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Trimarked #2
Afflicted: The Trimarked Series Book Two
Hope was dangerous for the Trimarked girl.
It’s been five weeks since Nicu saved Ember from the barrier, and she doesn’t know how long until he tells the Fae about her growing powers. She soon discovers the small openings she can create in the impenetrable barrier around the city of Trifecta no longer snap shut but now ease closed at her command.
Ember already balances on a fine line between accident and purpose; using her power intentionally will certainly bring the wrath of all three races. Though she doesn’t belong anywhere, she’s not willing to become a prisoner to any of the factions.
When a Witch Queen arrives in Trifecta with the goal to enslave the minds and bodies of magic users, Ember must take a different path: use without control. As the Queen gathers new followers, Ember may not have a choice whether she’ll expose her newfound strength if it means saving the few people she dares to call friends.
It’s been five weeks since Nicu saved Ember from the barrier, and she doesn’t know how long until he tells the Fae about her growing powers. She soon discovers the small openings she can create in the impenetrable barrier around the city of Trifecta no longer snap shut but now ease closed at her command.
Ember already balances on a fine line between accident and purpose; using her power intentionally will certainly bring the wrath of all three races. Though she doesn’t belong anywhere, she’s not willing to become a prisoner to any of the factions.
When a Witch Queen arrives in Trifecta with the goal to enslave the minds and bodies of magic users, Ember must take a different path: use without control. As the Queen gathers new followers, Ember may not have a choice whether she’ll expose her newfound strength if it means saving the few people she dares to call friends.
- GenresFantasy
294 pages, Hardcover
Published November 18, 2024
39 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
C.K. Sorens
7 books66 followersC.K. Sorens is a USA Today Bestselling author of Defiant Fantasy, creating dark fantasy and romantasy that challenge fate, choice, and resilience. Her character-driven stories invite readers into worlds where defiance shapes destinies. A certified life coach with a B.S. in Family and Child Development, she brings depth and insight to her narratives. Follow for the latest releases and exclusive content!
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 3, 2022
Afflicted is the second book in the Trimarked series and delves even deeper in the connection between Ember and Nicu. The emerging and complex mythos created by Sorens was well developed and she has really grown as an author. We come to understand more of the backstory between Ember and Nicu, and the imaginative storyline is unique and something I’ve never read before.
I connected more with Ember as her story continues to unfold and she comes more into her own. She is testing her magic while trying to find her place in the world. The character development continued with the other cast of characters, as well as with the introduction of two new characters. No spoilers here-but trust me when I say they bring more twists and turns that will take you on one amazing adventure.
This was a real page-turner and the action, intricate plot, well-written characters, and superb storytelling has me excited for the next book.
I connected more with Ember as her story continues to unfold and she comes more into her own. She is testing her magic while trying to find her place in the world. The character development continued with the other cast of characters, as well as with the introduction of two new characters. No spoilers here-but trust me when I say they bring more twists and turns that will take you on one amazing adventure.
This was a real page-turner and the action, intricate plot, well-written characters, and superb storytelling has me excited for the next book.
March 3, 2022
As it had been a year or so since I read Trimarked, so I went back and re-read it first and found myself reading through Afflicted really quickly as other than Afflicted beginning 5 weeks later, we are thrown right back into an action packed book continuing pretty much where Trimarked left things.
In Trimarked we got to know Ember quite well, the Trimarked girl who is tough, a figher, a survivor, thrown out by her mother, who has discovered quite by accident that despite her binding, she still holds some magical abilities and thus has secrets to keep. Chase looked after her but always as a cost. Nicu watched her like a security guard, but always from a distance.
In Trimarked we also get to know Aaron, friendly and fit Aaron who finds himself caught up in the magical world in search of his friend Brandt.
In Afflicted, we get to see more of what's unfolding for Ember in terms of her powers, as well as get inside Nicu's head to see his struggles with the promises he holds. We also get to know Tristen, and Devi more in Afflicted which is great because neither are your typical Witch.
In Trimarked we were introduced to the 3 worlds inside the barrier, human (under fae spells), witch, and Fae, as well as the underground place where hybrids go. In Afflicted we get more of a glimpse into Witch and Fae culture and how their powers work. We get to see our main characters who span across all 4 communities coming together for a greater threat: Charlah, a Queen on the hunt for the perfect family.
