by Daisy Banks
Kindle Edition
April 28th 2015
by Lyrical Press
The witch mark on Nin’s hand is a curse. She has no magic powers, whatever the lore says. But the village believes. The old crone’s wisdom is to see her banished. Ragged and hungry, she must serve the Mage. Alone in his tower, she is his chattel. But Mage Thabit is not what Nin expected—the bright green eyes and supple form under his cloak are not the stuff of nightmares, and kindness hides in his brusque heart. Thabit senses that Nin is more than she seems, too. When true nightmares haunt the land, it is precisely her elusive powers that might deliver them.
The witch mark on Nin’s hand is a curse. She has no magic powers, whatever the lore says. But the village believes. The old crone’s wisdom is to see her banished. Ragged and hungry, she must serve the Mage. Alone in his tower, she is his chattel. But Mage Thabit is not what Nin expected—the bright green eyes and supple form under his cloak are not the stuff of nightmares, and kindness hides in his brusque heart. Thabit senses that Nin is more than she seems, too. When true nightmares haunt the land, it is precisely her elusive powers that might deliver them.
Marked for Magic is a fairytale of types. The tale unfolds with Nin, a young woman cast out of her village for baring the mysterious witch’s mark on her hand. With no other options, Nin finds herself on the door step of Mage Thabit and at his mercy. Ignoring his initial instinct to unceremoniously dismiss the unkempt girl, Thabit reluctantly admits her into his home as a servant. The two settle into a routine and, predictably, come to find one another irresistible. Nin comes of age learning from Thabit and the magical community; readying her skills for the ultimate test.
I was initially attracted to this book for its stunning cover design. I love pretty things. But the cover was slightly more entrancing than the text within. It was a quick, entertaining read, but in no way life-altering. It was fairly predictable throughout. I liked the growing tension between Nin and Thabit, but I really couldn’t get into Thabit as a romantic love interest. I just couldn’t lose myself in a poetically poor, straw-hat-wearing, slender, vegetarian. Maybe he reminded me of a guy I dated in my 20s, who can be similarly described. Maybe I just really like meat. Maybe he’s just too divergent from the filthy rich, muscle-bound alpahs I’ve become accustomed to. Whatever the case, he just didn’t do it for me. However, Banks does a good job of convincing the reader of Nin’s utter devotion and attraction to Thabit. I bought into their romance as something sweet and touching. Ultimately, I found Marked for Magic to be a charming, quaint tale, but lacking in memorable spark.
2 ½ sheep
I was initially attracted to this book for its stunning cover design. I love pretty things. But the cover was slightly more entrancing than the text within. It was a quick, entertaining read, but in no way life-altering. It was fairly predictable throughout. I liked the growing tension between Nin and Thabit, but I really couldn’t get into Thabit as a romantic love interest. I just couldn’t lose myself in a poetically poor, straw-hat-wearing, slender, vegetarian. Maybe he reminded me of a guy I dated in my 20s, who can be similarly described. Maybe I just really like meat. Maybe he’s just too divergent from the filthy rich, muscle-bound alpahs I’ve become accustomed to. Whatever the case, he just didn’t do it for me. However, Banks does a good job of convincing the reader of Nin’s utter devotion and attraction to Thabit. I bought into their romance as something sweet and touching. Ultimately, I found Marked for Magic to be a charming, quaint tale, but lacking in memorable spark.
2 ½ sheep
Bianca Greenwood
I love writing fantasy stories and letting my mind run free with them. I also write paranormal stories and historical tales.
I was born in the Black Country in the West Midlands in England. I am very proud of that heritage.
At present I live with my husband in a converted Chapel in Shropshire in England. Luckily any lingering spirits here are kind.
I have retired from a career in teaching and can now concentrate on other things.
My inspiration to write is one of long standing and I continue to develop my skills as an author to tell the stories in my mind.
I always hope the stories I write give readers enjoyment.
I was born in the Black Country in the West Midlands in England. I am very proud of that heritage.
At present I live with my husband in a converted Chapel in Shropshire in England. Luckily any lingering spirits here are kind.
I have retired from a career in teaching and can now concentrate on other things.
My inspiration to write is one of long standing and I continue to develop my skills as an author to tell the stories in my mind.
I always hope the stories I write give readers enjoyment.
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