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Shapeshifter Xander will remain stuck in oblivion between
good and evil until he is marked--either with the sphere that will identify him
as a servant of the underworld or with the water mark, serving the keepers of
humans, vampires, and warlocks.

One decision will mark him and his twin sister Mira equally.
She is in love with a man bearing the water mark and wants Xander to follow the
path of the good. But Xander loves a black witch, a minion of the underworld.
All he has to do to join her forever is kill.

After all, there's something good about being bad.

110 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 12, 2012

35 people are currently reading
414 people want to read

About the author

Marta Szemik

5 books353 followers
Marta Szemik is an author and a writer. As a mom of two and a wife she enjoys using her family member's attributes in her writing - just because they are unique:) A great skier (in her kids eyes), she loves the outdoors. Very often she can be found daydreaming new worlds in front of her computer. Her favourite pass-time is sitting on the front porch with a cup of coffee. Powerful writing with colorful characters who make you cry, laugh and wish they were real intrigue her. She has a sarcastic sense of humor and those very, very close to her know that she can make a joke out of almost anything, but she would suck as a comedian ;)

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5 stars
40 (19%)
4 stars
64 (31%)
3 stars
56 (27%)
2 stars
26 (12%)
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19 (9%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Charlayne.
Author 7 books26 followers
May 1, 2012
I picked up this novella after I read Two Halves because I wanted to see what more was being told about the characters. This one is about Xander, the shape shifter who is the friend of Sarah. The story is really a prequel to Two Halves, telling the story of Xander and Xela, the witch. Unlike witches, who are given their destiny at birth with the mark of either the sphere of underworld or the water mark of the good keepers of the main beings (humans, vampires, and warlocks), shape shifters are marked when they make their decision on their path.

Xander is anxious to make his decision, he is very tempted to follow Xela into the underworld because he has come to love her. But his twin, Mira, is in love with Eric, a man who has a watermark and who knows they have to make their own decision. Xander wants to make his twin happy but he also wants to be with Xela, who promises him her love, her body, and to help rule, all he has to do to gain the sphere like hers is kill.

I wish I had read this one first because it would have made Two Halves a bit clearer. Yes, the novel will stand along without the novella but the story of Xander, Mira, Eric, and the others in Marked actually set the events of the novel up and explain some of the story in a way that make things a lot clearer. I would love to see Marked added to Two Halves in subsequent printings of the novel because it is so much a part of it.
Profile Image for Valerie.
172 reviews60 followers
June 21, 2013
This about Xander and his sister Mira... shape shifters who are trying to discover what their purpose is. They are waiting on their calling whether it be for the sphere or water marking.. and they must make choices that will be good for each as they are twins and experience things together. A love comes about that could hamper the obvious choices ....and could change things forever. Xander must go with his heart and trust himself. Its a very short read.. little dragged out in the beginning but fully comes to the point and with a direct ending.
Profile Image for Markel.
212 reviews
October 4, 2025
I picked up Marked: A Two Halves Novella via ebook, hoping for a quick, exciting fantasy read, but man, this one was a major letdown. Marta Szemik’s novella feels like a puzzle piece that only makes sense if you’ve already read the whole Two Halves series. As a standalone, it’s confusing and unsatisfying.

The biggest issue is how little it explains. The story throws you into a fantasy world with minimal context, leaving more questions than answers. Characters, magic systems, and motivations are barely fleshed out, so I spent most of the time trying to piece together what was even happening. It feels like a prequel meant to give backstory for fans who already know the main series, but for a newcomer, it’s like starting a book halfway through. I kept waiting for clarity, but it never came.

The ending doesn’t help. It’s not a cliffhanger, but it doesn’t feel like a proper conclusion either—just a vague pause that assumes you’ll pick up the next book to learn more. That lack of resolution was frustrating, especially since the novella didn’t give me enough to care about continuing the series. The characters were flat, and the plot felt like a teaser rather than a complete story, which made it hard to stay engaged.

Aimed at young adults, Marked might appeal to die-hard fans of the Two Halves series who want extra context about the characters’ origins. But as an entry point? It’s a terrible choice. Without the main series for context, it’s too unclear and incomplete to enjoy. I’m not invested enough to slog through more books just to make sense of this one, so I’m definitely not continuing.

