Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Wicked Kingdoms #1

Mark of Truth

Rate this book
Ever Leath, leader of the deadliest crew within the Magical Enforcement and Containment Agency’s ranks, has always known she’s a half-breed—until a visit from her estranged mother changes everything. She’s determined to marry Ever off for political gain, no matter the consequences—even if it means Ever’s life.

Searching for the truth leads to disturbing doubts about Ever’s heritage, and just as answers appear, so does Dare Fitzpatrick. Captain of the Royal Goblin Guards and son to the current Goblin King, he claims he knows who Ever’s real father is and that she could be in danger. Ever doubts Dare, until he helps her escape the clutches of her would-be suitor and grants her shelter within the Goblin Kingdom.

Staying in Goblin, which has previously been off-limits to half-breeds, is a risk Ever has to take to keep everyone she loves safe. Neither of them planned on the fiery heat between them, but Dare won’t take no for an answer. Ever knows she can’t risk losing her heart to the cocky goblin, despite her attraction to him. At least that’s the plan.

Until it all falls apart.

Paperback

First published May 23, 2017

381 people are currently reading
1996 people want to read

About the author

Graceley Knox

52 books1,048 followers
Graceley Knox is a USA Today bestselling author of over 35 novels featuring wicked paranormal and fantasy romances, and the founder of Paper Myths Media. Graceley has been in the publishing industry for over twelve years in some way or another, wearing pretty much every hat other than that of editor and cover designer (Although give her a minute, and she might change that last part!).

She’s also 100% addicted to coffee and snarky mugs, and is determined to one day have a library that would make Belle cry. As a self-professed book-obsessed word witch, Graceley is fascinated with witchcraft, mythology, lore, and, of course, fantasy worlds! When she’s not caught up in her current hyper-fixation (shout out to her fellow ADHD Warriors!) she’s either writing books or reading them… Or talking about them, or taking photos of them for her bookstagram.

Graceley is also a Ravenclaw who’s been known to binge-watch tv-shows featuring strong female leads while cuddling with her fur-babies.

She loves to connect with fellow bibliophiles on social media, so stop by and say hello!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
282 (30%)
4 stars
302 (33%)
3 stars
218 (23%)
2 stars
71 (7%)
1 star
40 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
August 8, 2017


Mark of Truth is Gracely Knox’s debut novel. I am absolutely blown away at the quality of writing by this new author. Fabulous characters, fantastic plot, it has the whole package and I can’t seem to get enough of it.

There was no gentle glide into this world; we were thrown right in to a world full of dark and light. Of good and evil. I was captivated from page one. I love the twists and turns of learning something new. Of immersing myself inside the pages and trying to figure it all out. I loved it so much; I didn’t want to leave when I hit the last page.

Ever is brazen, bold, and honest. I love her intelligence and her sarcasm. Dare is his own force to be reckoned with and is quite persistent when it comes to Ever. All of the characters in Mark of Truth are fascinating and I can’t wait to learn more about them all.

I eagerly await the next book in this series. I’m excited to see where Miss Knox takes us. I highly recommend this book.

More than a book, Mark of Truth is an experience.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Profile Image for All Things Urban Fantasy.
1,921 reviews620 followers
June 9, 2017
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy.

MARK OF TRUTH hits every expected beat in an urban fantasy/paranormal romance. There’s the loyal teammates, the hunky love interest that she kinda hates, the adopted pets, the adopted child. The world of MARK OF TRUTH is expansive (sometimes to its detriment) and features several rival fae factions. Heroine, Ever McElva, is a leath cine, meaning half breed. She’s part elf and is pretty sure that she’s also part-human. As a half breed, Ever and her team were raised by, and work for, the Magic Enforcement and Containment Agency within the human realm. Ever might know how to handle herself in a fight but she’s off-balance when it comes to actually dealing with the fae courts. Unfortunately, MARK OF TRUTH’s complex world building doesn't quite explain the intricacies of the different factions of elves, fae, and goblins. The reader never gets the full scope of the long-standing history and bad blood.

The writing definitely feels a little stilted. The prologue was written in a high-fantasy style, which was interesting and well-done, but the rest of the book embraces the ‘urban fantasy voice’. There’s a lot of declarative sentences. A lot of telling instead of showing. Ever tells us a lot about herself, but I don’t think I ever truly knew her as a character. She’s sounds like every urban fantasy character ever. It clear Knox is aiming for a sprawling, complex world, but the sameness of the characters just turns complex into confusing. This sameness means that it isn't important to remember who is half-human, or half-elf, or half-goblin since all the characters are all beautiful ass-kickers.

Knox’s writing is best during the sex scenes. There’s more focus on touch and emotions, rather than telling us how aloof and cool our protagonist is. There’s tons of romantic and sexual tension between Ever and Dare. When Ever gets over the customary “oh no we can’t be together/I think I hate you” mindset, their chemistry is amazing. MARK OF TRUTH really needs to to relax, not stick so close to the urban fantasy voice and plot beats. I think once the author finds her voice the formulaic nature of the plot will be less apparent. There’s the potential for a great series buried underneath all those declarative sentences.

Sexual content: Explicit sex scenes
Profile Image for Elisa.
345 reviews269 followers
March 14, 2018
3 1/2 STARS


This was a really fun read. I may be partial to it because of how much it reminds me of the Meredith Gentry series: half-blood fae, raised in the human world, with a fiercely independent and rebellious character, and language and customs not befitting to the fae kingdoms, where she ends up spending a considerable amount of time as the events covered in this book take place.

There are of course sexy fae males, or one in particular. There is a mystery involving the MC’s lineage and a secret plot. There are unexpected events, but not much in terms of plot twists per se.
There is also insta-lust and a hint of insta-love, which I am somewhat willing to tolerate because those faes are a randy bunch 😂 (even though I found myself thinking “really? Already? So this is going to be our love affair I guess” 😏)

The writing was a bit blah. The dialogue was just ok, mostly because the MC has no filter and doesn’t like being controlled in the least so she loses it constantly; but there wasn’t much making me laugh or making me smirk at verbal burns when someone got put in their place... in other words, meh.

Hence the missing half star. It’s not enough for my MC to be fiercely independent, they should be able to express themselves with a bit more panache than just being bitchy. For someone who supposedly reads a lot, Ever had surprisingly little wordsmith game.

Still, fun read — enough that I’ll ignore the so-so points listed above and the sometimes awkward sex scenes, and keep reading 😁
Profile Image for Melissasfandomworld.
715 reviews119 followers
September 10, 2018
I'm a sucker when it comes to stories set in Fae-lands. On top of that, this book was promoted by one of my favorite authors who writes about Fae's herself, Amelia Hutchins, and I was a goner; I had to buy and read this book!

The world Graceley created is such an awesome one I think! We come across Goblins and Fae's of all kinds and everything in this magical world is just really beautifully written down I think. All of the 'creatures' are so interesting to read about and I love how they are mentioned every now and then, that they remain to be a small part of the story, alongside following our main characters. There's also some politics present and I always like coming across just that when reading books set in worlds like this. I love reading about Fae and Goblin politics and can't wait to see how it all develops even more in the next book.

The story-line itself was a lot of fun to read and made for a fast-paced read but it wasn't something I hadn't encountered before, it wasn't really unique. It's not a bad thing of course because I was 100% engrossed by it all but it's the reason why I didn't rate this book 5-stars.

But otherwise, everything I just read was just such a joy to read! I was hooked right from the very first page and it left me craving more so I'm really bummed out it won't be a while until book 2 and 3 are going to be delivered - of course, I bought them right away now, because I need more!

The characters are all so amazing! I love the banter between Ev and Dare and their developing sexy romance. But I also love the other characters a lot as well. I love the already existing friendships but also the new founded ones. The friendships in this story are wonderful to read about. There's enough focus on all of the characters to see them developing in unique characters, each has their own little traits as to why I came to love them. I just can't waaaait to continue reading, because I already miss them!

Overall, it's a really great read, consisting of an enticing story that takes place in some really awesome settings. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who's into paranormal romance books. There's a nice balance when it comes to story-line, character development, and romance development, alongside some steamy scenes. It contained just about everything I'm looking for in paranormal romance so it left me with quite a blissful feeling, thankfully!

I devoured every single page and as I said; I really can't wait to get my hands on book 2 and 3! I'll be binge-reading them for sure when they come in! I came to love the writing in this book a lot so I'll definitely be checking out this author's other books as well and I really hope you do too. I love reading books like these, that I come to love so much and hear what other people think about them. This is that kind of book, that I love promoting to other readers which hopefully gets them to read it as well!
Profile Image for Naia Pard.
Author 2 books103 followers
September 8, 2018
It’s an average paranormal. It’s entertaining, engaging, it has romance, a love interest that is in the top of the society’s scale and a heroin that has hidden powers and a destiny to conquer. This is the book that’ve read late at night, when my eyes were near closing, but I wasn’t near the “asleep” point and I still needed something to tire me out, so this was the choice. Reading Mark of Truth.

The entire plot can be summarized in a paragraph that roughly sketched would say something like this: Sassy heroin, the best fighter on the market, the leader of a remote and small group of outcasts receives a call from her mother, a High Fae that holds importance in the Light Kingdom. The call is about a ball that has to take place soon. The mother plans to marry off her daughter with none one, but her cousin. The heroin a.k.a the daughter questions her mother’s reasons and because of that she boldly asks three strangers in a bar that by their look seems to be goblins, if they know something about this ball that will take place in the Light Kingdom. As you can guess, they did know. (Surprise, Surprise )

From then on, she and her group are taken to a castle. The castle of those three strangers goblins (that they met in the bar). But wait, there is more.
Our heroin has the hots for the main goblin from those three. The big dark goblin and of course, for a few pages she denies any attraction she may have on him (1), just for the follow up pages to have, dear reader, in front of your face, an extensive and detailed description on how they jumped each other’s bones (2,3).
(1)
I start speaking first. “Listen, about earlier…” The desire I felt earlier washes through me before I can stop it. I clear my throat and pick up where I left off. “That can’t happen again. It’s not worth the death sentence. No offense, but I like living, and even though you agitate me, I don’t want you to die either. At least not yet.” I nod and wait for his reaction.
Jerking his head back a bit, he presses his lips together and furrows his brow. “Is that so?”
“Yeah.”His look doesn’t change to agreement. What the hell? He’s supposed to agree that it’s a bad idea.

(2)
Electricity flows through my body, radiating from where his hand touches my skin. Each pulse sends tendrils of need to my core. The strength of the desire shocks me.
I throw caution to the wind. I go up on my tiptoes and wrap my hand around the back of his neck. He doesn’t resist me, his mouth meeting mine in a scorching kiss of pent up frustration.
He parts my lips with his and invades my mouth with his tongue. He explores every recess with a thoroughness that leaves me panting for breath.
With a jerk, I’m wrapped in his arms. I dig my blunt nails into his scalp, rake my hands through his hair, and hold on. I let out a breathy moan and pull back from our kiss.

(3)
“Finish stripping for me, little tine.” He grips his erection and slowly slides his hand up. I slip my thumbs under the waistband of my favorite pair of skin tight jeans and keep eye contact with him. I shimmy out of them and lean forward. The position displays my breasts for him and his gaze leaves mine. “Your breasts are perfection, little tine. I can’t wait to wrap my lips around each peak.”
You can guess the general atmosphere from the paragraphs above. That being said, I was really disturbed by the way the lead male was portrayed. He was objectified to be a sex machine that can growl and form a few tangible words that somehow, are then connected into a barely spoken, proposition. For the entire part of the book he is defined as “hovering” and “looming” over our dear heroin. It’s creepy, especially as she says “no” two or three times but it falls on deaf ears. He exists purely to give the main character importance and a love interest.
“Holy fuck. Yes. Dare. Goddess, yes.” He slides his hand across my ass, my flesh tender from where he’s spanked me. He smoothes his hand over it, soothing the ach as he trails kisses down my neck.
The heroin can be annoying. Again, I had been reading this book while I was too tired to move so my brain was pretty lax through it all. Otherwise I don’t think I would have been able to finish it. She has to be the greatest at anything. She has to be the loadstar, the born leader, the friendliest person on the planet, the powerful, and the most beautiful and so on. She’s a spoiled brat with half a mind and too much luck for her health.

But

It was a fun read. I mean, yes, the characters were made of soap and tasted like recycled paper, yes, the plot is not thick or complex and you won’t be gripped by unimagined emotions, but it relaxes you. It liberates your mind. It makes you laugh. It’s an easy read for a rainy day and you deserve one of those from time to time.
Profile Image for Lisa.
803 reviews42 followers
August 14, 2017
Good Beginnings

Good start to new story. I love the Goblin Kingdom and the whole idea of Fae, Goblin and Seelie and Unseelie. Not many books on Goblins. I just thought everything could have been more fleshed out as it felt rushed, the whole book but I'm hoping with the next one, we get more. This is definitely fun and off to good start. More like 3.5.
Profile Image for Abi.
2,274 reviews
August 2, 2017
It was ok. Too much sex, not enough answers. Felt like a novella or something. 2.5 stars. I might read book 2 but idk.
Profile Image for Angel Payne.
Author 90 books3,318 followers
May 29, 2017
Intoxicating. Invigorating. Unreal. I could go on and on about how excited I am about this incredible new author, but none of the superlatives would do her justice. Reading Graceley Knox isn't just entertainment--it's an experience, made all the sweeter by realizing you've just discovered one of the most exciting new voices in the genre. She turns words into adrenaline, then combines them with a storyteller's magic into a novel you won't be able to put down. This alternative world is richly drawn but passionately explored, and occupied by characters you'll hold in your heart for a long time to come. An amazing reading experience!
Profile Image for Marie  Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads).
2,767 reviews56 followers
April 22, 2017
Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:

OMG! I found a BRAND new author that put a whole new, magical, Lord-Of-The-Rings kind of feel to a paranormal romance that was both entertaining as heck, and sexy as all get out! Seriously, Mark Of Truth is completely, insanely GOOD! I fell in complete and utter LOVE with Ever and her band of misfits as well as all the action, HOT and SIZZLING scenes, as well as the kick-ass world that Miss Knox created with this Wicked Kingdom novel. I am still trying to process everything including how much I am DYING for book 2! You will be addicted to this and will DEMAND the next one IMMEDIATELY! Seriously, do not walk to get this book...but RUN and buy it NOW!

So this world was amazing. The different type of Elves and Goblins and creatures were incredibly descriptive and the story had plenty of bad-ass to it as well as incredible humor. The history behind each different breed of elves and such made you actually think this world was real. The moment I started reading I was fascinated and I am LOVING everything so far and know that Graceley Knox will be a new favorite of mine.

Mark Of Truth is a written perfection! A sexy Goblin, a strong, feisty heroine and a whole slew of kick-ass side kicks and a whole lot of awesomeness, this book SOOOOO gets a MILLION STARS! No, really, if I could, I would give this an endless supply of stars because it was. That. Freaking. Good.
Profile Image for Jennifer Erwin.
1,323 reviews14 followers
April 22, 2017
**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

Wow! I quickly devoured this book. The characters were likeable and so easy for me to picture in my mind as I am reading along. The descriptions were vivid enough that I really felt like I was right there in the story watching every thing unfold. I really love it when an author can suck me right into her book and I forget about life for a while, and that is exactly what happened to me while reading this book.

I just hate that I have to wait now to see more of these characters. If you enjoy paranormal romances involving the Fae (goblins, elves, etc) you will really enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Cortney  Rose.
151 reviews26 followers
June 26, 2017
Review @Elysian Fields Rating: 4.5 | 5

This was such a lighthearted read with a fast paced plot line. It felt like it all ended too quickly. I was left with a mixture of satisfaction and the gripping desire to learn more about these characters.
Ever is our main protagonist and damn.. she is cocky, feisty, and funny as hell. I truly enjoyed her antics as she reminded me a bit of myself after I've drank too much! She is a half elf, half human, or so she thinks. When rumors start to spread about her actually being full blooded fae with goblin heritage, she decides that it is time to find out the truth about her father. Her mother refuses to reveal who, or better yet, what he is. Ever is not full blooded Elf, so she must live with the humans. MECA, the Magical Enforcement and Containment Agency takes her in as an infant. They raise and train her to capture fae that have broken the rules in the human world. But if they found out that Ever is possibly fully fae, there would be a death sentence on her head. Long ago, the Elfen Kingdom declared that no child produced from an elf and goblin coupling would be allowed to live. In her search for the truth, she meets a sexy goblin prince named Dare. Immediately, sparks fly between the two, but Ever vows that nothing can happen between the two of them.

Her mother begins pressuring her to come to the Elfen Kingdom, where she wants Ever to meet the man she wants her to marry. His name is Cashel and he is her cousin. Gross. Her and her MECA team decide to go stay with the goblin princes for protection from the craziness that is going on in the Elfen Kingdom. Staying with a man that you are extremely attracted to is never a good idea, though. Even if his father, the King of Goblin is always around. As are his two brothers, Dax and Dagan. Not to mention her crazy team. The whole setup kind of felt like a college party to me. Drinking, sex, lots of swearing; throw in some swords and weird mental powers and shake up the hormones.

I can't wait to read more books about Ever and Dare. They are a sizzling hot couple, and I'm hoping they figure out a way to further their relationship in the future. All in all, I give it 4.5 stars. There are a lot of typos in this book, and it took away from the really smooth plot line and incredibly awesome characters. Thank you to the talented Graceley Knox for the opportunity to dive into her world and experience her characters for a time..! Muah! <3
Profile Image for Promiscuous Book Blog.
176 reviews27 followers
September 15, 2017
Ohhh yeah

That's what I'm talking about! I love when I'm looking, searching, reading....annnndddd nothing! Then this little golden nugget POPS out of the air and I'm finally where I want to be.

This book is my golden nugget lol. I love Ever and Dare, and let's not forget the "crew" and those little gargoyles...ahh! Loovvvvee it. I wasn't sure what to expect I thought this was a YA book looking at the cover because it has all that 'pretty' on it, like they usually do, but I was quite surprised to find a adult, hilarious, and action packed read.

I don't like reviews that give too much away, but if you're looking for something to put u back into reading this is it.
Profile Image for Airwreckah.
626 reviews11 followers
February 24, 2019
Insta children, adopted
Insta magical super unique pets
Super speshul girl with attitude that gets away with lots of stuff because she is secretly royal
Insta love she is too stupid to see
Constantly throwing herself in ridiculous situations because shes brave

But at least shes not clumsy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Helyce.
578 reviews6 followers
May 25, 2017
Reviewed for www.smexybooks.com

Graceley Knox is a new to me author and I am so glad that I read Mark of Truth, the first book in this series. Of all the romance genres, paranormal is by far my favorite. I love my vampires and shifters; but this book, gives us goblins, faeries, elves, and gargoyles and I loved it all. Full disclosure though, no HEA or HFN. Luckily, I had chatted with Ms. Knox briefly and learned that she plans for 4-5 books with focus on this couple. So I was prepared for the non-hea/cliffhanger like ending.

400 years ago….

The Elven King, in an effort to keep the bloodlines pure, decreed that there could no longer be any sort of intermingling between species. Doing so was punishable by death and any children of an elven-goblin union would also be put to death at birth. The King claimed that there had been too many mixed births, resulting in an inferior race that was unpredictable and unbearable to look at. Any half breed born prior to the law would be allowed to live, but would have to do so outside of the Light Elven Kingdom.

Present day…

Ever Leath is a half-breed elf whose mother is part of the Elven royal family. To keep her child safe she hides her in the human realm by leaving her at a compound founded by other displaced half breeds. Ever grows up there, becoming a kick-ass member of MECA (Magical Enforcement and Containment Agency). She leads a team of other elf and goblin half breeds to guard the fragile humans from the darker side of these magical beings. They are the best at what they do. Even though they are only half fae, they still come into some special powers as they mature and not everyone has the same power or skill.

One morning Ever wakes up to a visit from her mother, Callista, who informs Ever that she is to attend a very special gathering in the Elven Kingdom because she has found someone for Ever to marry! Now Ever is well aware of the fact that a) she is a half breen and b) returning to the Elven Kingdom would mean death for her; not to mention death for her would be suitor. Ever’s mother is insistent and Ever is further annoyed but still curious when her mother brings up her Uncle Caddox as well as the man she’s been promised to, Cashel Finarben. Ever is quick to realize that this union has something to do with royal politics. Ever refuses her mother’s request, pending a chat with her Uncle who just happens to be the King of the Elven Kingdom.

When Ever shares the details of her mother’s visit with her team, they all agree with her that something is off and that Ever should check with her Uncle first. She writes a carefully worded note and sends it off. When she receives the response, she knows that it did not come from her Uncle and decides then and there she is staying far away from the Elven Kingdom.

Then Ever meets the Fitzpatrick brothers, Dare, Dax and Dagan, sons of the current Goblin King and they give her the most unbelieveable information. They claim to know who her father is and he was not a human as she’d always believed. She doesn’t believe it of course, until she is kidnapped and taken to the Elven Kingdom coming face to face with her husband to be. She is able to escape and is rescued by her crew and Dare and his brothers. They are taken back to The Goblin Kingdom and offered sanctuary.

It is clear that Dare and Ever have a connection. Something momentous happens when she agrees to accept Dare’s help and they swear a blood oath. Another proof of sorts that the brothers speak the truth. But Ever is not quick to believe and still has questions.

I loved how things are revealed in this story. They are hinted at and we are given just enough to perhaps think we know something, but not enough to actually confirm anything. We are not teased, really, and there were some frustrating moments, but everything is just kind of simmering right now. As this story will be told over a few books, the author does a great job of keeping the mystery while giving us just enough to satisfy.

I loved Ever. She is a kick ass heroine who is good at what she does. Though she knows her Elven family, she prefers the family of her making-her crew- Doyle, Eryn, Kirin and Axel, all intriguing in their own way. Doyle has no idea who his parents are, Eryn is an empath of sorts and I know she knows more than she is letting on where Ever and Dare are concerned. Axel knows a bit of his Goblin heritage and actually grew up in the Goblin Kingdom until his mother abandoned him in the human realm and Kirin is a bit of a mystery still. There is love and loyalty between them.

I believe Dare also knows more than he is letting on. When he witnesses what happens to Ever after their blood oath, and at other occasions where Ever experiences “changes”, he is often surprised, but never reveals why. When he explains to Ever about how a mate is revealed, she is sure that she can’t possibly be Dare’s mate, but to the reader it super obvious! Ever is in denial for sure.

Ms. Knox does a great job with world building as we move between the Kingdoms and we are given the lay of the land, meet key characters and learn important information...well we learn what she is willing to reveal so far. There is action and whimsy and fantastical fae characters that made smile. There is huge sexual tension for Dare and Ever and while we are teased for a bit, their chemistry is explosive.

This book was all kinds of fantastic and I would recommend to fans of paranormal and fantasy books. A wonderful combination of humor and suspense as we follow Ever on her journey of discovery. Who is her father? Why would her mother lie to her and why are they trying to make her marry someone? Lies, treason, mystery and magic-everything you can ask for!
Profile Image for Merrit Townsend (always1morebook) .
1,154 reviews48 followers
September 8, 2022
Where do I begin with this amazing book. I can't describe how much I loved the beginning of this series. I sat down yesterday morning, and did not stop reading until I finished the book. This is book 1 in the Wicked Kingdoms Series and luckily for me, the series is complete and you can bet your behind that I started right into book 2.

The story follows Ever or Ev to her friends. She was abandoned at birth due to her "half breed" lineage oof being Light Elven and human. The Elves do not tolerate anything but a pure bred Elf so Evers Mother dropped her of at MECA which is an agency on the human side of the realm that takes in Fae, Goblins or other kinds of creatures not accepted into the Fae kingdoms. Ev Grows up at MECA with her group of very close friend who now work as a team for the agency tracking down rogue creatures from the other side. Ev and her friend become involved with a group of Goblins and head to their kingdom to help Ever find out who her father is. While there they work with the goblins and receive their protection because something or someone is after Ev.

So much was happening in this story. many questions and plot twists that I did not see coming. I loved how strong of a FMC Ev is and her group of friends are more like her family. They would do anything for each other. I loved Dare, one of the goblins who falls for Ev but she doesn't feel worth of him because of her lineage. This book delves into the nasty side of discrimination which is fitting for todays current situation. Graceley wrote an incredible story that was full of action and romance. I laughed out loud and the one liners that were in this story. I fell in love with little Chaos and Anarchy...baby gargoyles that bond with Ev....They are so dang cute. This book is an easy read and a spectacular story if you don't want anything too heavy. There were some questions not answered at the conclusion of book 1 so I am looking forward to finding out those answers in the rest of the series. I give this book 5 wonderful stars.
Profile Image for Tina.
824 reviews23 followers
May 24, 2017
Are you ready to step into the magical world of Fae and goblins? This story was so incredible that it doesn't matter if you are a paranormal reader or not. Dare is the hottest goblin EVER. and Ever is one bad ass half breed Fae. Be ready to be captivated and sucked into this magical world where you never know who is friend or foe.

Graceley Knox is a brand new author, yet her writing reflects s someone who has been writing for years. She keeps you on your toes with the twists and turns throughout.

Ever is part if MECA and is one girl that you don't want to mess with. She leads her crew in getting the paranormal criminals off the street and into containment, where they belong. I absolutely love a female lead that doesn't need a man by her side to be safe. She will be the one saving their ass.

Dare! Oh where do I begin? He is one persistent, dirty talking alpha that will stop at nothing to keep Ever safe. He is constantly trying to convince her that they are soulmates, but she is having none of it. He doesn't give up though. Let me tell you, when the sparks fly you might spontaneously combust while reading. Dont say I didn't warn you.

This is a definite 5 star read and my favorite Fae book to date. Like I said, even if paranormal isn't your thing, I would still give it a try. The story will suck you write in and you won't be putting your kindle down until its over.
Profile Image for Candy76.
696 reviews25 followers
May 25, 2017
Loved it! Ev is a feisty half breed that has been living with humans her entire life, and humans know about elves, goblins, etc. She has been asked to mate by her mother who rarely acknowledges her so she becomes suspicious. She wants answers to why? She meets Dare a goblin who will help her get her answers but it seems there is more to him and her. On the road to answers with Dare his brothers and her team, she feels for Dare but doesn't think it will work because half breeds aren't allowed to mate with full bloods, Dare will try to change her mind. Anyway it gets interesting when markings appear and Ev glows and gets kidnapped too. What is in store for Ev and Dare in this wild adventure to seek the Mark of Truth? Graceley you give your characters strength and purpose in this fantasy adventure love story. You made me see these creatures in a new light from most others. I hope that you bring Ev and Dare closer in the next book cause I think they are each others half that has been missing. A great start to this series, can't wait for book 2. A must read of fantasy creatures. You get all kinds of ugly, cute, and dreamy charaters.
**Reviewed for Sweet and Spicy Reads, ARC provided in return for honest review**
Profile Image for Jenn.
27 reviews
June 16, 2017
MARK OF TRUTH is an intriguing first novel to what can potentially be a top notch paranormal/ urban fantasy romance series.

Graceley Knox debut novel, MARK OF TRUTH, introduces us to the life of mix linage Ever McElva and her fellow team members of the Magical Enforcement and Containment Agency. Readers are instantly thrown into the Fae world of Elves, Goblins, and their laws and politics. I’m a sucker for Fae books and this one did not disappoint. I enjoyed reading about Ever and the relationship she has with her team. There was only one scene in the opening where we get to see the team working on a MECA case, before the story shifts into the team searching for answers regarding Ever’s lineage, and the meaning of her mother’s sudden meddling into her life; because of this there was no real connection for the readers to understand Ever’s loyalty and desire to return to her job at MECA. The real connection came from the introduction to the three Goblin brothers, Dare, Dax, and Dagan, and the Goblin Kingdom. Dare and Ever have instant chemistry and pull towards each other. As is customary in PNR, Ever constantly denies and fights against this, but in the scenes where she gives in readers receive a true treat.

There are definitely a few grammatical errors and misprints in the book, and a few times I had to reread a passage thinking that I had skipped something to understand the sentencing structure. A few mistakes, do not diminish the story though and I’m guessing that they will be worked out in future books. Knox has a jewel in her hands with this series that I can’t wait to see it shine.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
317 reviews16 followers
May 23, 2017
Ms. Knox's debut novel is excellent! Packed with everything I want in a fantasy world story-romantic, goblins, forbidden romance, love, battle, and a cliffhanger....but that means she's writing more for me to read!!! Loved her fabulous characters, great storyline progression, and just the way I couldn't put it down til I finished it!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily reviewing the story.
Profile Image for M.K..
Author 287 books623 followers
May 26, 2017
This book was soooo descriptive! I am absolutely amazed this is a debut novel. I won't be able to do it justice in a review. All I can say is READ THIS BOOK! I finished it this morning, and I haven't been able to get into another book. I loved Ever! I need book 2 now! A stunning, detailed and interesting paranormal romance that sizzles! Must Read!
Profile Image for Mindy Guerreiros.
Author 0 books92 followers
June 8, 2017
Mark of Truth was absolutely spellbinding!

And I will tell you why but first, I must speak my mark of truth to you. Fantasy is not my usual genre. I've mainly always been an avid reader of stictly romance.

But, I honestly loved this book! It held me captive from the start. From the story line and development, to the characters, the angst, and all the way down to the amount of heat in between, I enjoyed it all. I'm happy I strayed from my normal genre and jumped in to read this book.

Together, Ever and Dare have such a strong force of animal attraction and I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Alainn! This is a great debut novel and I truly can't wait for more! So, I say, bring on more Elves, Goblins and Fae my friend!
Profile Image for Tamara.
136 reviews3 followers
May 22, 2017
I loved this book. It was one of those books you devour because you love all the characters and the writing is so good. I can see this turning into a movie. I can't wait to continue with the series.
**I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for Olivia Wildenstein.
Author 46 books5,206 followers
February 11, 2018
Feisty heroine, yummy male lead, fantastic world building, and cutest pets (I want a gargoyle too). What is there not to like?
Profile Image for Camille.
71 reviews
March 29, 2018
A great read

This is a very good story a mix of the fae and goblin world with gargoyles, brownies and trolls thrown into the mix I will be reading the rest in the series
1,233 reviews4 followers
June 10, 2017
Fantastic!

This really was a great book. Lots of world building and I enjoyed the characters and storyline. A couple of the characters seemed extraneous though, so that's a reason I took off a star. Other than that, I'm loving the direction the book is heading and I adore the steamy chemistry between dare and ever!
Profile Image for Erin Thornton.
Author 11 books38 followers
February 2, 2018
Good read

Got off yo a slower start and I didn't know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised and anxious for book two.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.