Review: The Mark by Jen Nadol

The Mark by Jen Nadol
Pub. Date: January 19, 2010
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Format: Hardcover, 240pp

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?

A spellbinding page turner, The Mark will have readers hooked to Cassie’s journey from the first page…

Cassie Renfield is about to get the wakeup call of her life when understanding finally dawns on her about her new gift to see the mark. As she struggles to process the events leading up to the death of a man marked, now she’s questioning if she could have prevented the death using her ability.

Nadol did a spectacular job keeping me drawn into Cassie’s anguished search for answers about her ability and choices on whether she should use it to help others. What a powerful ability to have and I found myself sympathizing with Cassie throughout her journey. Given an ability to change one’s fate has to be hard and I can’t imagine being in Cassie’s shoes with the choices she has to make. This book really had me thinking what if this was me?

Nadol’s powerful debut should entice readers of all ages. The Mark exceeded my expectations and when the mysteries surrounding Cassie’s ability where revealed, let’s jus t say I can’t wait to see if there will be a sequel.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars