The Mark

Title:  The Mark

Author: Jen Nadol

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Release Date: January 19, 2010

Received From: First Reads Contest


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?

This was a very interesting premise, I have never read a book with this topic, it was very poignant, and made me think hard about what I would do in Cassandra's situation!

Cassandra's life was very interesting and it seemed that everything that could happen did, which was a little hard to believe but painted a good scene for the novel. Her personality was very relate-able, and I really felt what she did. Jen really developed very interesting characters.

This book kind of made me squirm when she was in her relationship, but besides that it was very good. The only main problem I had with it was the fact that it just cut off, I wished the ending could have been less of just a cut off, even though there is going to be a sequel.

4/5