2.5
I listened to the audio book and I thought it was of good quality and I enjoyed the narrators performance. The story, however, was not that interesting to me. There were elements of the book that sounded right up my alley but the execution was weak. While the ending was decent, the book was not really for me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (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!

Thank you for this audio book.

I really enjoyed the magic system in this book. Especially the use of the enchanted objects in the story.

Some of the story line feels rushed, but the plot is interesting. I am looking forward to the next book in the trilogy.

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.

Thank you to netGalley and BooksGoSocial for the eARC.

I need to preface this to say that I stoppped about 60% of the way through the audiobook, not to the fault of the narrator, I did like the acting, but moreso due to the writing of the book.

The author understands how to formulate a novel, but as someone else reviewed, it honestly couldn't have mattered if the characters were 17 or 13, the story itself would not change. Except for the weird teen marriage bit, but anyone could have seen that wasn't going to happen.

I think the writing in a technical aspect was fine, but the characters were a little too one dimensional, and the pacing of the story was odd. The random smattering of magical beings and how the characters dealt with them felt a little too convenient and fairy tale-esque, especially Calder's bag of things, and speaking of Calder, I couldn't remember his age half the time since he acted just as childishly as the teens unless the story demanded something more.

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.

Revenge is one of the most easy to identify with and I found Tessa so easy to root for. I loved the description of the magic, especially the shape changing, and how brave the main characters are. Some of the relationship development felt very YA, which is fine, but after the suspense of the main plot, I felt at the end as though I was more invested in Tessa herself. No spoilers, but I really need to read the rest of the trilogy because I need to know how everything gets resolved.
Thanks to NetGalley I got to listen to the audiobook, which was very well done and engaging.

Wow! Just wow! This was very well written. Have you ever pretended to be a bird flying? Well, this will make you feel as if you are flying. Very good story line as well. There was one turn I wasn’t expecting (won’t ruin that for everyone else) that definitely added to the plot.

I can’t wait to read Book Two in this trilogy (and how much do I love that sublime 2024 cover?)!

I’m so excited to see where Margie Benedict carries on from where this left 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 Mascerenhas, 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.

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.

I got the audiobook and it was amazing!
The characters are strong, the setting is 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 in?
I hope there's no change of narrator for the series.

Well written but I just wasn't pulled in the story. That more to do with my tastes than the authors work though

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ARC.

It was okay for me, a little too YA if I'm being honest. It'd be perfect for a YA audience for sure as the story really was there for a good adventure story, but it was a little too low stakes for me.

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

Recommend for: people who enjoyed the animal transformation magic on My Lady Jane

I had a hard time getting into this story. All the characters felt very generic (one is even called Scarface), and that lack of specificity as well as the fast pace led to relationships that, to me, were underdeveloped. I wish there was more space for deeper exploration of the science-backed magic, the lock-picking, the world, etc. there were also a few parts that were pretty sexist. I can’t tell if that’s on purpose because those narrators are supposed to be sexist (e.g. one is surprised that a girl can do things “better than a boy”) or if it’s just a shallow exploration of feminist themes.

In terms of my enjoyment, I would’ve rated lower, but there’s nothing I remember as inherently problematic or grammatically incorrect, so I added a star.

Thank you to the publisher for a review copy.

'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.

This was a really fun fantasy book that I would have devoured as a teenager. The magic system was really interesting, and the characters felt relatable. The relationships between each of the protagonists and the sacrifices each of them make to advance their stories for the greater good was done very well, and I really enjoyed it. The audiobook is very well done, the narrator was wonderful to listen to.

Tessa’s father has been killed but she believes he can be brought back to life. She will venture with Ash and Calder to defeat the fiendish conjurer Fellstone. They will face many trials but Fellstone is not immortal.

Very well written and well narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Great characters in a book with adv3nture, magic, shapeshifting, friendship and love. Well paced and plenty of tension and action. Enjoy.

I can’t believe this book doesn’t have more recognition. The audiobook is amazing, it makes you feel like you’re in a magical fairytale. The magical world is really interesting, their ability to shift with amulets was fascinating, as well as how that works and the consequences. I loved the adventurous side of this book, it reminded me of Percy Jackson in a sense, it has nothing to do with the plot but with the characters, the friendships and the bond they formed while each being on this mission with three different objectives but wanting the same. The plot twists on this book were really fun too, the villains were pretty great and love the minimal romance subplot.

Tessa as a main character was nice to listen to, she was brave and determined in her mission and I loved that.

4,5 stars ⭐️
I will recommend this to anyone who will listen

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.