Gooo Maggie! Thank you so much for this ARC. I've been following your journey for a while now, and I couldn't be prouder of you or more grateful for the chance to read and review this. I adore Maggie, but I promise this review is unbiased.
Plot & World-Building: "Marked By Destiny" was such a fun read with a fresh and creative plot. The magic system and world-building felt completely original, which can be hard to accomplish these days. I never once thought, "Oh, this book is just like that other one." It stands out in its uniqueness, and it’s executed brilliantly.
Characters: Ira, our female main character, captures your interest right away. She's complex, flawed, and deeply relatable, always striving for growth. Her character is wrapped in mystery, influenced by grief, and endlessly curious about her new circumstances.
Nela, another key character, is soft, sweet, and vulnerable yet fiercely loyal to her loved ones. She adds a beautiful layer to the story with her determination and heart.
Kaiden, the male lead, isn’t your typical morally grey love interest, but he’s fantastic all the same. He’s genuinely a good guy, and while I could delve deeper into his character, I’ll keep it spoiler-free. What I can say is that he embodies the kind of perfect partner who makes you feel like a queen every day. He’s the type who would refill snacks for you and your friends during girls' nights and would undoubtedly be the best dad. Just really good energy.
Themes & Vibes: This book is an adventure/quest filled with unique magic, mysteries, and rich backstory. The found family theme is beautifully portrayed; the bond among the characters is strong, even when they aren't perfect individuals. Their protectiveness and love for one another shine through, making it one of my favorite aspects.
The twists are thrilling and keep you guessing. I managed to predict a significant twist, but that doesn't detract from the storytelling—it’s all laid out so well that it feels organic and satisfying.
Final Thoughts: I'm excited to see where Maggie's journey takes her as an author. This is an incredible debut, and I believe she will continue to amaze her readers in the future. Book two now please!
Quotes I Loved:
"Nothing more dangerous than a flower on the battlefield. Well, I would think so. No one expects a flower to kill you."
"I would gladly endure nightmares every night for the rest of this trip if it means you can get some restful sleep."
"There is no prize for getting through hardships without leaning on others or burying the pain away."
"Greif can go awful things to people, -. I'm not looking at you with pity. I'm looking at you with empathy."
"I like learning about you."
Minor Critiques, I did have a couple of minor points that didn’t align perfectly with my taste:
The world felt a bit sparse at times. While the main characters were well-developed with great chemistry, the background felt somewhat empty. In my mind, Stoneglass seemed small, and I would have appreciated a bit more depth to the setting.
The chemistry between Ira and Kaiden, while present, lacked a bit of tension for me. Their back-and-forth communication sometimes diminished the spark, and I would have liked more banter or buildup to enhance their connection. However, what is there is solid, and I’m excited to see where it goes.
I share these critiques not to detract from the book or the author but to provide an authentic reflection of my reading experience. Overall, "Marked By Destiny" is a captivating read, and I can’t wait to see what Maggie does next!