Final Thoughts: Marked: A Two Halves Novella is a confusing, incomplete fantasy read that feels like a series afterthought. Don’t start here unless you’re already hooked on the series—it’s not worth the confusion. 1/5 stars for leaving me lost and uninterested.
Profile Image for Dave Higgins.
Author 28 books54 followers
March 8, 2013
The underlying mythology of this book has some similarities with Sergei Lukyanenko's Night Watch trilogy: several types of supernatural beings exist that are divided into two groups, one good and one evil, based on a defining moment in their past. However for at least one of these types the defining moment occurs at birth and the protagonists of this book are prophesied to pick a particular side, so there is more emphasis on fate rather than just personal choice.

This novella is the first part of the Two Halves series. It tells the story of Xander, a young shape-shifter, as he struggles to choose between joining the forces of good and evil. At the start of the book he favours evil, but his decision is complicated by the requirement that he and his twin sister, Mira (who favours good), join the same side. This is almost immediately complicated further by each twin acquiring a lover from their preferred side.

The overall plot was interesting, and engaging enough that I wanted to find out how Xander would resolve it. Unfortunately this desire to know the end was all that kept me reading.

Although both the world and the plot have great potential, I found many of the specific events a little superficial. For example, the story opens with Xander about to kill to become bound to evil while his bound sister watches; apart from a brief aside that he knows the leader of the evil side already there is no real explanation of why he is so determined to join evil; this willingness to join evil before he meets his lover also undermines the struggle later between staying with her and letting his sister join good.

Aspect of the characterisation were similarly lacking in depth. Despite Mira being one half of the forces pulling on Xander, there is little time spent establishing her as a character about whom the reader cares. Other characters receive even less detail or integration; despite the core dilemma being based around family, Xander's adoptive father, and his position, is first mentioned in passing more than half way through and does not feature again until he appears suddenly at the end to deliver his line.

My largest irritation was the accent of the leader of evil. He is described as having a distinctive hissing speech, but this is represented not just by additional sibilants but by repetition of a consonant in most of the words he speaks, including somehow hissing the letter "g". While dialogue containing a small amount of typographical embellishment can make the speaker recognisable this left me more interested in how it might sound than what it meant, and was, if anything, more comic than menacing.

Unlike many short e-books written as the first in a series this novella brings the immediate dilemma to a resolution instead of leaving everything as a hook for later books. As such it is genuinely a series instead of an episode in a serial.

Overall I felt that - in contrast to the many stories that need to be trimmed - this book would benefit from being longer to allow for more showing of both the world and the characters. As with most stories with children as protagonists I feel I am not the target audience, so feel the issues might trouble a teenage audience less.

I received a free copy of this book.
Profile Image for Alysa H..
1,385 reviews75 followers
October 21, 2024
I won a copy of Two Halves in Elle Casey's January Anniversary Indie Book Giveaway, and the author encouraged me to read this book, Marked, first.

As far as I can tell, Marked was released after Two Halves, as a "prequel", but the author retroactively decided to make it "Book 1" because, though significantly shorter, it takes place first, chronologically speaking.

I did actually like Marked better than Two Halves, as it revolves around that book's secondary characters who are far more interesting than its leads, and I may not have bothered to read Marked if I had started with Two Halves (which I did not like very much).

That being said, part of me still wishes that I had started with Two Halves. A "prequel" by definition works best when performing it's proper function: to deepen one's understanding of (and hopefully appreciation for) events and characters that you already know from the initial "main work". If you start the series with Marked, it will not perform that function. Also, you'll be spoiled for some of the better twists and turns in Two Halves!

But I do want to talk about Marked on its own merits!
There are some intriguing ideas here about shapeshifting and identity, choices and destiny. I quite liked Mira and Xander as characters, though I wish the author had used them to play more with ideas about gender and gender roles, rather than playing it super safe by keeping them locked into stereotypical gendered positions and behaviors (Two Halves has similar problems).

The events in this novella also have a kind of epic sweeping quality that make it seem like they should take place over a long period of time, rather than basically one or two days: For example, Xander's grand love for a woman just is, rather than being given time to prove true. Nothing is earned, it just is.

Apart from that, Marked is an okay bit of escapist fantasy, and I must grudgingly admit that the author is savvy to promote it [free] as a gateway into the series simply because it's a better book, and will therefore result in more people buying the next one.
Profile Image for Mills.
1,873 reviews171 followers
May 27, 2015


We start Marked with all this promise - twin shapeshifters, faced with a choice between good and evil. Anything could've been done with it. The twins could've chosen opposing sides. They could've refused to choose either. We could've had a Bo-from-Lost-Girl or Lena-from-Beautiful-Creatures thing going on. There could've been mistaken identities. There could've been...

And what do we get? A double dose of instalove, one for each twin. This is really disappointing because, instalove overload aside, I would probably have given this four stars. The writing is good. The plot was interesting. The characters are great. Well, with the exception of Mr Irritating himself, Eric. But Xander was great. He even made sarcastic jokes about Mira's little instalove thing she had going on, up until the point he fell in instalove himself.

Everything pointed to four stars, but I couldn't get past the instalove and the nonsensical statements about fate being a choice, but your choices being fated. Or something. If I were you, Szemik, I'd take your red pen to Marked and make the instalove either a bit less insta or a bit less eternal-love-will-always-have-them-by-your-side-would-give-up-your-life-and-the-whole-world-to-save-them. With some editing out of the ridiculous, this could be much much better.

Marked is still an enjoyable read, and I would still recommend it, if nothing else, as a short and free way of getting an idea of Szemic's writing.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,312 reviews57 followers
April 19, 2013
4.5 stars rating


As I said in my "Two Halves review, I loved Xander, and I got a chance to know much more about him and his personality! Marked was even better than the first book, because even though it was shorter, everything I wanted in it, it had.

Summary: Xander hasn't found his loved one until he met Xela.

Although this was a novella, I enjoyed it as much as a normal novel, because of the plot and characters. I was happy to see that this book was mostly about Xela, Eric, Xander, and Mira, even though I love the fairest of them all, Sarah and William.

Marta is an astonishing author. She captivates you into her world and makes you realize how nothing in this world is impossible, and that dreams can come true. The world of Pinedale is as remarkable as our own world, and makes readers get glued to the books. Stunning!
Profile Image for Mlpmom (Book Reviewer).
3,212 reviews415 followers
October 19, 2012
As most people know I really like to read novellas. Especially prequels to series because they really can give you a good feel for a series and let you know, for the most part, if you are going to be interested enough after reading it, to even bother to pick up the first book.

You can get a feel for the author's writing style and how the story flows.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this one, I really liked the synopsis and wanted to give it a try.

I am glad I did, this one was way different than any other YA book I have read in the genre. The whole concept was unique while still using some original ideas about demons, angels, vampires and witches. I can really see liking the first book in the series and it did leave me wanting to find out more about the characters, their lives and their choices.

It didn't give away too much but just enough to leave me curious enough to pick up the next one.
Profile Image for Claire Taylor.
417 reviews13 followers
July 2, 2012
The story is really a prequel to Two Halves, telling the story of Xander. I haven't read Two Halves, but won this book in a giveaway and happily read it whilst at the hairdressers. It's quick to read, but opened me up to a world of characters I want to learn more about.

In short, it's good vs evil - with Xander and his twin sister, Mira, (who are shape shifters) stuck in the middle, waiting to find out their fate. They will be marked with either the sphere of underworld or the watermark of the good keepers, and the story follows their thoughts and wants. Xander is tempted by the underworld, to be with a witch he has fallen for whilst his twin is in love with Eric, who bears the watermark. In an interesting twist, they must both decide the same mark.

The author does a great job in the descriptions, and you can let your imagination take you away whilst getting involved with the decision that must be made.

Looking forward to reading Two Halves.
Profile Image for Justine.
2,178 reviews80 followers
October 31, 2012
I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This novella is about twin shape shifters who must choose their destiny. They need to become marked with either the water mark of the keepers of the sphere of the underworld. Xander and Mira have a rough decision because they have to make the same choice because they are twins. The hard part is Mira is in love with Eric, who carries a watermark, but Xander fell in love with a dark witch who is marked by the sphere.
I'm not sure about this book. I felt at the beginning as thoug I was just dropped in the middle of the book and was missing chunks. Maybe after I read the second book things will clear up for me.
I would classify this novella as new adult because its for an older audience and the characters are very mature. I liked the characters I found them to be strong and to do what is right even if they are being influenced to do the wrong thing. I can't wait to see if these characters are in the next book.
Profile Image for Christine Rains.
Author 58 books245 followers
June 17, 2013
One decision stands between Xander and a life serving good or evil. It's frustrating for him and his twin sister Mira not to know which mark they'll be given. Yet their choice will turn the tide in an ancient war for either side. Of course Xander wants to do good, but when he falls for a black witch, his heart tells him he belongs to her. He's pulled both ways, and not even Xander knows which side he'll fall upon until it is perhaps too late.

A fast-paced story that's a wonderful set-up for the series. There's fascinating world building with a lot of supernatural beings and a great mythos. Xander and Mira are strong characters. I admire the bond of family and like how impulsive hearts can be when it comes to love. Xander does fall for the witch a little too quickly, but his emotions help propel the story along. I'd love to read Mira's side of the story!

I'll definitely keep reading on in this series.
Profile Image for Cat.
1,529 reviews16 followers
May 30, 2013
This book has good things going for it: romance and sex, brother/sister bonding, shifters, demons, and a good vs. evil battle. What I didn't like about it was Xander (the protagonist)'s lack of logical thought processes. He doesn't know how to cope with anything emotionally, and seems to run on instinct alone. That's not necessarily a bad thing, and as a shifter it makes a lot of sense, I just wished his thoughts were explored more in depth. It would have also been nice to see Mira's side of things, though at this point I assume it would have all been the same mushy stuff.

The story moves along quickly, and being a novella, the climax felt like it was at a good spot. There are a lot of unanswered questions, so the next installment seems like it would be interesting.
Profile Image for Annalisa Crawford.
Author 13 books104 followers
August 15, 2012
Having read Two Halves at the beginning of the year, it was great to catch up with the familiar characters and find out a bit of the back story of Xander and Mira. How they get marked perfectly sets up the original novel, but it works well that it was published second.

The writing drew me in, a love the shorter length which gave no room for distractions, just the path towards an end which everyone is telling the twins is inevitable. The author gives a great sense of the struggle that Xander experiences, and I feel I really got to grips with his character, although not so much Mira.

It's a fantastic whirlwind of a story, and a great read!
Profile Image for Jasmyn.
1,604 reviews19 followers
October 21, 2012
Mira and Xander are shape-shifting twins whose destiny has yet to be shown to them. They must decide if the will follow the way of the good guys or the evil demons and warlocks. Mira longs to join the good, while Xander longs to be bad....both for the sake of love. But their destiny is tied together, and they must chose together. Which fate will they decide?


A nice and fun, quick read. Marked introduces us to the twins, Mira and Xander, who play a large role in the novel, Two Halves (review up in a couple days). It sets the world and the rules in a fun and exciting way.


Profile Image for James Wilcox.
Author 7 books92 followers
October 31, 2014
I know this is a novella, but just thrown into the story, with no background or explanation of who people are, why demons, vampires, angels, demons and witches are running around with humans, in what appears to be modern times. No real reason to care about or become invested in the characters. The novella offers no resolution either.

Despite this, writing is good and the story progresses at a quick pace. Would probably give it a 3.5 stars if that was an option.
1,254 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2015
when you drop me in the middle of a story with no explanation....we're gonna have a bad time. I was already trying to figure out wtf was going on with the supernatural part when both twins fall in insta love with the next 2 characters we meet....WHAAAT?! I was under the impression that these were adults, young ones but still past the-I wanna f*ck her she must be THE ONE stage. I just couldn't...I couldn't. DNF
Profile Image for Madison.
18 reviews
Read
April 27, 2013
This book is a good idea...but is way too under-developed. I liked the story like good enough to read it, but the whole story raced by, never developed and lacked serious detail. Pretty disappointed.
Profile Image for Joy.
569 reviews
Want to read
May 5, 2016
2.5 stars
I really wanted to like this one. The main characters were brother and sister twins - neat. The way they communicate with each other was nifty. Shapeshifting was cool.
Their outside relationships/partners/conflicts was the least interesting thing about this short story.
5,704 reviews39 followers
February 21, 2013
I really enjoyed it and need to get the others.
Profile Image for Jenn.
Author 9 books29 followers
May 16, 2013
I enjoyed the writing style, though it seemed a little Stu-ish that the shapeshifting means the ability to shift into anything. I will read the next story for sure
Profile Image for Rachel.
1,235 reviews5 followers
owned-to-read
January 1, 2014
*downloaded free on ARE
Profile Image for Courtney.
332 reviews4 followers
October 4, 2014
I am going to re-read this book and post an updated review
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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