A literary coming-of-age novel set at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Gary Hale is built to vanish—but when a prank goes sideways, he’s pulled into a knot of loyalty, betrayal, and friendship that forces him to choose between the version of himself the Academy demands and the one he’s trying to become.
Anne Keene is the author of The Mark, a literary coming-of-age novel set inside the U.S. Naval Academy. Her work explores emotional restraint, institutional pressure, and the quiet cost of becoming visible. When she’s not writing, she’s chasing down better coffee and the next half-formed idea worth getting lost in.
Curious what comes next?
Visit patreon.com/BuilttoVanish to explore the Gary-Verse, get exclusive content like early looks at The Mark’s companion trilogy (Built to Vanish), and follow along as Book Two makes its way into the world.
Anne Keene is the author of The Mark, a literary coming-of-age novel set inside the U.S. Naval Academy. Her work explores emotional restraint, institutional pressure, and the quiet cost of becoming visible. When she’s not writing, she’s chasing down better coffee and the next half-formed idea worth getting lost in.
Curious what comes next?
Visit patreon.com/BuilttoVanish to explore the Gary-Verse, get exclusive content like early looks at The Mark’s companion trilogy (Built to Vanish), and follow along as Book Two makes its way into the world.
