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Murderess

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Lu Killer never wondered if her name was strange. ‘Killer’. How was she to guess her ancestors fought ferociously against the royal family for generations? How was she to know her family lived in a completely different world called Greywall’d? All that 16-year-old Lu cared for was when she could next listen to her music, next be left to her own devices and when she could truly feel at peace.

But her life changed completely when a young boy with a hat fell from the sky into her train…

Murderess is the first book of ‘The Exiles of Greywall’d Saga’ and features the beginning of a spine-tingling story with a new world where Lu will discover that she has a critical part to play in the future of Greywall’d.

Daya Marnin started writing Murderess two years ago when she was thirteen. She is currently writing “Priestess”, the second part of the saga.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

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87 people want to read

About the author

Daya Marnin

2 books5 followers
Daya Marnin (Hebrew: דיה מרנין) is a 16 years old fantasy author that had just published her first book - Murderess.

Murderess is the first of six parts of the ‘The Exiles of Greywall’d Saga’. The story of Lu Killer (hence the title) and her quest for answers in a world of uncertainty becomes a compelling spring board for a complex narrative that is sure to gratify its readers for years to come.

In her writing, Daya created Greywall’d, a whole new world parallel to Earth, full of imagery, characters and sights that are written in such a level of detail that immerses the reader from the very beginning.

Daya started writing Murderess over two years ago when she was 13 and is now writing the second book of the saga – Priestess.

Murderess Prologue:
You will never know.
You will never know what it feels like. What it feels like when no-one cares about you. When no-one knows who you are. When no-one sees that you exist.
When you fall, no-one checks to see if you are fine. No-one comes to you.
You lie on the floor, curled up into a ball, and no-one cares.
Have you ever had someone lie to your face?
Has anyone ever backstabbed you?
Has anyone ever wronged you?
Has anyone ever tried to kill you?

My name is Lu, Lu Killer.
I am terrifying. I am dangerous. I am a murderess.
People back away from me, as if I were a deadly plague.
They are right, of course.
But I did not mean that, I didn’t. They just attacked. I didn’t ask for this.
But it happened anyway.

And it all happened because of who I am.

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Vippi.
645 reviews34 followers
September 14, 2015
*I received this book from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

The Author wrote this novel when she was just 16 and I really admire her for that. So I really wanted to add my voice to the many praises I had read about Murderess.
Unfortunately, it seems it wasn’t my cup of tea. I tried to go through it, but I raised the white flag when I was halfway.

I found this book quite messy and sometimes I struggled to follow the plot. I couldn’t even like the main character: Lu was too apathetic, too numb… she really annoyed me and I couldn’t feel any connection to her.
IMO her exaggerated numbness wasn’t just irritating, but also ruined some dialogues making them quite silly.
An example from the II chapter: imagine you have just met a mysterious boy who starts to lavish (apparently) absurd prophecies… well, you can be curious, you can think he’s crazy… but you can’t just say “okay. Alright. Whatever”, can you?

‘Here’s something else important for you, although maybe not yet. Listen to what I tell you now. When the most important thing will not be in your hand and you need it desperately, go down to the Orce-Blatt tunnels.’
‘Okay?’
‘And when all is lost and no hope is left, look up.’
‘Are you from some sort of cult or something?’
‘Not even close. Trust the victim. When the time is ripe, you will need him.’
‘Whatever.’
‘Keep your identity secret… Tell only those you decide to trust.’
‘Alright…’


To recap: I think that the overall idea was pretty original and the Author has a good potential, but she has to refine it.
Profile Image for Viking Jam.
1,387 reviews22 followers
August 27, 2014
http://koeur.wordpress.com/2014/08/27...


Publisher: Morphus
Publishing Date: May 2014
ISBN: 9781632959546
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.7/5

Publisher Description: Lu Killer never wondered if her name was strange. ‘Killer’. How was she to guess her ancestors fought ferociously against the royal family for generations? How was she to know her family lived in a completely different world called Greywall’d? All that 16-year-old Lu cared for was when she could next listen to her music, next be left to her own devices and when she could truly feel at peace.

Review: Trippin’ on the cover art. Really like it.

This novel was a “Oh crap it’s 1 am, I have to get up for work. Oh Crap it’s 3 am….” The world this young author has created is just spectacular. The characters, and I mean all of them, are built wonderfully. The scene development puts you right in there alongside Lu and coupled with the constant movement makes for a riveting read.

I have to say when this novel ended I was disappointed. I just wanted to keep on reading about the alternate (parallel) world of Greywall’d. Not going to give anything away in this review. Just GET IT, NOW!


1 review
May 22, 2014
I loved the book. I am a fantasy fan and just loved Murderess by Daya Marnin couldn't put it down . Can't wait to read the sequel!
Profile Image for Clare O'Beara.
Author 22 books372 followers
November 23, 2014
I loved the cover immediately and the strong feel sets this book apart from the drippy heroines and child wizard stories.

Young adult fantasy fans will find a lot to like, especially girls. Lu Killer who is parentless and lives in a succession of English boarding schools (we don't hear who pays as these are dear) is on her way to the latest school when a boy with a hat falls out of the sky and lands nimbly in her train carriage. He tells her a lot of strange-sounding stuff and vanishes.

The disaffected young lady spends a few bored months at her school, wearing black which is guaranteed to depress anyone already unhappy. She does the Goth act and no teacher ever asks if she's okay, or is she eating properly, or why she isn't in uniform. I wasn't sure about this being likely. Anyway Lu is bewildered by the chattering Essex girls who want to do a makeover on her but even more when witchcraft-type events start occurring.

When Lu has been accused by a professor of being a MURDERESS because of her family name, she starts looking into matters and then finds a way to travel to the world of Greywall'd. This is a medieval world of other races and beasts, some of the flavours reminding me of computer game 'Oblivion'. But who hasn't played fantasy RPGs? Young people are able to virtually experience medieval life in great detail and learn a lot with such games. Finding herself in the middle of a war, Lu escapes but makes the brave decision to utilise a family heirloom and go back to Greywall'd for good. She's got powers, and she wants to find out how to use them. Then maybe she can learn more about her family, even get help, or help others.

The adventures come thick and fast, with a lively imagination on display, environmental factors and good characterisation. I enjoyed the story greatly and hope to read the next instalment. This story by talented young adult Daya Marnin is translated by N.L. Lumi and is available in the original Hebrew; readers in English may find some minor oddities because of this, but for me they add to the fun. We wouldn't go to a world like Greywall'd and expect to find everything just as it is here. Look out Greywall'd, the MURDERESS is coming.
Profile Image for Urthwild Darkness Beckons.
104 reviews18 followers
October 1, 2014
Murderess is the first novel in a series of six - The Exiles of Greywall’d Saga.



A YA novel written by an actual YA, authentic.

Straight away I will acknowledge that there are editing issues, not insurmountable for me, however, I can also see why it could cause a problem to other readers.

The plot, the characters and the setting intrigued me from the very beginning, so yes, I found this to be an absorbing read. The cover, oh yes, thank goodness for a cover that does not feature some pretty young thing gazing wistfully off into the distance whilst some half naked hunk sniffs her perfect coiffure. Thank you for a cover that gives our heroine, (is she?), a little bit of mystery.

Sixteen year old Lu Killer is apathy personified, she does not appear to care about much at all. When a mysterious boy appears at the door of her train cabin her natural reaction is indifference, but then the boy disappears and Lu whilst not exactly chomping at the bit at this stage, is ever so slightly curious.

I have to mention the cover again, in that it was the cover that made me agree to review this work in the first place. I think the name of our lead and her expected role in the story seems slightly obvious and I hope the author will be able to surprise readers with any future instalments.

Is Lu in fact destined only be a killer in both name and deed?



I don't think there is anything particularly unusual about such a very young author having a book of fiction published in 2014. However, I must praise Daya Marnin for the consistency of her world-building, and ongoing character development. It was not perfect by any means, but without wanting to appear patronizing it was an impressive start for an author who was only thirteen years of age when she started the story and not quite sixteen at the conclusion.

