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Rune Seeker #3
Rune Seeker 3
It’s finally time for Hiral to return to Fallen Reach and show his enemies just how far he’s come.
After saving the world in the undead city, Hiral and his remaining party members race toward Fallen Reach.
Their numbers are shrinking, but their power has only grown: at nearly C-Rank, they can crush armies.
Yet challenges still wait ahead, including a familiar Infested that hungers for revenge…and powerful Makers that might not react well to the Everfail’s return.
But Hiral’s enemies don’t know one important detail: he is not the same person who jumped from the islands.
The Everfail is no more, and he is going to show those who’d harm his home and loved ones just how overpowered he has become.
Book 3 of a Progression Fantasy series from J.M Clarke, Bestselling Author of Mark of the Fool, written with C.J. Thompson.
Unlock a weak-to-strong progression into power and a detailed LitRPG system with unique classes, skills, dungeons, achievements, survival and evolution. Explore a mysterious world of fallen civilizations, strange monsters and deadly secrets.
After saving the world in the undead city, Hiral and his remaining party members race toward Fallen Reach.
Their numbers are shrinking, but their power has only grown: at nearly C-Rank, they can crush armies.
Yet challenges still wait ahead, including a familiar Infested that hungers for revenge…and powerful Makers that might not react well to the Everfail’s return.
But Hiral’s enemies don’t know one important detail: he is not the same person who jumped from the islands.
The Everfail is no more, and he is going to show those who’d harm his home and loved ones just how overpowered he has become.
Book 3 of a Progression Fantasy series from J.M Clarke, Bestselling Author of Mark of the Fool, written with C.J. Thompson.
Unlock a weak-to-strong progression into power and a detailed LitRPG system with unique classes, skills, dungeons, achievements, survival and evolution. Explore a mysterious world of fallen civilizations, strange monsters and deadly secrets.
804 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2024
469 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 25, 2024
A science fiction dystopian litrpg with stats, skills and levels and a unique solar powered magic system.
Hiral and his party have survived the wild and lost undead dungeons and are steadily making their way towards Fallen Reach. But the System has more surprises in store with extra and unique dungeons littering the way - helping them to get strong enough to save Fallen Reach.
Like the last book, this was filled with teamwork and camaraderie, a unique and clever magic system and strong world building. But it was let down by the repetitive nature of battles, the odd time jumps and the depressing plot. The battles in the dungeons got old. The dungeons got old. I liked that there was something new with the last dungeon -
I did enjoy Hiral reuniting with his family. Although I didn't remotely understand his relationship with his mum. What kind of mum just decides to never to talk to you? So I kind of got where he was coming from not wanting to speak to her but it was also kind of annoying - I just wanted to move the story along. reasons for doing everything were kind of weak but it was minor.
So I got through it - but it was kind of a slog. There's a lot of potential in this series, the world building and magic system is really unique and incredibly imaginative but the rest just doesn't quite work for me. Still it will undoubtedly appeal to other readers. 3 stars.
Hiral and his party have survived the wild and lost undead dungeons and are steadily making their way towards Fallen Reach. But the System has more surprises in store with extra and unique dungeons littering the way - helping them to get strong enough to save Fallen Reach.
Like the last book, this was filled with teamwork and camaraderie, a unique and clever magic system and strong world building. But it was let down by the repetitive nature of battles, the odd time jumps and the depressing plot. The battles in the dungeons got old. The dungeons got old. I liked that there was something new with the last dungeon -
I did enjoy Hiral reuniting with his family. Although I didn't remotely understand his relationship with his mum. What kind of mum just decides to never to talk to you? So I kind of got where he was coming from not wanting to speak to her but it was also kind of annoying - I just wanted to move the story along. reasons for doing everything were kind of weak but it was minor.
So I got through it - but it was kind of a slog. There's a lot of potential in this series, the world building and magic system is really unique and incredibly imaginative but the rest just doesn't quite work for me. Still it will undoubtedly appeal to other readers. 3 stars.
April 21, 2024
I struggled
It took me *days* to finish reading this. And I don’t know exactly why.
It’s good. Funny, little mentions of other authors/series, awesome powers, good characters. The plot moves, the prose is solid.
But something kept me from really digging in and getting lost in the book.
I *did* enjoy it. It just doesn’t have that sOmEtHiNg that sparks a deep need to keep going.
I will possibly get the next book. Because the world is neat and I *did* enjoy it.
It took me *days* to finish reading this. And I don’t know exactly why.
It’s good. Funny, little mentions of other authors/series, awesome powers, good characters. The plot moves, the prose is solid.
But something kept me from really digging in and getting lost in the book.
I *did* enjoy it. It just doesn’t have that sOmEtHiNg that sparks a deep need to keep going.
I will possibly get the next book. Because the world is neat and I *did* enjoy it.
December 3, 2025
This was a great conclusion to the buildup of books 1 and 2! I just wish we focused more on Hiral interacting and re-integrating with fallen reach rather than time skipping over it? There is still way too much repetitive combat but at least it was cool. I guess I'm here for the plot and not the combat and every book I read is frustrating in that regard when the plot is great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2024
Da Full Circle
The last two books, to me personally, were a bit slow. Not the worst thing in the world, but I’m a fast paced kind of guy. The benefit of that though was how much was snuck right under my nose for a pay off in this book. Stuff all the way from the first 20 chapters of book 1 came right back around for some pretty huge moments. So much vindication and excitement, exactly how a climax should be written! Book 1 and 2 were good and only served to make book 3 an even better story.
The last two books, to me personally, were a bit slow. Not the worst thing in the world, but I’m a fast paced kind of guy. The benefit of that though was how much was snuck right under my nose for a pay off in this book. Stuff all the way from the first 20 chapters of book 1 came right back around for some pretty huge moments. So much vindication and excitement, exactly how a climax should be written! Book 1 and 2 were good and only served to make book 3 an even better story.
July 29, 2024
Everyone dies.. holy cow. The writer just can't stop killing off characters. I would care more if the characters were more than shallow sketches. The all sound the same and have not uniqueness voice wise. My other complaint is he has Seena and Hiral finally in a relationship but it happens off screen... it happens in a time dilation and we don't get to see it. I read that and immediately laughed and said coward, he didn't want to write the romance side. They get stronger but the party keeps getting smaller. I will probably read 4, but it is becoming a slog to get through all the repetitive fights.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2024
so so so repetitive
October 16, 2024
Large drop in quality in my opinion from the previous books (especially the first). The first was pretty amazing honestly, especially the inclusion of the horror-esque elements. This one continued the trend I was starting to get worried about in the second book, of literally the entire book being dungeon crawls. Seriously, the entire plot of the book consists of them going from one dungeon to another and clearing it. The first book I thought had a good mix of dungeon clearing and other stuff, like character interactions.
This book literally has dungeon-powered time skips for the MC's relationship development! Like seriously??? Instead of you know actually showing their relationship develop, you literally had the dungeon magically create their relationship through a false 6-month time skip? Extremely disappointing. They finally get back to the islands and are immediately thrown into yet another crisis situation (another dungeon of course). That marks what, 4 or 5 crisis situations they are thrown into literally back-to-back? You can give your story a little room to breathe you know. Book basically becomes plot-only, with nothing else.
This book also really made the annoying deus ex machina trend apparent. Every important fight involves the characters miraculously pulling some new power out of their ass, whether it's a spontaneous evolution or magical spear-resurrection. The impact really diminishes when it happens 5+ times per book. Also, the ending was extremely predicable. I could tell from like... near the beginning of the book? That the Fallen was going to be released. However, I didn't think it would come as a result of Fitch being apparently literally impossible to kill, despite all logic and established powers. Book also started the dangerous precedent of breaking your own established system (*cough* breaking the rank disparity *cough*). It is basically a death knell for me when a progression fantasy starts subverting it's established rules. Just makes everything (including the progression part) meaningless.
Another thing that happens in this book (but more in book 2) is the extremely annoying references to other media. There are way too many semi-4th wall breaking jokes in the series. They are not subtle, and they feel really out of place. Also, please stop having the characters "coincidentally" come up with gaming terms to explain dungeon mechanics. Just (like in the better first book) have the terms be part of the dungeon, that is explained to them. I cringed so hard when Yanily said "durr overpowered is too long, how about OP?".
This book literally has dungeon-powered time skips for the MC's relationship development! Like seriously??? Instead of you know actually showing their relationship develop, you literally had the dungeon magically create their relationship through a false 6-month time skip? Extremely disappointing. They finally get back to the islands and are immediately thrown into yet another crisis situation (another dungeon of course). That marks what, 4 or 5 crisis situations they are thrown into literally back-to-back? You can give your story a little room to breathe you know. Book basically becomes plot-only, with nothing else.
This book also really made the annoying deus ex machina trend apparent. Every important fight involves the characters miraculously pulling some new power out of their ass, whether it's a spontaneous evolution or magical spear-resurrection. The impact really diminishes when it happens 5+ times per book. Also, the ending was extremely predicable. I could tell from like... near the beginning of the book? That the Fallen was going to be released. However, I didn't think it would come as a result of Fitch being apparently literally impossible to kill, despite all logic and established powers. Book also started the dangerous precedent of breaking your own established system (*cough* breaking the rank disparity *cough*). It is basically a death knell for me when a progression fantasy starts subverting it's established rules. Just makes everything (including the progression part) meaningless.
