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Markings
Celina Bayberry never thought a part-time job could change her life, until she meets the hot and untouchable Aaron Jamison. Strangely enough, she can’t shake the feeling that he’s stalking her. And when a yellow-eyed stranger takes interest in her too, Celina discovers a dangerous secret: Her co-workers are Miew Demos–creatures linked to Bastet, the feline goddess of Egypt and members of a clan called Miews, shifters who can transform from human to feline in an instant.
They, and she, are being hunted by a wolf clan, the Iew Keftey, who will not rest until every last one of the Miews is annihilated. Celina’s life unravels as she is thrust into this age-old battle of brother against brother. Meanwhile, she’s losing her heart to Aaron who may or may not have lost his to her. And her own Bayberry family history is hiding something… something that will forever link her destiny with that of the Miews.
Celina and the clan need each other, but is either strong enough to face what is to come?
They, and she, are being hunted by a wolf clan, the Iew Keftey, who will not rest until every last one of the Miews is annihilated. Celina’s life unravels as she is thrust into this age-old battle of brother against brother. Meanwhile, she’s losing her heart to Aaron who may or may not have lost his to her. And her own Bayberry family history is hiding something… something that will forever link her destiny with that of the Miews.
Celina and the clan need each other, but is either strong enough to face what is to come?
294 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2013
25 people are currently reading
877 people want to read
About the author
S.B. Roozenboom
6 books39 followersSB Roozenboom grew up in the Great Northwest. A child of the sea and the sand, her greatest stories were born on the shores of Manzanita and cultured in the vast city of Portland, OR. She is the author of MARKINGS, PREDATOR GIRL, XENOPHOBIA, and TASTE OF SILVER. Outside of writing books, she designs jewelry by day and clothing by night. She has two chihuahuas, one of which was named in memory of Dobby the House Elf.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 22, 2013
Young Adult type book and I really liked it. It kept my attention throughout the story. I hope there's a sequel, because I don't like cliffhangers.
tbr-later
November 10, 201510 November 2015: $0.00 FREE on Kindle
November 23, 2015
*Slow clapping*
I'm not sure how she did it but S.B. Roozenboom has somehow managed to make a paranormal romance seem almost....relatable. I realize that makes absolutely no sense but let me explain.
I've read a lot of paranormal romances (what with it being my favorite genre and all) and one thing I've noticed about them is when the main character is going from a normal human life to a paranormal one he/she always completely overreacts (crying/whining/panicking constantly) or underreacts (acts like absolutely nothing has changed but suddenly drops all their old friends in favor for new ones more like their new self) but Celina had the perfect reactions to every situation.
There was one point where she almost overreacted but if you take into account what she knows (or more accurately, doesnt know? at this point, it makes sense. And the fact that she was able to absorb it and handle it at a decent pace made it that much better. There was also one point where she almost underreacted but then there was an explanation for it and it totally made sense and she went back to normal. Or rather, not normal but better than normal. She came back stronger.
Another thing that I liked was that it was understandable why she questioned where she stood with Aaron. Usually in these types of books the main character constantly questions whether or not their (potential) love interest likes them because the person in question is always fluctuating between either "extremely mean" or "really nice" meanwhile it's obvious to the reader that the person is pining after the main character and then it just gets very annoying. But in this book, I was questioning along with Celina because it seemed to me that Aaron at first didn't like her, then went to being indifferent, and then just platonic and it stayed that way until Aaron himself stated it. Yes there were moments where he was suspiciously nice but those times really could be written off as him just trying to do his job. Then there were moments when he did give off the feeling that he didn't want her around and given what you learn of his past, it really becomes doubtful that he liked Celina. So doubtful that there was a point when I briefly thought Celina's real love interest would be Joey.
I like this book a whole lot more than I thought I would when I started. The only thing I didn't like was how the wolves were portrayed but then I'm very biased towards werewolves. And even still I love this book. I loved the pacing and plot, I love all the characters and their stories, I love how everything just tied together.
Point is: this book was amazing. I really chat find any legitimate reason to dislike this book (although I would really like to for how S.B. made my wolves *sob*) and I totally think this book deserves a way bigger fan base. This was brilliant. S.B. Roozenboom hit all the bases with this novel and left nothing unexplained. By the time you finish this book, the only question on your mind will be "what happens next?"
I'm not sure how she did it but S.B. Roozenboom has somehow managed to make a paranormal romance seem almost....relatable. I realize that makes absolutely no sense but let me explain.
I've read a lot of paranormal romances (what with it being my favorite genre and all) and one thing I've noticed about them is when the main character is going from a normal human life to a paranormal one he/she always completely overreacts (crying/whining/panicking constantly) or underreacts (acts like absolutely nothing has changed but suddenly drops all their old friends in favor for new ones more like their new self) but Celina had the perfect reactions to every situation.
There was one point where she almost overreacted but if you take into account what she knows (or more accurately, doesnt know? at this point, it makes sense. And the fact that she was able to absorb it and handle it at a decent pace made it that much better. There was also one point where she almost underreacted but then there was an explanation for it and it totally made sense and she went back to normal. Or rather, not normal but better than normal. She came back stronger.
Another thing that I liked was that it was understandable why she questioned where she stood with Aaron. Usually in these types of books the main character constantly questions whether or not their (potential) love interest likes them because the person in question is always fluctuating between either "extremely mean" or "really nice" meanwhile it's obvious to the reader that the person is pining after the main character and then it just gets very annoying. But in this book, I was questioning along with Celina because it seemed to me that Aaron at first didn't like her, then went to being indifferent, and then just platonic and it stayed that way until Aaron himself stated it. Yes there were moments where he was suspiciously nice but those times really could be written off as him just trying to do his job. Then there were moments when he did give off the feeling that he didn't want her around and given what you learn of his past, it really becomes doubtful that he liked Celina. So doubtful that there was a point when I briefly thought Celina's real love interest would be Joey.
I like this book a whole lot more than I thought I would when I started. The only thing I didn't like was how the wolves were portrayed but then I'm very biased towards werewolves. And even still I love this book. I loved the pacing and plot, I love all the characters and their stories, I love how everything just tied together.
Point is: this book was amazing. I really chat find any legitimate reason to dislike this book (although I would really like to for how S.B. made my wolves *sob*) and I totally think this book deserves a way bigger fan base. This was brilliant. S.B. Roozenboom hit all the bases with this novel and left nothing unexplained. By the time you finish this book, the only question on your mind will be "what happens next?"
September 28, 2013
All I can say is WOW! When you read this book, you feel for a young girl, coming of age, finding out she's a shifter and then to boot got a whole lot of other things happening in her world. I thought it was a really great read. Then to find out a 21 year old wrote it blew me away. She had the youth perspective perfect, the imagery of location and description down to a t and kept me on the edge to see what would happen to the final line.
If SB reads this, thank you! Bless you for believing you could do it. And I really would love to see where you would take this story line. I REALLY feel a sequel could be had from it.
If SB reads this, thank you! Bless you for believing you could do it. And I really would love to see where you would take this story line. I REALLY feel a sequel could be had from it.
September 10, 2018
Enjoyable
Shifters are a favorite of mine to read, no matter what. This book was enjoyable and what I would call an easy read, being that it wasn't bogged down with too much drama
Shifters are a favorite of mine to read, no matter what. This book was enjoyable and what I would call an easy read, being that it wasn't bogged down with too much drama
February 3, 2016
Amazing Book. Can't say more except that I hope there'll be a follow-up novel sometime down the road and that you should definitely read it. I promise, it will be amazing.
I'm not a huge fan of YA novels, because they remind me of my own stupidity back at that age and the awkwardness of that age. Nevertheless the story was an amazing blend of great storytelling, of coming-of-age as well as the testing of bonds as a family, as friends or within oneself.
It reminded me of the storytelling of the Twilight books - and the author herself stated, that if Meyers can do it, she can too, so she wrote the book.
Also, sometimes werewolf stories always seem to have the same elements, but this take on the mythical background was refreshing and new.
This book came out in early May 2013 and I have to say this young author surprised me. I will be looking forward to reading more of her and hope that, since there were still some questions open in the book, she'll continue the story at some point.
I'm not a huge fan of YA novels, because they remind me of my own stupidity back at that age and the awkwardness of that age. Nevertheless the story was an amazing blend of great storytelling, of coming-of-age as well as the testing of bonds as a family, as friends or within oneself.
It reminded me of the storytelling of the Twilight books - and the author herself stated, that if Meyers can do it, she can too, so she wrote the book.
Also, sometimes werewolf stories always seem to have the same elements, but this take on the mythical background was refreshing and new.
This book came out in early May 2013 and I have to say this young author surprised me. I will be looking forward to reading more of her and hope that, since there were still some questions open in the book, she'll continue the story at some point.
July 22, 2013
Totally awesome book.
I am usually not into fantasy but this one somehow caught my attention.
And it was totally worth the buy.
The story is well written and the relationship between Lina and Aaron is IMO well build and believable.
I wonder if there is going to be a second book, or if this was supposed to be a stand-alone. In the latter case I'd be disappointed by the ending, but I do hope this is the first book of a series.
I am usually not into fantasy but this one somehow caught my attention.
And it was totally worth the buy.
The story is well written and the relationship between Lina and Aaron is IMO well build and believable.
I wonder if there is going to be a second book, or if this was supposed to be a stand-alone. In the latter case I'd be disappointed by the ending, but I do hope this is the first book of a series.
August 5, 2016
This was a really fun book! The story is about a girl who finds herself in a world of shape shifters. I don't want to spoil anything, but I liked the mythology behind these shape shifters. I really enjoyed the details. I liked how the transformation started with subtle changes. I enjoyed hearing the thoughts of the house cat. I just enjoyed reading this book, and I hope that this author continues with this series!
January 23, 2014
I loved this book it was really good read and a very long book. But it never really got boring at all. The only problem I had with this book was the ending the author left the ending open there was no closer for the main hero but still a really good book I hope there will be a second book
October 4, 2016
Great story, very well done. Am in love with the hero, Aaron. Would have loved a boyfriend like that when I was Lina's age :-)
Looking forward to more writings from S.B. Roozenboom xoxo
Looking forward to more writings from S.B. Roozenboom xoxo
July 23, 2014
Markings
Markings
Great book have read it a bunch of times hope to read much more of this later on please keep up the good work.
Markings
Great book have read it a bunch of times hope to read much more of this later on please keep up the good work.
November 29, 2015
Review later, 2.5-3 stars
It wasn't bad, but it wasn't exceptional either. :P
It wasn't bad, but it wasn't exceptional either. :P
August 2, 2020
Cat got your tongue?
Lina is 17. Well, is getting ready to turn 17. A new town, a new school, a new part time job and some new spots on her shoulders. Wait, what? No more glasses? Cool. But then her hair goes blonde overnight? And what the heck is up with the fur? Shaving is hard enough to keep up with! Not even sure she wants to mention the crazy dreams, cute guy and the monsters that look like mutant wolves on crack...
Spoilers ahead.
Was this intended as the 1st of a series? It was wrote in 2013. It's 2020 now. There is zero resolution. Everything leads up to this giant climactic scene and then poof. I wouldn't call it a cliffhanger, but it is most definitely unresolved. This will be more than a bit spoilery here, but I'll try to keep it from being book ruining for future readers. Basically the story goes like this: girl feels strange in her totally new environment. Then things change internally, too. Weird dreams, whispered prophecies, physical changes, and a new attitude. New guy from work is mysterious. Finds out why. Finds out what she's becoming. Finds out she has enemies. Enemies start targeting her, have always gone after mystery guy and his family and friends. Big scene, kidnapping, fight scene, wake up, rallying speech out of a 17yo who's never been a leader in her life, fade to black. Are you confused? Yup? Join the club. There's a tense paternal relationship, which considering things is bull poop. Maternal unit makes a big reveal that if made earlier could have saved a lot of angst. Bunch of prophecies that never come to be. A coloration that doesn't make any sense. Visions that explain nothing. I almost have up at 30% because the plot had so many holes, the teen drama and TSTL moments were more than I could handle. But, I almost saw glimmers of intent and I kept going. There was no real training. No special knowledge imparted to Lina. A very basic 5 minute history lesson and poof. The ceremony made no sense. After her shift? Ok. Before, when no one knows her, has met her, is a 17yo girl with no idea of who/what she is? And the very fact that she's supposed to have these visions, tells people she thinks something is wrong, and is completely ignored- to their detriment, is cruddy. This court is never explained. The monsters have an endgame, but the cats don't. Other than don't die. Where were all the older soldiers? Never meet a one. Kids training kids? Barely any sympathy for the monsters, when their origin story is awful. They can't all be bad, but we only meet a scant handful. There has to be some rebellion in the ranks. There's talks about other packs, cats and monsters, but only that they exist. Are there more alphas? Are there ranks among alphas? The endgame the monsters have, how do they "know" that's how it will actually play out? Because if the point is balance, it would seem that answer is not correct. And, here's the kicker, if life is so awful form the moment of change for the monsters, why are they breeding more? And why do they have a painting of a certain someone, and sound almost done of her? See what I mean about the lack of resolution? There isn't really character growth, either. Lina remains exactly the same up to the last couple pages, pulls a 180 and sounds more like a seasoned general for the last handful of paragraphs, and then book's done. Maybe the author came to the end of this train of thought? Maybe this was intended to be left this way? Readers are encouraged to visualize their own endings? Maybe the author's life changed and this project was abandoned. Which I hope was not the case, unless it was for something good like parenthood. I know it's been 7yrs, but, as a reader, I really hope that they come back. A few tweaks here and there, a little fleshing out, tone down the teen drama a hair, a little more explanation, a wrap up in the next, and this could be a very interesting 2 part series. I liked the prophecies, the visions, the bad guys tormented by their very nature that's outside their control. The bones are there. And the editing was well done.
Lina is 17. Well, is getting ready to turn 17. A new town, a new school, a new part time job and some new spots on her shoulders. Wait, what? No more glasses? Cool. But then her hair goes blonde overnight? And what the heck is up with the fur? Shaving is hard enough to keep up with! Not even sure she wants to mention the crazy dreams, cute guy and the monsters that look like mutant wolves on crack...
Spoilers ahead.
Was this intended as the 1st of a series? It was wrote in 2013. It's 2020 now. There is zero resolution. Everything leads up to this giant climactic scene and then poof. I wouldn't call it a cliffhanger, but it is most definitely unresolved. This will be more than a bit spoilery here, but I'll try to keep it from being book ruining for future readers. Basically the story goes like this: girl feels strange in her totally new environment. Then things change internally, too. Weird dreams, whispered prophecies, physical changes, and a new attitude. New guy from work is mysterious. Finds out why. Finds out what she's becoming. Finds out she has enemies. Enemies start targeting her, have always gone after mystery guy and his family and friends. Big scene, kidnapping, fight scene, wake up, rallying speech out of a 17yo who's never been a leader in her life, fade to black. Are you confused? Yup? Join the club. There's a tense paternal relationship, which considering things is bull poop. Maternal unit makes a big reveal that if made earlier could have saved a lot of angst. Bunch of prophecies that never come to be. A coloration that doesn't make any sense. Visions that explain nothing. I almost