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The Conjurer Fellstone #1
Dreadmarrow
(Previously published as Dreadmarrow Thief, Book One of The Conjurer Fellstone Trilogy, by Marjory Kaptanoglu)
While helping Tessa, her companions conceal their own secret motivations for infiltrating the conjurer’s castle. Ash hopes to avenge his brother’s death at the hands of Fellstone’s apprentice, and Calder seeks his long-lost love who has mysteriously disappeared since she became the conjurer’s wife
Tessa can shapeshift into a sparrow using a magical amulet, Ash wields a sword like no other, and Calder carries a bag of tricks that provide defense against a variety of prickly situations
But are their combined skills any match for the creatures of the Cursed Wood, the boarmen, the wraiths, and the fiendish conjurer's own insurmountable magic?
While helping Tessa, her companions conceal their own secret motivations for infiltrating the conjurer’s castle. Ash hopes to avenge his brother’s death at the hands of Fellstone’s apprentice, and Calder seeks his long-lost love who has mysteriously disappeared since she became the conjurer’s wife
Tessa can shapeshift into a sparrow using a magical amulet, Ash wields a sword like no other, and Calder carries a bag of tricks that provide defense against a variety of prickly situations
But are their combined skills any match for the creatures of the Cursed Wood, the boarmen, the wraiths, and the fiendish conjurer's own insurmountable magic?
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2017
304 people are currently reading
527 people want to read
About the author
Marjory Kaptanoglu
14 books26 followersAward-winning author Marjory Kaptanoglu’s “prose is crisp and purposeful, charged with feeling, and always attuned to what will engage readers in each moment.” (The BookLife Prize) Follow Marjory on BookBub to receive notices about her new releases and sales, and sign up for her entertaining newsletter at marjorykaptanoglu.com to make sure you don’t miss a thing. Her YA fantasy DREADMARROW THIEF “celebrates life and love the way only the best fantasy tales can" (Kirkus) and kicks off THE CONJURER FELLSTONE TRILOGY (now complete). According to one reviewer, “Why not get all 3 at once?”
Marjory also writes adult sci-fi/fantasy. Regarding INVADER, “Fans of sci-fi mysteries and strong female characters should snap up this psychological page-turner." (Publishers Weekly) The BEFORE series begins in January, 2021, with the launch of BEFORE THE KILLING, a time-travel tale of love and murder. Fun fact: Marjory was named 2019 Literary Exhibitor of the Year by the California Writer’s Club / San Mateo County Fair. Second fun fact: Marjory once worked at Apple Computer and designed the text-editing software for early versions of the Macintosh.
Marjory also writes adult sci-fi/fantasy. Regarding INVADER, “Fans of sci-fi mysteries and strong female characters should snap up this psychological page-turner." (Publishers Weekly) The BEFORE series begins in January, 2021, with the launch of BEFORE THE KILLING, a time-travel tale of love and murder. Fun fact: Marjory was named 2019 Literary Exhibitor of the Year by the California Writer’s Club / San Mateo County Fair. Second fun fact: Marjory once worked at Apple Computer and designed the text-editing software for early versions of the Macintosh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
March 10, 2018
Review originally posted at my blog: https://bookishpuffcorn.wordpress.com...
The Dreadmarrow Thief by Marjory Kaptanoglu is the first book in the Conjurer Fellstone series. It’s an adventure of a trio: Tessa, Ash and Calder who is set to steal the Dreadmarrow from their town’s corrupt leader.
The story was written well, actually. The author used the rights words especially when the feeling of flying as a bird is described. It was exhilarating! I’ve always wanted to be a certain kind of bird if I could morph into an animal, or maybe even have the ability to fly.
Enough said, I’ve always enjoyed reading fantasy. I have this imaginative mind and I fancy picturing scenes in my head from books I’ve read. The Dreadmarrow Thief introduced a number of different creatures.
Tessa, the locksmith’s daughter went in a mission to fetch the dreadmarrow after her father was killed. I hate to say this but I did not feel any connection with the main character. She’s too emotionally-driven and hard to read sometimes. To be honest, almost every character in the story are wildly driven by their feelings. They often make stupid decision. *major facepalm
The story was told in three POVs: Tessa’s, Ash’s and Calder’s. Although multiple POVs are fine with me, the switching is confusing to me! For example, Tessa is told in a first-person point-of view while Ash’s was told in third-person.
I usually end up shipping a love team in every book I read. However, the romance between Ash and Tessa (Spoiler ALERT! SORRY!) felt meh (rushed and forced). I can’t seem to feel something. I’m looking for that kind of spark between them but I can’t seem to find it.
The ending is satisfying, though. It reminded me of Beauty and the Beast wherein the furniture finally transformed back into their human bodies. It’s a lovely scene to picture. The story mainly tells something about dark magic. If there’s a word to describe the plot, it would be WICKED.
Overall, I rate Dreadmarrow Thief by Marjory Kaptanoglu, 2 out of 5 stars.
I have received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Dreadmarrow Thief by Marjory Kaptanoglu is the first book in the Conjurer Fellstone series. It’s an adventure of a trio: Tessa, Ash and Calder who is set to steal the Dreadmarrow from their town’s corrupt leader.
The story was written well, actually. The author used the rights words especially when the feeling of flying as a bird is described. It was exhilarating! I’ve always wanted to be a certain kind of bird if I could morph into an animal, or maybe even have the ability to fly.
Enough said, I’ve always enjoyed reading fantasy. I have this imaginative mind and I fancy picturing scenes in my head from books I’ve read. The Dreadmarrow Thief introduced a number of different creatures.
Tessa, the locksmith’s daughter went in a mission to fetch the dreadmarrow after her father was killed. I hate to say this but I did not feel any connection with the main character. She’s too emotionally-driven and hard to read sometimes. To be honest, almost every character in the story are wildly driven by their feelings. They often make stupid decision. *major facepalm
The story was told in three POVs: Tessa’s, Ash’s and Calder’s. Although multiple POVs are fine with me, the switching is confusing to me! For example, Tessa is told in a first-person point-of view while Ash’s was told in third-person.
I usually end up shipping a love team in every book I read. However, the romance between Ash and Tessa (Spoiler ALERT! SORRY!) felt meh (rushed and forced). I can’t seem to feel something. I’m looking for that kind of spark between them but I can’t seem to find it.
The ending is satisfying, though. It reminded me of Beauty and the Beast wherein the furniture finally transformed back into their human bodies. It’s a lovely scene to picture. The story mainly tells something about dark magic. If there’s a word to describe the plot, it would be WICKED.
Overall, I rate Dreadmarrow Thief by Marjory Kaptanoglu, 2 out of 5 stars.
I have received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2025
An audio book arc from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)
This was such a fun YA fantasy adventure—there’s magic, shapeshifting, cool creatures, and plenty more.
The story is told from three different perspectives: Tessa, the locksmith’s daughter; Ash, a junior swordsman; and Calder, who always seems to have a trick up his sleeve for any situation. All three had interesting backstories, but Calder was definitely my favorite—he kept me guessing the whole time.
I was totally hooked and flew through this one (even as an audiobook!). The story was full of twists and kept things exciting from start to finish. That might just be my love for YA fantasy talking, but either way—I’m already looking forward to the next book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)
This was such a fun YA fantasy adventure—there’s magic, shapeshifting, cool creatures, and plenty more.
The story is told from three different perspectives: Tessa, the locksmith’s daughter; Ash, a junior swordsman; and Calder, who always seems to have a trick up his sleeve for any situation. All three had interesting backstories, but Calder was definitely my favorite—he kept me guessing the whole time.
I was totally hooked and flew through this one (even as an audiobook!). The story was full of twists and kept things exciting from start to finish. That might just be my love for YA fantasy talking, but either way—I’m already looking forward to the next book!
February 15, 2018
This is a young adult read with a medieval setting, a mystery surrounded by magic and the first book in a new series. I just loved the opening chapter in this story which reveals so much about the path that the story is going to take. There is a very clear good guys bad guys boundary set out from the start, even the woods changed with the darkness that they held. One error would put a wicked magician into top gear to regain all the magical power in the land and a young girl and her father in grave danger.
Tess’s fate and that of her friends were tied from things that had happened in the past and now Calder and Ash had promised to help her find a very powerful artifact in the magician’s castle. This was Lord Fellstone’s prize posession, as it could not only heal, it could give life back to a dead person.
This is a cracking adventure of discovery for all the three of them. I have to admit though to feeling a little sorry of Lord Fellstone as times. Yes OK he is a bit of a bad ass but the guy had lost a lot too. There are some pretty wicked creatures in the book that one or another come across and have to fight to survive. Not all is as it first seems though with lots of little twists to keep the reader very entertained.
I really liked the back drop stories of Calder and Ash that gave them reasons for making the journey to the castle themselves too. Both have very touching and sad pasts that gave them a feeling of guilt that they hadn’t done enough at the time. Now they had unfinished business themselves to resolve at the castle too.
The story deals with so many issues about love, loss, family and friendship. A book that could be read as a stand alone but I am very fascinated to see where it will take me next.
Tess’s fate and that of her friends were tied from things that had happened in the past and now Calder and Ash had promised to help her find a very powerful artifact in the magician’s castle. This was Lord Fellstone’s prize posession, as it could not only heal, it could give life back to a dead person.
This is a cracking adventure of discovery for all the three of them. I have to admit though to feeling a little sorry of Lord Fellstone as times. Yes OK he is a bit of a bad ass but the guy had lost a lot too. There are some pretty wicked creatures in the book that one or another come across and have to fight to survive. Not all is as it first seems though with lots of little twists to keep the reader very entertained.
I really liked the back drop stories of Calder and Ash that gave them reasons for making the journey to the castle themselves too. Both have very touching and sad pasts that gave them a feeling of guilt that they hadn’t done enough at the time. Now they had unfinished business themselves to resolve at the castle too.
The story deals with so many issues about love, loss, family and friendship. A book that could be read as a stand alone but I am very fascinated to see where it will take me next.
August 31, 2022
A book which deserves to be read . It's not a story about magic or imagination merely , it's more about true love , friendship .real loss , loyalty , family and all the morals our societies lack . I can't wait for the sequel to come out
May 5, 2025
3.5 stars (rounded up to 4)!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
Dreadmarrow follows three characters; Tessa has just lost her father, murdered by the forces of Lord Fellstone; Ash seeks revenge for his brother’s death at the hands of Fellstone’s apprentice; and Calder is searching for his long-lost love, who was forced to marry Fellstone. The three cross paths and set off together to retrieve the Dreadmarrow, an enchanted relic capable of bringing the dead back to life.
The worldbuilding is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Benedict introduces a magic system featuring conjurers, enchanted objects that can shapeshift, heal or revive, and eerie creatures like wraiths. All of these elements are woven naturally into the story without ever feeling like an info dump.
The story is told in three different points of view, which I’m not usually a fan of, but it worked surprisingly well here. Tessa, Ash, and Calder each had distinct voices and motivations, and I could always tell whose perspective I was listening to—especially thanks to the excellent narration by Charlie Sanderson! She did a wonderful job of differentiating voices, and her delivery was both clear and immersive, perfectly suited to the tone of the book. I was impressed by how clearly she distinguished between Tessa, Ash, and Calder. Each had a unique vocal style that helped bring their personalities.
However, I did have some issues with the pacing. The plot moved extremely quickly, to the point where major emotional moments didn’t have the weight they deserved. Tessa, for instance, loses her father and sees his body, yet hardly pauses to mourn before charging headfirst into a dangerous mission. There’s little time for doubt, grief, or fear, which made it harder to connect with her as a character. I often felt like I was being rushed from scene to scene, without enough time to sit with the characters or understand their deeper emotional arcs. This fast pacing also affected the romance. While the male love interest’s feelings were more believable (he had a crush on her early on), Tessa’s sudden shift toward romantic interest felt forced and underdeveloped. There wasn’t enough spark or build-up between them, and once the romance began, it seemed unnecessary rather than compelling.
The writing style is imaginative and accessible for a YA audience, but the tone felt closer to middle grade in its simplicity and lack of emotional depth. Some key scenes, like a sword fight involving a supposedly great swordsman, were disappointingly underwritten. Action lacked tension, and the descriptions were so brief that they failed to deliver any real impact.
That said, the bones of the story are strong! The premise is engaging, the villain is complex enough to be interesting, and the world itself is rich with potential. As it stands, Dreadmarrow is a fast, entertaining listen with excellent narration and intriguing ideas, but it left me wishing for more depth and development. Still, I'm interested in the next books in this trilogy, and will be reading them!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review!
Dreadmarrow follows three characters; Tessa has just lost her father, murdered by the forces of Lord Fellstone; Ash seeks revenge for his brother’s death at the hands of Fellstone’s apprentice; and Calder is searching for his long-lost love, who was forced to marry Fellstone. The three cross paths and set off together to retrieve the Dreadmarrow, an enchanted relic capable of bringing the dead back to life.
The worldbuilding is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Benedict introduces a magic system featuring conjurers, enchanted objects that can shapeshift, heal or revive, and eerie creatures like wraiths. All of these elements are woven naturally into the story without ever feeling like an info dump.
The story is told in three different points of view, which I’m not usually a fan of, but it worked surprisingly well here. Tessa, Ash, and Calder each had distinct voices and motivations, and I could always tell whose perspective I was listening to—especially thanks to the excellent narration by Charlie Sanderson! She did a wonderful job of differentiating voices, and her delivery was both clear and immersive, perfectly suited to the tone of the book. I was impressed by how clearly she distinguished between Tessa, Ash, and Calder. Each had a unique vocal style that helped bring their personalities.
However, I did have some issues with the pacing. The plot moved extremely quickly, to the point where major emotional moments didn’t have the weight they deserved. Tessa, for instance, loses her father and sees his body, yet hardly pauses to mourn before charging headfirst into a dangerous mission. There’s little time for doubt, grief, or fear, which made it harder to connect with her as a character. I often felt like I was being rushed from scene to scene, without enough time to sit with the characters or understand their deeper emotional arcs. This fast pacing also affected the romance. While the male love interest’s feelings were more believable (he had a crush on her early on), Tessa’s sudden shift toward romantic interest felt forced and underdeveloped. There wasn’t enough spark or build-up between them, and once the romance began, it seemed unnecessary rather than compelling.
The writing style is imaginative and accessible for a YA audience, but the tone felt closer to middle grade in its simplicity and lack of emotional depth. Some key scenes, like a sword fight involving a supposedly great swordsman, were disappointingly underwritten. Action lacked tension, and the descriptions were so brief that they failed to deliver any real impact.
That said, the bones of the story are strong! The premise is engaging, the villain is complex enough to be interesting, and the world itself is rich with potential. As it stands, Dreadmarrow is a fast, entertaining listen with excellent narration and intriguing ideas, but it left me wishing for more depth and development. Still, I'm interested in the next books in this trilogy, and will be reading them!
January 18, 2018
Find this review and more on my blog Somtimes Leelynn Reads.
"Even Ryland often told me how he loved that I wasn't a "typical" girl, but I rejected the notion that girls were all of a type instead of each being unique."
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I usually love fantasy books, and I feel like my bookshelves are full of them. However, for some reason, I just wasn't able to get into this one as I would have liked.
One of the facts that I thought was cool was the idea that an item can make someone change into an animal. In the beginning of the book, the main character Tessa is in the form of a sparrow, thanks to an amulet called a "windrider". She's not an expert in using it by any means, but she has learned quickly how to use it to her advantage. Her entire world changes when her father is murdered brutally in front of her eyes, and she is almost captured by the evil Lord Fellstone and his cronies. However, she is able to escape, and it's up to her, a shady fortune teller name Calder, and a boy named Ash to figure out a way to save her father from being permanently dead. They have to do all of that without being killed themselves.
I was glad that Ash was the one that went on the adventure rather than Tessa's almost husband Ryland. That dude was a complete coward, and he wasn't even that good of a swordsman. I think I would have been disappointed if it was Ryland that went on this adventure, as I feel like he would have been pretty much useless. The story is written well, and the pace is there, but I just couldn't appreciate it the way I wanted to.
Now that doesn't mean that I don't think you shouldn't read it. To each their own, and while I may not have loved it, I didn't hate it either. I would say give it a chance, and you can come to your own conclusion. I may read the next book that comes out just so I can know what happens next.
"Even Ryland often told me how he loved that I wasn't a "typical" girl, but I rejected the notion that girls were all of a type instead of each being unique."
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I usually love fantasy books, and I feel like my bookshelves are full of them. However, for some reason, I just wasn't able to get into this one as I would have liked.
One of the facts that I thought was cool was the idea that an item can make someone change into an animal. In the beginning of the book, the main character Tessa is in the form of a sparrow, thanks to an amulet called a "windrider". She's not an expert in using it by any means, but she has learned quickly how to use it to her advantage. Her entire world changes when her father is murdered brutally in front of her eyes, and she is almost captured by the evil Lord Fellstone and his cronies. However, she is able to escape, and it's up to her, a shady fortune teller name Calder, and a boy named Ash to figure out a way to save her father from being permanently dead. They have to do all of that without being killed themselves.
I was glad that Ash was the one that went on the adventure rather than Tessa's almost husband Ryland. That dude was a complete coward, and he wasn't even that good of a swordsman. I think I would have been disappointed if it was Ryland that went on this adventure, as I feel like he would have been pretty much useless. The story is written well, and the pace is there, but I just couldn't appreciate it the way I wanted to.
Now that doesn't mean that I don't think you shouldn't read it. To each their own, and while I may not have loved it, I didn't hate it either. I would say give it a chance, and you can come to your own conclusion. I may read the next book that comes out just so I can know what happens next.
May 19, 2025
Dark, twisted, and unexpectedly tender - Deadmarrow surprised me in the best way.
This gothic YA romantasy blends revenge and reluctant alliances with a moody, atmospheric setting that pulls you in from page one. The magic system is unique without being overly complex, and the worldbuilding feels immersive without overwhelming the plot.
The dynamic between the main characters was a highlight for me – full of tension, mistrust, and vulnerability that slowly gives way to something more. There’s a satisfying enemies-to-allies vibe that unfolds at a steady pace, and the morally grey moments really shine.
I took off a star only because the pacing occasionally dipped in the middle – a few scenes felt slightly repetitive or introspective in a way that lost momentum. But the payoff in the final third makes up for it, with some well-placed twists and genuinely emotional beats.
If you enjoy your romantasy with a side of darkness, a dash of undeath, and characters who aren’t sure they deserve softness (but get it anyway), Deadmarrow is well worth your time.
This gothic YA romantasy blends revenge and reluctant alliances with a moody, atmospheric setting that pulls you in from page one. The magic system is unique without being overly complex, and the worldbuilding feels immersive without overwhelming the plot.
The dynamic between the main characters was a highlight for me – full of tension, mistrust, and vulnerability that slowly gives way to something more. There’s a satisfying enemies-to-allies vibe that unfolds at a steady pace, and the morally grey moments really shine.
I took off a star only because the pacing occasionally dipped in the middle – a few scenes felt slightly repetitive or introspective in a way that lost momentum. But the payoff in the final third makes up for it, with some well-placed twists and genuinely emotional beats.
If you enjoy your romantasy with a side of darkness, a dash of undeath, and characters who aren’t sure they deserve softness (but get it anyway), Deadmarrow is well worth your time.
May 11, 2025
Big Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the advanced copy! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
'Dreadmarrow' is the first book of the YA fantasy series. The story is interesting, that is true, but the pace is way too fast, and so nothing has a smooth development, and the romantic relationship was too sudden, especially since the girl broke up with her boyfriend, who was asking her to marry him a day ago... The magic was also a confusing part, as well as the whole magical world, but the characters were interesting, and the story had the promise of a fairy tale-like quest.
Finally, the audiobook was enjoyable, but the chapters were too abstractly concluded.
'Dreadmarrow' is the first book of the YA fantasy series. The story is interesting, that is true, but the pace is way too fast, and so nothing has a smooth development, and the romantic relationship was too sudden, especially since the girl broke up with her boyfriend, who was asking her to marry him a day ago... The magic was also a confusing part, as well as the whole magical world, but the characters were interesting, and the story had the promise of a fairy tale-like quest.
Finally, the audiobook was enjoyable, but the chapters were too abstractly concluded.
April 27, 2019
I liked this story quite a lot. Clearly, it was written for a younger audience, but that fact didn't detract from the experience. The characters are strong, the setting fun and interesting, and the story is compelling. Who cannot sympathize with young people who want to honor those closest to them and protect the place they live, and who are willing to take perilous risks to make things right? Kudos.
The book has a few minor shortcomings. There are three viewpoint characters, two of which are rendered in the third person and one in the first person. That took some getting used to. Second, there were some minor editing issue (the occasional awkward passage, one or two misplaced commas, and a few usage problems) but nothing that would distract a reader.
In sum, the virtues of this story far outweigh the vices. I'd recommend this book heartily, especially for younger readers. It's a good story well told.
The book has a few minor shortcomings. There are three viewpoint characters, two of which are rendered in the third person and one in the first person. That took some getting used to. Second, there were some minor editing issue (the occasional awkward passage, one or two misplaced commas, and a few usage problems) but nothing that would distract a reader.
In sum, the virtues of this story far outweigh the vices. I'd recommend this book heartily, especially for younger readers. It's a good story well told.
March 12, 2021
Well, it's pretty good Book 📕 with a lot of trops.. Firstly, the good things about this book-
I think the side character "Ash" was indeed the Best side character in terms of everything.. I really adore this light fantasy, with lot of dynamics.. However, Sometimes😅 the main character was frustrating😤 and isn't the best fit.. But the other two side characters were pillars of this book.. Also, the first quarter wasn't the best😁.. But overall the book was good 👍
3 stars ⭐ isn't bad 😏😏..
I think the side character "Ash" was indeed the Best side character in terms of everything.. I really adore this light fantasy, with lot of dynamics.. However, Sometimes😅 the main character was frustrating😤 and isn't the best fit.. But the other two side characters were pillars of this book.. Also, the first quarter wasn't the best😁.. But overall the book was good 👍
3 stars ⭐ isn't bad 😏😏..
May 15, 2020
I enjoyed "Dreadmarrow Thief." I found this to be a well-written fantasy novel with plenty of action and adventure. You will find a lot to like about this story. There is magic and intrigue. This story is great for both kids and adults.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 27, 2018
Overall, I definitely enjoyed this book. I liked that the romance didn't overtake the story. There were a few times I felt like there were randoms jumps between event, but the plot was still easy to follow! Good, well developed characters and a fun story!
September 17, 2025
Fun, lighthearted, lovable characters.
Story was good enough but could have been better.
Story was good enough but could have been better.
January 10, 2020
First question: what is a dreadmarrow? Apparently it’s just a fancy name for a magic wand, carved of black wood. It sounds like it should be made of a bone (which contains marrow) but it’s not. Also, somehow it works by “catching and diffusing” sunlight, which doesn’t make any sense unless there was some sort of crystal or lens on the tip. But no one questions this as weird, which is just one of the problems I had with this book.
Second, this book was recommended for the LGBT+ list of SPFBO books but I didn’t find any references to LGBT people unless one of the characters comes out in a later book in the series. All three of the main characters expressed interest in heterosexual relationships.
Third, there’s just too much going on in this book. It feels very rushed along from one storyline to the next without giving any of them a chance to breathe. One of the three main characters seems like more of a plot device than a fully-realized protagonist, which is only emphasized when he drops out of the action for a considerable section of the book. But the other two characters have more than enough plotlines between them. I think there was space for maybe three of these plots:
confronting the corrupt Lord Fellstone
finding out the truth of Tessa’s parentage
finding Tessa’s mother after her disappearance
saving Tessa’s father (or accepting his death)
learning the truth of Ratcher’s identity
Ash’s revenge for the death of his brother
Ash’s crush on Tessa
Calder’s unrequited love for Tessa’s mother
the lure of magic for Tessa
the costs of using magic
the other petty nobles in Lord Fellstone’s court
In short, none of these stories or themes were explored very well. The pace is very quick, jumping from one event to the next without giving the characters much time to think or process their reactions to anything. As such, the emotions feel very shallow and confused. I didn’t feel any real connection between Tessa and Ash, for example, even though they were both supposed to be attracted to each other.
It’s supposed to be for a teen audience, but while it deals with dark subject matter (like death and torture), it didn’t feel like YA to me. The short, choppy scenes and shallow emotions read more like the style of a middle-grade novel. Especially since it was supposed to be describing difficult subjects, I didn’t think it had enough depth for its intended audience.
Some parts were entertaining, like reading about Tessa as a sparrow, but overall I had trouble getting into this book and the characters. I don’t plan on reading more of the series.
Second, this book was recommended for the LGBT+ list of SPFBO books but I didn’t find any references to LGBT people unless one of the characters comes out in a later book in the series. All three of the main characters expressed interest in heterosexual relationships.
Third, there’s just too much going on in this book. It feels very rushed along from one storyline to the next without giving any of them a chance to breathe. One of the three main characters seems like more of a plot device than a fully-realized protagonist, which is only emphasized when he drops out of the action for a considerable section of the book. But the other two characters have more than enough plotlines between them. I think there was space for maybe three of these plots:
confronting the corrupt Lord Fellstone
finding out the truth of Tessa’s parentage
finding Tessa’s mother after her disappearance
saving Tessa’s father (or accepting his death)
learning the truth of Ratcher’s identity
Ash’s revenge for the death of his brother
Ash’s crush on Tessa
Calder’s unrequited love for Tessa’s mother
the lure of magic for Tessa
the costs of using magic
the other petty nobles in Lord Fellstone’s court
In short, none of these stories or themes were explored very well. The pace is very quick, jumping from one event to the next without giving the characters much time to think or process their reactions to anything. As such, the emotions feel very shallow and confused. I didn’t feel any real connection between Tessa and Ash, for example, even though they were both supposed to be attracted to each other.
It’s supposed to be for a teen audience, but while it deals with dark subject matter (like death and torture), it didn’t feel like YA to me. The short, choppy scenes and shallow emotions read more like the style of a middle-grade novel. Especially since it was supposed to be describing difficult subjects, I didn’t think it had enough depth for its intended audience.
Some parts were entertaining, like reading about Tessa as a sparrow, but overall I had trouble getting into this book and the characters. I don’t plan on reading more of the series.
December 10, 2017
Disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This is a fast-paced book with action from the first page until the last. There is magic in the kingdom but only the overlord is allowed to use it so when Tessa is caught shifting into a sparrow, bad things start to happen. Fortune-telling is not allowed so Calder Osric is forever running from the boarmen (the law) but this time he is caught and put in the stocks. And Ash Kemp is a gravedigger but wanna-be swordsman who is enamored with Tessa. I was instantly captivated by Tessa, Calder and Ash and couldn't wait to see how their stories connected.
I thoroughly enjoyed their quest. Each had their own reasons and goals and they were determined to work together to win against the evil overlord. At no point did the action lag and there was always something new and exciting happening. There were really unique critters and circumstances that literally gave me the creeps.
There isn't a cliffhanger but events obviously continue in the next installment. I can't wait to continue the series.
This is a fast-paced book with action from the first page until the last. There is magic in the kingdom but only the overlord is allowed to use it so when Tessa is caught shifting into a sparrow, bad things start to happen. Fortune-telling is not allowed so Calder Osric is forever running from the boarmen (the law) but this time he is caught and put in the stocks. And Ash Kemp is a gravedigger but wanna-be swordsman who is enamored with Tessa. I was instantly captivated by Tessa, Calder and Ash and couldn't wait to see how their stories connected.
I thoroughly enjoyed their quest. Each had their own reasons and goals and they were determined to work together to win against the evil overlord. At no point did the action lag and there was always something new and exciting happening. There were really unique critters and circumstances that literally gave me the creeps.
There isn't a cliffhanger but events obviously continue in the next installment. I can't wait to continue the series.
December 16, 2019
Awesome!
If you have a Harry Potter itch that needs scratching then boy is this series for you. It was captivating and charming. Every time I expected one thing to happen another complete opposite outcome occurred. I can't wait to read the rest,!
If you have a Harry Potter itch that needs scratching then boy is this series for you. It was captivating and charming. Every time I expected one thing to happen another complete opposite outcome occurred. I can't wait to read the rest,!
July 11, 2023
What an interesting story following an unlikely trio on a quest to right wrongs. The world building was easy to understand and the magic was so unique and fun! Ash’s actions at the end were slightly heartbreaking but I’m curious to see where the story goes in the next books.
October 19, 2023
Impressions of the Read
The book is relatively short as fantasy books go, I managed to finish it in a day. The writing flows and is an easy read.
I really like the cozy feeling of this fantasy. It’s a wonderful comfort read and has a very halloween vibe. Not the scary, horror-style halloween but rather, the happy, fun kind of halloween.
But this book isn't really for a reader of my age. This is middle grade material and is something that I can recommend for readers in that age range.
I gave it a try because there are some middle grade and YA books that are so good that they transcend their target audience, the Harry Potter series is perhaps the best example, A less popular example would be the Bartimaeus Trilogy. Unfortunately, the Conjuror Fellstone series does not belong to this class of books.
If you're a middle grade reader give this a try, if your an adult fantasy reader this is a definite pass.
Find books that you might love in my book review site
The book is relatively short as fantasy books go, I managed to finish it in a day. The writing flows and is an easy read.
I really like the cozy feeling of this fantasy. It’s a wonderful comfort read and has a very halloween vibe. Not the scary, horror-style halloween but rather, the happy, fun kind of halloween.
But this book isn't really for a reader of my age. This is middle grade material and is something that I can recommend for readers in that age range.
I gave it a try because there are some middle grade and YA books that are so good that they transcend their target audience, the Harry Potter series is perhaps the best example, A less popular example would be the Bartimaeus Trilogy. Unfortunately, the Conjuror Fellstone series does not belong to this class of books.
If you're a middle grade reader give this a try, if your an adult fantasy reader this is a definite pass.
Find books that you might love in my book review site
August 25, 2025
Though her mother disappeared when she was four, Tessa's life with her father has been filled with love. Tessa has been given a lot of freedom growing up in her small village. Not many other girls are allowed to apprentice for their own trade. Now she finds herself with literal wings after discovering an old amulet of her mothers that allows her to change into a bird.
She keeps her exploration of the talent a secret. Magic is not something to be celebrated. It's wielded as a tool of terror by region leaders who carry the ability to conjure. Rulers like those who oversee her town- Lord Fellstone. What they cannot magic the drain in the form of taxes leaving residents scraping by under strict mandates while they feast. Tessa isn't too concerned about conditions. Not until the Lord's guards murder her father and she's forced to confront the evils in her world.
Together she sets out with a few unlikely companions – a man she first met in the stocks and the best friend of her beau. Sneaking inside the castle is their only hope to save her father, to get revenge against a tyrant, and to find answers of dear ones long lost. Little can they know they might find far more than they are searching for. Nor could they foresee that their mission will forever change their world.
“Dreadmarrow” is a decent, if a bit generic, fantasy book for perhaps the younger side of the YA scale and newer fantasy readers. The quest is still fun for those who are looking for a lighter, though not cozy, side of fantasy. It gives off a nostalgic vibe of some of the adventures some of us adults coming to this series might have enjoyed starting out on their own fantastical reading journeys.
The chemistry of the lead characters and how developed they are even before the start of the adventure leading into the partnership they form are the most enjoyable aspect. Though some of the world building's creatures and magic are charming the villains do come off as a touch cliché. On the other hand, while the romantic leanings in this book feel rather sudden on the side that isn't well established, the subplot didn't overtake the characters' thoughts and the story in the process. It's refreshing not to see characters suddenly forget their purpose of doing things because hormones kick in.
I enjoyed my time with this book and I wouldn't mind continuing on some day. For now I think I'll be sitting the trilogy aside simply because my list of unread titles is too long to dive into too many series head first if I'm not absolutely smitten.
She keeps her exploration of the talent a secret. Magic is not something to be celebrated. It's wielded as a tool of terror by region leaders who carry the ability to conjure. Rulers like those who oversee her town- Lord Fellstone. What they cannot magic the drain in the form of taxes leaving residents scraping by under strict mandates while they feast. Tessa isn't too concerned about conditions. Not until the Lord's guards murder her father and she's forced to confront the evils in her world.
Together she sets out with a few unlikely companions – a man she first met in the stocks and the best friend of her beau. Sneaking inside the castle is their only hope to save her father, to get revenge against a tyrant, and to find answers of dear ones long lost. Little can they know they might find far more than they are searching for. Nor could they foresee that their mission will forever change their world.
“Dreadmarrow” is a decent, if a bit generic, fantasy book for perhaps the younger side of the YA scale and newer fantasy readers. The quest is still fun for those who are looking for a lighter, though not cozy, side of fantasy. It gives off a nostalgic vibe of some of the adventures some of us adults coming to this series might have enjoyed starting out on their own fantastical reading journeys.
The chemistry of the lead characters and how developed they are even before the start of the adventure leading into the partnership they form are the most enjoyable aspect. Though some of the world building's creatures and magic are charming the villains do come off as a touch cliché. On the other hand, while the romantic leanings in this book feel rather sudden on the side that isn't well established, the subplot didn't overtake the characters' thoughts and the story in the process. It's refreshing not to see characters suddenly forget their purpose of doing things because hormones kick in.
I enjoyed my time with this book and I wouldn't mind continuing on some day. For now I think I'll be sitting the trilogy aside simply because my list of unread titles is too long to dive into too many series head first if I'm not absolutely smitten.
October 14, 2017
Full disclosure – I was provided a copy of this book by the author however I have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own.
What do the locksmith’s daughter, the gravedigger’s son and a fortune teller have in common?
Tessa Skye is the sixteen-year-old daughter of the town locksmith and she misses her mother terribly. Having not seen her mom in twelve years, Tessa’s only reminder of her is a strange magical artifact in the form of a sparrow necklace. This artifact allows her to transform into a sparrow and fly over Sorrenwood, all the while leaving her troubles far below her for a little while. On one such occasion, she finds herself at the castle compound of Lord Fellstone, the cruel ruler of her area. Now as a target, Tessa finds that he will stop at nothing to get back what is his. After Fellstone’s guards murder her father, Tessa sets out to the castle with Calder, a fortune teller and Ash the gravedigger’s son to steal another of Fellstone’s magical items that is said to restore life. The three however, have more in common than they know as they discover that their individual reasons for undertaking this mission are intertwined.
I had initially nominated this book for publication via the Kindle Scout program, and while I was sad to see the nomination not selected I was pleased when the author contacted me because what I had seen of the book in the scout program piqued my interest. This is the first novel for author Marjory Kaptanoglu, but she is not new to the writing profession. As I reviewed her IMDB page I discovered that she is a screenwriter by trade. Kaptanoglu has taken her years of writing experiences and has used them well in the creation of Tessa’s tale. If I had to assign a sort of genre label to Dreadmarrow Thief, I think it can best described as a “young adult quest fantasy”. Having ready many D&D themed stories in my younger days I am familiar with this sort of formula, but that does not mean at all that the story is formulaic. Tessa, Calder and Ash form an easy friendship based on not only necessity, but also a common goal. Together they undertake an adventure of revenge, rescue and resurrection and end up learning more about themselves and the world they live in.
While there is closure to the overall story, Kaptanoglu has left the door open for future tales and more adventures in Sorrenwood. This fantasy is perfect for anyone who loves stories set with a medieval setting, old D&D adventures, sorcerers, magic, family and love. After having read the Dreadmarrow Thief for myself I have also placed it on my son’s “to be read list” as I am confident that he will love it as much as I did.
What do the locksmith’s daughter, the gravedigger’s son and a fortune teller have in common?
Tessa Skye is the sixteen-year-old daughter of the town locksmith and she misses her mother terribly. Having not seen her mom in twelve years, Tessa’s only reminder of her is a strange magical artifact in the form of a sparrow necklace. This artifact allows her to transform into a sparrow and fly over Sorrenwood, all the while leaving her troubles far below her for a little while. On one such occasion, she finds herself at the castle compound of Lord Fellstone, the cruel ruler of her area. Now as a target, Tessa finds that he will stop at nothing to get back what is his. After Fellstone’s guards murder her father, Tessa sets out to the castle with Calder, a fortune teller and Ash the gravedigger’s son to steal another of Fellstone’s magical items that is said to restore life. The three however, have more in common than they know as they discover that their individual reasons for undertaking this mission are intertwined.
I had initially nominated this book for publication via the Kindle Scout program, and while I was sad to see the nomination not selected I was pleased when the author contacted me because what I had seen of the book in the scout program piqued my interest. This is the first novel for author Marjory Kaptanoglu, but she is not new to the writing profession. As I reviewed her IMDB page I discovered that she is a screenwriter by trade. Kaptanoglu has taken her years of writing experiences and has used them well in the creation of Tessa’s tale. If I had to assign a sort of genre label to Dreadmarrow Thief, I think it can best described as a “young adult quest fantasy”. Having ready many D&D themed stories in my younger days I am familiar with this sort of formula, but that does not mean at all that the story is formulaic. Tessa, Calder and Ash form an easy friendship based on not only necessity, but also a common goal. Together they undertake an adventure of revenge, rescue and resurrection and end up learning more about themselves and the world they live in.
While there is closure to the overall story, Kaptanoglu has left the door open for future tales and more adventures in Sorrenwood. This fantasy is perfect for anyone who loves stories set with a medieval setting, old D&D adventures, sorcerers, magic, family and love. After having read the Dreadmarrow Thief for myself I have also placed it on my son’s “to be read list” as I am confident that he will love it as much as I did.
May 23, 2025
I can’t wait to read Book Two in this trilogy (and how much do I love that 2024 cover?) to see where Margie Benedict carries on from where this leaves off. The ending of ‘Dreadmarrow’ is a wee bit abrupt, but the plot had me so totally enthralled that it didn’t much matter – I think this is one of those trilogies where the individual books run seamlessly into one another.
‘The Thieves of Magic’ is a Fantasy series, though the magic that exists in the tale isn’t really at the centre of the narrative in Book One. This is – in fact – a terrific story about family. And what a story it is! I find that I can climb right back into it in my mind, even though it’s a fortnight now since I finished the audiobook. It’s wonderfully sweet in places, yet that’s not to say it isn’t full of tension (and some monsters)! Overall, this is impeccable Middle Grade fiction.
Benedict crafts a fine continuity between the past and the present action in this novel. Characterisation, too, is dazzling: the cast reminds me of the characters in Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart trilogy. They’re alive with the same effervescence. Backstories are balanced against one another, and the minor characters prop up the plot with just the right amount of dynamism.
One of the best things about the audiobook, furthermore, is that it is narrated by the inimitable Charlie Sanderson (whom I know from two of my favourites- Hokey Pokey by Kate Mascarenhas, and Everything Under by Daisy Johnson), whose vocal work is truly something to delight in. She’s astronomical here, voicing Tessa as she gets pitched through ordeals and adventures on her quest. I’m really looking forward to hearing Sanderson perform the rest of the trilogy.
My thanks go to BooksGoSocial Audio for the ARC audiobook via NetGalley.
‘The Thieves of Magic’ is a Fantasy series, though the magic that exists in the tale isn’t really at the centre of the narrative in Book One. This is – in fact – a terrific story about family. And what a story it is! I find that I can climb right back into it in my mind, even though it’s a fortnight now since I finished the audiobook. It’s wonderfully sweet in places, yet that’s not to say it isn’t full of tension (and some monsters)! Overall, this is impeccable Middle Grade fiction.
Benedict crafts a fine continuity between the past and the present action in this novel. Characterisation, too, is dazzling: the cast reminds me of the characters in Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart trilogy. They’re alive with the same effervescence. Backstories are balanced against one another, and the minor characters prop up the plot with just the right amount of dynamism.
One of the best things about the audiobook, furthermore, is that it is narrated by the inimitable Charlie Sanderson (whom I know from two of my favourites- Hokey Pokey by Kate Mascarenhas, and Everything Under by Daisy Johnson), whose vocal work is truly something to delight in. She’s astronomical here, voicing Tessa as she gets pitched through ordeals and adventures on her quest. I’m really looking forward to hearing Sanderson perform the rest of the trilogy.
My thanks go to BooksGoSocial Audio for the ARC audiobook via NetGalley.
May 7, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this Dreadmarrow by Margie Benedict (AKA Marjory Kaptanglu).
I was charmed by Benedict's coming-of-age story of a young woman struggling to find her place in the world while fighting to save her father, kindling a romance, and warding off boar men (yes, there are boarmen in this world, among other creatures).
The novel opens with a delightful scene showcasing MC Tessa's ability to shapeshift (via a magical amulet) into a bird. The amulet belonged to her missing (under suspicious circumstances) mother, who left behind both Tessa and her beloved Papa. Avian excursions aside, Tessa is content with her life in her small town, far away from the politics of her land's not-so-friendly conjurer; until, that is, the day that conjurer has her father killed. No big deal--not if you're as determined as Tessa, who soon hatches a plan to steal the conjurer's magical Dreadmarrow; a device that can reverse even death.
Tessa undergoes a number of transformations throughout the novel, both literal and figurative, as she makes a number of startling discoveries along the way. These discoveries bring up questions of choice and identity, nature and nurture, that will no doubt be expanded upon in future installments of the series. The innocence and at times straight-forwardness of the characters makes this feel more like middle grade than YA, as does the audiobook narrator (Charlie Sanderson), who delivers the (quite lovely) prose in a soothing, fairytale-esque voice. At times, in fact, the narration was almost too soothing, as Sanderson's evenness of tone doesn't always lend itself to action scenes (of which there are many--see aforementioned boarmen).
A middle grade 4 stars, YA 3.5.
I was charmed by Benedict's coming-of-age story of a young woman struggling to find her place in the world while fighting to save her father, kindling a romance, and warding off boar men (yes, there are boarmen in this world, among other creatures).
The novel opens with a delightful scene showcasing MC Tessa's ability to shapeshift (via a magical amulet) into a bird. The amulet belonged to her missing (under suspicious circumstances) mother, who left behind both Tessa and her beloved Papa. Avian excursions aside, Tessa is content with her life in her small town, far away from the politics of her land's not-so-friendly conjurer; until, that is, the day that conjurer has her father killed. No big deal--not if you're as determined as Tessa, who soon hatches a plan to steal the conjurer's magical Dreadmarrow; a device that can reverse even death.
Tessa undergoes a number of transformations throughout the novel, both literal and figurative, as she makes a number of startling discoveries along the way. These discoveries bring up questions of choice and identity, nature and nurture, that will no doubt be expanded upon in future installments of the series. The innocence and at times straight-forwardness of the characters makes this feel more like middle grade than YA, as does the audiobook narrator (Charlie Sanderson), who delivers the (quite lovely) prose in a soothing, fairytale-esque voice. At times, in fact, the narration was almost too soothing, as Sanderson's evenness of tone doesn't always lend itself to action scenes (of which there are many--see aforementioned boarmen).
A middle grade 4 stars, YA 3.5.
June 27, 2018
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Dreadmarrow Thief (The Conjurer Fellstone Book 1)
Author: Marjory Kaptanoglu
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘I was totally gripped by this story from the very beginning. The three central characters work well together, and the plot is exciting and unpredictable.’ Boy, aged 15
‘I so want to read the next book. This was brilliant!’ Boy, aged 15
‘I liked that the teenagers had different goals but worked together – well, most of the time. The ending was the best part of the book. Super exciting. It also left the story open to a follow up book. I will be reading it.’ Girl, aged 16
‘Great characters. They grow and develop a lot in the story. I liked that. I don’t enjoy books where the characters never change. The shape shifting was the best magic in it. I liked how the story was so surprising.’ Girl, aged 14
‘Amazing book. Amazing cover.’ Girl, aged 14
To Sum It Up:
‘A gripping fantasy adventure. A BRONZE MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended,’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Dreadmarrow Thief (The Conjurer Fellstone Book 1)
Author: Marjory Kaptanoglu
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘I was totally gripped by this story from the very beginning. The three central characters work well together, and the plot is exciting and unpredictable.’ Boy, aged 15
‘I so want to read the next book. This was brilliant!’ Boy, aged 15
‘I liked that the teenagers had different goals but worked together – well, most of the time. The ending was the best part of the book. Super exciting. It also left the story open to a follow up book. I will be reading it.’ Girl, aged 16
‘Great characters. They grow and develop a lot in the story. I liked that. I don’t enjoy books where the characters never change. The shape shifting was the best magic in it. I liked how the story was so surprising.’ Girl, aged 14
‘Amazing book. Amazing cover.’ Girl, aged 14
To Sum It Up:
‘A gripping fantasy adventure. A BRONZE MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended,’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
July 1, 2025
16-year-old, Tessa Skye lives in Sorrenwood. Her mother ran away 12 years ago. Lately, Tessa has been using her mother’s amulet to turn into a sparrow. Much to the chagrin of her friend, Ash, and her father. One day, she flies into Lord Fellstone, a conjurer and the ruler of the region. She barely manages to escape his grasp. When she gets home, her father confiscates the amulet. Meanwhile, Calder is a fortune teller. After winding up in the stocks, Tessa saves him. Later, Fellstone murders her father via his knights. Calder warns that Fellstone possesses a wand that can bring the dead back to life, the dreadmarrow. To stop Fellstone, Tessa sets out with Asha and Calder on a mission to steal the dreadmarrow. Will they succeed?
Narrator, Charlie Sanderson has a engaging voice that helps listeners to easily distinguish the characters. Her narrative style and pacing complements the author’s writing style well. The plot is engaging, well developed, and full of adventure. The characters are authentic, believable, and easy to root for. The world building is well done and draws the listener into the audiobook. Listeners who like fantasy, magic, adventure, and anti-hero characters will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections.
Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received
Narrator, Charlie Sanderson has a engaging voice that helps listeners to easily distinguish the characters. Her narrative style and pacing complements the author’s writing style well. The plot is engaging, well developed, and full of adventure. The characters are authentic, believable, and easy to root for. The world building is well done and draws the listener into the audiobook. Listeners who like fantasy, magic, adventure, and anti-hero characters will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections.
Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own. No other compensation was received
June 22, 2025
Boarmen & wraiths & shapeshifters, oh my! ( no spoilers)
This YA fantasy follows our FMC, Tessa, on a quest to save her papa by stealing the conjurer's beloved magical device, Dreadmarrow. Dreadmarrow can heal injuries as well as bring people back to life, though this one comes at a cost. Along the way, she meets Calder, who is trying to piece together what happened to his lost love, and Ash, who is seeking revenge for his twin brother's death. Together, the three of them set off into the dangerous Cursed-Woods to get to the castle. There are a few plot twists I thought were great.
This novel is a great coming-of-age story that has heavy themes of loyalty, platonic love, adventure, and magic. I highly recommend this story for all. I cannot wait to read the next two books to get more of the story.
I read this book as an immersive read (listened to the audiobook and read it on my Kindle app together), and I very much enjoyed it! This audiobook is narrated by Charlie Sanderson. I feel she did a great job! There were a few times that I felt her voice was a little too soft/casual for a few action scenes, BUT overall she performed fantastically, and I will be watching for her more as a narrator on books I read/listen to!!
I want to say thank you to the author, Margie Benedict, and Netgalley for the opportunity! <3
This YA fantasy follows our FMC, Tessa, on a quest to save her papa by stealing the conjurer's beloved magical device, Dreadmarrow. Dreadmarrow can heal injuries as well as bring people back to life, though this one comes at a cost. Along the way, she meets Calder, who is trying to piece together what happened to his lost love, and Ash, who is seeking revenge for his twin brother's death. Together, the three of them set off into the dangerous Cursed-Woods to get to the castle. There are a few plot twists I thought were great.
This novel is a great coming-of-age story that has heavy themes of loyalty, platonic love, adventure, and magic. I highly recommend this story for all. I cannot wait to read the next two books to get more of the story.
I read this book as an immersive read (listened to the audiobook and read it on my Kindle app together), and I very much enjoyed it! This audiobook is narrated by Charlie Sanderson. I feel she did a great job! There were a few times that I felt her voice was a little too soft/casual for a few action scenes, BUT overall she performed fantastically, and I will be watching for her more as a narrator on books I read/listen to!!
I want to say thank you to the author, Margie Benedict, and Netgalley for the opportunity! <3
June 10, 2025
Dreadmarrow is a perfect pick for fans of Travel Light and fairy tales in general, it really reads like a modern fable, which, while simple in style, proves itself to be layered with meaning. The story follows protagonists Tessa and Ash as they navigate some of the usual fable challenges: hidden magic, tyrants, grief, and the difficult task of choosing your place in the world.
Fast-paced and immersive, this adventure dips just deep enough into its world to leave you interested and hooked for future installments, where I hope to see how Tessa will shape her destiny, and what more there is to discover about the nature of power and magic in her world
The one area where the pace takes its toll is in the romance, it feels a bit too surface-level, in line with traditional fairy tale tropes, but a bit out of place with other emotional dynamics of the story.
All in all, Dreadmarrow is a delightful read that full of whimsy and adventure, perfect if you're in the mood for a quick but meaningful fantasy that promises more to come.
I thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC to review
Fast-paced and immersive, this adventure dips just deep enough into its world to leave you interested and hooked for future installments, where I hope to see how Tessa will shape her destiny, and what more there is to discover about the nature of power and magic in her world
The one area where the pace takes its toll is in the romance, it feels a bit too surface-level, in line with traditional fairy tale tropes, but a bit out of place with other emotional dynamics of the story.
All in all, Dreadmarrow is a delightful read that full of whimsy and adventure, perfect if you're in the mood for a quick but meaningful fantasy that promises more to come.
I thank NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC to review
November 27, 2017
3.5 stars
While I admittedly don't read a ton in the Fantasy/Adventure genre, I do love medieval settings filled with magic and mayhem. Dreadmarrow Thief has plenty of both with magical amulets, a wicked conjurer living in a dark castle, and a quest that seems doomed to fail. The story is told from the perspectives of Tessa, Ash, and Calder - three people whose lives are intertwined by secrets both past and present. As the story progresses and secrets are revealed, the action ramps up for this trio and main character, Tessa, learns more than she bargained for.
The characters are interesting and the premise is a good one, especially for those that enjoy reading about medieval quests and magic. I did find the writing style to be more telling than showing, which tends to keep the reader on the outside looking in, and the point of view switches from first to third person were an added distraction. Other than that, the book does introduce an exciting world and is a promising lead-in to the series.
While I admittedly don't read a ton in the Fantasy/Adventure genre, I do love medieval settings filled with magic and mayhem. Dreadmarrow Thief has plenty of both with magical amulets, a wicked conjurer living in a dark castle, and a quest that seems doomed to fail. The story is told from the perspectives of Tessa, Ash, and Calder - three people whose lives are intertwined by secrets both past and present. As the story progresses and secrets are revealed, the action ramps up for this trio and main character, Tessa, learns more than she bargained for.
The characters are interesting and the premise is a good one, especially for those that enjoy reading about medieval quests and magic. I did find the writing style to be more telling than showing, which tends to keep the reader on the outside looking in, and the point of view switches from first to third person were an added distraction. Other than that, the book does introduce an exciting world and is a promising lead-in to the series.
May 26, 2019
Would like to see more character building but overall good start for the series.
A friend of mines daughter wanted to start reading this series and my friend didn’t have time to read it before handing it over to her so I said I would. Overall I think teens and tweens would really enjoy this. It’s not really Harry Potter caliber but still well written and full of fantasy adventure. The author did a good job of creating the characters though I think I’d like to see more emotion and character written in so the reader could feel like the characters were a little more multi dimensional. But for a first book in the series I think it did okay. I’m curious to see if the character building game will be a little stronger in future books in the series or if this will be the best we get as far as that goes. Aside from that, the story line itself is very interesting and adventurous. The main character shows real potential to be a strong and fiery leader.
A friend of mines daughter wanted to start reading this series and my friend didn’t have time to read it before handing it over to her so I said I would. Overall I think teens and tweens would really enjoy this. It’s not really Harry Potter caliber but still well written and full of fantasy adventure. The author did a good job of creating the characters though I think I’d like to see more emotion and character written in so the reader could feel like the characters were a little more multi dimensional. But for a first book in the series I think it did okay. I’m curious to see if the character building game will be a little stronger in future books in the series or if this will be the best we get as far as that goes. Aside from that, the story line itself is very interesting and adventurous. The main character shows real potential to be a strong and fiery leader.
May 10, 2025
Dreadmarrow is a light YA fantasy adventure that kicks off with heart, magic, and a crew full of secrets.
Tessa may wear a magical amulet that lets her transform into a sparrow, but her real strength lies in her heart and unwavering loyalty. She's not alone on her journey—Ash seeks vengeance for his brother, Calder is chasing a love lost , and together, they head into the danger-filled Cursed Wood. From boarmen and wraiths to the twisted conjurer himself, the path is anything but smooth.
What unfolds is a whirlwind of shapeshifting, sword fights, magical mischief, and betrayal. Every chapter brings a new twist, and while the Wind Rider might be the start of Tessa’s trouble, it’s also what sets everything in motion.
Fun, fast-paced, and full of charm—this book sets the stage for a promising series I can’t wait to continue.
Thank you to Author Margie Benedict and NetGalley for the opportunity ❤️
Tessa may wear a magical amulet that lets her transform into a sparrow, but her real strength lies in her heart and unwavering loyalty. She's not alone on her journey—Ash seeks vengeance for his brother, Calder is chasing a love lost , and together, they head into the danger-filled Cursed Wood. From boarmen and wraiths to the twisted conjurer himself, the path is anything but smooth.
What unfolds is a whirlwind of shapeshifting, sword fights, magical mischief, and betrayal. Every chapter brings a new twist, and while the Wind Rider might be the start of Tessa’s trouble, it’s also what sets everything in motion.
Fun, fast-paced, and full of charm—this book sets the stage for a promising series I can’t wait to continue.
Thank you to Author Margie Benedict and NetGalley for the opportunity ❤️
June 5, 2025
Immerse yourself in a world where the heartstrings are tugged, daring quests beckon, and a fellowship of imperfect souls embarks on a journey that tests the very fabric of their connections. This narrative is crafted for those who crave emotionally rich, adventurous fantasies, where the unfolding of the tale occurs at a measured, deliberate pace, allowing each moment to resonate deeply. At its core, the story revolves around an ensemble cast, a diverse group bound not by flawless heroism, but by their shared vulnerabilities and the intricate, often tangled threads of their interpersonal relationships. These are characters marked by their imperfections, their struggles, and the authenticity of their humanity, which adds a layer of profound relatability to their fantastical exploits. Prepare to be swept along on their odyssey, where the emotional depths of the story are as vital as the grand adventures they undertake, creating an experience that lingers long after the final page.
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