Review: The Mark by Jen Nadol

Title: The Mark
Author: Jen Nadol
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: January 19, 2010

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?

I became interested in this book at first solely because of the cover. I really love the purple tones! When I picked it up to start reading, I had no idea what the story was about, but was able to figure it out pretty quickly.

Cassie, our main character, has the ability to see a mark that tells her someone will be dying that day. It was an interesting journey hearing about how she came to the conclusion that that is what the mark means. After that, the book gets very philosophical.
...more I became interested in this book at first solely because of the cover. I really love the purple tones! When I picked it up to start reading, I had no idea what the story was about, but was able to figure it out pretty quickly.

Cassie, our main character, has the ability to see a mark that tells her someone will be dying that day. It was an interesting journey hearing about how she came to the conclusion that that is what the mark means. After that, the book gets very philosophical.

Literally.

Cassie starts by taking a philosophy class (for fun and something to do that summer), which expands into many different philosophical questions, especially about her mark abilities and if she was meant to do something about it. While I enjoyed these arguments and figuring out what I believed myself, it caused the book to lack a little action or resolution.

The book was one that got me to think a lot. At the end I was left feeling slightly unsatisfied since the majority of our journey with Cassie was spent speculating and not doing, but I did feel that a sequel would be good, if one happens to be written.

Book Cover: 5/5
Book Title: 5/5
Plot: 7/10
Characters: 7/10

Writing: 8/10
Ending: 7/10

Overall: 39/50