I hope the series continues to improved and there are some signs in the second book that the male MC is actually making some improvements in his confidence and competence. So far it's a decent series though the male MC is being portrayed (yet again) as a blundering incompetent fool, and the female he likes is strong, intelligent, and confident (never wrong about anything). Clarke needs to get them involved in the plotline quickly, so he does a really quick once over on character development. Once again the Knight has the choice to either save him or leave him, though this time leaving him does not result in his death. The way Alex gains power is totally new and has enough complexity and challenge that it is elevated to fascinating.

Mark of the Fool 3: A Progression Fantasy Epic Kindle Edition Mark of the Fool 3: A Progression Fantasy Epic Kindle Edition

A jaunty jester’s hat sat on his head and his statue was the only one that had been stained by bird droppings. Alex flew toward them, planning to take advantage of Ripp’s distraction…when a huge mana shift fanned out. Another thing I liked, was another typical stereotype of the story that this book circumvented: There were no school bullying.

And Alex might feel sorry for them, but he has absolutely no desire to get dragged into their world.

Mark of the Fool 5: A Progression Fantasy Epic Kindle Edition

It wasn't a story that instantly captivated me, but a slow simmer of enjoyment that slowly grew with the story. Mantis Petras and Soul Twisters are very dangerous airborne foes, but they fall in a single Great Slash.The story literally died right there, and got swapped out for a shapeless slice-of-life tedium of magic system exposition, that I really didn't care for. It's also hinted at that it's reciprocated, but the MC has just turned 18 and they grew up together.