The Shape of Magic
Joining the Alma University for the Study and Advancement of Theoretical Magic is all that Volta ever wanted, but could never hope for. Until the day that random chance made her a royal ward.
Along with her two best friends she learned how magic shapes her world, and even practiced a few ways of bending it to her will. A life of opportunities, of promised knowledge and gifted purpose. But not without a cost.
When the royal family unexpectedly visits the school, just as rumours of war start spreading, her entire world is turned upside down.
Will she have to serve in a war that she is not ready for? And why does she doubt the ones that claim they want to prevent it? Volta and her friends are faced with a political conspiracy as well as discovering the secrets of the university itself - but who can they trust?
The Shape of Magic is Marco's debut novel, coming out in Summer 2026.
(temporary cover)
Testimonials from beta readers
I keep trying to open it back up and read another chapter, but there's no other chapter. Big sad. No more book. 😢
L.
I do wonder if you've written poetry before? Your prose is the strongest aspect of this book so far. It's fantastic.
S.
I really enjoy reading the magic sections and learning the laws of magic in this world. It’s always interesting and makes the world feel immersive and well thought out.
L.
This is such a wonderful story. I enjoyed the characters, the setting, the creatures and the magic.
K.
Let me tell you this is the best thing I have read in a while and I'm so captivated by the story and how amazingly you have written it, not once did I ever get bored when reading it, I even forgot when I was reading into a different chapter, that is how good this really is.
Y.
Deeply magical, and magically written, with secrets and wholesome friendships that all come together to question power structures while remaining accessible to younger readers.
B.