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Mark of the Fool #9
Mark of the Fool 9: A Progression Fantasy Epic
As the enemy escalates, it’s time for Alex to free himself of his limitations once and for all.
The Mark of the Fool.
A ‘gift’ from Uldar that enhances the bearer’s ability to learn any skill, but—in return—one cannot practise magic, engage in combat or use divinity at all. Alex Roth, the latest Fool, has found ways around his limitations.
Now, however, he has hit a wall.
To master the most powerful spells, Alex discovers that the Mark can no longer be worked around. It must be removed…or transformed. Luckily, The Fool of The Traveller’s cycle had laid down the groundwork to transform the Mark of the Fool, but her notes and equipment are hidden away in her sanctum somewhere in the far north.
If Alex wants to be truly free, he must find it.
And time is running out.
The Ravener continues to escalate and the hidden church hunts him relentlessly.
Will he transform the Mark in time and unleash his true potential or will his enemies find him first? In either case, their confrontation will be a mighty reckoning.
Book 9 of the Best-Selling series. Continue your fantastical journey into a coming-of-age magic academy fantasy with a weak-to-strong progression into power, deepening mystery, a setting inspired by D&D, detailed world building and magical science, action, comedy, slice-of-life, and GameLit elements.
The Mark of the Fool.
A ‘gift’ from Uldar that enhances the bearer’s ability to learn any skill, but—in return—one cannot practise magic, engage in combat or use divinity at all. Alex Roth, the latest Fool, has found ways around his limitations.
Now, however, he has hit a wall.
To master the most powerful spells, Alex discovers that the Mark can no longer be worked around. It must be removed…or transformed. Luckily, The Fool of The Traveller’s cycle had laid down the groundwork to transform the Mark of the Fool, but her notes and equipment are hidden away in her sanctum somewhere in the far north.
If Alex wants to be truly free, he must find it.
And time is running out.
The Ravener continues to escalate and the hidden church hunts him relentlessly.
Will he transform the Mark in time and unleash his true potential or will his enemies find him first? In either case, their confrontation will be a mighty reckoning.
Book 9 of the Best-Selling series. Continue your fantastical journey into a coming-of-age magic academy fantasy with a weak-to-strong progression into power, deepening mystery, a setting inspired by D&D, detailed world building and magical science, action, comedy, slice-of-life, and GameLit elements.
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First published February 12, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
February 6, 2026
Very nice book in the great series. Fast read with a lot of action and some good plot twist surprises. Very recommended
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February 12, 2025This is cheating a bit, since I read this book on Royal Road where it was posted in progress. But I did read all of it and I read it this year.
Anyway, it was nice to see the main character overcome his (literally) god-given handicap and really be able to kick some ass, and give some comeuppance to a smugly annoying set of villains. It also does some nice setup for the finale and has said main character asking his mentors good questions that boil down to "What should I do when I graduate/finish the plot?" which is honestly a question I wish more characters thought about. This was a fun read. It's not the pinnacle of literature or anything, but the series is pretty consistantly enjoyable.
Anyway, it was nice to see the main character overcome his (literally) god-given handicap and really be able to kick some ass, and give some comeuppance to a smugly annoying set of villains. It also does some nice setup for the finale and has said main character asking his mentors good questions that boil down to "What should I do when I graduate/finish the plot?" which is honestly a question I wish more characters thought about. This was a fun read. It's not the pinnacle of literature or anything, but the series is pretty consistantly enjoyable.
March 7, 2025
Rating 5.0 stars
There are always pivotal books in a series. The one book where everything changes, or at the least we get all the answers we wanted. This is that book. There have been other books in this series with revelations that changed things, but not like this. Overall this was an excellent book in the series. There have been some filler books in the series, but this wasn't one of those. I am looking forward to the next one.
There are always pivotal books in a series. The one book where everything changes, or at the least we get all the answers we wanted. This is that book. There have been other books in this series with revelations that changed things, but not like this. Overall this was an excellent book in the series. There have been some filler books in the series, but this wasn't one of those. I am looking forward to the next one.
February 16, 2025
Crap!
I must lay my thoughts out on this one.
I really struggled with this one. It was overly wordy, unnecessarily sentimental, and filled with so much fluff that it became hard to enjoy.
The tone felt more suited for a young girl living in Manhattan than for an older audience.
Additionally, I couldn’t quite understand the decision to use modern parlance throughout the book.
While I noticed it in the previous installments, here it just felt overdone and out of place.
Please make book 10 better even if takes the next 6 months to be completed.
I must lay my thoughts out on this one.
I really struggled with this one. It was overly wordy, unnecessarily sentimental, and filled with so much fluff that it became hard to enjoy.
The tone felt more suited for a young girl living in Manhattan than for an older audience.
Additionally, I couldn’t quite understand the decision to use modern parlance throughout the book.
While I noticed it in the previous installments, here it just felt overdone and out of place.
Please make book 10 better even if takes the next 6 months to be completed.
October 19, 2025
This series is incredible. Well-written, the magic system is intricate and interesting. The characters and themes have depth and the pacing is flawless.
March 28, 2025
It's time to lead!
The fact that our climactic battle happened in the first half of the book was wild, but the chance to take a little break and catch back up was great.
Though that makes the next book feel like it'll probably be all over with action and intensity. Can't wait!
The fact that our climactic battle happened in the first half of the book was wild, but the chance to take a little break and catch back up was great.
Though that makes the next book feel like it'll probably be all over with action and intensity. Can't wait!
February 21, 2025
The last couple have seemed like setups, this one takes the story and runs.
July 21, 2025
Slow and steady. A lot of plot threads get closed and things feel like they are culminating. Looks like the next one will be epic.
October 12, 2025
Review to come
February 12, 2026
basically a review of books 4-9. a phenomenal fun series to see Alex grow and develop through all the exciting and mysterious adventures. excited for book 10 to come out!
May 9, 2026
Best one yet. Couldn’t put it down. Crazy things happen
June 11, 2026
Basically same review as the last few books. These books are riddled with unnecessary exposition and constant trite subplot filler but the core plot is interesting. The best parts are the world-building but in between is a lot of junk to soft through.
March 5, 2025
good addition to the series - if a bit long winded in last half
It continues to unfold secrets setup from the beginning of the story making it an enjoyable read. The action is really great in the first half and keeps you reading. I was really devouring it until maybe around 60% when the action abruptly stopped and the main character spent too much time basically reminiscing and traveling around the world picking up lose ends. A little would have been okay but it felt like the story stalled for a good third of the book there until we got towards the end and he threw in some interesting twists again. This might be the weakest in the series so far because of that section - almost feels like he realized he wrote too much and needed to save some for book ten so filled pages - which I didn’t really like. But I’m still reading and plan to buy #10 as soon as it comes out! Very solid progression fantasy series!
It continues to unfold secrets setup from the beginning of the story making it an enjoyable read. The action is really great in the first half and keeps you reading. I was really devouring it until maybe around 60% when the action abruptly stopped and the main character spent too much time basically reminiscing and traveling around the world picking up lose ends. A little would have been okay but it felt like the story stalled for a good third of the book there until we got towards the end and he threw in some interesting twists again. This might be the weakest in the series so far because of that section - almost feels like he realized he wrote too much and needed to save some for book ten so filled pages - which I didn’t really like. But I’m still reading and plan to buy #10 as soon as it comes out! Very solid progression fantasy series!
August 6, 2025
Mixed bag. There are instances of great storytelling, where the story advances in leaps and bounds and learning Uldar's backstory was great. Other parts of it are insufferably verbose, where the narrative goes on for dozens of pages, meandering in circles and accomplishing nothing. The rest is really unsatisfying growth in the MC; we spent seven books following the MC's agonizingly slow growth and development, and it's all cast aside by loading him up with heaps of unearned power.
February 16, 2025
umm
So. 5 stars because I have enjoyed the series. And if you’ve read all the way to 9 books, there needs to be a *compelling* reason to give less than 5.
But I struggled reading this book.
It’s the penultimate book of the series, so it gets a little slack since it is setting up the climactic events of the end game. But there was a lot of navel gazing and philosophical discussions. Stuff that didn’t *need* to be done.
‘What are you going to do after?’ How about we get to ‘after’ first, *then* consider what to do.
I also don’t like that ‘nobody’ died. None of the ‘good guys’ were even sidelined with injuries for very long. There were close calls, but nobody is even limping (any more than normal).
I’m grumping about some stuff, but I will pre-order the next book anyway. Sunk-cost fallacy or no, I want to know how it’s going to end.
So. 5 stars because I have enjoyed the series. And if you’ve read all the way to 9 books, there needs to be a *compelling* reason to give less than 5.
But I struggled reading this book.
It’s the penultimate book of the series, so it gets a little slack since it is setting up the climactic events of the end game. But there was a lot of navel gazing and philosophical discussions. Stuff that didn’t *need* to be done.
‘What are you going to do after?’ How about we get to ‘after’ first, *then* consider what to do.
I also don’t like that ‘nobody’ died. None of the ‘good guys’ were even sidelined with injuries for very long. There were close calls, but nobody is even limping (any more than normal).
I’m grumping about some stuff, but I will pre-order the next book anyway. Sunk-cost fallacy or no, I want to know how it’s going to end.
February 19, 2025
masterful story telling
I’m upset because I have to wait to get book 10!
I’ve recently taken to reading (listening) more and this whole series I’ve listened to 3x already on audible (1-7 available)… but this one has some character and awesome nerdom using technical wizardry developments that I don’t think I’ve experienced anywhere else… there are limits, there are developments, there are hurdles, there are “realistic” problems to solve… love it.
Hats off to the author for the great story telling in an immense world of worlds and the serious twist and cliffhanger at the end…
So now I have to wait.
I’m upset because I have to wait to get book 10!
I’ve recently taken to reading (listening) more and this whole series I’ve listened to 3x already on audible (1-7 available)… but this one has some character and awesome nerdom using technical wizardry developments that I don’t think I’ve experienced anywhere else… there are limits, there are developments, there are hurdles, there are “realistic” problems to solve… love it.
Hats off to the author for the great story telling in an immense world of worlds and the serious twist and cliffhanger at the end…
So now I have to wait.
May 31, 2026
I did a really bad job with writing down my thoughts in the first half of the book. Woops. But overall review. Had a great time. The author is still awesome at writing fight scenes. And can’t wait for the next book!
Still not a big fan of Alex going off by himself on this mission. But at least he has the two giant guys with him so it makes it a little better. The scene where they finally found Kelda’s sanctum was heart breaking. It’s like you could feel Berger grieving for his friend. It was so sad 😭. But the whole scene where Alex was fighting off the Fool to uncover the General! And now he’s able to fight! The one downside of him changing the Fool to the General is that he’s now having an easier time becoming more powerful. It’s become really unbelievable with how unlimited his power is growing. It was at least more believable when he had a barrier holding him back. It’s kind of giving Mary Sue vibes with him being perfect at everything now.
Holy shit. The final battle between Alex and the church. He cut the first apostles arm off! Again! Goddamn. And him using a disintegration spell on the third apostle! Horrifying. Then telling them Oldar is dead! Brutal. But the Stalker and the First Apostle got away! And went back to Oldars realm! Where Theresa and Grimlock are! Oh no! The real final battle was awesome! Ooo the journal entries from Oldar are a game changer! Wild that he was friends with the Fae Lord guy. I still think it was the Fae guy who killed Oldar but he did mention some kind of demon guy?? But now Oldars body and throne are gone! Taken by the Revener spawn. This can’t be good! It was strangely easy to get the King of Thameland on their side. I feel like all they mentioned was the King was only the king because Oldar appointed his line as the royals. So if there was no more Oldar then he wouldn’t have any claim or whatever to the throne. But he jumped on the hate Oldar train almost right away. And the royal priest guy was also super helpful too. I guess this is a step in a good direction. I guess I just thought there would be more pushback. Getting a peak into the Raveners mind was pretty cool. It obviously doesn’t have as much sentience as Claygon does, but you could really tell how much it was suffering while processing the death of Oldar. And I don’t know how to feel about it coming to the conclusion of keeping the dungeons running as usual while also ordering the Revener Spawn to help the people. It says it’s trying to decide whether it should wipe everyone out or kind of become Oldar and help the people. It would be pretty cool if the Ravener decided it was going to become a good guy and stop the cycles and killing. This way Alex wouldn’t have to run out of the dungeon cores to make golems with. But I’m kind of going to be pissed if we get all the way to the last book and there’s no big final battle scene. And just a side note for the fluff stuff in the ending. I wasn’t a fan of Alex stressing out about his future and which way he wants to go. It really stressed me out. I don’t like thinking into the future. But overall, the fluff ending was nice and a good way to wind down the book.
Still not a big fan of Alex going off by himself on this mission. But at least he has the two giant guys with him so it makes it a little better. The scene where they finally found Kelda’s sanctum was heart breaking. It’s like you could feel Berger grieving for his friend. It was so sad 😭. But the whole scene where Alex was fighting off the Fool to uncover the General! And now he’s able to fight! The one downside of him changing the Fool to the General is that he’s now having an easier time becoming more powerful. It’s become really unbelievable with how unlimited his power is growing. It was at least more believable when he had a barrier holding him back. It’s kind of giving Mary Sue vibes with him being perfect at everything now.
Holy shit. The final battle between Alex and the church. He cut the first apostles arm off! Again! Goddamn. And him using a disintegration spell on the third apostle! Horrifying. Then telling them Oldar is dead! Brutal. But the Stalker and the First Apostle got away! And went back to Oldars realm! Where Theresa and Grimlock are! Oh no! The real final battle was awesome! Ooo the journal entries from Oldar are a game changer! Wild that he was friends with the Fae Lord guy. I still think it was the Fae guy who killed Oldar but he did mention some kind of demon guy?? But now Oldars body and throne are gone! Taken by the Revener spawn. This can’t be good! It was strangely easy to get the King of Thameland on their side. I feel like all they mentioned was the King was only the king because Oldar appointed his line as the royals. So if there was no more Oldar then he wouldn’t have any claim or whatever to the throne. But he jumped on the hate Oldar train almost right away. And the royal priest guy was also super helpful too. I guess this is a step in a good direction. I guess I just thought there would be more pushback. Getting a peak into the Raveners mind was pretty cool. It obviously doesn’t have as much sentience as Claygon does, but you could really tell how much it was suffering while processing the death of Oldar. And I don’t know how to feel about it coming to the conclusion of keeping the dungeons running as usual while also ordering the Revener Spawn to help the people. It says it’s trying to decide whether it should wipe everyone out or kind of become Oldar and help the people. It would be pretty cool if the Ravener decided it was going to become a good guy and stop the cycles and killing. This way Alex wouldn’t have to run out of the dungeon cores to make golems with. But I’m kind of going to be pissed if we get all the way to the last book and there’s no big final battle scene. And just a side note for the fluff stuff in the ending. I wasn’t a fan of Alex stressing out about his future and which way he wants to go. It really stressed me out. I don’t like thinking into the future. But overall, the fluff ending was nice and a good way to wind down the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2025
This is a story about religion vs secular humanism, except the author fundamentally does not understand how religious people think in the slightest. It's like reading a book by someone who doesn't understand how some basic emotion like anger works.
The author treats religious extremists as believing the ends justify the means. He thinks religious extremists feel guilty for the harm they cause, but believe their god's plan will justify all the harm after the fact. The problem is that a religious person would have no reason to feel guilty for these sorts of actions in the first place. The author doesn't understand that when a religious person acts on the authority of their god, that is a MORAL action. As in, enacting divine will is a MORAL GOOD, independent of who it hurts or harms. A religious person would feel MORALLY FULFILLED by by harming someone at the command of their god. In fact, if the person being harmed is also a member of the same religion, the victim stands a good chance of agreeing with the aggressor and accepting their punishment willingly. If the aggressor could fulfill his divine orders to harm someone while still showing some kindness and clemency to a repentent victim, he would be fulfilling literally every moral impulse all at once and would not have even the slightest reason to regret his choices.
Anyways, apart from that it's essentially a fun and exciting superhero story, but the religious themes fall flat because this author really fundamentally does not understand something really basic about how most people think about religion.
The author treats religious extremists as believing the ends justify the means. He thinks religious extremists feel guilty for the harm they cause, but believe their god's plan will justify all the harm after the fact. The problem is that a religious person would have no reason to feel guilty for these sorts of actions in the first place. The author doesn't understand that when a religious person acts on the authority of their god, that is a MORAL action. As in, enacting divine will is a MORAL GOOD, independent of who it hurts or harms. A religious person would feel MORALLY FULFILLED by by harming someone at the command of their god. In fact, if the person being harmed is also a member of the same religion, the victim stands a good chance of agreeing with the aggressor and accepting their punishment willingly. If the aggressor could fulfill his divine orders to harm someone while still showing some kindness and clemency to a repentent victim, he would be fulfilling literally every moral impulse all at once and would not have even the slightest reason to regret his choices.
Anyways, apart from that it's essentially a fun and exciting superhero story, but the religious themes fall flat because this author really fundamentally does not understand something really basic about how most people think about religion.
May 3, 2026
After years of adventures, Alex is finally on the trail of a solution to the problems caused by his Mark of the Fool. But no righteous plan goes unopposed.
After the previous eight books, there's not a lot of new character development for the protagonist, other than that occasioned by the mechanical changes Alex goes through here. His allies do get some development, but they're offscreen for much of the story, so that's not a focus. I'm not a particular fan of using new characters as sidekicks rather than the well-established team from previous books.
The antagonists, though, are brought into very clear focus as they try to stop Alex and Alex tries to stop them...permanently. We get much more explanation of the origins of the current situation, which helps focus the story.
The plot of the series is clearly approaching an end. This book is written as a mid- to late-3rd act story, with various threads being tied up and the climax of the series being set up. There is also some setup of life after existential threat ... and school ... which seems like it might better have been placed in the last book of the series.
Overall, this was an entertaining entry, only slightly harmed by some curious structural choices by the author. This book is recommended, and the series is strongly recommended for fans of LitRPG and progression fantasy.
After the previous eight books, there's not a lot of new character development for the protagonist, other than that occasioned by the mechanical changes Alex goes through here. His allies do get some development, but they're offscreen for much of the story, so that's not a focus. I'm not a particular fan of using new characters as sidekicks rather than the well-established team from previous books.
The antagonists, though, are brought into very clear focus as they try to stop Alex and Alex tries to stop them...permanently. We get much more explanation of the origins of the current situation, which helps focus the story.
The plot of the series is clearly approaching an end. This book is written as a mid- to late-3rd act story, with various threads being tied up and the climax of the series being set up. There is also some setup of life after existential threat ... and school ... which seems like it might better have been placed in the last book of the series.
Overall, this was an entertaining entry, only slightly harmed by some curious structural choices by the author. This book is recommended, and the series is strongly recommended for fans of LitRPG and progression fantasy.
July 8, 2025
Yeah sorry this is just too much plothole/lazy writing for one book. So MC gets jumped in the woods and gets his ass handed to him in the second to last book in the series by re-used antagonists.
(As an aside, one of the antagonists is an antagonist just because he's a bad guy and wants to kill people. This is what you do when you're a writer but you can't write baddies for beans. Make a random psycho appear!)
Now, naturally, the writer thinks "hm I want my MC to be alone for a bit how do I accomplish this?" He settles on "if I am near my family they will get hurt!" This is a plothole. Earlier our intrepid writer added the ability for the MC to go wherever he wants, whenever he wants. He doesn't need to stay away from anything at any time. He says this explicitly. Now, he says "I got attacked ergo I must never go back to the city!" Did the attack turn off the teleportation power? Maybe just his brain?
(As an aside, one of the antagonists is an antagonist just because he's a bad guy and wants to kill people. This is what you do when you're a writer but you can't write baddies for beans. Make a random psycho appear!)
Now, naturally, the writer thinks "hm I want my MC to be alone for a bit how do I accomplish this?" He settles on "if I am near my family they will get hurt!" This is a plothole. Earlier our intrepid writer added the ability for the MC to go wherever he wants, whenever he wants. He doesn't need to stay away from anything at any time. He says this explicitly. Now, he says "I got attacked ergo I must never go back to the city!" Did the attack turn off the teleportation power? Maybe just his brain?
December 9, 2025
By god he's done it again.
I mean, these were originally written on Royal Road. It makes sense that there's not much of a gap from book to book. But man, J.M Clarke is really killing it with these storylines. I'm curious to know if he had the reveal regarding Uldar/Ravener planned from the start. I'm sure the idea was there, but in the specific way that the author went about it. None of the progression, of either the villains or the heroes, feels forced. Only one aspect felt like it went too quickly, and that's with literally dozens of plot points going on at once. The aspect I'm referring to is the experiment that Alex did to himself which requires soulstuff (trying not to spoil). All-in-all, we knew he was going to complete this step eventually, but it felt very fast for how massive a change it was. Almost like an afterthought from the original use of bane. In any case, it's just one small part. Otherwise, everything else is neat and orderly! Very excited to see how it ends.
I mean, these were originally written on Royal Road. It makes sense that there's not much of a gap from book to book. But man, J.M Clarke is really killing it with these storylines. I'm curious to know if he had the reveal regarding Uldar/Ravener planned from the start. I'm sure the idea was there, but in the specific way that the author went about it. None of the progression, of either the villains or the heroes, feels forced. Only one aspect felt like it went too quickly, and that's with literally dozens of plot points going on at once. The aspect I'm referring to is the experiment that Alex did to himself which requires soulstuff (trying not to spoil). All-in-all, we knew he was going to complete this step eventually, but it felt very fast for how massive a change it was. Almost like an afterthought from the original use of bane. In any case, it's just one small part. Otherwise, everything else is neat and orderly! Very excited to see how it ends.
June 25, 2026
Wow.
This series has been a bit up & down for me, but this book was the best one so far.
I don't want to give away any spoilers but this book was the most emotional so far. I think Alex Roth is such a great character that I've grown very attached to him. So much so that I couldn't help but get choked up when he finally achieved something remarkable. I was so happy for him, I actually had tears in my eyes.
Of course, i went straight into the 10th & final book.
Travis Baldree's narration, as usual, is amazing. I love the great voices he does. Each character has a unique voice and personality. For me, when I listen to a really good narrator, I get so absorbed in the story that I forget I'm listening to an audiobook. His performance is that good for me. So, I wouldn't hesitate to listen to anything else he narrates. And, I certainly didn't hesitate this time around! I went straight into the last book as soon as I finished this one.
This series has been a bit up & down for me, but this book was the best one so far.
I don't want to give away any spoilers but this book was the most emotional so far. I think Alex Roth is such a great character that I've grown very attached to him. So much so that I couldn't help but get choked up when he finally achieved something remarkable. I was so happy for him, I actually had tears in my eyes.
Of course, i went straight into the 10th & final book.
Travis Baldree's narration, as usual, is amazing. I love the great voices he does. Each character has a unique voice and personality. For me, when I listen to a really good narrator, I get so absorbed in the story that I forget I'm listening to an audiobook. His performance is that good for me. So, I wouldn't hesitate to listen to anything else he narrates. And, I certainly didn't hesitate this time around! I went straight into the last book as soon as I finished this one.
February 23, 2025
Mr. Roth (why can't the professor use his first name like everybody else?) starts out by stealing a bunch of books (spells) that just overwhelm the reader with a bunch of junk, in the sense that when you are almost omnipotent there isn't a lot of spice or suspense for the reader. Fortunately, once he got done with that opening move Clarke really hit his grove.
This book reveals the Mark change (no spoiler to say that he DOESN'T die in the process), and why the Mark was changed from the General to the Fool in the first place. Very compatible and believable within this story's text flow.
This book also reveals Uldar's plan/reasoning behind the cycle. Again, another excellent section. We have to wait for Book 10 though, to see it brought to a successful conclusion.
This book reveals the Mark change (no spoiler to say that he DOESN'T die in the process), and why the Mark was changed from the General to the Fool in the first place. Very compatible and believable within this story's text flow.
This book also reveals Uldar's plan/reasoning behind the cycle. Again, another excellent section. We have to wait for Book 10 though, to see it brought to a successful conclusion.
March 20, 2025
I’m only going to write a review for this book because I read all nine book in a two week period and don’t want to review them all. Obviously I like the series. It’s a unique plot and the characters still out in my head as memorable. My complaints are that while reading the book, even I could notice it needed an editor. In some areas there are grammar mistakes, often phrases repeat and all of the book could use a good trimming. Sometimes I found myself frustrated with the writing because the characters absolutely do not sound like they are in their late teens and early 20s. That being said …. I tore through these books in two weeks. So I recommend them. The bottom line is they are fun AND could use an editor
February 24, 2025
Another great book.
Brilliant setup for the final book. So many great things about this book, great characters, fun action sequence, even a little comedy and romance. But one of the things that sets these books apart is, for lack of a better description, the "magical sciences and research" is unique and detailed. I love when they research and breakdown some magic item or spell. It's done with imagination and great detail. Wish I could say more but sorry no spoilers.
Highly recommended
Brilliant setup for the final book. So many great things about this book, great characters, fun action sequence, even a little comedy and romance. But one of the things that sets these books apart is, for lack of a better description, the "magical sciences and research" is unique and detailed. I love when they research and breakdown some magic item or spell. It's done with imagination and great detail. Wish I could say more but sorry no spoilers.
Highly recommended
Currently Reading
March 15, 2025"Mark of the Fool 9" continues to captivate readers with its blend of magic, adventure, and character growth. The protagonist, Alex, faces escalating challenges as he seeks to overcome the limitations of his Mark and unlock his true potential. The book is praised for its intricate world-building, engaging plot, and the balance of action, humor, and slice-of-life elements. Fans of the series appreciate its progression and the setup for an exciting finale. It's a compelling read for those who enjoy fantasy with a touch of D&D-inspired storytelling.
April 3, 2025
My God, Best of the Series
For years now I have been on and off on this series. It’s been a great read and I put it in the top ten of my science fiction collection.
However, this book finally brought all the turmoil of these heroes to a close. I am not certain but i wouldn’t be surprised if book 10 is the finale and Im so excited I may black out.
J.M. Clarke, the character building in this series rivals almost any series I’ve ever read, and I have read A-LOT of fantasy books.
Highly recommend to anyone looking for a new series.
For years now I have been on and off on this series. It’s been a great read and I put it in the top ten of my science fiction collection.
However, this book finally brought all the turmoil of these heroes to a close. I am not certain but i wouldn’t be surprised if book 10 is the finale and Im so excited I may black out.
J.M. Clarke, the character building in this series rivals almost any series I’ve ever read, and I have read A-LOT of fantasy books.
Highly recommend to anyone looking for a new series.
December 4, 2025
fun
I binge listened to the books so it all kind of blends together. I think in this one they are trying to find the past Fool’s hideaway so they can fix the mark and finish off the hidden church. Meanwhile they examine what their god left behind. The church gets finished. The mark fixed. But that just means the final mission is about to start.
It’s a good YA series. Neat world that gains detail and depth with each book. It maintains its pace and character growth. The narrator is awesome. Please enjoy.
I binge listened to the books so it all kind of blends together. I think in this one they are trying to find the past Fool’s hideaway so they can fix the mark and finish off the hidden church. Meanwhile they examine what their god left behind. The church gets finished. The mark fixed. But that just means the final mission is about to start.
It’s a good YA series. Neat world that gains detail and depth with each book. It maintains its pace and character growth. The narrator is awesome. Please enjoy.
December 12, 2025
Men are messed up, but Gods even more (and the worshipers the most messed). The theme (or the explanations) from this book are not new: if people stop believing, the god fades or dies, so being a god, they can do no matter what to stay relevant (suddenly not a benevolent god anymore).
I liked this book a lot because it focuses heavily on Alex rejecting the role Uldar assigned him. He thinks and adapts, thinks and adapts and rewrites his fate to free himself from the marks of his God.
Also the "Easter egg" from this book (or maybe it was in Book 8) was "we are the champions" song.
I liked this book a lot because it focuses heavily on Alex rejecting the role Uldar assigned him. He thinks and adapts, thinks and adapts and rewrites his fate to free himself from the marks of his God.
Also the "Easter egg" from this book (or maybe it was in Book 8) was "we are the champions" song.
February 20, 2025
Great escalation and suspense
This book does a great job of following up the previous. It balances the consequences of the end of the previous book with plenty of new ongoing mysteries and challenges.
More focus is put on Alex's personal progress as he is forced to respond to the climax of the previous book. This does unfortunately take focus away from other characters, but they are still as fun and interesting as ever.
This book does a great job of following up the previous. It balances the consequences of the end of the previous book with plenty of new ongoing mysteries and challenges.
More focus is put on Alex's personal progress as he is forced to respond to the climax of the previous book. This does unfortunately take focus away from other characters, but they are still as fun and interesting as ever.
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