have up at 30% because the plot had so many holes, the teen drama and TSTL moments were more than I could handle. But, I almost saw glimmers of intent and I kept going. There was no real training. No special knowledge imparted to Lina. A very basic 5 minute history lesson and poof. The ceremony made no sense. After her shift? Ok. Before, when no one knows her, has met her, is a 17yo girl with no idea of who/what she is? And the very fact that she's supposed to have these visions, tells people she thinks something is wrong, and is completely ignored- to their detriment, is cruddy. This court is never explained. The monsters have an endgame, but the cats don't. Other than don't die. Where were all the older soldiers? Never meet a one. Kids training kids? Barely any sympathy for the monsters, when their origin story is awful. They can't all be bad, but we only meet a scant handful. There has to be some rebellion in the ranks. There's talks about other packs, cats and monsters, but only that they exist. Are there more alphas? Are there ranks among alphas? The endgame the monsters have, how do they "know" that's how it will actually play out? Because if the point is balance, it would seem that answer is not correct. And, here's the kicker, if life is so awful form the moment of change for the monsters, why are they breeding more? And why do they have a painting of a certain someone, and sound almost done of her? See what I mean about the lack of resolution? There isn't really character growth, either. Lina remains exactly the same up to the last couple pages, pulls a 180 and sounds more like a seasoned general for the last handful of paragraphs, and then book's done. Maybe the author came to the end of this train of thought? Maybe this was intended to be left this way? Readers are encouraged to visualize their own endings? Maybe the author's life changed and this project was abandoned. Which I hope was not the case, unless it was for something good like parenthood. I know it's been 7yrs, but, as a reader, I really hope that they come back. A few tweaks here and there, a little fleshing out, tone down the teen drama a hair, a little more explanation, a wrap up in the next, and this could be a very interesting 2 part series. I liked the prophecies, the visions, the bad guys tormented by their very nature that's outside their control. The bones are there. And the editing was well done.
January 29, 2018
Not bad at all. Fairly standard shifter fantasy fare, but I liked the main character who had pretty sensible reactions to the changes in her life. No over-dramatic histrionics and no completely blase reactions to shocking events.
And who wouldn't want to be able to turn into a cat right?
Worth a read if you like coming of age/ shifter stories. If not, why are you reading this review?
And who wouldn't want to be able to turn into a cat right?
Worth a read if you like coming of age/ shifter stories. If not, why are you reading this review?
Read
November 1, 2019It just can't end that way. A new book has to come out. Aaron has to wake up, or it wasn't worth reading at all.
Want to read
July 27, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/27/2021)! 🎁
November 2, 2021
Sequal please!!!! Can't leave us wanting like this, we need Arron to wake up, and how about Celine's dad ? we need to know more about him, a great coming of age story but definitely unfinished
February 17, 2017
This book was just ok for me. I feel like I would hate my whole family if they kept such a secret from me. The main character is sang freaked out enough when she started getting spots. She was super quick to trust Aaron when he found her in the woods. It would have been helpful, and I think key, to have dad around or at least come on the scene at some point. More detail please.
July 30, 2013
Writing: 3.5 stars
How much I liked it: 2 stars
The story moves along at a fair pace, but there's a lot of repetitive "I can't stand my dad for leaving us" talk and "I won't have sex until I'm married" mini-speeches. It wouldn't bother me so much if you didn't find out later on that Lina's mom actually kicked out her husband for (finally) revealing his big secret: he's a shifter. I mean, seriously, you didn't think something was different about him after being together all those years?
As for the characters, Lina's okay as a heroine. She doesn't scare too easily but I do think she's slow on the up-take. I thought her friendship with Kat was good but her relationship with Aaron was completely shallow. The other characters: Trinity, Tom, Allison, Nate, Brendon, etc, were decently written, though unfortunately you don't get to read much about them.
So you get some shifters, and shifter history, an us versus them theme, and a budding romance.
How much I liked it: 2 stars
The story moves along at a fair pace, but there's a lot of repetitive "I can't stand my dad for leaving us" talk and "I won't have sex until I'm married" mini-speeches. It wouldn't bother me so much if you didn't find out later on that Lina's mom actually kicked out her husband for (finally) revealing his big secret: he's a shifter. I mean, seriously, you didn't think something was different about him after being together all those years?
