My First Book Review

 I recently finished a book entitled “Marked” by R.M. Krogman that completely surprised me with how emotional and layered it was. At first, I expected a story filled with only dragons and dark magic, but it became something much deeper. “Marked” is a story about grief, identity, and the danger of judging people based on fear. 

“Marked” follows a boy named Davy. He is the son of a shepherd living a happy, and peaceful life until a series of tragic events take place that tear Davy’s life apart. At one point, it is discovered that Davy is “marked”. The people around Davy believe the mark is cursed, and many even whisper that he is connected to the tragedies he has had to endure. Davy becomes isolated, blamed for tragedies or bad luck that he never caused, and treated more like a monster than a human being. Krogman does an excellent job showing how the rejection shapes Davy’s personality. Davy becomes hurt and angry with the world, and starts doing things that aren’t true to who Davy is as a person. However, beneath the hurt and anger is a boy who is deeply lonely and desperate to belong. 

The atmosphere of the novella is beautiful and haunting from beginning to end. The description of the landscapes, the weather, and the looming presence of ghastwolves and dragons create a sense of wonder, beauty, and dread. The ghastwolves are terrifying, but the dragons themselves are not simply mindless beasts. They feel ancient, intelligent, and tied to Midgate’s mysteries. Some of the strongest scenes in the story involve Davy encountering them in moments that are both tragic and beautiful. 

What stood out to me the most was the tragedy woven throughout the plot. Davy carries the wounds of loss, guilt, betrayal, and hopelessness. “Marked” never shies away from hardship, and there were moments that felt genuinely heartbreaking. However, the suffering in the story never felt pointless. Each painful event pushed Davy toward growth and revealed deeper truths. 

The biggest strength of “Marked” is its central message. The people around Davy believe that Davy is evil because he is different, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the mark on his skin is not a curse at all. It is a blessing connected to an ancient power. Rather than being chosen for evil, he was chosen for something beautiful. I appreciated how the story challenged the idea that what looks frightening must automatically be wicked. 

The ending was bittersweet and powerful. Without spoiling too much, “Marked” avoids giving the reader a perfect, happy conclusion. There is loss and lingering sadness, but there is also hope. Davy understands who he is, and for the first time, he no longer sees himself through the hatred of others. 

Overall, this novella is a compelling read for fans of dark fantasy. It combines emotional depth with vivid world building, memorable dragons, and a protagonist who is easy to root for despite his flaws. If you enjoy stories about misunderstood heroes, tragic journeys, and finding light in darkness, this novella is absolutely worth reading.