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Marked
Twenty-year-old Andra has always obeyed the strict rules of Holostown. Mostly. But when strange presents are left on her pillow and mysterious inscriptions are etched in trees, spirits appear in the woods and creatures terrorize the village at night…it warrants investigation.
When Andra accidentally stumbles into Soulbourne, a mystical realm sealed off from the rest of the world, she is immediately on trial. Soulbourne is aghast at her arrival, believing it to be the fulfillment of a terrible prophecy. The prominent mark she bears leaves little doubt of what she has come for.
But Andra knows nothing of the prophecies. She can’t even discern her own mark. The only thing she and Soulbourne agree on? She doesn’t belong.
Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as returning home. Ancient magic both protects Andra and bars her from leaving, leading Soulbourne’s rulers to devise a twisted system of tests meant to destroy her.
Andra has three days to prepare. And while her primary task is to survive the tests, she must also uncover the truth of her mark. If she doesn’t…well, there are fates worse than death.
When Andra accidentally stumbles into Soulbourne, a mystical realm sealed off from the rest of the world, she is immediately on trial. Soulbourne is aghast at her arrival, believing it to be the fulfillment of a terrible prophecy. The prominent mark she bears leaves little doubt of what she has come for.
But Andra knows nothing of the prophecies. She can’t even discern her own mark. The only thing she and Soulbourne agree on? She doesn’t belong.
Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as returning home. Ancient magic both protects Andra and bars her from leaving, leading Soulbourne’s rulers to devise a twisted system of tests meant to destroy her.
Andra has three days to prepare. And while her primary task is to survive the tests, she must also uncover the truth of her mark. If she doesn’t…well, there are fates worse than death.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2025
2 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Huckleberry
14 books91 followersAlyssa Huckleberry grew up in San Diego as the oldest of four children. After earning a business degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Alyssa spent a short time working in finance before transitioning to work in education. Today Alyssa works as a fifth grade teacher and she LOVES her job!
When she isn't teaching or writing, you can find Alyssa running, reading, practicing yoga, traveling the world, or spending time with those dearest to her. She loves spending time outdoors, growing in her faith, and learning new things (hence, the great amount of time spent reading, traveling, and going on adventures!). A true lover of whimsy, she also believes everything is better with a latte in hand.
Alyssa's first novel, Rescuing Racei, was published in 2004 (while Alyssa was still a high school student) and later won the San Diego Book Award for Best Young Adult Novel. Since then, Alyssa published three other books to complete the series: Stealing Splendiferous, Magicus, and The Maleku Map.
The Struggle is Real was an inspired piece written for an adult audience as a stand-alone work. Her latest novel, Dark Matter, is written for a young adult audience. It is the first book in what will be a science-fiction series imagining a future of space exploration!
When she isn't teaching or writing, you can find Alyssa running, reading, practicing yoga, traveling the world, or spending time with those dearest to her. She loves spending time outdoors, growing in her faith, and learning new things (hence, the great amount of time spent reading, traveling, and going on adventures!). A true lover of whimsy, she also believes everything is better with a latte in hand.
Alyssa's first novel, Rescuing Racei, was published in 2004 (while Alyssa was still a high school student) and later won the San Diego Book Award for Best Young Adult Novel. Since then, Alyssa published three other books to complete the series: Stealing Splendiferous, Magicus, and The Maleku Map.
The Struggle is Real was an inspired piece written for an adult audience as a stand-alone work. Her latest novel, Dark Matter, is written for a young adult audience. It is the first book in what will be a science-fiction series imagining a future of space exploration!
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 8, 2025
Soo good !
I looked to see if the author had made this into a serious. I didn't find any evidence of it happening . If she hasn't considered it, she really should. I will be on the lookout!
I looked to see if the author had made this into a serious. I didn't find any evidence of it happening . If she hasn't considered it, she really should. I will be on the lookout!
February 24, 2026
exciting and fast paced fantasy novel
I read this book in just 3 days! The plot was always moving and kept me engaged the whole time! Great writing, descriptive language. I hope there’s are more books to the series, I can’t wait to see what Andra and Elara do next!
I read this book in just 3 days! The plot was always moving and kept me engaged the whole time! Great writing, descriptive language. I hope there’s are more books to the series, I can’t wait to see what Andra and Elara do next!
October 6, 2025
Very good read.
I'm more of a romance reader but this book kept me wanting to keep reading. I really enjoyed this storyline.
I'm more of a romance reader but this book kept me wanting to keep reading. I really enjoyed this storyline.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews