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Stones & Curses #1
Wish Marked
Hi. I’m Nora, and I bring people’s worst nightmares to life.
Everyone needs a hobby, right? Well, in my case, that’s making people’s wishes come true, but in the worst possible way.
Sometimes people even wind up dead.
I know, I know. It sounds crazy. But the truth is, I don’t do it on purpose. I’m cursed, and I’m running out of time to fix it.
Enter Rafe Morgan, the dangerously gorgeous and impossibly stubborn man I just met at a bar in my search for answers. I never invited him on my curse-breaking she-quest, but that didn’t stop him from coming along anyway.
He’s already saved my life more than once, so for now… he can stay. But how can I be sure he’s really on my side? He knows more than he’s saying, and I can’t help but question his motives.
Unfortunately for me, there’s more at stake than I realized, and I’m about to learn the hard way just how far I’ll go to stay alive.
I’ve searched my whole life and found nothing. No answers. No cure. Not one hint about making this nightmare curse disappear.
Well, that is… until today.
This is the first book in an all-new urban fantasy series: Stones & Curses. It’s got dragons, fae, vampires, jinn, shifters, and a whole lot more. If you love fierce heroines, heart-pumping adventure, a hint of swoony romance, and lots of mind-bending twists, then this is the series for you!
Everyone needs a hobby, right? Well, in my case, that’s making people’s wishes come true, but in the worst possible way.
Sometimes people even wind up dead.
I know, I know. It sounds crazy. But the truth is, I don’t do it on purpose. I’m cursed, and I’m running out of time to fix it.
Enter Rafe Morgan, the dangerously gorgeous and impossibly stubborn man I just met at a bar in my search for answers. I never invited him on my curse-breaking she-quest, but that didn’t stop him from coming along anyway.
He’s already saved my life more than once, so for now… he can stay. But how can I be sure he’s really on my side? He knows more than he’s saying, and I can’t help but question his motives.
Unfortunately for me, there’s more at stake than I realized, and I’m about to learn the hard way just how far I’ll go to stay alive.
I’ve searched my whole life and found nothing. No answers. No cure. Not one hint about making this nightmare curse disappear.
Well, that is… until today.
This is the first book in an all-new urban fantasy series: Stones & Curses. It’s got dragons, fae, vampires, jinn, shifters, and a whole lot more. If you love fierce heroines, heart-pumping adventure, a hint of swoony romance, and lots of mind-bending twists, then this is the series for you!
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2022
326 people are currently reading
346 people want to read
About the author
Lissa Bolts
10 books118 followersLissa Bolts is an up-and-coming author (see also: noob). A devourer of words and a predictor of endings, she’s here to debut her first full-length novel, The Counterbalance. This is the first book in the Ruling Magic Series. As all authors do, she hopes you'll love it. It’s kind of like her baby. She loves it almost as much as her real baby...er, two-year-old. A native to Utah, Lissa enjoys spending time with her family tearing up the powdery slopes in the winter and long lakeside camping trips in the summer. You can connect with Lissa on Instagram HERE or facebook HERE. You can also visit her website, lissabolts.com, to sign up for fun emails where she’ll sometimes talk about her new releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 21, 2022
Everyone makes wishes, but what were to happen if wishes could cost you your life?
In Wish Marked, we follow Nora Black, the main protagonist doomed with a curse. Since she could remember, any time anyone would make a wish, disaster followed. Fires, catastrophes, and anything to do with anything on the wrong side of luck. And to make matters worse? Each wish pushes Nora closer to death’s door.
I absolutely loved Nora from start to finish. Her sarcastic remarks, how she navigates her life, and of course, her dog. As a character, I found myself learning more about her as I read. In the beginning, I saw someone who was tired from having to work so hard to survive, the exhaustion turning more and more into an endless despair. But when she finds an opportunity to rid herself of the curse that’s taken over her life, there’s hope. In how she speaks to new people, and how she follows her own she-quest (loved this little bit in the book!).
And then when we meet Rafe, we get another side of Nora that not even she can deny any longer.
The overall plot was clear and concise, and I never once felt that it was stagnant. I kept reading and reading until I found myself at the end, wanting more. That cliffhanger should be illegal, by the way!
Am I excited to read the rest of Lissa’s Stones and Curses series? You bet I am! And what a great start to yet another wonderful series!
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved Wish Marked, and can’t wait for more people to read it! 10/10 would recommend and I absolutely need more!
In Wish Marked, we follow Nora Black, the main protagonist doomed with a curse. Since she could remember, any time anyone would make a wish, disaster followed. Fires, catastrophes, and anything to do with anything on the wrong side of luck. And to make matters worse? Each wish pushes Nora closer to death’s door.
I absolutely loved Nora from start to finish. Her sarcastic remarks, how she navigates her life, and of course, her dog. As a character, I found myself learning more about her as I read. In the beginning, I saw someone who was tired from having to work so hard to survive, the exhaustion turning more and more into an endless despair. But when she finds an opportunity to rid herself of the curse that’s taken over her life, there’s hope. In how she speaks to new people, and how she follows her own she-quest (loved this little bit in the book!).
And then when we meet Rafe, we get another side of Nora that not even she can deny any longer.
The overall plot was clear and concise, and I never once felt that it was stagnant. I kept reading and reading until I found myself at the end, wanting more. That cliffhanger should be illegal, by the way!
Am I excited to read the rest of Lissa’s Stones and Curses series? You bet I am! And what a great start to yet another wonderful series!
Thank you to the author for an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved Wish Marked, and can’t wait for more people to read it! 10/10 would recommend and I absolutely need more!
October 7, 2022
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
***
Wished is a wonderful and magical book. While I've read many fantasy books over time, I don't remember ever reading one that was djinn specific.
I really enjoyed the interesting mythology and approach to the concept of djinn. This is a fast paced read, the characters are fun and compelling, and there's plenty of action. I look forward to the next installment in this series.
***
Wished is a wonderful and magical book. While I've read many fantasy books over time, I don't remember ever reading one that was djinn specific.
I really enjoyed the interesting mythology and approach to the concept of djinn. This is a fast paced read, the characters are fun and compelling, and there's plenty of action. I look forward to the next installment in this series.
