The Mark {book review} * * * * 1/2

I loved this book so much I’ll be hosting a giveaway of a copy!

Be sure to check back in a few days for an interview with the author

and a chance to win the book!

————————————————————-

The Mark by M.R. Bunderson

- fantasy, YA -

reviewed by Tara SG

received for review via Around the World Tours

Book Order (??)

This ends with a pretty decent (but not torturous) cliffhanger leading me to believe there will be a sequel.

EDIT: By cliffhanger I mean that it is left WIDE open for a second book and not all the conflict is resolved. HOWEVER, the mystery central to this book is resolved. (You won’t want to throw the book at the wall lol).

Links

Author’s Website : www.mrbunderson.com

Amazon : paperback

Add To Your GoodReads TBR List

This book in 6 words:

cryptic puzzle with sweet young romance

Why did I read this? And am I glad I did?

After reading the summary for The Mark by M.R. Bunderson, I instantly signed up for the book tour via Around the World Tours. I’m so glad I did!! This book had me guessing until the end (I still have a few questions..). The mystery kicks off very early and sustains the whole way through. The romance was well-done (I’ll talk about this in characters section) and the pieces of the puzzle came together quite nicely. Was this perfect? No. Is it an excellent debut? Yes! I really hope there will be a sequel (and soon)!

Brief Summary

She’s had it forever. A tiny mark on her hand. No big deal, right? But when Tori discovers that her ordinary freckle is really some kind of microscopic tattoo, she doesn’t know what to think, especially after meeting Eric, a guy she feels strangely connected to–and not just because he has a mark too.

All too soon, Tori and Eric realize that their marks are only the first clue to a mystery that will change everything. And with each new discovery, Tori finds herself pulled deeper and deeper into a world she could never have imagined.

- via GoodReads.com

Plot/Pacing/Writing Style

I found the plot to be very original and yet something that I think a lot of kids daydream about. Tori is adopted and after meeting Eric finding out where she’s from gets a lot more interesting. The story had a nice mix of real mythology added in to the characters finding out who (or what) they are.

While the pacing was little slow at some points, I never found myself bored… maybe just a little impatient at times. There were a few times when I wondered why something was skipped over, but overall it wouldn’t have added to the story only made it longer.

There are some great discussion questions at the end of the book that I’m not going to answer in fear of spoilers, but I liked thinking them over. This would probably make a good book club pick.

Characters

I liked Tori a lot and never found her annoying (which is saying something for a YA novel). She is smart and caring. Yes, she falls for the boy quick and yes, she spends some time wondering if he likes her too or not… but that is real. While she doesn’t deal well with all the info thrown at her in the beginning, she starts to build strength and confidence.

I loved Eric. He was funny, kind, protective, and gentlemanly! He opens her door for her. He gets her the perfect Christmas gift. He wants to get to know her!

I want to take a minute paragraph to talk about how I loved the “romance” in this story. Eric and Tori have an instant connection. Their touch makes them feel comfortable and like they belong together. This isn’t particularity abnormal in books. What is abnormal is them taking a step back and putting some distance between themselves so they can get to know each other! They talk about their interests, where they want to go to college, their friends, and family. They have a REAL basis for falling in love!! Yes, they were sometimes corny and I was about as frustrated with the lack of physical contact as they were, but overall I love the author for setting it up like this.

There is also a side character who breaks up with their significant other because they didn’t feel like they were living their own life and instead were living the other person’s life with them. While that might be a little more mature than your average 17-year-old, I think it’s a great message!

Recommendations

If you like YA with a nice romance and mystery, then please give this a try. I wouldn’t call it paranormal, but the characters aren’t particularly normal either The characters are all 17-18, but it’s definitely clean enough for a younger group and complicated enough for an older one.

Don’t forget to check back in a few days for

an interview with the author and a chance to win the book!