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Deathmark
Purple spur and silver thread,
Waste away until you’re dead.
Necromancers infest the land of Alderyth, fueling a dark plague that always kills its victims. For Nell, it’s more than a story told by travelers. The deathmark claimed her family and fated her to a life of servitude.
When a battered old hag collapses in her arms, suspicion swirls through her fear-governed town. Could Nell be a carrier of the plague? She decides to flee rather than submit to prying authorities, but not without trouble. The deathmark dogs her footsteps, and her best escape might lie with a reclusive man who knows far more than he should about the curse.
Waste away until you’re dead.
Necromancers infest the land of Alderyth, fueling a dark plague that always kills its victims. For Nell, it’s more than a story told by travelers. The deathmark claimed her family and fated her to a life of servitude.
When a battered old hag collapses in her arms, suspicion swirls through her fear-governed town. Could Nell be a carrier of the plague? She decides to flee rather than submit to prying authorities, but not without trouble. The deathmark dogs her footsteps, and her best escape might lie with a reclusive man who knows far more than he should about the curse.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2023
103 people are currently reading
1149 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
decided-not-to-read
April 10, 2023A just released book, promising to be a retelling of The Blue Castle by LMM, an idea I loved (I also recently read a just release retelling of Anne of Green Gables called The Grace of Wild Things, it is maybe a microtrend) and by a YA author I find really readable. Though it starts with a mortal epidemic to the mix the author does have a knack of pace, easy enough to read chapter after chapter (the prose is maybe a bit too direct and Nell a bit too woe-is-me though).
But a few chapters into the book, Nell is showing symptoms of a fatal disease (I think it is not spoilers, Blue Castle retelling) everybody in her world thinks is contagious, and then she decides to run away. The town weird eccentric outsider tells her it is not contagious despite what everybody else thinks, she believes him and then they go, up to her (showing signs of the disease) shoving herself into a really crowded (enclosed) carriage. I am pretty sure the author will validate her choices (not much angst at her choice. Plus she is the heroine of the book) and the weird guy will end being right and the one true romantic pairing and everybody else (including the "science" of this world) being wrong. I just can not deal with this book, the main character knows she is showing signs of a contagious disease (as everybody else thinks it is) and there she goes, oh live life, have fun, exposing others to the potential disease (whose mechanics are not known) . Thrown against the wall metaphorically. This book is not for me.
But a few chapters into the book, Nell is showing symptoms of a fatal disease (I think it is not spoilers, Blue Castle retelling) everybody in her world thinks is contagious, and then she decides to run away. The town weird eccentric outsider tells her it is not contagious despite what everybody else thinks, she believes him and then they go, up to her (showing signs of the disease) shoving herself into a really crowded (enclosed) carriage. I am pretty sure the author will validate her choices (not much angst at her choice. Plus she is the heroine of the book) and the weird guy will end being right and the one true romantic pairing and everybody else (including the "science" of this world) being wrong. I just can not deal with this book, the main character knows she is showing signs of a contagious disease (as everybody else thinks it is) and there she goes, oh live life, have fun, exposing others to the potential disease (whose mechanics are not known) . Thrown against the wall metaphorically. This book is not for me.
August 13, 2024
Charming.
Fast paced yet able to get you to care about all the characters very quickly.
I would have liked to get a little more world building aside from the lingering questions the characters had to piece together towards the end, but that's just one little thing. Maybe a map; maybe some more history. But still; the characters were lovely, the main idea was interesting and well executed, the pacing was fantastic.
Also Nell would be in physical pain every time her man would shave his beard off, so I connected to her on a spiritual level.
Fast paced yet able to get you to care about all the characters very quickly.
I would have liked to get a little more world building aside from the lingering questions the characters had to piece together towards the end, but that's just one little thing. Maybe a map; maybe some more history. But still; the characters were lovely, the main idea was interesting and well executed, the pacing was fantastic.
Also Nell would be in physical pain every time her man would shave his beard off, so I connected to her on a spiritual level.
March 19, 2023
The Blue Castle meets Year of the Reaper, perfect for fans of Rosamund Hodge's Bright Smoke, Cold Fire series and Kate Stradling, of course.
Haunting and lovely, Deathmark is a vivid reminder of the beauty of life.