I love the cooperation taking place, and the friendships starting to form and hope to see more Fae involvement and more glimpses into their world in future books to come.
This book was action packed, and felt like one big lead up to the climax as the book itself takes place within what feels like 1-2 days. CK Sorens has a way of writing to the point without added fluff and unimportant information in her own very stylistic way that I've really come to love. Her writing kept me hooked from the first chapter.
Afflicted answers a few questions left hanging from Trimarked, and introduced many more to leave us wondering what's to come in future books. CK Sorens details and descriptions of Magic, and ability to describe their differences between Earth born, vs non Earth born, witch vs Fae, is pretty remarkable.
I am loving this series, and love how woven this fantastical story is with our everyday human world in a time not much different from our own. For those who believe in other beings with Magical abilities, and the elemental Fae world, it does make you wonder how would we cope if we did have to suddenly learn to live side by side with a more Magically evolved people, for real.
In Trimarked we got to know Ember quite well, the Trimarked girl who is tough, a figher, a survivor, thrown out by her mother, who has discovered quite by accident that despite her binding, she still holds some magical abilities and thus has secrets to keep. Chase looked after her but always as a cost. Nicu watched her like a security guard, but always from a distance.
In Trimarked we also get to know Aaron, friendly and fit Aaron who finds himself caught up in the magical world in search of his friend Brandt.
In Afflicted, we get to see more of what's unfolding for Ember in terms of her powers, as well as get inside Nicu's head to see his struggles with the promises he holds. We also get to know Tristen, and Devi more in Afflicted which is great because neither are your typical Witch.
In Trimarked we were introduced to the 3 worlds inside the barrier, human (under fae spells), witch, and Fae, as well as the underground place where hybrids go. In Afflicted we get more of a glimpse into Witch and Fae culture and how their powers work. We get to see our main characters who span across all 4 communities coming together for a greater threat: Charlah, a Queen on the hunt for the perfect family.
I love the cooperation taking place, and the friendships starting to form and hope to see more Fae involvement and more glimpses into their world in future books to come.
This book was action packed, and felt like one big lead up to the climax as the book itself takes place within what feels like 1-2 days. CK Sorens has a way of writing to the point without added fluff and unimportant information in her own very stylistic way that I've really come to love. Her writing kept me hooked from the first chapter.
Afflicted answers a few questions left hanging from Trimarked, and introduced many more to leave us wondering what's to come in future books. CK Sorens details and descriptions of Magic, and ability to describe their differences between Earth born, vs non Earth born, witch vs Fae, is pretty remarkable.
I am loving this series, and love how woven this fantastical story is with our everyday human world in a time not much different from our own. For those who believe in other beings with Magical abilities, and the elemental Fae world, it does make you wonder how would we cope if we did have to suddenly learn to live side by side with a more Magically evolved people, for real.
March 2, 2022
If you thought Ember's abilities were intriguing in Trimarked, just you wait until you learn more in Afflicted. As you can tell from the synopsis, Ember and the rest of the characters learn more about her abilities and her role in Trifecta. My favorite part was that Ember becomes more confident in her voice and her position among these factions—instead of avoiding everyone so she doesn't invoke their wrath or resentment, she starts to stand up for herself and her needs.
The Queen/Charlah is also a fascinating antagonist. Her voice, actions, and personality is so different from the rest of the cast. Whether or not you agree with her agenda, you can't help but find her compelling and fun.
If you're a fan of Nicu, Aaron, Chase, or Devi, these characters come back and change things up. Sorens has a handle on everyone's character arc and takes you on a journey that isn't always easy to predict.
The Queen/Charlah is also a fascinating antagonist. Her voice, actions, and personality is so different from the rest of the cast. Whether or not you agree with her agenda, you can't help but find her compelling and fun.
If you're a fan of Nicu, Aaron, Chase, or Devi, these characters come back and change things up. Sorens has a handle on everyone's character arc and takes you on a journey that isn't always easy to predict.
As I mentioned in my other review, the world of Trifecta is rough; while the book is appropriate for YA readers, it might be a little too much for some. Sorens has an excellent reader’s advisory on her website if you’re interested in learning more. I’ll just say that the town holds a lot of trauma, hardship, and struggles. It’s ideal if you’re a fan of dystopian aesthetics.
February 28, 2022
I just finished reading Afflicted by C.K. Sorens! I love binge reading, and I really liked that I could go from book one, Trimarked straight to book two without waiting long!
Much like the first book, this story expands on the world already introduced in the first book of the series, and it’s rich in magic and interesting characters. I’d liked that in this book we see Ember come out of her shell more, specially at the end we get more of character growth from her. I really liked that we got more from Nicu as well, as he is a dry character in the first book that I had a hard time connecting with, but we can truly get more of what he feels for Ember and his need to protect her.
My favorite character is Aaron, who needs to be protected at all costs. There is not much of a romance in this book, but my romantic heart can’t help but ship Ember and Aaron.
C.K. Sorens brought in some truly interesting antagonists in this book. The siblings are both scary, and I can’t wait to read the next part of the series to get more from this world…
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review, if you like YA Urban Fantasy, give this one a go, it’s very interesting and different to anything I have read before.
Much like the first book, this story expands on the world already introduced in the first book of the series, and it’s rich in magic and interesting characters. I’d liked that in this book we see Ember come out of her shell more, specially at the end we get more of character growth from her. I really liked that we got more from Nicu as well, as he is a dry character in the first book that I had a hard time connecting with, but we can truly get more of what he feels for Ember and his need to protect her.
My favorite character is Aaron, who needs to be protected at all costs. There is not much of a romance in this book, but my romantic heart can’t help but ship Ember and Aaron.
C.K. Sorens brought in some truly interesting antagonists in this book. The siblings are both scary, and I can’t wait to read the next part of the series to get more from this world…
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review, if you like YA Urban Fantasy, give this one a go, it’s very interesting and different to anything I have read before.
March 1, 2022
This book is the definition of fast-paced. So much happened in... was it two days? A day and a half?
I was so caught up in the excitement and urgency I ended up having two coffees this morning while reading, and arrhythmia as a consequence. I can not blame it entirely on the coffee!
Ember's fragile world is falling apart, and since she's so used to living on the edge, she fails to see all the people genuinely (or not so genuinely) caring for her. This was my favorite part of the book. When she realizes she's not alone, and she has people to care for.
It's not an easy read. The author created not one, but two complex magic systems that must coexist in a magicless world. Very much like humans, Fae, and Witches, their powers and natures are forced together and clash. I'm looking forward to the moment they all learn to work together and realize Ember's potential, but mostly, her courage. She withstood the scorn of three races for no reason other than being different, and I suspect she will become their savior (or their downfall, whatever it is, I called it!)
I was so caught up in the excitement and urgency I ended up having two coffees this morning while reading, and arrhythmia as a consequence. I can not blame it entirely on the coffee!
Ember's fragile world is falling apart, and since she's so used to living on the edge, she fails to see all the people genuinely (or not so genuinely) caring for her. This was my favorite part of the book. When she realizes she's not alone, and she has people to care for.
It's not an easy read. The author created not one, but two complex magic systems that must coexist in a magicless world. Very much like humans, Fae, and Witches, their powers and natures are forced together and clash. I'm looking forward to the moment they all learn to work together and realize Ember's potential, but mostly, her courage. She withstood the scorn of three races for no reason other than being different, and I suspect she will become their savior (or their downfall, whatever it is, I called it!)
January 18, 2022
I was instantly transported back into Ember’s world, her situation tugging immediately at my heartstrings once again. The way Ember is ostracised - I’m sure many will empathise with her sense of not fitting in, not belonging.
I love that we started to see a bit of history via Tristan, a man I love to hate!
The queen … bloody amazing! I don’t want to give anything away but she is my favourite new character. Watch out for her!
The book has magic and intrigue, action and adventure, but I also love the themes that echo of the society we live in - being used, people wanting their pound of flesh from you when it suits them. I felt for Ember, never sure who she could trust, if anyone, whilst trying to discover herself and explore her power.
The three races and the halfers all mingled together like a melting pot in Trifecta- the story is just woven brilliantly, with beautiful phrasing and flow.
Even the acknowledgements section is very touching and heartfelt, it struck a chord!
