Read Time: 3 Minutes
I’m sad and happy at the same time now I’ve reached the end of Jake’s Magical Market. First off, I need to say I’m really happy that the series actually ended and didn’t just go on forever like I feel some other series I am reading are going to do. I like a good story as much as the next person, but part of that is getting a decent ending. This series did not disappoint.
Sad, of course, because the end has now come and there will be no more adventures with Jake! Still, I’d much rather the series be finished that to go on forever, as much as I might say otherwise.
At over a mammoth 36-hours of runtime, there is so much packed into this final instalment. Thinking back, there probably were a few parts that could have been trimmed down or tightened up, but honestly, I was so thoroughly entertained by the story it didn’t bother me in the moment. I suspect it won’t bother me on a re-read either, which I’m bound to do in the future.
Jake develops further as a character, even when he’s moping around for the first part or generally half-assing his duties. His power levels are growing exponentially and for parts he’s just cakewalking his way through dungeons. Occasionally he runs across foes that he’s not prepared for, so a good butt-whipping comes his way to make him rethink his ways.
His relationships with the other characters help him grow into his godly powers as well. A good portion of the book is much like a therapy session for Jake where he’s working on his mental and emotional problems. A catharsis and one that also had me contemplating things in my own life. Not that I have issues on the scale with Jake, but the very human elements of what he was going through certainly struck a few chords.
Quite a lot of time is spent with his own illusions. I’m not a therapist so I don’t know what that says about him, but some of them start developing their own personalities such Captain, Medic, Strategist, Gambler, and so on. They too are maturing as people, while stubbornly holding on to the childish parts of Jake’s personality that make him fun.
John Pirhalla, who picked up the narration in book two returned, and did another fine job. I don’t actually miss Baldree’s version now. I guess spending almost 60 hours out of around 80 total hours for the series will do that!
Overall, an epic conclusion to the tale of Jake. From his humble beginnings of running a small shop selling magical supplies to battling the gods themselves in an effort to avenge his friends and the people of Earth, the whole series is a great way to spend heaps of time. Get immersed in the world-building and come along for the ride. I’m glad I took this journey with Jake and look forward to revisiting his adventures in the future.
One last note: Be sure to keep listening after the “afterword” by the author for one last bit of Jake.