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Marked
Lyla Northstrom lives in a society where only the brightest and the best have a chance to go on to university. The rest are left to accept their lot and scrape by in a life of poverty, or join the Red Fists, a highly criminal and dangerous rebel group. After a misstep, Lyla is tattooed—Marked—as a criminal. Humiliated and all but ruined, she is on the verge of losing hope when she is offered a chance at redemption. She jumps at the chance, but it comes at a cost. Doing what is right means betraying the boy she has come to love, and perhaps losing even more than she thought possible. Graphic-novel-style vignettes revealing the history of her world provide Lyla with guidance and clues to a possible way out of the double bind she finds herself in, but even they may not be what they seem.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published February 16, 2016
11 people are currently reading
751 people want to read
About the author
Laura Williams McCaffrey
4 books47 followersI read, I write, I teach. I've published short stories in Cicada, YA Review Network, Solstice Literary Magazine, and Soundings Review. In 2016, Clarion Books released my YA dystopian fantasy MARKED, which Kirkus Books called "an original, textured page-turner." My other fantasy novels are WATER SHAPER and ALIA WAKING (both published by Clarion Books). For more information, it's best to visit my website: http://www.laurawilliamsmccaffrey.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 9, 2016
When it came to this book, it did have its ups and downs for me. Let's start with what went well.
What I liked about this novel:
- At the end of nearly every chapter, there was a graphic novel illustration. It just added a lovely dimension to the story. Although the graphic novel was to do with something over than the plot line, I could see that the feelings that Lady Captain (the main character in the graphic novel) was going through, related well to what Lyla was feeling at the time as well.
- Finally, we had a family in the novel! In a lot of YA books the parents are either dead, absent, or just conveniently never around. I'm going to be honest and say the parents weren't around as much as I ideally would've liked, but they were included in the novel and added to the story. There was also a strong sister connection between Hope and Lyla which I really liked seeing. I think that made the story something I personally could enjoy all the more, because I have a sister too.
- I liked the concept of the Red Fist being a rebellion group against the Barons. Although that is the typical dystopian situation, it seems like neither group were particularly good. They were basically as bad as each other and that left Lyla wondering if there was anything she really could do to make a difference, if there was even a way to do 'good' in the end. That inner debate appealed to me a lot.
- I liked Lyla's character. We all make mistakes sometimes, as she did, and we all want to work to make them better. That's really what she was working after, and I could appreciate her efforts.
- It's a tiny personal thing, but I really liked the font of the book. I liked the writing style as well. It wasn't beautiful or anything too special, but it was straightforward and that kind of voice worked well here.
- It was a slow and steady plot. That works for some people and others not, but it did work for me.
What I wanted a little bit more of:
- I wanted a little bit more in terms of world building. I think we never really ventured too deep into it, or too deep into the world, and some things could've been better explained as well for my own level of understanding.
- The secondary characters weren't too fleshed out. And some of the main ones could have been done better as well.
- We have three different names for Gill. Three! I got so confused at some points and sort of wished there was only one for each person.
- I wanted a little more from the ending. It was so open ended and not too conclusive and closing which bothered me a little. It wasn't particularly a bad ending... I just wanted more.
This review and more can be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.fr/20...
What I liked about this novel:
- At the end of nearly every chapter, there was a graphic novel illustration. It just added a lovely dimension to the story. Although the graphic novel was to do with something over than the plot line, I could see that the feelings that Lady Captain (the main character in the graphic novel) was going through, related well to what Lyla was feeling at the time as well.
- Finally, we had a family in the novel! In a lot of YA books the parents are either dead, absent, or just conveniently never around. I'm going to be honest and say the parents weren't around as much as I ideally would've liked, but they were included in the novel and added to the story. There was also a strong sister connection between Hope and Lyla which I really liked seeing. I think that made the story something I personally could enjoy all the more, because I have a sister too.
- I liked the concept of the Red Fist being a rebellion group against the Barons. Although that is the typical dystopian situation, it seems like neither group were particularly good. They were basically as bad as each other and that left Lyla wondering if there was anything she really could do to make a difference, if there was even a way to do 'good' in the end. That inner debate appealed to me a lot.
- I liked Lyla's character. We all make mistakes sometimes, as she did, and we all want to work to make them better. That's really what she was working after, and I could appreciate her efforts.
- It's a tiny personal thing, but I really liked the font of the book. I liked the writing style as well. It wasn't beautiful or anything too special, but it was straightforward and that kind of voice worked well here.
- It was a slow and steady plot. That works for some people and others not, but it did work for me.
What I wanted a little bit more of:
- I wanted a little bit more in terms of world building. I think we never really ventured too deep into it, or too deep into the world, and some things could've been better explained as well for my own level of understanding.
- The secondary characters weren't too fleshed out. And some of the main ones could have been done better as well.
- We have three different names for Gill. Three! I got so confused at some points and sort of wished there was only one for each person.
- I wanted a little more from the ending. It was so open ended and not too conclusive and closing which bothered me a little. It wasn't particularly a bad ending... I just wanted more.
This review and more can be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.fr/20...
February 10, 2016
This and other reviews can be found on The Psychotic Nerd
I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for a honest review
MY THOUGHTS
At first glance, this book seems like your usual run-of-the-mill dystopian. Though this book takes place in a dystopian society, it is very different from most dystopians I've read and is presented in a unique way.
Lyla is in school, trying to be successful enough to get into a university. In her society, those who do not get into the university, work in the mines, like her parents. When she makes one mistake, she's Marked as a criminal. Now, she will never make it into university and no one will hire her or be close to her, least they be associated with a criminal. When she's offered a chance to erase her mark, she jumps on it. In order for her mark to be erased, she has to spy on the Red Fist, a dangerous rebel organization. Not only is this extremely dangerous, but she also has to spy on her childhood friend.
It was hard for me to get into this book at first. Unknown words were thrown at me and I was thrust into a world without fully understanding it. Thankfully, it didn't take me very long to understand things and I began to enjoy the book. I'll admit that lately I've been getting tired of dystopians, but this book is a bit different. It doesn't have an entirely unusual concept, the world is similar to other dystopian books, but the government and rebel concept is very different. In most dystopians, the badass girl joins the rebellion and kicks the corrupt government in the butt. In this book, though, the rebellion, really is horrible. They really are full of criminals who would kill without a thought, to make a point or a profit. Other dystopians show rebellions are "the right way", but this book shows the both the rebels and the government negatively and I thought it was interesting.
I was not aware of this until I started the book,, but this book actually includes illustrations and comics. I thought it was a very interesting idea, but I had a love/meh relationship with them. Sometimes I enjoyed the illustrations, but other times they didn't seem to really correlate with the story. The art was not final in the copy I was reading, so I do wonder if the pictures will be different in the finished copy. Still, I thought it was an interesting inclusion.
As for romance, there was some, but it was very slow, but there. I wasn't shipping things, but I was thankful for the fact that the romance didn't take the wheel and the plot was the focus of the book.
I wasn't a big fan of the ending. The pacing was a bit slow and I felt like it was leading to something, but instead it lead to a quick ending that just felt too short. I didn't feel entirely satisfied. Though, there was a little comic at the end and I thought it was a nice way to close the book.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, I liked this book. Despite some of my early troubles, the pacing, and the end, I thought that this was a nice standalone dystopian. It was a bit unusual than most dystopians out there!
I received an ecopy of this book in exchange for a honest review
MY THOUGHTS
At first glance, this book seems like your usual run-of-the-mill dystopian. Though this book takes place in a dystopian society, it is very different from most dystopians I've read and is presented in a unique way.
Lyla is in school, trying to be successful enough to get into a university. In her society, those who do not get into the university, work in the mines, like her parents. When she makes one mistake, she's Marked as a criminal. Now, she will never make it into university and no one will hire her or be close to her, least they be associated with a criminal. When she's offered a chance to erase her mark, she jumps on it. In order for her mark to be erased, she has to spy on the Red Fist, a dangerous rebel organization. Not only is this extremely dangerous, but she also has to spy on her childhood friend.
