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Morgan and Merlin's Excellent Adventures #1
Welcome to the Dark Ages
When Merlin needs a hero to save the world, he gets... well, me.
Fan-bloody-tastic.
I was supposed to be dead. Instead, I wake up face-down in Dark Age mud, possessing some poor bastard's body, while the ghost of history's most famous wizard rambles on about being murdered, cosmic energy and the end of all reality.
Just one tiny I know about as much about cultivation as a pig knows about particle physics.
Now I'm fumbling with mystical energy that feels like juggling nitroglycerin, trying not to get shanked by everyone and their grandmother, and dealing with Merlin's constant "helpful" commentary.
Something dark is rising in Arthurian Britain.
Something that made even Merlin scared. They say fate has a sense of humour. Turns out it's the kind that laughs while setting your hair on fire.
Welcome to the Dark Ages, where cultivation meets chaos, and the only thing sharper than a sword is my questionable wit.
Fan-bloody-tastic.
I was supposed to be dead. Instead, I wake up face-down in Dark Age mud, possessing some poor bastard's body, while the ghost of history's most famous wizard rambles on about being murdered, cosmic energy and the end of all reality.
Just one tiny I know about as much about cultivation as a pig knows about particle physics.
Now I'm fumbling with mystical energy that feels like juggling nitroglycerin, trying not to get shanked by everyone and their grandmother, and dealing with Merlin's constant "helpful" commentary.
Something dark is rising in Arthurian Britain.
Something that made even Merlin scared. They say fate has a sense of humour. Turns out it's the kind that laughs while setting your hair on fire.
Welcome to the Dark Ages, where cultivation meets chaos, and the only thing sharper than a sword is my questionable wit.
- GenresFantasy
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2025
77 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 30, 2025
I read this 1 while it was being written Over on royal road. I found it highly entertaining I laughed a lot. I remember the MC was a giant screw up But she always managed to land In a better position? That wasn't always a given or a positive. But I did find it to be a highly entertaining read. I would recommend this 1Just for fun to kill a day with.
March 13, 2025
This was a fun adventure of a book. Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. It has just the right pacing to keep me engaged and interested in what is happening next. This is not a book that takes itself seriously. The first few blatantly anachronistic uses of vocabulary definitely pulled me out for a brief rant at no one in particular. But with the completely unserious and snarky overall tone of the book, I quickly just accepted this as definitely not a book trying to be historically accurate and enjoyed the fun going on.
I will definitely be trying out the next book when it comes out. I would reccomend this book to those who enjoy litRPG or cultivation stories especially if they appreciate a lot of snark being thrown around.
Content: This book includes a lot of bad language constantly. And has frequent sexual metaphors and innuendo as well as threats and mentions of rape and potential rape. No sex occurs on the page.
There is much content in the book that is very crass, crude and irreverent. Much, much more than I prefer to read. Though I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the overall adventure. This crude content is what dropped what could have been a 5 star rating from me to 4 or 3 stars because of how frequent this personally undesirable content was in the book.
I will definitely be trying out the next book when it comes out. I would reccomend this book to those who enjoy litRPG or cultivation stories especially if they appreciate a lot of snark being thrown around.
Content: This book includes a lot of bad language constantly. And has frequent sexual metaphors and innuendo as well as threats and mentions of rape and potential rape. No sex occurs on the page.
There is much content in the book that is very crass, crude and irreverent. Much, much more than I prefer to read. Though I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the overall adventure. This crude content is what dropped what could have been a 5 star rating from me to 4 or 3 stars because of how frequent this personally undesirable content was in the book.
March 28, 2025
What a wild ride!
Imagine yourself cast in the magical medieval world of Merlin and Arthur and told you must become an accomplished QI-wielding cultivator (wizard) pretty darned quickly, or the world will end. Oh, the pressure to put on a 21st-century woman who, after topping herself by stepping in front of a lorry, instead of the sought-after eternal bliss, finds her soul transported into the body of a dead boy, face down in the mud in the middle of a battle with the Saxons.
This is the first book I have read from this author, and I totally LOVED IT! I appreciated the casual, comical and massively tongue-in-cheek interactions between the self-named reluctant wizard’s apprentice, Morgan, her mentor, Merlin (Big M) and Drynwyn, the foul-mouthed magical sword, the latter of which conducts itself everywhere like a veritable fire-breathing bull in a china shop.
If you are seeking a cross between the comedic stylings of Ben Elton and JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit, you need to get this book and start reading. You won’t be disappointed.
