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Bloody Bookaholic's Commandment:

Thou Shall Read Till Thy Eyes Bleed

Saturday 17 May 2014

Review: The Mark by Jen Nadol


Title: The Mark
Series: I don't know
Book #: 1
Author: Jen Nadol
Pages: 240
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating: .7
Goodreads Rating: 3.50
Published: Jan. 19, 2009
by Bloomsbury USA Children's Books

"If you knew it was someone's last day, would you tell?"

Sixteen-year-old Cassandra Renfield has always seen the mark—a light glow reminiscent of candlelight. The only time she pointed it out taught her she shouldn’t do it again. For years, the mark has followed Cassie, its rare appearances odd, but insignificant. Until the day she watches a man die. As she revisits each occurrence of the mark, Cassie realizes she can see a person’s imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.

Now armed with a slight understanding of the mark, Cassie begins to search for it. Even as she hides her secret, Cassie mines her philosophy class, her memories, and even her new boyfriend for answers about the faint glowing mark. But many questions remain. How does it work? Why her? And finally, the most important of all: If you know today is someone’s last, should you tell them?

Taschima:

While short on pages 'The Mark' can be quite a ride.

Cassie has had the mark since she was little, but only recently did she know what it truly meant. People with the mark die on the same day it appears. With all this pressure and questions that seem to have no answer, Cassie escapes from her life to the little town where she was born. She is there looking for answers, but will she only find more questions?

When I started the book I didn't know what to expect. I basically picked it up because it was short. Which is something that I still don't know if it worked to its advantage or not.

The main character, Cassie, is a very likable girl. Though confused at parts, I found myself agreeing with her on various points trough the novel. This is good. A likable character is something you want on your debut novel.

The plot was solid. I liked it. The author really makes you think, she puts you right into Cassie's shoes. I often went back and forward on my opinions in the whole thing. It would be so awful if it really were me. Knowing the ones close to you are about to die? Should you or should you not help them? Is it fate that this should happen? Do you choose fate or free will?

Romantically I am happy with the outcome. It isn't like other YA novels, were the girl falls in love with the guy and they live happily ever after This is also a sad part of the story, that there isn't a strong relationship that can help our girl on tough times. Oh and her family. I like Nan, but didn't like her aunt. I specially didn't like how she could be an aunt sometimes and sometimes she wasn't.

There were some holes in the story, things that could have been better in the outer and inner structure. Like something related to Cassie's 'age'. But I don't want to give it out. And well, when often the character referred to the past I found myself completely lost. I didn't know if we were on the past or present. To say confusing was a given.

I gave this book a 3.7 rating because even though confusing at times and with the holes, I thought the plot and the character have a future. I hope the writer continues with this story, because there is plenty of material to explore.

19 comments:

  1. This sounds good even with the confusion and holes. :) I always like to see a series grow as it progresses. Also, I giggled at your typo of "The Nark" hehe.

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  2. Hmm interesting. Am still looking forward to reading this one. Thanks for the honest review!

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  3. HMM great review, this is one that I really am looking foward to reading - but I loved your honest take! :)

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  4. I feel like I totally need a book lately that is short on pages. I've been reading mostly HUGE blocks lately!
    Especially since it has a solid plot.
    What an interesting thing - to get to potentially CHOOSE between fate and free will. It's kind of a creepy thought.

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  5. I love how you are honest with your reviews. Thanks for the opinions! I think I'll still give this book a try, if I ever get a change to buy it.... stupid AP Bio homework.....

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  6. @readingaddict OMG I am doing AP Bio HW too!! It's such a pain!

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  7. Ooh, nice review!

    I really, really want to read The Mark :)

    *covers ears* ARGHH AP BIO HOMEWORK!! I am drowning in it right now. Yuck yuck yuck. :(

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  8. Yay! I like the romance part! I hate sad endings, they're unbearable!

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  9. There are people who understand my AP Bio nightmare in the blogging community! I'm so happy!

    Hey girls who take AP Bio, do you guys use MSN?

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  10. Great review!

    Sometimes I pick up my next book depending on the number of pages! I'll just say, "eh, which ever is shortest" or longest, depending on my mood. :)

    I'm looking forward to reading The Mark. I've had it on my list for a while. :)

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  11. hey!!! I've given you an award too!:P

    http://bookwormbarista.blogspot.com/2009/12/and-award-goes-to-me.html

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  12. I head this was supposed to be great. mm maybe I will rethink this. Maybe not. Great review....Isnt the cover amazing?

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  13. I can't wait to read this book. The plot sounds really unique and I'm glad the Cassie is a likable character. I hope I'm not disappointed with it.

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  14. I've heard of similar plots over the years but this still sounds really neat. I just love that cover!

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  15. Great honest review. I'm not sure if I'm going to read this or not..

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  16. Great Review!:) I heard so much about this book, can't wait until it comes out!

    http://fantasysink.blogspot.com/

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  17. I almost preordered this book and thought twice after seeing some mixed reviews. I'll definitely read it, but I may not buy it.

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  18. Great review! I can't wait till I read it. But, it's sad that the romantic part doesn't end all too happily.

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