Marked

Howl #5

by Jody Morse, Jayme Morse

When the Ima and the Vyka packs merge into one, everything changes. Factor in the unusual tattoo that’s appeared on her neck out of nowhere, and Samara finds herself more confused than ever before. She finds it difficult to focus on her upcoming wedding when it’s clear that someone is out to get her—someone who’s willing to sacrifice innocent lives along the way.

In the midst of everything else, Samara must decide what’s best for her and her pack, but sometimes the right choice isn’t always clear—especially when there’s a risk of someone getting hurt . . .

Genres: Young Adult, Wolves, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Werewolves, Romance, Paranormal Romance

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2013

About the author

Jody Morse is a young adult paranormal romance and teen suspense author residing in the Poconos. She co-authors with her sister, Jayme Morse.

Reviews

[Ingrid · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm tired of Samara being a wimpy Alpha. She needs to grow some cajones.

[Barbara Marie Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marked (Howl Series Book 5)  ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Marked (Howl Series Book 5)  ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 absolutely loved this book!! I really wish books like this had been available when I were younger. The story line is engrossing and the characters are well developed. I can't wait to start reading the next book in the series! This book 📕 was an incredible cliff-hanger that leaves you begging for more. Definitely recommend this series and the two sisters..

[Meghann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't get me wrong I still love this series and am now anxiously awaiting the 6th book, but all I have to say about reading this book was What the Hell ...
I am so confused with everything that happened in this book. And the ending really .. could you guys have left me any more confused about how everything that happened in this book is even possible ...
I am so Team Luke and with everything that just happened I am a little mad at Sam and wondering what is going to happen with the Picture that was given to her ..
Hopefully book 6 will answer the questions that are now haunting me ...

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was hard to get into this book. Most of the story line is too far fetched.I hope the next book is better.

[Grail · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK, let me state this ahead: I have absolutely no intentions to offend anyone with my opinion - and before anybody misunderstands me let me also state that I DO like the series in general - but I found this book pretty ridiculous.

Though there was a lot of potential to the story, for the most part there was nothing really going on in the book/wasn't discussed what is going on/it just didn't make sense, pissed me off, etc. what was going on.

- After her behavior in Black Magic, I was kinda expecting some "trouble" or some kind of confrontation with Luke's mother, but all we got was 2 completely uneventful cabin visits and then her declaring the day before the wedding that she's okay with everything. No matter, I can still live with this. It's not like it's so unnatural for the mum to quietly digest the news of her son's marriage, and neither is she a central character in the story; said "trouble"/confrontation was simply just something I personally expected to see before reading the novel, that's all.

- As for the formation of the new pack, well, that went pretty okay and I feel that it got about as much "attention" as it should have, but then the writers had to decide that if both Luke and Declan are in the same pack as Samara, then apparently they both must have to be her mates. Simultaneously. As in the very same time.*imagine me groaning* Upon reading these turn of the events, I immediately thought that the least I can expect from that point on is tons of drama in general (eg.: lots of Oh-my-God-which-guy-should-I-choose moments from Sam, the full out commence of the "Luke vs. Declan: Fight To The Death For Samara's Heart", etc.). What did I get instead?
1. "Oh My Gosh, this situation is most certainly weird and confusing, but I undoubtedly like both boys so, as long as Luke doesn't find out about Declan also being my mate, there's absolutely NOTHING WRONG with me wanting both guys and let's just go with the flow and my feelings. God forbid it should occur to me to seriously think through and try to figure out which one I really want to be with BEFORE I'm about to walk down the aisles at the day of my wedding, and try to let go the one I 'love less'!" ---> How Sam's reaction could be summed up.
2. "I'm sooooo lucky to be able to be call myself Samara's mate again. I will just be happy with that knowledge and our secret mental chats, keep my mouth shut about the whole thing, and very quietly and discretely feel very sorry for myself after all this is still not enough to actually have Sam." ---> Pretty much what I got from Declan.
3. As for Luke, well he was like "Since I'm marrying Samara I'm living on Cloude 9 24/7 - or almost 24/7, meaning when it's not those one of those exceptional occasions, like when I'm sulking like a kid because Declan managed to close enough to Samara that she can at the very least see him for instance. Did I realize anything being particularly different since the official formation of the new pack besides not being able to peep into Samara's mind whenever I want to anymore? Absolutely not.".
And this was what took up approx 3/4 of the plot-line! *imagine me pulling my hair and screaming*
At this point I also would like to note that I've totally lost track of what that whole "True Mate Business" is supposed to be in the Howl universe. Up until this book I thought - just like in other shifter novels - a true mate is a wolf's soul mate/the one created to be their other half/etc. and when they find each other it's love at first sight. Apparently - and first and foremost based on what I read in Marked - in this series things seem to work slightly differently, but since I don't think it has ever been properly explained how exactly should things work with true mates and their bonds and behavior, I was throughly confused when I read parts when mated wolves didn't behave in a way I would expect mated shifters to behave. (For instance from the Luke-Samara-Declan triangle Luke is pretty much the only who somewhat "fits the bill", and what's up with Seth's mate having the hobby of flirting with every single male she comes across and Seth not even minding it?!?)

