J.M. Clarke
Long before the Mark of the Fool series became a sensation among fantasy readers, J.M. Clarke was quietly shaping the kind of stories he wanted to see in the world—tales where magic doesn't come easy, choices carry weight, and heroes grow not through destiny, but through grit and consequence. It was never about following a blueprint; it was about building a world that felt lived-in, flawed, and full of wonder.
A Canadian at heart and storyteller by instinct, Clarke didn’t emerge from the traditional publishing pipeline. Instead, his journey began during the stillness of the pandemic, when he started sharing his writing online. What began as a creative outlet quickly evolved into a phenomenon. Mark of the Fool—a progression fantasy known for its compelling magic system, emotionally grounded characters, and sly humor—racked up nearly 10 million views on Royal Road and went on to sell over 100,000 eBooks. The series didn’t just find an audience—it struck a chord with readers hungry for fantasy that balanced powerful storytelling with authentic emotional arcs.
