Marit Unsanctioned

by L. Ryan Storms

As an Unsanctioned, sixteen-year-old Marit Tempi-Himche spends her days in hiding and her nights working the land of her mothers’ farm, but her many years of hiding prove futile when the Guard discovers Marit’s existence and she’s hauled to the auction cells to be sold to the highest bidder. She ends up in the hands of a councilman’s daughter who’s soon to be wed to Greyson Kencharo, an eighteen-year-old in line to nab the keystone seat on a powerful council that rules Aktaria and keeps the rebellious colonies and their magic-wielding citizens in line.
 
Before the union can be approved, Greyson and his bride must pick blindly from a variety of vials containing phenomenal powers, and the vials they choose must consist of complementary gifts. In a freak accident, Marit—not the councilman’s daughter—ends up with complementary powers to Greyson’s gift.

Now someone on the council wants them dead. Thrust into the middle of an ongoing war between the council and the rebel colonies who want to use them to reclaim independence, Marit, Greyson, and a misfit crew of friends are on the run in a race to discover the truth behind the council’s long, bloody history and the power behind their gifts. The unlikely pair must make a choice. What they learn could reshape the future for the better…if they can stay alive long enough to tell their story.

326 pages, Paperback

Published September 24, 2024

About the author

L. Ryan Storms is an award-winning Young Adult Fantasy author who loves to read and write strong female protagonists with a "Fine. I'll do it myself!” mindset.

Storms lives in Pennsylvania with her cancer-survivor husband, two children, and a “rescue zoo” of ever-changing furry and feathered friends. When she’s not reading, writing, or keeping her kids in line, Storms can be found rescuing the latest neighborhood strays or snuggling her pet chickens in the suburbs.

Reviews

[Jean Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from L. Ryan Storms! We are dropped into a vivid fantasy world with Marit, our reluctant hero, and her motely crew of new and unlikely friends and companions on the run. They're determined to understand the gifts they've been bestowed and are racing against the clock of war. Action, adventure, and heartwarming relationships round out this engaging read. Storms does such a good job setting up the fantasy world that you can get lost in the detail. I liked the characters and the strong relationships that grow from their journey as they figure out how to wield their powers for unity. I am a sucker for a good road-trip/journey book with good overcoming evil and this one does not disappoint.
And what a beautiful cover!

[Jessica Rancatore · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite things about the work of L. Ryan Storms is that she can really write headstrong young female protagonists with unique voices and perspectives, and all the worlds she creates in her universe are so very lovely.

Marit Unsanctioned is a journey of connectedness, societal power dynamics and control, trust, and working together. Romance and magic? Yeah, that's in there, too! All the characters balance each other with their individual abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, and it showcases how a hero's journey can't be done alone. I really enjoyed this book!

[L. Storms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marit, Torin, Greyson, and Mylene may have been the most enjoyable four pains in the ass I have ever written, but they were a ton of fun to follow around as they discovered the world around them, the world within them, and all the ways they hope to gain some control over both. Hope y’all enjoy this read as much as I enjoyed writing it!

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this and I low key hope there will be a sequel to follow what happens next.