Review by: Samantha M. Siciliano
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Quick Summary:
Beyond the Mark is a dark fantasy adventure novel that follows the journey of two mages, Flynn and Orion. The story kicks off with Flynn engaged in battle alongside three heroes- Basil, Emily, and Maverick- against the Dark Mage. Near the conclusion of the confrontation, Flynn vanishes for 5 years. When he regains consciousness, he finds himself in a mead barrel owned by a ship captain named Orion. Orion is initially wary and distrustful of Flynn, explaining that he is a fugitive with a hefty bounty on his head. Flynn persuades Orion to cooperate by promising her that he will help search for a lost orb if she, in turn, helps him clear his name. The narrative invites readers to accompany Flynn and Orion on their quest to prove Flynn’s innocence, seek knowledge, build camaraderie, and above all, embark on thrilling adventures as they continue their struggle against evil.
The Review:
Beyond the Mark was an enjoyable, engaging, and quick read. It served as a refreshing change of pace after a heavy historical fiction novel. The experience reminded me of playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends- the story was filled with moments reminiscent of rolling critical fails and sweet natural 20s. It was evident that this first-time author thoroughly enjoyed crafting this work.
I relished the relationship between Orion and Flynn. Their dynamic reminded me of my own long-standing friendship with my best friend, which started off with hesitance but grew into something essential and irreplaceable. Likewise, Fynn and Orion’s relationship blossoms from a tentative connection into a bond where they care for, worry about, and rely on each other. Their witty and sarcastic banter added a lively element to the story and kept me entertained throughout.
As I read, I noticed that the pacing felt very rapid, with events unfolding quickly and without much buildup. It seemed as though everything happened within a span of five days. I believe the author could have devoted more time to developing the world, the magic system, and the backgrounds of the original heroes, as well as the new additions to Flynn’s group. More insight into Flynn’s past and the villain of Silverpeak would have added depth. I am hopeful that future installments will expand on character development and magic-building.
Flynn’s status as a level one mage and fighter after his disappearance was understandable, but I wanted to see more of his growth in basic skills—such as drawing water from a well or using his fire abilities. The prohibition on dark magic limited his capabilities, but the skills he did acquire, like flesh weaving and creating a dark magic vortex, were well-integrated and used effectively at key moments in the book.
The character Winston felt underdeveloped and rushed. Perhaps the author intentionally left gaps in Winston’s backstory to explore his hometown in a future book, allowing readers to learn more later. In contrast, Gemini’s character was well-crafted, with enough backstory and complexity to understand her motivations and see her growth throughout the story. Regarding Victor, I wished for more elaboration on his background and a deeper exploration of his motivations. While his demeanor was convincing and made him an effective antagonist, I wanted to be inside his mind to understand his choices.
One aspect that detracted from the experience was the author’s use of both first and third person narration. Personally, I prefer when an author selects one perspective and maintains it consistently throughout the book. However, I recognize that some readers may not find this bothersome, so this is just a matter of personal preference.
I am eagerly anticipating the release of the second book and plan to be among the first to purchase it. I am excited to see the author’s growth and to discover what happens next to these characters. I hope to see more world-building, character development, and a longer timeline of events in the sequel.
Overall, this novel was exactly what I needed—something mellow, engaging, and enjoyable. I give it a solid 3.7 out of 5.
IN CONCLUSION, READ THE FRACKING BOOK!
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