In the Fade: A New Adult Fantasy with Romance (Magic Fade)

Maslyn Nirtav thought to enter the world and take it by storm. She never planned for the removal of her powers. She never planned to be the weakest link. Her enrollment at the prestigious Mulik Academy should have been her first step toward the future she dreamed of. Instead, she finds herself in a world harsher and stranger than she planned for, struggling with the loss of her identity and the weight of her father's unspoken truths.

Bullied, doubted, and haunted by a near-abduction she can't talk about, Maslyn is determined to prove her worth. When she accidentally creates a new Tamil—a word of power used in her branch of spell craft—she becomes the center of attention in ways that could cost her everything. Now, nobles, scholars, and even the Emperor have their eyes on her. Without her real power, she'll have no way to keep her father's secrets; secrets she's learning might mean keeping an entire culture safe. And all this is made more difficult by a budding romance with a prince. A prince she was forbidden from interacting with, whose curiosity could expose her and the tiny village where she grew up.

As Blooded students vanish across Siela, Maslyn works to uncover ties between the missing, the ancient Suerza demons, and the forbidden truths buried in her past. The deeper she digs, the more she questions what kind of legacy she carries—and whether her stolen power is something she even wants returned.

IN THE FADE is a coming-of-age fantasy about rediscovering power, navigating trust, and facing what hides beneath history's polished surface. Full of sharp training scenes, slow-burn romance, and whispers of something more, it's the perfect read for fans of Throne of Glass, The Scholomance, and An Ember in the Ashes.


“Such a good slow burn of mystery, thrill and emotions. This world is so intriguing with hidden layers.”

“Martens's ability to craft thought-provoking moments is evident throughout, and the quote "You will survive this. You will learn your purpose" resonated deeply with me. I really enjoyed the journey this book took me on. "In the Fade" is a must-read for fans of magical adventures and I’m excited for the next book in the series.”

“C.M. Martens’ design of a young main character who bravely pushes forward to find her place in an unfamiliar setting after undergoing a traumatizing moment is thoughtful. Equally, the protagonist endeavors to turn fearful emotions into motivations for a much-needed self-discovery. In addition, restoration of shattered aptitudes is a worthy stimulant to hundreds of YA fantasy enthusiasts who may find themselves isolated and feeling inadequate in the face of severe and intense concerns. Numerous adrenalizing moments in the text will throw readers into a fantasy world with very many hidden layers, that create unforgettable and awe-inspiring memories…”