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  • Mark of the Fool

  • A Progression Fantasy Epic
  • By: J.M. Clarke
  • Narrated by: Travis Baldree
  • Length: 19 hrs
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (169 ratings)

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Mark of the Fool cover art

Mark of the Fool

By: J.M. Clarke
Narrated by: Travis Baldree
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Publisher's Summary

The gods chose him. He said no.

After his parents died, Alex Roth had one desire: become a wizard. Through hard work, he was accepted into the University of Generasi, the world’s greatest academy of wizardry....

Fate, however, had another plan.

On his 18th birthday, he is Marked by prophecy as one of his kingdom’s five Heroes, chosen to fight the Ravener, his land’s great enemy. But his brand is "The Fool". Worst of the marks.

Rather than die or serve other Heroes like past Fools, he takes a stand, rejects divine decree...and leaves. With his little sister, his childhood friend, and her cerberus, Alex flees for the university, hoping to research the mystery of the Ravener. He’ll make lifelong friends, learn magic from mad wizards, practice alchemy, fight mana vampires, and try to pay tuition.

There’s one small problem. The Mark insists on preventing the Fool from learning and casting spells, while enhancing skills outside of divinity, combat, and spellcraft...that is, unless he learns to exploit the hell out of it.

Explore a coming-of-age magic academy fantasy with a weak-to-strong progression into power, a setting inspired by D&D, detailed world building, and magical science, action, comedy, slice-of-life, and GameLit elements.

With nearly 10 million views on Royal Road, this popular web serial has been completely revised and relaunched into this definitive version now coming to Audible, narrated by Travis Baldree!

©2022 Aethon Books (P)2022 Aethon Audio

What listeners say about Mark of the Fool

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A good book

A good story line very well narrated also good to see a hero that has an impediment to overcome, can tend to waffle at times but gives it more credence in the long run.
Thanks for an entertaining book

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Really great book

I've only just got to part two of this. Really entertaining to listen to. The characters are very easy to relate to.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Travis narrates the best books

great coming of age story, enjoyed Travis's narration as always. looking forward to the next one.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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would definitely recommend

great, well thought out and good worlding building, plus writing gets better as you listen

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smart take

this is a assume take on a hero that just does not bend the knee to chases a corse to sacrifice his own life goals but will spend time gaining skills then dealing with the situation that he will have to face. he is helping himself before he looks to help everyone else.

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More Please

Such a wonderful thing when a writer crafts their story in a way that let’s you experience the journey alongside the protagonist. Maybe it was a coincidence of personality overlap, those do happen, but a significant number of times I felt that I was totally in sync with Alexander. I loved it.
And of course Baldree nailed it. A true king amongst voice actors

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excellent story, highly recommend

lots of fun to listen to and well paced. you get to feel for the characters struggle and success with each trial. moving to book 2 with eager glee.

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Top notch

Mark of the Fool is a literary gem that transcends the boundaries of traditional fantasy. With a stroke of genius, the author weaves a mesmerizing tapestry of words and imagination, leading readers into a realm where the lines between reality and fantasy blur into delightful obscurity.

The protagonist, a seemingly ordinary character, is endowed with the mark of the fool, an enigmatic symbol that promises both power and peril. As the story unfolds, we are drawn into an intricate web of characters and events, each layer revealing unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

The world-building in this book is nothing short of remarkable. The vivid descriptions of landscapes, magical creatures, and mystical realms transport you to a place that feels both enchantingly foreign and comfortingly familiar. The author's ability to evoke sensory experiences through words is truly remarkable, making it easy to get lost in the sights, sounds, and scents of this extraordinary world.

Mark of the Fool excels in character development, with a cast of characters so diverse and well-crafted that you can't help but form a deep connection with each one. Their struggles and triumphs become your own, and their growth throughout the narrative is a testament to the author's storytelling prowess.

But what truly sets this book apart is its theme of duality. The mark of the fool symbolizes the fine line between wisdom and folly, power and vulnerability. This overarching theme invites readers to explore the shades of gray in life, the complex interplay between light and darkness, and the choices we make in between.

As you turn the pages, you'll find yourself immersed in a thrilling adventure that is part quest, part coming-of-age, and part exploration of the human psyche. Mark of the Fool is a spellbinding blend of mystery, magic, and self-discovery, a literary triumph that will leave you yearning for more.

In conclusion, if you're seeking a truly unique and enthralling reading experience, Mark of the Fool is a must-read. It's a remarkable fusion of art and storytelling that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind. Prepare to be captivated, enchanted, and ultimately, transformed by this remarkable tale.

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I'd rate it

Definitely worth a listen to! thoroughly enjoyed it! I have to add more words so ignore this bit.

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A Fun Fantasy Story

I have read the first 3 books and am having a blast!
It's a good mix of world building, action, humour, fantasy and wholesome. I legitimately laughed out loud at certain parts.
Though if you're looking for something really action packed then maybe not for you as it focuses more on character development and intrigue- but there is definitely still plenty of fighting.
The characters are 3D and excellent- even the side characters. And the narrator is really nice to listen to.
Highly recommend if you're looking to dive into a new world and learn all about it!

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