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Mark of the Crijik #3
Gesti Sky
When Andross Silver was reincarnated, he was the youngest man alive. It's only been downhill from there.
Andross' family has been judged by the Gesti household, exiled, and condemned to poverty for the rest of their days. Andross has other plans, preparing to travel with his friends to the city of Gesti Sky. There, he will find the answers he seeks and more, even if it means confronting an immortal household that has reigned over the world for a thousand years.
But a hidden guillotine swings over the necks of Andross and his friends, waiting to strike. Koshima's nobility has been torn to its core by the Oubliez's attack on the city, and revenge festers in the hearts of those that remain. They will not be content until someone pays a price of blood for their losses, and an ultimatum crosses their lips, whispered across the highest echelons of society.
For their suffering to be sated, Amanda Mitra must die.
Andross' family has been judged by the Gesti household, exiled, and condemned to poverty for the rest of their days. Andross has other plans, preparing to travel with his friends to the city of Gesti Sky. There, he will find the answers he seeks and more, even if it means confronting an immortal household that has reigned over the world for a thousand years.
But a hidden guillotine swings over the necks of Andross and his friends, waiting to strike. Koshima's nobility has been torn to its core by the Oubliez's attack on the city, and revenge festers in the hearts of those that remain. They will not be content until someone pays a price of blood for their losses, and an ultimatum crosses their lips, whispered across the highest echelons of society.
For their suffering to be sated, Amanda Mitra must die.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2023
199 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 29, 2023
Rating 3.0 stars
I don't know what happened to this series. It started off strong with the first book then the last 2 books have been sort of directionless.
I don't know what happened to this series. It started off strong with the first book then the last 2 books have been sort of directionless.
March 4, 2024
This is a bit of a strange series. It tells enjoyable stories when taken on their own, but they don't take advantage of the hooks that first brought me into this series. This book would have been exactly the same if the protagonist was a talented teenager rather than the adult man from another world who had been reborn as a baby then aged up to look like a teenager because he has been marked by some kind of god. That's a lot of potential story to just push aside, but that's exactly what has happened for 2 books now.
Beyond this, it's still abandoned a lot of the great relationships from book one, concentrating entirely on the group of friends the protagonist made at school. But that doesn't make sense as his family relationships are driving this story and this adult in a child's body would surely find better companions amongst adults than teenagers.
I also have an issue with how often the characters in this book don't act with any semblance of rational behaviour. When in trouble they hide that information from people in the best position to help. Important information is withheld from the protagonist for no logical reason (like his grandmother not sharing the nature of the sphere with the protagonist, and in doing so risking him entering a slave-like agreement). When people share secrets or try to explain events, they always leave out vital information and the other party seems all too happy to let it lie.
Finally I have an issue with the lack of progression that the protagonist makes. He's just getting pulled along from one situation to the next, always reacting and never leading the way. He's essentially the same character he was 2 stories ago.
Overall this is an enjoyable enough story to keep your interest while reading it, but ultimately it ignores the elements that would make it memorable.
Beyond this, it's still abandoned a lot of the great relationships from book one, concentrating entirely on the group of friends the protagonist made at school. But that doesn't make sense as his family relationships are driving this story and this adult in a child's body would surely find better companions amongst adults than teenagers.
I also have an issue with how often the characters in this book don't act with any semblance of rational behaviour. When in trouble they hide that information from people in the best position to help. Important information is withheld from the protagonist for no logical reason (like his grandmother not sharing the nature of the sphere with the protagonist, and in doing so risking him entering a slave-like agreement). When people share secrets or try to explain events, they always leave out vital information and the other party seems all too happy to let it lie.
Finally I have an issue with the lack of progression that the protagonist makes. He's just getting pulled along from one situation to the next, always reacting and never leading the way. He's essentially the same character he was 2 stories ago.
Overall this is an enjoyable enough story to keep your interest while reading it, but ultimately it ignores the elements that would make it memorable.
May 8, 2023
seeking
It feels like the novel is stumbling from event to event, with no particular goal or target. While the clear goal is to survive being Marked, the timeline on that is far distant. The most substantive step forwards was choosing a class, but it was essentially ignored once it was done.
There is also the problem of the prose. A lot of statements, singularly focused. Paragraphs of one sentence for no particular purpose. And repeating the beginnings of sentences consecutively.
I won’t be continuing with this series.
It feels like the novel is stumbling from event to event, with no particular goal or target. While the clear goal is to survive being Marked, the timeline on that is far distant. The most substantive step forwards was choosing a class, but it was essentially ignored once it was done.
There is also the problem of the prose. A lot of statements, singularly focused. Paragraphs of one sentence for no particular purpose. And repeating the beginnings of sentences consecutively.
I won’t be continuing with this series.
January 25, 2024
The third book improved from the second, with less unnecessary content though still more than ideal. It wasn't as annoying, but it fell short of the series' potential.
The story and character development veered in the wrong direction, losing the chance to reach its full potential.
The series had the potential to be much better, but it seems like the author lacks a clear direction for the story and characters, with each book showing different themes.
Overall, it's a mediocre book in the series, and I've decided to drop the series, not continuing with the series.
The story and character development veered in the wrong direction, losing the chance to reach its full potential.
The series had the potential to be much better, but it seems like the author lacks a clear direction for the story and characters, with each book showing different themes.
Overall, it's a mediocre book in the series, and I've decided to drop the series, not continuing with the series.
May 7, 2023
I really loved this book. Magic system and character building in this book keeping getting better and better. I really love the world building. Highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next one.
May 3, 2023
Slice of life with little focus…
So let me start by saying loved the first book in the series. Had all that mystery and intrigue to set you on a path of discovery. Combined with what seemed to be an interesting magic system you would have thought this series was going places. You’d be wrong. Here we are on book 3 and it seems to have just lost all focus on story. There is no overall driving arc or sense of urgency. Instead what we have is a lite litrpg that focuses on the life of a student, aka slice of life.
The issues continue from there, the characters themselves who started out in previous books with some personality have all come to be a bit flat. There is no character progression save for the MC’s best friend/girlfriend/not-girlfriend. But if you were expecting some romance between the two think again even if they are spending literally all their time together. For any teenager, hormones raging, this would have led to other outcomes yet it appears for all it seems these characters just all lack that simple driving force. Combined with our passive MC, it presents little interest in these characters as there is no spark or developments and we just have people spitting line after line to progress the story.
Which leads to the last major critique, the magic system. Here again we had such a grand introduction that has now come to be little more than a side-job. Little development, and what there is, is nothing more than some new-age zen sync with the would around them. Honestly, even the fights were a little underwhelming as our MC’s kit hasn’t expanded all that much or in interesting ways.
Perhaps the author will improve this in the following books, I certainly hope so as it had started off with some promise. A bit more character development, a focus for the story, add a bit of a “zing” to the magic and I’d feel you’d have the story back on track. As it stands now, I’ll wait on book 4 reviews to feel whether this is worth continuing. Based on just how book 3 went, I’ll be dropping the series as it just isn’t anything interesting. Not bad, just boring and certainly not interesting enough to compete with other litrpgs in the genre.
So let me start by saying loved the first book in the series. Had all that mystery and intrigue to set you on a path of discovery. Combined with what seemed to be an interesting magic system you would have thought this series was going places. You’d be wrong. Here we are on book 3 and it seems to have just lost all focus on story. There is no overall driving arc or sense of urgency. Instead what we have is a lite litrpg that focuses on the life of a student, aka slice of life.
The issues continue from there, the characters themselves who started out in previous books with some personality have all come to be a bit flat. There is no character progression save for the MC’s best friend/girlfriend/not-girlfriend. But if you were expecting some romance between the two think again even if they are spending literally all their time together. For any teenager, hormones raging, this would have led to other outcomes yet it appears for all it seems these characters just all lack that simple driving force. Combined with our passive MC, it presents little interest in these characters as there is no spark or developments and we just have people spitting line after line to progress the story.
Which leads to the last major critique, the magic system. Here again we had such a grand introduction that has now come to be little more than a side-job. Little development, and what there is, is nothing more than some new-age zen sync with the would around them. Honestly, even the fights were a little underwhelming as our MC’s kit hasn’t expanded all that much or in interesting ways.
Perhaps the author will improve this in the following books, I certainly hope so as it had started off with some promise. A bit more character development, a focus for the story, add a bit of a “zing” to the magic and I’d feel you’d have the story back on track. As it stands now, I’ll wait on book 4 reviews to feel whether this is worth continuing. Based on just how book 3 went, I’ll be dropping the series as it just isn’t anything interesting. Not bad, just boring and certainly not interesting enough to compete with other litrpgs in the genre.
September 18, 2023
Recap and pet peeve (vent)....
THINK TWICE is the author's name. Maybe he chose this coz he has to remind himself to think about things twice coz he is prone to fcukin up things or just doing stupid shit. One of them is naming chapters...
Chapter 8. Can class class classes class classed classes that class class classed cause class class classes class class? Class.
1. If at first you don’t succeed, then monster hunting is definitely not for you
2. Do not speak to me of board games. I was there when their rules were written
3. Don’t be a suck up or else you might create a vortex that destroys your house. True story.
4. Pushing can get you almost anywhere, except through a door marked ‘pull.’
Like what the fcuk dude, are you fcuking kidding me??? Use CHATGPT if you aren't that good of wordsmith to condense those into two or three words heading. This shit is annoying af.
Andros teams up Amanda to take down her bullies. The nobles are pissed at her family coz of her brother's actions, which left their heirs devoid of their Bloodline gifts and reduced mana pool. Her brother is hidden away by the church and the government, and nobles in NOBLE FASHION take their anger out on her. At the end of the match at the academy arena some Patriarch of a noble house puts a spell on her.
Andross and company go on a vacation to Gesti (city/state) but coz of the spell Amanda is seeing things and acting out. To protect Amanda, Andross sends her back to her parents, as he has a meeting with BOB Gesti.
HE finds out Bob is a golumn as well, and that the original Bob (Maxamillion) was killed by his mother ((I think the church killed him and framed his mom))). His crime??? He has been peaking into people's inner most memories and painting their memory of their 1st Bday (their ascension day). Church finds out and he is killed. He tells Bob he's not going to accept the Gesti claim no matter what. He confronts Bob about the spell on Amanda, and he realizes it's the nobles doing and Gesti. With Bob's help he portals back to Amanda and protects her brother, and apprehends the elder Noble.
THINK TWICE is the author's name. Maybe he chose this coz he has to remind himself to think about things twice coz he is prone to fcukin up things or just doing stupid shit. One of them is naming chapters...
Chapter 8. Can class class classes class classed classes that class class classed cause class class classes class class? Class.
1. If at first you don’t succeed, then monster hunting is definitely not for you
2. Do not speak to me of board games. I was there when their rules were written
3. Don’t be a suck up or else you might create a vortex that destroys your house. True story.
4. Pushing can get you almost anywhere, except through a door marked ‘pull.’
Like what the fcuk dude, are you fcuking kidding me??? Use CHATGPT if you aren't that good of wordsmith to condense those into two or three words heading. This shit is annoying af.
Andros teams up Amanda to take down her bullies. The nobles are pissed at her family coz of her brother's actions, which left their heirs devoid of their Bloodline gifts and reduced mana pool. Her brother is hidden away by the church and the government, and nobles in NOBLE FASHION take their anger out on her. At the end of the match at the academy arena some Patriarch of a noble house puts a spell on her.
Andross and company go on a vacation to Gesti (city/state) but coz of the spell Amanda is seeing things and acting out. To protect Amanda, Andross sends her back to her parents, as he has a meeting with BOB Gesti.
HE finds out Bob is a golumn as well, and that the original Bob (Maxamillion) was killed by his mother ((I think the church killed him and framed his mom))). His crime??? He has been peaking into people's inner most memories and painting their memory of their 1st Bday (their ascension day). Church finds out and he is killed. He tells Bob he's not going to accept the Gesti claim no matter what. He confronts Bob about the spell on Amanda, and he realizes it's the nobles doing and Gesti. With Bob's help he portals back to Amanda and protects her brother, and apprehends the elder Noble.
May 13, 2023
A whole lot of nothing happening
I was a bit disappointed that nothing happened in this book. We find out a little about the Gesti, but will Ignatius end up pushing so hard that he destroys his family, or will they be allowed to quietly let everyone forget his potentially disastrous attempt? What does the economy of the city look like after this book?
We got no further in Andross’ understanding of the mark, of his acceptance by the Church, of his progress in school, or any other significant milestone. He picked a Class, that I didn’t follow his logic on, and that basically had absolutely no impact on anything else that happened.
Honestly, I get the impression that I could have skipped this one, read the next and probably not missed anything.
I was a bit disappointed that nothing happened in this book. We find out a little about the Gesti, but will Ignatius end up pushing so hard that he destroys his family, or will they be allowed to quietly let everyone forget his potentially disastrous attempt? What does the economy of the city look like after this book?
We got no further in Andross’ understanding of the mark, of his acceptance by the Church, of his progress in school, or any other significant milestone. He picked a Class, that I didn’t follow his logic on, and that basically had absolutely no impact on anything else that happened.
Honestly, I get the impression that I could have skipped this one, read the next and probably not missed anything.
January 22, 2025
What a great read. After the terrible fight with the monster Oubliez, at the end of bk2. Andross managed to gain his class and that in itself was peculiar and interesting. His grandma decided that it was high time for he and his friends to take a break, just to recover, to relax, and have some fun at what amounted to a magical amusement park the Gesti Sky, and take in the rides. Little did they know what they were in for.
So yeah grab the audiobook of this character-driven litRPG then sit back and let Neil Hellegers tell you a story...
Here's just one of those chapter headings:
Tactics are like bricks, you can build a strategy with them or sink a dead body in a lake.
So yeah grab the audiobook of this character-driven litRPG then sit back and let Neil Hellegers tell you a story...
Here's just one of those chapter headings:
Tactics are like bricks, you can build a strategy with them or sink a dead body in a lake.
July 31, 2023
Enjoyable and surprising
Magical amusement park? I'm jealous. The drama resulting from last book's monster are kind of heartbreaking. I did NOT expect the doozy about the painting. I can't say I'd pick the same class Andross did, but it was absolutely perfect for him. I expected at least two characters to be villains, but once we read the whole book things are more complicated. The ramifications of so many actions from so many people are staggering.
Magical amusement park? I'm jealous. The drama resulting from last book's monster are kind of heartbreaking. I did NOT expect the doozy about the painting. I can't say I'd pick the same class Andross did, but it was absolutely perfect for him. I expected at least two characters to be villains, but once we read the whole book things are more complicated. The ramifications of so many actions from so many people are staggering.
December 4, 2023
There is a lot of complaints in reviews about this one. I hope I can enjoy it.
After finishing, I can see why some people didn't like this book. It's more of a foundation laying for things to come, than an action packed novel.
I've read worse than this, and it did keep my attention. I also saw the "big bad" at the end coming a mile away. I hope the author doesn't do more of the "whodunits".
We will see how the sequel goes.
3/5 Stars
After finishing, I can see why some people didn't like this book. It's more of a foundation laying for things to come, than an action packed novel.
I've read worse than this, and it did keep my attention. I also saw the "big bad" at the end coming a mile away. I hope the author doesn't do more of the "whodunits".
We will see how the sequel goes.
3/5 Stars
May 10, 2023
Great read!
The world seems to reflect earth more than it should. Chocolate, vanilla, and other common flavors of ice cream kinda remove me from the fantasy a little. It is cool to write about what magic could do, but having the same exact things show up in another dimension or planet would be unlikely. Flavors like dragon's milk or blood would have suited the fantasy better.
The world seems to reflect earth more than it should. Chocolate, vanilla, and other common flavors of ice cream kinda remove me from the fantasy a little. It is cool to write about what magic could do, but having the same exact things show up in another dimension or planet would be unlikely. Flavors like dragon's milk or blood would have suited the fantasy better.
September 21, 2023
I was pleasantly surprised by this volume. Can't put my finger on it but I'm enjoying this series and I'm looking forward to the next audiobook release. With the exception of the author's love of interrupting plot at the last moment on the last word. That is quite annoying but I'm happy to overlook it if this continues as it has.
May 5, 2023
Nice Story
This story of a guy reborn in a magical world as a baby was a very interesting entertaining read. As a three year old he goes to mage academy. I just more people should have perished in some these fights as it made no sense they survived. Other than that great stuff.
This story of a guy reborn in a magical world as a baby was a very interesting entertaining read. As a three year old he goes to mage academy. I just more people should have perished in some these fights as it made no sense they survived. Other than that great stuff.
June 20, 2023
Same as books 1 & 2 WONDERFUL
Totally sucked into the world, with all of its ups and downs. Great characters that don’t get old through the books. Can’t wait for the story to continue.
Totally sucked into the world, with all of its ups and downs. Great characters that don’t get old through the books. Can’t wait for the story to continue.
August 11, 2023
Good Read
Andross and his friends unwillingly are involved with the plots of nobles that want revenge against Amanda's family. Gains in skills, power, class, and relationships ensue. I like the action, humor, intrigue, and relationships. I look forward to the next book.
Andross and his friends unwillingly are involved with the plots of nobles that want revenge against Amanda's family. Gains in skills, power, class, and relationships ensue. I like the action, humor, intrigue, and relationships. I look forward to the next book.
November 29, 2023
Great read a lot of world building
This book was a great read with a ton of world and character building. There is not a lot about growth in personal strength but in the group. The world gets expanded, and the polt grows.
This book was a great read with a ton of world and character building. There is not a lot about growth in personal strength but in the group. The world gets expanded, and the polt grows.
May 4, 2023
worth a read
Has some grammar errors that can be a bit annoying for OCD people like me, but has compelling characters and is a good read overall.
Has some grammar errors that can be a bit annoying for OCD people like me, but has compelling characters and is a good read overall.
May 4, 2023
Pretty good story
Unique and down to earth. Very interesting storyline. Characters have depth and is pleasant entertainment. Book 4 should be exciting.
Unique and down to earth. Very interesting storyline. Characters have depth and is pleasant entertainment. Book 4 should be exciting.
May 5, 2023
Clean Fun
Nicely done clean LitRPG. Leveling and stats are minor. Story line is well crafted. Politics is well done, with excellent wilts building.
Nicely done clean LitRPG. Leveling and stats are minor. Story line is well crafted. Politics is well done, with excellent wilts building.
May 28, 2023
Great Progression
The story continues and the MC is developing along with the world. A great balance of action with emotional content. Looking forward to the next book.
The story continues and the MC is developing along with the world. A great balance of action with emotional content. Looking forward to the next book.
July 23, 2023
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
November 7, 2023
Feels a bit like a Naruto filler episode
June 17, 2025
So the series is really a meandering slice-of-life and I just can't get excited for it. I don't really want to continue reading the series after this.
June 22, 2024
honestly the middest book out of all of them, but its still okay
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews