The Mark Review

Author: Jen Nadol

Release Date: January 19, 2010

Pages: 228 (ARC)

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books

Most Appropriate For Ages: 14+

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?

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This is one of those "I read it in one day!" type of books. (Even though I obviously didn't, but I would've loved to.)

The plot is simple. It doesn't have any action, but has lots of twists-and-turns about the mark and why Cassie sees it. It was a beautiful, thought-provoking book about choices, philosophy, and destiny. It's original, too, which gets The Mark bonus points in the book of Jessica.

I never felt like Cassie had a ton of personality. She seemed kind of 2-dimensional and I never fully connected with her, but I definitely did not dislike her. Lucas was a cool guy, but I wish the book had included more of Jack, Cassie's maybe-a-little-more-than-a-friend friend, because he seemed like a good character too. And another side character, Petra, was just too cool

The writing was great! I don't think I would've guessed that this was Jen Nadol's debut novel if I hadn't already known. She writes with such detail, and she's just a fantastic storyteller.

I loved the ending. It wrapped everything up perfectly. And, because of that, I'm doubtful that there will be a sequel, but am looking forward to whatever Jen Nadol puts out next. I can already tell that The Mark is a book that will leave me thinking about it for weeks, at least.

This is one of the 7 books that are being offered in my 200 Followers Shin-Dig! Go enter now, because since I've just reached my newest goal of 350 followers, there will now be 5 winners! (I'm thinking about what my next goal will be right now, but I'll let you know when I've decided what my next move will be.)

Oh, and don't forget to stop by tomorrow to check out my interview with the author of The Mark, Jen Nadol.