Another thing that happens in this book (but more in book 2) is the extremely annoying references to other media. There are way too many semi-4th wall breaking jokes in the series. They are not subtle, and they feel really out of place. Also, please stop having the characters "coincidentally" come up with gaming terms to explain dungeon mechanics. Just (like in the better first book) have the terms be part of the dungeon, that is explained to them. I cringed so hard when Yanily said "durr overpowered is too long, how about OP?".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2025
Low four stars/high three stars
I complimented Clarke for his creative monster fighting in the last book, and in this book I ding him for the same reason. His creativity hit a wall hard.
Four Stars:
Very creative is the story behind the story of the Fallen, the Enemy, Fallen Reach. Each section is well thought out and well fleshed out. It all takes the reader on a sensible trek through the overriding story arch.
Three Stars:
No new ideas for monster fighting, and basically no new skills. Just upgrades to existing skills. Here is how each monster fight progresses. Push button one on your keyboard, push button two, push button three. Now use Ever Changing +, then go back and push button two as your first option, then button one, then push button three on your keyboard. Cycle Ever Changing + again, now do three first, then two, then one. In Clarke's story, replace button one, with the skill name - and it still isn't any more exciting. Talk about speed reading? Forget that. I skipped whole pages, went to the end of the fight, read Hiral's killing blow, got his new upgrade, and moved on with the better parts of the story.
I knew it:
I complimented Clarke for his creative monster fighting in the last book, and in this book I ding him for the same reason. His creativity hit a wall hard.
Four Stars:
Very creative is the story behind the story of the Fallen, the Enemy, Fallen Reach. Each section is well thought out and well fleshed out. It all takes the reader on a sensible trek through the overriding story arch.
Three Stars:
No new ideas for monster fighting, and basically no new skills. Just upgrades to existing skills. Here is how each monster fight progresses. Push button one on your keyboard, push button two, push button three. Now use Ever Changing +, then go back and push button two as your first option, then button one, then push button three on your keyboard. Cycle Ever Changing + again, now do three first, then two, then one. In Clarke's story, replace button one, with the skill name - and it still isn't any more exciting. Talk about speed reading? Forget that. I skipped whole pages, went to the end of the fight, read Hiral's killing blow, got his new upgrade, and moved on with the better parts of the story.
I knew it:
August 30, 2024
Hard Time
I had a hard time with this one. I appreciate the effort and hard work that went into this 3rd book in the series, but I think I'm good on the rest of it about half way through this one.
I powered through the first two off of the potential of the initial set up. At this point, 3 books in, I can't say I find the route taken to have lived up to that potential. Also, and less important, I thought seenaxhiral seemed like it would be a cute ship in the first two. I find that with the development of the characters and the method of their development half through this book, it's actually just really an annoying dynamic and once I arrived there I realized I had been really struggling to turn the page for a bit.
I hope this is an enjoyable read for others, I'm sure there's a thrilling conclusion and some real quality bones in this one, if I had it in me to go to find them.
I had a hard time with this one. I appreciate the effort and hard work that went into this 3rd book in the series, but I think I'm good on the rest of it about half way through this one.
I powered through the first two off of the potential of the initial set up. At this point, 3 books in, I can't say I find the route taken to have lived up to that potential. Also, and less important, I thought seenaxhiral seemed like it would be a cute ship in the first two. I find that with the development of the characters and the method of their development half through this book, it's actually just really an annoying dynamic and once I arrived there I realized I had been really struggling to turn the page for a bit.
I hope this is an enjoyable read for others, I'm sure there's a thrilling conclusion and some real quality bones in this one, if I had it in me to go to find them.
May 27, 2025
Lot of the good stuff from previous books, we get a lot of history with fallen reach, a lot of loose ends are tired off and the stakes are very high as we approach the end of the book.
There was one particularly bad moment of pacing that I think bears mentioning, not trying to dissuade anyone from reading as its a good book but I have to say it. The party has an urgent situation they have to resolve (around 30/40% in if I recall) and yet they still get pulled into a dungeon before they can do it. There's a reason for it and it helps the next thing the party have to do. But it feels like a total side trip for the reader, and despite having a lot of important information in the dungeon and what would have been a good one on its own with some great scenes, it just had me desperate to have it done with so we could have them do the thing I think most readers have been waiting for since book 1.
There was one particularly bad moment of pacing that I think bears mentioning, not trying to dissuade anyone from reading as its a good book but I have to say it. The party has an urgent situation they have to resolve (around 30/40% in if I recall) and yet they still get pulled into a dungeon before they can do it. There's a reason for it and it helps the next thing the party have to do. But it feels like a total side trip for the reader, and despite having a lot of important information in the dungeon and what would have been a good one on its own with some great scenes, it just had me desperate to have it done with so we could have them do the thing I think most readers have been waiting for since book 1.
June 28, 2025
I was disappointed with this book, though perhaps not surprised. The previous books were getting repetitive - nothing but dungeons and fighting. This book hinted at a welcome departure from that. Unfortunately it didn't materialize. That issue is exacerbated by the fact that the authors continue killing off or otherwise eliminating party members to the point that I fully expect Hiral to be the only character left by the end of book 5. Lastly is the issue of plot armour. A fight going badly only for the situation to be rescued by a unique use of an ability, a well executed plan, or sheer grit can be very good when used sparingly. It's not though - that's how every major fight ends. In previous books it was at least figuring out the enemies weakness. In this book that seems to have devolved into the aforementioned plot armour just barely saving the day every time there's a challenge, which gets predictable. I won't be continuing the series.
April 20, 2024
Infinite⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I can not say enough how much I've enjoyed this series. I literally cried and cheered for this one. Although the story continues, I really appreciate how the authors provide closure instead of a cliffhanger. It's just as fun, witty, and exciting per usual, but you are left feeling satisfied.
I imagine if you're reading this, odds are you already know and enjoy the previous books. If you're randomly thinking about starting here - don't. You miss out on so much heart! I've been waiting for this ro come out for many long months, and it was 100% worth it.
I can not say enough how much I've enjoyed this series. I literally cried and cheered for this one. Although the story continues, I really appreciate how the authors provide closure instead of a cliffhanger. It's just as fun, witty, and exciting per usual, but you are left feeling satisfied.
I imagine if you're reading this, odds are you already know and enjoy the previous books. If you're randomly thinking about starting here - don't. You miss out on so much heart! I've been waiting for this ro come out for many long months, and it was 100% worth it.
April 18, 2024
Rune Seeker keeps getting better!!
I loved the world building and system introduced in the first book, with the second expanding the story and developing the threats to the world.
This book, though? This one takes those threats to whole new levels! The fruits of the characters' efforts are easily visible and made me often mentally fist pump with each of their advancements & successes.
Thompson & Clarke have knocked it out of the park with this series and I can't wait to continue reading with book 4!
I loved the world building and system introduced in the first book, with the second expanding the story and developing the threats to the world.
This book, though? This one takes those threats to whole new levels! The fruits of the characters' efforts are easily visible and made me often mentally fist pump with each of their advancements & successes.
Thompson & Clarke have knocked it out of the park with this series and I can't wait to continue reading with book 4!
July 2, 2025
Pretty Good
I wasn't such a huge fan of this one. The dungeon in the Grandfather had me just as confused as Hiral, and I didn't like him having chunks of time and information missing. I also wasn't a fan of his Seena's relationship, especially since both of them couldn't really actually remember it too clearly. To me, they flowed better as best friends and party mates than anything.
I wasn't such a huge fan of this one. The dungeon in the Grandfather had me just as confused as Hiral, and I didn't like him having chunks of time and information missing. I also wasn't a fan of his Seena's relationship, especially since both of them couldn't really actually remember it too clearly. To me, they flowed better as best friends and party mates than anything.
September 19, 2025
Rah rah!
In typical Runeseeker fashion, the book is absolutely filled to the brim with action. Well written and exciting scenes of action have always been one of the more enticing perks of the book but the story still holds depth beyond that aspect. Elements of mystery and adventure are another highlights of the story and the ever increasing threat keeps you on the edge enough to keep coming back for more. 10/10 rah rah!
In typical Runeseeker fashion, the book is absolutely filled to the brim with action. Well written and exciting scenes of action have always been one of the more enticing perks of the book but the story still holds depth beyond that aspect. Elements of mystery and adventure are another highlights of the story and the ever increasing threat keeps you on the edge enough to keep coming back for more. 10/10 rah rah!
April 19, 2024
better than the rest
Each books builds up momentum and only becomes better as the story progresses. Love the growth of the characters and the plot line. Fascinating system and world building. Must read series with lovable characters, adrenaline packed action and a riveting narrative to keep you awake long into the night.