Imagine yourself cast in the magical medieval world of Merlin and Arthur and told you must become an accomplished QI-wielding cultivator (wizard) pretty darned quickly, or the world will end. Oh, the pressure to put on a 21st-century woman who, after topping herself by stepping in front of a lorry, instead of the sought-after eternal bliss, finds her soul transported into the body of a dead boy, face down in the mud in the middle of a battle with the Saxons.
This is the first book I have read from this author, and I totally LOVED IT! I appreciated the casual, comical and massively tongue-in-cheek interactions between the self-named reluctant wizard’s apprentice, Morgan, her mentor, Merlin (Big M) and Drynwyn, the foul-mouthed magical sword, the latter of which conducts itself everywhere like a veritable fire-breathing bull in a china shop.
If you are seeking a cross between the comedic stylings of Ben Elton and JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit, you need to get this book and start reading. You won’t be disappointed.
May 15, 2025
A Hilariously Clever Fantasy Romp Through Mud, Magic, and Mortal Peril
This book is a riotously clever, laugh-out-loud fantasy adventure that drops a very modern woman into a very muddy, medieval mess. After an untimely end involving a lorry, she wakes up in the body of a dead boy on a Saxon battlefield and is promptly told she needs to master magic—or the world ends. No pressure, right? What follows is a whirlwind of reluctant wizardry, ancient prophecies, and wildly inappropriate banter, all delivered with a sharp wit and a wonderfully irreverent tone.
The cast is pure comedic gold—especially the grumpy, no-nonsense Merlin and Drynwyn, a magical sword with the attitude of a drunken sailor and the subtlety of a siege engine. The dialogue crackles with sarcasm, the pacing never drags, and the whole thing feels like a lovechild of The Hobbit and Blackadder. If you’re in the mood for fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers big on magic and heart, this is absolutely the book to dive into.
This book is a riotously clever, laugh-out-loud fantasy adventure that drops a very modern woman into a very muddy, medieval mess. After an untimely end involving a lorry, she wakes up in the body of a dead boy on a Saxon battlefield and is promptly told she needs to master magic—or the world ends. No pressure, right? What follows is a whirlwind of reluctant wizardry, ancient prophecies, and wildly inappropriate banter, all delivered with a sharp wit and a wonderfully irreverent tone.
The cast is pure comedic gold—especially the grumpy, no-nonsense Merlin and Drynwyn, a magical sword with the attitude of a drunken sailor and the subtlety of a siege engine. The dialogue crackles with sarcasm, the pacing never drags, and the whole thing feels like a lovechild of The Hobbit and Blackadder. If you’re in the mood for fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers big on magic and heart, this is absolutely the book to dive into.
February 10, 2026
Welcome to the Dark Ages by Jake Malory is genuinely entertaining. The best part of the book is the banter between Merlin and Morgan. Their conversations are funny, sharp, and full of personality, and they add a lot of charm to the story.
I also really enjoyed the overall twist on the Arthurian legend. The main character being a modern woman suddenly dropped into the Dark Ages creates a lot of great moments. Her modern references and reactions feel natural and often made me laugh.
My only real issue is with the way the actual Dark Ages characters speak. Their dialogue sounds very modern, and I’m not sure if that was intentional. It makes sense for the main character to talk that way, but hearing the people from the historical timeline use modern phrasing pulled me out of the story a bit. It wasn’t enough to ruin the experience, but it was distracting.
Even with that, the book is clever, funny, and creative. If you like Arthurian retellings with humor and a fresh perspective, this one is definitely worth reading.
I also really enjoyed the overall twist on the Arthurian legend. The main character being a modern woman suddenly dropped into the Dark Ages creates a lot of great moments. Her modern references and reactions feel natural and often made me laugh.
My only real issue is with the way the actual Dark Ages characters speak. Their dialogue sounds very modern, and I’m not sure if that was intentional. It makes sense for the main character to talk that way, but hearing the people from the historical timeline use modern phrasing pulled me out of the story a bit. It wasn’t enough to ruin the experience, but it was distracting.
Even with that, the book is clever, funny, and creative. If you like Arthurian retellings with humor and a fresh perspective, this one is definitely worth reading.
April 22, 2025
A Magical and hilarious Journey Through History!
This novel is a clever, witty, and delightfully entertaining tale that blends history, magic, and humor in the most unexpected ways.
Morgn and Merlin, an unlikely and lovable duo, embark on a time-traveling adventure that lands them smack in the middle of the Dark Ages. What follows is a series of laugh-out-loud misadventures, curious encounters, and surprisingly heartwarming moments as they navigate medieval life with modern sensibilities—and just the right dose of chaos.
The writing is sharp, imaginative, and full of playful twists that keep young readers (and even adults!) turning the pages. It's the perfect mix of educational and entertaining—introducing bits of history while keeping the story fast-paced and fun.
A great read for middle grade readers or anyone who loves magical mayhem, unexpected friendships, and time-traveling tales with heart. Highly recommended!
This novel is a clever, witty, and delightfully entertaining tale that blends history, magic, and humor in the most unexpected ways.
Morgn and Merlin, an unlikely and lovable duo, embark on a time-traveling adventure that lands them smack in the middle of the Dark Ages. What follows is a series of laugh-out-loud misadventures, curious encounters, and surprisingly heartwarming moments as they navigate medieval life with modern sensibilities—and just the right dose of chaos.
The writing is sharp, imaginative, and full of playful twists that keep young readers (and even adults!) turning the pages. It's the perfect mix of educational and entertaining—introducing bits of history while keeping the story fast-paced and fun.
A great read for middle grade readers or anyone who loves magical mayhem, unexpected friendships, and time-traveling tales with heart. Highly recommended!
April 7, 2025
Sarcasm, Swords, and Spiritual Mayhem
This book delivers chaotic brilliance from page one. Imagine being dropped into a war-torn version of Arthurian Britain, inside someone else’s body, and told by a dead Merlin that you’re now humanity’s last hope. Sound insane? It is. And it works brilliantly.
The reluctant hero's voice is sharp, sarcastic, and delightfully self-aware, making his blundering journey through a world of cultivation, war, and ancient secrets all the more entertaining.
What starts as an irreverent romp slowly deepens into a genuinely gripping tale of identity, survival, and unexpected heroism. There’s real heart underneath the sass, and that balance makes the story shine.
It’s funny, brutal, and surprisingly thoughtful, think The Witcher with more wisecracks and slightly less brooding.
This book delivers chaotic brilliance from page one. Imagine being dropped into a war-torn version of Arthurian Britain, inside someone else’s body, and told by a dead Merlin that you’re now humanity’s last hope. Sound insane? It is. And it works brilliantly.
The reluctant hero's voice is sharp, sarcastic, and delightfully self-aware, making his blundering journey through a world of cultivation, war, and ancient secrets all the more entertaining.
What starts as an irreverent romp slowly deepens into a genuinely gripping tale of identity, survival, and unexpected heroism. There’s real heart underneath the sass, and that balance makes the story shine.
It’s funny, brutal, and surprisingly thoughtful, think The Witcher with more wisecracks and slightly less brooding.
April 8, 2025
“Welcome to the Dark Ages (Morgan and Merlin's Excellent Adventures Book 1)”
by Jake Malory is a quirky and irreverent adventure tale. A wise-talking modern woman is snatched from the jaws of death to inhabit the newly deceased body of a warrior. The legendary magician, Merlin, informs her that he needs her to save the world; specifically, she needs to ensure that Prince Arthur becomes king. Merlin is accommodating and allows her to switch to a female body. In this story, Prince Arthur is a notorious womanizer who gets every female around him pregnant except his wife. A fun read, chock full of movie references.
by Jake Malory is a quirky and irreverent adventure tale. A wise-talking modern woman is snatched from the jaws of death to inhabit the newly deceased body of a warrior. The legendary magician, Merlin, informs her that he needs her to save the world; specifically, she needs to ensure that Prince Arthur becomes king. Merlin is accommodating and allows her to switch to a female body. In this story, Prince Arthur is a notorious womanizer who gets every female around him pregnant except his wife. A fun read, chock full of movie references.
April 12, 2025
The Dark Ages Just Got Wilder
Forget everything you thought you knew about Arthurian legend, this book flips it on its enchanted head. Our hero, plucked from death and dropped into the body of a random medieval bloke, stumbles through blood-soaked fields, ancient magic, and some truly questionable life choices, all while Merlin’s ghost nags like a cosmic backseat driver. It’s chaotic, irreverent, and loaded with snark, but also full of clever worldbuilding and genuine stakes. Between explosive magical mishaps and reluctant heroism, it somehow finds moments of real depth and growth. Bold, bizarre, and completely brilliant.
Forget everything you thought you knew about Arthurian legend, this book flips it on its enchanted head. Our hero, plucked from death and dropped into the body of a random medieval bloke, stumbles through blood-soaked fields, ancient magic, and some truly questionable life choices, all while Merlin’s ghost nags like a cosmic backseat driver. It’s chaotic, irreverent, and loaded with snark, but also full of clever worldbuilding and genuine stakes. Between explosive magical mishaps and reluctant heroism, it somehow finds moments of real depth and growth. Bold, bizarre, and completely brilliant.