August 20, 2022
⚜️ Book Title - Wish Marked
⚜️ Author - Lissa Bolts
⚜️ Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚜️ Some Genre/Themes/Tropes: Adult Fiction, Romance and urban Fantasy
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is my honest review.
Whyyyyy would you end a book like that?! As you said at the end ‘don’t murder you in your sleep’, I need answers, so no plans for murder…yet but you better clickity clack that keyboard real quick cause I need some answers pronto! (I should probably say I mean the murder part as a joke 😅)
As the reader, you learn as Nora (the FMC) learns. She’s a great character and this is her origin story.
At no point was this book slow. It was well paced the entire way through. The world building was developed throughout the book and it seems there is still a lot more to know.
I rated it 4 and not 5 because to me a 5 is a book that has lingering affects. I think about it well after the book is finished. It has that little something emotionally I react to and can’t stop, so it becomes my comfort book…. So although this is a great book it missed that 5 star factor.
I would recommend this book to others. I need the sequel asap and definitely will look for other books written by this author.
I want to say thank you to the author, publisher and Storyorigin for the ARC.
⚜️ Author - Lissa Bolts
⚜️ Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚜️ Some Genre/Themes/Tropes: Adult Fiction, Romance and urban Fantasy
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is my honest review.
Whyyyyy would you end a book like that?! As you said at the end ‘don’t murder you in your sleep’, I need answers, so no plans for murder…yet but you better clickity clack that keyboard real quick cause I need some answers pronto! (I should probably say I mean the murder part as a joke 😅)
As the reader, you learn as Nora (the FMC) learns. She’s a great character and this is her origin story.
At no point was this book slow. It was well paced the entire way through. The world building was developed throughout the book and it seems there is still a lot more to know.
I rated it 4 and not 5 because to me a 5 is a book that has lingering affects. I think about it well after the book is finished. It has that little something emotionally I react to and can’t stop, so it becomes my comfort book…. So although this is a great book it missed that 5 star factor.
I would recommend this book to others. I need the sequel asap and definitely will look for other books written by this author.
I want to say thank you to the author, publisher and Storyorigin for the ARC.
July 6, 2024
Okay, that was.. pretty idiotic. We have a heroine on the edge of death and the one thing that can keep her safe is avoiding people in the chance she doesn’t encounter anyone wishing for anything. Does she? No, she doesn’t. But that’s initially okay because she has a new clue to how she can break the curse and a BUNCH of people willing to keep her safe while they get her the items she needs to stop it. She leaves and runs off instead to collect these items herself! Does she have a logical reason for this behavior? No. Her reason is that the people sent to get the cure are getting hurt because it is dangerous, she can’t handle it so her plan is to go do it herself. Which actually puts everyone she encounters in danger because her curse is so destructive. That made zero sense.
In the end it turns out that the people helping her might have been untrustworthy so its okay that she’s out on her “she-quest” herself but the dumb thing is she refuses to believe it. She thinks the mysterious man who ends up finding her after she runs away and tags along is actually an asshole for suggesting it. She thinks the other people she meets along the way suggesting it are also wrong. She doesn’t believe the people who tell her this guy also shouldn’t be trusted. I mean, this is next level of naïveté!
And OFCOURSE this whole time she doesn’t know anything, is barely told anything, everyone is in a rush for her to go here or do this and there are no explanations ever! That cliffhanger of her being “betrayed” by the hero is just a cherry on top because of course she doesn’t stop to understand or figure things our or insist on any information she’d rather run headlong here and there like a chicken with her head cut off. It’s incredibly frustrating. I read till the end hoping something will be explained but it wasn’t, we just got a cliffhanger. Not worth it!
In the end it turns out that the people helping her might have been untrustworthy so its okay that she’s out on her “she-quest” herself but the dumb thing is she refuses to believe it. She thinks the mysterious man who ends up finding her after she runs away and tags along is actually an asshole for suggesting it. She thinks the other people she meets along the way suggesting it are also wrong. She doesn’t believe the people who tell her this guy also shouldn’t be trusted. I mean, this is next level of naïveté!
And OFCOURSE this whole time she doesn’t know anything, is barely told anything, everyone is in a rush for her to go here or do this and there are no explanations ever! That cliffhanger of her being “betrayed” by the hero is just a cherry on top because of course she doesn’t stop to understand or figure things our or insist on any information she’d rather run headlong here and there like a chicken with her head cut off. It’s incredibly frustrating. I read till the end hoping something will be explained but it wasn’t, we just got a cliffhanger. Not worth it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2022
Such a good book! Lissa really has a way of creating amazing worlds and staying true to them. And there’s plenty of times when you think you might just know what’s about to happen and then find out you were oh so wrong and that she had way more exciting things in store! I cannot WAIT for the next to come and will surely be a Lissa Bolts follower forever and a day!
August 1, 2022
First of all, the cover is beautiful! Then we get to the dedication page and…. She wasn’t lying. The last chapter is a doozy but WELL worth it! Lissa Bolts really captures your attention with the first few chapters and you won’t want to put this book down until you’re finished with it.
Nora is our main character and with her curse, let’s just say life is a little (or a lot) difficult. Once she accidentally burns a bar down, she is sucked into the world of magic. Coming from someone who only knows about her magic, she encounters elves, kelpies, and more. Nora adventures with Rafe through all sorts of magical worlds in a story that will keep your rapt attention!
Side notes: the writing is so well done in this book. Also, love the Star Wars reference! No spice but it doesn’t need it either!
* I received an ARC copy of this book for my personal opinions *
Nora is our main character and with her curse, let’s just say life is a little (or a lot) difficult. Once she accidentally burns a bar down, she is sucked into the world of magic. Coming from someone who only knows about her magic, she encounters elves, kelpies, and more. Nora adventures with Rafe through all sorts of magical worlds in a story that will keep your rapt attention!
Side notes: the writing is so well done in this book. Also, love the Star Wars reference! No spice but it doesn’t need it either!
* I received an ARC copy of this book for my personal opinions *
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2022
I loved this book so much! Lissa once again did a fabulous job combining real world elements with a secret magical world, in the first book of her enchanting new series!
This fast-paced book takes us on an exciting journey with our main character Nora, who is desperate to break a curse passed through the generations of her family, before the curse ends her life! Nora’s curse involves wishes.. If anybody makes a wish around her, it comes true.. but usually in terrible and catastrophic ways! She only gets 100 wishes before the curse will take her life! Will she break it in time, or will the curse be her demise?!
Nora was such a great main character, who goes through some very relatable, real-life issues (curse aside!) With Nora’s mother having died when she was young and her grandmother succumbing to the curse, Nora had to endure a tough life of loss. She had to struggle through a broken foster care system, and when she aged out she had struggles with keeping a job due to her curse! Because she has no family, Nora has to make a living..but working around people causes her to go through her wishes quickly! Even though Nora has had a very rough life, she doesn’t give up and does what it takes to break the curse. She is a very smart and funny character as well! She also has a dog named Bailey who I absolutely love!
Nora’s journey begins when she finally realizes there is a whole magical world out there, and is told there might be a way to break her curse! She has to travel to different realms and meets many different creatures along the way such as vampires, wolves, sea fae, elves, dragons and more! Lissa’s world building was so magical, I just wanted to keep exploring these other realms! (Maybe not the Sea Fae realm 😬)
Nora meets Rafe who is a mysterious, broody and handsome character who insists on accompanying her on her quest to break her curse! He’s definitely the type of male character I like in a book, but can he be trusted? As they grow closer and he helps her on her Journey, I can’t help but root for them!
The ending was definitely surprising and leaves off on a bit of a cliffhanger.. But hopefully we won’t have to wait that long to find out what happens next with Nora and Rafe!
Thank you Lissa for allowing me to read an early copy of this book! It was so fun and magical, and I cannot wait to read the next book!😊
This fast-paced book takes us on an exciting journey with our main character Nora, who is desperate to break a curse passed through the generations of her family, before the curse ends her life! Nora’s curse involves wishes.. If anybody makes a wish around her, it comes true.. but usually in terrible and catastrophic ways! She only gets 100 wishes before the curse will take her life! Will she break it in time, or will the curse be her demise?!
Nora was such a great main character, who goes through some very relatable, real-life issues (curse aside!) With Nora’s mother having died when she was young and her grandmother succumbing to the curse, Nora had to endure a tough life of loss. She had to struggle through a broken foster care system, and when she aged out she had struggles with keeping a job due to her curse! Because she has no family, Nora has to make a living..but working around people causes her to go through her wishes quickly! Even though Nora has had a very rough life, she doesn’t give up and does what it takes to break the curse. She is a very smart and funny character as well! She also has a dog named Bailey who I absolutely love!
Nora’s journey begins when she finally realizes there is a whole magical world out there, and is told there might be a way to break her curse! She has to travel to different realms and meets many different creatures along the way such as vampires, wolves, sea fae, elves, dragons and more! Lissa’s world building was so magical, I just wanted to keep exploring these other realms! (Maybe not the Sea Fae realm 😬)
Nora meets Rafe who is a mysterious, broody and handsome character who insists on accompanying her on her quest to break her curse! He’s definitely the type of male character I like in a book, but can he be trusted? As they grow closer and he helps her on her Journey, I can’t help but root for them!
The ending was definitely surprising and leaves off on a bit of a cliffhanger.. But hopefully we won’t have to wait that long to find out what happens next with Nora and Rafe!
Thank you Lissa for allowing me to read an early copy of this book! It was so fun and magical, and I cannot wait to read the next book!😊
May 17, 2022
Nora is cursed.
Wish-granting may sound like a fun ability, but when your powers grant the desires of others in the most undesirable and inconvenient way, there's bound to be issues. But that isn't even the worst of it. Every wish granted gets Nora closer to the one hundredth mark, and reaching that means no more wishing for anybody.
After searching for years for a cure, Nora finally has a lead—albeit a ridiculous one. Following it thrusts her into a world of magic she didn't know existed, and with the help of a handsome stranger, the answers she seeks are finally brought to light.
LOVED this story! Nora is so easily likeable and it's easy to sympathize with her right from the beginning. The world building is fantastic, fresh, and beautifully written. And can we just talk about Rafe? Handsome, broody man—yes, please! I loved their connection and the slow turn from "we might be enemies" to "I kinda want to just kiss you" XD Looking forward to the next book in the series!
Wish-granting may sound like a fun ability, but when your powers grant the desires of others in the most undesirable and inconvenient way, there's bound to be issues. But that isn't even the worst of it. Every wish granted gets Nora closer to the one hundredth mark, and reaching that means no more wishing for anybody.
After searching for years for a cure, Nora finally has a lead—albeit a ridiculous one. Following it thrusts her into a world of magic she didn't know existed, and with the help of a handsome stranger, the answers she seeks are finally brought to light.
LOVED this story! Nora is so easily likeable and it's easy to sympathize with her right from the beginning. The world building is fantastic, fresh, and beautifully written. And can we just talk about Rafe? Handsome, broody man—yes, please! I loved their connection and the slow turn from "we might be enemies" to "I kinda want to just kiss you" XD Looking forward to the next book in the series!
October 16, 2023
Dnf
I don't usually rate books I dnf, but I need to on this one.
Spoilers***
I'm disappointed. I was enjoying the book until the TSTL moment. Her life has been cruddy, she's living in fear, she's attacked by monsters and then luckily ends up in a magic mansion where anything she wants is available and she's safe due to wards and no one wishing. So what does she do? She leaves to go into a dangerous situation that she knows nothing about vs letting the professionals handle it. I just can't read this. There had to be a better way for the author to accomplish what she wanted.
But, based on all the other reviews I guess this doesn't bother other people.
I don't usually rate books I dnf, but I need to on this one.
Spoilers***
I'm disappointed. I was enjoying the book until the TSTL moment. Her life has been cruddy, she's living in fear, she's attacked by monsters and then luckily ends up in a magic mansion where anything she wants is available and she's safe due to wards and no one wishing. So what does she do? She leaves to go into a dangerous situation that she knows nothing about vs letting the professionals handle it. I just can't read this. There had to be a better way for the author to accomplish what she wanted.
But, based on all the other reviews I guess this doesn't bother other people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2023
This book was good! The character were fun, and it didn't take itself too seriously. It was definitely worth the read!
Magical world, check.
Sarcastic MC, check.
Handsome MMC, check.
Enemies to Lover, check.
It doesn't take much to make me happy, and this hit all my favorite points.
Magical world, check.
Sarcastic MC, check.
Handsome MMC, check.
Enemies to Lover, check.
It doesn't take much to make me happy, and this hit all my favorite points.
July 20, 2022
⭐Rating ⭐
Five stars. What an adventure. I kind of went in blind to this book and was pleasantly surprised by the direction it went.
👍🏻Turn Ons
I absolutely adore the voice Lissa Bolts gives her characters. The sass and snarkiness of Nora is how I imagine myself. The enemies-to-lovers troupe with Rafe and Nora works so well and I liked reading how Nora’s opinion of him changed through the book. I liked discovering the alternate world with Nora and how magic has been co-existing with our world. This book was fast to read and was very captivating, which also is a turn off because it’s the first in a series and I don’t want to wait for the next book! Ha, but I will. The premise of granting wishes and only being able to grant so many is also cool and I haven’t seen that done before, which was nice. Lots of unexpected twists!
👎🏻 Turn Offs
My only complaint is the name of the dog. In my head, Bailey should be a female dog’s name and I kept being surprised when she’d refer to him in the masculine sense. Such a lame thing to not enjoy, but yeah.
Oh and the cliffhanger and having to wait for more books!!!
👵🏻 Safe to talk about with Grandma?
Yes! There are a few curse words, but no f words. The romance is subtle and clean. There is action and some violence, but nothing graphic. While Gram didn’t read fantasy novels, this is definitely one that I would have talked to her about.
📖 If Grandma was here, this is what I would tell her about this book:
(It’s dictated so punctuation and capitalization are not accurate.)
Title & Author: Wish Marked by Lissa Bolts
Format: Kindle
Read: 7/17/22-7/20/22
Rating: Five stars
Five stars. What an adventure. I kind of went in blind to this book and was pleasantly surprised by the direction it went.
👍🏻Turn Ons
I absolutely adore the voice Lissa Bolts gives her characters. The sass and snarkiness of Nora is how I imagine myself. The enemies-to-lovers troupe with Rafe and Nora works so well and I liked reading how Nora’s opinion of him changed through the book. I liked discovering the alternate world with Nora and how magic has been co-existing with our world. This book was fast to read and was very captivating, which also is a turn off because it’s the first in a series and I don’t want to wait for the next book! Ha, but I will. The premise of granting wishes and only being able to grant so many is also cool and I haven’t seen that done before, which was nice. Lots of unexpected twists!
👎🏻 Turn Offs
My only complaint is the name of the dog. In my head, Bailey should be a female dog’s name and I kept being surprised when she’d refer to him in the masculine sense. Such a lame thing to not enjoy, but yeah.
Oh and the cliffhanger and having to wait for more books!!!
👵🏻 Safe to talk about with Grandma?
Yes! There are a few curse words, but no f words. The romance is subtle and clean. There is action and some violence, but nothing graphic. While Gram didn’t read fantasy novels, this is definitely one that I would have talked to her about.
📖 If Grandma was here, this is what I would tell her about this book:
(It’s dictated so punctuation and capitalization are not accurate.)
Title & Author: Wish Marked by Lissa Bolts
Format: Kindle
Read: 7/17/22-7/20/22
Rating: Five stars
July 17, 2024
"Wish Marked" by Lissa Bolts
📖"Dear readers! Today, I would like to acquaint you with a captivating fantasy and romance book. 'Wish Marked' is the first book in the 'Stones and Curses' series. I read the books from the 'Ruling Magic' series by Lissa Bolts and truly loved them, so I didn't hesitate to read the latest works by this author.
✨The Plot: We follow a young woman named Nora, who is cursed in a rather extraordinary way. She can make people's wishes come true. But it happens in exceptional and bizarre ways that are not always safe. Moreover, every wish made by Nora approaches her to her death. Once, her friend Jess finds an ad that says that they can help cure the curse. She happily gives it to Nora, and here, the events start unfolding.
✨The Writing Style: It is a beautiful book full of magic brilliantly incorporated into real life. It's twisty and written at a fast pace. It's action-packed, captivating, and funny. I liked the main character's sarcastic humor and skeptical remarks. The world-building is beautifully developed throughout the story.
✨The Characters: The number of characters is not numerous. I liked how all of them were portrayed in all aspects. I truly enjoyed how the author depicted the doggie and their solid friendship with the main character Nora. If you're a dog lover, you'll enjoy reading these scenes.
🌟The Fave Quote: "That's the best part of having a dog. No matter what, they always looked at you like you were the reason the sun rose each morning."
💫Would I read other books by this author? Yes!
🌕My humble rating is: 5/5
📖Well, I suppose you like books about magic, curses, incredible adventures, a cute friendship between the doggie and owner, and a charismatic female main character. In that case, you'll enjoy reading "Wish Marked" by Lissa Bolts.
🌟I do hope you'll enjoy reading it as much as I did.
"Wish Marked" by Lissa Bolts is available on Amazon.
🙏🏼Anyway, thank you so much for dropping by and reading this review.
📖Stay safe, take care, and happy reading!
📖"Dear readers! Today, I would like to acquaint you with a captivating fantasy and romance book. 'Wish Marked' is the first book in the 'Stones and Curses' series. I read the books from the 'Ruling Magic' series by Lissa Bolts and truly loved them, so I didn't hesitate to read the latest works by this author.
✨The Plot: We follow a young woman named Nora, who is cursed in a rather extraordinary way. She can make people's wishes come true. But it happens in exceptional and bizarre ways that are not always safe. Moreover, every wish made by Nora approaches her to her death. Once, her friend Jess finds an ad that says that they can help cure the curse. She happily gives it to Nora, and here, the events start unfolding.
✨The Writing Style: It is a beautiful book full of magic brilliantly incorporated into real life. It's twisty and written at a fast pace. It's action-packed, captivating, and funny. I liked the main character's sarcastic humor and skeptical remarks. The world-building is beautifully developed throughout the story.
✨The Characters: The number of characters is not numerous. I liked how all of them were portrayed in all aspects. I truly enjoyed how the author depicted the doggie and their solid friendship with the main character Nora. If you're a dog lover, you'll enjoy reading these scenes.
🌟The Fave Quote: "That's the best part of having a dog. No matter what, they always looked at you like you were the reason the sun rose each morning."
💫Would I read other books by this author? Yes!
🌕My humble rating is: 5/5
📖Well, I suppose you like books about magic, curses, incredible adventures, a cute friendship between the doggie and owner, and a charismatic female main character. In that case, you'll enjoy reading "Wish Marked" by Lissa Bolts.
🌟I do hope you'll enjoy reading it as much as I did.
"Wish Marked" by Lissa Bolts is available on Amazon.
🙏🏼Anyway, thank you so much for dropping by and reading this review.
📖Stay safe, take care, and happy reading!
July 29, 2022
I think this is my new favorite series from Lissa!!
Between the wishes that go wrong, the brooding over protective love interest, a lovable dog, and trying to break a cure by visiting new realms, this has got a lot to love!
Nora has it rough but her friend Jess finds an answer to breaking the family cures that's slowly leading to Nora's possible death. From there she runs into so many characters I really hope to see more of and a world that I really wanna see expanded even more because only the surface of it is touched in this one.
I think I like Nora and Rafe more in this book than Iz and Rik in Lissa's Ruling Mage series, really only because they start off more as loathing each other and there's some more hand-to-hand combat that they both use in this one that is done so well! Nora is so stubborn and headstrong that she takes complete control over trying to break her curse, only really accepting small bits of help and that does cause her some issues but each issue brings her and Rafe closer together since he tags along with her "she quest". I think she also kinda reminds me of me so that could be why I love her cuz I think I'd do the same thing, just probably have ditched Rafe at times 😂.
Rafe is now on my top 5 of book boyfriends, possibly beating out Rik by a smidge. He definitely knows more about the world than Nora, but because he's just as stubborn and wants to try to keep alot of things about this new found world from Nora, he doesn't tell her alot or give her any warnings since he thinks he's in charge, when of course he isn't. The bits of stuff he does reveal though does help Nora and keep her out of more trouble and as things progress he does show that he cares and that's why he's as possessive as he is but it seems he may have ulterior motives for caring that much
Again, loved this and highly recommend it!!!!
Between the wishes that go wrong, the brooding over protective love interest, a lovable dog, and trying to break a cure by visiting new realms, this has got a lot to love!
Nora has it rough but her friend Jess finds an answer to breaking the family cures that's slowly leading to Nora's possible death. From there she runs into so many characters I really hope to see more of and a world that I really wanna see expanded even more because only the surface of it is touched in this one.
I think I like Nora and Rafe more in this book than Iz and Rik in Lissa's Ruling Mage series, really only because they start off more as loathing each other and there's some more hand-to-hand combat that they both use in this one that is done so well! Nora is so stubborn and headstrong that she takes complete control over trying to break her curse, only really accepting small bits of help and that does cause her some issues but each issue brings her and Rafe closer together since he tags along with her "she quest". I think she also kinda reminds me of me so that could be why I love her cuz I think I'd do the same thing, just probably have ditched Rafe at times 😂.
Rafe is now on my top 5 of book boyfriends, possibly beating out Rik by a smidge. He definitely knows more about the world than Nora, but because he's just as stubborn and wants to try to keep alot of things about this new found world from Nora, he doesn't tell her alot or give her any warnings since he thinks he's in charge, when of course he isn't. The bits of stuff he does reveal though does help Nora and keep her out of more trouble and as things progress he does show that he cares and that's why he's as possessive as he is but it seems he may have ulterior motives for caring that much
Again, loved this and highly recommend it!!!!
August 31, 2022
Wish Marked
🌟🌟🌟🌟4/5
Nora is a living breathing shooting star. You just make a wish in her vicinity and the wish will immediately come true. But it will be fulfilled in such a manner that you will regret ever wishing for it.
And Nora is paying the price. Every wish fulfilled makes a tally mark on her hand and as soon as the mark reaches hundred she would die.
When she is only a handful of marks left to her inexplicable demise she finds someone who is willing to help her cure her curse. For which she has to collect the pieces of a stone.
As the quest begins, it is like entering into an alternate reality where the world is filled with magical and mythical creatures like vampires, werewolves, witches, Sea Fae and what not...
And then there is a mysterious Grey Eyed swoon worthy guy Rafe who is hell bent on protecting and helping Nora but why??
This is the first book in the Stones & Curses Series and man the next book can't come out soon enough. Writing style is amazing and keeps you hooked throughout. And the bonus point is that it has a lovely dog named Bailey in it who is a complete sweetheart.
So excited for this series. Love Nora so much. She is strong and determined and makes light of every situation even if her life is hanging in a balance. And I can't wait to get in Rafe's head and learn all his secrets.
The only negative thing I found was that the spark between the main characters was little amiss.
Second book in the series Soul Marked is releasing on 31st October, 2022.
Absolute must read for all fantasy lovers💕
🌟🌟🌟🌟4/5
Nora is a living breathing shooting star. You just make a wish in her vicinity and the wish will immediately come true. But it will be fulfilled in such a manner that you will regret ever wishing for it.
And Nora is paying the price. Every wish fulfilled makes a tally mark on her hand and as soon as the mark reaches hundred she would die.
When she is only a handful of marks left to her inexplicable demise she finds someone who is willing to help her cure her curse. For which she has to collect the pieces of a stone.
As the quest begins, it is like entering into an alternate reality where the world is filled with magical and mythical creatures like vampires, werewolves, witches, Sea Fae and what not...
And then there is a mysterious Grey Eyed swoon worthy guy Rafe who is hell bent on protecting and helping Nora but why??
This is the first book in the Stones & Curses Series and man the next book can't come out soon enough. Writing style is amazing and keeps you hooked throughout. And the bonus point is that it has a lovely dog named Bailey in it who is a complete sweetheart.
So excited for this series. Love Nora so much. She is strong and determined and makes light of every situation even if her life is hanging in a balance. And I can't wait to get in Rafe's head and learn all his secrets.
The only negative thing I found was that the spark between the main characters was little amiss.
Second book in the series Soul Marked is releasing on 31st October, 2022.
Absolute must read for all fantasy lovers💕
August 1, 2022
I’ve been a huge fan of Lissa’s since reading her debut series, Ruling Magic, which was so well-written that I was shocked when I found out it was her first book-baby! I’ve been eagerly awaiting this next, newly created series, Stones & Curses, for months and am happy to report that not the wait is well and truly worth it.
Wish Marked starts out strong and immediately pulls you in with a little bit of action and a whole lot of tugging on the heartstrings (for those odd ones out there that skip the prologue… don’t 😑). Nora, our FMC, is one of my favorite kinds of heroines… selfless and resilient with a heart of gold, but sarcastically sassy and feisty enough to kick some major butt and not stop until the day is saved. Nora’s love interest is broody in the best kind of way with a dry humor that melds into some great banter with her. I enjoyed the side characters in this story a lot and am really looking forward to learning more about Jessa, Nora’s bff, in the spin-off/sister series Bolts has planned. I’m super excited about this new world!
The storyline is unique, adventurous, and will keep you wanting more while Lissa’s polished writing-style and playful humor will have you flipping pages all throughout the night. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up, you won’t want to put it down until you’re done!
* I received an ARC copy of this book *
Wish Marked starts out strong and immediately pulls you in with a little bit of action and a whole lot of tugging on the heartstrings (for those odd ones out there that skip the prologue… don’t 😑). Nora, our FMC, is one of my favorite kinds of heroines… selfless and resilient with a heart of gold, but sarcastically sassy and feisty enough to kick some major butt and not stop until the day is saved. Nora’s love interest is broody in the best kind of way with a dry humor that melds into some great banter with her. I enjoyed the side characters in this story a lot and am really looking forward to learning more about Jessa, Nora’s bff, in the spin-off/sister series Bolts has planned. I’m super excited about this new world!
The storyline is unique, adventurous, and will keep you wanting more while Lissa’s polished writing-style and playful humor will have you flipping pages all throughout the night. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up, you won’t want to put it down until you’re done!
* I received an ARC copy of this book *
September 10, 2022
“Magic is real.”
Can I just say how much I absolutely LOVE djinn and genie stories? It’s something that we need a lot more of.
I am always trash for German Shepherds and the fact Nora has one? Named Bailey? The ultimate 10/10 badass in my book.
We meet Nora, forever cursed with whenever a wish is made, disaster follows. All the while, leading Nora to her eventual death.
Her journey, in not only finding who she truly is legacy wise, but herself and gaining her confidence spark back, was uplifting. She started out not knowing truly anything, just the basics of her familial curse, and ended up, yes with more questions than answers, but in a life she saved.
I loved being on Nora’s journey with her, from self-discovery to self-confidence.
Don’t even get me started on Rafe. He’s amazing.
HEY LISSA. WHY DID YOU DO US DIRTY LIKE THAT.
And all the fandom references? Kills me every time.
“ ‘Does this one speak in complete sentences, or is he just here for the muscle?’ “
“This would be a great time to convince my inner self to stop checking out the enemy.”
Tw // loss of parents, acrophobia, claustrophobia,
📸 Edit is mine, photos from Pinterest
#2022releases #2022arcs #2022reviews #wishmarked #wishmarkedlissabolts #stonesandcurses #stonesandcursesseries #lissabolts #urbanfantasy #magic #fae #faerealm #djinn #jinn #fantasy #paranormal #katieandbrey #katieandbreypa #katieandbreypatours
Can I just say how much I absolutely LOVE djinn and genie stories? It’s something that we need a lot more of.
I am always trash for German Shepherds and the fact Nora has one? Named Bailey? The ultimate 10/10 badass in my book.
We meet Nora, forever cursed with whenever a wish is made, disaster follows. All the while, leading Nora to her eventual death.
Her journey, in not only finding who she truly is legacy wise, but herself and gaining her confidence spark back, was uplifting. She started out not knowing truly anything, just the basics of her familial curse, and ended up, yes with more questions than answers, but in a life she saved.
I loved being on Nora’s journey with her, from self-discovery to self-confidence.
Don’t even get me started on Rafe. He’s amazing.
HEY LISSA. WHY DID YOU DO US DIRTY LIKE THAT.
And all the fandom references? Kills me every time.
“ ‘Does this one speak in complete sentences, or is he just here for the muscle?’ “
“This would be a great time to convince my inner self to stop checking out the enemy.”
Tw // loss of parents, acrophobia, claustrophobia,
📸 Edit is mine, photos from Pinterest
#2022releases #2022arcs #2022reviews #wishmarked #wishmarkedlissabolts #stonesandcurses #stonesandcursesseries #lissabolts #urbanfantasy #magic #fae #faerealm #djinn #jinn #fantasy #paranormal #katieandbrey #katieandbreypa #katieandbreypatours
March 19, 2023
A great new urban fantasy series from Lissa Bolts. Nora is cursed. Everytime someone makes a wish in her vicinity, she loses one of her 100 lives, and her curse twists the wish against the wisher. Running out of lives, she is desperate to break the curse and the horror that follows her.
Lacking the knowledge about the magical world and her place in it, Nora doesn't actually learn much more throughout her journey. It's as frustrating to the reader as it is to Nora as people make decisions around her instead of informing her what is going on.
I loved Nora and her snarky go getter attitude. Rafe is mysteriously helpful, very delicious, but who should she believe? Her father figure, Jack? or Rafe, who has helped her stay alive more times than she can count? There is much going on that we don't know, and Nora is in the centre of it, a powerful Jinn everyone intends to use for their own ends.
An enjoyable read, but it does end on a killer cliff hanger, so it's a good job the second book is out!
Lacking the knowledge about the magical world and her place in it, Nora doesn't actually learn much more throughout her journey. It's as frustrating to the reader as it is to Nora as people make decisions around her instead of informing her what is going on.
I loved Nora and her snarky go getter attitude. Rafe is mysteriously helpful, very delicious, but who should she believe? Her father figure, Jack? or Rafe, who has helped her stay alive more times than she can count? There is much going on that we don't know, and Nora is in the centre of it, a powerful Jinn everyone intends to use for their own ends.
An enjoyable read, but it does end on a killer cliff hanger, so it's a good job the second book is out!
August 1, 2022
Good
WARNING! Cliffhanger! It’s a big one, BUT it’s also the start of a new storyline/adventure as the first was somewhat wrapped up in this book.
Nora Black is cursed. Any wish made near her comes true- but not in a good way. In an effort to try and break her curse, Nora finds herself on a quest. She’s accompanied by a grumpy Angel guy she’s not certain she can trust, and she’s helped by beings she didn’t even know existed a few days ago.
Everyone seems bent on serving themselves, often at her expense; and if that’s not all, Nora is running out of her limited number of wishes she gets before she dies…
This is a rapid paced book, in which our stalwart heroine has very little time left, and no knowledge of the world she is in; it leads to some very poor decisions on her part.
Fortunately, the storyline is an interesting one, and although both the reader and Nora learn ever-so-slowly what is going on, it is an engaging read.
An enthralling introduction to a rather fascinating world. Recommended for urban fantasy fans.
WARNING! Cliffhanger! It’s a big one, BUT it’s also the start of a new storyline/adventure as the first was somewhat wrapped up in this book.
Nora Black is cursed. Any wish made near her comes true- but not in a good way. In an effort to try and break her curse, Nora finds herself on a quest. She’s accompanied by a grumpy Angel guy she’s not certain she can trust, and she’s helped by beings she didn’t even know existed a few days ago.
Everyone seems bent on serving themselves, often at her expense; and if that’s not all, Nora is running out of her limited number of wishes she gets before she dies…
This is a rapid paced book, in which our stalwart heroine has very little time left, and no knowledge of the world she is in; it leads to some very poor decisions on her part.
Fortunately, the storyline is an interesting one, and although both the reader and Nora learn ever-so-slowly what is going on, it is an engaging read.
An enthralling introduction to a rather fascinating world. Recommended for urban fantasy fans.
September 6, 2022
ARC Review: This was such an interesting story and it’s gonna have you wanting the second book ASAP
✨Fantasy
🪄Magic
⛓Cursed family legacy
❤️🔥Enemies to lovers
Nora has been cursed as had her mother and grandmother before her who had died from said curse. Someone says the words ‘I wish’ in front of her and it comes true in the worse way possible and is desperate to break this curse before it kills her as well.
We meet Rafe and he’s a broody mmc that we all love, he comes along on this journey with Nora and they don’t particularly like each other first until we start to see some feelings develop.
This was super interesting, fast paced and it’s gonna leave you wanting the second book!
✨Fantasy
🪄Magic
⛓Cursed family legacy
❤️🔥Enemies to lovers
Nora has been cursed as had her mother and grandmother before her who had died from said curse. Someone says the words ‘I wish’ in front of her and it comes true in the worse way possible and is desperate to break this curse before it kills her as well.
We meet Rafe and he’s a broody mmc that we all love, he comes along on this journey with Nora and they don’t particularly like each other first until we start to see some feelings develop.
This was super interesting, fast paced and it’s gonna leave you wanting the second book!
February 3, 2023
4.5⭐
"Dedicated to all those who hate cliffhangers… The last chapter’s a doozy."
🙈 Fair warning and I still wasn't prepared 😭 The book was magical, fun, and fast paced. I enjoyed the banter, and when Nora's thoughts were hilarious. I can't imagine being in her shoes, knowing so little but still having to go on this journey because her life literally depends on it. So many new worlds traveled, each more dangerous than the last. Not sure I would've survived. That ending?! I've got so many questions and I need the next book to come out yesterday! Pick this up if you're down for magic and a journey into worlds previously unseen, don't mind being kept in the dark a bit, and most importantly be ready for a cliffhanger just as you think you're gonna get some answers 😭. This urban fantasy may be just what you've been wishing for.
"Dedicated to all those who hate cliffhangers… The last chapter’s a doozy."
🙈 Fair warning and I still wasn't prepared 😭 The book was magical, fun, and fast paced. I enjoyed the banter, and when Nora's thoughts were hilarious. I can't imagine being in her shoes, knowing so little but still having to go on this journey because her life literally depends on it. So many new worlds traveled, each more dangerous than the last. Not sure I would've survived. That ending?! I've got so many questions and I need the next book to come out yesterday! Pick this up if you're down for magic and a journey into worlds previously unseen, don't mind being kept in the dark a bit, and most importantly be ready for a cliffhanger just as you think you're gonna get some answers 😭. This urban fantasy may be just what you've been wishing for.
August 8, 2022
About the book
Nora with her dog Bailey is trying to live normally but with her curse, life is impossible. Her cursed, against her will, grant wishes but in a disastrous way as some are claiming their lives. Because of this, Nora live her life carrying the guilt over her at a young age. The curse runs through her family which claims her grandmother’s life and soon it will be hers once the wishes reached its limit. She tried everything to find a cure to her curse but found nothing. Until her best friend gave her a gift. Will she be able to find a cure?
My Thoughts:
Plot: The story is well written and engaging. Smooth and a page turner. I love the humour on Nora’s character. I always end up smiling with her remarks on everything. I love how original and creative the story is. It will bring you to a different realm beyond our world. Definitely something Netflix should consider making this as a movie. The ending will make you scream for more and it will surely stick to your mind not sure for how long. It will make you curse Lissa Bolts, in a nice way of course, for ending the this 1st book like how she did. This is the first book by Lissa Bolts that I’ve read and certainly not the last. Shining glittering 5 stars!!!!
Cover: Simple, not eye-eye catching but intriguing
Title: Appealing and fits into the storyline
Nora with her dog Bailey is trying to live normally but with her curse, life is impossible. Her cursed, against her will, grant wishes but in a disastrous way as some are claiming their lives. Because of this, Nora live her life carrying the guilt over her at a young age. The curse runs through her family which claims her grandmother’s life and soon it will be hers once the wishes reached its limit. She tried everything to find a cure to her curse but found nothing. Until her best friend gave her a gift. Will she be able to find a cure?
My Thoughts:
Plot: The story is well written and engaging. Smooth and a page turner. I love the humour on Nora’s character. I always end up smiling with her remarks on everything. I love how original and creative the story is. It will bring you to a different realm beyond our world. Definitely something Netflix should consider making this as a movie. The ending will make you scream for more and it will surely stick to your mind not sure for how long. It will make you curse Lissa Bolts, in a nice way of course, for ending the this 1st book like how she did. This is the first book by Lissa Bolts that I’ve read and certainly not the last. Shining glittering 5 stars!!!!
Cover: Simple, not eye-eye catching but intriguing
Title: Appealing and fits into the storyline
August 4, 2022
Thanks to Storyorigin and publishers for this eARC of Wish Marked
This novel is so interesting and is such a great read. The premise of granting wishes sounds like a fun ability, but when your powers grant the desires of others in the most undesirable and inconvenient way, there's bound to be issues. Every wish granted gets Nora closer to the one hundredth mark, and reaching that means no more wishing for anybody.
Nora searches for a cure which brings her across the path of a handsome stranger, mix that with magic and this story is one that everyone needs to read. I highly recommend it.
This novel is so interesting and is such a great read. The premise of granting wishes sounds like a fun ability, but when your powers grant the desires of others in the most undesirable and inconvenient way, there's bound to be issues. Every wish granted gets Nora closer to the one hundredth mark, and reaching that means no more wishing for anybody.
Nora searches for a cure which brings her across the path of a handsome stranger, mix that with magic and this story is one that everyone needs to read. I highly recommend it.
October 22, 2022
A girl with a power to grant wishes however, each wish turns bad, she has no control over it and she dies when she reaches a hundred wishes. The premise sounds interesting, and I found myself wanting to find out how she might actually beat her curse. For the most part, I liked this book, however, the author mentions a cliffhanger before the novel even begins, which defeated the purposes of it, as I expected it and was underwhelmed by it. It’s also exhausting mentioning this, but there were a couple HP mentions in this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
July 26, 2022
Hi. I’m Nora, and I bring people’s worst nightmares to life.
Everyone needs a hobby, right?
Don’t look at me like that. It’s not like I do it on purpose. I’m cursed. Like bonafide needle-pricking, frog-kissing, poison-apple cursed. Except worse because in addition to slowly chipping away at my soul, this thing will eventually kill me too.
It all goes back to wishes. The damned things come true around me but in the worst possible way. And I don’t mean that lightly because, well… sometimes people wind up dead.
The kicker? Once I grant my quota of ill-fated desires, that’s it for me. Finito. I know because there were others before me. Just our sick family heritage. We screw people over, and then we die. Hell of a way to live, right?
A curse the goes through generation after generation.
Many disaster's will they ever end.
A great adventure and a epic story.
August 2, 2022
I loved Lissa Bolts first series and couldn’t wait to read this. She did not disappoint. I feel like Nora could be my best friend. Lissa has a way of pulling you into the story and holding your attention every page turn. I look forward to the rest of the series! You definitely don’t want to miss out!
August 5, 2022
Naive girl trusts too easy
So, it does somewhat drive me crazy when someone is given clues that all is not 'kosher' and they continue to blow them off with 'later; which, really is the set up for cliff hanger. Then, again, I have never been soooo desperate for something. If your life was in the balance what would you do? It is a good read.
So, it does somewhat drive me crazy when someone is given clues that all is not 'kosher' and they continue to blow them off with 'later; which, really is the set up for cliff hanger. Then, again, I have never been soooo desperate for something. If your life was in the balance what would you do? It is a good read.
August 11, 2022
Firstly, what an ending! I think I am still reeling from that cliff-hanger. I am really looking forward to the next book.
This urban fantasy had it all, magic, witches, vampires, werewolves, fae, pixies, different realms, horrid and dangerous creatures and magical hideaway mansions. There was action, adventure, danger at every turn, mystery and a splatter of romance.
The story was refreshingly different in that it was about a Jjin. I was captivated by Nora and her life before and after discovering the secrets that surround her.
Rafe was the dreamy hero/non-hero and his character was delicious, so mysterious and secretive. I loved him.
The world building in this book was excellent, taking the reader from the human world through various realms of the magical. Each was described wonderfully and presented a new view of some of the typical magical worlds in fantasy.
Overall this was a totally engrossing story that promises to be a fabulous series. I can highly recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy, magic and mystery.
This urban fantasy had it all, magic, witches, vampires, werewolves, fae, pixies, different realms, horrid and dangerous creatures and magical hideaway mansions. There was action, adventure, danger at every turn, mystery and a splatter of romance.
The story was refreshingly different in that it was about a Jjin. I was captivated by Nora and her life before and after discovering the secrets that surround her.
Rafe was the dreamy hero/non-hero and his character was delicious, so mysterious and secretive. I loved him.
The world building in this book was excellent, taking the reader from the human world through various realms of the magical. Each was described wonderfully and presented a new view of some of the typical magical worlds in fantasy.
Overall this was a totally engrossing story that promises to be a fabulous series. I can highly recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy, magic and mystery.
September 3, 2022
So good as always! The cliffhanger at the end has me reeling and I cannot wait for the second one!
August 12, 2022
This is the first book by Lissa Bolts that I've read, and I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I picked this up. The cover really sucked me in and the blurb sounded intriguing. I am so glad that I gave this book a chance because once I started reading it, I didn't want to stop. This book is a 5-star read for me and one that I will definitely be rereading. It is full of humor, angst, adventure and fantasy. All of the characters have such depth to them and the story flows so seamlessly that you forget you're only reading a book and instead you feel like you're actually on this adventure with Nora. Nora is one of those characters that made an such impact on me that she will forever stick with me. She is this funny, sarcastic and amazing woman who has been dealt an unfair and lonely life, and in spite of that she is so selfless and has such a big heart. There is a WICKED cliffhanger, but I'm all for it and I cannot wait for book 2!
August 14, 2022
5 stars
Nor Black's lack of knowledge of the magical world is oddly endearing in her reactions to dealing with new things. Her lack of opinions formed mainly by others actually seems to help her navigate her quest to become complete.
Though Nora might to reevaluate listening to her first impression of someone's character, especially when accompanied by warnings from others that she has come to trust. Oh well, time will tell. Now I just have to wait for the next book to be released to find out.
Nor Black's lack of knowledge of the magical world is oddly endearing in her reactions to dealing with new things. Her lack of opinions formed mainly by others actually seems to help her navigate her quest to become complete.
Though Nora might to reevaluate listening to her first impression of someone's character, especially when accompanied by warnings from others that she has come to trust. Oh well, time will tell. Now I just have to wait for the next book to be released to find out.
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