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The Wizard's Mark
He was her first love. Now he’s her deadliest adversary.
By day, Marcella pretends to be a highborn lady, but at night, she’s a thief for the renegades, a group whose goal is to help servants escape their noble masters.
That isn’t her most dangerous secret. In a land where only men are wizards, she’s able to wield magic.
Marcella grew up as a serving girl in the castle where young wizards train. Falling in love with Ronan, the most promising apprentice, was a bad idea from the beginning. He’d made it clear he never planned on a future with her. It would’ve stood in the way of his ambitions.
Now the renegades want Marcella to go to the king’s court where an assassination might prevent a war, but then she’ll be back in Ronan’s path. This time as enemies.
He's dangerous. He knows her secrets. Despite the sparks that always fly between them, he could easily destroy the mission and her.
And yet she might still be in love with him anyway.
Fans of Sarah J Maas will love this page-turning romantasy, with adventure, romance, witty banter, and a happily ever after—well, at least happy for the right characters. There are no guarantees for the others…Snatch up this binge-worthy story today!
By day, Marcella pretends to be a highborn lady, but at night, she’s a thief for the renegades, a group whose goal is to help servants escape their noble masters.
That isn’t her most dangerous secret. In a land where only men are wizards, she’s able to wield magic.
Marcella grew up as a serving girl in the castle where young wizards train. Falling in love with Ronan, the most promising apprentice, was a bad idea from the beginning. He’d made it clear he never planned on a future with her. It would’ve stood in the way of his ambitions.
Now the renegades want Marcella to go to the king’s court where an assassination might prevent a war, but then she’ll be back in Ronan’s path. This time as enemies.
He's dangerous. He knows her secrets. Despite the sparks that always fly between them, he could easily destroy the mission and her.
And yet she might still be in love with him anyway.
Fans of Sarah J Maas will love this page-turning romantasy, with adventure, romance, witty banter, and a happily ever after—well, at least happy for the right characters. There are no guarantees for the others…Snatch up this binge-worthy story today!
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 15, 2024
145 people are currently reading
924 people want to read
About the author
Janette Rallison
74 books1,996 followersCheck out my awesome book trailers!
My Unfair Godmother:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AlRg0...
My Fair Godmother: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up1jF8...
Just One Wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP1Nce...
My Double Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzuswp...
Janette Rallison has five children who keep her well supplied with plot ideas, sometimes even making cameo appearances in her novels. She likes to write romantic comedy because there is enough angst in real life, but theres a drastic shortage on both humor and romance.
Playing the Field was named Society of School Librarians International Best Book Award Honor Book, and both Alls Fair In Love, War, and High School and Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Free Throws were included on YALSAs Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults list. Fame Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List, was just chosen for IRAs YA Choices list for 2007
"
My Unfair Godmother:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AlRg0...
My Fair Godmother: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up1jF8...
Just One Wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP1Nce...
My Double Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzuswp...
Janette Rallison has five children who keep her well supplied with plot ideas, sometimes even making cameo appearances in her novels. She likes to write romantic comedy because there is enough angst in real life, but theres a drastic shortage on both humor and romance.
Playing the Field was named Society of School Librarians International Best Book Award Honor Book, and both Alls Fair In Love, War, and High School and Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Free Throws were included on YALSAs Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults list. Fame Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List, was just chosen for IRAs YA Choices list for 2007
"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
March 16, 2024
I love a good fantasy story and this is one I highly recommend for fellow fantasy readers! There's a sweet love story woven throughout as well. Intrigue, danger, treasonous plots, fights for freedom, danger, wizards & mages, secrets, lies, true love and much, much more!!!
Marcella finds herself free from slavery but due to her great skills, is recruited by some renegades to help free the other slaves. Unfortunately she's caught in the middle of a dangerous assassination attempt and facing her estranged best friend and love. Eeeekkk!!! You guys, it was deliciously delightful! I loved this magical world that Janette Rallison created. Very clever and kept me guessing what the outcome would be and who the bad guy was. I loved Marcella's character so much!!! She's awesome! That's all there is to it! If I ever needed a book character to be on my side and help me, I'd pick her! Just sayin'!!!
And the love story woven throughout had my heart all aflutter and cheering for these two to figure it all out before it was too late and they would be doomed!
And isn't that cover stunning?!!! I love it so much!
Grab a copy and dive into this spellbinding story! You might just find yourself wanting a Wizard's Mark!
Content: Clean. Some moments of mild peril. There is magic involved and spells. Some deaths but well written and not overly graphic. Nothing more than a few kisses. Clean language.
I received a copy from the author but have also purchased my own copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Marcella finds herself free from slavery but due to her great skills, is recruited by some renegades to help free the other slaves. Unfortunately she's caught in the middle of a dangerous assassination attempt and facing her estranged best friend and love. Eeeekkk!!! You guys, it was deliciously delightful! I loved this magical world that Janette Rallison created. Very clever and kept me guessing what the outcome would be and who the bad guy was. I loved Marcella's character so much!!! She's awesome! That's all there is to it! If I ever needed a book character to be on my side and help me, I'd pick her! Just sayin'!!!
And the love story woven throughout had my heart all aflutter and cheering for these two to figure it all out before it was too late and they would be doomed!
And isn't that cover stunning?!!! I love it so much!
Grab a copy and dive into this spellbinding story! You might just find yourself wanting a Wizard's Mark!
Content: Clean. Some moments of mild peril. There is magic involved and spells. Some deaths but well written and not overly graphic. Nothing more than a few kisses. Clean language.
I received a copy from the author but have also purchased my own copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
August 3, 2024
(4.5 stars) - Absolutely enchanting!
Marcella is a fun heroine - strong & clever despite being young & naive. Meanwhile, Ronan's confidence & intelligence make him look arrogant & cold at times, yet despite his worldly wisdom & experience, he has a kind of naivety himself.
The plot is well paced & kept me reading straight thru to the end - I did not want to put it down. The ending is clever & very satisfying. If the author decides to write more stories about this world, I'll be at the head of the line!
*Romance level: passionate kisses but nothing graphic
Marcella is a fun heroine - strong & clever despite being young & naive. Meanwhile, Ronan's confidence & intelligence make him look arrogant & cold at times, yet despite his worldly wisdom & experience, he has a kind of naivety himself.
The plot is well paced & kept me reading straight thru to the end - I did not want to put it down. The ending is clever & very satisfying. If the author decides to write more stories about this world, I'll be at the head of the line!
*Romance level: passionate kisses but nothing graphic
July 10, 2025
Reread from 7/10/25:
I obtained the audiobook version of this wonderful novel. The female narrator does an excellent job. I enjoyed the story and the characters just as much the second time around, and I totally agree with my review below.
Review from 3/5/24:
Fabulous, YA, sword-and-sorcery romance
I am not someone who regularly reads sword-and-sorcery fantasy, or historical novels with a medieval setting. There has to be a uniquely wonderful protagonist to draw me in. Well, that is absolutely the case with this novel. The FMC, Marcella, and her love interest, Ronan, are both fantastic. I greatly appreciated them individually, as well as the progression of their relationship, from childhood friendship, to political enemies, to romance. They first meet when she is 10 and he is 12, and their romance occurs when she is 20 and he is 22. As a diehard romance fan, their relationship was delightful to me in every possible way.
Due to all of the exciting action in this story, I was on the edge of my seat all the way to the end. I stayed up far too late while reading it, because I couldn't stand to stop until I reached its utterly satisfying conclusion. I was enthralled by the, to me, completely unexpected, but extremely well motivated, way in which the dangerous twists and turns of the plot were ultimately resolved.
This YA novel contains no foul language, no drinking, and no sex, only some kissing. But there is plenty of exciting, emotional chemistry between Marcella and Ronan. I was absolutely convinced of something that is the highest aspiration of romance: that Marcella and Ronan are soulmates, whose lives would be forever blighted if they did not end up together.
In short, I absolutely loved everything about this novel. It is definitely going to be a keeper for me that I read again and again. If it is eventually released in audiobook format, I will snatch that up, too.
I obtained the audiobook version of this wonderful novel. The female narrator does an excellent job. I enjoyed the story and the characters just as much the second time around, and I totally agree with my review below.
Review from 3/5/24:
Fabulous, YA, sword-and-sorcery romance
I am not someone who regularly reads sword-and-sorcery fantasy, or historical novels with a medieval setting. There has to be a uniquely wonderful protagonist to draw me in. Well, that is absolutely the case with this novel. The FMC, Marcella, and her love interest, Ronan, are both fantastic. I greatly appreciated them individually, as well as the progression of their relationship, from childhood friendship, to political enemies, to romance. They first meet when she is 10 and he is 12, and their romance occurs when she is 20 and he is 22. As a diehard romance fan, their relationship was delightful to me in every possible way.
Due to all of the exciting action in this story, I was on the edge of my seat all the way to the end. I stayed up far too late while reading it, because I couldn't stand to stop until I reached its utterly satisfying conclusion. I was enthralled by the, to me, completely unexpected, but extremely well motivated, way in which the dangerous twists and turns of the plot were ultimately resolved.
This YA novel contains no foul language, no drinking, and no sex, only some kissing. But there is plenty of exciting, emotional chemistry between Marcella and Ronan. I was absolutely convinced of something that is the highest aspiration of romance: that Marcella and Ronan are soulmates, whose lives would be forever blighted if they did not end up together.
In short, I absolutely loved everything about this novel. It is definitely going to be a keeper for me that I read again and again. If it is eventually released in audiobook format, I will snatch that up, too.
March 17, 2024
4.5
I was so excited when I saw Ms. Rallison was writing a High Fantasy book! It's one of my favorite genres and she's one of my favorite authors, so I couldn't wait to read it!
I thought this was a fun read! I enjoyed the characters, setting and the fun magical world Ms. Rallison created. It felt unique and fresh. It definitely helped get me out of my reading funk. I thought this was a good, light fantasy read. I think it's a standalone, or at least it stood really well on its own. No major cliffhangers and I just LOVE when I can find a good standalone fantasy (Its super hard to find!). I so hope Ms. Rallison will write a lot more in this world though, I'd love to revisit it.
I did love our lead, Marcella, she was a fun heroine to root for. She's is put in a tough situation and things keep spiraling out of her control. I also loved Ronan. I do wish we could have had them together a bit more and the tension built up between them a bit more. They separated on not great terms, so I was expecting a little more "enemies to lovers" when they reconnected, but it felt more like old crushes picking up where they left off? I still liked them together, so fun moments between them....but I just wanted a bit more tension I guess.
Overall, a really enjoyable story. It's one I would read again and recommend to others.
Content Rated PG+
Clean romance, kissing. Some mild innuendo. No language. Some mild fantasy violence, death and fighting. Nothing gory or overly descriptive.
I was so excited when I saw Ms. Rallison was writing a High Fantasy book! It's one of my favorite genres and she's one of my favorite authors, so I couldn't wait to read it!
I thought this was a fun read! I enjoyed the characters, setting and the fun magical world Ms. Rallison created. It felt unique and fresh. It definitely helped get me out of my reading funk. I thought this was a good, light fantasy read. I think it's a standalone, or at least it stood really well on its own. No major cliffhangers and I just LOVE when I can find a good standalone fantasy (Its super hard to find!). I so hope Ms. Rallison will write a lot more in this world though, I'd love to revisit it.
I did love our lead, Marcella, she was a fun heroine to root for. She's is put in a tough situation and things keep spiraling out of her control. I also loved Ronan. I do wish we could have had them together a bit more and the tension built up between them a bit more. They separated on not great terms, so I was expecting a little more "enemies to lovers" when they reconnected, but it felt more like old crushes picking up where they left off? I still liked them together, so fun moments between them....but I just wanted a bit more tension I guess.
Overall, a really enjoyable story. It's one I would read again and recommend to others.
Content Rated PG+
Clean romance, kissing. Some mild innuendo. No language. Some mild fantasy violence, death and fighting. Nothing gory or overly descriptive.
July 24, 2024
I am still unsure where I lie with this book. The scene setting was great, and the descriptions were not lacking. I thought the way the magic worked was unique, and would be curious to read more on how that began or what happens after. The beginning of the book was slow for me, I didn't feel an actual connection between the main characters, and so I was actually rooting of the relationship to go the other way. The second half picked up quite a bit. Ways that you think it may go it does not in terms of the plot. I still didn't feel all mushy for the central relationship but they develop a bit of a deeper connection. I think the side characters could've been more developed so they existed outside of the story. This most likely could've helped with the MMC and their connection as well. Overall, an enjoyable quick read. 3.5 for me
March 12, 2024
Step into a medieval world: a world of kings and castles; a world where a wizard loves a servant girl; a world where magic abounds; and a world where impossible love becomes possible.
I loved this book! The storyline was fascinating. There was nothing formulaic here. Each event that unfolded came as a surprise. Marcella finds herself at odds with the very man that she has loved for years. His name is Ronan and he is a wizard! A wizard and hero that checks all the boxes. He possesses magic, he is handsome, but most of all he is self sacrificing. This is “true” love after all! After a conflict between the two of them he advises her, “I must see to it that you practice more. The next wizard you battle might not be in love with you.”
I love that Janette Rallison has written a book that draws you in and keeps you reading. I also love that she keeps it a “clean” read. Her story is well-crafted and not filled with sexual scenes and disturbing images. In Janette’s newsletter she does mention that “some people die, although no one you like”. So rest easy! This is one to enjoy!
I loved this book! The storyline was fascinating. There was nothing formulaic here. Each event that unfolded came as a surprise. Marcella finds herself at odds with the very man that she has loved for years. His name is Ronan and he is a wizard! A wizard and hero that checks all the boxes. He possesses magic, he is handsome, but most of all he is self sacrificing. This is “true” love after all! After a conflict between the two of them he advises her, “I must see to it that you practice more. The next wizard you battle might not be in love with you.”
I love that Janette Rallison has written a book that draws you in and keeps you reading. I also love that she keeps it a “clean” read. Her story is well-crafted and not filled with sexual scenes and disturbing images. In Janette’s newsletter she does mention that “some people die, although no one you like”. So rest easy! This is one to enjoy!
May 6, 2024
Oh this was such a sweet and enchanting read!!
The Wizard's Mark is a standalone Fantasy Romance with the following tropes -
🪄Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
🪄Witty FMC
🪄Sweet Romance
🪄Moral Dilemmas
I instantly fell in love with the FMC , Marcella! She's a badass, witty , sassy, selfless thief by night ( and a lady by day 🤭😏) , who's also the only female wizard in a world where only males get the Wizard's mark !
