Lazlo Redthorn, once a powerful mage, scholar, and Academy Judge, finds his career shattered after a devastating mistake. Consumed by guilt, he exiles himself to a solitary life as a mentor in the remote Bacre Stronghold. However, Lazlo's self-imposed isolation is interrupted when his mentor and the Academy's Headmaster, Master Ebus Nordau, dies under mysterious circumstances. Accompanied by Kazren, a former prodigy and mentee, and Tansya, an old druidic friend, Lazlo returns to the Academy to unravel the mystery. As the trio investigates, the story evolves into a fantasy-tinged detective tale, blending magical intrigue with themes of guilt, redemption, and friendship. The novel is lauded for its rich character development, well-integrated magic system, and seamless world-building. Readers are drawn into Lazlo's journey as he grapples with personal grief and his unresolved past while seeking justice for his mentor. Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite In Wizards of the Mound by Ray Clifford Martinez II, in the continent of Cicpe, The Wizards of the Mound Academy is the most prestigious school for aspiring young mages to learn magic. Lazlo Redthorn, a former judge for King Owain and a powerful mage who previously taught at the academy, now teaches problem students sent by the academy at Bacre Stronghold. But when he learns of his former mentor Ebus Nordau's accidental death during a Spellduel contest, Lazlo suspects foul play. Along with this favorite student, Krazen Drita, Lazlo visits the Mound to investigate the matter. Tansya, a druid, helps Lazlo find the truth. However, an old friend turned foe has escaped from prison and seeks revenge. Lazlo, Krazen, and Tansya must stop him and a dangerous sorcerer before more lives are lost. Wizards of the Mound is an absorbing tale full of magic, action, mystery, and intrigue. Akin to the Harry Potter series, Ray Clifford Martinez II's novel is set in a captivating fantasy world with a famous magic school. But instead of a student, the narrative follows the adventures of a multi-talented professor determined to right past wrongs. The author has crafted a wildly imaginative and highly immersive world featuring druids, mages, orcs, elves, and other magical creatures. Martinez provides back stories for his characters that make it easy for readers to discern their actions and motives and find them relatable. The characters' relationships are well fleshed out, and each dynamic feels distinct and compelling. As a fantasy fan, I loved this book and hope to read more books set in this world. Highly recommended. Explore Authors Magazine Audre Lord once said, "Guilt is not a response to anger; it is a response to one's own actions or lack of action." In Ray Clifford Martinez II's Wizards of the Mound , no one knows this better than the protagonist, Lazlo Redthorn. During his life, Lazlo was many things. A soldier, a mentee, a scholar, a powerful mage, and most importantly, a Judge. However, his promising career is thrown off the beaten path when he makes a wrong call that leads to disastrous consequences, the guilt-ridden man exiles himself from the Academy he dutifully served to live out the remainder of his days teaching wayward students in his castle, Bacre Stronghold. However, his self-imposed exile from the Academy ends when he receives the word that the Academy's Headmaster, and his mentor, Master Ebus Nordau, passed into the veil. Unable to make sense of his mentor's passing, Lazlo returns to Wizards of the Mound Academy with his mentee, the Academy's previous rising star, Kazren Drita, and his old friend and druid, Tansya, to uncover the mystery of his mentor's death. One thing that surprised me going into reading Wizards of the Mound was that this felt more like a police procedural, with Lazlo and Tansya acting as the lead detectives trying to unravel the mystery of Master Ebus' demise, versus the standard fantasy affair, which is refreshing to read. Another aspect that I enjoyed was Lazlo dealing with his guilt over the events that led to his self-imposed exile, but also his grief, not only due to the past events but also the death of his beloved mentor. Everything, from his actions, and his emotions, to how he reconciled with them felt like a very realistic response. From the outset, Wizards of the Mound impresses with its strong writing, likable characters, well-thought-out magic system, and engaging plot. It gains a magical recommendation from me. ★★★★★ - Elijah B. (Explore Authors Magazine)