Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.11 AVERAGE
3.11 AVERAGE
Like Twilight. Literally. I'm not writing my review, because all it consists of is a list of Twilight comparisons.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Decent writing, good enough to make me want to immediately pick up the next one, but the second one was such a major disappointment it tainted everything.
Pulled me in from the start. Love the elemental magic. Can't wait to see what more these four can do!
Carrier of the Mark has a really, really great premise. The special powers mentioned in the series sound really cool and I was actually looking forward to how everything unfolded. Unfortunately, the novel is bogged down by grammatical errors, unsound logic and just a bad romance.
Grammatical errors, I can overlook. After all, everyone's human and mistakes do happen. But the logic in this book. For me, I didn't think there was too much of an information dump but the "biology" mentioned in the novel, which is quite a lot, was just way too confusing and frankly, it sounds off.
The romance, what can I say, it was unrealistic, unimaginative and downright cringe-worthy. They have an instant attraction and when he finally admits his feelings, saying how much he wanted to talk to her ever since he laid eyes on her, they fall in love. They also start to kiss a lot, and that is just weird for me. She starts becoming all selfish and just talking about how much she couldn't live without him. It doesn't make sense. And apparently theirs is a forbidden romance too? Spare me.
The only reason I gave an extra star is because I really liked the premise. If the writing shapes up and the romance is written better, I'd think there's still hope for the series.
Grammatical errors, I can overlook. After all, everyone's human and mistakes do happen. But the logic in this book. For me, I didn't think there was too much of an information dump but the "biology" mentioned in the novel, which is quite a lot, was just way too confusing and frankly, it sounds off.
The romance, what can I say, it was unrealistic, unimaginative and downright cringe-worthy. They have an instant attraction and when he finally admits his feelings, saying how much he wanted to talk to her ever since he laid eyes on her, they fall in love. They also start to kiss a lot, and that is just weird for me. She starts becoming all selfish and just talking about how much she couldn't live without him. It doesn't make sense. And apparently theirs is a forbidden romance too? Spare me.
The only reason I gave an extra star is because I really liked the premise. If the writing shapes up and the romance is written better, I'd think there's still hope for the series.
“Maybe I picked the wrong brother.” He grabbed me and pushed me up against a tree, “Oh, I have ways of convincing you that you chose right.”
Well, what can I say. I was so excited when I received this for review, and I loved it. This is Leigh Fallon's first novel, and she's done a wonderful job. I'd read mixed reviews about this book but I wanted to read it all the same.
The setting of this book was great, so fresh to have a book set somewhere else other than the U.S. Ireland is beautiful and Leigh Fallon has done it justice. All the characters were wonderful. Completely likeable; especially Megan. She's very strong and when she finds out certain things about herself she takes it, and is excited about it. To be different, to be unique, and it's a wonderful change to some of the YA novels that I've read where the heroine doesn't want a certain power, doesn't want a certain thing. Megan took it all and liked it. Megan meets new friends, and all these friends are completely wonderful! And do you know what else was nice and refreshing? The hero. That's right Adam DeRis who is completely passionate and strives to be with Megan, to want to be with her, he doesn't follow her around but it's nice to finally see a hero wanting to be with the girl from the beginning instead of the other way around.
After the first few chapters, Carrier of the Mark gets a little 'Twilight-esque', girl moves to a new town (country), girl goes to a new school, boy and girl are drawn to each other even though they shouldn't be, girl meets boys family, girl gets kidnapped (unwilling unlike Bella), boy comes to the rescue etc...all of these similarities are in there but you can easily look past it because it's written so well that you forget about it and remember that this is Megan and Adam's story, not Edward and Bella's. The love that unfolds between Megan and Adam is a slow process at first, but then speeds up pretty quickly after an eventful night on Halloween which leads to the first kiss. As their love grows, the lore of the Carriers, the Order, the Knox all come into play and ultimately test the love of Adam and Megan, both whom are still determined to be together no matter what the Order says or how their 'powers' are affected.
The mythology created in this book is great. I love anything to do with the elements of the world, Earth, Fire, Water and Air. And seeing all of this come to life in the book was extremely fascinating. Watching how Adam's power grows the closer he and Megan get, how Megan manages to control her power; and watching Adam's brother and sisters power unfold as well was beautiful. It's all a little confusing at first, with the legend of the Carriers, the Order, the Sidhe (spirit guide), it's a lot of information to take in and I felt I was a little in way over my head, but after a while I managed to focus on the legends and it all became pretty simple. That's pretty much the only gripe I had with that, a lot of info all at once.
Other than that, Carrier of Mark was a wonderful, quick and interesting read. I look forward to reading the sequel to get more Adam (God he's hot). Total s*x pot.
Anyyywayyy, thank you to HarperCollins for allowing me to review this :) (I'm sorry if this review is pants)
Well, what can I say. I was so excited when I received this for review, and I loved it. This is Leigh Fallon's first novel, and she's done a wonderful job. I'd read mixed reviews about this book but I wanted to read it all the same.
The setting of this book was great, so fresh to have a book set somewhere else other than the U.S. Ireland is beautiful and Leigh Fallon has done it justice. All the characters were wonderful. Completely likeable; especially Megan. She's very strong and when she finds out certain things about herself she takes it, and is excited about it. To be different, to be unique, and it's a wonderful change to some of the YA novels that I've read where the heroine doesn't want a certain power, doesn't want a certain thing. Megan took it all and liked it. Megan meets new friends, and all these friends are completely wonderful! And do you know what else was nice and refreshing? The hero. That's right Adam DeRis who is completely passionate and strives to be with Megan, to want to be with her, he doesn't follow her around but it's nice to finally see a hero wanting to be with the girl from the beginning instead of the other way around.
After the first few chapters, Carrier of the Mark gets a little 'Twilight-esque', girl moves to a new town (country), girl goes to a new school, boy and girl are drawn to each other even though they shouldn't be, girl meets boys family, girl gets kidnapped (unwilling unlike Bella), boy comes to the rescue etc...all of these similarities are in there but you can easily look past it because it's written so well that you forget about it and remember that this is Megan and Adam's story, not Edward and Bella's. The love that unfolds between Megan and Adam is a slow process at first, but then speeds up pretty quickly after an eventful night on Halloween which leads to the first kiss. As their love grows, the lore of the Carriers, the Order, the Knox all come into play and ultimately test the love of Adam and Megan, both whom are still determined to be together no matter what the Order says or how their 'powers' are affected.
The mythology created in this book is great. I love anything to do with the elements of the world, Earth, Fire, Water and Air. And seeing all of this come to life in the book was extremely fascinating. Watching how Adam's power grows the closer he and Megan get, how Megan manages to control her power; and watching Adam's brother and sisters power unfold as well was beautiful. It's all a little confusing at first, with the legend of the Carriers, the Order, the Sidhe (spirit guide), it's a lot of information to take in and I felt I was a little in way over my head, but after a while I managed to focus on the legends and it all became pretty simple. That's pretty much the only gripe I had with that, a lot of info all at once.
Other than that, Carrier of Mark was a wonderful, quick and interesting read. I look forward to reading the sequel to get more Adam (God he's hot). Total s*x pot.
Anyyywayyy, thank you to HarperCollins for allowing me to review this :) (I'm sorry if this review is pants)
When I first saw Carrier Of The Mark I prayed it would prove to be an interesting change from the Vampire and Angel paranormal romances dominating young adult fiction at the moment. For the most part, my prayers were answered. The story's setting is certainly different - It is mostly set in a small town in Ireland. Sadly, other than the standout character of Aine, who adds some much needed depth to the story - most of the book's characters, while enjoyable, lack any real substance or change to the characters we've seen before. The plot does offer a slight change to the other paranormals but not a whole lot. It does offer an exciting setup for book two and I can only hope that it doesn't turn into your run-of-the-mill, love triangle filled pulp. Despite it's seen-them-before characters and basic plot, I found myself enjoying this book, I was certainly happy to find a book that did not revolve around Vamps or Angels.
This was a really enjoyable read. I liked how the elements were written into this story. It was really interesting. Very enjoyable.
Carrier of the Mark was a fast-paced and easy read. The plot and characters pulled me in. The book is based in Ireland, which added to why I was pulled in because Ireland is a place on my bucket list to visit. The writing was detailed and I felt I was right there with the characters, so I guess in a way I can pretend I have already visited Ireland (I wish!).
The plot surrounds the idea of four people being Marked with the ability to evoke the four elements: earth, fire, wind, water...(Did anyone else just start singing the theme to Captain Planet in their head?!?!). If these four people were to come together with their powers, they could create harmony. Of course, with all good books, there has to be difficulties and revelations.
A third item that pulled me into the story was the history and mythology that the book revolves around. And even if you are not big into these aspects and know little about Ireland, Fallon does an amazing job of explaining the highlights so you don't seem in the dark.
Now on to the characters themselves. The main character and female protagonist is Megan. Being moved to Ireland from the United States because of her dad's job, Megan must begin a new life. She is used to this though. She quickly begins to fit in and make friends. Megan is very strong willed. She can be selfish at times (not necessarily a bad thing in her case). She doesn't make hasty decisions and looks at all the sides and possible outcomes of situations. She can be emotional at times, but never in a whiny way. Adam is the main male character in the book. When first meeting him, he seems standoffish with a dark nature. You actually find out that there may be more to him. He has a very protective nature when it comes to those he loves. Over the book, the relationships that built between the characters felt very real.
Overall, I really enjoyed the mystery, action, and romance that flowed together to create this book. Can't wait to read the next!
The plot surrounds the idea of four people being Marked with the ability to evoke the four elements: earth, fire, wind, water...(Did anyone else just start singing the theme to Captain Planet in their head?!?!). If these four people were to come together with their powers, they could create harmony. Of course, with all good books, there has to be difficulties and revelations.
A third item that pulled me into the story was the history and mythology that the book revolves around. And even if you are not big into these aspects and know little about Ireland, Fallon does an amazing job of explaining the highlights so you don't seem in the dark.
Now on to the characters themselves. The main character and female protagonist is Megan. Being moved to Ireland from the United States because of her dad's job, Megan must begin a new life. She is used to this though. She quickly begins to fit in and make friends. Megan is very strong willed. She can be selfish at times (not necessarily a bad thing in her case). She doesn't make hasty decisions and looks at all the sides and possible outcomes of situations. She can be emotional at times, but never in a whiny way. Adam is the main male character in the book. When first meeting him, he seems standoffish with a dark nature. You actually find out that there may be more to him. He has a very protective nature when it comes to those he loves. Over the book, the relationships that built between the characters felt very real.
Overall, I really enjoyed the mystery, action, and romance that flowed together to create this book. Can't wait to read the next!
I really hate giving up on books. It feels like I failed or something, but this...this was bad.
Usually, I can read a book if the plot line is shaky and the characters are awesome. Now, if it's vice versa I'm more borderline. I read 60% for the characters and 40% for the plot basically.
Carrier of the Mark had me interested in the characters for less than thirty pages, and I could already tell the plot line would be stupid. Alas, I dredged on...
I made it until page 82. Then, after feeling guilty, I opened it up in the middle and tried to give it a chance, but nothing. The characters were too weak and the plot line...might've actually been okay with different characters, I'll give it that.
I can't recommend this book, but hey, if you like it, congratulations!
Usually, I can read a book if the plot line is shaky and the characters are awesome. Now, if it's vice versa I'm more borderline. I read 60% for the characters and 40% for the plot basically.
Carrier of the Mark had me interested in the characters for less than thirty pages, and I could already tell the plot line would be stupid. Alas, I dredged on...
I made it until page 82. Then, after feeling guilty, I opened it up in the middle and tried to give it a chance, but nothing. The characters were too weak and the plot line...might've actually been okay with different characters, I'll give it that.
I can't recommend this book, but hey, if you like it, congratulations!
I quit this book early because the main character struck me as a little crazy. She barely had spoken with this guy at school and most of her contact with him has been through eye contact only. Literally knows nothing about this guy, yet she calls other girls "bitches" because they happen to be seen with him at school. Also, I want to point out that this "bitch" was his twin sister... Need I say more? 🙄