How you may ask ? Well I won't spoil that fun for ya ! 😋
But believe me when I say, it's a veryyy smart and unprecedented !
Next comes our MMC Ronan, the super smart, intelligent, top of his class, self sacrificing wizard , who you are gonna adore !!
The story itself is very well paced , with a lovely plot line, charming romance without much spice and a very satisfying ending 🫶🏻💖
Start at your own risk, because once you start, you won't be able to put it done .💜💜💜
Thank you Booksirens and Janette Rallison for this amazing ARC in exchange for an honest review .🫶🏻
The Wizard's Mark is a standalone Fantasy Romance with the following tropes -
🪄Lovers to Enemies to Lovers
🪄Witty FMC
🪄Sweet Romance
🪄Moral Dilemmas
I instantly fell in love with the FMC , Marcella! She's a badass, witty , sassy, selfless thief by night ( and a lady by day 🤭😏) , who's also the only female wizard in a world where only males get the Wizard's mark !
How you may ask ? Well I won't spoil that fun for ya ! 😋
But believe me when I say, it's a veryyy smart and unprecedented !
Next comes our MMC Ronan, the super smart, intelligent, top of his class, self sacrificing wizard , who you are gonna adore !!
The story itself is very well paced , with a lovely plot line, charming romance without much spice and a very satisfying ending 🫶🏻💖
Start at your own risk, because once you start, you won't be able to put it done .💜💜💜
Thank you Booksirens and Janette Rallison for this amazing ARC in exchange for an honest review .🫶🏻
September 6, 2025
(Clean Fantasy) *Some Magic*
I liked this a lot!! A simple cute fantasy read. Ronan and Marcella were cute together 😍
3.75 stars :))))))
⚠️ recommend for ages 15+⚠️
No spice|Kisses Only, No language, or LGBTQ content .
May 23, 2024
First and foremost, thank you to the author and Booksirens for providing me with a free copy of The Wizard's Mark, and I am happy to leave a voluntary review.
This went by QUICK. After dragging myself through my last read, this was a great change and the novel had great pacing. I do think that if you're looking for a more extreme lovers to enemies to lovers arc, it moves pretty quickly and isn't a very intense change from one to another. I'm glad for the background information and I'm very intrigued by the setup of the magic in this world.
All this being said, I feel like a lot of the characters didn't have much depth. It also felt like the MC was a sellout, rather than truly finding reason to change her core beliefs. I never found myself liking the love interest for any of the book. It was certainly more of a fairy tale voice throughout the novel, which is interesting compared to the high fantasy themes. It was a good change of pace, I just won't find myself thinking about these characters again in the future, and rather more the magic system.
This went by QUICK. After dragging myself through my last read, this was a great change and the novel had great pacing. I do think that if you're looking for a more extreme lovers to enemies to lovers arc, it moves pretty quickly and isn't a very intense change from one to another. I'm glad for the background information and I'm very intrigued by the setup of the magic in this world.
All this being said, I feel like a lot of the characters didn't have much depth. It also felt like the MC was a sellout, rather than truly finding reason to change her core beliefs. I never found myself liking the love interest for any of the book. It was certainly more of a fairy tale voice throughout the novel, which is interesting compared to the high fantasy themes. It was a good change of pace, I just won't find myself thinking about these characters again in the future, and rather more the magic system.
September 28, 2024
Oh my gosh, I was glued to this book! Like, impulsively reading all day! Absolutely fantastic and super enjoyable.
Writing Loved the fantasy world building. Great pacing, plot and writing.
Characters- I completely identified with the FMC. She reacted like I would and felt how I would feel. That was a lot of fun to be so in sync with a character!
Side characters weren’t as developed as they could have been, but that’s okay. This was mostly about the FMC, as it was single POV.
Romance- So much chemistry and delicious angst! I wished we got an epilogue showing them getting engaged, but their HEA is inferred.
Plot- I was completely enthralled with the story. I loved how she outwitted the wicked wizards, who definitely deserved their dues. Everything came together at the end and was tied with a neat bow.
Content-
Language- none
Substance abuse- none
Spice- clean. Kissing, but nothing inappropriate, and no talk of sex at all. I would recommend for teen readers, too.
Cover- Good.
POV- only one POV, from the FMC.
Cliffhanger- No, this is standalone.
Format- ebook through library Hoopla account.
Writing Loved the fantasy world building. Great pacing, plot and writing.
Characters- I completely identified with the FMC. She reacted like I would and felt how I would feel. That was a lot of fun to be so in sync with a character!
Side characters weren’t as developed as they could have been, but that’s okay. This was mostly about the FMC, as it was single POV.
Romance- So much chemistry and delicious angst! I wished we got an epilogue showing them getting engaged, but their HEA is inferred.
Plot- I was completely enthralled with the story. I loved how she outwitted the wicked wizards, who definitely deserved their dues. Everything came together at the end and was tied with a neat bow.
Content-
Language- none
Substance abuse- none
Spice- clean. Kissing, but nothing inappropriate, and no talk of sex at all. I would recommend for teen readers, too.
Cover- Good.
POV- only one POV, from the FMC.
Cliffhanger- No, this is standalone.
Format- ebook through library Hoopla account.
May 1, 2024
What a ride! This story never went where I expected it to, and the new twists played out in enjoyable and intriguing ways. Best of all was Rallison’s hallmark wit, which I always enjoy. This was a worthwhile read.
December 8, 2024
I’m surprised—and slightly impressed. It didn’t reinvent the wheel or anything; it was just easy fun.
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🚨🚨🚨🚨SPOILERS🚨🚨🚨🚨
Romance Information:
There are allusions to rape, coercion and cheating. This are actions taken by secondary characters, not the main ones. Death of a spouse and kid for a side character as well. That was mentioned in passing, not in heavy detail. The Hero — Ronan, and the heroine, Marcella were friends during their childhood. Something separated them and while there were other characters that flirted with them, they never moved on from each other. (They both waited for each other even if it was not clear if they were ever going to be together again).
There is a sweet and funny part from Ronan, here:
“Have you any idea how long it takes for a woman to undress?”
“No,” Ronan said, “but I can help if you like.”
Such gallantry.
The king turned his head to give Ronan a reproving look.
“I’m only thinking of your life, sire,” Ronan said.”
Therefore is age to assume they were no other even in the separation (both characters state as much).
There is also no cheating.
No others.
A sweet happy for now that could be read as a happily ever after.
P.S. I would not call their romance as enemy to lovers. It’s more of a friends-to-strangers-to-distrustful-attracted-to-each-other-still-to-lovers.
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-
-
-
-
-
🚨🚨🚨🚨SPOILERS🚨🚨🚨🚨
Romance Information:
There are allusions to rape, coercion and cheating. This are actions taken by secondary characters, not the main ones. Death of a spouse and kid for a side character as well. That was mentioned in passing, not in heavy detail. The Hero — Ronan, and the heroine, Marcella were friends during their childhood. Something separated them and while there were other characters that flirted with them, they never moved on from each other. (They both waited for each other even if it was not clear if they were ever going to be together again).
There is a sweet and funny part from Ronan, here:
“Have you any idea how long it takes for a woman to undress?”
“No,” Ronan said, “but I can help if you like.”
Such gallantry.
The king turned his head to give Ronan a reproving look.
“I’m only thinking of your life, sire,” Ronan said.”
Therefore is age to assume they were no other even in the separation (both characters state as much).
There is also no cheating.
No others.
A sweet happy for now that could be read as a happily ever after.
P.S. I would not call their romance as enemy to lovers. It’s more of a friends-to-strangers-to-distrustful-attracted-to-each-other-still-to-lovers.
March 22, 2024
I haven’t read a book from Janette Rallison in a while but once I started this book, I remembered why she is one of my favorite authors. Her writing is so creative and clever and simply amazing. This is easily one of favorites books of the year.
Marcella is amazing. She’s strong, snarky, and mysterious. I loved her instantly. I enjoyed how the author weaved the important backstory of Marcella and Ronan in, all while keeping the reader wanting more and more of that, plus the current situation. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
This is fantasy at its very best. I don’t want to summarize and give anything away, because every turn of the page brings awesome twists and turns and then some great kissing. Marcella and Ronan are fantastic and I love, love, love books with magic. I am hoping for more books in this world!
I received an eARC from the author. All views and opinions expressed are my own.
Marcella is amazing. She’s strong, snarky, and mysterious. I loved her instantly. I enjoyed how the author weaved the important backstory of Marcella and Ronan in, all while keeping the reader wanting more and more of that, plus the current situation. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
This is fantasy at its very best. I don’t want to summarize and give anything away, because every turn of the page brings awesome twists and turns and then some great kissing. Marcella and Ronan are fantastic and I love, love, love books with magic. I am hoping for more books in this world!
I received an eARC from the author. All views and opinions expressed are my own.
March 30, 2024
Magic
I loved how the story ramped up in intensity to the end where I couldn't turn pages fast enough. Great characters, fun story. Magic. 😁😁
I loved how the story ramped up in intensity to the end where I couldn't turn pages fast enough. Great characters, fun story. Magic. 😁😁
August 16, 2024
dnf @ pg 275 it’s not that the book is bad, i just don’t really like the way it flows and the plot isn’t my fav.
March 26, 2024
The Wizard's Mark is a romantasy story set in a world where only men are wizards, identified by a wizard's mark. A few years prior to the current events, Marcella was gifted magic by her friend-turned-lover Ronan, a talented young wizard. Despite her humble beginnings as a servant to the mages, Marcella finds herself acting as the relation of a highborn lady, sent to the king's wedding celebration seemingly to find a husband. In reality, Marcella has been sent there by the Renegades, a group intent on removing magic from the King's wizards, leaving him vulnerable to attack in order to replace him with someone more supportive of servants' rights. However, when Marcella gets to the celebration she is reunited with Ronan. Can she go through with her plans now that Ronan is involved?
The blurb really drew me in and I wasn't disappointed. I really enjoyed the magic system and how Marcella used her magic as part of the plot to attack the King. At the start of the book, it felt like Marcella's personality was all about Ronan. I understand that they grew up together and he was her first (and only) love, but it felt like whatever was happening, her thoughts constantly strayed back to Ronan and I wanted her to feel more like her own woman. This completely changed though at around the 30% mark when Marcella reached the castle and the plot properly kicks up a gear. At that point, we get to see Marcella as her own person, putting her plan into action, improvising when things go wrong, and generally using her skills very effectively. She obviously still thinks about Ronan and interacts with him, but he's not all that she thinks about. From that point onwards, I read the book all in one go and I was properly invested in the story.
The relationship between Marcella and Ronan was really sweet when they reunited - he was honest with her, and I enjoyed their banter and how they were both still drawn to each other. The romance was sweet and clean, involving passionate kisses but nothing more graphic.
I would definitely recommend this book as a strong and interesting fantasy book with a sweet, clean romance.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from BookSirens, but this is my voluntary and honest review.
The blurb really drew me in and I wasn't disappointed. I really enjoyed the magic system and how Marcella used her magic as part of the plot to attack the King. At the start of the book, it felt like Marcella's personality was all about Ronan. I understand that they grew up together and he was her first (and only) love, but it felt like whatever was happening, her thoughts constantly strayed back to Ronan and I wanted her to feel more like her own woman. This completely changed though at around the 30% mark when Marcella reached the castle and the plot properly kicks up a gear. At that point, we get to see Marcella as her own person, putting her plan into action, improvising when things go wrong, and generally using her skills very effectively. She obviously still thinks about Ronan and interacts with him, but he's not all that she thinks about. From that point onwards, I read the book all in one go and I was properly invested in the story.
The relationship between Marcella and Ronan was really sweet when they reunited - he was honest with her, and I enjoyed their banter and how they were both still drawn to each other. The romance was sweet and clean, involving passionate kisses but nothing more graphic.
I would definitely recommend this book as a strong and interesting fantasy book with a sweet, clean romance.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from BookSirens, but this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 20, 2024
This book had everything I love about reading in it. It had a different world that I could escape to (a medieval type setting with really cool and defined magic rules), political intrigue, romance, and a really great heroine with a big secret. There are some flashbacks in here but they’re well done and limits to very important details so we don’t receive a bunch of exposition by the main character narrator.
Lady Marcella didn’t used to be a high born lady. She was adopted by a noble woman through a rebel group, the renegades. She’s often used as a thief and no one knows why she’s so good at what she does, but we get a glimpse in the first chapter. We find out in this world that only men have magic and get trained up as wizards and only if they’re born with a mark on their neck that looks like a crescent moon. Marcella used to be a servant at one of these training schools for teenage boys. She also has magic but she keeps it and how she obtained this magic a secret. Throughout the story the truth unfolds as she tells her tale of love with Ronan turned hate and she is given a mission to carry out by the renegades that stretches her moral compass.
I highly recommend this book. This tale is extremely hard to put down. It’s great for those who enjoy a good DND campaign and those that just enjoy romance with a bit of fantasy and magic (and everywhere in between). If you like this book, you will LOVE others by C.J. Hill but especially the Slayers series and the Erasing Time duology.
I did receive a free advanced reader copy of the book in exchange for a review but this did not affect my opinion. I ended up purchasing a Kindle version of the book as well because it was such a great book.
Lady Marcella didn’t used to be a high born lady. She was adopted by a noble woman through a rebel group, the renegades. She’s often used as a thief and no one knows why she’s so good at what she does, but we get a glimpse in the first chapter. We find out in this world that only men have magic and get trained up as wizards and only if they’re born with a mark on their neck that looks like a crescent moon. Marcella used to be a servant at one of these training schools for teenage boys. She also has magic but she keeps it and how she obtained this magic a secret. Throughout the story the truth unfolds as she tells her tale of love with Ronan turned hate and she is given a mission to carry out by the renegades that stretches her moral compass.
I highly recommend this book. This tale is extremely hard to put down. It’s great for those who enjoy a good DND campaign and those that just enjoy romance with a bit of fantasy and magic (and everywhere in between). If you like this book, you will LOVE others by C.J. Hill but especially the Slayers series and the Erasing Time duology.
I did receive a free advanced reader copy of the book in exchange for a review but this did not affect my opinion. I ended up purchasing a Kindle version of the book as well because it was such a great book.
March 17, 2024
Did anyone else read this and wonder if it’s a series?
It was a solid, clean fantasy. I read a review that was raving about the banter. To be honest I actually thought that was kind of weak. They weren’t together as much to have banter and their “reconnection” felt rushed. I don’t know. I still really enjoyed it. I also, wondered how this novice magician was able to truly over power all these high mages? It was odd to me.
I still was turning pages and wanted to know where it was all going to end up. I did skim some.
Over-all this author is on the “DO NOT MISS READING SHELF”. She’s amazing and so talented.
It was a solid, clean fantasy. I read a review that was raving about the banter. To be honest I actually thought that was kind of weak. They weren’t together as much to have banter and their “reconnection” felt rushed. I don’t know. I still really enjoyed it. I also, wondered how this novice magician was able to truly over power all these high mages? It was odd to me.
I still was turning pages and wanted to know where it was all going to end up. I did skim some.
Over-all this author is on the “DO NOT MISS READING SHELF”. She’s amazing and so talented.
March 15, 2024
Interesting concept. Magical, with wizards and mages; medieval, with indentured servants and arranged Royal marriages; and a clean love story.
Ronan was Marcella’s best friend and first love, but at Mage school she was a servant and he was the brightest student. Now she is (sort of) a lady and involved with rebels who want to assassinate the king. Will love conquer all?
Ronan was Marcella’s best friend and first love, but at Mage school she was a servant and he was the brightest student. Now she is (sort of) a lady and involved with rebels who want to assassinate the king. Will love conquer all?
March 16, 2024
Clean romance that is fun to read. I loved Ronin. He is just an all around good guy. If you can get behind a guy that wears robes, mutters under his breath (incantations), and has to pack around weird objects. Then there is his love interest, a lowly serving girl named Marcella. She is the books main character. I love the things she things that she doesn’t just let run out of her mouth. The book had a great plot and a good pace. I wasn’t quite ready for the book to be over. Maybe she will make a sequel because I felt that there were some things that just need more exploring. What happens to Alaric or his brother? What happens to the kingdoms? I can’t say more but I’d love to see a sequel.
May 11, 2024
Contains: some violence/fighting, kisses, and indentured servitude.
This was an exciting book. I couldn’t put it down. I liked the magic system and seeing Marcella’s journey.
This was an exciting book. I couldn’t put it down. I liked the magic system and seeing Marcella’s journey.
August 25, 2025
I really liked this one. It was sweet, the main character wasn't a useless female, there was magic, it was fun to read!
October 17, 2024
Cute and magical kingdom romance! I’d love for this to be a series and get to know some of the other characters more. I loved the MFC’s inner dialogue. She had me giggling!
August 31, 2025
Loved this one. No foul language or spice, which seems hard to find in a fantasy novel anymore. Just a really good story with magic, a few twists and turns, and a satisfying ending.
March 18, 2024
Loved it!
As a long-time fan of all Janette Rallison books, I’m pleased to report that The Wizards Mark is full of her reliable humor, solid writing, and sweet romance. Also: danger, hidden magic, and plot twists.
Highly recommend.
As a long-time fan of all Janette Rallison books, I’m pleased to report that The Wizards Mark is full of her reliable humor, solid writing, and sweet romance. Also: danger, hidden magic, and plot twists.
Highly recommend.
March 28, 2024
This book was very hard to put down. Marcella becomes a woman secretly able to handle magic in a land of men-only magic users. She is witty and stuck as an indentured servant, and figured out how to use her secret magic to help others. Best of all, she is in her early twenties (not some young teenager). The pacing of the story is fast and all along I kept wondering how this would resolve in any possible satisfactory way (hint: it’s not what you would expect and it’s very satisfying all the same).
March 15, 2024
Overall, it's a fun read! I would consider this a light fantasy, with fun romantic tension. I finished this book in a few hours.
Things I enjoyed about the book:
The banter! Rallison has a way of creating very fun interactions with her characters.
I also enjoyed the story--the magic system was fun and interesting. I don't think I've read a magic system like this before.
I thought the romance was yummy and clean. I would feel comfortable with my pre-teen reading this.
Things I didn't enjoy as much: it was a bit of a slow start. Some of the dialogue/linguistic choices were a bit odd. There was a character that was meant to seem educated/fancy and it came off fairly clunky.
I love to read fantasy, but this was fantasy light for sure. I would have preferred a more flushed out fantasy world.
I would recommend this book for those who enjoy a fun/light fantasy with a mix of romance.
Things I enjoyed about the book:
The banter! Rallison has a way of creating very fun interactions with her characters.
I also enjoyed the story--the magic system was fun and interesting. I don't think I've read a magic system like this before.
I thought the romance was yummy and clean. I would feel comfortable with my pre-teen reading this.
Things I didn't enjoy as much: it was a bit of a slow start. Some of the dialogue/linguistic choices were a bit odd. There was a character that was meant to seem educated/fancy and it came off fairly clunky.
I love to read fantasy, but this was fantasy light for sure. I would have preferred a more flushed out fantasy world.
I would recommend this book for those who enjoy a fun/light fantasy with a mix of romance.
July 8, 2025
I couldn’t put this book down!
May 23, 2024
I was really bothered that the hero treated the heroine like a child. It seems he feels she’s too stupid to be able to grasp the consequences of her actions. She doesn’t seem to grasp them either or try to make restitution. It could have been ok if she had come to a realization and taken responsibility for her actions. However, she seems to do what she does only to get the man she wants, not to do the right thing. A relationship based on this is sure to be tumultuous. Jannette is one of my favorite authors. I hope her future books return to her incredible talent for telling stories of conflicted characters finding truth and light (as well as love).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2024
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
I have been really into high fantasy lately, so when I found out that Janette Rallison wrote one I knew I needed to read it immediately. And I ended up really enjoying it! But that’s unsurprising because I tend to love everything that Janette Rallison writes.
This book follows Marcella who moonlights as a thief for the renegades. But things take an interesting turn when they ask her to do something other than steal—they want her to assassinate someone very important in the king’s court.
Uh yeah, that was crazy. She’s not an assassin, a killer, but the renegades believe she is their only hope because she has something that is very advantageous to their cause: magic.
One thing I really liked about this book was the magic system. It was very interesting because in this world only males are wizards and have magic, and yet here is this girl who is able to wield the same powers. A girl who is the only one willing to risk it all for the serving class. So how did she acquire said magic? With the help of her childhood friend Ronan, a wizard. I really enjoyed learning about how the magic worked and seeing Marcella use it to her advantage.
But my favorite thing about the book was definitely the plot. Janette Rallison just knows how to write a good, engaging story. When I tell you that this book had me on the edge of my seat, this is what I mean:
This mission Marcella was on was not an easy one. At any point, someone could’ve found her out and, not just in regards to the assassination attempt, but also people could find out that she has magic! And to make things even more difficult for her, guess who she runs into at court? Yep, her childhood friend Ronan, whom she didn’t exactly end things with on good terms 😬
The plot really starts to pick up around the 50% mark and that made me SO nervous because I was like, "She’s going to attempt to do the thing already? We’re only halfway through the story!" And I was right to be nervous because things end up going all sorts of wrong! It was crazy! But at the same time, things kinda work out for her as well? It was wild and I kinda loved that for her. Lol.
But yeah, I really loved the story and how tense it made me. I honestly had no idea how this was going to end because the plot kept surprising me at every turn. But I really enjoyed the way the story ended up concluding. It was perfect! I also really enjoyed the magic and the complicated relationship between Ronan and Marcella. There was actually this sort of friends-to-enemies-to-lovers situation going on with them, and I loved it! And I liked the characters as well! Marcella was smart and compassionate, and Ronan was brilliant and sweet and absolutely nothing like the other arrogant wizards.
I have been really into high fantasy lately, so when I found out that Janette Rallison wrote one I knew I needed to read it immediately. And I ended up really enjoying it! But that’s unsurprising because I tend to love everything that Janette Rallison writes.
This book follows Marcella who moonlights as a thief for the renegades. But things take an interesting turn when they ask her to do something other than steal—they want her to assassinate someone very important in the king’s court.
Uh yeah, that was crazy. She’s not an assassin, a killer, but the renegades believe she is their only hope because she has something that is very advantageous to their cause: magic.
One thing I really liked about this book was the magic system. It was very interesting because in this world only males are wizards and have magic, and yet here is this girl who is able to wield the same powers. A girl who is the only one willing to risk it all for the serving class. So how did she acquire said magic? With the help of her childhood friend Ronan, a wizard. I really enjoyed learning about how the magic worked and seeing Marcella use it to her advantage.
But my favorite thing about the book was definitely the plot. Janette Rallison just knows how to write a good, engaging story. When I tell you that this book had me on the edge of my seat, this is what I mean:
This mission Marcella was on was not an easy one. At any point, someone could’ve found her out and, not just in regards to the assassination attempt, but also people could find out that she has magic! And to make things even more difficult for her, guess who she runs into at court? Yep, her childhood friend Ronan, whom she didn’t exactly end things with on good terms 😬
The plot really starts to pick up around the 50% mark and that made me SO nervous because I was like, "She’s going to attempt to do the thing already? We’re only halfway through the story!" And I was right to be nervous because things end up going all sorts of wrong! It was crazy! But at the same time, things kinda work out for her as well? It was wild and I kinda loved that for her. Lol.
But yeah, I really loved the story and how tense it made me. I honestly had no idea how this was going to end because the plot kept surprising me at every turn. But I really enjoyed the way the story ended up concluding. It was perfect! I also really enjoyed the magic and the complicated relationship between Ronan and Marcella. There was actually this sort of friends-to-enemies-to-lovers situation going on with them, and I loved it! And I liked the characters as well! Marcella was smart and compassionate, and Ronan was brilliant and sweet and absolutely nothing like the other arrogant wizards.
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