Marrow Charm is the story of a young girl trying to reunite herself with the ones she loves. Having spent her entire life underground in a town of people who can barely eek out an existence while constantly being on the threat of dying from a mysterious plague, Azure’s world is turned upside down when an outbreak occurs. The world that Kristin Jacques has created for this book contains unexpected twists and turns as it slowly dishes out slivers of its mystery.

The true draw of the story here is its strong adherence to teasing explanations to the reader so sparsely that every new clue creates even more questions to the nature of the magic that permeates Marrow Charm. Choosing to describe the vicious effects of the taint but giving very little descriptive details of the numerous haunting creatures in this tale keeps your imagination on overdrive as you try to piece together everything that is happening. Every time a character is introduced, the plot thickens and the world expands . Jacques tells a tale of magic that defies standard tropes or definitions.

There are points where the vagueness of certain aspects of the story did slow me down or force me to reassess my position on the book. At times, I struggled with the narrative flow of the exposition of events and their significance in light of the events of the story, but the narrative itself always remained compelling. Some of these elements might have been necessary evils in the enigma of this story’s world.

Ultimately the story did entice me to its completion, and I look forward to the next chapter in the life of Azure. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fantastical tale where answers are always kept just out of reach -- where magic is unpredictable and unexplainable. Thanks to Netgalley, The Parliament House, and Kristin Jacques for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another amazing story by Kristin Jacques!!

Azure “Azzy” lives in a world where the surface is dangerous. Monsters live there. But Below isn’t any better. After her brother Armin is captured and sent Above to be sold, she goes after him. She does everything she can to find him and rescue him. Her journey is full of dangers, monsters, witches. But she also finds something unimaginable too. She finds friends, allies and even love.

This story is huge. I must admit I found the first few chapters harder to read but after Azzy goes Above I couldn’t put this book down. Kristin Jacques weaved such a gripping tale that I could see the story unfold in front of me. I’m really very curious what will happen next and I’d like to read about the Gate too and how this world came to be the way it is.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley and I’m leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you for my copy.

What an interesting read - Kristin Jacques' imagination is wild and admirable in Marrow Charm, a new fantasy based in a post-Apocalyptic world where magic is powerful but demands a powerful price. Those who are gifted with magic have extraordinary power, but are eventually corrupted by the magic, losing all sense of self, moral compass, and even physical form.

Azure, a brave scavenger and ward of an apothecary, is thrust into fighting for her brother as the magic takes him. He is exiled and she follows him into the Above, the main surface of Earth where monsters of all types rule. One of the things I found most interesting was the diversity of creatures - Ms. Jacques' vision is bright and pushes beyond the basics, allowing readers to explore many ideas in a short amount of time.

Halfway through the book, we switch perspective to Armin, Azure's brother. Unfortunately, this shift creates a weakness in the narrative. Armin is not a developed character, and as he devolves further and further into his magically-induced madness, it becomes very difficult to follow the thread of the story. So much is introduced so quickly that tracking the rules of the world and even the characters themselves is difficult. It would be significantly easier to digest on a reread, I assume, but the first time through feels off in the pacing.

I do have one significant critique here - cannibalism is included without any real justification in this book. It is so early in the book, and then not addressed until 80% of the rest of the book is already completed. Even when it does reappear, there isn't a cultural explanation of any depth which is questionable in the extreme. Shock factor just for shock factor has no purpose, and I would encourage authors to avoid it if at all possible.

Ultimately, Marrow Charm is good read. The main characters are likable and the world is complex and diverse. I imagine this will be the type of series that I actually enjoy the following books more than the first, once I am familiar with the world and can anticipate outcomes as actions are taken. A worthy investment of time and effort!

My thanks to NetGalley for an e-ARC of this in exchange for a free and honest review.

**Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**

4.5/5

This book was unexpectedly good, only because I've had a few downer of books recently.

PROS:
+ Amazing world building. The magic system is so interesting because magic is seen as a disease that infects the living and turns them into "grotesque" monsters (beauty is in the eye of the beholder).
+ There are a handful of characters that just warm your soul (Azzy, Kai, Brixby, Morglint, and Corrinne especially). I want so much more with all of them!!
- Kristen Jacques's prose and descriptions are so lively and poetic.

CONS:
- The book changes into multiple perspectives half-way through the story which was confusing as the first half was only from Azzy's point of view.
- Cliffhanger - noooooo

I received a digital ARC from The Parliament House through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

The Marrow Charm is a thrilling story with extensive world-building and interesting characters. The plot follows a young girl as she travels the unknown “Above” in a fast paced journey to rescue her beloved brother and guardian. I found the plot to be a refreshing twist on the ‘world with magic’ trope. Instead of magic being a positive influence on the world and people, Jacques turns the magical influence into a macabre and violent corruption that shifts man and beast alike into nightmarish creatures. The amount of work put into the world-building is evident and if a prequel regarding the initial entrance of magic was written I feel as if it would do very well.
The main character Azzure “Azzy” Brimvine although lacking extensive depth, is a relatable character who’s main focus is saving her beloved family. Her brother Armin was a likable character who I could have better connected to if more chapters were written in his perspective. We only got a few chapters towards the end in other main characters perspectives but they each offered an insight into the minds of Azzy’s friends and loved ones.
Overall the book kept me hooked with its use of striking imagery and unique world building. I believe the book will do very well and will continue in success if a second book is written.

This book is SO GOOD. I wasn't sure where it was headed when I started it. It was kind of weird, and I just didn't know what to expect.
This book is so unique in all the best ways. The amazing bond between siblings, a touch of found family. Just all-around great characters.

Azzy is such a great character and easily one of my new favorites. Armin, since he only has a handful of POV chapters, I didn't get to know his character as well as I would have liked, but perhaps we'll get to know his character if we get a sequel. And I desperately want a sequel. Kai is also a very fascinating character. He is part of why I need/want that sequel.

The more side characters are equally interesting. Brixby, Azzy and Armin's guardian after the death/execution of their mother. We learn a bit of his past, and what we learn has me very intrigued by what his full story could be. Safiya is also very interesting, and we know next to nothing of her character until pretty much the end of the book. And there is one character who I suspect is going to be a main character later on; one more reason I want this to get the sequel it deserves. I really want to know more about Lord Wallach. He is a huge mystery right now.

Now, I want to talk about the writing, this is a very well written book. It's unique in a way that I don't know how to describe. It was just so captivating, and it just pulls you into the story and traps you in the world.
I am also finding it difficult to talk about the book in general. Everything about this book feels like it's something you should experience when you read it. And I want people to go into this book mostly blind.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers of this book for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm really not sure what to say about this one, it's definitely not what I was expecting. Between the cannibalism, exorcism-like behavior and the sewing of a mouth shut, I just couldn't go any further into this book. I got to about 25% and I realized it just wasn't for me.

I found my mind wondering as I was reading, it wasn't holding my attention and I didn't have the ambition to backtrack and reread what I didn't fully grasp. It might be because of this that things did not make sense, the characters had little depth and the word building was severely lacking. Regardless, I think the story itself had promise but was executed poorly.

This book was received as an ARC from The Parliament House in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book blew me away with all of the morbid terms Kristin Jacques used throughout the book that it almost made me question whether or not I wanted to read on with this book because I was afraid that I could not handle the rest but to my surprise as the story went through it got more unique and interesting as I pressed on. The unique plot and characters were really exotic out there and different that it was almost refreshing to read something new and different. I know our teen book club will go crazy for this title and I can not wait to share it with them.

We will consider adding this title to our YFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Loved every single moment of this tale. Page turner from the begining in a world that oozes off the pages. I need book 2 because Armin??Azzy??Lord of Seven Smiles??

One of the best novels I have read this year. I shut the world out and devoured this story in less than a day. This is a hugely imaginative take on an alternate world where our civilisation has been destroyed and magic has replaced technology. The world is overrun by demons who were once human and infected by magic, and witches. The remaining few humans live in derelict underground cities where any signs of magical infection or witchcraft mean death or exile to the outside world. There are so many fairytale elements to this story, transplanted to a post-apocalyptic world. We follow Azure as she tries to rescue her brother Armin in the outside world before he succumbs to his magic and watch her as she learns to control the magic in the marrow of her bones, she makes bargains with the witch in the wood, reminds an eel-woman of her human name and falls in love with an enchanted wolf. This is just part 1 and the story ends on a cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next one.

Marrow Charm, though it was interesting and great at some parts, can be confusing and a bit of a letdown. There’s an interesting world-building and a fast-paced story line, but the plot, for me, failed to bring me as a reader to new heights. I give this one 2.5 stars

- Atmospheric writing
The writing was one of the things I really liked about this book. It was dark, it was atmospheric, and at times, it could be creepy, as well. The author has an excellent way of describing the current setting of the scene, and that will really get the readers hooked. Indeed, the visualization in this book was truly awesome.

- Okay characters
The characters of Marrow Charm were okay and I loved reading about their journey, and the dangerous things they went through. However, I was not that invested in them.

Azzy was interesting and I loved her love for her brother and her family, but I just wasn’t quite hooked with her character. She was interesting, but there were a lot of vague things about her that weren’t explained. Kai was okay as well, but I wanted more backstory for him. Same with Brixby and Armin.

- Letdown plot
Let me begin by saying that the synopsis is a bit misleading. In the synopsis, they talked about the Gate and Armin’s powers, but I didn’t see that in the book. If there was, it was very little and it wasn’t the main focus. Which is a bit disappointing for me, because there was a fast-paced story line and dangerous conflicts and adventures here and there, but all of those things didn’t add up to one big showdown or some sort of revelation. With all of those in the book, I definitely expected Azzy’s journey to reach a climax, or a plot twist, or some pivotal situation that will heighten the story. Sadly, I did not see anything like that, and the ending, for me, was just confusing and lacking. I believe this is the first book of a series, but that ending didn’t really give me something big.

- Interesting world-building
As I said before, the author has a very atmospheric writing—she was able to describe the setting of the story, both Below and Above. The author also described the creatures and the animals so wonderfully and it just helped the world to come alive even more.

As much as I loved that part though, it still felt lacking to me. Again, in the synopsis there was stuff about the Gate and everything, and I feel like that is such an important part of the history and the world-building, but there was no information about that. I’m always craving for a great world-building, but Marrow Charm fell a little bit.

Overall, this book was okay. I expected to love it, but unfortunately, there were more lows than highs for me.

I received a digital advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As any good millennial, I am a sucker for a good dystopian story and Marrow Charm is an absolute home run. The story starts simple but basically explodes in all the best ways possible. Every single part of this book is fantastic and the cover art is just gorgeous. I will say, this was much more gruesome than I had originally expected. I loved the plot, the characters, and everything about this book.

I do think this book needs a prequel, I am usually very against a prequel coming out after a book has already been published, but I would absolutely love to know how all of it started. I need an origin story for this book!!!

There is lots of violence and despair in this book (so be warned if that is something that makes you uneasy).
Jacques has a real talent for world building, I loved being immersed in her world. I hope that book two will live up to my feelings on Marrow Charm.

Azure ‘Azzy’ Brimvine lives in a world decimated by magic, where humans have retreated underground from the overwhelming dangers of the surface. But Below is no safer than Above.

Magic borne plagues continue to eat away at the remaining human cities, a sickness that doesn’t merely kill, but creates aberrations from the stricken: people twisted by magic into something dark, dangerous, and powerful. It is an existence of fear and constant dread. When Azzy’s brother, Armin, is infected and cast out into the Above, she sets out after him, determined to be there for him no matter what he becomes.

The world Above is full of monsters, both wild and cunning, some more human than Azzy was led to believe. Armin is captured and bound for the Auction block of Avergard, a ruthless city of inhuman lords and twisted creatures. To reach him, Azzy must brave the perils of the Above and the chaotic life forms created by the Gate. To reach him, she must find allies and forge new bonds in this broken world.

And Azzy must reach him, before Armin’s new power is used to open the Gate once more. -Goodreads

This is going to be a short review because I actually didn't care for Azzy or Armin. More Azzy than anything. She did a lot of whining and a lot back and forth and did things without much thoughts. 

For life underground, she really didn't try to know more or achieve more. She just went though the motions until her life was disturbed and then there was a problem. Normally, I wouldn't exactly have an issue with this but I do because she worked under a apothecary but didn't really have the motivation or drive to learn things on her own. It was a bit disappointing to read. 

However, there was something that I liked about this book and that was the magic and the setting. The author has skill in sucking you into the world and keeping you there. Not to say I would live in that world because its messed up but one of the aspects I like was a side character Azzy meets. But Azzy shows a lack of understanding, care and investment because this character could have done wonders for Azzy like real wonders but Azzy doesn't think that far ahead. 

I digress on this short review. I can see why people love it so much but I wasn't exactly thrilled with it and I was bored. 

Overall, 

2 Pickles

There's going to be a book two to this one right? Please tell me that there will be a book two!!! Because, I need it NOW PLEASE!! I BEG YOU!!!
This is the first book by this author but it will not be the last. I was hooked from the first pages and I didn't put this one down until I was done. Well just say that taking a book to the bathroom, and the store, and well everywhere you get some strange looks. The changes of POV were a little abrupt but I got over it.

This one hit it out of the park with characters, world building, creatures, and action!!

Azzy lives in a dystopian world where The Rot, a magic plague, turns people into dangerous beings. When her brother is infected by The Rot, the people of Below cast him away to the Above, which is said to riddled with unknown dangers he may not survive. Azzy risks her life to protect her brother and finds that there's more to the Above and the creatures that live up there than what was originally thought.

Marrow Charm is an amazing book that captured my attention immediately. The dystopian world the characters live in is unique and fascinating. The main character, Azzy is an incredibly brave and selfless character that does anything she can to protect the ones she loves no matter the sacrifice. I'm excited to see what the author has in store for a sequel!

page-turner from start to end, this dystopian novel was easily able to capture my attention from the get-go with the magical creative writing style the author was able to displayed, refreshing and unique characters, and storyline that captivated me. With this novel being the first I have read from this author, I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us.

4.5 Stars

The Gate between realms was opened by an evil ruler allowing magic to invade the human world bringing ruin and mayhem along with fantastical beasts, vicious monsters, and a taint that transforms people into something more. Azure “Azzy” Brimvine lives with her brother and guardian underground where most humans have fled. Those living below the surface have a tenuous life of privation, plagues, and monsters in the dark waiting to prey on them. The magic twists them into piteous beings. Azzy’s brother, Armin, is infected and cast out to The Above where all manner of creatures, some seemingly human, dwell.

Azzy and her guardian undertake a quest to find Armin before he transforms to a monster. They are quickly separated so Azzy must walk the perilous road accompanied only by a shapeshifter whom she had saved from death. Along the journey, they meet a witch who sets Azzy on the path to rescue Armin; however, she must pay a harsh price.

Armin and Brixby, the guardian, are captured by Snatchers who take him to the Above city of Avergard to be auctioned off as a slave. Whether he can survive his transition to something other is questionable. Armin’s emerging powers are of a particular and possibly catastrophic use to one of the ruthless lords who run the Above city.

During their parallel travels and travails, sister and brother endure much hardship in this fantastical, mesmerizing world that Kristin Jacques has created. This story is told from several points of view so we see how the journeys unfolds through differing perspectives. Readers of High Fantasy will enjoy the phantasmagorical creatures in a bizarre and magical setting. Most highly regarded of all, in this complex and intense story is the noble heroine, Azzy, who has some mighty, yet unknown powers of her own and a heart so full of love and willingness to sacrifice for her brother and others she deems worthy. I look forward to the next in the series.

So far they had merely eeked out an existence underground... can they survive the insanity Above? With constant peril at every turn, who among them will come out of this ever shifting world of horrors alive... and intact?

This crazy world was populated with a varied collection of dark and gruesome constructs and MAN were they imaginative and creepy as all heck. There were no (truly) safe places to be found, for macabre beings and repugnant (Mad Max type) humans took over the Above ever since magic was let loose.

Here's how things fared....
The Trifecta of Literary Awesomeness went as follows:

- The writing: was smooth and flowed perfectly. It created a bone deep sense of foreboding and promised imminent, greivis bodily harm. It was not arrogant, verbose, sophomoric or highfalutin. It really hit the spot.

- The World Building: was detailed rich and lush. There were monstrous critters and things that go GRRRRRR... HISSSSS in the night (with teeth to back up such bold warnings) and some with no warnings at all. The dread was palpable.

- The Character Development: was dynamic and poignant. Nothing and no one were completely as they seemed. I really liked our MCs, especially loyal, doting, dependable Kai. Our female MC, Azzy, was a strongly motivated, highly capable, devoted, kickass heroine. She was smart and all sorts of brave. Her bonds with both her brother, Armin, and Kai were touching. I loved both she and Kai's reactions towards their budding, enigmatic feelings for one another. AND the sibling relationship was Magical. My only gripe was that she had "instincts" that enabled her to navigate obstacles/plot pitfalls as well as push the story along in slogging areas almost to a point of major annoyance. Even though it was pushed along a highly addictive track, it was still a copout and I felt jipped!

Speaking of addictive, I couldn't put this one down no matter what time of day or chore I accidentally (on purpose) neglected in the process. It wasn't until I reached the epilogue that I fully realized that there were a frustrating number of loose ends that needed tailoring and not enough available pages to accommodate. One minute the sky was just turning dark and I'm in the thick of things then the next minute I hit the epilogue and birds are merrily chirping outside in the suffused morning light. The very next blink I found myself at the last page wondering where the heck the rest of the book went? It can't end this way, can it? I exhaled into my sleepy house (not too loud as to wake the kiddo... or hubby... he gets cranky when I wake him while screaming at my books) "oh bloody HELL!!"!

Overall: the characters were in constant peril which kept things spicy and the pages flying by without being conscious of just how much time evaporated. The Trifecta of Literary Awesomeness was met skillfully with a unique premise and rich imagery at every turn. Every box was checkecked and gone over twice. With multiple 3rd person POVs, things could have easily gotten convoluted but thankfully it worked out seamlessly here. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am very curious as to what happens next.

*** I was given a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review *** and I'd be ecstatic to review book #2 as well!...ahem

Magic is unruly. It cannot be controlled. When released it breeds dark creatures, creates monsters from pure flesh and diseases born of magic meant to consume.

In a moment when words are greatly needed I am at a loss to properly articulate the captivating read this was for me. The author writes fluently and effortless bringing the scenes and characters to life in your mind. This book could easily be considered horrific with the description of the Above creatures and the natives to the territory. The gory details of monsters, transitions and dismemberment are just icing on the cake of graphic description.

But that’s not all…

I could not properly build a brief synopsis of this book without giving away details I feel the reader needs to gleam on their own. I can indicate that the reader is immediately thrown into the dangers of the Above as we meet Azzy our main character. You’ll fall in love with the apothecary, Brixby, who has taken in the orphan siblings. Azzy’s brother, Armin, who holds a powerful magic inside. Kai, the wolf connected deeply to Azzy and many others along the way.
The only desire I had once I finished was to know more about how it all began. Though I am not one for books that have chapters dedicated to the history of origins for a story; I do enjoy enough background to have an understanding of why a world is the way it currently is. Without reading the synopsis provided on NetGalley I wouldn’t have known what little I did. I do not think it takes away from the story though it does take a momentary chapter or two to grab a foothold in the plotline.

With that said this book was a 5/5 for me. I truly did “really like it.” I hope to add this to my shelves as a dust- jacketed hardback and cannot wait for the second installment.

*Disclaimer: I received this arc for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley, Parliament House and special thanks to the author for allowing me the ability to review.*

Marrow Charm is an engaging and original YA fantasy tale. The story launches straight into the action, so it did take me a few chapters to get my bearings. Once I did, though, I fell in love with the characters and world building, particularly the developing relationship between Azzy and Kai. I turned the last page keen to know what would happen next, so I would definitely be interested in reading on in the series. If you are a YA Fantasy fan, this is definitely worth checking out. A solid four stars from me.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.