Umbertouched by Livia Blackburne is an action-packed fantasy sequel that dives deeper into themes of power, loyalty, and sacrifice. As war looms, healer Kyra must confront her past and embrace her unique abilities to protect her people. With rich world-building and intense conflicts, it’s perfect for fans of YA fantasy with resilient heroines and high-stakes drama.

Not as satisfying as I wanted but close enough to feel for it. Loved the characters and they're complex nature, totally made up for the slow, vague plot with the antagonist barely in it for more than a few pages.

Thank you so much for allowing me to read and review your titles.
I do appreciate it and continue to review books that I get the chance to read.
Thanks again!

***Review not posted on blog***

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series by Livia Blackburne. Unfortunately I am unable to post a review of this book on my blog at this time. I am excited to read more by Livia Blackburne and this publishing imprint. Thank you so much for the opportunity.

The Eater of Books!

Yeah, I really enjoyed reading these books! I enjoyed Livia Blackburne's other series, and I was really excited to dive into this one, it sounded really great, one of spying and espionage, of war, but also of a world with plague, and how these different countries are handling it.

Zivah had three main plot lines for me. Her vows of a healer conflicting with what's being asked of her to fight this war. And her relationship with Dinaes, both the one without memory, and the one with. So those are both emotional conflicts, which blended nicely with her emotional/physical one that she's Rosemarked, and has a limited time left to live.

A big plot line in Umbertouched, is Dineas and his loyalties. That he is a Shidadi, but when his memory was wiped, he made friends with the Amparan's, he was a part of their army and he killed his own people. So that was a tough time for him to wrestle with.

There was war, and there was learning. And there was loss, of course, and I really enjoyed how it all came together. That ending was pretty unexpected, but so great to read. It's a little uncertain, because it's not a cure, but it's more time to find one, and that was so great!

These books were so great to read, I really enjoyed them both!

Separated once again in tasks, hoping to prevent an entire a people from being destroyed, Zivah and Dineas are once again fighting for their lives. For Zivah at least, that end may come sooner rather than later as the Rose Plague that left her marked is threatening to reappear much sooner than she would like. When things get dire, can they bring their two groups together to stand against their common enemy? OR will things fall apart from within and leave their land open for invasion?

A great conclusion for the duology. Perfect for fans of Erin Beaty and Rae Carson.

Unfortunately, this one was a DNF for me. When I went to read it, I found that though I'd enjoyed the first book, I couldn't remember most of the story. Going into this one, I just wasn't enjoying it. The beginning meandered a bit and felt very slow, not holding my attention. I think that because Rosemarked didn't stick with me it put a wall between me and Umbertouched, and unfortunately I ultimately ended up putting this one aside in favor of other books.

As with Rosemarked, this was a huge hit in my school library. I purchased the book after downloading the review copy and knew that it would be a hit! The world building, characters, plot, and unexpected twists make this sequel a gem of an addition to my library's collection. Thank you for allowing me to review this book before purchase!

I loved Rosemarked so much, sadly Umbertouched wasn't as good. I did enjoy it but I loved Rosemarked so much more. I wanted more from this one and I guess I might have hyped it up a bit more than it should have been. The writing style was still great, but the plot just dropped out for me.

Umbertouched by Livia Blackburne is the second book to the Rosemarked duology. The last book left off as Zivah the healer and Dineas the warrior was going on a mission to stop the Emporer from spreading the Rose plague. In Umbertouched Zivah and Dineas are preparing for the final battle.
Some parts of the story were dry and got boring. Just hoped it ended and wrapped up soon. While I loved Rosemarked I can't say the same for Umbertouched. My only advice would be to read the book back to back. I didn't and was lost trying to remember things that happened and characters. Would rate a 3

I adore this series. Umbertouched was such a lovely end to the duology.
One of my favorite things about this series are the characters. They are written so well and I just want to hug them and tuck them away where they will never be hurt again. They deserve all the happiness in the world.

Thank you so much to the publisher for the opportunity to review BOTH fantastic books in this series!

God I love these books. Such a unique premise and Im completely obsessed. I needed to read all of Livia's books now.

When last we saw the healer Zivah and the warrior Dineas, they were on a mission against the Empire. All of their collective efforts were wrapped up in finding out the purpose and strategy of the impending war, and what they could do to stop it.

But the mission did not come without grave fall-out.

Zivah’s potion was designed to keep Dineas safely undercover as a double agent but it worked almost too well, causing an unlikely romance to bloom between the two. No matter how hard she fought it, Zivah could not make herself immune to Dineas and his innocent charms. As a result, he burrowed his way into her heart and despite her best efforts, she can’t seem to remove him. In his potion-induced stupor, Dineas became the last thing he’d ever wanted to be – an ally to the Amparan army and a friend to the soldiers entrenched in it. He forged friendships that ran deep, and he inspired a loyalty and respect in General Arxa that was all masked in lies and deceit. As the influence of the potion wears off and Dineas has to face the things he has done for the cause, he has to wonder … was it worth it?

The two came out virtually unscathed – on the surface. They had to flee the city walls when their plan fell to pieces and disaster struck a violent chord around them, but they made it out successfully. It wasn’t easy to turn their backs on the people they had begun to call on as friends … and even harder to realize that betrayal had been living on their doorsteps all along. And through all of this, the two begrudgingly realize that they both obviously caught feelings that they did not intend to catch. But Zivah and Dineas have more important things to think about now: first on the list, how do they make their way back home and warn their tribes of what is looming in the distance? And will there be enough time to prepare for war?

Dineas is infuriated and disgusted with himself. Zivah is embarrassed and prideful. The journey is difficult and full of danger. But it’s one that they cannot ignore and so they press on, one step at a time.

The problems only compound for the duo once they reach their intended destination. The Shidadi tribe is torn in two, each ripped side frayed and damaged by arguing over whether or not Dineas can be trusted and whether his intel holds water. They watched as he slaughtered his fellow tribesmen with genuine hatred in his eyes … and it’s difficult for them to believe that all of that was done under the influence of the healer’s potion. Dineas is desperate to make them understand that the inevitable is coming – a war full of death and destruction for their lands and tribe – but no one seems to be able to find it in them to completely listen or take him seriously. Zivah is still rosemarked and her symptoms are getting worse by the day. On top of her physical ailments she is battling internally with the way she bastardized her healer’s vows. And when Dineas comes up with a plan that further puts her morals into jeopardy, she’s not sure she can stomach the outcome. Trouble is, Zivah has no choice, and Dineas knows it.

In Umbertouched, the second installment and conclusion of Livia Blackburne’s Rosemarked series, the battle of morality is brought to the brink for nearly every person involved. Woven in such a way that each character is threaded into the other with strands of both contempt and love, Blackburne’s writing style shines and continues to be masterful. Mid-graders and YA readers love a driven storyline with relatable characters, and Blackburne delivers on both counts, picking the story up immediately from its predecessor and moving ahead with appropriate speed and strength.

While most fantasy books are plot-driven, Umbertouched is a bit more complex. I again have to speak on the characters, so bear with me while I gush just a little. The development in personality was slow and steady, and all of it believable. Zivah is put into countless situations where she is incredibly uncomfortable, and the choices that she makes along the way linger long after they are made. I was impressed with her singular view on morality and the profoundness of weight with which she felt her healer’s vows carried. Taking in to account that she is a teenager, Zivah’s maturity was unexpected and a credit to her character in general. Most YA (and most fantasy) writers will showcase their female characters as either lovestruck or cold and cruel, but Blackburne drew a different type of woman for her readers and instead gave them a heroine who didn’t need a man to save her. Zivah never allowed her romantic feelings for Dineas to overshadow what she felt to be her ultimate purpose – to save lives. In this respect, she remained true to herself first, and this is something that I find to be an empowering model for the young female reader.

And speaking of Dineas – this man had layers. There was a serious PTSD vibe, and again – remember this guy is a young man, virtually a teenager himself. The realistic way in which he dealt with his issues was compelling and full of an emotion that is not typical of young men. Instead of being shown as the typical male hero who has good looks and acerbic wit, Dineas was riddled with emotion and a sense of decency. Dineas struggled with the things that he did and said (and the friendships he forged) while under the influence of the potion that allowed him to forget his previous life and become completely immersed in his duty as a spy for the Shidadi and outlying tribes. While the potion was a crucial and critical part of his undercover work, the readers never forgot that in Dineas’ eyes, it was a detriment to his very soul and carried with it devastating consequences. I was heartbroken for him when he had to answer to his tribe for the transgressions he’d unknowingly made against them, and was impressed again by the layered writing of Blackburne. Umbertouched was not only world-building, as is typical in fantasy novels – it was a study of true character building.

A healthy supportive cast of characters was also in attendance, with a particular spotlight on Mehtap, a character who was previously portrayed in Rosemarked as a helpless and flighty young girl who was only interested in dresses and using makeup to cover her rosemarks. In Umbertouched we see the real Mehtap, and I have to say … she made an interesting transition from weepy child to ruthless vixen. She was portrayed as a bit of a villain, but not in so harsh a way in that you didn’t also want to root for her on a number of levels. Her end-game was admirable but the way she went about things … well, I won’t spoil it too much for you. Also making an appearance are a few notable and new Shidadi tribal members and a several memorable soldiers of Ampara.

All in all, I give Umbertouched a solid 4 out of 5 stars. I readily recommend this duology to a younger and cleaner crowd of mid-grade and YA readers. Older and more seasoned readers may be let down by the lack of hot romance. Don’t get me wrong, there is a slow burn going on here … but no one is getting thrown up against a wall or anything. These novels are clean and appropriate for readers aged 10+.

We begin Umbertouched where we left off in Rosemarked; Zivah and Dineas are trying to make their way home. They're both struggling with their past experiences on their own. Zivah is feeling isolated after breaking her healers vows and having been unable to be around her people. Dineas is split between each piece of himself and struggling with his identity.


I again enjoyed the relationship between Zivah and Dineas; though they spend a great amount of time separated you can feel the connection between them getting stronger. The supporting characters introduced, as well as crucial returning characters, helped tie all the pieces of this story together - although the ending felt slightly open ended. Maybe we will get another installment?

In this sequel, Zivah and Dineas are trying to stop the war but the plague is an ever-present problem. There are the Rosemarked, like Zivah and Mehtap, who temporarily survived the disease but will ultimately succumb. There are also the Umbertouched like Dineas who had the disease are now immune. Zivah and Dineas use their plague status like a weapon – her to scare away threats and his to go places others fear.

Complicating their efforts is the return of Zivah’s symptoms, a situation that might bring her closer to death. She is also missing the tender feelings that Dineas can’t quite remember. Currently the two are separated and her fears for her people and for herself cast a pall over everything. As a healer Zivah is sworn to do no harm but there are demands made on her to break that vow. Thankfully her friend Mehtap is not afraid to take action and she plays a key role in this book.

Plague stories are not new but the way Blackburne presents her tale is intricate and fresh. The characters are nicely drawn and develop over the course of this second book. Readers will be thoroughly satisfied with the way the series advances and concludes.

Review originally published on Forever Young Adult on 11/7/18.

BOOK REPORT for Umbertouched (Rosemarked #2) by Livia Blackburne

Cover Story: Watercolor
BFF Charm: Meh x2
Swoonworthy Scale: 4
Talky Talk: Historical Science Fantasy
Bonus Factor: Healing
Relationship Status: Let’s Go Our Separate Ways

Danger, Will Robinson! Umbertouched is the second book in the Rosemarked series. If you have not read the first book—Rosemarked—turn away now. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. If you have read the books, however, feel free to continue below.

Cover Story: Watercolor

Kudos to the Rosemarked duology’s cover designer for keeping the pretty watercolor theme across both books. They fit nicely together, and although Burnt Sienna’s never been my favorite color in the crayon box, it’s very story-appropriate.

The Deal:

Although their secret mission wasn’t exactly a success, Zivah and Dineas did discover something pretty damning that they could use against the new Emperor and his head healer—if only they could figure out where to get hard proof. Now back at home, the threat of war is at their doorstep, and their peoples must learn to work together for the benefit of all.

Zivah and Dineas, too, must figure out a way to move forward, but neither quite know who they are after all they’ve experienced, or what they want from each other.

BFF Charm: Meh x2



I like Zivah and Dineas well enough. I appreciate their loyalty to their families and their cause, their willingness to push themselves to their limits, and their internal struggles with who they were vs. who they are vs. who they need to be. But … they’re kind of boring? And people around them tend to get killed. I think I’ll stick to my normal side of the cafeteria.

Swoonworthy Scale: 4

Zivah and Dineas definitely hit it off in Rosemarked, but there was that whole situation of Dineas’ not really being himself. Add in the fact that Zivah has a terminal illness, and their situation is more sad than swoon. (SPOILER ALERT: The ending, though, is sweetly hopeful for these two crazy kids.)

Talky Talk: Historical Science Fantasy

Umbertouched, much like its predecessor, is a book that’s hard to classify. It’s a second world novel that has elements of both historical and science fiction, but feels more like it should be a fantasy, though it doesn’t have any fantastical elements (i.e. magic or paranormal creatures). (Maybe I’m the problem here?) The story moves kind of slow, and not much happens over the course of it’s 300 pages. The worldbuilding is still lacking, and the secondary characters are very secondary, with few exceptions. All that said, Blackburne’s writing is clear and concise, and the story isn’t uninspired.

The Rosemarked duology is one that sits firmly in the “it was fine” realm. It’s not one I’m going to want to read again or rave about, but also not one that I regret reading.

Bonus Factor: Healing



I enjoy reading about Zivah’s passion for the healing arts, and her willingness to hold to her universe’s version of the Hippocratic Oath as much as possible.

(There are definitely other images that I could have used for this section, but this one made me chuckle. It’s so Business.)

Relationship Status: Let’s Go Our Separate Ways

Although our first date wasn’t spectacular, Book, I’m not sorry I gave us a second try. But I’m still not feeling any chemistry, so I’m gonna call this one done. Hope you find that special someone, someday, but I know for certain that it isn’t me.

I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
A great sequel to a great duology! I loved how much focus was put on Dineas’ PTSD and how he had to deal with both his past torture and the loss of Other Dineas. I also loved - and was heartbroken by - Zivah as she handles her impending death, all while haunting around the woods healing people. I was also shocked at how many characters were killed off in the war! So many plots going on! The ending was so bittersweet, but gives me hope that everything will be okay!

I was happily surprised when I read the first in this duology, Rosemarked, and I found Umbertouched to be just as good! This series is a great read for anyone looking for adventure and a well crafted story of mystery and the power of friendship. It picks up right where Rosemarked left off and continues on with Zivah and Dineas as they try to save the world they love and the people they care about, as well as figuring out how they feel about each other. I read this quickly, loved it and I am looking forward to more from Livia Blackburne! Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

I really, really loved the first book in this duology, Rosemarked, and couldn't wait to get back into this world and find out what happens to the beloved characters. And while I enjoyed this one immensely, I didn't love it as much as it's predecessor.

This book spans over a long period of time. Which, is fine. But, unlike the first book, the details are minimal on what happen during those gaps of time. Maybe it wasn't important enough to go into detail about, but it didn't flow well.

What drew me into the first book was the emotional turmoil of both of the characters. Dineas with his memories, and Zivah with her illness and dedication to her Goddess and vows. Yet again, I didn't feel it as much in Umbertouched. (this could also be because I listened the first book on audio and the narration was fantastic!)

I did appreciate how everything wraps up - and really loved the ending SPOILER: [There's no miracle cure for Zivah, so her time to live is very short. It also leaves a lot of us to fill in on our own (ENDspoiler)]

All in all, I enjoyed this one very much.

UMBERTOUCHED carries the consequences from the first novel. Both Zivah and Dineas have escaped the rosemarked village but their troubles haven’t ended. Zivah is still rosemarked and slowly dying. Dineas is troubled by eroding memories and wondering where his place is. Not to mention there’s a government conspiracy, a looming war, and readjustment into their old lives.

While the first novel was filled with character growth and plots, UMBERTOUCHED is much quieter. The half of the novel is preparation and loyalty testing. Neither Zivah nor Dineas fit in with their societies. In the rosemarked village, Zivah was able to be a healer and touch her patients. Now, back home, she back in an isolated existence. Dineas has become more isolated as well, since his tribesman no longer trust him after his undercover mission.

While the budding romance between Zivah and Dineas was sweet and strained during the first novel, it didn’t carry through in the second. First, Zivah only has Dineas to confide in. Where Zivah gained a few outside alliances in the first novel, she doesn’t have those anymore. Zivah only has Dineas to trust but she never expects his feelings to continue. Conversely, Dineas believes that Dineas was only interested in the amnesiac version of him. The two try to overcome their issues, but the romance is never as interesting as them trying to sort out the ideological differences between them. Zivah is a healer and leans toward mercy at all costs. Dineas is uneasy about his alliances but always chooses battle and war.

As the final book in a duology, the heroes are rewarded and the ending is earned but it’s clear that there’s no such thing as a happy or easy ending for Zivah or Dineas. UMBERTOUCHED mends all the loose plot threads of the first novel but allows rooms for the readers to interpret their own ending. Overall, UMBERTOUCHED and ROSEMARKED are a fantastic series for readers interested in ideologies and seeing how hard it is for characters to stick to their beliefs in times of war.