- I think the murder of poor Brad and the realization that someone is after Samara is supposed to be one of the "highlights" of the book, but if I say there is approx 5 pages dedicated to the topic I'm probably already exaggerating. I suppose the writers wanted to save this to the last book, but - considering how there's almost no plot otherwise - it still would have been nice if they could have elaborated the issue more.

- As for the photo Samara got at her wedding, let me just leave it at that if it turns out it's true, and Luke is some kind of over-possessive psychopath, well I'm not sure what I will do, but probably break something at the very least. Samara fills the "Really Annoying Main Character" role more than perfectly. I mean, her totally-indecisive-your-average-naive-fifteen-years-old personality just drives me crazy. Not to mention that - despite having the destiny of being the strongest wolf who has ever graced this planet - I can't see one single alpha bone in her. Plus she's completely incapable of development. (This "high" opinion of mine of her is not the exclusive accomplishment of Marked, it has been bugging me from the very beginning) I think this series and us readers so not need "Miss Naive Indecisive Irresponsible" pared up with a "Mr. Insanely Possessive Crazy".

So yeah, unfortunately Marked was a pretty big let down for me and while reading it I was either yawing, or frowning or - most often - wishing I could reach into my computer and throttle the character pissing me off at that actual moment.

[Jassicca · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know, it's always the final chapter that really hooks me! It’s always been that way, and it's a neat trick to make you pick up the next book. Well, it definitely works for me!

However, overall, I'm still put off by the lack of action and the characters' immaturity. You'd think if an adult, power-hungry leader was after you, you'd be training, and the whole pack would be united! Where is the sense of urgency?

That said, as the series nears its end, things might become more interesting, especially the question of whether Samara will end up with Luke or Declan and, of course, how the Tala pack will overcome the main villain.

As of the next book, I look forward to finding out who killed Brad, what that tattoo mystery is all about, why Penelope is doing what she's doing, and if Samara's grandfather really is still alive.

[Diane Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GOSH !!!

This is a must read edition to this series. I can't believe what I Just read. Out of all of the ways to end this book, I didn't see 👀 this coming !!! You have got to give this series a try, It grabs you from the very first page and doesn't let go until the last word. I am so impressed with this Author and the way she weaves this story together, It makes me feel like I am one of the characters watching everything unfold from the sidelines. It is so exciting and I am so sorry that there are only two more books to read in this wonderful journey.

[Dreama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good books

I'm angry at Samara and want to smack her for ignoring her instincts and not protecting her pack and letting them do whatever they want and not trying to understand the bad wolves that are using dark magic to Kill them all.
You would think that was a pressing problem to be delt with.

[Laurie Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Well interesting things going on as usual. Seem to never know what to expect with Samara, and is Luke really who we think he is or someone else? And who is Penelope, what is she really up to?

[Paranormal_Madness · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked:
-Samara. I still really like Samara as a character, but I found my love for her lessening throughout this book. I was really unhappy with her back and forth feelings about Luke and Declan, and being trapped inside her mind while she constantly thought/whined about both of them was awful, and it made me see her less as a badass, strong alpha and more as a whiny, weak, indecisive little girl. She definitely wasn’t ready to get married, and it showed.
-Declan. I’m glad we’re finally getting to know Declan a little more, because I’ve found that I really love his character. I think he’s perfect for Samara, and I’m glad he can be in her life for when she needs him. He seems like a steadier partner for Samara than Luke is, and I can’t help but wish that they were together instead.
-Writing style. Even though I hate third person writing because of how unemotional it is, the writing style works for this series. I would have liked a little more emotion during certain parts of this book—two very serious and happy occasions especially—the writing was good. It was solid, even if it wasn’t all that descriptive or beautiful or meaningful.
-The ending. Well, I didn’t see that one coming. I don’t think Luke is actually a killer, but honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me if he had been the one to kill Brad. And Joe McKinley showing up at the wedding, alive and well? That was a huge shock. I hope it was actually him and not some spirit or whatever. Now I’m anxious to find out who is sending Samara these notes, but I think I have an idea as to who it might be. We’ll see if I’m right or not.

What I disliked:
-Luke. I still dislike Luke’s character, and I feel very little to no connection to him. His and Samara’s romance is flatter than paper, and he doesn’t have much of a personality to speak of other than being Samara’s mate. It’s almost like he’s not his own character, he’s just Samara’s accessory. His father’s past keeps being brought up, and I can’t help but think there’s a reason behind it, and I just hope he doesn’t end up like his father. I could totally see it happening. I could also see him killing Brad out of jealousy, which is not a good thing to think about the leading man in a story.
-Plot. Thinking about everything that happened in this book, it seems like a lot of things took place, but while reading it, the story just felt like it was going nowhere. I can’t help but think that these books could have probably been compacted a little, maybe into three larger, good books instead of six smaller ones. There are long stretches where not much happens, and it gets kind of boring. It feels like so much of this book is repetitive—planning about what to do, drama involving mates, and some minor drama that should have a huge impact but doesn’t get solved until the next book in the series. I just wish something would actually happen.

Overall, this book felt like one giant transition. Not a lot happens plot-wise, and most of the development is relationship or drama related. It was pretty boring compared to the second and third book, but the main character is dependable, the secondary characters are likable, and there are a few surprises to keep you guessing. I would recommend this book to any fans of werewolves. It’s a good read to take your mind off things for a couple of hours. 3.5

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The girls have done it again! Marked picks up right where we left off and the excitement begins. A new pack, a wedding, betrayals...Marked has everything you were looking for in the series, including a book 6! I couldn't put this down, i read it in one sitting as i did with most of the previous Howl books. In my opinion, series that go past a 3rd or 4th book usually fade out and don't end as well as they began, but 5 books into the Howl series and i am already dying to read book 6. This is a must read series for any paranormal fan!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still don't know how I feel about a 16 year old getting married, though it is a fantasy story.

After defeating Jason in the last story with the help of Samara's brother and the Trusted Ones, the rival packs, Vyka and Ima, decide to merge into one. They are now known as the Tala. Samara is still the Alpha of the pack, but now she has the issue of having two mates.

Samara ignores this issue, which hurts Declan. Luke is still in the blind that this is going on. So much for being honest with your mate or loved one, especially when the wedding is coming up.

[Enchantedreader20 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one wasn't as good as the others. It seemed kind of boring to me, and I don't like Luke and Samara together. Honestly, I'm surprised the series ended up being six books, since it seems like a lot of it could have been handled in four. It's almost like the last two were just kind of hastily tacked on at the last minute. I love the main character and the writing, but the series feels like it's dragging a bit.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heck Yeah Jason is gone… kinda like the wicked witch/werewolf is dead. With every book I finish I get closer and closer to the end with the curiosity of what will happen next. I hope they find Rain and kick her ever loving butt that chick was psycho. This series has been so much fun to read. Again with both of them? Seems the drama is heating up…. At least one knows about the other while one is left in the dark but I honestly don’t think the one who is left in the dark would be happy if he knew

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marked picks up right where we left off and the excitement begins. A new pack, a wedding, betrayals...Marked has everything you were looking for in the series. The ending of Marked has to be one of the best and worst cliffhanger in all of history. I read it in one sitting as I did with most of the previous Howl books.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marked picks up right where we left off and the excitement begins. A new pack, a wedding, betrayals...Marked has everything you were looking for in the series. The ending of Marked has to be one of the best and worst cliffhanger in all of history. I read it in one sitting as I did with most of the previous Howl books.

[Jennifer Polys fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wedding is coming up quick and all the lies are mounting even faster. Samara is still alfa when shee joint the pacts but now she has two mates. Her tutor is dead and she is getting premonition tattooes. Death, love, betrayel, and truth is what the fifth book holds.

[Jillian Ridall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I knew about what would happen with Darren...but I also can't wait to hear about grandpa joe...and I feel like te reason Declan isn't at the wedding has something to do with Luke. I can't see Declan breaking a promise to Sam...I'm pretty excited to read what happens next!

[☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ ѕℓιм ☠︎︎༒︎✞︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel so sorry for Declan. I want Samara to be with him and spend more time with him like she does with Luke I like come on he's her mate to. And I think Luke did kill Brad. I wouldn't put anything pass in him because he's the jealous type. I like Luke but I want Samara with Declan.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, just wish that the ending of this book turned out a little differently, cannot wait for Cursed.

[Alicia]

Mixed feelings on this book. It left me with more questions than answers. Anticipation for the next book is high though.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

couldn't believe it ended when it did. Now have to wait for the next one.
Good Book.

[Marianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Kathy Harrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the Howl series. But, this book kinda felt like a lot of filler. There was no fighting between packs and there was a dual cliffhanger...now that will surprise you.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the name Tala i think its fits, again would love to see what the tattoos look like. i like the connection that Emma and Colby "claim" they dont have

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story but I found myself lost a few times because I haven't picked up this series for a while. I'm not sure how I feel about the ending. I will definitely need to read the next book.