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The Chosen #4
The Oldest Foe: An Epic Dark Fantasy Series
The Oldest Foe
Some battles never end, some enemies never die, and some legends never fade.
Banished for fear of the darkness and power within her, Malina finally found a place to call home. Love has tamed her inner daemons, and for the first time, she knows peace.
But immortality is not the gift she hoped for. Time reveals painful truths, knowledge doesn’t always bring wisdom, good intentions can lead to ruin, and the past never stays buried. When the echoes of old mistakes resurface, Malina is thrust back into a role she thought long behind her.
As war looms once more, she must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to protect the one she loves and all she holds dear.
Some battles never end, some enemies never die, and some legends never fade.
Banished for fear of the darkness and power within her, Malina finally found a place to call home. Love has tamed her inner daemons, and for the first time, she knows peace.
But immortality is not the gift she hoped for. Time reveals painful truths, knowledge doesn’t always bring wisdom, good intentions can lead to ruin, and the past never stays buried. When the echoes of old mistakes resurface, Malina is thrust back into a role she thought long behind her.
As war looms once more, she must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to protect the one she loves and all she holds dear.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2025
436 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Marcus Lee
54 books13 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name
For other authors of this name, see:
Marcus Lee - Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name
For other authors of this name, see:
Marcus Lee - Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 23, 2025
absolutely amazing! can’t wait for more!
Completely enthralled with this series! Could easily sit and read another 20 books about the amazing worlds and characters. Such a good story and love the depth.
Completely enthralled with this series! Could easily sit and read another 20 books about the amazing worlds and characters. Such a good story and love the depth.
March 6, 2026
This started off somewhat different to the other in the series, and i can’t lie i was getting a bit bored of all the same tropes and repeated lines. However sticking to the book showed that it was a great continuation of the story and had some really interesting plots that have developed.
September 5, 2025
I feel like I'm reading the same story on repeat except for now the retelling of Nogoths story through Malinas actions. I enjoyed it but honestly, I feel like this is where my journey ends lol. It had SOOOOO much potential. Sigh
January 20, 2026
This was easily the strongest of the book series so far. The storyline was more engaging than the previous three books, with higher stakes and moments that genuinely held my attention. It finally felt like things were moving somewhere meaningful, which made it a more satisfying read overall.
That said, I still had a few “wtf” moments, especially when certain characters made choices or when things suddenly happened to them without much buildup.
The timeline also got confusing at times. The use of *** to show that time had passed wasn’t clear, and I found myself having to stop and go backwards and forwards until I worked out ‘oh right, time has moved on’
Honestly - just use these words: ‘1 week later’ - it’s so simple and will help the storyline - PLEASE 🙏🏻😭
Secondly? I’m also getting seriously over The All Father. His storyline has become ridiculous, particularly the way he continues to survive despite being killed over and over again. After everything Malina did — including what can only be described as an unhinged, “surely this is the point of no return” level of carnage involving babies and their mothers (I will say no more 🙉🙈) — I genuinely thought this would finally be the end of him. It felt like the narrative equivalent of burning the house down and salting the earth. But nope. Somehow, he survives again, which really undercut what should have been a definitive turning point.
Finally : I’m starting to believe Malina will never be truly happy. She’s always at war with herself or with others — and maybe that constant conflict is the only thing she actually knows 🤔🤔
That said, I still had a few “wtf” moments, especially when certain characters made choices or when things suddenly happened to them without much buildup.
The timeline also got confusing at times. The use of *** to show that time had passed wasn’t clear, and I found myself having to stop and go backwards and forwards until I worked out ‘oh right, time has moved on’
Honestly - just use these words: ‘1 week later’ - it’s so simple and will help the storyline - PLEASE 🙏🏻😭
Secondly? I’m also getting seriously over The All Father. His storyline has become ridiculous, particularly the way he continues to survive despite being killed over and over again. After everything Malina did — including what can only be described as an unhinged, “surely this is the point of no return” level of carnage involving babies and their mothers (I will say no more 🙉🙈) — I genuinely thought this would finally be the end of him. It felt like the narrative equivalent of burning the house down and salting the earth. But nope. Somehow, he survives again, which really undercut what should have been a definitive turning point.
Finally : I’m starting to believe Malina will never be truly happy. She’s always at war with herself or with others — and maybe that constant conflict is the only thing she actually knows 🤔🤔
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2025
Wow! This book was phenomenal. That last sentence gave me chills.
In this fourth book, Malina's journey takes her back home. She's lived 400 years in the Fae world, and now finally, she's come home. But here, it's been 4000 years, and Marcus didn't disappoint. The world has evolved. Pushed the old magic to the side to make way for science and guns. But the new world hasn't forgotten her or the fae, in fact, she's known to them as their greatest enemy. And they are ready for her!
Malina, cut off from her Fae world and Lotane, is forced to adapt to this new world's technology, and she faces so many challenges along the way. She makes new allies, faces betrayal and heartache. And she begins to realize maybe she had it wrong the whole time...
This book had me utterly hooked. There were a few things in the very final chapter that didn't make sense to me, but other than that, it flowed well. I was bummed we didn't see more of Lotane, but perhaps we will see him more in the next book. All in all, I'd give it 10 stars if I could. Definitely a must read for dark fantasy lovers!
In this fourth book, Malina's journey takes her back home. She's lived 400 years in the Fae world, and now finally, she's come home. But here, it's been 4000 years, and Marcus didn't disappoint. The world has evolved. Pushed the old magic to the side to make way for science and guns. But the new world hasn't forgotten her or the fae, in fact, she's known to them as their greatest enemy. And they are ready for her!
Malina, cut off from her Fae world and Lotane, is forced to adapt to this new world's technology, and she faces so many challenges along the way. She makes new allies, faces betrayal and heartache. And she begins to realize maybe she had it wrong the whole time...
This book had me utterly hooked. There were a few things in the very final chapter that didn't make sense to me, but other than that, it flowed well. I was bummed we didn't see more of Lotane, but perhaps we will see him more in the next book. All in all, I'd give it 10 stars if I could. Definitely a must read for dark fantasy lovers!
August 16, 2025
Wow! What a rush! This series will have your heart pumping
I left a review on the first book so everyone can see that they should read this series. The writing is so creative and I bonded with the characters and the pain they all went through. Malina is the dark heroine that reminds me of another favorite character of mine. The Prince of Thorns. They are secure in their darkness but let their conscience help guide them to be better in their choices though most are hard and makes you wonder what you would do on the same position. I would love to see more of Malina in the future but am excited to immerse myself into any story told by Marcus Lee.
I left a review on the first book so everyone can see that they should read this series. The writing is so creative and I bonded with the characters and the pain they all went through. Malina is the dark heroine that reminds me of another favorite character of mine. The Prince of Thorns. They are secure in their darkness but let their conscience help guide them to be better in their choices though most are hard and makes you wonder what you would do on the same position. I would love to see more of Malina in the future but am excited to immerse myself into any story told by Marcus Lee.
March 17, 2025
Finally! Coming full circle
From the moment I read the first 3 books after surgery to finding out there would be 2 more, I have been waiting on the edge of my seat for this book. It does not disappoint! There are some typos (minor), nothing that would detract from the story.
Malina comes comes full circle in her life, and understanding of the mantle she has taken on. In true fashion of this author, one is given bread crumbs throughout that could turn in to something more or may not, leaving the reader interested, thinking, and wondering what is next.
From the moment I read the first 3 books after surgery to finding out there would be 2 more, I have been waiting on the edge of my seat for this book. It does not disappoint! There are some typos (minor), nothing that would detract from the story.
Malina comes comes full circle in her life, and understanding of the mantle she has taken on. In true fashion of this author, one is given bread crumbs throughout that could turn in to something more or may not, leaving the reader interested, thinking, and wondering what is next.
September 2, 2025
Say goodbye to a good nights sleep
This book (along with the previous 3) is absolutely fantastic. I’ve completely wrecked my sleeping schedule because of it. It takes place 4 Millenium after the events of the first 3 books and the world is completely different, medieval weaponry is a thing of the past and guns are the weapons of choice. Malina has to adapt to this new world and find a way to survive without magic. I can’t wait for the 5th book.
This book (along with the previous 3) is absolutely fantastic. I’ve completely wrecked my sleeping schedule because of it. It takes place 4 Millenium after the events of the first 3 books and the world is completely different, medieval weaponry is a thing of the past and guns are the weapons of choice. Malina has to adapt to this new world and find a way to survive without magic. I can’t wait for the 5th book.
September 29, 2025
Great book, I wasn't overly fond of the beginning but everything happens for a reason it would seem. It ends well but I certainly hope that we get a deeper dive into her exploration with her magic and surely there's a "journal" of sorts out there that Nogoth left behind for Malina. The ending is great and will make you excited for the 5th book. I have a pretty good idea where it will go and it would seem Malina is taking up another mantel left behind by a favored character early in the series.
March 17, 2025
An epic, fantasy, dystopian world
So loving this series, it’s on such an epic scale, the character and world building is truly incredible, falling in love with the ‘chosen’ Malina finds throughout these books is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, I can’t wait for book 5
So loving this series, it’s on such an epic scale, the character and world building is truly incredible, falling in love with the ‘chosen’ Malina finds throughout these books is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time, I can’t wait for book 5
March 20, 2025
Another brilliant book
Another brilliant book from Marcus Lee. His writing draws you in and connects you with the worlds and characters he brings to life. I'm not going to say much about the plot in fear of ruining it for others but this is another solid chapter within The Chosen saga.
Another brilliant book from Marcus Lee. His writing draws you in and connects you with the worlds and characters he brings to life. I'm not going to say much about the plot in fear of ruining it for others but this is another solid chapter within The Chosen saga.
March 21, 2025
clean hardcore fantasy
Incredible world building. Beautiful storytelling. Dynamic characters. The FMC makes me a little crazy but that’s probably because she is me and I am her: overthink everything except the stuff I should overthink lol
I loved how unpredictable the storyline was . Poor Malina! 🙈
Incredible world building. Beautiful storytelling. Dynamic characters. The FMC makes me a little crazy but that’s probably because she is me and I am her: overthink everything except the stuff I should overthink lol
I loved how unpredictable the storyline was . Poor Malina! 🙈
June 27, 2025
Malina’s life takes so many twists and turns!
I’m enjoying this series and the characters in them very much. And the magic and the skills. So much like real life lessons we all have to learn. Even if they are hard. Doing the right thing isn’t always the easy thing to do. I can’t wait to find out what happens in book 5!
I’m enjoying this series and the characters in them very much. And the magic and the skills. So much like real life lessons we all have to learn. Even if they are hard. Doing the right thing isn’t always the easy thing to do. I can’t wait to find out what happens in book 5!
June 28, 2025
Waiting with bated breath for the next one
How could the epic of The Chosen possibly continue after book 3? Book 4 moves on and advances one world while the other stays the same. Does Malina rise to the challenge, you bet she does, but along the way she is damaged and changed. The ending caught me by surprise, but it is fitting. Bring on book 5.
How could the epic of The Chosen possibly continue after book 3? Book 4 moves on and advances one world while the other stays the same. Does Malina rise to the challenge, you bet she does, but along the way she is damaged and changed. The ending caught me by surprise, but it is fitting. Bring on book 5.
August 9, 2025
An incredible continuation
The chosen was an incredible take on the child to hero tale. But so much more complex. World building and cycles of life and the burden of responsibility of those in power. Taking the original trilogy forward after such an amazing conclusion has been excellent. Look forward to book 5.
The chosen was an incredible take on the child to hero tale. But so much more complex. World building and cycles of life and the burden of responsibility of those in power. Taking the original trilogy forward after such an amazing conclusion has been excellent. Look forward to book 5.
April 8, 2025
A great continuance. Can't wait for the final.
You've taken Malina from rock bottom to the top again. Showing no matter how many times we fall, the courage to rise again is what defines us.
You've taken Malina from rock bottom to the top again. Showing no matter how many times we fall, the courage to rise again is what defines us.
April 23, 2025
This was a fun fantasy read. I finished all 4 books of the series in a matter of days. I really enjoyed the anti-hero vibe from the FMC and her struggles to stay on the right path. I recommend this series.
May 15, 2025
Oh my gosh
Please don't tell me this is the end? Geeze talk about full circle! This series has been a ride! World building for the entries series was great! I'm glad there was so much character development in Malina. A queen she definitely is
Please don't tell me this is the end? Geeze talk about full circle! This series has been a ride! World building for the entries series was great! I'm glad there was so much character development in Malina. A queen she definitely is
Read
August 14, 2025Kept me up ,when I should be fast asleep.
I enjoyed this book and all in this series . There were so many twist and turns that kept the story fresh. I can't wait to read the next book.
I enjoyed this book and all in this series . There were so many twist and turns that kept the story fresh. I can't wait to read the next book.
August 28, 2025
The start of a whole new chapter
Picking up where the first trilogy ended the story takes a different direction. Drawing on our own history and recent events it shows that the real darkness comes from the nastier parts of human nature and not the monsters of old fairytails.
Picking up where the first trilogy ended the story takes a different direction. Drawing on our own history and recent events it shows that the real darkness comes from the nastier parts of human nature and not the monsters of old fairytails.
September 18, 2025
This was definitely a different fantasy book. It has some issues, but I enjoyed the different writing style and especially the story itself. It was completed at book 3, but seems like fans bugged the author enough to keep going. I think there’s one more, not currently out.
October 1, 2025
Five stars!
Definitely worth the read, and I'm both excited and tormented that there's going to be another book! I'm going to try to be patient and find something else to read in the meantime, but I'm eager to finish Malina's story.
Definitely worth the read, and I'm both excited and tormented that there's going to be another book! I'm going to try to be patient and find something else to read in the meantime, but I'm eager to finish Malina's story.
December 13, 2025
Easy to read enjoyable saga
Easy to read enjoyable saga, I’ve read the last r books across a couple of weeks. In bed, at the beach and on the deck. It’s been an enjoyable read with interesting characters.
Easy to read enjoyable saga, I’ve read the last r books across a couple of weeks. In bed, at the beach and on the deck. It’s been an enjoyable read with interesting characters.
January 9, 2026
Wonderful excellent adventure
This book was hard to put down the characters, and the plots were exciting. I have read the three previous books in this series and am looking forward to starting number five.
This book was hard to put down the characters, and the plots were exciting. I have read the three previous books in this series and am looking forward to starting number five.
January 29, 2026
two minds
I was happy you write this book until I started to read it and then was like no you should have let her be in peace until halfway though the book where I couldn’t put it down again and now can’t wait to read the next t book!!
I was happy you write this book until I started to read it and then was like no you should have let her be in peace until halfway though the book where I couldn’t put it down again and now can’t wait to read the next t book!!
February 16, 2026
Superb
Another great read,looking forward to the next in the series. Always twists and turns to keep you reading just another chapter then another. I highly recommend reading this series and hopefully book 5 is just as captivating. I'll let you know 😉
Another great read,looking forward to the next in the series. Always twists and turns to keep you reading just another chapter then another. I highly recommend reading this series and hopefully book 5 is just as captivating. I'll let you know 😉
March 31, 2025
Wonderful
The entire series was amazing. I couldn't put it down and finished all in a week's time. The storyline is action-packed. A definite mus read.
The entire series was amazing. I couldn't put it down and finished all in a week's time. The storyline is action-packed. A definite mus read.
April 1, 2025
I stayed up. All night. Read the whole thing. I am tired, happy, sad, and frustrated that I now have to wait for more.
April 2, 2025
Wow
What a great series from start to finish. Great character building and story line. Highly recommend. Hooked me from the first book in the series.
What a great series from start to finish. Great character building and story line. Highly recommend. Hooked me from the first book in the series.
April 15, 2025
amazing
I can’t praise this book properly with words. It’s so well written, the plot, the people, the world building, it’s just amazing. I’ve loved every word.
I can’t praise this book properly with words. It’s so well written, the plot, the people, the world building, it’s just amazing. I’ve loved every word.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews