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The Cain Chronicles #1
The Mark of Cain
History as we know it is a lie. An intricate web of half-truths and falsifications spun by the most infamous murderer in history: the immortal, Cain, son of Adam and Eve. All so the truth of him and his power can stay in the shadows, with every oblivious mortal his pawn. The Mark of Cain reveals the truth.
After murdering his brother, Abel, Cain was unjustly cursed by God. When the curse becomes too unbearable for him and he faces immortality alone, Cain puts his energy into claiming the Earth as his own. Now, after thousands of years living his life as some of history’s greatest conquerors, the ruthless first son of Adam finally has a controlling interest in the world with the strongest governments secretly answering to him.
Tired of the bloodshed and manipulation that has brought him to this point, Cain is ready to relax. But God has sent someone to challenge his interests: a young woman named Hara, whose very life was foretold centuries ago.
To keep God from victory, Cain sets out to woo and corrupt Hara, planning to kill her once she is no longer God’s Chosen One. At first, as she edges off the path leading toward the fulfillment of the prophecy, Cain can’t help but feel smug. However, the closer he gets to her, the more he finds that Hara’s charitable presence causes him to feel shame for the first time in his long life, and soon he finds that he no longer wishes her harm. But the prophecy is clear on this; she has to die for him to win. When it comes to her end, will he be as selfish as he has always been, or will he sacrifice himself for the love of his very long life?
After murdering his brother, Abel, Cain was unjustly cursed by God. When the curse becomes too unbearable for him and he faces immortality alone, Cain puts his energy into claiming the Earth as his own. Now, after thousands of years living his life as some of history’s greatest conquerors, the ruthless first son of Adam finally has a controlling interest in the world with the strongest governments secretly answering to him.
Tired of the bloodshed and manipulation that has brought him to this point, Cain is ready to relax. But God has sent someone to challenge his interests: a young woman named Hara, whose very life was foretold centuries ago.
To keep God from victory, Cain sets out to woo and corrupt Hara, planning to kill her once she is no longer God’s Chosen One. At first, as she edges off the path leading toward the fulfillment of the prophecy, Cain can’t help but feel smug. However, the closer he gets to her, the more he finds that Hara’s charitable presence causes him to feel shame for the first time in his long life, and soon he finds that he no longer wishes her harm. But the prophecy is clear on this; she has to die for him to win. When it comes to her end, will he be as selfish as he has always been, or will he sacrifice himself for the love of his very long life?
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2012
12 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
About the author
A.D. Seeley
3 books82 followersA.D. Seeley was raised in the wilds of Utah without television, which was quite conducive to the development of her imagination. For as long as she can remember, she has made up stories to lull herself to sleep, even to this day. Rarely interested in stories without darkness and pain, her interest in Vlad the Impaler led to a dream about Cain that eventually became the basis for The Cain Chronicles. Though in the city now, she still lives in Utah with her dog and stories.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 22, 2013
Review
I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review, and WOW am I delighted! “The Mark of Cain” is an outstanding read with romance, action, and epic historical sections. Even the most flawed characters are believable and loveable Hara is an orphan, raised in a Catholic orphanage to be as perfect and good as possible, while Cain, yes, the one from the Bible, is the world’s first murderer, unrepentant, blasphemous, always harboring a dark motive for everything he does. Cain is hardened and self-centered, while Hara is innocent and fragile. Each needs the other to effect positive changes in their lives. Cain is definitely not the typical hero, but he’s blatantly honest, and unapologetic about his character or motives. Seeley’s ability to create a complex man who is both hero/protagonist and antagonist is remarkable, and I immediately fell in love with his sharp, if a bit dark wit and sense of humor. Despite the terrible crimes Cain has committed throughout his immortal lifetime, Seeley managed to make me relate to him, and his actions toward Hara are every woman’s dream.
Hara, the heroine, is the source of our necessary side-kicks, Tracker and Crystal. Their characters become more important as the story unwinds, particularly Tracker, who not only harbors a secret from Hara, but wants her for himself.
The greatest accomplishment is Seeley’s descent into Cain’s mind. Any reader will learn to love him, hoping for the best and yearning for a happily ever after until the very end. Due to Hara’s innocence, there was very little sex in the novel, but the story was so enthralling, I barely missed it (and I do enjoy a good love scene). This is a MUST read – one you’ll grab to read every free moment, hate to put it down, and actually feel sad when it’s over. A rare novel I’m sure I’ll read more than once. Definitely five satin pillows! Heat rating: Sensual (2 candles out of 5).
