Markless

Gr 8 Up–Ruti is the most powerful witch in Somanchi, and this is probably the only reason she has survived. She is Markless: she lacks the palm marking that gives the higher class their magic. Markless live in the brutal slums, abandoned by their families. Dekala is royalty, with a powerfully magic mark. Her parents died when she was young, and now her uncle wishes to see her wed. When she finds her match, their marks will bond, making their magic even stronger. But Dekala has no interest in bonding with another and moving to his kingdom. She is ready to take the throne that her father once held. When Dekala and Ruti collide, they are instantly at odds. But Dekala needs Ruti to use her magic to stop the bonding, and Ruti needs Dekala to escape punishment. The two set out on a quest, and along the way, Ruti discovers a growing attraction to Dekala. Just when Dekala seems to share her feelings, one obstacle after another pushes a wedge between them. Ultimately, Ruti finds herself fighting for the survival of her fellow Markless and hoping that Dekala sees their time together as more than just a dalliance. This fantasy world is full of love, magic, betrayal, and pirates. Relationships that are not quite what they seem keep the story from falling into predictability.