I would be delighted to follow this story to its murderess end.



Received from the publisher for an honest review.

Urthwild
Profile Image for Ashley.
67 reviews24 followers
April 7, 2015
I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

To be fair, going into the novel I knew A) it had been translated from Hebrew and B) written by a 16-year-old. With that said, I tried to keep an open mind, but there were just so many things wrong with the book. Almost immediately I regretted reading this. There were so many unnecessary rhetorical questions in the prologue that followed a pattern like this: “Do you know? Do you know how it feels? Do you know how it feels when someone lies” Do you know how it feels when someone lies and calls you names?” My only guess is something with the translation isn’t coming across as effectively in English AND we’re dealing with an inexperienced writer.

Let my clarify, I am in no means belittling a young author’s success. Clearly, she went through proper screening to make it to publication (and good for her that’s awesome at her age!). And, I think the story-line and characters were well intentioned, but the execution and language barrier, unfortunately, are dragging this book down.

I was trying really hard to read 50% (in case the story takes a while to pick up), but could only get through 25%. Details were shoddy, at best, and would flip flop during the next sentence. And, Lu Killer just wasn’t like-able to me. I knew what Marnin was attempting to do with Lu’s personality, but her numbness came across more as a sullen, hormonal teenager rather than a way to bind her powers. Something I think a teenage author can’t quite distinguish herself.

I do think the overall story-line was original and interesting, and with some time Marnin will develop into a wonderful author. But, for now, this just wasn’t for me, and sorry to say, but don’t waste your time.
Profile Image for Nerisa  Eugenia Waterman.
69 reviews10 followers
August 29, 2014
If you love Science Fiction and Fantasy Books then this is definitely the book for you. Daya Marnin, 16 year old author aims to please with her spine tingling novel “Murderess”… the first book of the “The Exiles of Greywall’d Saga”.

Murderess is definitely a novel that you can’t… and won’t put down…you become immediately invested in this novel from just the first page. This novel is about Greywall’d... a world parallel to earth and Lu Killer, the main character. With a simple drop of hat, Lu Killer’s world is changed from a typical music loving 16 year old to a…well…her name is Lu Killer…I think the name says it all.

The author wrote the story is such a way that you start the metamorphosis process right along with 16 year old Lu as she slowly evolves into Lu Killer…the murderess. Lu’s family fought against the royal family for generations in a world called Greywall’d…Lu Killer’s world… a world no different than earth…at least when it comes to politics, culture, history and family.

My Full Review: http://myohosisters.webs.com/apps/blo...-
2,373 reviews37 followers
February 11, 2015
Lu Killer is a 16 year old girl who has gone from one boarding school to the next. She doesn't care as all she wants is to listen to her music and be left alone. Lu has always felt not one of "them" (students). Lu thinks nothing about her last name Killer. When she goes to a class one day, a teacher has a visitor tell them about their last name. When he finds out Lu's last name, he starts yelling and goes off on a verbal rampage.
Lu runs out of class and goes to her dorm room. She decides she must leave the school. She does by going to another world. How does Lu do that? What does she discover in this new world? Does she belong?

It is a story full of action and adventures. The characters are well described--so much that I cared about them and could see what they looked like in my mind's eye. I enjoyed this story and didn't want it to stop. I am looking forward to the next book.

Disclaimer: I received a digital galley of this book free from the publisher from NetGalley. I was not obliged to write a favourable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Profile Image for Alyn.
331 reviews34 followers
October 4, 2014
This book is a bit difficult to review. I liked the book itself, but not the writing style.

Murderess has an interesting premise, and is very fast-paced, moving on from scene to scene. I liked the inventive idea used for this book, and some of the chapters have very well-worded descriptions.

However, even though it has a teenage feel to it (which is good for a YA novel), Marnin's writing style hasn't matured enough and while reading the novel, there were I felt like I was reading a poorly constructed fanfiction. There is not enough background and world-building for the story to completely make sense, and a lot of the parts just did not feel right- like walking into an elegant castle and finding dirt and rocks strewed randomly all over it. The book can be very confusing at times, and it switched randomly from third person to first person a lot for no reason. Perhaps it's a translation error, but either way, the story did not have enough maturity.

I will look forward to reading Daya Marnin's next book and how she will improve.
Profile Image for Sara Canny.
215 reviews9 followers
November 26, 2014
I loved this book. It was an amazing read, the characters are great. I loved Lu, how she transforms from an apathetic teenager, into... well you'll just have to read and see won't you. All of the other side characters were wonderfully crafted, and there are some that I've begun to believe, okay, maybe hope will become main characters in books to come.

I also enjoy the play on her last name. Killer, and she is very strong and adept at killing people fittingly enough. Which is not a complete surprise seeing as your name can actually determine your fate in some cases. So please be kind and don't name your kids something completely ridiculous it could affect their life adversely.

The world is vast and varied, with many different humanoid species that I hope will come more into play in the next few books. This book was so masterfully written that I can't wait to find out what happens next.

I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for my sincere and honest review.
Profile Image for Sheila Ryals.
2,686 reviews13 followers
February 20, 2015
I had a difficult time reading this book. The book jumps around quite a bit making it confusing at times. The use of her name and the emphasis placed on her last name kind of grew a bit old. I get the fact that she is suppose to be a killer. She just is not one yet! Her disinterest in the world around her makes her seem like she has no emotions what so ever.
I will state that the idea and the world itself is quite brilliant for a 13 year old. I also read it was written in another language all together. So it just may not be coming over correctly. I think with a bit more Character building some and some actual English type editors, but for the English versions may help. I will be keeping my eye out for this author. I believe with time and age she will become a great author. Just at this time I did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would!
Profile Image for Marjorie.
835 reviews68 followers
September 20, 2014
Given To Me For An Honest Review


Sixteen year old Daya Marnin has a hit with her first book, Murderess. This book is in The Exiles of Greywall'd Saga. Greywall'd is on the same level as Earth. It is an amazing magical fantasy world. Lu is the main character. There are others and I believe their development will continue on with Daya's future books. This book contains fantasy, adventure, action and even self-realization. It is a really good fantasy book to read. I don't normally read fantasy but after reading Daya's I am now a reader. I gave this book 5 stars but wish I could have given it 10+. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I anxiously look forward to more from Daya Marnin.
Profile Image for Christina.
241 reviews
November 8, 2020
I received Mruderess from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was drawn to this book because of the cover. Wow! I am excited for this series. I didn’t want to stop reading and I can’t wait to read more. I like a wide range of book genres but this series will be on my favorites list. I really like the writing style. Greywall’s is a world parallel to Earth. Marnin pulls readers into an amazing magical fantasy world in Greywall’d. This book has fantasy, adventure, action and self-realization for Lu. The Exiles of Greywall’d Saga is must read if you like fantasy books.

I rated this a 3.5 stars as I anticipate reading it over and over.
Profile Image for Jeanette.
661 reviews36 followers
December 27, 2014
I really tried to like this story. I keep starting and stopping. I would read a bit and get irritated. Maybe its a book you have to be in the right mood for. I'm not sure. I was at about 40% before I gave up. I disliked the bored, don't care about anything attitude that the book started out with. It got a little better has it went on. But not enough to keep reading. There was a few fun scenes, like the snowball fight. Maybe one day I will go back and finish it. I don't know.


I received the ebook version of this book from Netgalley to review.
Profile Image for Erin.
60 reviews6 followers
September 28, 2014
This was a good effort by the author. I believe as the author matures her writing will get a lot better. The book didn't feel connected to me at all. It would jump from one thing to the next. It made the book confusing. The story need to be much more developed to make it more worthwhile to read. I don't believe I will read any more of this series it didn't make me want to find out what was going to happen next.
1 review
October 23, 2014
Thank you Daya Marnin!
What a surprising great story from a 16 years old author. If it wasn't mentioned on the blurb, I would have guessed it. Murderess is the first of the Greywall'd saga and I can't wait to read the next one and the rest of the series. It also gave me a rare opportunity to read how fantasy adventures looks like from a teenager point of view.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews