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Beyond The Mark: Ashes of the Hero
Flynn, a once-revered hero of his homeland, awakens after five years of forced slumber—only to find himself branded as the infamous "Marked Wraith," a fugitive accused of crimes he doesn’t remember committing. The world he left behind has changed dramatically, filled with new alliances, forbidden magic, and treacherous enemies who want him dead. Alone and hunted, Flynn must uncover the truth behind his lost years, confront those who betrayed him, and find a way to clear his name.
His path crosses with Orion, a mysterious mage looking for her next big score. Reluctantly drawn together, Flynn and Orion must learn to trust one another while facing both their inner demons and the physical dangers lurking in a world filled with deceit and hidden agendas. From blood-soaked battlefields to enigmatic manors harboring dark secrets, the duo must harness forbidden powers to stand a chance against Victor, the ruthless council leader whose ambitions threaten everything Flynn once stood for.
Filled with heart-pounding action, morally complex characters, and a dash of dark humor, Beyond The Mark is a tale of redemption, betrayal, and the fight for freedom in a world where loyalty is fleeting, and the truth can be as deadly as the lies.
Perfect for fans of dark fantasy, anti-heroes, and high-stakes adventure.
Will Flynn reclaim his lost honor, or will the darkness within consume him? Find out in Beyond The Mark, a gripping debut that’s sure to leave you breathless!
His path crosses with Orion, a mysterious mage looking for her next big score. Reluctantly drawn together, Flynn and Orion must learn to trust one another while facing both their inner demons and the physical dangers lurking in a world filled with deceit and hidden agendas. From blood-soaked battlefields to enigmatic manors harboring dark secrets, the duo must harness forbidden powers to stand a chance against Victor, the ruthless council leader whose ambitions threaten everything Flynn once stood for.
Filled with heart-pounding action, morally complex characters, and a dash of dark humor, Beyond The Mark is a tale of redemption, betrayal, and the fight for freedom in a world where loyalty is fleeting, and the truth can be as deadly as the lies.
Perfect for fans of dark fantasy, anti-heroes, and high-stakes adventure.
Will Flynn reclaim his lost honor, or will the darkness within consume him? Find out in Beyond The Mark, a gripping debut that’s sure to leave you breathless!
- GenresFantasy
335 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2024
41 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 10, 2025
A truly amazing, beautiful and wondrous novel and story, created to inspire, entertain readers with an ever changing perspective and sense of awe, a world created where change constantly taking your emotions on a rollercoaster.
Kevin Galiant has created a great first ever novel, which will make you feel, hope, anger, sadness and more.
His world building, and character development are flawless as can be seen here in this book, there are a few things that make this an easy read, however, it is a magnificent piece and first step in this journey.
He’s going to settle on his style in time, and will only improve his own focus, the only problem for my myself is that the cover art is not up to the standards of the industry and it’s causing the book to lack its shine and sparkle, as it could have done far better.
Saying that as a first time author and writer publishing his work, he had exceeded all expectations of what could be achieved by his own standards alone, he’s definitely not an author to be missed, as great things are coming from him in the future.
One of the best, unique works for 2025, glad to have been given the opportunity to read it.
Thanks Kevin.
Kevin Galiant has created a great first ever novel, which will make you feel, hope, anger, sadness and more.
His world building, and character development are flawless as can be seen here in this book, there are a few things that make this an easy read, however, it is a magnificent piece and first step in this journey.
He’s going to settle on his style in time, and will only improve his own focus, the only problem for my myself is that the cover art is not up to the standards of the industry and it’s causing the book to lack its shine and sparkle, as it could have done far better.
Saying that as a first time author and writer publishing his work, he had exceeded all expectations of what could be achieved by his own standards alone, he’s definitely not an author to be missed, as great things are coming from him in the future.
One of the best, unique works for 2025, glad to have been given the opportunity to read it.
Thanks Kevin.
August 14, 2025
Someone left a scathing review and I don’t think it was fair. Although this an easy read, it was a fun! I believe it’s the author’s first book and I congratulate him since it’s not easy to get this done.
Reading Beyond The Mark: Ashes of the Hero felt like gathering around the old gaming table again—dice in hand, maps spread out, and endless adventure ahead. Kevin Gallant captures that same mix of excitement, danger, and camaraderie I remember from my early D&D campaigns.
Flynn’s fall from hero to hunted “Marked Wraith” carries the ache of stories that have moved on without us, while his reluctant partnership with Orion recalls the mismatched party members who somehow became family. The twists, betrayals, and magic all land with the thrill of a well-played session—and the pang of knowing the night will end.
It’s an adventure that made me smile and reminisce; I remember why I fell in love with stories in the first place.
Reading Beyond The Mark: Ashes of the Hero felt like gathering around the old gaming table again—dice in hand, maps spread out, and endless adventure ahead. Kevin Gallant captures that same mix of excitement, danger, and camaraderie I remember from my early D&D campaigns.
Flynn’s fall from hero to hunted “Marked Wraith” carries the ache of stories that have moved on without us, while his reluctant partnership with Orion recalls the mismatched party members who somehow became family. The twists, betrayals, and magic all land with the thrill of a well-played session—and the pang of knowing the night will end.
It’s an adventure that made me smile and reminisce; I remember why I fell in love with stories in the first place.
December 29, 2024
This was cr@p, it reads like it was written by a 12 year old, it was formulaic, plodding, predictable, even the names that the author gave characters were childish: Flynn. Orion.
After reading the first few pages it was clear that the short story is cr@p, and going to the end of the story and reading back a few pages, I saw that it did not improve.
After reading the first few pages it was clear that the short story is cr@p, and going to the end of the story and reading back a few pages, I saw that it did not improve.
June 26, 2025
Great D&D type adventure story, was a lot of fun and easy to read. I really liked the ensemble cast and hope the series will carry on definitely interested to read more about Flynn and his crew of misfit magic heroes.
May 31, 2025
This was an ok debut novel. It started out strong and engaging. Then sort of fell flat during the middle. It got better by the last couple of chapters. The fight scenes were very well done, but interactions (outside the fight scenes) between the characters felt forced and awkward. I didn't really feel a connection to any of the characters. It had a great villain though.
April 13, 2025
This is a fantasy series that has some great elements. The characters of Flynn, Orion, Gemini, and even Victor, are well written and the dynamic with Flynn and Orion is solid.
Flynn, with no memory of the last several years finds out that he's the most wanted fugitive in the land, instead of the hero he had been. The story starts off with the events prior to Flynn's missing time. Then jumps to when he's found.
The journey Flynn and Orion take to try to find out answers, and clear his name, is the heart of your fantasy story.
The pacing is good, the story moves at a good pace and there is plenty of action. The plot and characters are engaging.
The story style and narrative flow felt a little choppy, especially in the first half of the book, but it fell into more of a natural rhythm by the last half. All the elements are there, it just needed a little polishing.
Bottom line, I did enjoy this and I would absolutely read the next book, not just to get answers, but because the story says the characters were enjoyable.
Flynn, with no memory of the last several years finds out that he's the most wanted fugitive in the land, instead of the hero he had been. The story starts off with the events prior to Flynn's missing time. Then jumps to when he's found.
The journey Flynn and Orion take to try to find out answers, and clear his name, is the heart of your fantasy story.
The pacing is good, the story moves at a good pace and there is plenty of action. The plot and characters are engaging.
The story style and narrative flow felt a little choppy, especially in the first half of the book, but it fell into more of a natural rhythm by the last half. All the elements are there, it just needed a little polishing.
Bottom line, I did enjoy this and I would absolutely read the next book, not just to get answers, but because the story says the characters were enjoyable.
January 15, 2025
I loved this story, However, I actually rated it as 3.5. I hope there is a second one coming! There is plenty this book left unsaid, and a whole new journey left to go on with these characters. Although I found myself asking a lot of questions that were never answered or explained fully. I loved the side characters, however their descriptions were sometimes repetitive, a certain one called "almost childlike" too many times in a short period. I'd like to see more of these characters, and where the story goes from here, hopefully having the questions I had answered!! ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2025
A decent story line, and a good first book for the author. I’d have love to have seen the characters develop more complex relationships and see them tested more.
I’m excited to see if the world gets more fleshed out as the series continues.
I’m excited to see if the world gets more fleshed out as the series continues.
September 30, 2025
Quick Summary:
Beyond the Mark is a dark fantasy adventure novel that follows the journey of two mages, Flynn and Orion. The story kicks off with Flynn engaged in battle alongside three heroes- Basil, Emily, and Maverick- against the Dark Mage. Near the conclusion of the confrontation, Flynn vanishes for 5 years. When he regains consciousness, he finds himself in a mead barrel owned by a ship captain named Orion. Orion is initially wary and distrustful of Flynn, explaining that he is a fugitive with a hefty bounty on his head. Flynn persuades Orion to cooperate by promising her that he will help search for a lost orb if she, in turn, helps him clear his name. The narrative invites readers to accompany Flynn and Orion on their quest to prove Flynn’s innocence, seek knowledge, build camaraderie, and above all, embark on thrilling adventures as they continue their struggle against evil.
The Review:
Beyond the Mark was an enjoyable, engaging, and quick read. It served as a refreshing change of pace after a heavy historical fiction novel. The experience reminded me of playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends- the story was filled with moments reminiscent of rolling critical fails and sweet natural 20s. It was evident that this first-time author thoroughly enjoyed crafting this work.
I relished the relationship between Orion and Flynn. Their dynamic reminded me of my own long-standing friendship with my best friend, which started off with hesitance but grew into something essential and irreplaceable. Likewise, Fynn and Orion’s relationship blossoms from a tentative connection into a bond where they care for, worry about, and rely on each other. Their witty and sarcastic banter added a lively element to the story and kept me entertained throughout.
As I read, I noticed that the pacing felt very rapid, with events unfolding quickly and without much buildup. It seemed as though everything happened within a span of five days. I believe the author could have devoted more time to developing the world, the magic system, and the backgrounds of the original heroes, as well as the new additions to Flynn’s group. More insight into Flynn’s past and the villain of Silverpeak would have added depth. I am hopeful that future installments will expand on character development and magic-building.
Flynn’s status as a level one mage and fighter after his disappearance was understandable, but I wanted to see more of his growth in basic skills—such as drawing water from a well or using his fire abilities. The prohibition on dark magic limited his capabilities, but the skills he did acquire, like flesh weaving and creating a dark magic vortex, were well-integrated and used effectively at key moments in the book.
The character Winston felt underdeveloped and rushed. Perhaps the author intentionally left gaps in Winston’s backstory to explore his hometown in a future book, allowing readers to learn more later. In contrast, Gemini’s character was well-crafted, with enough backstory and complexity to understand her motivations and see her growth throughout the story. Regarding Victor, I wished for more elaboration on his background and a deeper exploration of his motivations. While his demeanor was convincing and made him an effective antagonist, I wanted to be inside his mind to understand his choices.
One aspect that detracted from the experience was the author’s use of both first and third person narration. Personally, I prefer when an author selects one perspective and maintains it consistently throughout the book. However, I recognize that some readers may not find this bothersome, so this is just a matter of personal preference.
I am eagerly anticipating the release of the second book and plan to be among the first to purchase it. I am excited to see the author’s growth and to discover what happens next to these characters. I hope to see more world-building, character development, and a longer timeline of events in the sequel.
Overall, this novel was exactly what I needed—something mellow, engaging, and enjoyable. I give it a solid 3.7 out of 5.
IN CONCLUSION, READ THE FRACKING BOOK!
If interested in other books I have reviewed, check out my blog at https://treatyoshelfbookreviews.blogs...
Beyond the Mark is a dark fantasy adventure novel that follows the journey of two mages, Flynn and Orion. The story kicks off with Flynn engaged in battle alongside three heroes- Basil, Emily, and Maverick- against the Dark Mage. Near the conclusion of the confrontation, Flynn vanishes for 5 years. When he regains consciousness, he finds himself in a mead barrel owned by a ship captain named Orion. Orion is initially wary and distrustful of Flynn, explaining that he is a fugitive with a hefty bounty on his head. Flynn persuades Orion to cooperate by promising her that he will help search for a lost orb if she, in turn, helps him clear his name. The narrative invites readers to accompany Flynn and Orion on their quest to prove Flynn’s innocence, seek knowledge, build camaraderie, and above all, embark on thrilling adventures as they continue their struggle against evil.
The Review:
Beyond the Mark was an enjoyable, engaging, and quick read. It served as a refreshing change of pace after a heavy historical fiction novel. The experience reminded me of playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends- the story was filled with moments reminiscent of rolling critical fails and sweet natural 20s. It was evident that this first-time author thoroughly enjoyed crafting this work.
I relished the relationship between Orion and Flynn. Their dynamic reminded me of my own long-standing friendship with my best friend, which started off with hesitance but grew into something essential and irreplaceable. Likewise, Fynn and Orion’s relationship blossoms from a tentative connection into a bond where they care for, worry about, and rely on each other. Their witty and sarcastic banter added a lively element to the story and kept me entertained throughout.
As I read, I noticed that the pacing felt very rapid, with events unfolding quickly and without much buildup. It seemed as though everything happened within a span of five days. I believe the author could have devoted more time to developing the world, the magic system, and the backgrounds of the original heroes, as well as the new additions to Flynn’s group. More insight into Flynn’s past and the villain of Silverpeak would have added depth. I am hopeful that future installments will expand on character development and magic-building.
Flynn’s status as a level one mage and fighter after his disappearance was understandable, but I wanted to see more of his growth in basic skills—such as drawing water from a well or using his fire abilities. The prohibition on dark magic limited his capabilities, but the skills he did acquire, like flesh weaving and creating a dark magic vortex, were well-integrated and used effectively at key moments in the book.
The character Winston felt underdeveloped and rushed. Perhaps the author intentionally left gaps in Winston’s backstory to explore his hometown in a future book, allowing readers to learn more later. In contrast, Gemini’s character was well-crafted, with enough backstory and complexity to understand her motivations and see her growth throughout the story. Regarding Victor, I wished for more elaboration on his background and a deeper exploration of his motivations. While his demeanor was convincing and made him an effective antagonist, I wanted to be inside his mind to understand his choices.
One aspect that detracted from the experience was the author’s use of both first and third person narration. Personally, I prefer when an author selects one perspective and maintains it consistently throughout the book. However, I recognize that some readers may not find this bothersome, so this is just a matter of personal preference.
I am eagerly anticipating the release of the second book and plan to be among the first to purchase it. I am excited to see the author’s growth and to discover what happens next to these characters. I hope to see more world-building, character development, and a longer timeline of events in the sequel.
Overall, this novel was exactly what I needed—something mellow, engaging, and enjoyable. I give it a solid 3.7 out of 5.
IN CONCLUSION, READ THE FRACKING BOOK!
If interested in other books I have reviewed, check out my blog at https://treatyoshelfbookreviews.blogs...
March 7, 2025
I enjoyed this different take on magic and heroes. Flynn, the "Hero", appears in the story having been unconscious for five years. He's totally at sea on what's been happening since he blacked out. He's found by Orion, the female captain of a fishing boat, in a barrel brought in by her nets.
She knows enough of the history to inform Flynn that he's a wanted criminal, supposedly the mastermind of a criminal gang. That would be difficult for him since he was asleep for all those years. He was the designated Hero and we'd first met him battling a dark mage. Then he wakes up vaguely recalling his friends who were his fellow heroes. They have all disappeared as far as he knows.
Orion takes pity on him and says she'll bring him to the city of the mages to clear his name (he couldn't be the criminal everyone believed him to be).
The rest of the book follows Flynn and Orion on Flynn's road to discovery of who, what, when, why, and all those other questions he has.
So, the good part is following Flynn's slowly dawning self-discovery and that he was also a magic user, but of dark magic. Another problem to be solved.
The book is an interesting take on magic (each person has a particular skill or skills). I like the hero because he's not heroic, just a confused young man who needs help discovering himself. I like Orion because she's competent and willing to help Flynn in his journey.
No more plot from me. I don't like reviews that tell the whole story. Write your own book if you want, but leave this author's book to him.
Good job, Kevin Gallant. I'll be looking for the continuing story of Flynn and Orion, and the addition of another strong woman with magic and fighting skills, Gemini.
She knows enough of the history to inform Flynn that he's a wanted criminal, supposedly the mastermind of a criminal gang. That would be difficult for him since he was asleep for all those years. He was the designated Hero and we'd first met him battling a dark mage. Then he wakes up vaguely recalling his friends who were his fellow heroes. They have all disappeared as far as he knows.
Orion takes pity on him and says she'll bring him to the city of the mages to clear his name (he couldn't be the criminal everyone believed him to be).
The rest of the book follows Flynn and Orion on Flynn's road to discovery of who, what, when, why, and all those other questions he has.
So, the good part is following Flynn's slowly dawning self-discovery and that he was also a magic user, but of dark magic. Another problem to be solved.
The book is an interesting take on magic (each person has a particular skill or skills). I like the hero because he's not heroic, just a confused young man who needs help discovering himself. I like Orion because she's competent and willing to help Flynn in his journey.
No more plot from me. I don't like reviews that tell the whole story. Write your own book if you want, but leave this author's book to him.
Good job, Kevin Gallant. I'll be looking for the continuing story of Flynn and Orion, and the addition of another strong woman with magic and fighting skills, Gemini.
January 1, 2025
Ended up being unable to finish it.
It's a pretty basic Fantasy Story in general, doesn't take any real risks or do anything new and while I'm not one to say you always need to reinvent the wheel while making stories like this what I read was so formulaic I didn't feel a need to continue.
Some passages were very strange as well with wording and pacing that seemed odd given the context. I'm unsure if the author used ChatGP or some other generative AI for the writing, but some passages feel like they might have. If not that, then it feels like I'm reading a middle draft that still needed some more edits and changes before getting to the Final Draft. A few pages had Orion suddenly be referred to with male pronouns, despite being a girl, for instance.
Characters felt a bit bland, but I saw potential in where they were headed at the very least. I liked some of the interactions between Flynn and Orion and thought they had the potential of an interesting dynamic, but it always stopped short before getting anywhere.
If you want something simple and not needing to think about, then this book might be up your alley. But there are better books out there with simple stories like it if that's what you want.
It's a pretty basic Fantasy Story in general, doesn't take any real risks or do anything new and while I'm not one to say you always need to reinvent the wheel while making stories like this what I read was so formulaic I didn't feel a need to continue.
Some passages were very strange as well with wording and pacing that seemed odd given the context. I'm unsure if the author used ChatGP or some other generative AI for the writing, but some passages feel like they might have. If not that, then it feels like I'm reading a middle draft that still needed some more edits and changes before getting to the Final Draft. A few pages had Orion suddenly be referred to with male pronouns, despite being a girl, for instance.
Characters felt a bit bland, but I saw potential in where they were headed at the very least. I liked some of the interactions between Flynn and Orion and thought they had the potential of an interesting dynamic, but it always stopped short before getting anywhere.
If you want something simple and not needing to think about, then this book might be up your alley. But there are better books out there with simple stories like it if that's what you want.
January 6, 2025
I was excited about this book! Found the author on bluesky and love supporting indie authors, that being said, this book was disappointing. It was my first read for 2025 and I'm sad to say I dnfd it. I was a chapter & a half in. I literally could not get past the lack of editing, the repetitive writing style, & the way it didn't seem to flow together. I'm all for time jumps, but when you don't even acknowledge that's what's happening, it throws you.
I can't speak on the AI claims, but I can say for sure it did not seem like an editor/proofreader was a part of this process at all. The story was not ready to be called a final draft. The world itself doesn't make any sense either. Are they in some ancient times? Are they in modern times?
Also, how does one lock a ship up before they go? Seriously
I can't speak on the AI claims, but I can say for sure it did not seem like an editor/proofreader was a part of this process at all. The story was not ready to be called a final draft. The world itself doesn't make any sense either. Are they in some ancient times? Are they in modern times?
Also, how does one lock a ship up before they go? Seriously
December 28, 2024
suspenseful Fantasy
This was a very entertaining story, from the first page I felt apart of the story. I couldn’t put it down for I needed to know what came next. At time there was so much action it was hard to follow the characters and the story. If you are a die hard fantasy lover you will enjoy this story. I have high hopes for this author; his editing needs a little polishing, there were points the story was hard to follow. It was a very poignant thought provoking story. Good luck.
This was a very entertaining story, from the first page I felt apart of the story. I couldn’t put it down for I needed to know what came next. At time there was so much action it was hard to follow the characters and the story. If you are a die hard fantasy lover you will enjoy this story. I have high hopes for this author; his editing needs a little polishing, there were points the story was hard to follow. It was a very poignant thought provoking story. Good luck.
June 18, 2025
“Heroes don’t always win.” Flynn, Orion, Gemini, and Winston are my new friends. The world they live in is mystical, but the human relationships are relatable. Gallant paints a solid visual of the scenes and the action; I found myself wanting more character description. The final quarter of the book went too fast for me – I was hungry to know more about Winston and his motivations and their plan to escape Silverpeak. (Although, I suspect my curiosity will be satisfied in the next book.) Overall, an engaging read and worth the time. Looking forward to watching Gallant develop as an author!
March 6, 2025
I struggled with this book, and have chosen not to finish. I have a sense that there is a gem of a story tucked away somewhere but awkward delivery and erratic pacing made it hard to enjoy. Ultimately there are too many books on my TBR list to persist with something that isn’t bringing joy.
I tend to agree with other reviewers, either the author has relied too heavily on ChatGPT (or similar) or published a draft that needed further editing.
I wouldn’t recommend this edition to others.
I tend to agree with other reviewers, either the author has relied too heavily on ChatGPT (or similar) or published a draft that needed further editing.
I wouldn’t recommend this edition to others.
August 22, 2025
Despite a bit of a vague (intentionally mysterious?) opening, this was a pretty fun and quick read. Found myself wanting to know what was going to happen to these characters. If there's ever a follow-up I'm definitely going to need to read it to find out what happens next and also I need to know what happened to the hero's party!
My only other critique is that there is some editing needed, just for typos and inconsistencies.
My only other critique is that there is some editing needed, just for typos and inconsistencies.
September 29, 2025
I liked the theme of betrayal of friendship and the effect dark magic could have on a person. However, I feel this story could have been better if the charater's were better fleshed out, especially Victor.
October 24, 2025
#DNF.
Gallant couldn't keep the plotline straight over the course of the first dozen pages.
Gallant couldn't keep the plotline straight over the course of the first dozen pages.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews