 2024
Great story, the adventures Jake goes on is a pleasure and fun to read.
No spoilers, but the story wraps up extremely nicely for the third book! Very satisfying ending!!!
No spoilers, but the story wraps up extremely nicely for the third book! Very satisfying ending!!!
July 26, 2024
Wow I feel like I hit the jackpot, deck building litRPG's are so very rare so few and far between that I was indeed surprised that I found two new deck building adventures within a week of each other the first one released was Harmon Cooper's newest book Battledeck Academy and then of course this book so if you're like me you'll need to get both books!!!
Gods this book was simply enrapturing! And I loved every mesmerizing of it! All 36 hrs and change, definitely giving me several days of listening pleasure. Jake continued his quest to grow stronger inorder to make the difference that will eventually defeat the evil gods that controlled the apocalyptic system that took over earth killing over 40% of the population. Jake spent an inordinate amount of introspection which surprisingly you'll find doesn't slow the book down at all, as it gives us a deeper understanding of Jake and the complicated system he's found himself in. And of course the rest of the book is Jake on his rampage killing all the monsters and gods in his way!
I've always loved listening John Pirhalla but in this book he's absodamnlutely out done himself and he tiered up and joined the master level voice performer. Joining Travis Baldree, Heath Miller, Andrea Parsneau, Jeff Hays plus his Soundbooth Theater Company Productions and Peter Berkrot. To name the voice actors and podcasters on my short list.
So yeah you'll need to get with the picture and grab this awesome deck building litRPG series...
Here's some quotes that amused me:
"Whatever was willing to attack a ship of this size had to be powerful, stupid, or stupidly powerful."
"The galley still was serving lunch, and despite the sailor’s complaints, I thoroughly enjoyed my manta ray filets served over a manta ray goulas."
"I really want to know whether Lady Marbleby’s cousin’s sister is really pregnant with Lord Marklebottom’s child or not, you know?”
“Magazines?” he replied, his red eyes glowing even brighter with excitement. “Do you think they’d have those quizzes that could tell me what celebrity I would match with best? Or whether I should be a blond or brunette? I’ve often felt my black hair was a bit too . . . vampirey, you know? Maybe I was always meant to be a blond. Do you think so, Jake?”
Gods this book was simply enrapturing! And I loved every mesmerizing of it! All 36 hrs and change, definitely giving me several days of listening pleasure. Jake continued his quest to grow stronger inorder to make the difference that will eventually defeat the evil gods that controlled the apocalyptic system that took over earth killing over 40% of the population. Jake spent an inordinate amount of introspection which surprisingly you'll find doesn't slow the book down at all, as it gives us a deeper understanding of Jake and the complicated system he's found himself in. And of course the rest of the book is Jake on his rampage killing all the monsters and gods in his way!
I've always loved listening John Pirhalla but in this book he's absodamnlutely out done himself and he tiered up and joined the master level voice performer. Joining Travis Baldree, Heath Miller, Andrea Parsneau, Jeff Hays plus his Soundbooth Theater Company Productions and Peter Berkrot. To name the voice actors and podcasters on my short list.
So yeah you'll need to get with the picture and grab this awesome deck building litRPG series...
Here's some quotes that amused me:
"Whatever was willing to attack a ship of this size had to be powerful, stupid, or stupidly powerful."
"The galley still was serving lunch, and despite the sailor’s complaints, I thoroughly enjoyed my manta ray filets served over a manta ray goulas."
"I really want to know whether Lady Marbleby’s cousin’s sister is really pregnant with Lord Marklebottom’s child or not, you know?”
“Magazines?” he replied, his red eyes glowing even brighter with excitement. “Do you think they’d have those quizzes that could tell me what celebrity I would match with best? Or whether I should be a blond or brunette? I’ve often felt my black hair was a bit too . . . vampirey, you know? Maybe I was always meant to be a blond. Do you think so, Jake?”
April 23, 2025
I wanna make it clear the rating is a personal opinion of me and people should read this book to have their own opinion because this will be different from person to person. I've seen the criticisms for this book and I agree with a fair number of them regarding Jake's character development but honestly I can overlook them to some extent.
What really made me give a low rating is the insane amount of plot holes with the story. Most of the concepts explained doesn't make any sense at all which would be fine with me if the story didn't try explaining them but they do.
I think the author fell to some of the pitfalls of creating magic systems but I'm hoping it would improve with future series he writes.
Besides the plot holes and some questionable character progression of the protagonist I do love this book for everything else and would recommend it if someone has started the series to finish it.
What really made me give a low rating is the insane amount of plot holes with the story. Most of the concepts explained doesn't make any sense at all which would be fine with me if the story didn't try explaining them but they do.
I think the author fell to some of the pitfalls of creating magic systems but I'm hoping it would improve with future series he writes.
Besides the plot holes and some questionable character progression of the protagonist I do love this book for everything else and would recommend it if someone has started the series to finish it.
May 13, 2024
Everything is jake with Jake.
Wow. I'm finally done with this series. Which is a bittersweet feeling. It is good to be done, but I truly enjoyed reading about Jake's adventures.
It seems to me that this series started out as one of those Kindlevella's. A long, long tale, broken into many, many parts. It's just all over the place, with dozens of settings and dozens of characters. And dozens of dungeons and quests as well.
My point is that when it was converted into a novel it needed serious editing to break it up into more reasonable chunks which fit together more cohesively.
Next item. I mentioned this in an earlier Jake review, I appreciate his respect and concern for mental health and how it helps shape his pursuit of morality and goodness. I thought the gradual independence of his illusions and their constant nagging/reminders of his need to be a good man was clever.
I have to mention how much this reminded me of playing a massive on-line RPG. Jake is involved in everything. He pursues every possible type of magic and combat. I used to play Elder Scrolls and you could do it all. Be evil, good, both sides of a conflict, mage, warrior, thief, priest and assassin. You got all the skills. Just like Jake.
Jake's struggle with immortality, loneliness and divinity reminded me of Dr. Who. The need for companionship but the crushing dread of seeing someone you cared for hurt or killed because you're just so overpowered.
This was 1,000's of pages crammed into three books. It could easily be edited into a much more manageable ten books. But that's about my only complaint.
It was a good book. Thanks J.R.!
Read every day and read for fun!
Wow. I'm finally done with this series. Which is a bittersweet feeling. It is good to be done, but I truly enjoyed reading about Jake's adventures.
It seems to me that this series started out as one of those Kindlevella's. A long, long tale, broken into many, many parts. It's just all over the place, with dozens of settings and dozens of characters. And dozens of dungeons and quests as well.
My point is that when it was converted into a novel it needed serious editing to break it up into more reasonable chunks which fit together more cohesively.
Next item. I mentioned this in an earlier Jake review, I appreciate his respect and concern for mental health and how it helps shape his pursuit of morality and goodness. I thought the gradual independence of his illusions and their constant nagging/reminders of his need to be a good man was clever.
I have to mention how much this reminded me of playing a massive on-line RPG. Jake is involved in everything. He pursues every possible type of magic and combat. I used to play Elder Scrolls and you could do it all. Be evil, good, both sides of a conflict, mage, warrior, thief, priest and assassin. You got all the skills. Just like Jake.
Jake's struggle with immortality, loneliness and divinity reminded me of Dr. Who. The need for companionship but the crushing dread of seeing someone you cared for hurt or killed because you're just so overpowered.
This was 1,000's of pages crammed into three books. It could easily be edited into a much more manageable ten books. But that's about my only complaint.
It was a good book. Thanks J.R.!
Read every day and read for fun!
May 15, 2024
Would be interesting to have a book 3.5...
Many parts of Jake’s story have been annoying due to his stupid decisions and moments of immaturity. Just like in our own lives, we never get to see (with Jake) how some of those actions impact certain other persons.
There's a bit of weirdness, due to Jake’s ability to time travel, but the story comes to a satisfying resolution. The only trouble is, Jake’s version of a happily ever after sounds... well... interesting. Enough so that I kind of wish there were another book so I could hang around and see how things go.
I liked the early parts of book 1 where Jake was being a shopkeeper and it would be cool to see how everything Jake has learned and been though has changed him. And how things play out with his friends, new and old... but this book resolves the "epic conflict." So if there were an extra book, it would have to be a sort of extended epilogue, rather than a continuation of the main plot (which is why it would be a book 3.5 instead of a book 4)... but I have no idea if the author plans to write more or not. We shall have to wait and see!
Not on my best reads of all time, but it's certainly been interesting (I was going to say fun, but it wasn't *all* fun-- there were some serious, sad, and painful bits). Still, I'm glad I read the series and will check back now and again to see what the author is up to...
Many parts of Jake’s story have been annoying due to his stupid decisions and moments of immaturity. Just like in our own lives, we never get to see (with Jake) how some of those actions impact certain other persons.
There's a bit of weirdness, due to Jake’s ability to time travel, but the story comes to a satisfying resolution. The only trouble is, Jake’s version of a happily ever after sounds... well... interesting. Enough so that I kind of wish there were another book so I could hang around and see how things go.
I liked the early parts of book 1 where Jake was being a shopkeeper and it would be cool to see how everything Jake has learned and been though has changed him. And how things play out with his friends, new and old... but this book resolves the "epic conflict." So if there were an extra book, it would have to be a sort of extended epilogue, rather than a continuation of the main plot (which is why it would be a book 3.5 instead of a book 4)... but I have no idea if the author plans to write more or not. We shall have to wait and see!
Not on my best reads of all time, but it's certainly been interesting (I was going to say fun, but it wasn't *all* fun-- there were some serious, sad, and painful bits). Still, I'm glad I read the series and will check back now and again to see what the author is up to...
August 19, 2024
Rating 3.25 stars
Haven't done quarter stars in a long time. It is better than 3.0 but there are enough things wrong with it that I can't give it that much more. Jack is a whiny little bitch. It is hard to like a book when you really don't like the MC. My biggest problem with him is that he keeps doing the same things over and over again which cause him nothing but problems. He knows what he is doing isn't healthy. He knows there is a better way. He also knows what he really needs to do to solve his problems and yet, he doesn't want to. He wants to complain about not having any friends but at the same time distance himself from the people he states he wants to be with. I know people fall back on old routines and that is one of his habits but it is brutal to read about. Especially since this book was 36 hours on audiobook. Another issue is the magic system is all over the place. Jake has god powers, powers from his cards, cultivation powers, oathbound powers, sword bound powers and probably more. It is too muddied. I really think the first half of the first book was the best and I continued the series mainly because of that. It wasn't bad, but I am not sure if I had to do it over again, if I would sit through 36 hours again.
Haven't done quarter stars in a long time. It is better than 3.0 but there are enough things wrong with it that I can't give it that much more. Jack is a whiny little bitch. It is hard to like a book when you really don't like the MC. My biggest problem with him is that he keeps doing the same things over and over again which cause him nothing but problems. He knows what he is doing isn't healthy. He knows there is a better way. He also knows what he really needs to do to solve his problems and yet, he doesn't want to. He wants to complain about not having any friends but at the same time distance himself from the people he states he wants to be with. I know people fall back on old routines and that is one of his habits but it is brutal to read about. Especially since this book was 36 hours on audiobook. Another issue is the magic system is all over the place. Jake has god powers, powers from his cards, cultivation powers, oathbound powers, sword bound powers and probably more. It is too muddied. I really think the first half of the first book was the best and I continued the series mainly because of that. It wasn't bad, but I am not sure if I had to do it over again, if I would sit through 36 hours again.
January 14, 2025
Great Ending
(MINOR SPOILERS ALLERT)
The third book of the series surely captured the comic like essence of the two previous books. Still, the story highlights how impactful the events across the trilogy developed into one single bigger narrative. Jake grew up a lot from the beginning and showed a much more mature (mentally and physically) side.
200 years of experience definitely made the book interesting. New characters with very well defined personalities brought in an alternative to the old ones. Amazing how the author was able to tie everything together. He was able to jump back and worth between timelines and realities and still make it so that each event in one timeline added up to the remaining realities. Although some parts of the book were difficult to keep up with, the overall quality and idea of the novel did not disappoint.
Just like the other book, this one is a fun long story for someone to take their time reading. I highly recommend reading it, even if the second book wasn’t your favorite. Whatever you might think of the collection will definitely get better after reading this one.
Side note: Idk how but it was obvious Jake would end dating the goddess. Read the book if you don’t get it. 👍
(MINOR SPOILERS ALLERT)
The third book of the series surely captured the comic like essence of the two previous books. Still, the story highlights how impactful the events across the trilogy developed into one single bigger narrative. Jake grew up a lot from the beginning and showed a much more mature (mentally and physically) side.
200 years of experience definitely made the book interesting. New characters with very well defined personalities brought in an alternative to the old ones. Amazing how the author was able to tie everything together. He was able to jump back and worth between timelines and realities and still make it so that each event in one timeline added up to the remaining realities. Although some parts of the book were difficult to keep up with, the overall quality and idea of the novel did not disappoint.
Just like the other book, this one is a fun long story for someone to take their time reading. I highly recommend reading it, even if the second book wasn’t your favorite. Whatever you might think of the collection will definitely get better after reading this one.
Side note: Idk how but it was obvious Jake would end dating the goddess. Read the book if you don’t get it. 👍
September 4, 2024
An amazing ending to an amazing series!! This book ended the series perfectly but now I’m depressed knowing there’s no more reading about Jake anymore.
I really wish there was a bit more talk about his friends in ambrosia. Maybe even a short side story of what would have happened at the end of book 1 if the god didn’t intervene (at the very least just showing his og friend’s reaction to him coming back).
Almost didn’t read this book because the 2nd book was just a huge annoying disappointment for me but after reading this book mostly all of my complaints are gone. I still think the second book could’ve been way better though.
Side note: disappointed that most of his growing up and mental maturity is ruined by him taking the easy way out and skipping time forward. Especially since this is the end of the series, it would’ve been nice to end it with more character development. Idk that whole plot line is weak with him distinguishing his older self from his younger self and seeing the older as a different him. Ik that’s technically true but then how does he have those muscle memories and extensive knowledge about magic? Shiz should’ve been explained better or written better.
I really wish there was a bit more talk about his friends in ambrosia. Maybe even a short side story of what would have happened at the end of book 1 if the god didn’t intervene (at the very least just showing his og friend’s reaction to him coming back).
Almost didn’t read this book because the 2nd book was just a huge annoying disappointment for me but after reading this book mostly all of my complaints are gone. I still think the second book could’ve been way better though.
Side note: disappointed that most of his growing up and mental maturity is ruined by him taking the easy way out and skipping time forward. Especially since this is the end of the series, it would’ve been nice to end it with more character development. Idk that whole plot line is weak with him distinguishing his older self from his younger self and seeing the older as a different him. Ik that’s technically true but then how does he have those muscle memories and extensive knowledge about magic? Shiz should’ve been explained better or written better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2024
“Home Sweet Home” continues the enchanting journey of Jake and his magical market, delivering the same charm and adventure that fans of the series have come to love. J.R. Mathews once again crafts a world brimming with magic, mystery, and heartwarming moments that make it hard to put the book down.
The characters are as engaging as ever, with Jake’s growth and the deepening relationships among the cast adding layers of depth to the story. The magical elements are imaginative and well-integrated, providing a delightful escape into a world where anything is possible.
However, while the book is a joy to read, it does feel a bit drawn out at times. Some sections could have been more concise without losing the essence of the story. A tighter narrative would have maintained the same level of enjoyment while making the pacing more brisk.
Despite this, “Home Sweet Home” is a worthy addition to the series. It captures the magic and wonder that fans adore, making it a must-read for anyone who has followed Jake’s adventures from the beginning. If you loved the previous books, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this one too.
The characters are as engaging as ever, with Jake’s growth and the deepening relationships among the cast adding layers of depth to the story. The magical elements are imaginative and well-integrated, providing a delightful escape into a world where anything is possible.
However, while the book is a joy to read, it does feel a bit drawn out at times. Some sections could have been more concise without losing the essence of the story. A tighter narrative would have maintained the same level of enjoyment while making the pacing more brisk.
Despite this, “Home Sweet Home” is a worthy addition to the series. It captures the magic and wonder that fans adore, making it a must-read for anyone who has followed Jake’s adventures from the beginning. If you loved the previous books, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this one too.
June 10, 2024
I'm nit crying - you're crying! (Spoilers*)
I don't even know where to begin! This was such a wild ride: it had all the fun, adventure, and hilarity as the previous books with an unexpectedly emotional and poignant ending. Matthews ' world building has been great up to this point, but something definitely changed for me with this book - it I'd so well and beautifully written. I swear i was there for every hard fought win, every crushing setback, each realization, and cheering like a maniac for Jake and his godly friends the whole way. This may be why it hit so hard when Jake had to say goodbye and literally let go of the past. After all he'd been through, I wanted him to be able to go home - he had more than earned it. And though I didn't get the ending I wanted, Matthews' ending was all the more powerful in its simplicity and truth: Shit happens. And when it does, it can not be changed, and you can never go back, you just have to adapt, move on, and live your life. Well done Matthews. And thank you for the incredible adventure through time.
I don't even know where to begin! This was such a wild ride: it had all the fun, adventure, and hilarity as the previous books with an unexpectedly emotional and poignant ending. Matthews ' world building has been great up to this point, but something definitely changed for me with this book - it I'd so well and beautifully written. I swear i was there for every hard fought win, every crushing setback, each realization, and cheering like a maniac for Jake and his godly friends the whole way. This may be why it hit so hard when Jake had to say goodbye and literally let go of the past. After all he'd been through, I wanted him to be able to go home - he had more than earned it. And though I didn't get the ending I wanted, Matthews' ending was all the more powerful in its simplicity and truth: Shit happens. And when it does, it can not be changed, and you can never go back, you just have to adapt, move on, and live your life. Well done Matthews. And thank you for the incredible adventure through time.
August 1, 2024
This truly was an epic, in every sense of the word. Matthews shoehorned in so many plot arcs, tropes, magic systems, environments/locations, and so much character development, or seemingly lack thereof for a while, but he somehow made it all fit and work.
It could've easily have been 3 books instead 1, then a few of the plot arcs could've been expanded too. Although, a single book worked better with how the character arc was written, and it's simply nice for an author to actually finish a series with all to most of the plot threads nicely resolved. I agree Jake was too whiny and emo for too long, but I've always connected with his backstory and problems, and the character arc and resolution were well done when finally addressed.
The pacing and structure of this book reminds me a lot of the first book. The first half of them is pretty linear and builds the foundation, then the second half is chaotic with constant twists and new problems.
Thank you j.r. Matthews for sharing Jake's wild story, now I need to read your other series, Nova Roma something.
It could've easily have been 3 books instead 1, then a few of the plot arcs could've been expanded too. Although, a single book worked better with how the character arc was written, and it's simply nice for an author to actually finish a series with all to most of the plot threads nicely resolved. I agree Jake was too whiny and emo for too long, but I've always connected with his backstory and problems, and the character arc and resolution were well done when finally addressed.
The pacing and structure of this book reminds me a lot of the first book. The first half of them is pretty linear and builds the foundation, then the second half is chaotic with constant twists and new problems.
Thank you j.r. Matthews for sharing Jake's wild story, now I need to read your other series, Nova Roma something.
April 15, 2025
Home Sweet Home by JR Mathews describes Jake's ascent into the pinnacle of cultivation and godhood while stuck in the past. Some of this book is good, with a lot of the characterization done rather well. But other elements were a bit all over the place. There were times when it felt like we were just reading about Jake meandering around and learning things. The splinter world arc could have been explored a lot more, and has a ton of stuff left unanswered. Actually, a lot of this story leaves a lot unanswered, while the ending itself was a fair bit rushed. Mathews even makes a gag out of the main confrontation being with a guy who doesn't even know who Jake is, a bit like Thanos in Endgame.
As for the conclusion of the book, you get the impression that it could be the end of the series. But if so, there's a lot that was left underexamined. However, I just recently found out that there's more material out there that Mathews is writing for books 4 and 5, so that could be pretty fun. Especially since there was a soft reset.
As for the conclusion of the book, you get the impression that it could be the end of the series. But if so, there's a lot that was left underexamined. However, I just recently found out that there's more material out there that Mathews is writing for books 4 and 5, so that could be pretty fun. Especially since there was a soft reset.
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