As for the characters, Lina's okay as a heroine. She doesn't scare too easily but I do think she's slow on the up-take. I thought her friendship with Kat was good but her relationship with Aaron was completely shallow. The other characters: Trinity, Tom, Allison, Nate, Brendon, etc, were decently written, though unfortunately you don't get to read much about them.
So you get some shifters, and shifter history, an us versus them theme, and a budding romance.
July 18, 2013
The MC's hate for men, hoochies and her own sexual desires ruined this book. Her mother throws her dad out after he shifts in front of her and now her mom hates men, because a female shifter picks up the pieces her mom left behind. Her mom tells her that at the end. Wow. What a selfish bitch. Lina repeats often, not to have sex until she is married. Women who show off cleavage and legs are hoochies. Talkin' about dissin' a bitch.
The plot was fast paced and the writing was good. The MC wasn't stupid, just hateful towards her dad and his girl (I think the main blame is on her mom). I didn't feel the connection between Lina and Aaron. I just couldn't feel it. The relationship was shallow and without real passion.
The plot was fast paced and the writing was good. The MC wasn't stupid, just hateful towards her dad and his girl (I think the main blame is on her mom). I didn't feel the connection between Lina and Aaron. I just couldn't feel it. The relationship was shallow and without real passion.
November 11, 2013
I must admit I was disappointed with this book I found it very slow moving and predictable, I've read something very similar before in fact at one point I thought it must have been this book, so I checked in case I'd downloaded it earlier from somewhere else but I hadn't. As soon as it mentioned Lina wearing glasses I thought, here goes first thing to change will be her sight, so unfortunately I found this drawn out and predictable.
July 29, 2016
I honestly enjoyed the book. I have read a lot of paranormal books in my life and that's one that I would read again and again. I am feeling a second one should!d definitely happen. It was a book that if the paranormal nnd super natural did exist, it made it relatable to what might happen now. I am glad I read this book. It was written well, and it didn't get to confusing actually. I hope whoever reads it finds it as cool as I did lol!
October 31, 2013
Ya paranormal
This was a good ya paranormal/shifter romance. I really hope there is a sequel. There were a lot of unanswered questions: Will her dad and grandparents make an appearance? What about Aaron? These are just two of many loose ends that I'd like to see tied up.
I would definitely read more from this author. She's a very talented author and storyteller.
This was a good ya paranormal/shifter romance. I really hope there is a sequel. There were a lot of unanswered questions: Will her dad and grandparents make an appearance? What about Aaron? These are just two of many loose ends that I'd like to see tied up.
I would definitely read more from this author. She's a very talented author and storyteller.
November 5, 2013
Sure hope you write a second book spoiler alert how could you end the book like that with Aaron in a freaking coma come on that is just cruel to us as readers. Over all I enjoyed and liked the book. The story was good and I loved the characters and the whole dogs vs cats aspect. Please continue the story.
November 20, 2013
When I bought this book on Amazon, I thought that it sounded good, but we'll see if I actually like it or not. I read the preview and then I couldn't stop reading. I LOVED this book! The characters are incredibly well written and the story isn't just about romance, it's a coming of age story, and a really good one at that! There NEEDS to be a sequel for this!
May 26, 2013
Judging how this novel ends, I would say this book is most definitely a series. From what I've read thus far, in this series, it's pretty fast pace and has some ass kicking action. I enjoyed it greatly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2013
I'd rate this book at a 3.5 star read. I enjoyed it and it was a steady paced read. I really think it'll end up being a series....I sure hope it doesn't just end that way.
More details to come....
More details to come....
October 13, 2013
I don't usually read YA but this was pretty good. It did have a "Twilight"-ish feel without being an exact replica and a lot stronger heroine. There were some details that would have been good to know more about and maybe in the next one there will be!
June 10, 2015
It's a pretty good ya paranormal, but I read it under the impression that it was a single novel and not a series. Of course, after doing some mild research and looking for a sequel, I've yet to find it. That being said, the book now just feels unfinished.
November 6, 2013
Hope we get a second book
That was a really good read.
That was a really good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews