Book Review: The Mark

The Mark by Jen Nadol

Released: January 19, 2010

Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 228
Rating: 5 stars

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 any 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?

For as long as she can remember, Cass has been able to see "the mark" on people. The only problem with her gift is those who do have "the mark" end up dying withing 24 hours.

Cass just wants to be normal, but "the mark" makes her anything but. Cass was a very believable character. She was quite mature for her age, of course she kind of had to be because she was on her own after her grandmother, Nan, died.

Throughout the book Cass struggles to answer the one very important question: Should she tell? I can't even begin to imagine what that would be like, let alone know what to do in such a complex situation. Let me ask you: If you could see "the mark" on people, what would you do? Would you tell, or just ignore the situation?

I love this story, especially the philosophical questions that were explored all throughout the novel - definitely made me really stop and think, although I couldn't figure anything out until it was finally revealed at the end.

The Mark is a brilliant debut and I recommend it to those who are looking for something different and/or something that really gets your brain working. I personally would love to see a sequel!!