Haunting and lovely, Deathmark is a vivid reminder of the beauty of life.
October 8, 2023
I adore Nell, the Atmosphere, how everything Tied Together at the end. I loved how this book felt like both a cozy fantasy and monster-hunting book. I gobbled it down despite its slower pacing, and I love how immersive the world felt.
However, Rowe frustrated me at times with how he withheld information and the “I’ll box your ears” throughline wasn’t my cup of tea.
But I did love his and Nell’s banter and how they were essentially two idiots in love trying to out-protect the other. That gets me every time. 😌
Many thanks to my friend Betsy, who hosted a giveaway for this lovely book that I ended up winning!
However, Rowe frustrated me at times with how he withheld information and the “I’ll box your ears” throughline wasn’t my cup of tea.
But I did love his and Nell’s banter and how they were essentially two idiots in love trying to out-protect the other. That gets me every time. 😌
Many thanks to my friend Betsy, who hosted a giveaway for this lovely book that I ended up winning!
March 1, 2023
Ever since I read the Heir and the Spare, I knew Kate Stradling would turn out to be one of my favourite authors. I loved every single one of her retellings and all books in the Ruses of Lenore series. So I went in to Deathmark with high expectations, especially since she described it as loosely inspired by the Blue Castle, another book I absolutely love.
And the little subtle references I caught to it were just absolutely delightful. (When I saw the word "sterling" I giggled—even though I am probably reading too much into that).
The romance was sweet, the plot was fascinating, and the worldbuilding was just absolutely captivating. The action really only starts in the last few chapters, but honestly, I liked it that way. I knew what kind of plot twist was coming, but it actually really surprised me and there were hints left throughout the whole book.
And yes, it was so enthralling I read it in one sitting on the day it was released, while I should have been studying for the exam I had (still have) in a few hours. I might have a slight problem.
And the little subtle references I caught to it were just absolutely delightful. (When I saw the word "sterling" I giggled—even though I am probably reading too much into that).
The romance was sweet, the plot was fascinating, and the worldbuilding was just absolutely captivating. The action really only starts in the last few chapters, but honestly, I liked it that way. I knew what kind of plot twist was coming, but it actually really surprised me and there were hints left throughout the whole book.
And yes, it was so enthralling I read it in one sitting on the day it was released, while I should have been studying for the exam I had (still have) in a few hours. I might have a slight problem.
March 1, 2023
Ah, Kate Stradling never disappoints me.
I was thrilled that I was getting a KS book. Even more thrilled that said book had inspiration drawn from LM Montgomery’s The Blue Castle. And as I finished this book in the space of one lovely afternoon, I can say that this was entirely lovely and, though she said in her acknowledgements that it doesn’t need a sequel, I would surely love to see one, if only to spend a little more time in this world.
This book does a very good job of diverting your attention from Things That Are Interesting and almost forcing you to pay attention to the little things. That being said, there is plenty to feed the mind that longs to discover the secrets that are obviously being kept and plenty to enjoy. The story moves rather steadily until the last few chapters where everything more or less explodes. I would like to mention that I would’ve loved a little more explanation concerning the past of the nation and how it came to be. Nell’s thoughts weren’t quite enough for me, but I’ll content myself with rereading until it does make sense.
Another thing I quite enjoy is that, contrary to The Blue Castle, affection between our leads builds slowly and steadily rather than a sudden realization of love. At least, that’s how I read it. Either way, it was a fun dynamic to have Nell coming into her own personality and spunk and Rowe being cranky but caring in all the best ways.
I want to talk more about this book, but I do think I should stop here before I spoil anything too extensively. Read this book regardless of whether you like LM Montgomery or not, but if you’ve happened to read TBC, you’ll definitely enjoy the little nods to that story and find great delight in the rest.
I was thrilled that I was getting a KS book. Even more thrilled that said book had inspiration drawn from LM Montgomery’s The Blue Castle. And as I finished this book in the space of one lovely afternoon, I can say that this was entirely lovely and, though she said in her acknowledgements that it doesn’t need a sequel, I would surely love to see one, if only to spend a little more time in this world.
This book does a very good job of diverting your attention from Things That Are Interesting and almost forcing you to pay attention to the little things. That being said, there is plenty to feed the mind that longs to discover the secrets that are obviously being kept and plenty to enjoy. The story moves rather steadily until the last few chapters where everything more or less explodes. I would like to mention that I would’ve loved a little more explanation concerning the past of the nation and how it came to be. Nell’s thoughts weren’t quite enough for me, but I’ll content myself with rereading until it does make sense.
Another thing I quite enjoy is that, contrary to The Blue Castle, affection between our leads builds slowly and steadily rather than a sudden realization of love. At least, that’s how I read it. Either way, it was a fun dynamic to have Nell coming into her own personality and spunk and Rowe being cranky but caring in all the best ways.
I want to talk more about this book, but I do think I should stop here before I spoil anything too extensively. Read this book regardless of whether you like LM Montgomery or not, but if you’ve happened to read TBC, you’ll definitely enjoy the little nods to that story and find great delight in the rest.
August 10, 2023
THE BLUE CASTLE meets SABRIEL in this dark cottagecore romantic fantasy from Kate Stradling. I'll be honest, this one didn't sweep me away quite as hard as THE HEIR AND THE SPARE did, but it was also exactly the mildly spooky comfort read I needed right now, and I inhaled the bulk of it in a couple of evenings.
March 9, 2023
Everything Stradling writes is an automatic read for me, and this book was no different. I loved every moment of it. The plot was fresh and creative, the characters complex and believable, and I enjoyed the growing relationship between the two leads. Such a good read!!
March 2, 2023
Yet another Stradling masterpiece
When Nell learns she's contracted the deathmark, a magical plague devised by wicked necromancers, she decides to leave her life of miserable servitude and truly start living. A chance encounter turns into her having a steadfast, mysterious companion assist her in this goal. A Completely Charming Mysterious Man, but that doesn't matter when she only has 2-6 months to live...
This book was everything I hoped for and more. The nods to The Blue Castle were just *delightful*, and the magic and the plot were MARVELOUS. AND NELL. AND ROWE. They were utterly delightful characters, with delightful banter, and that ROMANCE. Kate Stradling writes the swooniest romance I have ever read in my life. Every book is a delight.
I was terrified as I neared the end and everything still felt so very Dangerous and Unsolvable, but Kate pulled everything together in spectacular fashion. It was...it was just awesome.
I didn't mean to read the whole book today, but...it happened anyway, because once I started I just couldn't stop. I have no regrets.
Thanks for another amazing story, Kate!
When Nell learns she's contracted the deathmark, a magical plague devised by wicked necromancers, she decides to leave her life of miserable servitude and truly start living. A chance encounter turns into her having a steadfast, mysterious companion assist her in this goal. A Completely Charming Mysterious Man, but that doesn't matter when she only has 2-6 months to live...
This book was everything I hoped for and more. The nods to The Blue Castle were just *delightful*, and the magic and the plot were MARVELOUS. AND NELL. AND ROWE. They were utterly delightful characters, with delightful banter, and that ROMANCE. Kate Stradling writes the swooniest romance I have ever read in my life. Every book is a delight.
I was terrified as I neared the end and everything still felt so very Dangerous and Unsolvable, but Kate pulled everything together in spectacular fashion. It was...it was just awesome.
I didn't mean to read the whole book today, but...it happened anyway, because once I started I just couldn't stop. I have no regrets.
Thanks for another amazing story, Kate!
March 4, 2023
I love this book. Ooooh, gosh, I love this book. This is my second one by Stradling, and I think she's gearing up to be one of my favorite authors. The way she writes is just so fresh? I can't explain it. I became wholly invested with these characters, their relationship. This isn't a fast paced book and it works to its advantage—Stradling spends time with these characters and building up the relationship and oh, it made me yearn. I am so utterly in love.
September 30, 2023
Edit: I already reread this because it had been more than three days since I last read a 5-star book and GUYS I LOVE IT SO MUCH. Do real grownups type in caps lock
sheer perfection
If Kate Stradling writes it, I’m going to buy it no questions asked. BUT I bought it even faster this time, since this is inspired by L. M. Montgomery’s The Blue Castle and I just recently read & loved that too!
Anyhow, in this you have
-an ordinary heroine
-a gruffly mysterious man
-“I can’t look at you without your beard” (SAME when my husband shaves I feel awkward around him for at least a few hours)
-did I mention the perfect Blue Castle references?!
I guarantee I will be rereading this within the year.
sheer perfection
If Kate Stradling writes it, I’m going to buy it no questions asked. BUT I bought it even faster this time, since this is inspired by L. M. Montgomery’s The Blue Castle and I just recently read & loved that too!
Anyhow, in this you have
-an ordinary heroine
-a gruffly mysterious man
-“I can’t look at you without your beard” (SAME when my husband shaves I feel awkward around him for at least a few hours)
-did I mention the perfect Blue Castle references?!
I guarantee I will be rereading this within the year.
May 6, 2023
I saw the dedication page and wondered if it was a reference to Lucy Maud Montgomery, so as I read, I was racking my brains to figure out which LMM novel this might be referring to. Not Anne...not Emily...what then? Halfway through reading the book, someone told me it was a retelling of The Blue Castle, which just so happens to be the one LMM book I haven't read yet! I can't say how this holds up as a retelling or an "inspired by," but I enjoyed it on its own merit. Around the middle point, I wasn't so sure--the pace was so slow and the protagonists so determined to misunderstand each other--but by the end, I was fully invested. Three and a half stars rounded up to four.
February 21, 2024
This was a cozy dark fantasy. Nell, the fmc, cracks me up with her underlying sassiness. This book had me cackling throughout. Nell and the mmc, Rowe, are so freaking adorable. I love their dynamic and watching them fall for each other. The world was interesting, but I do wish more things were explained. The ending wrap up was a bit too quick for me, as I’ve noticed in her other work. I wish her books were longer and took more time with details. Still, I can’t seem to put her books down and I’m so excited to have discovered Kate’s works.
April 5, 2025
Толкова сладка двойка, на която стиск��м палци да успее в премеждията, много отдавна не бях срещала из книгите. Много симпатични ми станаха и двата героя, тъжно ми беше за тях, радвах се, надявах се, сърцето ми биеше за тях... Торта гараш за душата под формата на книга 🩷
April 8, 2023
A fantasy inspired by The Blue Castle? Yes please!! This was such a fun adventure! And I loved all the Blue Castle callbacks. Kate Stradling is quickly becoming a favorite author… 😊
March 2, 2025
I loved Nell and Rowe and their relationship together . You could tell they cared about each other even before they had feelings .
I honestly became disinterested after they got together though .I didn't really like the whole death mark idea and the magic that revolved around it . That was probably just me being confused , and not actually the book's fault 😂!
Overall , I still really liked this one and would recommend it! !
I honestly became disinterested after they got together though .I didn't really like the whole death mark idea and the magic that revolved around it . That was probably just me being confused , and not actually the book's fault 😂!
Overall , I still really liked this one and would recommend it! !
November 7, 2024
I think it's just a fact that I love Stradling's work. ;)
May 31, 2023
Engrossing and satisfying.
March 12, 2023
Content:
Language: None.
Violence: Mild. There are some fights, minimal blood depicted. There is a feeling of mild peril throughout.
Sexual: Mild. Some kissing, not steamy. There is some implied 'offscreen' nudity due to doctor examinations. Some teasing implications along the lines of leaving the newlyweds alone. All very mild and clean.
My thoughts throughout the majority of this novel: "I was not expecting that!"
My initial wariness at reading a book featuring necromancers was quickly put aside after seeing reviews calling this book 'sweet' and 'fun'. Two words I would not put with necromancy, so I figured I was safe. Haha.
Sure enough, I had an incredibly fun romp through Alderyth (not sure if I butchered the spelling there) with Rowe and Nell. What an interesting premise! And you know right off the bat that something is hinky in this fantasy world. So there's mystery that had me reading far past my bedtime (seriously, 5 a.m. is pushing it even for me) even while I wanted to savor the story, and then the added mystery of Rowe the grumpy sweetheart.
The slow burn romance was just down my alley too. It was one of those, 'whoa, when did these feelings happen?' kind of relationships and I was feeling all the warm cozy feelings from it. Also I was so glad that Nell
It's hard to say anything more without totally ruining the book! Just read it. It's lovely. (yet another word I'd never have connected a necromancy book to).
The only thing I was wishing at the end, was to know more about the world I just got introduced to! It wrapped up nicely, but there are questions that I have that could definitely be expounded upon in another book. Not sure if that will ever come to pass, but I'd be all over that if it does.
Two exuberant thumbs up for the can't-put-it-down-ness and the originality of the story. I see a paperback purchase in my near future...
Language: None.
Violence: Mild. There are some fights, minimal blood depicted. There is a feeling of mild peril throughout.
Sexual: Mild. Some kissing, not steamy. There is some implied 'offscreen' nudity due to doctor examinations. Some teasing implications along the lines of leaving the newlyweds alone. All very mild and clean.
My thoughts throughout the majority of this novel: "I was not expecting that!"
My initial wariness at reading a book featuring necromancers was quickly put aside after seeing reviews calling this book 'sweet' and 'fun'. Two words I would not put with necromancy, so I figured I was safe. Haha.
Sure enough, I had an incredibly fun romp through Alderyth (not sure if I butchered the spelling there) with Rowe and Nell. What an interesting premise! And you know right off the bat that something is hinky in this fantasy world. So there's mystery that had me reading far past my bedtime (seriously, 5 a.m. is pushing it even for me) even while I wanted to savor the story, and then the added mystery of Rowe the grumpy sweetheart.
The slow burn romance was just down my alley too. It was one of those, 'whoa, when did these feelings happen?' kind of relationships and I was feeling all the warm cozy feelings from it. Also I was so glad that Nell
It's hard to say anything more without totally ruining the book! Just read it. It's lovely. (yet another word I'd never have connected a necromancy book to).
The only thing I was wishing at the end, was to know more about the world I just got introduced to! It wrapped up nicely, but there are questions that I have that could definitely be expounded upon in another book. Not sure if that will ever come to pass, but I'd be all over that if it does.
Two exuberant thumbs up for the can't-put-it-down-ness and the originality of the story. I see a paperback purchase in my near future...
April 14, 2025
Seriously, every book this author writes is so stinkin’ good!!
Deathmark was super unique! I thought with necromancers it was going to be a lot of zombies (which creep me out), but it really wasn’t.
A good chunk of it is Nell finding out that she has the deathmark, and will probably die in a few months. So she decides to live her life how she chooses, with the help of Rowe.
Another chunk is Nell and Rowe realizing some things aren’t adding up about the Deathmark.
And of course my favorite chunk is the romance! ❤️
I loved Nell’s spunk. I loved Rowe’s grumpiness, but loved even more how much Rowe looked out for Nell.
I loved the pacing, everything flowed, and I never, not once, thought the story lagged.
I loved the ending.
I loved Rowe’s cheekiness and how embarrassed Nell would get, and then how sassy she would get!
This is a great read!
Content: Clean romance, clean language, nothing gory or gruesome.
My favorite quote: “You’re supposed to lose me. That was the bargain, and you said from the start that you wouldn’t get attached.” “I lied.”
Audible listen 11/8/24: narrator did such a great job! Loved it!
Deathmark was super unique! I thought with necromancers it was going to be a lot of zombies (which creep me out), but it really wasn’t.
A good chunk of it is Nell finding out that she has the deathmark, and will probably die in a few months. So she decides to live her life how she chooses, with the help of Rowe.
Another chunk is Nell and Rowe realizing some things aren’t adding up about the Deathmark.
And of course my favorite chunk is the romance! ❤️
I loved Nell’s spunk. I loved Rowe’s grumpiness, but loved even more how much Rowe looked out for Nell.
I loved the pacing, everything flowed, and I never, not once, thought the story lagged.
I loved the ending.
I loved Rowe’s cheekiness and how embarrassed Nell would get, and then how sassy she would get!
This is a great read!
Content: Clean romance, clean language, nothing gory or gruesome.
My favorite quote: “You’re supposed to lose me. That was the bargain, and you said from the start that you wouldn’t get attached.” “I lied.”
Audible listen 11/8/24: narrator did such a great job! Loved it!
July 13, 2023
I have to admit, I was almost put off by the title. But recommended by a friend, I bought it and read it in a day, between meetings.
Loved it. Believable characters, some shades of the pandemic for those with a conspiracy frame of mind, and a HAE, which is fairly good going for a novel whose heroine believes she’s going to die horribly in six months.
Terrific.
Loved it. Believable characters, some shades of the pandemic for those with a conspiracy frame of mind, and a HAE, which is fairly good going for a novel whose heroine believes she’s going to die horribly in six months.
Terrific.
January 2, 2025
3.75 ★
One thing I always know about fantasy type settings is to NEVER TRUST CLERICS OR SO CALLED HOLY PEOPLE! They’re usually the ones behind anything bad in the book/show/movie/manhwa if they’re present in the setting lol.
Soooo this was highly recommend to me and so I had to give it a go!
I’ve read Kate Stradling before and found her writing style quite pleasant and easy to get through. She’s fast paced but not in the bad way, where everything is rushed and happens at once…though thinking on it now, I did feel the climax ended a tad too quick. I didn’t mind too much, though, but that might be my bias speaking, because most of the book was spent in a very mundane and cosy fashion. So much so, I was actually convinced that was the sort of book it was going to be (sort of. The clerics tickled my suspicion too much lol) and that she would die in their cosy, little home they made together. But, I don’t think I would have been suggested this book if that had happened.
Anywho, the characters were all likeable and are established to be in very little time, which I appreciate. I like how all of Rowe’s family is quite the same: overbearing, but in their own ways. And yes, that’s him included, because he is exactly that to Nell lol.
The one thing I couldn’t get behind in this book, however, is the romance. I am quite convinced they could have remained a platonic married duo, and I wouldn’t have minded, because the affection and care between them was true and real. I just didn’t feel it fit—and this is coming from a romance sucker!
So, that’s probably the reason for the 3.75 rating. There are some other things that brought it down—like the ending—but I can’t quite remember them.
(This is why you should write your reviews when it’s all fresh in your mind and not leave it to simmer away)
(Another thing, something I said a while ago: ARE AUTHORS ALLERGIC TO MAKING THEIR FEMALE MC’s NORMAL LOOKING IN SOME WAY? Like they always have to be drab and boring and ugly. I’m not saying they have to go to the other end of the spectrum and he drop dead gorgeous, because that’s annoying in its own right, but they can be a little thing called ✨attractive✨it’s not going to break the laws of writing a female MC or make their computer explode. Sheesh!)
But anyway, it was an enjoyable and quick read—sweet too. I’m glad Nell found her happiness in the end.
One thing I always know about fantasy type settings is to NEVER TRUST CLERICS OR SO CALLED HOLY PEOPLE! They’re usually the ones behind anything bad in the book/show/movie/manhwa if they’re present in the setting lol.
Soooo this was highly recommend to me and so I had to give it a go!
I’ve read Kate Stradling before and found her writing style quite pleasant and easy to get through. She’s fast paced but not in the bad way, where everything is rushed and happens at once…though thinking on it now, I did feel the climax ended a tad too quick. I didn’t mind too much, though, but that might be my bias speaking, because most of the book was spent in a very mundane and cosy fashion. So much so, I was actually convinced that was the sort of book it was going to be (sort of. The clerics tickled my suspicion too much lol) and that she would die in their cosy, little home they made together. But, I don’t think I would have been suggested this book if that had happened.
Anywho, the characters were all likeable and are established to be in very little time, which I appreciate. I like how all of Rowe’s family is quite the same: overbearing, but in their own ways. And yes, that’s him included, because he is exactly that to Nell lol.
The one thing I couldn’t get behind in this book, however, is the romance. I am quite convinced they could have remained a platonic married duo, and I wouldn’t have minded, because the affection and care between them was true and real. I just didn’t feel it fit—and this is coming from a romance sucker!
So, that’s probably the reason for the 3.75 rating. There are some other things that brought it down—like the ending—but I can’t quite remember them.
(This is why you should write your reviews when it’s all fresh in your mind and not leave it to simmer away)
(Another thing, something I said a while ago: ARE AUTHORS ALLERGIC TO MAKING THEIR FEMALE MC’s NORMAL LOOKING IN SOME WAY? Like they always have to be drab and boring and ugly. I’m not saying they have to go to the other end of the spectrum and he drop dead gorgeous, because that’s annoying in its own right, but they can be a little thing called ✨attractive✨it’s not going to break the laws of writing a female MC or make their computer explode. Sheesh!)
But anyway, it was an enjoyable and quick read—sweet too. I’m glad Nell found her happiness in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2023
I’m embarrassed to admit this but for a good third of this book I was wholly ignorant of the fact that it is, publicly and canonically, inspired by The Blue Castle. So I sat there giggling to myself like a loon, marveling over how much this rugged mountain man reminded me of Barney. And how much Nell, with her short dark hair and resolve to set aside fear, reminded me of Valancy. I even sat for a few moments cataloging all the ways the stories were similar, thinking to myself: “I wonder if Kate Stradling has ever read The Blue Castle.”
Folks. I’ve never claimed to be fast on the uptake. I think it’s safe to say she’s read it. Good grief.
Anyway. Now that I’ve divulged that mortifying tidbit, I can fawn over this book as it deserves. I have enjoyed every one of Kate Stradling’s books I’ve read, but this might be my all-time favorite. (Which is saying something, for those of you who’ve read The Heir and the Spare. You understand.)
Kate Stradling combined my favorite book (The Blue Castle) with my favorite genre (fantasy).
“Happy belated birthday to me,” I say.
“Don’t mind if I do,” I tack on, turning a page at 2 AM with an alarm set for 6.
This was such a treat. I cackled over this book like.. well, like a crazed “Necromancer,” in all honesty. The characters are so lovely, and I savored every interaction. Impish Nell will forever hold my heart. The plot filled me with warm nostalgia while keeping me in suspense with its own creative twists, so hats off to Kate Stradling. It’s been some time since a book was able to keep me up past my usual bedtime. I already want to read it again. Do yourself a favor and pick it up.
Folks. I’ve never claimed to be fast on the uptake. I think it’s safe to say she’s read it. Good grief.
Anyway. Now that I’ve divulged that mortifying tidbit, I can fawn over this book as it deserves. I have enjoyed every one of Kate Stradling’s books I’ve read, but this might be my all-time favorite. (Which is saying something, for those of you who’ve read The Heir and the Spare. You understand.)
Kate Stradling combined my favorite book (The Blue Castle) with my favorite genre (fantasy).
“Happy belated birthday to me,” I say.
“Don’t mind if I do,” I tack on, turning a page at 2 AM with an alarm set for 6.
This was such a treat. I cackled over this book like.. well, like a crazed “Necromancer,” in all honesty. The characters are so lovely, and I savored every interaction. Impish Nell will forever hold my heart. The plot filled me with warm nostalgia while keeping me in suspense with its own creative twists, so hats off to Kate Stradling. It’s been some time since a book was able to keep me up past my usual bedtime. I already want to read it again. Do yourself a favor and pick it up.
September 19, 2023
Wooooooooooooow!
Rarely do I ever read a book so well crafted. Unlike many fantasy romances, this story immersed me in the world immediately, telling me exactly what I needed to know when I needed to know it while maintaining pacing and plot tension. An exciting and imaginative nod to The Blue Castle, one of my most favorite books ever, Deathmark more than delivers on the premise of the original. A girl marked for death with nothing to lose and a man who has lost it all cling to each other for survival and redemption (respectively), swearing not to fall for each other. Of course, they do, and they take on the world for a chance to live freely without fear of impending doom. Such wonderful wordsmithing, world-building, and angst. Clean romance with some dark magic and a couple of semi-violent fight scenes. This is going to be one of my top ten rereads. Highly recommend!
Rarely do I ever read a book so well crafted. Unlike many fantasy romances, this story immersed me in the world immediately, telling me exactly what I needed to know when I needed to know it while maintaining pacing and plot tension. An exciting and imaginative nod to The Blue Castle, one of my most favorite books ever, Deathmark more than delivers on the premise of the original. A girl marked for death with nothing to lose and a man who has lost it all cling to each other for survival and redemption (respectively), swearing not to fall for each other. Of course, they do, and they take on the world for a chance to live freely without fear of impending doom. Such wonderful wordsmithing, world-building, and angst. Clean romance with some dark magic and a couple of semi-violent fight scenes. This is going to be one of my top ten rereads. Highly recommend!
October 23, 2023
This was a very unique story, and I'm not fully sure how to describe it. The plot was a mix of everything—sad and dark, then cozy and wholesome, then mysterious and exciting, with a smattering of quirkiness throughout.
I really enjoyed the main character, Nell. Her pragmatic personality was kind of refreshing. Rowe was also great! Their interactions with each other were so much fun to read that I didn't mind how slowly the plot developed.
When the climax hit, the action definitely kicked up a notch. In fact, my main criticism of the book would be that everything near the end seemed to happen too fast. There were some information reveals that confused me, and I think it would've helped if the plot wasn't as rushed. But I didn't REALLY care because I'd already enjoyed the book so much that I was willing to forgive any little quibbles I had with it.
I'm eager to see more from this author!
I really enjoyed the main character, Nell. Her pragmatic personality was kind of refreshing. Rowe was also great! Their interactions with each other were so much fun to read that I didn't mind how slowly the plot developed.
When the climax hit, the action definitely kicked up a notch. In fact, my main criticism of the book would be that everything near the end seemed to happen too fast. There were some information reveals that confused me, and I think it would've helped if the plot wasn't as rushed. But I didn't REALLY care because I'd already enjoyed the book so much that I was willing to forgive any little quibbles I had with it.
I'm eager to see more from this author!
February 1, 2024
4.75 stars, rounded up
Another great read from this author! I very much enjoyed the strong nod to 'The Blue Castle' by L.M. Montgomery, which happens to be one of my favourite reads of 2023. The world building was great and the plot kept me guessing and second-guessing (and even then I still ended up surprised by the big reveal near the end). There was much more angst in this than I expected; it was such a slow and steady build up, it was so addictive to read. I did get somewhat annoyed with Rowe, especially with his habit of withholding information (be it about the situation or himself) but Nell more than made up for it. By the end, I honestly thought there'd be a sequel, what with the way things were building up, but somehow it managed to resolve in the last couple of chapters. Then again, I wouldn't complain if a sequel ever did end up happening... :D
Another great read from this author! I very much enjoyed the strong nod to 'The Blue Castle' by L.M. Montgomery, which happens to be one of my favourite reads of 2023. The world building was great and the plot kept me guessing and second-guessing (and even then I still ended up surprised by the big reveal near the end). There was much more angst in this than I expected; it was such a slow and steady build up, it was so addictive to read. I did get somewhat annoyed with Rowe, especially with his habit of withholding information (be it about the situation or himself) but Nell more than made up for it. By the end, I honestly thought there'd be a sequel, what with the way things were building up, but somehow it managed to resolve in the last couple of chapters. Then again, I wouldn't complain if a sequel ever did end up happening... :D
June 6, 2023
Structuring a book around a character who is dying is a bold choice, giving an overall narrative tension to what is otherwise a rather gently paced romance that continues Ms Stradling's fascination with the dynamics of undeserved grace in relationships and stories where people are not what they seem.
The author's note says she struggled to write an ending that she was happy with. I do think the ending here is a little rushed and a little too neat but I mostly don't care. Delightful.
The author's note says she struggled to write an ending that she was happy with. I do think the ending here is a little rushed and a little too neat but I mostly don't care. Delightful.
March 4, 2023
misunderstood necromancy!
While reading this book, I remembered why Kate Stradling is one of my auto-read authors. This is a fantastic story with a very practical heroine, a mysterious hero, a conspiracy, and many twists and twirls of plot wrapped around a gentle, uplifting tale. I didn’t see the ending coming, and that was the best part. I will be re-reading, and I am hoping Stradling puts out her next book soon! Also, thanks so much for going back and putting this one together — the ending may be open-ended, but it is perfect.
While reading this book, I remembered why Kate Stradling is one of my auto-read authors. This is a fantastic story with a very practical heroine, a mysterious hero, a conspiracy, and many twists and twirls of plot wrapped around a gentle, uplifting tale. I didn’t see the ending coming, and that was the best part. I will be re-reading, and I am hoping Stradling puts out her next book soon! Also, thanks so much for going back and putting this one together — the ending may be open-ended, but it is perfect.
June 24, 2025
Unexpected hidden gem. Although most of the action takes place at the very end of the book, at no point did I feel bored or like the story was dragging. The characters were so endearing and lovable. The pacing of the mystery behind the deathmark was perfect and the ending satisfying.
March 25, 2023
Mm mm MMM so good
Me likey me want more Kate Stradling
Me likey me want more Kate Stradling
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