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It turns out that the same skills that let Mark fix machines work on people, too. The mismanagement at the local Association has left quite a backlog of folks who need a little help. Mark’s dad thinks Mark is the man for the job. If that wasn’t enough to keep Mark on his toes, there’s always his love life to worry about.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 6, 2024

261 people are currently reading
307 people want to read

About the author

Jerry Boyd

67 books287 followers
I’m a house husband. I keep things together while my wonderful wife makes our living. I’ve worked as a machinist, short order cook, electronics assembly tech, and several other jobs. My hobbies include vehicle maintenance, (I’ve had the transmission out of my truck. Twice) free flight airplanes, electronics, and shooting.
I was born and raised in the Ozarks, and now live in Mid-Missouri.

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5 stars
850 (62%)
4 stars
360 (26%)
3 stars
111 (8%)
2 stars
24 (1%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Laurel.
605 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2024
This is the second book in Boyd's fantasy series following Mark, a machinist who discovers he has magic as an adult. This story is very much typical of Jerry Boyd. It's cozy, has found family (literally in the first book) and shows the main character progressing to get more powerful, while helping those around him and making the world better.

I like Jerry Boyd's books because I know what to expect from them and it's low stakes, slice of life, cozy palate cleanser that makes the world feel safe and like there are good people out there. If you like a book (or series, as that's what he does best) that will make you happier when the book is done, read some Jerry Boyd.
60 reviews
August 12, 2024
Felt rushed

The overpowered MC finds the source of the magical evil in the world, gets a first date, becomes the most powerful healer, has tons of people attacking with no motivation given and then married by the end of the book with only 2 dates and knowing the girl for about 2 weeks at most. I generally like Mr. Boyd's books, but he seems to be using a formula where he repeats the same thing every day. Like wanting to attack the alarm clock and not using contractions like don't. It makes me feel like an A.I. is writing the book. I'll read the next book, but I am starting to just skim some chapters.
631 reviews15 followers
August 12, 2024
Nope

They asked for his help but they did not answer any of his question just stated don't make this more difficult.. This response should have thrown up red flags!!
248 reviews6 followers
August 14, 2024
NTS: Do not continue series

So boring and repetitive with no resolution of any of the conflicts. Incomplete novel.
Profile Image for Pamela Cunningham.
723 reviews
October 21, 2024
This is Book two Of (The Fat Man's Gift ) Book series .

This was a decent read but I have to say that I'm of two minds about this Book . First this book felt more like I was reading a young adult/ fantasy book with all the stupid tropes that go along with it . Instead of a modern fantasy /magical romance maybe it was the writing or the fact that most authors feel as though there has to be a love interest in order to push the story forward when there really doesn't . But what bothered me the most was Gladys Mark's mother who kept going on about grandbabies you said that Mark and Denise was not part of a breeding program but it sure felt like it . Also the way Mark and Denise got together and than got married was crazy It felt to fast and forced it was ridiculous they went on like two dates . How are we supposed to believe that these two are in love when they barely know each other . But what I do like your reasoning for how magic got into our world it was different and unique plus there's the mystery of the world where the bad magic comes from . Also who are the people behind this anti magic group that has been attacking mark and his family and the magicians working with them .
137 reviews
August 27, 2024
Good storytelling skills at play in this work.

The only negatives were 1. the disturbing fixation on the protagonist breeding/mating. And 2. the excessively polite dialog between the characters.

I have lived in the U.S. Midwest and West. I don't know what part of the U.S. has folks communicating like a combination of the Stepford Wives & the Andy Griffith show. Not a deal breaker, but a bit weird to read about people falling all over themselves avoiding any word that might offend another. Maybe this is how folks sound in the Southern States? No clue...
584 reviews
October 1, 2024
MC is a close copy of the MC of his other series

Another great read. Slice of life Urban Magic Fantasy is how I would describe it, similar to his other series which would be Slice of Life Science Fiction. The author has a particular turn of phrase that keeps cropping up in his books making them feel very similar. He also likes a quick wedding as soon as characters are sure, bam they are married off, no long engagement periods, one or two dates is all it takes. A good read, but I finished it the same day I started it, lucky I had a day off.
Profile Image for Lori.
162 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2024
A good sequel, now waiting for book 3...

I enjoyed this almost as much as book 1.
Don't start with his one, read them in order.
While this has a good ending point, from context and plot there will be at least one more book, but it wouldn't surprise me if there were several more to come. This plot line has so many different directions it could go in, subplots, etc. So many possibilities.
166 reviews3 followers
August 24, 2024
2nd book is as enjoyable as the 1st. Can't wait for the 3rd!

Finished book 1 this morning. Finished book 2 this evening. If book 3 was out, I'd probably finish it tonight! I'm thoroughly enjoying this series, and I'm about to start on something new from the author.
Again, it is an interesting magic system, fun MC and supporting characters, and an intriguing plotline. I can't wait to see what comes next.
395 reviews15 followers
September 9, 2024
great writing but annoying

The plot lines are good but super annoying. We spent the entire first book being beat over the head about how the government can’t know Marks true parentage or bad things will happen. His parents spent 20+ years apart to insure the world didn’t know Marks genealogy only for Mark to turn around and tell EVERY single person and government official he meets that his grandparents have him their magic and Roy is his dad. It’s low key infuriating
2 reviews
November 21, 2024
Fun read but the main character is a bit too good at everything

In this series so far, the good guys are very very good and the bad guys are very very bad. Most of the (good) characters are constantly commenting on how talented and wonderful the main character is. It’s kind of one dimensional. It reminds me of the Hardy boys series I read long ago from books my dad had kept since he was a kid.
41 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2024
Enjoyable read 👍

Really good read, enjoyable world of magic, the intriguing questions keep me interested in the who the what and the where is the going are great, as with all of the books Mr. Boyd has written I can't wait to watch this group expand and experience all the author can put them through
Profile Image for Wilbur G. Lloyd, Jr..
93 reviews
August 9, 2024
Better then book1

Mystery!? I love mystery myself. Now I'm going to have to wait until the next book to maybe find out who the the bad guys are. Now I'm not thinking about what this magic. I'm wondering who cast those weird evil spells. Mysteries are a good way to get where I want to be.
335 reviews24 followers
August 12, 2024
A really good and nice read!

Really enjoying this series. Thiz book was both fun and practical with Mark developing and exploring magic. His relationships with family and friends and the Association, etc. are coming around too. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series! A very nice read!
253 reviews
August 13, 2024
interesting and entertaining

It is not a great literary work but it is interesting and entertaining. I am willing to keep following the series with next book when it arrives. I do generally like to wait for more books but since grabbed first one out will just stay with it. Plus if the author other series is an example could get behind quickly and then have 10 books out!
Profile Image for Keith.
2,142 reviews6 followers
August 15, 2024
A New World Order

The second installment carries the same sense of purpose and mystery as was in book 1. Jerry stays true to form with his narrative, creating believable characters, and providing enough conflict/resolution cycles to maintain steady interest. Book 2 ends with some story threads resolved and others in progress, with the reader leaning into the next installment.
Profile Image for Jim Phillips.
970 reviews3 followers
August 16, 2024
This seems a good setup book

This seems a good setup book. We've established the players vanquished the mini-boss and re-secured the magic platform. The epilogue was crap . our hero didn't even make it home to get the girl. Endings like this prove that the earth is flat and you can fall off. On the flip side I look forward to book 3.
150 reviews4 followers
September 23, 2024
Great fun to read

Another excellent book by Jerry Boyd! I'm so glad he has started writing and getting his books out quickly. I love his Bob and Nikki series and now I'm hooked on Mark's adventures. Two totally different universes but with the same, ethical foundations.
Thanks, Jerry, for being such a wonderful and talented Bard.
21 reviews
September 23, 2024
Fun read

I like Mr. Boyd's writing. I am a little sorry I found it so early in its development, since I'm all caught and have to wait for the next volume.
My only criticism is that he needs to add chapter breaks. It is hard to put any book down in the middle of a chapter. This is an issue with his Bob and Nikki series, too. It doesn't stop me from reading them, though.
27 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2024
Such good people

I love the way he uses dialogue to tell the story here. He doesn't put anybody to sleep. And the story just keeps moving right along period and these are good people period it's a joy to read about good people do and good things for more people. I think I might just read every book.He puts out okay don't know
😃
18 reviews
August 8, 2024
Jerry Boyd is always fun

I finished it this morning!!! I love this universe. I can hardly wait for # 3. Everything you write seems to be family friendly with just the right level of ominous in the story.
2 reviews
August 10, 2024
great book! wonderful series!

Fantastic read! I love the development of our hero Mark! Best thing I can say is, it’s a great read and you don’t want to put it down until you you are finished reading it!
6 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2024
Another fun read

Jerry Boyd’s Bob and Nikki series continues to entertain me. This new series is just as much fun. Interesting characters and situations, I look forward to the next book!
108 reviews
August 16, 2024
The mystery is heating up.

Mark is learning more, and growing into his magic. But something else is going on. People seem to have it in for him. Is it people who are just uncomfortable with magic, or is something larger going on?
3 reviews
August 17, 2024
i have read all 49 of the of the Bib & Nikki books and love them all, while I am waiting for book 50 I decided to read the Dr. Mark series and they are even Better than the Bob & Nikki series. I can't wait for the next Dr. Mark book.
Profile Image for Michael Wooten.
371 reviews12 followers
August 18, 2024
Nice sophomore. Edition

Of course with 48 books in the other series, it is safe to say JB has the process down. I do wonder if Caveman Bob has a cousin on a planet where magic works. Or Missouri in that other dimension Earth is just like Earth Prime
17 reviews
August 19, 2024
another winner

I thoroughly enjoy his Bob and Nickie series, and this is a total surprise! Another great series??? I hope so! I love that his stories can be told without being vulgar or filled with foul language. Keep going Jerry!
Profile Image for Andrew.
75 reviews
August 20, 2024
As good or better

Good Ole Mark... Bumbling thru he keeps finding the bad magic and finally finds his own girl.
Side issue:The girl he liked had found another girl. Bad guys hating magic and maybe hints of bad magic guys setting them up to give trouble.
1,037 reviews4 followers
September 3, 2024
Fun read....

Okay it looks like this Series books is going to continue, Or at least I hope it is. I'm really enjoying the story of the intricacy of magic the main characters are dealing with.
4 reviews
September 3, 2024
New series, Old Skill

I have all of BSR and get each new book as it comes out.
With the Mark books I of course lost two day's. I think that your books show how be honorable and strong.
Can still part of daily life.

Thomas Jay Hogan USN/RET
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

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