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3.11 AVERAGE
3.11 AVERAGE
This book was ok. I really didn't like the dependency of the herione for the hero. It seemed she was all independent one moment, then changed the next. I never really understood how people can do that. I understand the love, however, she seemed like a girl who was mature for her age. I like Caitlyn and Aine, they seemed like normal teenage girls going through normal life problems.
Being a huge fan of elemental magic, Carrier of the Mark won my heart. It may not be obvious in the premise but little by little Carrier of the Mark sank into me. It was a totally engrossing read and never did I think that I’ll finish it in one sitting.
I totally loved Fallon’s fresh idea of elemental magic. She even combined it with Irish mythology that really set the world of Carrier of the Mark apart from other paranormal books. Though in the beginning, elemental magic remained a mystery, Fallon gradually threw the needed answers every turn of page. There weren’t any dull moments in this book. Everything was detailed and captivating. Fallon really knew how to draw a reader’s attention.
Fallon also captivated me with her style of writing. It wasn’t flowery but smooth and quick. Even as a debut author, she didn’t show simplicity when it comes to twists and turns because every once in a while there were moments that were unpredictable and left me thinking.
Almost all the characters in the story left a mark in me. I admired Megan’s character for showing developments in terms of being strong and fearless. She willed herself to protect her love for Adam from anything that could go their way. The other characters as well like Adam, Áine, and Rían also were likable. I liked how Fallon gave them elemental powers that really suited their attitudes.
Brace yourself for Carrier of the Mark. Leigh Fallon gave me an enchanting story yet so mysterious which slowly unfolds with every turn of page. Thus, this magical, romantic page-turner left me breathless for wanting more of this compelling, ambitious story.
This review originally appears at Mr. Book Wonder.
I totally loved Fallon’s fresh idea of elemental magic. She even combined it with Irish mythology that really set the world of Carrier of the Mark apart from other paranormal books. Though in the beginning, elemental magic remained a mystery, Fallon gradually threw the needed answers every turn of page. There weren’t any dull moments in this book. Everything was detailed and captivating. Fallon really knew how to draw a reader’s attention.
Fallon also captivated me with her style of writing. It wasn’t flowery but smooth and quick. Even as a debut author, she didn’t show simplicity when it comes to twists and turns because every once in a while there were moments that were unpredictable and left me thinking.
Almost all the characters in the story left a mark in me. I admired Megan’s character for showing developments in terms of being strong and fearless. She willed herself to protect her love for Adam from anything that could go their way. The other characters as well like Adam, Áine, and Rían also were likable. I liked how Fallon gave them elemental powers that really suited their attitudes.
Brace yourself for Carrier of the Mark. Leigh Fallon gave me an enchanting story yet so mysterious which slowly unfolds with every turn of page. Thus, this magical, romantic page-turner left me breathless for wanting more of this compelling, ambitious story.
This review originally appears at Mr. Book Wonder.
Megan is, once again, the new girl. She just moved with her father to Kinsale, Ireland, and hopes that for once she might stay a full year in one place. She very quickly makes new friends who warn her to stay away from the DeRíses. According to town gossip, there has always been something strange about that family, and their name is commonly associated with witchcraft and magic. Despite these warnings, Megan cannot help but feel attracted to Adam, one of the three DeRís children. He however, seems to do everything possible to avoid her.
Up to this point, the story feels like yet another version of Twilight. The mysterious Adam comes complete with a very friendly twin sister, and a moody older brother who both look down on Adam’s obvious attraction to Megan. The similarities become even more apparent when Megan is alerted to Adam’s powers because he is forced to use them to save her life. Finally admitting that they are both inexplicably drawn to each other, the two become a couple, and Adam shows Megan the secrets of his family. Familiar as all this may sound, the story now manages to take on its own form.
Megan, it turns out, has the same powers as Adam and his siblings. She is Marked. According to legend, the Celtic goddess Danu created Marked human children with powers over the elements. Normally, they were supposed to work together to achieve balance and harmony in nature, but being human, they fought amongst themselves. Disgusted at their weakness, the Goddess left the world, and separated the four elements until the time when the Marked could cooperate and unite in a ceremony called alignment. So far, no four marked have ever succeeded. Adam controls Water, his sister Áine controls Earth, their brother Rían controls Fire and now, with Megan controlling Air, they hope she will join them in alignment.
Many obstacles, however, stand in their way. Firstly, Megan must learn to use and control her new powers. Secondly, there is an evil organization, called the Knox, that will do anything to prevent an alignment. Finally, the Order of the Mark, and organization that is supposed to protect the four Marks, has ordered Adam and Megan to end their relationship. They believe, because of old myths, that such a strong connection between two of the elements would create chaos. Megan must now choose between her new powers and Adam.
The basis of the story is both new and interesting, but there are times when too much information about this world seem to be stuffed in, making everything more complicated than necessary. For example, the explanation of how the Marked bloodline works is extremely confusing. It involves recessive genes that are sometimes activated after someones birth, but only if they are male. Women who are marked must be paired with a man from a bloodline that has that recessive gene in order to ensure that their children carry the gene, but even then the Mark can skip generations. Overall, it’s a complicating mess that even after reading several times, I still don’t understand.
There are also many transitions that happen a bit too quickly. Adam avoids Megan for the first few chapters, and then suddenly comes to her, admits that he is drawn to her, and then becomes the loving boyfriend. Rían is suspicious of Megan, is angry at Adam from bringing her to their house, but then suddenly agrees to teach her how to use her powers. Everything makes sense, but many changes are abrupt.
Overall, the good of this story outweighs the bad. The Irish setting is well incorporated into the story, what with all their magic stemming from Celtic legend, and gives it a different feel than many other fantasy novels. The characters are very lovable, and the constant bickering between the DeRís siblings is both hilarious (especially when magic is involved) and believable. Megan is also easy to connect with, especially since she keeps in touch her normal human friends even as her whole world is changing around her. This is a very fun book that manages to balance magic with the humanity of the characters. Since the ending doesn’t truly resolve the problem of Megan and Adam’s relationship, it’s hoped that there will be a sequel coming soon.
Up to this point, the story feels like yet another version of Twilight. The mysterious Adam comes complete with a very friendly twin sister, and a moody older brother who both look down on Adam’s obvious attraction to Megan. The similarities become even more apparent when Megan is alerted to Adam’s powers because he is forced to use them to save her life. Finally admitting that they are both inexplicably drawn to each other, the two become a couple, and Adam shows Megan the secrets of his family. Familiar as all this may sound, the story now manages to take on its own form.
Megan, it turns out, has the same powers as Adam and his siblings. She is Marked. According to legend, the Celtic goddess Danu created Marked human children with powers over the elements. Normally, they were supposed to work together to achieve balance and harmony in nature, but being human, they fought amongst themselves. Disgusted at their weakness, the Goddess left the world, and separated the four elements until the time when the Marked could cooperate and unite in a ceremony called alignment. So far, no four marked have ever succeeded. Adam controls Water, his sister Áine controls Earth, their brother Rían controls Fire and now, with Megan controlling Air, they hope she will join them in alignment.
Many obstacles, however, stand in their way. Firstly, Megan must learn to use and control her new powers. Secondly, there is an evil organization, called the Knox, that will do anything to prevent an alignment. Finally, the Order of the Mark, and organization that is supposed to protect the four Marks, has ordered Adam and Megan to end their relationship. They believe, because of old myths, that such a strong connection between two of the elements would create chaos. Megan must now choose between her new powers and Adam.
The basis of the story is both new and interesting, but there are times when too much information about this world seem to be stuffed in, making everything more complicated than necessary. For example, the explanation of how the Marked bloodline works is extremely confusing. It involves recessive genes that are sometimes activated after someones birth, but only if they are male. Women who are marked must be paired with a man from a bloodline that has that recessive gene in order to ensure that their children carry the gene, but even then the Mark can skip generations. Overall, it’s a complicating mess that even after reading several times, I still don’t understand.
There are also many transitions that happen a bit too quickly. Adam avoids Megan for the first few chapters, and then suddenly comes to her, admits that he is drawn to her, and then becomes the loving boyfriend. Rían is suspicious of Megan, is angry at Adam from bringing her to their house, but then suddenly agrees to teach her how to use her powers. Everything makes sense, but many changes are abrupt.
Overall, the good of this story outweighs the bad. The Irish setting is well incorporated into the story, what with all their magic stemming from Celtic legend, and gives it a different feel than many other fantasy novels. The characters are very lovable, and the constant bickering between the DeRís siblings is both hilarious (especially when magic is involved) and believable. Megan is also easy to connect with, especially since she keeps in touch her normal human friends even as her whole world is changing around her. This is a very fun book that manages to balance magic with the humanity of the characters. Since the ending doesn’t truly resolve the problem of Megan and Adam’s relationship, it’s hoped that there will be a sequel coming soon.
I started Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon with not a little trepidation, mostly assuming that I'd totally dislike it. Misty at The Book Rat's review covers all the ways the book mimics Twilight, and I think I've already proven I have zero tolerance for that. That being said - I ended up getting much more into the story than I expected!
First off. Hell yes, the beginning of the book is basically Twilight set in Ireland. Every single thing about it is a straight up imitation and I was about to die of shock that the book had been published. Then things changed.
Once the plot really gets going, all (well, most) of the Twilightness disappeared for me. Megan Rosenburg finds out that she is part of a mythological world she knew nothing about. She is eager to embrace the power she is discovering - until she learns it might be at the expense of her growing relationship with Adam. I am definitely not a fan of girls giving up their lives for a boy - but come on folks, we're dealing with teenagers here. Angst is a given. Unfortunately, insta-love is also usually a given, and this book is no exception. The entire book is so dramatic though, that the intensity of Adam and Megan's relationship in no way stands out.
The magical system is very easy to get interested in - and the characters quickly grew on me once we got past the book's unfortunate beginning. If you find yourself wanting to throw the book against the wall when first starting, I highly recommend you keep going.
Also, involved father alert! I love love when YA books don't just sweep the parentals under the rug as dead weight.
So - the book is certainly not one that I feel the need to immediately rush out and buy to have on my shelves, nor is it one I'd mention to people asking me for recommendations - but if you have a copy or think the plot sounds intriguing, pick it up! The story is easy to get lost in and is definitely worth the few hours it will take you to read.
First off. Hell yes, the beginning of the book is basically Twilight set in Ireland. Every single thing about it is a straight up imitation and I was about to die of shock that the book had been published. Then things changed.
Once the plot really gets going, all (well, most) of the Twilightness disappeared for me. Megan Rosenburg finds out that she is part of a mythological world she knew nothing about. She is eager to embrace the power she is discovering - until she learns it might be at the expense of her growing relationship with Adam. I am definitely not a fan of girls giving up their lives for a boy - but come on folks, we're dealing with teenagers here. Angst is a given. Unfortunately, insta-love is also usually a given, and this book is no exception. The entire book is so dramatic though, that the intensity of Adam and Megan's relationship in no way stands out.
The magical system is very easy to get interested in - and the characters quickly grew on me once we got past the book's unfortunate beginning. If you find yourself wanting to throw the book against the wall when first starting, I highly recommend you keep going.
Also, involved father alert! I love love when YA books don't just sweep the parentals under the rug as dead weight.
So - the book is certainly not one that I feel the need to immediately rush out and buy to have on my shelves, nor is it one I'd mention to people asking me for recommendations - but if you have a copy or think the plot sounds intriguing, pick it up! The story is easy to get lost in and is definitely worth the few hours it will take you to read.
One of the first things that grabbed me about this book was the beautiful cover. That alone was enough to intrigue me about what it would be about. As I started to read I became more intrigued. I loved not knowing exactly what was going on in the beginning. I always like when everything seems to be in the air and then it all comes together.
The characters were awesome! I enjoyed reading from the MC POV, Megan. She has a great voice and an easy going personality. I don't want to give too much away so I am going to leave her character a bit ambiguous. My favorite character has to be Aíne (pronounced awn-ya). One of the things that I really, really enjoyed in the book was that Ms. Fallon took the time to tell us how to pronounce these fantastic Irish names. I am often butchering characters names and so this was fantastic for me. I really fell in love with Aíne because she's got a great personality and a superb sense of humor. I loved that she's a bit mischievous, too.
Of course I've got to talk about the fictional guys. There are a few very delectable and worthy eye-candy ones to choose from but there is one that just sorta stole my heart. That would be Rian. He's got that bit of tortured soul mixed with a fiery personality. Hmm-mmm :) Adam is pretty great, too. He's sweet and protective but not in that over-bearing, suffocating way.
I truly enjoyed reading Carrier of the Mark. And I absolutely loved that it takes place in Ireland as Ireland is on my bucket list of places that I want to visit someday. There are many questions left at the end of the book and I am dying to read what will happens next.
The characters were awesome! I enjoyed reading from the MC POV, Megan. She has a great voice and an easy going personality. I don't want to give too much away so I am going to leave her character a bit ambiguous. My favorite character has to be Aíne (pronounced awn-ya). One of the things that I really, really enjoyed in the book was that Ms. Fallon took the time to tell us how to pronounce these fantastic Irish names. I am often butchering characters names and so this was fantastic for me. I really fell in love with Aíne because she's got a great personality and a superb sense of humor. I loved that she's a bit mischievous, too.
Of course I've got to talk about the fictional guys. There are a few very delectable and worthy eye-candy ones to choose from but there is one that just sorta stole my heart. That would be Rian. He's got that bit of tortured soul mixed with a fiery personality. Hmm-mmm :) Adam is pretty great, too. He's sweet and protective but not in that over-bearing, suffocating way.
I truly enjoyed reading Carrier of the Mark. And I absolutely loved that it takes place in Ireland as Ireland is on my bucket list of places that I want to visit someday. There are many questions left at the end of the book and I am dying to read what will happens next.
When i first brought this book after reading the reviews about it being like twilight, well I actually didn't mind because like most teenage girls I loved those books,. haha, but I brought the book and it just captivated me to keep reading it and I finished it that night/morning because I didn't want to put it down and I am looking forwards to another book that follows if there is one. I mean yes it does have some similarities to twilight but its actually a lot different the characters are different and act a lot different and the powers they have is definitely nothing like twilight although they have their similarity's they also have there differences and I enjoyed reading the book,
if your interested in teen romance with a bit of action and power then I recommend this book to you. if you liked twilight and magic then you most probably will like this book so either way I don't think your wasting your money.
DOWNFALLS.
the books is quite small and not many pages so it finishes rather fast and in my opinion I wanted more of it but it was such a small book. also because it was small Fallon didn't go into quite as much detail as I would have liked her to in some of the chapters and things that happened.
but all in all I enjoyed it and recommend it. :) xx
if your interested in teen romance with a bit of action and power then I recommend this book to you. if you liked twilight and magic then you most probably will like this book so either way I don't think your wasting your money.
DOWNFALLS.
the books is quite small and not many pages so it finishes rather fast and in my opinion I wanted more of it but it was such a small book. also because it was small Fallon didn't go into quite as much detail as I would have liked her to in some of the chapters and things that happened.
but all in all I enjoyed it and recommend it. :) xx
slow-paced
Think Avatar: The Last Airbender meets Twilight add a gorgeous cover and you've got the basis of Carrier of the Mark. While the similarities to twilight were numerous and glaring to someone who's read both it wasn't an unenjoyable book. In fact, I liked it better than Twilight (which I'm not ashamed to admit I liked).
In Carrier of the Mark, Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland with her dad. On her first day she runs into the mysterious Adam DeRis and there's an instant attraction. She spends the next 80 pages obsessing and he spends the next 80 pages ignoring her. Eventually they find their way into each others arms and boom insta love (which I hate). The forces that be threaten their relationship, they have a deadline to figuring out how to overcome it, and the book ends right in a nice place for a sequel.
What I liked about this book: The characters. I found Megan and Adam to be much more enjoyable characters than Bella and Edward. And the "supernatural" aspect. I liked the story behind the powers of harnessing elements very much and hope that this is addressed more in the following books.
All in all not a bad read but if you didn't care for Twilight... well, I'd find another book.
In Carrier of the Mark, Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland with her dad. On her first day she runs into the mysterious Adam DeRis and there's an instant attraction. She spends the next 80 pages obsessing and he spends the next 80 pages ignoring her. Eventually they find their way into each others arms and boom insta love (which I hate). The forces that be threaten their relationship, they have a deadline to figuring out how to overcome it, and the book ends right in a nice place for a sequel.
What I liked about this book: The characters. I found Megan and Adam to be much more enjoyable characters than Bella and Edward. And the "supernatural" aspect. I liked the story behind the powers of harnessing elements very much and hope that this is addressed more in the following books.
All in all not a bad read but if you didn't care for Twilight... well, I'd find another book.