March 1, 2022
Fast pace and exciting plot
Having read ‘Trimarked, the first in this series, I was looking forward to the next instalment from C. K. Sorens. ‘Afflicted’ is just as entertaining, and I became truly gripped in chapter two, when the main protagonist, Ember, unable to accept the offer of a bed, takes herself to an adjoining cupboard to sleep. This brought home to me that how, alongside the action, the characters develop, and how difficult Ember finds it to trust or accept kindness because she is marked out as different. This theme burns through the plot, drawing the reader on through quite a few twists and turns.
I also liked the ambiguity about who the true enemy was, and I don’t want to list the candidates here as it might be a spoiler! There is a lot for the reader to discover as the story unfolds, and I found it very engaging. The pace doesn’t falter, with bigger questions opening as the series moves forward and more revealed about the world of Trifecta.
Having read ‘Trimarked, the first in this series, I was looking forward to the next instalment from C. K. Sorens. ‘Afflicted’ is just as entertaining, and I became truly gripped in chapter two, when the main protagonist, Ember, unable to accept the offer of a bed, takes herself to an adjoining cupboard to sleep. This brought home to me that how, alongside the action, the characters develop, and how difficult Ember finds it to trust or accept kindness because she is marked out as different. This theme burns through the plot, drawing the reader on through quite a few twists and turns.
I also liked the ambiguity about who the true enemy was, and I don’t want to list the candidates here as it might be a spoiler! There is a lot for the reader to discover as the story unfolds, and I found it very engaging. The pace doesn’t falter, with bigger questions opening as the series moves forward and more revealed about the world of Trifecta.
August 12, 2022
I love this journey that C.K. Sorens has taken me on. The narrators, Rob Brinkmann and Jillian Yetter, really bring the characters to life. Rob is so silky smooth to listen to. Jillian is perfect at Ember's voice. They both bring a lot of range in their acting that just makes you want to listen to more and more. The books in this series are a little shorter than I generally like so I'm always wanting to pick up the next book. Which as long as the author cranks them out quick, it's usually not a problem. So far each book in the series leaves you asking questions but I guess that's how books in a series generally are... I just want to keep listening all day and night to find out what happens. So far I really like this series and the narration!
June 8, 2022
When is the next book?
It had been awhile since I read the first book of the Trimarked series, so it took a bit to reacquaint myself with its many diverse characters and communities when starting Afflicted. Before long, however, I was once again fully engaged with the fascinatingly complex citizenry of Trifecta. Ember still finds herself at the center of a conflict she doesn’t understand, meanwhile expanding and testing her powers in effort to protect the people she has grown to care for. Sorens answered some questions only to raise others in this riveting second installment, and I look forward to what she comes up with next!
It had been awhile since I read the first book of the Trimarked series, so it took a bit to reacquaint myself with its many diverse characters and communities when starting Afflicted. Before long, however, I was once again fully engaged with the fascinatingly complex citizenry of Trifecta. Ember still finds herself at the center of a conflict she doesn’t understand, meanwhile expanding and testing her powers in effort to protect the people she has grown to care for. Sorens answered some questions only to raise others in this riveting second installment, and I look forward to what she comes up with next!
January 28, 2025
I did not like this series. The story had potential, but it was written in such a manner it did not flow well. I read just to get to the end only to be disappointed. Done with this series.
May 22, 2022
This is the second novel in C.K. Sorens' fantasy series Trimarked and I really enjoyed it.
The events of the novel are a clear escalation on the previous one with the character of Charlah being a very real threat for Ember and her friends.
Also compared to the first novel the plot was more focussed and action packed, which is probably due to the first novel being about establishing the world and it's lore.
It also has some subplots and an epilogue which will no doubt follow through to the third novel in the series which I will be excited to read when it comes out.
My full review is on my book blog here: https://anovelchapter.co.uk/afflicted
The events of the novel are a clear escalation on the previous one with the character of Charlah being a very real threat for Ember and her friends.
Also compared to the first novel the plot was more focussed and action packed, which is probably due to the first novel being about establishing the world and it's lore.
It also has some subplots and an epilogue which will no doubt follow through to the third novel in the series which I will be excited to read when it comes out.
My full review is on my book blog here: https://anovelchapter.co.uk/afflicted
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews