By Winged Chair

Mark of the Least

by Kendra Merritt

Rolling around in the worst fashion accessory ever…

Seventeen-year-old Merry has mucked up another chance to get into the University of Magecraft, so she doesn’t have time to deal with shape-changing creatures bent on stealing memories from the people of Woodshire. That’s her father’s job. But when an outlaw mage mistakes her for a damsel in distress on a drenched train platform, she’s dragged into a fight with the monsters and a sheriff mad enough to use them.

She’d never admit it out loud but the mage is actually kind of fun to work with – when she doesn’t want to run him over with her chair. And he’s exactly the ally she needs when the monsters go after her father’s memories. But with bad guys who can look like friends and friends who look like outlaws, Merry has to decide who to trust and whether returning the stolen memories of those she cares about most is worth giving up her chance to finally earn respect as a mage.

Genres: Fantasy, Disability, Young Adult, Fairy Tale Retellings, Fairy Tales

402 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 26, 2018

About the author

Books have been Kendra’s escape for as long as she can remember. She used to hide fantasy novels behind her government textbook in high school, and she wrote most of her first novel during a semester of college algebra.

Older and wiser now (but just as nerdy) Kendra writes retellings of fairytales with main characters who have disabilities. If she isn’t writing, she’s reading, and if she isn’t reading, she’s playing video games.

Kendra lives in Denver with her very tall husband, their book loving progeny, and a lazy black monster masquerading as a service dog.

Reviews

[Lemon · Rating 4 out of 5]

*SCREECHES* THIS WAS SO GOOD!! (And excuse the typos)

Positives: SO! Where do I start? I could talk about the disability representation, but I don't think I have any authority on that. But I found it incredibly well-done, as it neither took over the story but was addressed as part of (without being the sole focus of) the heroine's personal life story. The character arcs, though...it was so beautiful to see our heroes get over the traumas they had been dealt with (as well as see such a nice father-daughter relationship as well). The PLOT was so much fun (this is a Robin Hood retelling, and it's AMAZING), as was the worldbuilding in this one (references to places, exposition without making it too obvious? Revelation of the details and...ahhh, this was amazing, I say again with my limited vocab!) The writing was also nicely structured, as was the pacing for the book.

Negatives: Nothing really stood out to me as bad in the book. I had some personal qualms against it, but nothing major that fits in the objective negative pile. The minor stuff is mostly to do sometimes with the worldbuilding, which, while AWESOME, sometimes did leave me feel muddled here and there. Not in a bad way, but just...there's so much to this world and this author has worked so hard in seting it up that she just can't info-dump everything. it just makes me antsy, you know? Because this series is kind of like Goldstone Wood and not chronological, so I'm scared of missing something that might tie into the past or future of the world! ;) Mostly, it was me wanting to know how this "Realm" thing worked. (Edit: so I remembered...there was one villain who left me a little confused, and that was John. I mean, I understand he was...sheltered, however, his arc seemed sort of...messy?)

Opinion: Okay...so I LOVED this. The characters were all so FUN, hilarious, and very real. I loved books that sprout references to well-known (in the world, at least) works or legends or something of that sort. And I really liked seeing a heroine in a wheelchair struggle but also succeed. Basically, I just liked this book in its entirety. My personal qualms about it aren't really major, mostly theological-ish. Like, the author is Christian, I believe (Catholic? Or did I assume) or just using Christian symbolism in here world (which was very nicely done, I might add). And I like how she addressed suffering and weakness as an opening to a different kind of strength. However, I'm being hedgy about how she introduced the difference between good and evil and right and wrong. (Slight spoilers, maybe?)...it's slightly complicated.

Nevertheless, that's really a point of personal contention, since she never portrays evil as without consequences, anyway (something about if you absorb darkness, just squeeze in more light). I just think it needed to be straightened out a bit more? Again, who knows. I just love this book and it hurts me to criticize it. If you'll excuse me, I'm reading the next one...

Content: Nothing iffy on the sexual side (unless you count a mention of a cute rear end iffy in a slightly humorous situation). The language is a bit looser but leaned on the "archaic swear words" (if that makes sense) than modern swearing. A bit of violence, but nothing too horrifying

[Melissa Roche · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Merritt’s style reminded me of my childhood favorite author Robin McKinley, a similarly breathtaking blend of wry humor and exquisite worldbuilding. In a fantasy world that feels unsteady on its magical feet, Merry Janson knows more about magery than she’s supposed to. She’s supposed to be on her best behavior on her way toward official mage studies at the University, but neither Merry nor magic are cooperating. Then an unexpected attack from mind-eating malevolents throws Merry and her chair in with a band of outlaws fighting to free the land from its oppressive law and leadership, and the story of Robin Hood and Maid Marion unfolds in a fantastic new world with a heroine that I found myself cheering for on every page. I loved Merry’s relatability — her humor, her perspective, her courage. I watched her struggle with the opinions of others about her chair and her legs, and internalize some of their perceived perceptions of her, and find strength and value in herself and her cause. Merry’s wit made me laugh out loud, and her perspective on herself and others touched the depths of my humanity. I loved By Winged Chair, and I’ll be reading the rest of the series as soon as I can order them!

[Stephanie Gillis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5. It’s rare I find a book I just want to devour but this one did it to me. I really loved the storytelling in this and while I had some trouble reconciling what time period we were dealing with, I found it much more enjoyable as a kind of anachronistic fantasy with likeable characters. Some of the more religion-centered allegories were not exactly my fav but it worked for the world so I can’t fault it for that. I liked the turning the tale of Robin Hood a bit on its head to be very entertaining and a book easy to devour.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't begin this book expecting it to be one of my favorite reads of 2018, but it quickly became such. I enjoy the Robin Hood mythos as much as anyone, but is it really possible to write a fresh take on the story? Yes. Yes it is, and By Wingéd Chair is that story. Without spoiling anything, this version of the story is from the viewpoint of Marion, and is no damsel-in-distress tale. "Merry" is smart, sarcastic, and a wonderful foil for the expectations most people have when they hear "Maid Marion."

Do yourself a favor and read the book. The magic system is intriguing, the characters are engaging, and the story grabbed me and wouldn't let go. Enjoy.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Not only has the author breathed fresh life into a centuries-old legend, but she has done so while engaging in a perspective shift that is as beautiful as it is unexpected. By Wingéd Chair is a story I can only hope is the beginning of a fully formed universe and many more surprises to come. This novel is the forerunner of a genre yet to be created.

[Emily Buehler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved a lot of things about this book: the world it was set in, the heroine and her "snarky" or clever comments, seeing a main character in a wheelchair, and the shape-shifting creatures. I also liked some of the deeper themes, like how what appears to be a flaw can actually be a strength, or the balance between good/evil/right/wrong, or the religious ideas that are presented but somewhat rejected by the narrator, so that the reader is free to take them as they want to.

I thought a few things could have been done better, though.

(1) The action starts right in the first chapter with an attack by monsters and Merry preparing to cast a spell, and the arrival of the team of monster hunters to save her. I was able to follow along well enough, so it was refreshing to have the action start like this. But at the same time, I didn't really know Merry yet, so I didn't have much reason to like her. She talked about being kicked out of boarding school, but I didn't know why (maybe she performed illegal magic that endangered the other students). And she was angry a lot, which I didn't understand at all until I learned more about her several chapters in. For example, she is angry with Whyn for saving her from the monster when she supposedly could have done it herself, but she did not seem confident she could succeed (she calls the attack her "unmaking" and is threatened by panic) and Whyn would have no way of knowing she knew magic and wouldn't have time to ask her. So I didn't care about her from the start as much as I might have.

(2) The plot seemed to fall apart somewhat, around the time of the train scene. Events and characters would appear that hadn't been set up (like the Duchess and John's motivations) or just didn't make sense. In particular, Cecily's reappearance confounded me. I also started to lose a grasp on how the magic worked. There seemed to be multiple types (spells and/or harnessing vytl) but I was not clear on how they differed or why Merry could sometimes use them and other times not be able to.

(3) Merry's insistence to herself that Whyn didn't like her because of one failed kiss started to grate after a while. I liked when we learn the reason he blanched after her kiss, but it didn't seem like enough to keep them apart for the entire book, and I wish there had been some more interactions or something to keep that tension going.

But overall, I enjoyed it!

[Leigh W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry knows she is a disappointment to her father and to herself. She isn't demure enough by constantly speaking her mind and being straight to the point, she hasn't been able to get a recommendation for the mage university, she just got dismissed from boarding school for something that wasn't completely her fault, and as usual her legs still aren't working. She is wheelchair bound after an accident took away her ability to walk and feels invisible to the world around her as almost everyone underestimates her because of it. While at the train station heading home to tell her father about what happened at the boarding school she watches the same Peacekeepers that she saw there now harassing a professor she knows. Something isn't right and as she goes to intervene a group of what appears to be vigilantes stop the Peacekeepers and the shadow creatures they control. Unfortunately not before the professor becomes a victim of the Mindless Plague. The mismatched group in green decides to help take her home since it's on their way to the Refuge where they are a part of the Disciples of Saint Wonderment. Along the way they realize Merry is being targeted and her home was destroyed with her father found being gravely injured. And that in his research he summoned something that greatly resembles the Vachryn, the shadow shapeshifters the Peacekeepers are using. They decide to bring the being with them to the Refuge to gather information and figure out what moves need to be taken against Lord John and Sheriff Diero's stranglehold on Dutchy.

This was an amazing and unique Robin Hood retelling. Instead of following the MMC the story is told from the perspective of Maid Marian. And not only is she blunt and sure of her own magical skills she has a disability that makes her stronger in ways she didn't realize. That was something that isn't seen often and how all the players around her treat her paralysis and how they perceive her are so real. How some people just overlook her, how some pity her while others find her refreshing and how she responds to all her interactions, both positive and negative, are not downplayed and an integral part of her character. Robin was broken into several people and they each handled robbing the rich to give back that correlated to their goals. This is a story of grief, healing, and differences between actions taken for good and bad vs right and wrong and how sometimes there is a bit of dark mixed in with the light.

[Nils Ödlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the more interesting books I read last year was Girls of Might and Magic – a short story collection put together by a group working to highlight diversity in fantasy. My favorite story in the collection was about a young woman with a lame leg, who couldn’t quite walk properly, and who set out in a small boat to defeat the sea and find the treasure her family was searching for.

I meant to note down the name of the story and the author, but it was in the middle of the book and I got distracted by the next story, and the next, and so on. Then, a few days ago, I came across a list of books put together by K.R.S. McEntire, one of the organizers of the anthology.

Bells of recollection began to ring, and it wasn’t long before I’d pick up By Wingéd Chair, by Kendra Merritt (the name of her short story in the anthology is Chasing Waves).

The story takes place in something reminiscent of Victorian-era England (but I could be wrong), and our heroine (Merry) is a young woman with a talent for magic, an attitude problem, and a wheelchair.

There’s also lost knowledge, an evil usurper, memory-eating demons (yes, Merry, I know they’re not actually demons), a handsome young man, and a failure of communication. In short, it’s got all that good stuff a fantasy adventure story should have (no, there are no dragons, but it’s still great, okay?).

What I’ll whine about
As it turns out, I’m not really a big fan of fairy-tale retellings. My mind kept going back to my own understanding of the original story, and it wouldn’t stop trying to map the two together. This irked me a little, since if it weren’t for the names of the characters, I might not even have picked up on that it was a retelling.

I’m not so good at spotting those similarities.

What I’ll gush about
Despite what I just mentioned about this being a fairy-tale retelling, I also want to highlight the positive side of it. This isn’t really the story of Robin Hood; it’s the story of Marion the Mage, told within the framework of the Robin Hood story.

Merry: I’m not sure it’s entirely fair to say Merry has an attitude problem, like I did above, but the words flowed nicely together, so I went with it. What Merry does have are mental walls and shields to keep people out, to protect herself and her feelings, from a world that doesn’t see her, and before anyone gets too close. This, combined with a tendency to speak her mind, leads to a number of entertaining exchanges between Merry and the other characters.

More than that, though, it’s heartwarming to see the walls come down, little by little, and how she eventually lets the world in – or lets herself out, if you will.

Final words
A charming and magical story of a young woman coming into her own, told against the backdrop of the Robin Hood story.

[Anya Josephs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ordinarily, this is not the kind of book I would have picked up: like I said, I don't much like fairytale-esque fantasy romances, and the fantasy element is relatively light here. There is definitely magic, but it's more of a character-centric story. But I loved this book! Merritt's style (and I'll say more of this in reviews to come) really reminded me of Tamora Pierce, who is one of my favorite writers of all time.

I thought the disability representation (the main character uses a wheelchair) was really well done. Merry expresses the negative elements of her experience without being limited to her disability. Also, there is an incredibly touching scene where a child notices and admires her chair. It was really beautifully done.

Honestly, I liked everything about this book. It was very charming and a lot of fun to read, with a straightforward, engaging writing style and great characters.

[Natalie Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were things I loved about this book--I loved Merry, her personality, her knowledge of and confidence in herself, and the emotional journey she went on throughout the novel. Her interactions with magic, with her father, with the band of misfits she finds herself in were all wonderful. I enjoyed how Merritt played with the Robin Hood story, particularly by giving Robyn Hode a powerfully motivating backstory. There was a lot to enjoy about how magic and how having a Marian/Merry in a wheelchair who was very much an agent of change in the story altered the original. But there were times when it felt like "a Robin Hood set piece has to go here" and it felt like a forced connection, and the prose got a little preachy and on the nose. But all-in-all, I really liked this novel a lot and want to read more novels that star sarcastic practitioners of magic who use wheelchairs.

[Sundeep · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read "Catching Cinders" before, I wanted to check out other books in this setting.

Overall, I enjoyed this book as well, but I'd say the writing wasn't as polished (which is understandable given this was an earlier work).

The very first chapter sets the tone for the book - giving enough context for the POV character and action scenes introducing other major characters and the main plot. It certainly hooked me, but I'd say the pacing suffered a bit in the middle before picking up again at the end. Perhaps if I had remembered better that "Catching Cinders" was more character focused as well, I would have adjusted better.

I've read Robinhood books as part of school curriculum, but I don't remember much. I've now added reading the original and more retellings to my ever expanding TBR.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was such a treat. I enjoyed it immensely. The characters were dynamic with great, witty dialogue. I love a good twisted tale, and this is one of the better examples I have seen of taking a classic story and reinventing it into something amazing all on its own. Its such an empowering book. The message is clear and well-developed. I enjoyed the writing style, even it was a big cheesy at times. Merritt is super talented with world building and crafting a history behind what is happening. As a side note, I met her at a comic con and she was so nice, so I’m really happy I loved her work.

[Alisha McRoberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this, it gripped me right from the start. Not to mention the disability representation in fantasy which is rare and even rarer representation of a wheelchair user in fantasy. And a very realistic representation at that (you know apart from all the magic and things). Marion was a very relatable protagonist, was a fully developed character and was not just her disability which is where a lot of disability representation in media falls short for me. Her disability was an important part of the story because it's an important part of her, however, it was not the most or only important thing about her, it was PART of the story, it wasn't THE story.

[Drucilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5 stars. What's this? A stealth retelling of the Robin Hood myth? Yes, please! (It took me an embarrassingly long time to realize that btw) All the characters were great and I really liked the way magic worked in this universe. It did have issues, though. I thought Whyn's brother being alive just felt like a way to jam the robbing the rich part in there. I also thought the world-building was a little lackluster. I have a very rough idea of everything, but I would have liked more.

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m strapped for time, but this was truly a lovely book that highlighted a lot of spiritual truth that made me very excited but with compelling, flawed characters who made me want to keep reading.
There was a lot of new vocab and world-building aspects I was kind of confused about, but nothing too crazy. The allusions to the original tale of Robin Hood was super fun as well.
While there were some things that I wasn’t sure I liked (such as some profanities used throughout) overall this book was very well-written and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

After meeting the author and having an excellent chat, I hoped that I would love Kendra Merrit's writing and stories. I was also excited about a book series that centered people with disabilities and a diverse cast of characters. I started with the one that she recommended, which was perfect because it has a dog on the cover along with the hero (heroine) protagonist. I'm happy to report that I truly and thoroughly enjoyed this read and highly recommend her books to others. I hope the words spreads and that her books will be stocked in libraries and bookstores around the country!

[Aunt LoLo · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUCH a unique book!
Swoony romance (with nothing more than a few stolen kisses)
Violence is there, but not graphic
Language is mild.

This is a Robin Hood retelling, with the elements all there but shaken up and redistributed. There are also religious elements (angels, demons, an Almighty, saints, monks) - completely respectful.

The story had a wonderful message - you get to decide what you will be. Loved it!

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pacing is good, worldbuilding is good, characters are fun...
The disability stuff is good - in particular (spoilers) Marian gets offered a cure and refuses it because of the wider damage it would do. The whole thing takes less than a page and that's that.
The romance plotline is irritating at times (in that it's a lack-of-communication barrier).
This is pretty good YA. Note it does get very religious in places.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kendra reimagines classic stories with fantastic main characters who have different abilities. By Winged Chair reimagines the story of Robin Hood with Marion "Merry" Janson in place of Lady Marian. Merry is a strong female who grows stronger as the tale unfolds. This is a an adventure with a little bit of a love story.
This book, along with all Kendra Merritt novels, is suitable for adults and young adults alike!!

[julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hero on wheels

A fantastic fantasy adventure with a wheelchair-bound teenaged heroine. I thoroughly enjoyed this story with a well-written character I could relate to: the challenges of mobility impairment and inner thoughts of a teenage girl, described perfectly. A Marian/Robin Hood-type adventure with mages and spirits fighting for good in a world with evil.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent construction of an alternate world! If you want to escape reality, this book is a great choice to transport you to a world of magic and magical creatures. Imaginative twist on Robin Hood. Enjoyed the author’s writing style and wit.

[Pjo57 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and Fast

I liked that the book was easy to read, it wasn’t overloaded with unnecessary descriptions, and it didn’t over do the romance. Many times I really did laugh out loud. I loved the characters, especially Marion.

[Stephani Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic new series!

I loved the fairy tale elements, and the characters grabbed my attention right away. The magical and otherworldly elements were probably my favorite though. I can’t wait to read more in the series!

[mya !! · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this one but honestly I can just summarize my thoughts by saying it was fine. Nothing more, nothing less. It was a fine read, I liked the plot but good lord did the romance annoy me. I really don’t have a ton to say other than. It’s just ok. #sorrythisjustwasntreallymything

[Myk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted so badly to love this book. And dont get me wrong, it's fine. The disability rep is great, awesome even. But its definitely YA , romance heavy, and just not up my alley right now.
DNF finished 20% before dropping

[Darby Karchut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be jealous, friends, because I read the ARC. Bwhahaha! Seriously, I adored this book. Can't wait for everyone to read it so I can talk about it. And when I say "talk ", I mean gush.

[Katie Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great. It was a really unique premise , an amazing heroine that was just a bit different from the typical, and wonderful characters. I hope to read more books by this author!

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

Spinning off the Robin Hood stories for a well written age appropriate book for middle grade and up. Recommend for young readers.

[Zach Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really well written and really good story.

[Karie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent reimagined fairy tale — familiar enough that I had fun picking out the characters, but different enough that it felt fresh and fun.