It was hard for me to get into this book at first. Unknown words were thrown at me and I was thrust into a world without fully understanding it. Thankfully, it didn't take me very long to understand things and I began to enjoy the book. I'll admit that lately I've been getting tired of dystopians, but this book is a bit different. It doesn't have an entirely unusual concept, the world is similar to other dystopian books, but the government and rebel concept is very different. In most dystopians, the badass girl joins the rebellion and kicks the corrupt government in the butt. In this book, though, the rebellion, really is horrible. They really are full of criminals who would kill without a thought, to make a point or a profit. Other dystopians show rebellions are "the right way", but this book shows the both the rebels and the government negatively and I thought it was interesting.
I was not aware of this until I started the book,, but this book actually includes illustrations and comics. I thought it was a very interesting idea, but I had a love/meh relationship with them. Sometimes I enjoyed the illustrations, but other times they didn't seem to really correlate with the story. The art was not final in the copy I was reading, so I do wonder if the pictures will be different in the finished copy. Still, I thought it was an interesting inclusion.
As for romance, there was some, but it was very slow, but there. I wasn't shipping things, but I was thankful for the fact that the romance didn't take the wheel and the plot was the focus of the book.
I wasn't a big fan of the ending. The pacing was a bit slow and I felt like it was leading to something, but instead it lead to a quick ending that just felt too short. I didn't feel entirely satisfied. Though, there was a little comic at the end and I thought it was a nice way to close the book.
IN CONCLUSION
Overall, I liked this book. Despite some of my early troubles, the pacing, and the end, I thought that this was a nice standalone dystopian. It was a bit unusual than most dystopians out there!
February 7, 2016
This review was originally posted on It Starts at Midnight
1.5
I really, really wanted to love this book. I mean, dystopian and I are pretty tight, and I love when I hear an intriguing premise for a new one! The synopsis is quite vague, but I enjoy that, so I eagerly jumped in.
But I don't even know where to start with this, because none of it made a whole lot of sense to me. The beginning was decent, and I was able to keep up, even though a lot of the terms meant nothing to me. But I got the general idea of Lyla being in school to hopefully work her way into a higher socioeconomic class, and then getting into serious trouble for stealing just to help her parents' health conditions. That was solid, and I was getting into it. But then I started to get really confused, really quickly. Why?
The world in itself. There wasn't really any explanation for why this society became as it was. Nor was there any indication of the outside world. The story starts without any explanation, and I expected one to unfold as the book went on. It does not.
I don't know what any of these terms mean. Some of them, like "slagging" or "merde", are slang, I guess. Though I have no idea why they are slang, because usually a slang words makes a semblance of sense to a world, but these didn't. But then there's actual, legitimate terms that matter to the plot that left me going back in the book to see if I missed a chapter or seven. "Protean", which is one of the biggest aspects of the story I still don't fully understand. Nor do I understand the Alchemyk thing, but I am pretty sure it has to do with the Protean? Or something?
And then everyone had names. Red Fists and Bluecoats, and Marked... but then they all had other name too. Lyla and her friend Gil had special names given to them by other Marked kids- like Bright and Knife and Scooter (fine, I made up Scooter)- and I had no damn clue who was talking to who half the time, since Gil and Lyla still used their real names to each other. I was pretty sure my brain would explode.
I don't understand the point. At all. I get that Lyla wanted her mark removed, of course. But the broader plot? Seriously, no idea. I guess it would be ideal if the miners didn't get sick. And maybe if people weren't attacking each other on the regular. But no one but Lyla, Gil, and a handful of others seemed to even care about that stuff.
The ending felt like there was to be a sequel, but there's no indication that there is. It felt to me that most of it was left unresolved, but I guess maybe that's just how it was supposed to be.
The graphic/comic portions of the story were cool, but I didn't really understand how they came into play other than "Lyla likes this Alchemyk Origin comic". Because I still didn't understand any of it.
Lyla became acclimated into the underground seedy world very quickly. She went from Mary Sue to Lara Croft in about ten minutes. She learned all the nuances and terms and politics as though she'd been doing it for years. So that was kind of unbelievable. Especially since I couldn't even figure it out by the end of the book...
Bottom Line: Oy. I suppose maybe, if you can comprehend all the elements of the book, it may go better for you? On the other hand, even without those issues, I still was disappointed by the world building and lack of resolution. The characters and the little hint of romance were the saving grace for me.
*Copy provided by publisher for review
1.5
I really, really wanted to love this book. I mean, dystopian and I are pretty tight, and I love when I hear an intriguing premise for a new one! The synopsis is quite vague, but I enjoy that, so I eagerly jumped in.
But I don't even know where to start with this, because none of it made a whole lot of sense to me. The beginning was decent, and I was able to keep up, even though a lot of the terms meant nothing to me. But I got the general idea of Lyla being in school to hopefully work her way into a higher socioeconomic class, and then getting into serious trouble for stealing just to help her parents' health conditions. That was solid, and I was getting into it. But then I started to get really confused, really quickly. Why?
The world in itself. There wasn't really any explanation for why this society became as it was. Nor was there any indication of the outside world. The story starts without any explanation, and I expected one to unfold as the book went on. It does not.
I don't know what any of these terms mean. Some of them, like "slagging" or "merde", are slang, I guess. Though I have no idea why they are slang, because usually a slang words makes a semblance of sense to a world, but these didn't. But then there's actual, legitimate terms that matter to the plot that left me going back in the book to see if I missed a chapter or seven. "Protean", which is one of the biggest aspects of the story I still don't fully understand. Nor do I understand the Alchemyk thing, but I am pretty sure it has to do with the Protean? Or something?
And then everyone had names. Red Fists and Bluecoats, and Marked... but then they all had other name too. Lyla and her friend Gil had special names given to them by other Marked kids- like Bright and Knife and Scooter (fine, I made up Scooter)- and I had no damn clue who was talking to who half the time, since Gil and Lyla still used their real names to each other. I was pretty sure my brain would explode.
I don't understand the point. At all. I get that Lyla wanted her mark removed, of course. But the broader plot? Seriously, no idea. I guess it would be ideal if the miners didn't get sick. And maybe if people weren't attacking each other on the regular. But no one but Lyla, Gil, and a handful of others seemed to even care about that stuff.
The ending felt like there was to be a sequel, but there's no indication that there is. It felt to me that most of it was left unresolved, but I guess maybe that's just how it was supposed to be.
The graphic/comic portions of the story were cool, but I didn't really understand how they came into play other than "Lyla likes this Alchemyk Origin comic". Because I still didn't understand any of it.
Lyla became acclimated into the underground seedy world very quickly. She went from Mary Sue to Lara Croft in about ten minutes. She learned all the nuances and terms and politics as though she'd been doing it for years. So that was kind of unbelievable. Especially since I couldn't even figure it out by the end of the book...
Bottom Line: Oy. I suppose maybe, if you can comprehend all the elements of the book, it may go better for you? On the other hand, even without those issues, I still was disappointed by the world building and lack of resolution. The characters and the little hint of romance were the saving grace for me.
*Copy provided by publisher for review
May 16, 2016
Let me just say: this book was weird.
Like, really weird.
I totally gave it a chance...I suspended my disbelief, read on and on, wondering when I would get to the climax of the story...and then the story ended. Throughout the novel there are cute little comic illustrations about the main character (Lyla)'s favorite historical heroes, Captain Lady and Pirate Jackman. Those were entertaining, but a little distracting. But the meat of the story...well, it just wasn't there. It was all rising action and then...The End.
So I'll explain a bit so you get the gist without spoilers:
Lyla and Hope are sisters in a society that is tightly controlled. Most are either living in poverty and working in the mines, or have passed the University and are barons or merchants and make inventions. There's a substance called "Protean" that is never explained; it just is. It powers everything and The Project inventors use it for their creations. Apparently there's a rival faction called "Red Fist" (great names, huh?) that is trying to take over the Protean and has been trying to take down the rich barons. They hold shadow markets where you can but merchandise (contraband) at cheaper prices, but if you're caught at one or in any way supporting Red Fist, you get "marked" with a tattoo. This tattoo makes you untouchable essentially...and every time you're caught doing something naughty, you get another "mark." It's just a tattooed slash across the wrist. Lyla makes a mistake by going to the shadow market and gets caught, and she gets marked. However, there may be a chance to redeem herself: she only needs to take down Red Fist and she'll be back on the track to education and comfort.
So the plot sounds somewhat intriguing, you say? That's what I thought, too!! But it's not. It's like you're waiting for something to be explained or something cool to happen and it never does. And it's not because there is a sequel, because it is a stand-alone novel as far as I can tell. It leaves you wanting. And I hate to be left wanting.
Like, what's up with Protean? Why do people learn "alchemyks" (that's how it's spelled: it's like letters and symbols and math together), and what does learning it accomplish? Why do the people put up with this society? Has it always been this way, or did something happen to make it like this? (There's a little backstory in the beginning, but even that is too short and unclear).
I can only give this book ★★★☆☆. Maybe ★★★ and a half ☆, but once again we face the problem of not being able to allow half stars on reviews. And I cannot in my good conscience give this book another whole star. It's 3 to 3.5, and that is even generous. I normally cannot give a book less than three unless it's a total train wreck because if I'm able to complete the book (in its entirety), then it's somewhat readable, and therefore deserving of at least a 3. 2s and 1s would only go to complete drivel, and this book had something, but it was executed poorly. It needs more. It just needs more.
And this wasn't enough. Don't waste your time. Pass on this one unless you really want to see for yourself what I mean when I say the book is lacking. Give the story a point, a purpose, a clear resolution...and maybe it could've been a better read.
I'm so disappointed. I had such high hopes and I was on a five star streak lately. Oh, well. I knew it had to end sooner or later.
Like, really weird.
I totally gave it a chance...I suspended my disbelief, read on and on, wondering when I would get to the climax of the story...and then the story ended. Throughout the novel there are cute little comic illustrations about the main character (Lyla)'s favorite historical heroes, Captain Lady and Pirate Jackman. Those were entertaining, but a little distracting. But the meat of the story...well, it just wasn't there. It was all rising action and then...The End.
So I'll explain a bit so you get the gist without spoilers:
Lyla and Hope are sisters in a society that is tightly controlled. Most are either living in poverty and working in the mines, or have passed the University and are barons or merchants and make inventions. There's a substance called "Protean" that is never explained; it just is. It powers everything and The Project inventors use it for their creations. Apparently there's a rival faction called "Red Fist" (great names, huh?) that is trying to take over the Protean and has been trying to take down the rich barons. They hold shadow markets where you can but merchandise (contraband) at cheaper prices, but if you're caught at one or in any way supporting Red Fist, you get "marked" with a tattoo. This tattoo makes you untouchable essentially...and every time you're caught doing something naughty, you get another "mark." It's just a tattooed slash across the wrist. Lyla makes a mistake by going to the shadow market and gets caught, and she gets marked. However, there may be a chance to redeem herself: she only needs to take down Red Fist and she'll be back on the track to education and comfort.
So the plot sounds somewhat intriguing, you say? That's what I thought, too!! But it's not. It's like you're waiting for something to be explained or something cool to happen and it never does. And it's not because there is a sequel, because it is a stand-alone novel as far as I can tell. It leaves you wanting. And I hate to be left wanting.
Like, what's up with Protean? Why do people learn "alchemyks" (that's how it's spelled: it's like letters and symbols and math together), and what does learning it accomplish? Why do the people put up with this society? Has it always been this way, or did something happen to make it like this? (There's a little backstory in the beginning, but even that is too short and unclear).
I can only give this book ★★★☆☆. Maybe ★★★ and a half ☆, but once again we face the problem of not being able to allow half stars on reviews. And I cannot in my good conscience give this book another whole star. It's 3 to 3.5, and that is even generous. I normally cannot give a book less than three unless it's a total train wreck because if I'm able to complete the book (in its entirety), then it's somewhat readable, and therefore deserving of at least a 3. 2s and 1s would only go to complete drivel, and this book had something, but it was executed poorly. It needs more. It just needs more.
And this wasn't enough. Don't waste your time. Pass on this one unless you really want to see for yourself what I mean when I say the book is lacking. Give the story a point, a purpose, a clear resolution...and maybe it could've been a better read.
I'm so disappointed. I had such high hopes and I was on a five star streak lately. Oh, well. I knew it had to end sooner or later.
February 11, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I thought this book was a really intriguing read. It was interesting to see a society where criminals were actually marked to indicate they were criminals… and how those people were treated by others who weren’t marked.
I did find Lyla to be a really interesting character. Her love of the zines was something I found really easy to relate to. I thought it was really interesting to see the contrasts between what she was doing and the zines she enjoyed reading.
It was good to see the relationship between Lyla and Gill. I liked the opportunity to see the way they interacted and the fact that they’d known each other in the past added a different dynamic to their relationship.
It would have been good to see a bit more of the background to the world. Although there were bits and pieces of the history shown through the zines and the interactions between the characters, I was still left somewhat confused about exactly how and why the society had formed.
I liked the fact that neither side was good or bad. I did think that Red Fist had less moral members… but the end of the book, I felt similarly about the Bluecoats.
I thought the artwork was really good to see included in the book… both from the zines, but also in what Gill was drawing. I thought that was a fairly unique thing to include in the book.
I enjoyed seeing Lyla’s relationship with her sister and her parents, though I would have liked to see a bit more of her parents. I did like seeing Lyla’s interactions with the other characters and it was good to see that she did have goals and dreams.
I thought Spinner was an interesting character and one I would have liked to see and learn more of. I really didn’t like Jit… but I felt a lot of sympathy for Nose. It would have been good to see more of the history of the other members of Gill’s ‘crew’.
In a way, I did feel that the ending was a bit confusing… but I did like what it implied. I would like to read more books set in this world in the future.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I thought this book was a really intriguing read. It was interesting to see a society where criminals were actually marked to indicate they were criminals… and how those people were treated by others who weren’t marked.
I did find Lyla to be a really interesting character. Her love of the zines was something I found really easy to relate to. I thought it was really interesting to see the contrasts between what she was doing and the zines she enjoyed reading.
It was good to see the relationship between Lyla and Gill. I liked the opportunity to see the way they interacted and the fact that they’d known each other in the past added a different dynamic to their relationship.
It would have been good to see a bit more of the background to the world. Although there were bits and pieces of the history shown through the zines and the interactions between the characters, I was still left somewhat confused about exactly how and why the society had formed.
I liked the fact that neither side was good or bad. I did think that Red Fist had less moral members… but the end of the book, I felt similarly about the Bluecoats.
I thought the artwork was really good to see included in the book… both from the zines, but also in what Gill was drawing. I thought that was a fairly unique thing to include in the book.
I enjoyed seeing Lyla’s relationship with her sister and her parents, though I would have liked to see a bit more of her parents. I did like seeing Lyla’s interactions with the other characters and it was good to see that she did have goals and dreams.
I thought Spinner was an interesting character and one I would have liked to see and learn more of. I really didn’t like Jit… but I felt a lot of sympathy for Nose. It would have been good to see more of the history of the other members of Gill’s ‘crew’.
In a way, I did feel that the ending was a bit confusing… but I did like what it implied. I would like to read more books set in this world in the future.
August 10, 2016
This review originally appeared on my blog, Leeanna.me.
==
I finished MARKED about a few hours ago and I have almost no clue what I read. While the beginning is good, after Lyla’s Marking, the book meandered into “what the heck is going on here” territory for me.
To start, there’s a serious lack of worldbuilding. There are a few snippets of background information in the comic strip illustrations, but I had real trouble understanding Lyla’s world. Why do people live in primitive conditions, starving and freezing? What is Protean? I guess Protean was supposed to be some sort of energy superpower, but if society has it, why does most of the town not even have running water? It’s that sort of thing, especially when there’s no explanation, that keeps me from getting into a YA dystopia.
Second, there’s so much other confusing stuff. Much of the slang the characters use isn’t given any English equivalent. What’s slagging? Where did Merde come from? Miner’s Cough seemed like it would be important, but nothing came of it. There was a lack of a bigger plot. Lyla just kind of ran around with a pack of kids, trying to be a spy. Also, because of that lack of worldbuilding, I didn’t really know why the Red Fist was fighting against the establishment, or why it had become a gang of bullies.
Third, the ending was very open. I personally don’t like such open endings, especially with MARKED being a standalone. After so much buildup about Lyla deciding who to trust and what to do, I wanted to know what happened to her.
==
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews:
==
I finished MARKED about a few hours ago and I have almost no clue what I read. While the beginning is good, after Lyla’s Marking, the book meandered into “what the heck is going on here” territory for me.
To start, there’s a serious lack of worldbuilding. There are a few snippets of background information in the comic strip illustrations, but I had real trouble understanding Lyla’s world. Why do people live in primitive conditions, starving and freezing? What is Protean? I guess Protean was supposed to be some sort of energy superpower, but if society has it, why does most of the town not even have running water? It’s that sort of thing, especially when there’s no explanation, that keeps me from getting into a YA dystopia.
Second, there’s so much other confusing stuff. Much of the slang the characters use isn’t given any English equivalent. What’s slagging? Where did Merde come from? Miner’s Cough seemed like it would be important, but nothing came of it. There was a lack of a bigger plot. Lyla just kind of ran around with a pack of kids, trying to be a spy. Also, because of that lack of worldbuilding, I didn’t really know why the Red Fist was fighting against the establishment, or why it had become a gang of bullies.
Third, the ending was very open. I personally don’t like such open endings, especially with MARKED being a standalone. After so much buildup about Lyla deciding who to trust and what to do, I wanted to know what happened to her.
==
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews:
February 11, 2016
First the good stuff. YA readers, I know when you read the plot on this, you're thinking (as I did) that this is standard YA dystopia. In fact, I almost didn't bother reading it. But there are a few differences that you aren't used to:
* No love triangle. Really! No triangle or quadrangle or any other angle. There is a bit of a romance, but it's one guy, not Boy A vs. Boy B.
* Lyla is not...THE ONE. She has no super powers. People don't follow her blindly and when they do follow her, they actually have a reason to. She's also not the strongest, most beautiful, smartest It Girl of the Universe.
* Also no: amnesia, twins, parallel worlds, dying siblings, etc.
Now the not so good stuff:
* No World Building. This is a big one. I simply did not understand this world. I didn't understand why anything happened or why the two different sides started up or really what the Protean was or what the orb was. I didn't get any of it.
* Lyla. While I'm glad she's not THE ONE, she's also not...anything. Seriously, the girl has no personality (other than whining and self-preservation) for about 300 pages. Finally, she grows a spine, but the book is almost over. I did like the fact that she cares about a boy in spite of his deformity, but that was the only hint of a character worth caring about.
* The 'zine. Part of the story contains a comic - a zine - that is supposed to add to the story. Honestly, except for the last one, they are boring and unnecessary to the story.
Conclusion: The world building and Lyla's namby pamby wishy washy character almost killed this one for me, but props to the author for stepping away from some of the YA formula that everyone seems to follow these days. This had the potential to be so much more than it was.
* No love triangle. Really! No triangle or quadrangle or any other angle. There is a bit of a romance, but it's one guy, not Boy A vs. Boy B.
* Lyla is not...THE ONE. She has no super powers. People don't follow her blindly and when they do follow her, they actually have a reason to. She's also not the strongest, most beautiful, smartest It Girl of the Universe.
* Also no: amnesia, twins, parallel worlds, dying siblings, etc.
Now the not so good stuff:
* No World Building. This is a big one. I simply did not understand this world. I didn't understand why anything happened or why the two different sides started up or really what the Protean was or what the orb was. I didn't get any of it.
* Lyla. While I'm glad she's not THE ONE, she's also not...anything. Seriously, the girl has no personality (other than whining and self-preservation) for about 300 pages. Finally, she grows a spine, but the book is almost over. I did like the fact that she cares about a boy in spite of his deformity, but that was the only hint of a character worth caring about.
* The 'zine. Part of the story contains a comic - a zine - that is supposed to add to the story. Honestly, except for the last one, they are boring and unnecessary to the story.
Conclusion: The world building and Lyla's namby pamby wishy washy character almost killed this one for me, but props to the author for stepping away from some of the YA formula that everyone seems to follow these days. This had the potential to be so much more than it was.
January 26, 2016
Lyla Northstrom lives in a bleak and controlling society where only a small portion of society has a chance at a good career - an inventor. Lyla is a bright student with the goal of going to university. However, when she is caught in an underground shadow market attempting to get soothers for her parents health, she is marked. Those who are marked are deemed as criminals and their futures contain very few opportunities. Lyla is given a chance of redemption; however, it's a very slippery slope and she soon finds herself between a rock and a hard place so to say.
If you are a fan of the dystopia genre and are searching for a fast and easy read this is it. The world that is created in this book is a bleak and controlling dystopic world. The characters were well developed; you had a good sense of who each character was and it was easy to remember them. However, the storyline itself leaves you with many questions, and it doesn't seem to lead to another book. I found the ending unsatisfying. I was a bit disappointed with this book as I feel like it had good potential. I give this book three stars - it is a good read but I would not read it again.
Please note I received this book from goodreads giveaway for a true and honest review.
If you are a fan of the dystopia genre and are searching for a fast and easy read this is it. The world that is created in this book is a bleak and controlling dystopic world. The characters were well developed; you had a good sense of who each character was and it was easy to remember them. However, the storyline itself leaves you with many questions, and it doesn't seem to lead to another book. I found the ending unsatisfying. I was a bit disappointed with this book as I feel like it had good potential. I give this book three stars - it is a good read but I would not read it again.
Please note I received this book from goodreads giveaway for a true and honest review.
January 10, 2016
In McCaffrey’s dystopian science fiction thriller, Lyla lives in a society where criminals are tattooed—Marked—and the schism between the rich (barons) and the poor (miners, farmers, and so on) is palpable and volatile. After becoming Marked for visiting a black market, Lyla undertakes a dangerous spy mission to infiltrate the Red Fists, a unlawful band of misfits, in order to erase her Mark. Complicating the situation is her intense feelings for a childhood friend and newest misfit, Gill; once drawn into the Red Fists’s web of rebellion, Lyla must make important choices on what and whom to sacrifice. Comic-style strips are included throughout that give some background on Lyla’s society. VERDICT: Full of fast-paced action and ethical quandaries, fans of Daughter of Smoke & Bone and The Forest of Hands & Teeth will enjoy this latest offering from McCaffrey. (Review written for School Library Journal)
May 12, 2016
I wanted to love this book, because it had a promising dystopian premise. It just was too convoluted of a story, with no clear reasons to why the society was they way it was, there were no rules to things and frankly I couldn't come up with an idea as to why this story mattered in the made up world. I did like the graphic novel snippets woven in between, but much like the prose it didn't make sense sometimes as a cut away.
2 stars
2 stars
February 17, 2016
A solid, taut story about having no good choices, about life herding you from defeat to defeat, and then about standing up and MAKING a choice that is less terrible for yourself. A choice you can live with.
Oh man this one was claustrophobic.
Oh man this one was claustrophobic.
Did not finish
February 6, 2016FTC Disclosure: This book was sent to me by the publisher for review consideration.
I really, really wanted to read and like this book just because it was an unsolicited ARC. I gave it a good old college try (well... I tried starting it a few times), but I'm just not feeling it. :(
I really, really wanted to read and like this book just because it was an unsolicited ARC. I gave it a good old college try (well... I tried starting it a few times), but I'm just not feeling it. :(
March 18, 2025
Summary: In a dystopian society, sixteen-year-old Lyla dreams of becoming an inventor, aspiring to rise above her miner parents. However, her ambitions take a dark turn when she is caught in the illegal Shadow Market and is tattooed as a criminal, known as being "Marked." Expelled from school, she is given a choice: spy on her childhood friend Gill, who is on the verge of joining the Red Fist gang, a group fighting against the oppressive barons. As Lyla embarks on this dangerous mission, she grapples with her feelings for Gill and the moral dilemmas of loyalty and betrayal. The story is enriched with comic-style zine illustrations featuring her favorite heroes, Pirate Jackman and Lady Captain, which provide background on Lyla's world. While the book explores themes of class disparity and rebellion, it also highlights Lyla's internal struggles and relationships. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with action, and raises thought-provoking ethical questions, making it an engaging read for young adults.
Straight Talk for Librarians: A reading group can be established to explore dystopian literature, comparing this book with other titles in the genre, which will encourage critical thinking. This would also be a great book to introduce if there are any zine-making workshops. This not only promotes creativity but also engages students in storytelling and world-building. Collaborating with art teachers for visual storytelling projects can enhance students' understanding of character development and plot structure. This book is a good choice for a fun read in a high school library. It will appeal to readers of dystopian fiction.
https://libresbooksmi.blogspot.com/20...
Straight Talk for Librarians: A reading group can be established to explore dystopian literature, comparing this book with other titles in the genre, which will encourage critical thinking. This would also be a great book to introduce if there are any zine-making workshops. This not only promotes creativity but also engages students in storytelling and world-building. Collaborating with art teachers for visual storytelling projects can enhance students' understanding of character development and plot structure. This book is a good choice for a fun read in a high school library. It will appeal to readers of dystopian fiction.
https://libresbooksmi.blogspot.com/20...
September 24, 2018
The book Marked is a dystopian novel. Lyla has always been a hard worker and tried to succeed in everything in hopes of getting admitted into the University where only the brightest and the best have a chance of accomplishing their dreams. When she got caught buying medicine for her mother in an illegal market, her life turns upside down. Now she is branded and marked a criminal. Now she will never get a chance to go to the University. She is left with no other option then to rot in poverty just like her parents. When an officer offers her one more chance at redemption she commits to it wholeheartedly. She has to spy on the Red Fist and evil organization. In addition she would have to abandon everyone she knows and loves, how far will Lyla go to get clean?
I liked this book because of plot and how Lyla's point of view describes the events. I also loved the dark dreary tone that always leaves you at the edge of your seat. I rated this book with five stars because I thought is was a fantastic book that really captured everything that you would want in an action/ dystopian book. I also really loved how their was the smallest bit of romance that made the book whole. Overall this was an amazing must read book.
I liked this book because of plot and how Lyla's point of view describes the events. I also loved the dark dreary tone that always leaves you at the edge of your seat. I rated this book with five stars because I thought is was a fantastic book that really captured everything that you would want in an action/ dystopian book. I also really loved how their was the smallest bit of romance that made the book whole. Overall this was an amazing must read book.
October 16, 2019
Although this book was kind of action packed, I did find some of the language confusing. I happened to find most of the book pretty boring and not the way I would’ve thought it was gonna be. Yes, I enjoyed the little graphic novels but it did not relate to the book itself. The graphic novel had went along with what the main character, Lyla, was feeling. In my opinion, I believe the parents in the book should’ve been in the book longer than intended.
June 24, 2017
I flew through MARKED in one weekend. Marked is not your typical dystopian - set in a world similar to ours in a world divided between rich and poor, it is fast paced and provocative. Beautifully written, with strong characters and complex issues, it drew me in from the very first page. I highly recommend it!
April 20, 2021
I had made it a little over half way through and just kept having a hard time continuing the book. I tried several different times to pick it up again and read it, but each time it was a struggle. I can't really pin point what it was for me that made it so difficult. Perhaps after a long while i can pick it up again and finish it.
June 16, 2017
Good ending, and interesting use of graphic novel inserts to tell some of the story.
December 22, 2025
Didn’t really like it because of its slow pace and the political system in the universe.
March 2, 2026
I had no clue what was going on in this book. Do not recommend.
February 15, 2016
I received this book for free from Clarion Books via The Fantastic Flying Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
Marked is a different kind of dystopian book. In Marked, criminals are marked with tattoos when they commit even the smallest infractions. These marks all but leave the offenders as outcasts in this society. It is hard for them to find work even have a place to live with the marks so visible. There is a very political aspect to the story, but of course it is told in a very riveting way.
What I liked
The thing that I liked most about this book is the interesting premise. The very idea that criminals are marked with tattoos on their wrists the moment they are caught is so thought provoking. It brings into question the types of situations this can leave someone in, especially, as in Lyla's case, when the law that was broken was minor. The mark left her an outcast, and without many options as far as a career/work are concerned.
I really like how vividly the author portrayed the treatment of the marked by the rest of society. Once Lyla is marked, everyone immediately starts treating her like less of a person. At work, her boss all but fires her. The rich people that are patrons where she works, the barons, laugh at her and treat her as if she is dirt. Her classmates at school stare and single her out.
I very much loved the comic strips included in the book. In the story, Lyla is fond of reading short comic strips about a duo that fights against an unjust group. During the story, we also get the see these comic strips and they seems to vaguely correlate with the story in the book as well. It is a very interesting idea and I loved it!
The relationship between Lyla and her sister, Hope, was very touching. They were so very close and cared for one another immensely.
I really loved how unpredictable the book was. Going into the book, you assume that Lyla will join with the rebels and revolt against their government. But, there is so much gray area in this book. I loved that Lyla was always true to herself regardless of the choices that she made. The government may be unjust, but the rebels may not exactly be the answer either. It is a good twist.
What I didn't like
There is so much unknown terminology thrown out at you at the beginning of the book that it seemed a little overwhelming. You have to keep reading without fully understanding things. As the story unfolds, the terminology becomes easier to follow, but there is quite a bit at the beginning that can leave a reader unsure.
The romance in the book was barely there. I liked how Lyla and Gill came together in the book. They were childhood friends that had not seen each other in years. Their coming together seemed too slow, and when they finally did come together it kind of petered out. I think that the author could have done so much more with their romance. It was so disappointing to me because they were so great together.
I was also disappointed by the lack of Gill at the end of the book. I was expecting him to show up and save the day, or at least show up. But alas, he did not.
The ending really threw me for a loop. I enjoyed the comic strip, but there was no sense of time. We know that Lyla and Gill meet after everything, but we don't know how long it has been or what occurred during that time. It was kind of disconcerting. On one hand, we get to see that they reunite. On the other hand, we don't know the important details that could make or break the reunion.
Would I Recommend It
Yes. This book is very enjoyable and the premise is strong. Although the story is very engaging, there is also a backdrop of political issues. The pacing is great and the reader can relate to all of the characters easily.
This and other reviews posted at The Alchemy of Ink.
Marked is a different kind of dystopian book. In Marked, criminals are marked with tattoos when they commit even the smallest infractions. These marks all but leave the offenders as outcasts in this society. It is hard for them to find work even have a place to live with the marks so visible. There is a very political aspect to the story, but of course it is told in a very riveting way.
What I liked
The thing that I liked most about this book is the interesting premise. The very idea that criminals are marked with tattoos on their wrists the moment they are caught is so thought provoking. It brings into question the types of situations this can leave someone in, especially, as in Lyla's case, when the law that was broken was minor. The mark left her an outcast, and without many options as far as a career/work are concerned.
I really like how vividly the author portrayed the treatment of the marked by the rest of society. Once Lyla is marked, everyone immediately starts treating her like less of a person. At work, her boss all but fires her. The rich people that are patrons where she works, the barons, laugh at her and treat her as if she is dirt. Her classmates at school stare and single her out.
I very much loved the comic strips included in the book. In the story, Lyla is fond of reading short comic strips about a duo that fights against an unjust group. During the story, we also get the see these comic strips and they seems to vaguely correlate with the story in the book as well. It is a very interesting idea and I loved it!
The relationship between Lyla and her sister, Hope, was very touching. They were so very close and cared for one another immensely.
I really loved how unpredictable the book was. Going into the book, you assume that Lyla will join with the rebels and revolt against their government. But, there is so much gray area in this book. I loved that Lyla was always true to herself regardless of the choices that she made. The government may be unjust, but the rebels may not exactly be the answer either. It is a good twist.
What I didn't like
There is so much unknown terminology thrown out at you at the beginning of the book that it seemed a little overwhelming. You have to keep reading without fully understanding things. As the story unfolds, the terminology becomes easier to follow, but there is quite a bit at the beginning that can leave a reader unsure.
The romance in the book was barely there. I liked how Lyla and Gill came together in the book. They were childhood friends that had not seen each other in years. Their coming together seemed too slow, and when they finally did come together it kind of petered out. I think that the author could have done so much more with their romance. It was so disappointing to me because they were so great together.
I was also disappointed by the lack of Gill at the end of the book. I was expecting him to show up and save the day, or at least show up. But alas, he did not.
The ending really threw me for a loop. I enjoyed the comic strip, but there was no sense of time. We know that Lyla and Gill meet after everything, but we don't know how long it has been or what occurred during that time. It was kind of disconcerting. On one hand, we get to see that they reunite. On the other hand, we don't know the important details that could make or break the reunion.
Would I Recommend It
Yes. This book is very enjoyable and the premise is strong. Although the story is very engaging, there is also a backdrop of political issues. The pacing is great and the reader can relate to all of the characters easily.
This and other reviews posted at The Alchemy of Ink.
January 6, 2016
Lyla is a sixteen-year-old daughter of two mining parents. She has one younger sister, Hope. Lyla's family and her position at the university is her world. One of the bright students in her community, Lyla has a secret: she attends the underground (illegal!) marketplace to secretly procure medicine for her parents - who are sometimes ill with a mysterious mining sickness. Struggling in Alchemycks, she slips off to the market to purchase soothers for her parents and a cheat to pass her next test. Ultimately, Lyla decides not to purchase the cheat but gets caught in a raid with her illegal medicine. In her world, criminals are marked with a blue bar across the inside of their wrists. Marked, Lyla faces removal from her school, extremely limited career options, shaming her family, and increased scrutiny from the government soldiers. She receives the opportunity of a lifetime: spy successfully on the Red First rebellion and she can get her mark removed. It's dangerous but Lyla accepts and alters the fate of her entire family.
My favorite thing about this book is that it is one of the first traditional novel/graphic novel breeds that I have seen in the Young Adult genre. This is, in my opinion, the wave of the future in YA lit and it's good to see authors on the cusp of change. It's a great format - as I was reading, my mind would start to wander or my eyes would tire. Then I would run into a graphic novel section and suddenly I had renewed interest and my eyes received a nice break from line after line of text.
Lyla is a wonderful, although not perfect, protagonist. She had me holding my breath, shaking my head, and pumping my fist throughout the novel. I appreciated her mostly positive family dynamic, which is rarely a thing in YA lit. She's a "good girl" who makes an unfortunate decision and it quickly overwhelms her. You'll find yourself rooting for her the whole time despite of her flaws and seemingly increasing tendency towards terrible decision-making.
The plot was so wonderfully realistic (although clearly in a dystopian setting) and paced just so that it was a pleasure to read. As a librarian, I was horrified that books had been moved to ONLY the university library, and even at that was only the APPROVED books to be used by only the APPROVED people. It struck home for me. The world built around Lyla was gritty and beautiful. It felt completely real as I read.
Sometimes in books, I will come across something that is so outrageous that it takes me out of the story. Not so in this book. Don't get me wrong. Lots of outrageous exciting things happen - none of it feels conjured or uncharacteristic.
If I could change one thing about this book, it would be the very end. It just stopped. I felt so sad that it didn't wrap up with a neat little bow. I wanted a "happily ever after" or at least a "10 years later". ANYTHING! However, I suppose the author could have been following the advice of several wise people such as Walt Disney, P.T. Barnum, and Bobby Womack: "Always leave them wanting more."
If this would become a movie, I would watch it. Or a TV series. Or a WEB series! I'd listen to the audiobook if there was one.
Well worth your time and a great book to recommend to teens and pre-teens!
My favorite thing about this book is that it is one of the first traditional novel/graphic novel breeds that I have seen in the Young Adult genre. This is, in my opinion, the wave of the future in YA lit and it's good to see authors on the cusp of change. It's a great format - as I was reading, my mind would start to wander or my eyes would tire. Then I would run into a graphic novel section and suddenly I had renewed interest and my eyes received a nice break from line after line of text.
Lyla is a wonderful, although not perfect, protagonist. She had me holding my breath, shaking my head, and pumping my fist throughout the novel. I appreciated her mostly positive family dynamic, which is rarely a thing in YA lit. She's a "good girl" who makes an unfortunate decision and it quickly overwhelms her. You'll find yourself rooting for her the whole time despite of her flaws and seemingly increasing tendency towards terrible decision-making.
The plot was so wonderfully realistic (although clearly in a dystopian setting) and paced just so that it was a pleasure to read. As a librarian, I was horrified that books had been moved to ONLY the university library, and even at that was only the APPROVED books to be used by only the APPROVED people. It struck home for me. The world built around Lyla was gritty and beautiful. It felt completely real as I read.
Sometimes in books, I will come across something that is so outrageous that it takes me out of the story. Not so in this book. Don't get me wrong. Lots of outrageous exciting things happen - none of it feels conjured or uncharacteristic.
If I could change one thing about this book, it would be the very end. It just stopped. I felt so sad that it didn't wrap up with a neat little bow. I wanted a "happily ever after" or at least a "10 years later". ANYTHING! However, I suppose the author could have been following the advice of several wise people such as Walt Disney, P.T. Barnum, and Bobby Womack: "Always leave them wanting more."
If this would become a movie, I would watch it. Or a TV series. Or a WEB series! I'd listen to the audiobook if there was one.
Well worth your time and a great book to recommend to teens and pre-teens!
February 12, 2016
'Marked' is an exciting young adult dystopian novel that demonstrates how doing the right thing isn't always easy - and might cost more than anyone imagined. Our main character, Lyla, gets caught stealing in an underground market - which leads to her getting tattooed, or marked, as a criminal. The mark makes Lyla an outcast in society and everyone looks down on her because of it. When a miraculous sounding way out is offered to Lyla, she jumps at the chance to be wiped clean. What she doesn't know is that her redemption comes at a steep cost - she'll have to betray the one guy she's loved and possibly losing even more than that. What choice will Lyla make? Will she refuse the offer and stay marked in order to keep the things she holds dear - or will she take the offer and turn her back on some of the most important things in her life?
This was a really unique and original book that I enjoyed reading. One major thing that stands out in the story is the author's use of little graphic novel-style tales to showcase the history of Lyla's world as well as giving her clues to getting out of her seemingly helpless situation. I've never come across a book that mixed in several small comics with the narrative. It was refreshing and a nice change of pace. I think the comics gave the story an extra depth that wouldn't have been possible otherwise - and it really gives the book a fascinating twist. I loved learning about the history of Lyla's world along with seeing some possible escapes and clues from her predicament via the comics. The novel would have been a great story alone, but the addition of the graphic novel-style stories take it to a whole new level and sets it apart from the rest. It's this aspect of the book that made all the difference to me - from being a good book to becoming a great one. Everything else about the novel is well done - the characters are well rounded, the world-building is detailed and descriptive - which made it easy to slip inside Layla's world alongside her from early on in the story, the plot is intriguing and exciting, and the writing style is solid and gripping. One small thing that I wished was different was the point of view the author used. The story is told from the third person POV, which is fine and works well with the book. However, I'm a huge fan of the first person POV because of the deep connection the reader can establish with the narrator. This is just my personal quirk and the third person writing style didn't effect my reading experience at all. Overall, this was an exciting and compelling novel that sets itself far apart from others in the genre - and is a welcome breath of fresh air. Highly recommended!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really unique and original book that I enjoyed reading. One major thing that stands out in the story is the author's use of little graphic novel-style tales to showcase the history of Lyla's world as well as giving her clues to getting out of her seemingly helpless situation. I've never come across a book that mixed in several small comics with the narrative. It was refreshing and a nice change of pace. I think the comics gave the story an extra depth that wouldn't have been possible otherwise - and it really gives the book a fascinating twist. I loved learning about the history of Lyla's world along with seeing some possible escapes and clues from her predicament via the comics. The novel would have been a great story alone, but the addition of the graphic novel-style stories take it to a whole new level and sets it apart from the rest. It's this aspect of the book that made all the difference to me - from being a good book to becoming a great one. Everything else about the novel is well done - the characters are well rounded, the world-building is detailed and descriptive - which made it easy to slip inside Layla's world alongside her from early on in the story, the plot is intriguing and exciting, and the writing style is solid and gripping. One small thing that I wished was different was the point of view the author used. The story is told from the third person POV, which is fine and works well with the book. However, I'm a huge fan of the first person POV because of the deep connection the reader can establish with the narrator. This is just my personal quirk and the third person writing style didn't effect my reading experience at all. Overall, this was an exciting and compelling novel that sets itself far apart from others in the genre - and is a welcome breath of fresh air. Highly recommended!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2016
I liked the beginning and was expecting a complete story, as I don't think it is part of a series. Sadly, as the book went on, I was disappointed by the lack of coherence and focus. The story takes place in a dystopian society, where very few people have access to knowledge. Universities are closed for most students, only the children of rich and powerful people can enter them. Machines are hardly used anymore. The few ones rely on protean, which seems to be a radioactive material providing some kind of atomic energy. A lot of people work in the mines, and get some kind of cough, bad enough to kill them. It seems related to silicosis, a real disease miners get from exposition to silica dust, which still kills close to 50,00 persons a year. Lyla, 16, hopes to stay at school and be admitted to university, and thus have a better future for her and her family. She sees her father and mother struggle with health and money problems. She wants something better and she is bright enough to make it.
A complicated set of laws limits people's freedom and very few opportunities are available. Why? that is what I am still waiting to understand and it's my problem with this book. Societies that reject knowledge or technology have been described many times before, by Bradbury or Barjavel for instance, but there is always a reason. Here, nothing... People live in horrible conditions, hoping that inventors will create something -but what? Bluecoats are here to maintain order, and Red Fists play the part of the rebels. Once again, you cannot understand the motives of the ones or the others, as they are not explained. Bluecoats have a decent salary, and want to capture red fists. Red Fists want to destroy everything. Once again, what for? there is no plan to replace an ill-functioning government by a better one, or to improve people's condition.
It makes you feel that ya books have to be dystopian to sell, so follow the lead. The idea that there should be, or have been a reason does not seem to bother the author. Among the few people who manage to go to university, some are discarded, for not being perfect. How is the society run? we know the leaders are the "barons", rich and powerful, but what do they do? how do they get their money?
None of those questions gets an answer and it makes the book flat and meaningless. The kids like Lyla won't ever access wealth or privileges, without any idea why. It reminds you of the societies where the king had divine rights for him, but even there, a bourgeoisie emerged and managed well. Here, it's only ruin and poverty, except for the few barons. Without any explanation, and without an end, the book is sadly quite disappointing.
A complicated set of laws limits people's freedom and very few opportunities are available. Why? that is what I am still waiting to understand and it's my problem with this book. Societies that reject knowledge or technology have been described many times before, by Bradbury or Barjavel for instance, but there is always a reason. Here, nothing... People live in horrible conditions, hoping that inventors will create something -but what? Bluecoats are here to maintain order, and Red Fists play the part of the rebels. Once again, you cannot understand the motives of the ones or the others, as they are not explained. Bluecoats have a decent salary, and want to capture red fists. Red Fists want to destroy everything. Once again, what for? there is no plan to replace an ill-functioning government by a better one, or to improve people's condition.
It makes you feel that ya books have to be dystopian to sell, so follow the lead. The idea that there should be, or have been a reason does not seem to bother the author. Among the few people who manage to go to university, some are discarded, for not being perfect. How is the society run? we know the leaders are the "barons", rich and powerful, but what do they do? how do they get their money?
None of those questions gets an answer and it makes the book flat and meaningless. The kids like Lyla won't ever access wealth or privileges, without any idea why. It reminds you of the societies where the king had divine rights for him, but even there, a bourgeoisie emerged and managed well. Here, it's only ruin and poverty, except for the few barons. Without any explanation, and without an end, the book is sadly quite disappointing.
July 11, 2016
Marked by Laura Williams McCaffrey is a dystopian story in which the main character, Lyla, lives in a society where only the brightest students have the opportunity to go to University. Lyla is one of those students until one day she breaks one of the rules of society, is caught and "marked." When one is caught breaking a rule, he or she receives a mark on the wrist similar to a tattoo that is a constant reminder to the guilty party and to the rest of society that they have broken a law. When Lyla is marked, she knows that her days in school are numbered and that she will never be allowed to go to university. She knows that she will probably end up working in the mines like her parents. However, she is offered a chance by an official to have her mark scratched off if she works as a spy for him; this spying will include spying on one of her best friends from childhood. Will Lyla be willing to betray her friend and endanger her family? The story line is decent and could have been developed into an excellent book, but it somehow misses the mark. First off, I love a good dystopian novel and began this one with great expectations. I enjoyed the first half of the book, but the second half was a major disappointment. There were too many questions left unanswered to hold my interest. There is no clue as to when the story takes place or what happened to plunge this society into the world in which they presently live; while it is not necessary to know these things to enjoy a dystopian novel, it this case, it just left me wanting to know more so that I could understand the world in which these people lived. I do not feel that the reader is given enough information about what this society is really like. Also, I do not feel that the characters were developed enough for the reader to really know them or to care what happens to them. None of the groups such as the Red Fists and the Blue Coats generated much admiration or sympathy. While the Red Fists are a rebel group and one that I would have liked to admire, their qualities were no better than those in authority. The story line simply seems to die about midway of the book and the ending left much to be desired. I did enjoy the author's style and had she developed the story in a stronger manner, it could have been an exceptional book.
September 22, 2016
At first I was a bit turned off by some of the descriptions in this book; while not "purple prose" level they were close to it. But as the story progressed, I felt more connected to the main character, Lyla Northstrom, her family, and their situation.Supporting characters like their former neighbor Gill, the "police" officer Riverton, and Teacher Slate have enough background and depth to make them interesting; the story would be less without each of these "minor" characters.
The "when" of this story is unclear - is this a post-apocalyptic Europe or set on another world? The "when" doesn't really matter much because the problems of the world in the story are very similar to those we can face today -- economic classes, corrupt systems, corrupt rebellions, individuals on all sides working for the greater good or their own greed. The YA dystopian story is certainly popular but it can be well-done or poorly done; this is well-done in part because of the complexities of the characters and setting and in part because of a dual story media.
Novels are written texts, they might have a few illustrations but as the target audience increases in age, the number of illustrations tends to decrease. Graphic novel are primarily visual works with text adding details or dialogue. "Marked" combines both types of media into one book. It has two illustrations, to show us Gill's skills but it also has 9 comic sections, usually 1-2 pages long. One of these comic sections concludes the story of Lyla and Gill, at least for now; it could easily be continued in another book. The other 8 comic sections are an example of propaganda and the revelations of what is going on with these publications was an important, shocking, yet believable plot point.
The book is rated for ages 12 and up and I think that's correct particular if your child is attentive to political or social conditions. This could be a good book for a teacher to use during our current presidential campaigns as a way to discuss politics. Even this adult found it got better as she keep reading, setting it aside to think about, and then continue reading.
The "when" of this story is unclear - is this a post-apocalyptic Europe or set on another world? The "when" doesn't really matter much because the problems of the world in the story are very similar to those we can face today -- economic classes, corrupt systems, corrupt rebellions, individuals on all sides working for the greater good or their own greed. The YA dystopian story is certainly popular but it can be well-done or poorly done; this is well-done in part because of the complexities of the characters and setting and in part because of a dual story media.
Novels are written texts, they might have a few illustrations but as the target audience increases in age, the number of illustrations tends to decrease. Graphic novel are primarily visual works with text adding details or dialogue. "Marked" combines both types of media into one book. It has two illustrations, to show us Gill's skills but it also has 9 comic sections, usually 1-2 pages long. One of these comic sections concludes the story of Lyla and Gill, at least for now; it could easily be continued in another book. The other 8 comic sections are an example of propaganda and the revelations of what is going on with these publications was an important, shocking, yet believable plot point.
The book is rated for ages 12 and up and I think that's correct particular if your child is attentive to political or social conditions. This could be a good book for a teacher to use during our current presidential campaigns as a way to discuss politics. Even this adult found it got better as she keep reading, setting it aside to think about, and then continue reading.
April 6, 2016
2.5 stars. I was going to give this book 3 stars, because it was one of those books that wasn't great but it wasn't too bad, either. But the ending was just disappointing enough to lower it to 2.5 stars. I didn't really like this book that much, but there were things that I liked about it so I'm going to start with those. I really liked Spinner and Zeb. I would rather read a book about their relationship. I liked Hope even though her uppityness annoyed me sometimes. And most of the time I liked reading about Gill and Lyla's relationship. I liked the world that the author created, but not necessarily the way that she plotted the events. But that's about it. I didn't like how little time Gill and Lyla spent together in the book, because I would have liked to see their relationship develop a little bit more. I think that this is a book that would have been a little bit better as a series. Just because you can wrap everything up in one book doesn't mean you should. I was left with a strong feeling of dissatisfaction when I finished this book. A lot of things were wrapped up really quickly and too conveniently and everything else was just left unresolved. We did get a lot of answers, but I still have a lot of questions, too. And the ending just wrapped everything up way too fast. I didn't like the slang of this world. I couldn't even figure out what some of it meant and it just didn't really fit that well for me. Another thing I really didn't like was how quickly Spinner's personality changed after Lyla broke into the Bright. I understand that pulling that level of theft off would cause Spinner to respect and accept Lyla more, but it wouldn't completely change Spinner's whole personality. She changed from a tough chick to a little girly girl. I did not like that at all. I just really wish things had been a little bit more developed in the end.
February 10, 2016
Thanks HMH for giving an ARC of this book.
This is a story set in a world where if you do something deemed wrong you get "marked". The protagonist is a girl named Lyla, and she's trying her best to earn a spot at the university. In this world if you can't get into the university then you'll end up working in the mines and your future won't be very bright. To make a long story short she manages to get herself marked, and she thinks this is the end of her life. We meet officer Riverton and he offers her a chance to get her mark scraped. Of course she jumps to the opportunity, she will do anything it takes to get her mark scraped off, even if it means betraying people she cares about. There's a group of rebels called the Red Fist and in order to get her mark scraped off she has to get in with them and report everything about them to officer Riverton. There's also a little romance in this, not so much to distract from the main plot but just enough to have you wondering what's going to happen with the love interests. This story contains illustrations because our main character is obsessed with a zine strip called lady captain and pirate jackman, and all throughout the story we get these comic strips that tie in to what's going on in the story. Im not gonna lie the story started a little slow, and the whole comic thing kind of threw me off at first, but it had me rooting for the main character and I was definitely hooked.
This is a story set in a world where if you do something deemed wrong you get "marked". The protagonist is a girl named Lyla, and she's trying her best to earn a spot at the university. In this world if you can't get into the university then you'll end up working in the mines and your future won't be very bright. To make a long story short she manages to get herself marked, and she thinks this is the end of her life. We meet officer Riverton and he offers her a chance to get her mark scraped. Of course she jumps to the opportunity, she will do anything it takes to get her mark scraped off, even if it means betraying people she cares about. There's a group of rebels called the Red Fist and in order to get her mark scraped off she has to get in with them and report everything about them to officer Riverton. There's also a little romance in this, not so much to distract from the main plot but just enough to have you wondering what's going to happen with the love interests. This story contains illustrations because our main character is obsessed with a zine strip called lady captain and pirate jackman, and all throughout the story we get these comic strips that tie in to what's going on in the story. Im not gonna lie the story started a little slow, and the whole comic thing kind of threw me off at first, but it had me rooting for the main character and I was definitely hooked.
Read
January 20, 2016If you like stories about controlling societies and the people who fight for more rights, this one is for you. Since I'm a history teacher, I love the concepts of the powerful versus the powerless and right versus wrong, and finding a way to a better life. Marked has all of that... and more.
Lyla gets caught buying cheats for her Advanced Studies course, a class where she struggles mightily to even pass. As a result she gets marked, a sign that will potentially ruin her future. But, all might not be lost as she is given an potential out by the police: she must spy on a rebel group known as the Red Fist, using one of her childhood friends as her way in. What follows is hidden agendas, possible government conspiracies, and double crosses.
The ending leaves open plenty of room for a sequel. Without a spoiler, can Lyla get herself out of the trouble she has gotten herself into? Can her parents survive? Can her relationship with her sister be salvaged?
This story would be a great talking point reference in an English class or history class. Hopefully when it is released (February 16th) my students read it and we can incorporate some of these themes into our daily class discussion!
Lyla gets caught buying cheats for her Advanced Studies course, a class where she struggles mightily to even pass. As a result she gets marked, a sign that will potentially ruin her future. But, all might not be lost as she is given an potential out by the police: she must spy on a rebel group known as the Red Fist, using one of her childhood friends as her way in. What follows is hidden agendas, possible government conspiracies, and double crosses.
The ending leaves open plenty of room for a sequel. Without a spoiler, can Lyla get herself out of the trouble she has gotten herself into? Can her parents survive? Can her relationship with her sister be salvaged?
This story would be a great talking point reference in an English class or history class. Hopefully when it is released (February 16th) my students read it and we can incorporate some of these themes into our daily class discussion!
May 11, 2016
A serviceable dystopian.
In Lyla's society, criminals are "marked" with a tattoo on their wrists. Once you have a tattoo, your chances of success in society decrease dramatically. Any further arrests and crimes will add additional marks or tattoos to your wrist. At taht point, your only option is to join the rebel group: the Red Fists. Lyla strives to do well and remain unmarked but she gets caught at a black market and is Marked. She is given a chance to redeem herself and get the mark removed, but it involves a lot of lying and a lot of risk but she decides it is worth it.
Very predictable, characters are flat and stereotypical. However, I can see my dystopia fans enjoying it anyway.
In Lyla's society, criminals are "marked" with a tattoo on their wrists. Once you have a tattoo, your chances of success in society decrease dramatically. Any further arrests and crimes will add additional marks or tattoos to your wrist. At taht point, your only option is to join the rebel group: the Red Fists. Lyla strives to do well and remain unmarked but she gets caught at a black market and is Marked. She is given a chance to redeem herself and get the mark removed, but it involves a lot of lying and a lot of risk but she decides it is worth it.
Very predictable, characters are flat and stereotypical. However, I can see my dystopia fans enjoying it anyway.
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