The Mark by Jen Nadol

Title: The Mark

Author: Jen Nadol

Published: January 2010

Source: The Library

Synopsis from goodreads:

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?

The Mark asks some though provoking philosophical questions. If you knew that someone was about to die, should you tell them? Or should you let them go on with their day, oblivious? What would happen if you did? Would their lives be better or worse? These are questions that we really can't know the answer to.

I thought that this book was very good. It deals with answering the questions above nicely, but that's not all it's about. It's about Cassie coming into herself and accepting her gift/curse. Cassie as a character was very engaging, and I liked reading from her point of view. There were a few things that she did that I didn't agree with, but other than that it was pretty smooth sailing. The other characters were well thought out and each has their own personalities.

Something that annoyed me throughout the book was that there were some really choppy jumps forward in time. Basically one minute you would be here, then the beginning of the next chapter you're two weeks later with absolutely no warning. I also thought that some things could have been better explored. The end was left a bit opened ended as well, which could suggest a sequel, but I'm not sure if there are any plans for one.

I enjoyed the book, and I thought that the writing was engaging. I would definitely recommend it to paranormal fans and people who don't like paranormal, as "the mark" doesn't play quite as big a part in the book as you would think.

Characters: 9/10

Writing: 9/10

Plot: 8/10

Originality: 9/10

Ending: 7/10

Overall: 42/50 B

Cover/Title: 2.5/5 I like the title, but the cover really doesn't portray the book well.