Annmarie SanSevero · Sci-Fi & Fantasy Author
Marked by Magic :
The Soul Stealers Secret
Clean middle-grade fantasy that stays with you. Explore a world that plumbs family, friendship, courage, and finding your place in the world.
They rejected magic for machines… but now their lives depend on magic coming back.
At Archon Academy, battle rankings earn respect. Even though his father is the national hero, Leif rarely wins a spar—something his tormentor, Terach, never lets him forget. When a glowing rune appears on his wrist, marking him as an Old Magic bearer, Leif becomes a target.
In Vederfiel, inventions are celebrated and Old Magic is forbidden. In fact, it hasn’t been around in 1000 years.
And some people want to keep it that way.
When his father disappears during a mission, Leif realizes he’s the only one who can save him. Joined by his best friend, an unwelcome school nemesis, and a teacher with secrets of his own, Leif sets out to rescue his father.
Hunted by enemies and unsure whom he can trust, Leif must learn to control a power he barely understands while uncovering the secrets buried in Vederfiel’s history. Along the way, he’ll have to decide what kind of hero he wants to become. Because something called the Soul Stealer is coming for Leif’s magic—and for the kingdom he loves.
This time, the one thing that makes Leif different may be the only thing that can save them all.
For Parents, Teachers, and Librarians
Stories You Can Hand to a Young Reader With Confidence
Young people face hard things. Good fiction helps them face those challenges with courage, hope, resilience, and empathy for others. My commitment to you is that my stories will always tackle real questions in a way that builds students up rather than tearing them down. Hand one to a student and rest easy.
The Children in Marked by Magic Are in Every Classroom
Parents & Teachers, you know these children.
- You know the student who is bright but overlooked because their gifts don’t look like everyone else’s. The child who thinks deeply, notices everything, and carries strengths the world does not always reward first.
- You know the student who acts hard because life has been hard. The one who may come across as difficult, defensive, or cruel, while underneath they are carrying pain, fear, or loneliness.
- You know the child caught between loyalties—between parents, households, expectations, or identities—trying to love everyone while feeling torn in half.
- You know the student who has begun to believe they are less valuable because they are not the strongest, fastest, loudest, or most popular.
- You know the child who needs one person to believe in them—for one adult or one friend to truly see them.
Beneath the fantasy adventure, the runes, the danger, and the wonder is a truth students need:
that intelligence is strength, kindness is courage, growth is possible, and being different does not mean being lesser.
Free discussion guides are available, and I'm happy to schedule in-person or Zoom visits with classrooms and libraries, including special events for homeschool groups.
want to be among the first to get my Updates?
Get "How to Be Friends with a Human"
Join my newsletter and get a free short story about two young cryptid penpals: a Fouke Monster who desperately wants a human friend, and a Champy sea monster who advises him on how to approach humans, with hysterical results.
You'll also be first to hear about new stories, appearances, and other shenanigans.