The greatest accomplishment is Seeley’s descent into Cain’s mind. Any reader will learn to love him, hoping for the best and yearning for a happily ever after until the very end. Due to Hara’s innocence, there was very little sex in the novel, but the story was so enthralling, I barely missed it (and I do enjoy a good love scene). This is a MUST read – one you’ll grab to read every free moment, hate to put it down, and actually feel sad when it’s over. A rare novel I’m sure I’ll read more than once. Definitely five satin pillows! Heat rating: Sensual (2 candles out of 5).
I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review, and WOW am I delighted! “The Mark of Cain” is an outstanding read with romance, action, and epic historical sections. Even the most flawed characters are believable and loveable Hara is an orphan, raised in a Catholic orphanage to be as perfect and good as possible, while Cain, yes, the one from the Bible, is the world’s first murderer, unrepentant, blasphemous, always harboring a dark motive for everything he does. Cain is hardened and self-centered, while Hara is innocent and fragile. Each needs the other to effect positive changes in their lives. Cain is definitely not the typical hero, but he’s blatantly honest, and unapologetic about his character or motives. Seeley’s ability to create a complex man who is both hero/protagonist and antagonist is remarkable, and I immediately fell in love with his sharp, if a bit dark wit and sense of humor. Despite the terrible crimes Cain has committed throughout his immortal lifetime, Seeley managed to make me relate to him, and his actions toward Hara are every woman’s dream.
Hara, the heroine, is the source of our necessary side-kicks, Tracker and Crystal. Their characters become more important as the story unwinds, particularly Tracker, who not only harbors a secret from Hara, but wants her for himself.
The greatest accomplishment is Seeley’s descent into Cain’s mind. Any reader will learn to love him, hoping for the best and yearning for a happily ever after until the very end. Due to Hara’s innocence, there was very little sex in the novel, but the story was so enthralling, I barely missed it (and I do enjoy a good love scene). This is a MUST read – one you’ll grab to read every free moment, hate to put it down, and actually feel sad when it’s over. A rare novel I’m sure I’ll read more than once. Definitely five satin pillows! Heat rating: Sensual (2 candles out of 5).
The greatest accomplishment is Seeley’s descent into Cain’s mind. Any reader will learn to love him, hoping for the best and yearning for a happily ever after until the very end. Due to Hara’s innocence, there was very little sex in the novel, but the story was so enthralling, I barely missed it (and I do enjoy a good love scene). This is a MUST read – one you’ll grab to read every free moment, hate to put it down, and actually feel sad when it’s over. A rare novel I’m sure I’ll read more than once. Definitely five satin pillows! Heat rating: Sensual (2 candles out of 5).
February 22, 2017
When most people think of the Biblical Cain, they simply think of Adam and Eve's son, the first murderer in history. Satisfied with that label, we tend to just leave it at that, dismiss any other thoughts of Cain, and feel saddened by Abel's death. Well, what if we were to take a closer look at Cain? See life from his point of view?
What if Cain never died?
In this incredibly story, the “what if” becomes a reality, where we get a front row seat to Cain's lives throughout history, and see his life today.
Finally able to act on a prophecy from hundreds of years ago, Cain takes joy in the belief that he'll soon best God at His own game. The cherry on top of his thousands of years of doing everything he can to hurt and go against God, and nothing's going to stop him. Taking arrogant pride in turning the life of a young girl into a game, Cain sets out to unravel plans of his rivals, and finally have complete control over the Earth.
Diving into Cain's life, and seeing the world from his point of view, is truly fascinating. Taking on a very similar conspiracy-theory feel as many of Dan Brown's incredible novels, the what-ifs and maybes brought up in this “history” of Cain's life was an adventure I hadn't been expecting. I was constantly impressed with the historical references, and the amount of thought and research that had to have gone into creating this book.
A.D. Seeley certainly did a wonderful job at creating a deep, thought-provoking, and emotion-tapping book. Writing with a style that quickly wraps you up, she very effectively made this one of my favorite books, and is on my list of authors to keep both eyes on.
This story has exhausted every single one of my emotions, in the wonderful way that only a fantastic story can do. These characters pulled me in from the very first sentence, and held on tight til the last word. Connecting to characters in such deep ways, while having a new light shed on history as we know it, made for a truly wonderful read.
This is certainly a book, and I dare say, a series, worth reading. It would hold appeal for fans of most any genre, and has the potential to quickly become a favorite for most readers.
*I was given a complimentary eBook copy of this book, by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2012
So for me it usually takes like at least twenty pages to get into a novel. But with this one, the first sentence and I was totally hooked! It's about what happens to Cain after he kills his brother Abel. There's a little violence from a flashback of Cain as Vlad the Impaler, but it doesn't go into so much detail that it will be too much for most people. There's also some romance mixed in, though that's toned down for guys just from the knowledge that Cain's just saying these things to corrupt the main girl so he can kill her. I saw where some reviews said it wasn't religious and then others said it was but as someone who's agnostic leaning toward atheist, I didn't think it was too religious. Sure, it has the characters Cain from the Bible and God, but they're more just two people and not preachy or anything. So if you're worried about then, then don't be. The writing is really really good. It's really good at showing you the story so that you see it like a movie in your head! And make sure to stock up on the Kleenex 'cause the ending is gonna make you cry your little eyes out! I can't wait for the next one to come out! I might literally die waiting for it!!!
January 4, 2013
Forget everything you think that you know about the story of Cain and Abel. This book is not a blasphemous rewriting of history. It is not meant to change your religious beliefs or to offend you. Remember that while you are reading it. It is a work of fiction and although I am sure that some may find it controversial, approached as a work of fiction, it is a clever read.
A secret sect, an immortal man, an innocent women, a college campus on the west coast, an orphanage on the east coast... As you can see just from those pieces of information, this is not like any other book you have read.
The story is filled with crafty descriptions whether of the clothing worn, or places/points from the past compared to the present, vivid dialogue fills in the lines of the unfolding story. Attention is paid to not only visuals but to bringing the reader in by describing scents and tactile sensation. For the most part the characters speak in a voice that is appropriate for who they are portraying. The smooth dialogue makes for smooth transitions from scene to scene. Details help keep the story flowing and there are little snippets provided that show where the story could go past where it ends.
Personally I feel the story would have had just as much impact without the austere penthouse apartment reminiscent of Christian Grey. The wealthy man/young innocent woman scenario is enough of a homage.
An admirable first foray for this author.
A secret sect, an immortal man, an innocent women, a college campus on the west coast, an orphanage on the east coast... As you can see just from those pieces of information, this is not like any other book you have read.
The story is filled with crafty descriptions whether of the clothing worn, or places/points from the past compared to the present, vivid dialogue fills in the lines of the unfolding story. Attention is paid to not only visuals but to bringing the reader in by describing scents and tactile sensation. For the most part the characters speak in a voice that is appropriate for who they are portraying. The smooth dialogue makes for smooth transitions from scene to scene. Details help keep the story flowing and there are little snippets provided that show where the story could go past where it ends.
Personally I feel the story would have had just as much impact without the austere penthouse apartment reminiscent of Christian Grey. The wealthy man/young innocent woman scenario is enough of a homage.
An admirable first foray for this author.
April 28, 2013
I just love... or is it really hate this book. Anahara, the quintessential good girl, has never been kissed, doesn't watch TV or drink or smoke or get mad or cuss even in a minor way; falls for the ultimate, baddest of the bad: Cain, Adam's firstborn son. Inac Adamson (Cain) controls the world through an organization he originated and there is nothing he (or they) wouldn't do to obtain what he wants. What Inac says he wants now is Anahara's death. Everything hinges on 'the prophecy' but no one has enough information to direct the outcome or even knows what the outcome will be.
This book asks questions. Hard questions. Can there really be free will if any part of life is controlled by destiny? Can something really be wrong if it is necessary for human survival? What is the real difference between right/good and wrong/evil? I'm not sure there are any single answers to any of these questions or that finding the answers would change anything, past, present, or future. What I do know is that I couldn't read this book without becoming emotionally involved in the outcome and will be continuing the series... because I have to.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from the author, A.D. Seeley, through the Modern Good Reads group on Goodreads.
This book asks questions. Hard questions. Can there really be free will if any part of life is controlled by destiny? Can something really be wrong if it is necessary for human survival? What is the real difference between right/good and wrong/evil? I'm not sure there are any single answers to any of these questions or that finding the answers would change anything, past, present, or future. What I do know is that I couldn't read this book without becoming emotionally involved in the outcome and will be continuing the series... because I have to.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from the author, A.D. Seeley, through the Modern Good Reads group on Goodreads.
February 5, 2013
This was well written, interesting, and fun to imagine what Cain was really like. I really loved this book. Towards the end I was thinking, "how will this end???" But it ended well! I can't wait to read the next one. There is some gore when describing ways of torture, so that's something to be aware of, but it's Cain... so it's to be expected.
September 11, 2014
Awful,awful,awful. It had an interesting idea but ended up as a brainless, predictable romance. Not worth the time.
July 19, 2013
I absolutely loved this... The characters are amazing and the storyline is delicious! I highly recommend this book!!
July 25, 2013
At first I didn't think I would get through the book, only because biblical topics are not my forte. But I found myself rooting for Cain to get his head out of his behind and realize that Hara was his salvation. It was a nailbiter and I thought the book was well written. Some of the history was nice, but could have been a bit shorter for me.
September 5, 2013
I loved this books storyline. It was very creative and I was intrigued from the very beginning, which is the only reason I finished the book. I found the main character to be dull, extremely immature in action and thought, and completely unrealistic. Cain should have been much more mature then he was made to be as well. The dialogue is what really turned me off. I kept thinking, really? Who says that's? Or even THINKS that in the first place? The book was a challenge for me to get through.... If it weren't for the GREAT STORYLINE and refreshing perspective on religion (the author posed some very good questions that persuade the reader to consider their own perspectives) I never would have read this book in its entirety.
January 3, 2014
What a ride! A suberb read. This is a very brave plot. First I'd categorise it as fantasy romance. Then add a bit of world politics with a bit of religion and sprinkle on some good and evil, and there you have it.
Edited to perfection.
At first I got a little tangled up as we flitted about a bit with some historical jumping around. Once you adapt to the authors writing style, all becomes clear what's going on. Despite the heavy plot this is quite light reading. The author has kept all the heavy stuff as background events. Great character building and a few unexpected turns. Definitely worth a read if you like fantasy.
Edited to perfection.
At first I got a little tangled up as we flitted about a bit with some historical jumping around. Once you adapt to the authors writing style, all becomes clear what's going on. Despite the heavy plot this is quite light reading. The author has kept all the heavy stuff as background events. Great character building and a few unexpected turns. Definitely worth a read if you like fantasy.
March 4, 2017
This is definitely an intriguing concept. Cain (of the Bible) is immortal and is engaged in a war with God, adopting the identities of various tyrants through history and committing all sorts of atrocities. In the present day, he is Inac Adamson and he's still not so nice a guy. He's bound and determined to stop a prophecy by corrupting and killing the very innocent Hara. He will do everything he can to woo her, take her innocence and then kill her.
As I said, an intriguing concept and fairly well executed. But not quite to my personal tastes. First of all, Inac is a psychopath for most of the story. And it's disturbing as it is no doubt meant to be. I've never much cared for such heroes. In contrast, Hara is the most gullible, trusting and innocent heroine you can find and it makes Inac all the more disturbing as he lies to her and seduces her. And I shudder at how innocent and naive Hara is, but it makes it much easier to see her gradual corruption. I think what I didn't like is that all the secondary characters could see how Inac had fallen in love with Hara and I still couldn't see it. To me he was still a cold, calculating bastard and I didn't like him. I have to say though, the scene at the end was incredibly angsty and delicious.
I like this unique take on and meshing of the story with elements of religion. Not for everyone, but it made the story much more engaging. The writing was quite good, but the dialogue felt rather stilted at times. And Inac frequently came across as sounding and acting like a teenager....he's thousands of years old and calling people "dude." Just felt a bit awkward is all.
As I said, an intriguing concept and fairly well executed. But not quite to my personal tastes. First of all, Inac is a psychopath for most of the story. And it's disturbing as it is no doubt meant to be. I've never much cared for such heroes. In contrast, Hara is the most gullible, trusting and innocent heroine you can find and it makes Inac all the more disturbing as he lies to her and seduces her. And I shudder at how innocent and naive Hara is, but it makes it much easier to see her gradual corruption. I think what I didn't like is that all the secondary characters could see how Inac had fallen in love with Hara and I still couldn't see it. To me he was still a cold, calculating bastard and I didn't like him. I have to say though, the scene at the end was incredibly angsty and delicious.
I like this unique take on and meshing of the story with elements of religion. Not for everyone, but it made the story much more engaging. The writing was quite good, but the dialogue felt rather stilted at times. And Inac frequently came across as sounding and acting like a teenager....he's thousands of years old and calling people "dude." Just felt a bit awkward is all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2013
This book was unique and very interesting. I fell in love with the characters and bought into the story line immediately. The reason I did not give it a four star rating was the looonnnngggg narrative in the middle of the book giving a detailed look at one of the lives Cain had lived. Without spoiling the story I felt the author could have shortened the background info. Anyone who has read paranormal knew most of "that" story anyway. I WILL BUY AND READ THE SEQUEL! I am impressed with the originality and creativity of this author and will research A.D. Seeley to purchase more books.
December 12, 2015
DNF....... Sorry, but to me Hara was just too immature, or at least her reactions were similar to a 15 year old than of a 20something women, I got that because of her upbringing she could be really naive at times, but most of the time ( at least to me) she was contradicting herself in a childish way ...... Got to only 49% of the book...
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February 21, 2017
Check out my review here!
May 12, 2013
Entertaining book. I will read book 2!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews