Markless

A witch is compelled into dangerous royal service in this dense fantasy debut. Unlike most citizens of the Somanchi kingdom, Ruti was born without a magical elemental mark and lives in the wilderness as an outcast, surviving through use of her rare signing magic. When Kimya, a child whom Ruti cares for, steals a royal ring, Ruti takes the fall and narrowly escapes execution. Her skill draws the attention of Dekala, the future queen of Somanchi, whose uncle refuses to let her ascend to the throne until she finds her soulbond. To circumvent her uncle’s meddling, Dekala brings Ruti to the palace in hopes that her magic can block the binding process. Ruti bristles at Dekala’s haughtiness—and the discovery that her powers don’t seem to be having any effect on Dekala. Upon learning that a prince’s arrival (and a forced soulbond) draws near, Ruti, Dekala, her lovestruck guard Orrin, and Kimya race to a magical lake whose potent water might pose a solution. Uneven characterization and occasionally puzzling turns aside, Malburi crafts an ambitious adventure teeming with surprises and romance. Ruti is described as “olive-skinned” and Dekala has “fine mahogany cheekbones.” Ages 12–up. Agent: Tamar Rydzinski, Context Literary. (June)