Book: The Mark by Jen Nadol
Release date: January 19, 2010
Publisher: Bloomsbury
From: Publisher
Summary:
Cassandra Renfield has always seen the mark—a glow around certain people reminiscent of candlelight. But the one time she mentioned it, it was dismissed as a trick of the light. Until the day she watches a man awash in the mark die. After searching her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person’s imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.
Armed with a vague understanding of the light, Cassie begins to explore her “gift,” seeking those marked for death and probing the line between decision and destiny. Though she’s careful to hide her secret—even from her new philosophy-obsessed boyfriend—with each impending death comes the temptation to test fate. But so many questions remain. How does the mark work? Why is she the only one who sees it? And finally, the most important of all: If you know today is someone’s last, should you tell them?
The Mark is about Cassandra Renfield and her ability to see a mark on a person who is about to die. Cassie has seen the mark for most of her life but has only just recently figured out what it means. With this new knowledge, she is torn. Do you tell someone that they are going to die and let them either, try to save their own life or live out their last hours peacefully, or do you let fate run its course?
Cassie’s ability was a new one that hasn’t been overdone in other books. Her dilemma is also a new one and one that I found myself thinking about long after I finished the book. Cassie doesn’t think she should mess with fate but what if it’s her destiny? And what if it’s someone she cares about? How can she let them die knowing that she could have saved them?
Cassie was a great character. She was a strong girl and she wasn’t obnoxious. This ability of hers made life difficult for her but she didn’t whine and complain about it. She tried her best to figure out what she is supposed to do with her gift(or curse?) and she tried everything, no matter how hard it was for her.
Overall, The Mark was a wonderful debut from Jen Nadol and I look forward to more from her, especially more about Cassie. If you haven’t already read this one, add it to your TBR list (or pile, in my case). =]
Writing: 9/10
Characters: 9/10
Plot: 9/10
Ending: 9/10
Originality: 10/10
Overall: 46/50=A-
Cover: 9/10=A-
I’ve wanted to read this book since the moment I heard of the strange gift the main character has. Your review made me wants to read this book even more!
Great review – I’m really going to have to read this one :o)
Great review. I liked this one too. I was also surprised. I read a mediocre review so I did not know what to expect. Happy Reading.
Thanks, I’m requesting this from my library.
Fantastic review. I also thoroughly enjoyed The Mark and had a lot of the same feelings as you about it.
I have 2 start this one! so far i’ve seen good reviews 😀
Don’t you just love it when books are better than you expected? 😉