In a world where magic flows like veins beneath the earth, connecting ancient nexuses of unimaginable power, a reluctant young man is thrust into a destiny he never asked for. Ryx Alden thought his life would amount to little more than repairing wagons and avoiding trouble. But when a mysterious golden Mark appears on his hand, his world shatters. Chased by the ruthless Order, a cult determined to seize the core’s ancient magic, Ryx finds himself on the run with Tessa, a sharp-tongued rebel carrying secrets as heavy as her blade.
As Ryx struggles to control the Mark’s immense power, the pair uncovers the sinister truth behind the nexuses and their link to the world's fragile balance. From cursed forests to crumbling temples, and from shadowed towns to the menacing Obsidian Spire, Ryx must navigate a world teetering on the brink of chaos. With every step, he discovers that the Mark is more than a burden: it’s a key to a power that could destroy or save everything.
But the deeper Ryx dives into this ancient magic, the more he questions: was he chosen for the Mark, or cursed by it? And can he sever the Order’s grasp on the core without losing himself in the process?
Packed with sharp humor, relentless action, and a darkly magical atmosphere, The Golden Mark weaves an epic tale of reluctant heroism, ancient secrets, and the thin line between power and control. Perfect for fans of Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, and Leigh Bardugo, this novel will pull you into a world where even the smallest decisions can shape the fate of magic itself.