Each books builds up momentum and only becomes better as the story progresses. Love the growth of the characters and the plot line. Fascinating system and world building. Must read series with lovable characters, adrenaline packed action and a riveting narrative to keep you awake long into the night.
April 22, 2024
This was a great read. Not as fast and fluid as the first 2 books but still lots of great world building, great humor adn continual character building and lots of challenges. The stat readouts are probably the only thing I would say needs to be more succinct and less overwhelming with the amounts of info given.
April 23, 2024
Jam Packed with action
This series is amazing for those who love adrenaline and action. The plot is a bit rudimentary, but the fight scenes and action make up for it. If you want an easy to read, and engaging book, this is for you. Just don’t expect an emotional deep thought provoking book.
This series is amazing for those who love adrenaline and action. The plot is a bit rudimentary, but the fight scenes and action make up for it. If you want an easy to read, and engaging book, this is for you. Just don’t expect an emotional deep thought provoking book.
January 7, 2025
I ran out of steam on this series. I didn't DNF, but theres too many things to keep track of. The characters just feel flattered, and the story feels like he's going to just keep winning against odds that should kill him without having the same explanations that made it fun/ plausible. It's not a bad book or series by any means, but im just out of gas on this book.
April 21, 2024
Amazing. Such good character development!
The progression is fantastic, and the story continues to create attachment to each of the characters. Very very much enjoyed this and can not wait for the number 4
The progression is fantastic, and the story continues to create attachment to each of the characters. Very very much enjoyed this and can not wait for the number 4
April 21, 2024
So satisfying!
This book answered a lot of questions, brought back old friends and enemies and still gave all the action you could want! Can’t wait to see how they continue to grow and save the world!
This book answered a lot of questions, brought back old friends and enemies and still gave all the action you could want! Can’t wait to see how they continue to grow and save the world!
April 23, 2024
Great story, bad grammar
The story is excellent, wonderful pacing with characters you care about. There is a lot here to like.
The grammar mistakes are quite distracting. I will continue reading books by this author knowing I will be entertained, hoping he'll hire an editor.
The story is excellent, wonderful pacing with characters you care about. There is a lot here to like.
The grammar mistakes are quite distracting. I will continue reading books by this author knowing I will be entertained, hoping he'll hire an editor.
April 23, 2024
Fantastic
Amazing. Totally excited to see what happens in the next book. A little upset they just briefly touched on the fact the group hit B-Rank and that we didn't get to learn about the new achievements but also really excited to see Hiral and Seena grow their relationship
Amazing. Totally excited to see what happens in the next book. A little upset they just briefly touched on the fact the group hit B-Rank and that we didn't get to learn about the new achievements but also really excited to see Hiral and Seena grow their relationship
April 25, 2024
Amazing, and frustrating.
It had to end like it did!?
The author sure knows how to keep us demanding more.
And if we don't get news about a certain relationship or two in the next book, there may be protests.
You really won't regret reading this one.
It had to end like it did!?
The author sure knows how to keep us demanding more.
And if we don't get news about a certain relationship or two in the next book, there may be protests.
You really won't regret reading this one.
April 26, 2024
Excellent continuation of the series. Where I had complained that the previous book felt a little one-note, this one was a symphony of all the right notes for me.
Uh ... do something?
Something Done: 0/1
So good.
December 6, 2024
Loved it!!
Really awesome return story. It was very intriguing learning more about the world of this series. I especially liked seeing more about the 2 different races of islanders. Can't wait to read more.
Really awesome return story. It was very intriguing learning more about the world of this series. I especially liked seeing more about the 2 different races of islanders. Can't wait to read more.
June 15, 2025
More of the same, and more!
More of the past and why things work the way they do get revealed. The pace gets faster and more urgent.
Very well written and narrated. Author is a master of show, don't tell.
Very impressed at the internal consistency of this series.
More of the past and why things work the way they do get revealed. The pace gets faster and more urgent.
Very well written and narrated. Author is a master of show, don't tell.
Very impressed at the internal consistency of this series.
April 30, 2024
good book
I really good fuck. I cannot wait to see the next book in the series. I’m hoping that there will be no more death in the main character party.
I really good fuck. I cannot wait to see the next book in the series. I’m hoping that there will be no more death in the main character party.
May 1, 2024
Amazing!
I downloaded the book as soon as I saw it was available, and interrupted the book I was reading to switch to this one. They are that good.
I downloaded the book as soon as I saw it was available, and interrupted the book I was reading to switch to this one. They are that good.
May 5, 2024
Love this series
A great read, fun fights, and a good story.
I do wish it didn't take too long to get to their goal though
A great read, fun fights, and a good story.
I do wish it didn't take too long to get to their goal though
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews