"Thank you Marianne, you kept me on my toes for sure. This was an epic read, good story, the worldbuilding was so fantastic! Felt like I was in the book from page 1! The ending had me like ….. just why, I want to have more! Tropes: Misfit hero Enemies to lovers(not spicy) Slowburn Hidden talents Good vs evil"
- Charlotte Karlsen, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212816554-the-emperor-soroda-s-might-1
"This is a very special story about not a just a place, but a journey into portals. I found immense pleasure in exploring Marianne's worlds in this book. I often saw myself as Katya in the midst of her insecurities and overcoming. I loved how the secrets were revealed in this intriguing adventure that brings themes of friendship, betrayal, victories and losses. The reading was very enjoyable and I I strongly recommend it."
- Paola Giometti, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212816554-the-emperor-soroda-s-might-1
"I am an avid fantasy reader; when I tell you this is amazing, you better believe me! READ IF YOU LIKE: ✨ morally grey FMC ✨ rivals to lovers ✨ found family ✨ dark magic ✨ YA fantasy ✨ unique worldbuilding This book has one of the most unique worldbuildings I’ve ever read. Since this is a portal fantasy we visit a lot of different worlds and Marianne describes them all perfectly. Katya faces a lot of gruesome creatures which is described with the tiniest details making it easy to picture them in your head while reading. The story captures you from the first pages as Katya is dragged into a dangerous mission. And the excitement doesn’t end there. The book has a lot of twists and turns that keep you locked in through it all! One of the things I like the most about this book is the darkness. Marianne shows all the dark sides of the story and doesn't hide the ugly sides. And this also includes Katya. Of course, every hero is good through and through, right?"
- Rikke Neverdal (norwegian_bookshelf), https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212816554-the-emperor-soroda-s-might-1
"This book follows Katja Belmon, a recruit in the army that has magic. The magic comes from tattoos in the temples and come in different shapes and colors depending on the power. The book was very action filled with a high tempo. Lots of twists and turns. When I tell you that my heart raced from start to finish, I am not kidding! And no one is safe in Mariannes books, I can tell you that! The worldbuilding is unique and amazing! Every bit is explained with little paragraphs in the corner. The chapters are short. The magic system is world class and I wish I had that magic! 5/5⭐️ If you like YA dark/portal fantasy with a little bit of fade to black spice, portal magic, unique worldbuilding, tattoo magic, enemies/rivals to lovers, twists and turns, then these books are for you."
- Hege Anita (books_astherapy), https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212816554-the-emperor-soroda-s-might-1