Review: Dreadmarrow Thief (The Conjurer Fellstone Book 1) by Marjory Kaptanoglu

Given the barrage of young adult fantasy novels in recent years, it can be difficult to find one that truly stands out. Dreadmarrow Thief is a stellar entry into the genre of YA fantasy, and an exciting first installment of one such new series. Author Marjory Kaptanoglu has cultivated a vibrant and enthralling new world for fans of high fantasy to explore.

The spunky protagonist at the center of this wonderful adventure is Tessa Skye, an apprentice with a dangerous secret: a magical object that allows her to transform into a bird and soar over the forest – a forbidden practice, particularly given the origin of such a powerful object. When her magical secret is discovered by the tyrannical Conjurer of the land, he sends his henchmen to hunt her down, resulting in the brutal death of her father. Emboldened by her tragedy and accompanied by two stalwart companions, her motley crew sets off on a journey to turn back time and seek revenge on those who tore apart her family.

While a quest for revenge against the forces of evil may not be new ground in fantasy fiction, the execution of Kaptanoglu’s whimsical story sets it apart from others in the genre. The two primary allies of Tessa – Calder and Ash – are deeply developed characters with individual storylines that gradually weave together. Their fates are similarly intertwined, and their revelations throughout the book are delicate and organically produced.

Tessa isn’t framed like many other female protagonists; she is far from helpless, and darn near fearless at times, and the friendships she forges along the journey are believable, and genuinely touching. These characters care for one another, making it nearly impossible for readers not to similarly fall in step with this merry band. That being said, this isn’t a lighthearted novel geared solely for the younger range of the YA genre – there are moments of darkness and loss, visceral descriptions, and intense exchanges that will put your hackles up and keep them there. Kaptanoglu has one finger on the pulse of human nature, and another on the proper pace for engaging fantasy prose.

Often you’ll find fantasy novelists that are heavy-handed in their plot development, pushing for relationships that seem flimsy, or tossing characters into impossible situations, yet managing to scoop them free at the last moment. Kaptanoglu, on the other hand, knows how to balance her story expertly between fantasy and realism, and there are plenty of scenes where a reader might actually forget they’re reading fiction, which is quite the feat for a work of fantasy. As with the greats of the genre, this is a novel about people at its core, no matter how fantastical the environment.

For a YA-directed novel, this book is surprisingly engaging for an adult reader, particularly one who has a deep and abiding love for classic fantasy. Marjory Kaptanoglu has made a bold entrance into the genre with Dreadmarrow Thief, establishing an intrepid heroine and an enthralling foundation for a new fantasy series.