I’ll say it again, Ann Gimpel certainly knows how to build worlds. In fact, I wouldn’t hesitate to say she is an expert at it. The dystopian/fantasy world that Marked by Fortune inhabits is once again detailed and perfect for the characters she has created. And, while Ned is clearly the main character of the story, the way in which Ms. Gimpel shared the story from multiple POVs was perfect. You end up with this theatrical, movie quality viewpoint of all the action taking place.

While Marked by Fortune is a dystopian fantasy it is also a coming of age story and romance.While Ned is surrounded by wizards centuries-old he is a mere twenty something, a babe by comparison. To boot he is a mere human mage. If there is one thing wizards scorn and look down upon it is humans. After all they are an infestation on the face of the earth. They have brought ruination down upon the world by depleting its resources and warring amongst themselves. So when the wizards find themselves engaged in war once again with the infernals of the evil gods what better place to send him than the frontlines where he might die the sooner. Human civilization is in ruins along with its cities and cultures. After a particularly exhausting battle, Ned is sent into the wilderness to find another woman like himself, a human mage. Who he finds and rescues is Amanda, the daughter of the mage he seeks. He finds himself smitten with the young woman.

Amanda, her brother, Jon and parents, Lori and Rolf have traveled into the Sierras to escape the atrocities of the cities. They eek out a living from the land. Living close by is a reclusive wizard named Karras. He has taught Lori to talk with the animals. A few years ago, Jon disappeared without a trace. Now Amanda has disappeared only to be rescued from the infernal undead by Ned. So begins Amanda’s family’s enlightenment in the ways of magic. So too begins Amanda’s journey to love with a young mage. While their love is new, somewhat innocent, it is far from chaste even if they do not consummate it for fear of the cost to Ned’s magehood.

When Amanda is kidnapped during a brutal days long battle with infernals, Ned will see betrayal and imprisonment but nothing will deter this young mage from saving his love, not even traveling to another world of evil, bleakness, and despair. Nor will it stop his companions on their own quest to rescue Amanda. The road to success is brutal and costly. The battle is epic. Success though has its rewards.

Marked by Fortune has its wizards, mages, gods and creatures of the unholy. It is full of action and adventure. The characters are well drawn and compelling. The storyline is epic. If there is one downside to the story it is in the fact that Ms. Gimpel has stated there is no planned series. I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good sword and sorcery fantasy. While the sexual content is limited I would still recommend this for a more mature YA or adult reader. Once again, Ms. Gimpel has created a real winner.

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