March 11, 2025
Exciting & Unusual
A change of pace for Malory to the usual offerings as we learn just how much the medieval world would be with this alternate look.
Having a modern-day resident end up being part of history and magic via cultivation is definitely a twist, and I love how we end up exploring this premise. The characters and world building are top notch and make this an exciting new read to get your teeth into.
A change of pace for Malory to the usual offerings as we learn just how much the medieval world would be with this alternate look.
Having a modern-day resident end up being part of history and magic via cultivation is definitely a twist, and I love how we end up exploring this premise. The characters and world building are top notch and make this an exciting new read to get your teeth into.
March 22, 2025
A Hilarious, High-Stakes Adventure Through Arthurian Chaos!
What happens when a modern mind is thrown into the brutal world of Dark Age Britain with zero survival skills and a wizard who won’t shut up? Absolute mayhem.
This book is a brilliant mix of humor, high-stakes action, and an unconventional take on cultivation.
If you love fast-paced fantasy with snark, magic, and a protagonist who somehow fumbles his way into greatness, this is a must-read!
What happens when a modern mind is thrown into the brutal world of Dark Age Britain with zero survival skills and a wizard who won’t shut up? Absolute mayhem.
This book is a brilliant mix of humor, high-stakes action, and an unconventional take on cultivation.
If you love fast-paced fantasy with snark, magic, and a protagonist who somehow fumbles his way into greatness, this is a must-read!
March 19, 2025
Amazing 😍
This is a wildly entertaining mix of humor, action, and mythological chaos. The protagonist’s sarcastic voice makes it a fun ride, while the darker elements looming doom, ancient forces, and the brutal reality of the Dark Ages give it real weight. The cultivation aspects might take some getting used to for new readers, but the fresh spin on Arthurian legend is more than worth it.
This is a wildly entertaining mix of humor, action, and mythological chaos. The protagonist’s sarcastic voice makes it a fun ride, while the darker elements looming doom, ancient forces, and the brutal reality of the Dark Ages give it real weight. The cultivation aspects might take some getting used to for new readers, but the fresh spin on Arthurian legend is more than worth it.
March 21, 2025
Arthurian mischief and mayhem!
This is hilarious! Some of the delightful chaos of Monty Python mixed with a modern dark sense of humor all crammed into traditional Arthurian garb. Some fantastic one liners and an irreverent delightful approach to the myth of the once and future king, it’s fantastic!
This is hilarious! Some of the delightful chaos of Monty Python mixed with a modern dark sense of humor all crammed into traditional Arthurian garb. Some fantastic one liners and an irreverent delightful approach to the myth of the once and future king, it’s fantastic!
May 16, 2025
I thought the premise was very creative. The setting of King Arthur and Merlin was not one that I would have anticipated. The MC employed the HWFWM strategy of confusion through random references. The humor was on the irreverent side of things. This was a cultivation novel with an OP MC. Overall, it was a good start.
February 10, 2026
Comedic gold. This definitely got me out of a horrendous reading slump. I haven’t giggled and laughed so hard when reading a book in so long. Definitely a great LITRPG story with all the snark, sass and Medieval war you could dream of. Highly recommend to anyone trying to scratch the DCC itch that appreciates a good Merlin tale. I cannot wait to finish this series.
February 14, 2026
dark ages but fun
This book was such a fun read. It follows the story of Merlin and Morgan Le Fay as she takes on her role as Merlin’s apprentice.
It’s full of amazingly fun pop culture references that will make you laugh out loud.
Going to start the second part of the story straight away. Do recomend.
This book was such a fun read. It follows the story of Merlin and Morgan Le Fay as she takes on her role as Merlin’s apprentice.
It’s full of amazingly fun pop culture references that will make you laugh out loud.
Going to start the second part of the story straight away. Do recomend.
August 6, 2025
Combine a foul-mouthed sword, a disembodied Merlin, and a self-destructive main character, throw them into the Early Middle Ages with a pinch of pop culture & a dash of cultivation, and you might come close to the farcical chaos that is Welcome to the Dark Ages.
March 11, 2025
This is simply hilarious. Very well written and, impossibly, a fresh new take on Arthur, Merlin and his cultivator.
April 5, 2025
I appreciated the dry, acerbic exchanges between the characters. It was a creatively immersive read in the dark fantasy genre.
February 2, 2026
This book is incredibly funny. I could not put it down! I actually LOL’d multiple times.
March 17, 2025
I loved the sharp humor, rich world-building, and the mix of Arthurian legend with cultivation. The MC’s wit and Merlin’s ghostly commentary kept me laughing, while the story kept the action and intrigue going strong. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews