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Servants of Fate #1
Marked
In a broken landscape carved by environmental collapse, Boston paramedic Cacia Ferry risks life and limb on the front lines of a fragile and dangerous city. What most don’t know—including her sexy new partner, Eli Margolis—is that while Cacy works to save lives, she has another job ferrying the dead to the Afterlife. Once humans are “Marked” by Fate, the powerful Ferrys are called to escort the vulnerable souls to either eternal bliss or unending fire and pain.
Unaware of Cacy’s other life, Eli finds himself as mesmerized by his fierce and beautiful partner as he is mistrustful of the influential Ferry clan led by the Charon—who happens to be Cacy’s father. Cacy, in turn, can no longer deny her intense attraction to the mysterious ex-Ranger with a haunted past. But just as their relationship heats up, an apparent hit takes the Charon before his time. Shaken to the core, Cacy pursues the rogue element who has seized the reins of Fate, only to discover that Eli has a devastating secret of his own. Not knowing whom to trust, what will Cacy have to sacrifice to protect Eli—and to make sure humanity’s future is secure?
Unaware of Cacy’s other life, Eli finds himself as mesmerized by his fierce and beautiful partner as he is mistrustful of the influential Ferry clan led by the Charon—who happens to be Cacy’s father. Cacy, in turn, can no longer deny her intense attraction to the mysterious ex-Ranger with a haunted past. But just as their relationship heats up, an apparent hit takes the Charon before his time. Shaken to the core, Cacy pursues the rogue element who has seized the reins of Fate, only to discover that Eli has a devastating secret of his own. Not knowing whom to trust, what will Cacy have to sacrifice to protect Eli—and to make sure humanity’s future is secure?
323 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
1635 people are currently reading
7581 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Fine
55 books1,997 followersWhen I'm not writing, I'm psychologizing (really, I even get a paycheck for it). Sometimes I do both at the same time. The results are unpredictable.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 671 reviews
March 12, 2015
Review posted at Ja čitam, a ti?
Tanja: I strongly believe that you've heard of Sarah Fine and her Sanctum book, which was highly praised when it came out. I wanted to read it ever since, but somehow something else was always a priority. So when my girl Glass told me that Marked is on NG I had to have it. Now I am happy that Claimed was available too.
Glass: Oh, me too. Especially because story picked up the pace in last 30%. I know that a lot of our friends from blogosphere love Sarah Fine and her young adult series, Guards of the Shadowlands, but I am happy that I started with this, more adult series. It combines two things - mythology and post-apocalyptic society. Sounds weird, I know! Still, it works great - at moments I had a feeling like I was reading Georgina Kincaid series by Richelle Mead combined with TV show Dead Like Me. But that beginning was so slow...
Tanja: Exactly, that is why I even planed to DNF it, but then you and Purple told me to go on and that it gets better later on. I'm glad I finished it now as I expect Claimed to be much better. This one really offered a great base for the story. But my biggest issue here was actually main character, Cacy. One thing I adore in UF stories is kick-ass main character. Cacy was that later on, but her behavior at the start almost made me pull out my hair. You're so kickass just because you walk shirtless around guys. GAH! It annoys me more than it should.
Glass: Ugh, I know! I'm not her biggest fan as well. She did get better later, but Cacy is nowhere near awesomeness of Merit or Mac. On the other hand, I really liked Eli - he is the most intriguing character. It is obvious that there is some big secret about his past (or at least I got that feeling) and I cannot wait to see what will happen next. There is one thing that bothered me - instant love and I-love-you after how many days. It would be so much better if author left that part for later.
Tanja: Girl you're reading my mind. I want to read Claimed mostly to see what's his past. There is something mystical there. Somehow I think he knows much more than we think. But that about insta love bothered me too. I loved the sparks between them and all, but it was rushed. But still I hope that we won't get this into any sort of love triangle or something. Just slowing it down would be great. I haven't read the blurb for the sequel so I hope that I'm not good at fortunetelling.
Glass: Next book is focused on his sister, Galena, and Declan Ferry, so probably, we will find out what are siblings hiding. I just hope that won't end up disappointed.
Tanja: I strongly believe that you've heard of Sarah Fine and her Sanctum book, which was highly praised when it came out. I wanted to read it ever since, but somehow something else was always a priority. So when my girl Glass told me that Marked is on NG I had to have it. Now I am happy that Claimed was available too.
Glass: Oh, me too. Especially because story picked up the pace in last 30%. I know that a lot of our friends from blogosphere love Sarah Fine and her young adult series, Guards of the Shadowlands, but I am happy that I started with this, more adult series. It combines two things - mythology and post-apocalyptic society. Sounds weird, I know! Still, it works great - at moments I had a feeling like I was reading Georgina Kincaid series by Richelle Mead combined with TV show Dead Like Me. But that beginning was so slow...
Tanja: Exactly, that is why I even planed to DNF it, but then you and Purple told me to go on and that it gets better later on. I'm glad I finished it now as I expect Claimed to be much better. This one really offered a great base for the story. But my biggest issue here was actually main character, Cacy. One thing I adore in UF stories is kick-ass main character. Cacy was that later on, but her behavior at the start almost made me pull out my hair. You're so kickass just because you walk shirtless around guys. GAH! It annoys me more than it should.
Glass: Ugh, I know! I'm not her biggest fan as well. She did get better later, but Cacy is nowhere near awesomeness of Merit or Mac. On the other hand, I really liked Eli - he is the most intriguing character. It is obvious that there is some big secret about his past (or at least I got that feeling) and I cannot wait to see what will happen next. There is one thing that bothered me - instant love and I-love-you after how many days. It would be so much better if author left that part for later.
Tanja: Girl you're reading my mind. I want to read Claimed mostly to see what's his past. There is something mystical there. Somehow I think he knows much more than we think. But that about insta love bothered me too. I loved the sparks between them and all, but it was rushed. But still I hope that we won't get this into any sort of love triangle or something. Just slowing it down would be great. I haven't read the blurb for the sequel so I hope that I'm not good at fortunetelling.
Glass: Next book is focused on his sister, Galena, and Declan Ferry, so probably, we will find out what are siblings hiding. I just hope that won't end up disappointed.
March 27, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Amazon Publishing and NetGalley.)
“I feel like I failed you,” he said.
She shook her head. “You were amazing, and you did all you could.”
This was an okay story, but I didn’t love it.
Cacy was an okay character, and she worked really hard as a paramedic, Eli did all he could to look after his sister, and was also a good paramedic, but I just didn’t connect with them as much as I wanted to.
The storyline in this was about certain people being ‘marked’ for death, and a runaway ‘ker’ who was doing the marking? I think? Anyway, I found the world-building in this just not detailed enough for me. I didn’t understand the world they lived in, I didn’t understand why Boston had rivers instead of streets, or exactly what the heck the supernatural stuff was about, and I just lost interest.
There was some romance and a couple of sex scenes, and while I wanted Cacy and Eli to be together, I didn’t really feel the romance all that much.
The ending to this was pretty forgettable, in fact half an hour after finishing I really can’t remember what happened.
6 out of 10
“I feel like I failed you,” he said.
She shook her head. “You were amazing, and you did all you could.”
This was an okay story, but I didn’t love it.
Cacy was an okay character, and she worked really hard as a paramedic, Eli did all he could to look after his sister, and was also a good paramedic, but I just didn’t connect with them as much as I wanted to.
The storyline in this was about certain people being ‘marked’ for death, and a runaway ‘ker’ who was doing the marking? I think? Anyway, I found the world-building in this just not detailed enough for me. I didn’t understand the world they lived in, I didn’t understand why Boston had rivers instead of streets, or exactly what the heck the supernatural stuff was about, and I just lost interest.
There was some romance and a couple of sex scenes, and while I wanted Cacy and Eli to be together, I didn’t really feel the romance all that much.
The ending to this was pretty forgettable, in fact half an hour after finishing I really can’t remember what happened.
6 out of 10
December 7, 2014
Yes, the book had some intriguing (albeit deeply flawed) world building. It also had logical consistencies so profound they insult not only insult the reader, they actually could cause neuron death.
The entire premise of this book is that want to cause the of a young woman who is in a post-apocalyptic global warming scenario where Boston is the new Venice. Instead of allowing said young woman to , they prefer to . Plus the whole subplot was ridiculous.
At the same time, the two supposed heroes of this book spend their entire time indulging in what I can only refer to as chick lit porn sequences. From the unfortunate nipple incident at the start of the book to many more encounters as the "book" progresses, one suspects the "plot" is a mere carrier to enable these events.
I can't understand why it has been so highly reviewed although I wish all the other readers who do enjoy this kind of book well. At the same time I'm glad I got the book for free with the Prime early access thing on Amazon rather than wasting my money.
The entire premise of this book is that want to cause the of a young woman who is in a post-apocalyptic global warming scenario where Boston is the new Venice. Instead of allowing said young woman to , they prefer to . Plus the whole subplot was ridiculous.
At the same time, the two supposed heroes of this book spend their entire time indulging in what I can only refer to as chick lit porn sequences. From the unfortunate nipple incident at the start of the book to many more encounters as the "book" progresses, one suspects the "plot" is a mere carrier to enable these events.
I can't understand why it has been so highly reviewed although I wish all the other readers who do enjoy this kind of book well. At the same time I'm glad I got the book for free with the Prime early access thing on Amazon rather than wasting my money.
April 19, 2020
Fun read
I didn't expect a dystopia when I started (and I loooove dystopias), so it was a pleasant surprise.
It feels like the kind of book you read between 2 complicated, heart-breaking series. It was fun and interesting and (I'm sad to say) pretty short. I would have liked to see more of this series (I know there are 3 books, but that's not nearly enough for what could have been, IMHO).
Still, the characters were pretty good, although annoying and whiney from time to time. It's what I call a 'junkfood' book: you need it from time to time and it's good for your soul, although it doesn't have too many nutrients.
Worth reading if you're looking for a fun, interesting dystopia (better than a lot of similar books).
I didn't expect a dystopia when I started (and I loooove dystopias), so it was a pleasant surprise.
It feels like the kind of book you read between 2 complicated, heart-breaking series. It was fun and interesting and (I'm sad to say) pretty short. I would have liked to see more of this series (I know there are 3 books, but that's not nearly enough for what could have been, IMHO).
Still, the characters were pretty good, although annoying and whiney from time to time. It's what I call a 'junkfood' book: you need it from time to time and it's good for your soul, although it doesn't have too many nutrients.
Worth reading if you're looking for a fun, interesting dystopia (better than a lot of similar books).
March 26, 2015
It's been a while since I've read a PNR, and Marked by Sarah Fine is the perfect welcome back. Guys, this story is seriously so much fun. There's something for everyone: action, romance, mystery, and fantasy elements. The world Sarah Fine has created is like nothing I've read before, a totally unique blend of Greek mythology (with a twist), dystopia, and urban fantasy. I don't know if that sounds like a lot(?) but it blended seamlessly for me. I think, if anything, the world building could have been less vague, but it didn't hinder my enjoyment and I'm actually okay with the sparse details. The focus is very much on the characters and plot, which is fine by me.
Summary
It's roughly 100 years into the future, and environmental catastrophes have reshaped the world. Pittsburgh is a virtual wasteland, nothing but desert and more desert, and Boston, where the story takes place, is flooded. While technology and transportation aren't recognizable in today's world, resources like fresh, clean water are hard to come by. Plus it's a dangerous place. Pirates of the black market variety like to sell human body parts to shady clinics, and the water flooding the streets is disease-ridden. Cacy Ferry (hint hint) is a paramedic in the city and risks her life every day to save others. What most don't know is that she and her family are also responsible for ferrying the dead to the afterlife. Once a person is marked by the Ker, immortal agents of death, the Ferrys open a portal for that soul to go through - either to heaven, or to hell. Eli Margolis, a Pittsburgh transplant, is Cacy's new partner, and while the chemistry between them is scorching hot, he knows she's keeping some dark secrets. When Cacy's father - the Charon - is killed, it sets off a chain of events that could change the course of Fate. Eli and Cacy must pursue the rogue element who has threatened everything and everyone.
What I liked
Well, almost all of it! I'm going to keep things brief. The mythology is great. Sarah Fine really creates something of her own here that hasn't been done before, and I loved all the ways she blended Greek mythology into her story. We get to meet some interesting new characters that feel familiar but also have their own unique backstory. I won't go into too much detail, but there are a few creatures who play important roles in this world and in the hands of Fate, which is an important theme in the book. Obviously the main focus in this one is Cacy's family, the Ferrys, who usher souls into their eternal resting place. They are gifted with long lives and the ability to step into the Veil, or the place between life and death. It's not always an easy job, especially when they have to say goodbye to the people they've known and loved. It's a really cool concept that has some twists and turns along the way and an ending that will leave you wishing for the next book immediately.
The characters are fantastic. It's told in dual point-of-view between Eli and Cacy, and I so enjoyed being inside their heads. Cacy is fiery, tough, independent, and fierce, but she's also incredibly loyal and has a vulnerable heart. She's reluctant to let anyone get close to her, for fear that she will have to send them away in death. But her walls are no match for Eli, who is not at all the typical hero of these type of stories. He's protective but never dominate, a man with a soft heart and sensitive soul, even while hiding a more brutal and violent past. I loved his devotion to both his sister and Cacy, and it was refreshing to see the male character be the more emotional of the two. The supporting characters are also great, and I'm so hoping a few will get their own stories!
Sarah Fine can certainly write steamy romance. While up until now she's published only YA, even that has shown she knows her way around a kissing scene or two. With Marked being an adult book, she takes things so much further, and it's hot. There are quite a few encounters between Eli and Cacy that will leave you breathless and fanning yourself. But the best part is their undeniable chemistry and budding relationship. The attraction between them is palpable from the beginning, but they take their time before jumping in. I loved seeing their friendship grow into something much more meaningful. Plus they make fantastic partners.
The plot, pacing, and action are all well-done. There were moments when I had no clue what was going to happen next or who the actual 'bad guy' was. Judging by the epilogue, things are only going to get trickier from here on out!
What could have been better
While I really enjoyed Eli and Cacy's pairing and their chemistry, the romance did falter a little bit toward the end. They kept getting pulled away from each other, and it felt repetitive. I was waiting and waiting for them to finally stick and for their relationship to feel settled. I think this played a little bit too much into standard PNR tropes, so I hope the next book will forgo the tedious back and forth.
Like I mentioned before, the dystopian aspect to the story isn't fully fleshed out - what exactly happened to the world? When did it occur? What does the rest of the world look like? These are questions I hope will be answered over time in the series.
Final thoughts
If you're looking for a new PNR series to delve into, I highly recommend this one! It's fresh and exciting, with a great deal of complexity and emotion. I really fell for this story and these characters and can't wait to see what happens next.
***Big hugs to Nick for sending me her ARC copy. *Squuuiiish****
This review can also be found at Love at First Page.
Summary
It's roughly 100 years into the future, and environmental catastrophes have reshaped the world. Pittsburgh is a virtual wasteland, nothing but desert and more desert, and Boston, where the story takes place, is flooded. While technology and transportation aren't recognizable in today's world, resources like fresh, clean water are hard to come by. Plus it's a dangerous place. Pirates of the black market variety like to sell human body parts to shady clinics, and the water flooding the streets is disease-ridden. Cacy Ferry (hint hint) is a paramedic in the city and risks her life every day to save others. What most don't know is that she and her family are also responsible for ferrying the dead to the afterlife. Once a person is marked by the Ker, immortal agents of death, the Ferrys open a portal for that soul to go through - either to heaven, or to hell. Eli Margolis, a Pittsburgh transplant, is Cacy's new partner, and while the chemistry between them is scorching hot, he knows she's keeping some dark secrets. When Cacy's father - the Charon - is killed, it sets off a chain of events that could change the course of Fate. Eli and Cacy must pursue the rogue element who has threatened everything and everyone.
What I liked
Well, almost all of it! I'm going to keep things brief. The mythology is great. Sarah Fine really creates something of her own here that hasn't been done before, and I loved all the ways she blended Greek mythology into her story. We get to meet some interesting new characters that feel familiar but also have their own unique backstory. I won't go into too much detail, but there are a few creatures who play important roles in this world and in the hands of Fate, which is an important theme in the book. Obviously the main focus in this one is Cacy's family, the Ferrys, who usher souls into their eternal resting place. They are gifted with long lives and the ability to step into the Veil, or the place between life and death. It's not always an easy job, especially when they have to say goodbye to the people they've known and loved. It's a really cool concept that has some twists and turns along the way and an ending that will leave you wishing for the next book immediately.
The characters are fantastic. It's told in dual point-of-view between Eli and Cacy, and I so enjoyed being inside their heads. Cacy is fiery, tough, independent, and fierce, but she's also incredibly loyal and has a vulnerable heart. She's reluctant to let anyone get close to her, for fear that she will have to send them away in death. But her walls are no match for Eli, who is not at all the typical hero of these type of stories. He's protective but never dominate, a man with a soft heart and sensitive soul, even while hiding a more brutal and violent past. I loved his devotion to both his sister and Cacy, and it was refreshing to see the male character be the more emotional of the two. The supporting characters are also great, and I'm so hoping a few will get their own stories!
Sarah Fine can certainly write steamy romance. While up until now she's published only YA, even that has shown she knows her way around a kissing scene or two. With Marked being an adult book, she takes things so much further, and it's hot. There are quite a few encounters between Eli and Cacy that will leave you breathless and fanning yourself. But the best part is their undeniable chemistry and budding relationship. The attraction between them is palpable from the beginning, but they take their time before jumping in. I loved seeing their friendship grow into something much more meaningful. Plus they make fantastic partners.
The plot, pacing, and action are all well-done. There were moments when I had no clue what was going to happen next or who the actual 'bad guy' was. Judging by the epilogue, things are only going to get trickier from here on out!
What could have been better
While I really enjoyed Eli and Cacy's pairing and their chemistry, the romance did falter a little bit toward the end. They kept getting pulled away from each other, and it felt repetitive. I was waiting and waiting for them to finally stick and for their relationship to feel settled. I think this played a little bit too much into standard PNR tropes, so I hope the next book will forgo the tedious back and forth.
Like I mentioned before, the dystopian aspect to the story isn't fully fleshed out - what exactly happened to the world? When did it occur? What does the rest of the world look like? These are questions I hope will be answered over time in the series.
Final thoughts
If you're looking for a new PNR series to delve into, I highly recommend this one! It's fresh and exciting, with a great deal of complexity and emotion. I really fell for this story and these characters and can't wait to see what happens next.
***Big hugs to Nick for sending me her ARC copy. *Squuuiiish****
This review can also be found at Love at First Page.
December 19, 2014
Sarah, Sarah, Sarah, let me count the ways I love thee....
I fell in love with Sarah's writing after reading her Guards of the Shadowland series and that love has been fueled and grown with each new book she writes.
Time and time again she proves just how well she can write, in any genre she chooses next.
Her latest release Marked, is no different.
I loved this book. This story. And all the characters so very much, and even though I was expecting greatness from this read, I was still blown away by it.
The twist between dystopian, mythology, and an almost sci fi feel was a heedy combination and one that had me eagerly turning the pages wanting more.
Sarah has always had the ability to write a well thought out, swoon worthy male leading role but she truly made a stand out hero in Eli. He was everything I like in a male lead, heck, everything I like in a man period. Hard working, loyal, loving, protective, sweet, romantic...really should I go on because I probably could be here all day.
Truly I loved every single minute of this story, the sexual tension, the family relationships, and of course the dark desolate world that Sarah created, not to mention the mythology behind it all.
Book two can not get here fast enough!
I fell in love with Sarah's writing after reading her Guards of the Shadowland series and that love has been fueled and grown with each new book she writes.
Time and time again she proves just how well she can write, in any genre she chooses next.
Her latest release Marked, is no different.
I loved this book. This story. And all the characters so very much, and even though I was expecting greatness from this read, I was still blown away by it.
The twist between dystopian, mythology, and an almost sci fi feel was a heedy combination and one that had me eagerly turning the pages wanting more.
Sarah has always had the ability to write a well thought out, swoon worthy male leading role but she truly made a stand out hero in Eli. He was everything I like in a male lead, heck, everything I like in a man period. Hard working, loyal, loving, protective, sweet, romantic...really should I go on because I probably could be here all day.
Truly I loved every single minute of this story, the sexual tension, the family relationships, and of course the dark desolate world that Sarah created, not to mention the mythology behind it all.
Book two can not get here fast enough!
February 12, 2015
World: This urban fantasy takes place in Boston and weaves mythology into a dystopian world. Fines’ twist on the Fates and supernatural creatures was fascinating from the Scopes to the Fates themselves. Power struggles, romance and timeline threads held me spellbound. While we do not get all the pieces of this world, it was fleshed out enough to have me craving more.
Characters: From the very first chapters I was swept up and each character drew me further in. Cacy Ferry is tenacious, inquisitive and has such spunk. She is a bit of rebel choosing to be a paramedic instead of joining the families’ corporate business. It helps balance out her true calling. Eli is not your typical hero and I loved him. He is loyal, loves hard and hides secrets from his past. The tale is told in the dual perspectives of Eli and Cacy. To me this was brilliant and only enhanced the storyline and their interactions. The secondary characters and hierarchy were stellar. I love when an author fleshes them out and has me equally curious. We have villains and characters whose role we are unsure of making this a real page-turner.
Plot: I am going to be vague here, because Fine created twists I never saw coming. A human whose timeline will have a rippling effect on everyone involved and beyond is in danger. Sides are drawn, lines are crossed and figuring out where everyone falls is suspenseful. From the beginning, Fine has us invested from both an emotional standpoint and a "fate of the world" aspect.
Romance: Holy hotness and bring out the feels. The chemistry between Eli and Cacy is electric. You can call it insta-love if you want but Fine had no trouble making me believe. Every time these two were together, I felt the sexually tense and intense connection. Swoon-worthy with all the feels, Fine gave us scenes that melted my ears and she did it without making me blush. The angst and tension were brilliantly drawn out without making me pull out my hair. Instead, it had me holding my breath and demanding she find them their happy.
Narrator: Emily Foster is the narrator and we began a little rocky. She does a terrific job with the character but I found her narration to be too fast. I generally set my audible app between 1.25x and 1.75x. With Foster, I had to set it at 1x. Having said that within the first few chapters I was swept up in the story and found her voices and tones to be spot on. I definitely plan to continue on audio and hope she continues to narrate them.
Caffeinated Conclusion: Marked for the win! I am delighted and excited to continue the series, especially after the epilogue that left me drooling in anticipation. Sarah Fine lived up to the hype. Marked will delight fans of urban fantasy, dystopian worlds, science fiction and mythology based tales. The next book/audio in the series, Claimed releases in March of 2015. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Characters: From the very first chapters I was swept up and each character drew me further in. Cacy Ferry is tenacious, inquisitive and has such spunk. She is a bit of rebel choosing to be a paramedic instead of joining the families’ corporate business. It helps balance out her true calling. Eli is not your typical hero and I loved him. He is loyal, loves hard and hides secrets from his past. The tale is told in the dual perspectives of Eli and Cacy. To me this was brilliant and only enhanced the storyline and their interactions. The secondary characters and hierarchy were stellar. I love when an author fleshes them out and has me equally curious. We have villains and characters whose role we are unsure of making this a real page-turner.
Plot: I am going to be vague here, because Fine created twists I never saw coming. A human whose timeline will have a rippling effect on everyone involved and beyond is in danger. Sides are drawn, lines are crossed and figuring out where everyone falls is suspenseful. From the beginning, Fine has us invested from both an emotional standpoint and a "fate of the world" aspect.
Romance: Holy hotness and bring out the feels. The chemistry between Eli and Cacy is electric. You can call it insta-love if you want but Fine had no trouble making me believe. Every time these two were together, I felt the sexually tense and intense connection. Swoon-worthy with all the feels, Fine gave us scenes that melted my ears and she did it without making me blush. The angst and tension were brilliantly drawn out without making me pull out my hair. Instead, it had me holding my breath and demanding she find them their happy.
Narrator: Emily Foster is the narrator and we began a little rocky. She does a terrific job with the character but I found her narration to be too fast. I generally set my audible app between 1.25x and 1.75x. With Foster, I had to set it at 1x. Having said that within the first few chapters I was swept up in the story and found her voices and tones to be spot on. I definitely plan to continue on audio and hope she continues to narrate them.
Caffeinated Conclusion: Marked for the win! I am delighted and excited to continue the series, especially after the epilogue that left me drooling in anticipation. Sarah Fine lived up to the hype. Marked will delight fans of urban fantasy, dystopian worlds, science fiction and mythology based tales. The next book/audio in the series, Claimed releases in March of 2015. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
December 28, 2018
Marked is the first book in the Servants of Fate series. In it, you will meet Cacy and Eli. Honestly, I liked them and thought they were cute... but I didn't really love them or this book. Maybe it was the romance that "blossomed" between them.. or maybe I just couldn't back them up 100%. I just kept flipflopping on if I liked them or not.. and I just don't want to think about it anymore.
After reading the synopsis, I was a bit intrigued. I just thought that people being marked for death was an interesting concept. Well, after reading this... yeah, I don't think that anymore. Then the overall flow of the book was just meh. The mystery was okay but nothing to keep my interest.
Overall, I'm glad that I dove into but.. it wasn't really my cup of tea. I may or may not dive into the second book but don't keep your hopes high folks.
After reading the synopsis, I was a bit intrigued. I just thought that people being marked for death was an interesting concept. Well, after reading this... yeah, I don't think that anymore. Then the overall flow of the book was just meh. The mystery was okay but nothing to keep my interest.
Overall, I'm glad that I dove into but.. it wasn't really my cup of tea. I may or may not dive into the second book but don't keep your hopes high folks.
January 15, 2015
***This review has also been posted on The Social Potato
This is the first adult book by Sarah Fine. I repeat. IT’S THE FIRST ADULT BOOK BY SARAH FINE. When I first heard about it, all I could think of was how much I wanted to read it and about how awesome I thought it would be and I wasn’t let down. But then again, it IS Sarah Fine. When has she ever really let me down?
What first drew me to the book, aside from it being written by Sarah Fine, was the concept. The blurb doesn't give you much of a look into the world this book is set in but it's definitely original. It’s not that no one has ever written a book about death or afterlife, hell, Sarah Fine’s YA series deals with those things too, but this book, or I should say this series, has a take on it that I personally haven’t read about. The basis of this world is in myth but at the same time, this book is also set in the future.
They live in a world where the rich people are the only lucky ones. Everyone else doesn’t even have full time running water. Chocolate is so rare that even it’s substitute, Mockolate, is way too expensive (this is your cue to gasp chocolate lovers). The waters are disease ridden and people don’t have much prevention against diseases. Eli’s sister, Galena, is looking to change that. She wants to invent a way for vaccines to mutate along with the diseases they are supposes to prevent. It would decrease the death rates by a third, but it would also become a huge drawback in the business of death, the business the Kers and the Ferrys deal in.
This book however, doesn’t dwell too much into that, we are instead introduced into the world, like we would be at the beginning of any series. Fine helps us settle into this world she has created so that when we get around to reading the following books, we can be submerged into the world with more ease.
This book, is more about the characters, Eli and Cacy. They are both formidable characters to say the least. On their own, they are strong, a little bullheaded but ready to do what they can for the ones’ they love but together, they are a team, they are in sync and are always there for each other to fall back on. Isn’t that beautiful?
Like a lot of Fine’s romances, this one definitely has the insta-vibes to it but Fine always crafts her romances wonderfully and we get to see how these two work together as as a team. We see how they make each other better people. They may be a little afraid to lean on one another but that’s part of the process. They have feelings for one another but they need to learn to trust one another. It is a wonderful journey. The deep stuff said, this book is HAWT. With capitals. If you’ve read her YA books and remember how well she writes sexual tension, I am sure you'll have a vague idea as to just how hawt this book will get.
The main characters aside, we also have an entourage of wonderful secondary ones, my personal favorite being Moros ;) (please keep your hands off). They are developed but our main characters remain in the spotlight. I like that none of the characters are just there though. They all serve a purpose and all play an intricate part in what is going to happen in the future books aside from the fact that they will star in them.
This book also has a tendency to keep you on your toes. There is plenty of action and Sarah knows just how to punch you in the feels (if you don’t believe me ask Nick… she had to deal with some of the aftermath.. no one heard the weird noises I was making though). None of what she does every feels unnecessary though. Things happen, but it all serves a larger plot line. Nothing can ever be perfect can it? You cannot gain one thing without losing the other and such is life.
I have to say though, I was a little surprised by the twist. I am not sure if it was the fact that I purposefully chose to blind myself to the possibility but I was taken off guard by the identity of the traitor. I didn’t even have a specific person in mind but I was surprised that it turned out to be that person.
On the whole, this is a book I’d recommend to everyone who likes a good romance but also likes it when there is something interesting happening that isn’t in the background.
This is the first adult book by Sarah Fine. I repeat. IT’S THE FIRST ADULT BOOK BY SARAH FINE. When I first heard about it, all I could think of was how much I wanted to read it and about how awesome I thought it would be and I wasn’t let down. But then again, it IS Sarah Fine. When has she ever really let me down?
What first drew me to the book, aside from it being written by Sarah Fine, was the concept. The blurb doesn't give you much of a look into the world this book is set in but it's definitely original. It’s not that no one has ever written a book about death or afterlife, hell, Sarah Fine’s YA series deals with those things too, but this book, or I should say this series, has a take on it that I personally haven’t read about. The basis of this world is in myth but at the same time, this book is also set in the future.
They live in a world where the rich people are the only lucky ones. Everyone else doesn’t even have full time running water. Chocolate is so rare that even it’s substitute, Mockolate, is way too expensive (this is your cue to gasp chocolate lovers). The waters are disease ridden and people don’t have much prevention against diseases. Eli’s sister, Galena, is looking to change that. She wants to invent a way for vaccines to mutate along with the diseases they are supposes to prevent. It would decrease the death rates by a third, but it would also become a huge drawback in the business of death, the business the Kers and the Ferrys deal in.
This book however, doesn’t dwell too much into that, we are instead introduced into the world, like we would be at the beginning of any series. Fine helps us settle into this world she has created so that when we get around to reading the following books, we can be submerged into the world with more ease.
This book, is more about the characters, Eli and Cacy. They are both formidable characters to say the least. On their own, they are strong, a little bullheaded but ready to do what they can for the ones’ they love but together, they are a team, they are in sync and are always there for each other to fall back on. Isn’t that beautiful?
Like a lot of Fine’s romances, this one definitely has the insta-vibes to it but Fine always crafts her romances wonderfully and we get to see how these two work together as as a team. We see how they make each other better people. They may be a little afraid to lean on one another but that’s part of the process. They have feelings for one another but they need to learn to trust one another. It is a wonderful journey. The deep stuff said, this book is HAWT. With capitals. If you’ve read her YA books and remember how well she writes sexual tension, I am sure you'll have a vague idea as to just how hawt this book will get.
The main characters aside, we also have an entourage of wonderful secondary ones, my personal favorite being Moros ;) (please keep your hands off). They are developed but our main characters remain in the spotlight. I like that none of the characters are just there though. They all serve a purpose and all play an intricate part in what is going to happen in the future books aside from the fact that they will star in them.
This book also has a tendency to keep you on your toes. There is plenty of action and Sarah knows just how to punch you in the feels (if you don’t believe me ask Nick… she had to deal with some of the aftermath.. no one heard the weird noises I was making though). None of what she does every feels unnecessary though. Things happen, but it all serves a larger plot line. Nothing can ever be perfect can it? You cannot gain one thing without losing the other and such is life.
I have to say though, I was a little surprised by the twist. I am not sure if it was the fact that I purposefully chose to blind myself to the possibility but I was taken off guard by the identity of the traitor. I didn’t even have a specific person in mind but I was surprised that it turned out to be that person.
On the whole, this is a book I’d recommend to everyone who likes a good romance but also likes it when there is something interesting happening that isn’t in the background.
February 22, 2015
This review is posted on Way Too Hot Books.
After finishing Burned (Fever, #7) by K. M. Moning I've realized how much I missed and kind of neglected one of my favorites, if not No. 1 favorite genre- urban fantasy/pnr romance. Since I've been seeing praising reviews of this new series a lot lately on both GR and Twitter, I decided to give it a shot.
It turned out that the story is not only a mix of urban fantasy and pnr romance, but also of mythology and dystopia with the setting in a post-apocalyptic world with polluted land and waters, increasing illegal human organs trafficking and therefore decreasing number of people. Add to that mythological creatures like Ferries and Kers or so called "servants of fate."
Basically, Kers are the ones who mark people when their time has come and then Ferries help them cross over, either to heaven or hell. There are even more powerful players who are in charge of both Ferries and Kers, but you'll find out more about them if you decide to read this book.
Sounds interesting, right? Well, to be honest, it took me awhile to get into this story. I saw the potential in the idea of the plot right away, but I wasn't exactly impressed with the way the story was introduced. Why is that? Well, it's mainly because the story was more character- and romance-driven in the beginning with some info about the post-apocalyptic setting, but not enough to satisfy my curiosity. Even now, after finishing it, I have many questions about the world-building which I hope will be answered in the next installment.
The MCs, the paramedics Cacy & Eli were likable, but not enough to not be overshadowed by some of the secondary characters, at least for me. One of the things which could also have been better in my opinion is the romance. K. M. Moning, Ilona Andrews and Nalini Singh got me hooked on romances full of witty banter, tension and passion and I couldn't not notice how the romance here wasn't on the same level. While it was slow-building with some push and pull drama, it was also insta-tish and I'm not exactly a fan of that type of romance.
The most intriguing secondary character was definitely the mysterious and edgy Lord of the Kere and keeper of souls- Moros and later on his creepy sisters of Fate, but we meet them at the very end, in the epilogue. The story was dark, action-packed, suspenseful and steamy and the writing was good. The best parts for me were the last 30 % of the book where the most action and twists happened and where the biggest secrets came to light and where everything I found lacking in the beginning improved drastically.
All in all- for me, this was a 3 I-like-you-but-I-expect-more-from-you-in-the-future stars read. I think that the story has potential and hope that that potential will be fully achieved in the next installment.
After finishing Burned (Fever, #7) by K. M. Moning I've realized how much I missed and kind of neglected one of my favorites, if not No. 1 favorite genre- urban fantasy/pnr romance. Since I've been seeing praising reviews of this new series a lot lately on both GR and Twitter, I decided to give it a shot.
It turned out that the story is not only a mix of urban fantasy and pnr romance, but also of mythology and dystopia with the setting in a post-apocalyptic world with polluted land and waters, increasing illegal human organs trafficking and therefore decreasing number of people. Add to that mythological creatures like Ferries and Kers or so called "servants of fate."
Basically, Kers are the ones who mark people when their time has come and then Ferries help them cross over, either to heaven or hell. There are even more powerful players who are in charge of both Ferries and Kers, but you'll find out more about them if you decide to read this book.
Sounds interesting, right? Well, to be honest, it took me awhile to get into this story. I saw the potential in the idea of the plot right away, but I wasn't exactly impressed with the way the story was introduced. Why is that? Well, it's mainly because the story was more character- and romance-driven in the beginning with some info about the post-apocalyptic setting, but not enough to satisfy my curiosity. Even now, after finishing it, I have many questions about the world-building which I hope will be answered in the next installment.
The MCs, the paramedics Cacy & Eli were likable, but not enough to not be overshadowed by some of the secondary characters, at least for me. One of the things which could also have been better in my opinion is the romance. K. M. Moning, Ilona Andrews and Nalini Singh got me hooked on romances full of witty banter, tension and passion and I couldn't not notice how the romance here wasn't on the same level. While it was slow-building with some push and pull drama, it was also insta-tish and I'm not exactly a fan of that type of romance.
The most intriguing secondary character was definitely the mysterious and edgy Lord of the Kere and keeper of souls- Moros and later on his creepy sisters of Fate, but we meet them at the very end, in the epilogue. The story was dark, action-packed, suspenseful and steamy and the writing was good. The best parts for me were the last 30 % of the book where the most action and twists happened and where the biggest secrets came to light and where everything I found lacking in the beginning improved drastically.
All in all- for me, this was a 3 I-like-you-but-I-expect-more-from-you-in-the-future stars read. I think that the story has potential and hope that that potential will be fully achieved in the next installment.
February 17, 2015
I picked this up because I was curious about this whole "new adult" genre. I think that this was the first book I've read to be marketed under that category. And - it was pretty much what I expected: occasional explicit sex scenes mixed in with the tropes popular in YA today.
Eli and his sister Galena have managed to get out of the desolate wasteland that is a near-future Pittsburgh. They've both got jobs in Boston - which is better-off than much of the US, but still pretty dystopic. Galena is a brilliant bio-researcher, who's snagged a position at Harvard. Eli is a paramedic, and ready to get down to business saving lives.
However, his new partner, Cacy, is distractingly sexy - AND intimately connected with the most wealthy and powerful family in Boston. And that's just what Eli knows. What he doesn't know is that she - and her whole family - are supernaturally connected, with the job of ferrying the souls of the dead to their just reward.
Soon, Eli is up to the neck in a paranormal power struggle involving Cacy, her family, his sister's research, and other forces which he knows nothing about. Pursuing a relationship with Cacy, and just staying alive become his primary concerns...
This is an essentially silly book. It's not trying not to be. However, the sex scenes were pretty hot, and it's better than a lot of other material coming out lately under the 'paranormal romance' umbrella. A quick and entertaining read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and 47North for the opportunity to read. As always, my opinions are solely my own.
Eli and his sister Galena have managed to get out of the desolate wasteland that is a near-future Pittsburgh. They've both got jobs in Boston - which is better-off than much of the US, but still pretty dystopic. Galena is a brilliant bio-researcher, who's snagged a position at Harvard. Eli is a paramedic, and ready to get down to business saving lives.
However, his new partner, Cacy, is distractingly sexy - AND intimately connected with the most wealthy and powerful family in Boston. And that's just what Eli knows. What he doesn't know is that she - and her whole family - are supernaturally connected, with the job of ferrying the souls of the dead to their just reward.
Soon, Eli is up to the neck in a paranormal power struggle involving Cacy, her family, his sister's research, and other forces which he knows nothing about. Pursuing a relationship with Cacy, and just staying alive become his primary concerns...
This is an essentially silly book. It's not trying not to be. However, the sex scenes were pretty hot, and it's better than a lot of other material coming out lately under the 'paranormal romance' umbrella. A quick and entertaining read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and 47North for the opportunity to read. As always, my opinions are solely my own.
March 3, 2023
Maybe this is worthy of 4 stars, but every character is TOO GOD DAMN HORNY ALL THE TIME and that detracts from my enjoyment.
December 23, 2014
Fair warning, there will be LOTS of gushing in this review! I know you all are probably already pretty sick of my constant fangirling over Sarah Fine's books! But guys! She continues to amaze me and make me fall in love with her characters over and over again. With Marked, her new adult UF/post-apocalyptic series, she has once again managed to impress me.
From the very first page of Marked, I was hooked. I knew while reading that first chapter that I was in for a ride and boy was I right. To accompany me on this ride were some fantastic characters. Being a psychologist really helps Sarah Fine in fleshing out her characters, in my opinion, because she manages to dig deep into her characters' personalities and really make them across as realistic. Over the course of the story, you get to know these characters and love them dearly! Cacy, the main character, was so badass! I loved that girl fiercely, as much as I loved her love interest, which is quite the rare occurrence for me. Her strength and independence were such admirable qualities. I was truly amazed by how much I was able to bond with her. Then, there was Eli, her love interest! SWOON! Sarah Fine sure knows how to write swoon-worthy love interests and Eli was no different. He was such a sweet guy with a huge heart and I loved how he was slightly possessive, but never over the top. His dark story made me want to hug him tightly and never let go. Despite everything he had had to face, he was loyal to his sister, whom he cared so much for. Eli was definitely a man after my own heart with how gentle he was. The secondary characters were also all very intriguing from Eli's sister to Cacy's siblings to Morros! I can't wait to read their own stories in the next books in this series.
Marked also had such an interesting concept. It was a blend between Urban Fantasy and Post-Apocalyptic genres, which I thought was really cool. Sarah Fine also worked well with the two genres such that it never got confusing. Her mythology was rich and complex and while we don't get answers to every question, she provided enough world building to give the reader a good understanding of what was going on. The plot too was filled with twists and surprising revelations. Marked elucidated a few gasps out of me because of certain events that I couldn't see coming, yet another rare occurrence. The best part of Marked for me without any doubt, was the romance! *Fans self* Sarah Fine's romances in her YA books always have me drooling, and since this is an adult book, the steam level is much more intense! I was a happy camper for sure! ;) The chemistry between Cacy and Eli was smoldering, but the sweet moments they shared together were my highlights of reading Marked. Honestly, Sarah Fine is just an amazing author and if you have not read anything by her yet, then I'm judging you pretty hard! Her prose is just so gorgeous, it sucks you in from the first word!
A new adult companion series that promises to be thrilling and exciting in every way, Sarah Fine's Marked should not be missed out by fans of the genre. If you're looking for a sexy read, with endearing characters and a plot that will leave you breathless, then I assure you that Marked will deliver! I can't wait to get my hands on book 2!
Want to read
September 3, 2016I mean, it's Sarah Fine. That's enough for me!
January 7, 2015
Four and a half stars: A mythological/dystopian story with complex characters and a terrific romance.
Eli is eager to be settled in Boston. It has been a difficult few years for Eli and his sister Galena. They are thrilled to be leaving violent Philadelphia to start a new life. Eli arrives at his new job as a paramedic. Everyone is watching a press conference on tv. One of the city's most famous and powerful leaders, Patrick Ferry is retiring. Eli's eyes are immediately drawn to his youngest daughter, Cacy. She is gorgeous, but he quickly learns that she is the sister of his boss, Declan. Then Eli learns he is partnered with Cacy. So much for an easy first day. Eli quickly learns that there is more to Cacy than meets the eye, and before he knows it, he is drawn into a deadly life and death game. Will Eli survive?
What I Liked:
*It is no secret that I am a big fan of Sarah Fine. So I was more than eager to get my hands on her first adult novel. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. Fine delivers an action packed, thrilling dystopian novel with new ideas on old mythological ideas. I loved it.
*I loved the new spins on the mythological Fates and the Charon, the one who ferries the souls to the Underworld. In Fine's vision, there are the Ker who heed the wishes of the fates and mark souls for death. Once the soul dies, one of the Ferry family ushers the soul to their final fate, either Heaven or Hell. It is so much more complex than that. I thoroughly enjoyed this new spin on the well known Greek mythology and I loved Fine's refashioning.
*As always, Ms. Fine manages to write terrific, complex and likable characters. I love how layered her characters are. They are flawed and wonderful at the same time. Eli especially starts out as a swoon worthy hero, but as the story progresses, the reader learns that he has a dark side that lashes out when those he loves are threatened. Even the leader of the hated Ker, Jason Moros, has shades of good and bad. I was drawn to both Trevor and Jason, the Ker, as I was fascinated by their dark sides, yet they had moments of goodness. I am always impressed by the depth of Ms. Fine's characters, and this book was no exception.
*The story was action packed and full of danger. I especially enjoyed the surprising twists and shocking revelations at the end. I didn't see that one coming!
*The romance is a slow burner. It starts out as an immediate attraction, but the two take their time to establish a working relationship that moves into a friendship before it blooms into something more. Granted, it is a bit fast moving, but I never had an issue with it. I found it to be sizzling hot and believable. I am excited to see how it will progress from here.
*The ending draws to a satisfying close after some thrilling events. I was pleased that most of the big story lines were settled, while new story threads were introduced for the next book. No horrid cliffhangers.
And The Not So Much:
*I was disappointed in the world building. I know how outstanding Ms. Fine's world building can be, but this time it missed the mark. This book is set in the future after some type of apocalyptic event has changed the world as we know it. Philadelphia is a lawless city. Boston is fairing better thanks to the Ferry family, but it still wasn't fleshed out. I wanted to know what happened to society. Why was everything flooded? What was the deal with the pirates? I hope in the next book the world is better explained.
*Ms. Fine not only writes complex characters but she is also terrific and exploring relationships. While there are many complicated relationships in this one, I was upset that there wasn't further explanations on why there was such a rift between Cacy and her older sister. Why was there so much animosity and distrust between the two?
*Even though I was mostly satisfied with the ending, I was left wanting to know more about the traitor's motives and what his fate was.
Marked was a terrific apocalyptic/ dystopian romance. This book takes well known mythological characters and ideas and completely refashions them. I loved Ms. Fine's creative new ideas. Her characters and relationships as always are complex and multilayered. I was most pleased with her first adult book and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Eli is eager to be settled in Boston. It has been a difficult few years for Eli and his sister Galena. They are thrilled to be leaving violent Philadelphia to start a new life. Eli arrives at his new job as a paramedic. Everyone is watching a press conference on tv. One of the city's most famous and powerful leaders, Patrick Ferry is retiring. Eli's eyes are immediately drawn to his youngest daughter, Cacy. She is gorgeous, but he quickly learns that she is the sister of his boss, Declan. Then Eli learns he is partnered with Cacy. So much for an easy first day. Eli quickly learns that there is more to Cacy than meets the eye, and before he knows it, he is drawn into a deadly life and death game. Will Eli survive?
What I Liked:
*It is no secret that I am a big fan of Sarah Fine. So I was more than eager to get my hands on her first adult novel. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. Fine delivers an action packed, thrilling dystopian novel with new ideas on old mythological ideas. I loved it.
*I loved the new spins on the mythological Fates and the Charon, the one who ferries the souls to the Underworld. In Fine's vision, there are the Ker who heed the wishes of the fates and mark souls for death. Once the soul dies, one of the Ferry family ushers the soul to their final fate, either Heaven or Hell. It is so much more complex than that. I thoroughly enjoyed this new spin on the well known Greek mythology and I loved Fine's refashioning.
*As always, Ms. Fine manages to write terrific, complex and likable characters. I love how layered her characters are. They are flawed and wonderful at the same time. Eli especially starts out as a swoon worthy hero, but as the story progresses, the reader learns that he has a dark side that lashes out when those he loves are threatened. Even the leader of the hated Ker, Jason Moros, has shades of good and bad. I was drawn to both Trevor and Jason, the Ker, as I was fascinated by their dark sides, yet they had moments of goodness. I am always impressed by the depth of Ms. Fine's characters, and this book was no exception.
*The story was action packed and full of danger. I especially enjoyed the surprising twists and shocking revelations at the end. I didn't see that one coming!
*The romance is a slow burner. It starts out as an immediate attraction, but the two take their time to establish a working relationship that moves into a friendship before it blooms into something more. Granted, it is a bit fast moving, but I never had an issue with it. I found it to be sizzling hot and believable. I am excited to see how it will progress from here.
*The ending draws to a satisfying close after some thrilling events. I was pleased that most of the big story lines were settled, while new story threads were introduced for the next book. No horrid cliffhangers.
And The Not So Much:
*I was disappointed in the world building. I know how outstanding Ms. Fine's world building can be, but this time it missed the mark. This book is set in the future after some type of apocalyptic event has changed the world as we know it. Philadelphia is a lawless city. Boston is fairing better thanks to the Ferry family, but it still wasn't fleshed out. I wanted to know what happened to society. Why was everything flooded? What was the deal with the pirates? I hope in the next book the world is better explained.
*Ms. Fine not only writes complex characters but she is also terrific and exploring relationships. While there are many complicated relationships in this one, I was upset that there wasn't further explanations on why there was such a rift between Cacy and her older sister. Why was there so much animosity and distrust between the two?
*Even though I was mostly satisfied with the ending, I was left wanting to know more about the traitor's motives and what his fate was.
Marked was a terrific apocalyptic/ dystopian romance. This book takes well known mythological characters and ideas and completely refashions them. I loved Ms. Fine's creative new ideas. Her characters and relationships as always are complex and multilayered. I was most pleased with her first adult book and I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
January 21, 2015
I knew going into this that I was going to love it because, duh, it's Sarah Fine. But it's Sarah Fine writing an adult novel, which really ups the ante. It was captivating, suspenseful, thrilling, and unbelievably hot. I could keep listing adjectives, but I think you get the point. Best of all, though, was how the relationship progressed. There was communication. There was a real connection between the characters. And when things got rough, they didn't turn tail and hide; they dealt with those problems head-on and, most importantly, together. Sure, there were some serious betrayals and dirty dealings but these two had each other's back.
Sarah always gets the best narrators for her books, too. They always draw you into the story and are just so expressive. I mean, it helps that Sarah's writing is so strong, but the narration just makes it that much better. I did not want to put this audiobook aside. I don't want to wait until the end of March to find out what's next for these characters. :(
Sarah always gets the best narrators for her books, too. They always draw you into the story and are just so expressive. I mean, it helps that Sarah's writing is so strong, but the narration just makes it that much better. I did not want to put this audiobook aside. I don't want to wait until the end of March to find out what's next for these characters. :(
April 17, 2015
An adult paranormal romance series by Sarah Fine? It's been touted as Grey's Anatomy meets Ilona Andrews? Yes, please.
So, I guess I'm not as over the moon about this new 'adult' series by SF as I am about her YA. It was surprisingly over-sexed. Horndog thoughts and actions seemed to take up almost half the dang book! I think fans of the Kate Daniels series might enjoy this, the premise was good. I totally called it, no plot twist for me. Obvious red herrings & not even a misstep from the real culprit. I'm a bit disappointed, as I've come to expect quite a lot from Fine.
So, I guess I'm not as over the moon about this new 'adult' series by SF as I am about her YA. It was surprisingly over-sexed. Horndog thoughts and actions seemed to take up almost half the dang book! I think fans of the Kate Daniels series might enjoy this, the premise was good. I totally called it, no plot twist for me. Obvious red herrings & not even a misstep from the real culprit. I'm a bit disappointed, as I've come to expect quite a lot from Fine.
August 15, 2015
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Marked by Sarah Fine
Book One of the Servants of Fate series
Publisher: 47North
Publication Date: January 1, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
In a broken landscape carved by environmental collapse, Boston paramedic Cacia Ferry risks life and limb on the front lines of a fragile and dangerous city. What most don’t know—including her sexy new partner, Eli Margolis—is that while Cacy works to save lives, she has another job ferrying the dead to the Afterlife. Once humans are “Marked” by Fate, the powerful Ferrys are called to escort the vulnerable souls to either eternal bliss or unending fire and pain.
Unaware of Cacy’s other life, Eli finds himself as mesmerized by his fierce and beautiful partner as he is mistrustful of the influential Ferry clan led by the Charon—who happens to be Cacy’s father. Cacy, in turn, can no longer deny her intense attraction to the mysterious ex-Ranger with a haunted past. But just as their relationship heats up, an apparent hit takes the Charon before his time. Shaken to the core, Cacy pursues the rogue element who has seized the reins of Fate, only to discover that Eli has a devastating secret of his own. Not knowing whom to trust, what will Cacy have to sacrifice to protect Eli—and to make sure humanity’s future is secure?
What I Liked:
I've had this book on my TBR shelf for ages! Everyone who knows me knows that I LOVE Sarah Fine's books - I've read Sanctum, Fractured, Chaos, Of Metal and Wishes, and Scan, with Of Dreams and Rust, Burn, and Claimed in my possession to be read. Fine could write an amendment to a bill in Congress and I'd read it. I've been meaning to read this particular book for a long time, and so when Pili told me to send it up the TBR list, I took that as a sign. So, this is my June Pili-Pushed recommendation!
Cacy has a new partner, and she's not too happy about it. Eli is from Pittsburgh, where he grew up in a town with little water, and from a poor family. Meanwhile, Cacy's family reeks of money, and she's not all that she appears to be. As a Ferry, she guides souls to Heaven or Hell. Her father was the Charon - until he retired, and was murdered. Eli has no idea about the supernatural life that is right in front of him. But the attraction between Eli and Cacy burns, and it's not long before Eli is inextricably drawn into the chaos, his life entwined with the Ferrys'.
I knew I would like this book, and Sarah Fine did not disappoint! Her first published adult novel - magnificent. The world-building is splendid! This book has some Greek basis, as Cacy and her family are Ferrys, and there is a presiding Charon. There are Kere, who Mark souls that need to die. There are Shades, people who die and have not been guided to Heaven or Hell. Sarah Fine always does an amazing job of setting up the world and the characters and the setting.
I really like Eli! He surprised me towards the end, as his character got really complex and twisted. I like that the author hid things from the reader about Eli, until towards the climax. I was shocked to learn some things about Eli! But certain things made sense. Eli is a good guy, loyal to his older sister Galena, as well as Cacy, even when he first meets her. He is a sweetie!
Cacy is a tough girl, even though her family treats her like the little sister. The youngest of four, she definitely gets babied, and she gets a lot of crap for not joining the family's business (their business in the human world, not the Ferry business), instead becoming a paramedic. Cacy is human, and she is a Ferry. She has a temper and she's a bit sarcastic, but she is a likable character. Her character development is highly evident from start to finish. As was Eli's!
I LOVE the romance! Cacy doesn't necessarily like Eli at first, though she doesn't hate him either. She sees him as a new paramedic partner - a hot one, at that. Eli is attracted to her pretty much on sight (with good reason, since he walked in on her changing). The attraction simmers between the two, and then feelings come into play, and I love how Eli and Cacy get along and push each other and then get along again. The romance is lovely to watch unfold, and the chemistry between the characters is also a pleasure to read (hehehe pun intended).
I really like the story! At first it starts off simple... Ferrys guide souls, enter clueless human who falls for a Ferry (and she falls for him too). But then the Charon - Cacy's father - is murdered (this isn't a spoiler, look at the synopsis), and things get crazy. Someone starts to target Eli, and Cacy and Eli are desperate to find out who killed the Charon, if there is a Kere behind it all. Jason Moros, the Lord of the Kere, will have some explaining to do.
In the end, I absolutely adored this book. I believe this is urban fantasy, and it's a really great urban fantasy novel. It's an adult novel, especially in terms of the romance, and it's a good one!
What I Did Not Like:
At first, there was something that was bothering me... but after talking to Pili, my issue is resolved and I am quite satisfied!
Would I Recommend It:
Anyone who loves adult romance novels should read this one! Or urban fantasy. Or Sarah Fine. It's heavily adult, which I love, but be mindful of this, young readers! It's a fantastic urban fantasy novel with unique and original world-building, and I would recommend this one to pretty much any adult-novel reader, to be honest!
Rating:
4 stars. I knew I would be reading this series in the future, but I thank Pili for pushing it to near future instead of far away future! I have Claimed on the queue for my July Pili-Pushed recommendation, so stay tuned for that review!
Marked by Sarah Fine
Book One of the Servants of Fate series
Publisher: 47North
Publication Date: January 1, 2015
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
In a broken landscape carved by environmental collapse, Boston paramedic Cacia Ferry risks life and limb on the front lines of a fragile and dangerous city. What most don’t know—including her sexy new partner, Eli Margolis—is that while Cacy works to save lives, she has another job ferrying the dead to the Afterlife. Once humans are “Marked” by Fate, the powerful Ferrys are called to escort the vulnerable souls to either eternal bliss or unending fire and pain.
Unaware of Cacy’s other life, Eli finds himself as mesmerized by his fierce and beautiful partner as he is mistrustful of the influential Ferry clan led by the Charon—who happens to be Cacy’s father. Cacy, in turn, can no longer deny her intense attraction to the mysterious ex-Ranger with a haunted past. But just as their relationship heats up, an apparent hit takes the Charon before his time. Shaken to the core, Cacy pursues the rogue element who has seized the reins of Fate, only to discover that Eli has a devastating secret of his own. Not knowing whom to trust, what will Cacy have to sacrifice to protect Eli—and to make sure humanity’s future is secure?
What I Liked:
I've had this book on my TBR shelf for ages! Everyone who knows me knows that I LOVE Sarah Fine's books - I've read Sanctum, Fractured, Chaos, Of Metal and Wishes, and Scan, with Of Dreams and Rust, Burn, and Claimed in my possession to be read. Fine could write an amendment to a bill in Congress and I'd read it. I've been meaning to read this particular book for a long time, and so when Pili told me to send it up the TBR list, I took that as a sign. So, this is my June Pili-Pushed recommendation!
Cacy has a new partner, and she's not too happy about it. Eli is from Pittsburgh, where he grew up in a town with little water, and from a poor family. Meanwhile, Cacy's family reeks of money, and she's not all that she appears to be. As a Ferry, she guides souls to Heaven or Hell. Her father was the Charon - until he retired, and was murdered. Eli has no idea about the supernatural life that is right in front of him. But the attraction between Eli and Cacy burns, and it's not long before Eli is inextricably drawn into the chaos, his life entwined with the Ferrys'.
I knew I would like this book, and Sarah Fine did not disappoint! Her first published adult novel - magnificent. The world-building is splendid! This book has some Greek basis, as Cacy and her family are Ferrys, and there is a presiding Charon. There are Kere, who Mark souls that need to die. There are Shades, people who die and have not been guided to Heaven or Hell. Sarah Fine always does an amazing job of setting up the world and the characters and the setting.
I really like Eli! He surprised me towards the end, as his character got really complex and twisted. I like that the author hid things from the reader about Eli, until towards the climax. I was shocked to learn some things about Eli! But certain things made sense. Eli is a good guy, loyal to his older sister Galena, as well as Cacy, even when he first meets her. He is a sweetie!
Cacy is a tough girl, even though her family treats her like the little sister. The youngest of four, she definitely gets babied, and she gets a lot of crap for not joining the family's business (their business in the human world, not the Ferry business), instead becoming a paramedic. Cacy is human, and she is a Ferry. She has a temper and she's a bit sarcastic, but she is a likable character. Her character development is highly evident from start to finish. As was Eli's!
I LOVE the romance! Cacy doesn't necessarily like Eli at first, though she doesn't hate him either. She sees him as a new paramedic partner - a hot one, at that. Eli is attracted to her pretty much on sight (with good reason, since he walked in on her changing). The attraction simmers between the two, and then feelings come into play, and I love how Eli and Cacy get along and push each other and then get along again. The romance is lovely to watch unfold, and the chemistry between the characters is also a pleasure to read (hehehe pun intended).
I really like the story! At first it starts off simple... Ferrys guide souls, enter clueless human who falls for a Ferry (and she falls for him too). But then the Charon - Cacy's father - is murdered (this isn't a spoiler, look at the synopsis), and things get crazy. Someone starts to target Eli, and Cacy and Eli are desperate to find out who killed the Charon, if there is a Kere behind it all. Jason Moros, the Lord of the Kere, will have some explaining to do.
In the end, I absolutely adored this book. I believe this is urban fantasy, and it's a really great urban fantasy novel. It's an adult novel, especially in terms of the romance, and it's a good one!
What I Did Not Like:
At first, there was something that was bothering me... but after talking to Pili, my issue is resolved and I am quite satisfied!
Would I Recommend It:
Anyone who loves adult romance novels should read this one! Or urban fantasy. Or Sarah Fine. It's heavily adult, which I love, but be mindful of this, young readers! It's a fantastic urban fantasy novel with unique and original world-building, and I would recommend this one to pretty much any adult-novel reader, to be honest!
Rating:
4 stars. I knew I would be reading this series in the future, but I thank Pili for pushing it to near future instead of far away future! I have Claimed on the queue for my July Pili-Pushed recommendation, so stay tuned for that review!
October 19, 2019
I loved the author's take on mythology here and the characterization is great. I like the main characters and the secondary cast are all wonderful.
I love urban fantasy but for me, good world-building is essential to the story. The bits and pieces of the world that I could make out are interesting, but I really wish I could make a bigger picture of the unusual future urban setting. There was so much potential here for something great in terms of a really cool world, but I just couldn't get a firm grasp on what it was.
I also struggled a little bit with the audiobook narrator-I'm not sure if the problem is that she read with a general perkiness that didn't seem to fit the story or that I had a hard time differentiating between the male and female characters. Either way, there were several times that I turned the audiobook off and just read on my Kindle for a while. And I was hanging just fine with the story up until about the 2/3 mark.
Sigh.
The Good: At that point that the story began to really get interesting, like super duper interesting. The Bad: Unfortunately, the romance between Cacy and Eli also heated up A LOT. Like, too much. There are a couple of sex scenes toward the end that really distracted from the rest of what was going on and while I really love romance stories, I just found these awkward and weirdly graphic for this type of story.
Unfortunately, I would say that this story isn't fantastic, but it is okay.
THAT BEING SAID: I have already started the second book in the series and it has started out so much better in almost every way.
Audiobook Notes:
Title: Marked by Sarah Fine
Series: Servants of Fate #1
Narrated by: Emily Foster
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Length: 9 hours, 39 minute, Unabridged
I love urban fantasy but for me, good world-building is essential to the story. The bits and pieces of the world that I could make out are interesting, but I really wish I could make a bigger picture of the unusual future urban setting. There was so much potential here for something great in terms of a really cool world, but I just couldn't get a firm grasp on what it was.
I also struggled a little bit with the audiobook narrator-I'm not sure if the problem is that she read with a general perkiness that didn't seem to fit the story or that I had a hard time differentiating between the male and female characters. Either way, there were several times that I turned the audiobook off and just read on my Kindle for a while. And I was hanging just fine with the story up until about the 2/3 mark.
Sigh.
The Good: At that point that the story began to really get interesting, like super duper interesting. The Bad: Unfortunately, the romance between Cacy and Eli also heated up A LOT. Like, too much. There are a couple of sex scenes toward the end that really distracted from the rest of what was going on and while I really love romance stories, I just found these awkward and weirdly graphic for this type of story.
Unfortunately, I would say that this story isn't fantastic, but it is okay.
THAT BEING SAID: I have already started the second book in the series and it has started out so much better in almost every way.
Audiobook Notes:
Title: Marked by Sarah Fine
Series: Servants of Fate #1
Narrated by: Emily Foster
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Length: 9 hours, 39 minute, Unabridged
December 24, 2014
"In post-apocalyptic Boston,
supernatural factions battle for human souls."
Ah...I wasn't sure that I could love another book as much as I loved Sarah Fine's Guard of the Shadowlands series...BUT....I not only loved Marked...I am completely and utterly obsessed with it. I literally could not put this book down. I read the entire book in one day.
Marked is an adult paranormal romance that is takes place in a post-apocalyptic Boston. There is desert land everywhere and water is a scarce commodity due to an environmental collapse. The main character, Cacia Ferry, (also known as Cacy) is a paramedic by day and by night she ferry's the dead to the Afterlife. Cacy's entire family are Ferry's who escort souls to either Heaven or Hell after they have passed from this world. The Ferry's are the only ones who can enter The Veil, which is the place between life and death. There are also supernatural entity's called Ker whom the Ferry's have to deal with. The Kere are the ones who "mark" the humans for death and basically choose how they die. Some of the Kere are kind and use their skill to end the suffering of people in pain but most of the Kere are cruel and mean and enjoy inflicting very painful deaths on their targets.
I loved Cacy's character because she was a strong female heroine who knew when to express her emotions and when to contain them. She is dedicated to her job and to her family and would do anything to protect them. Her father, Patrick Ferry, is the head of the family and also known as the Charon. She has two brothers, Rylan and Declan and one sister, Aislan.
"Eli stared at the woman, whose gaze remained on her father. It was such a protective expression, which was funny because she looked too soft and sweet to do much damage. Still, there was something ferocious in her eyes, a warning, a promise."
Cacy's new partner, Eli Margolis, has just moved to the city and lives with his sister, Galena. Eli is everything a woman would want in a man..... kind, strong , protective, and incredibly handsome. Eli is loyal and fiercely protective over the people he loves. Cacy and Eli have an instant connection the moment they meet. Their chemistry is obvious to everyone around them and causes a lot of tension within the workplace. Their relationship sets of a chain of events that affects everyone around them.
"I don't believe in deserving. You haven't deserved most of what happened to you. But it happened anyway. So did we. We happened, Eli. I'm so thankful for that. I love you."
Sarah Fine has a remarkable skill with her writing in how she connects the reader to her characters. Her writing is so full of emotion and I literally feel like I am experiencing every wonderful moment and every heart-breaking moment with the characters. I began reading Marked without realized it was written as an adult paranormal romance and WOW did I learn quickly.....I am a huge YA fan but every now and then it is nice to venture over to the adult genre and Marked was an refreshing, phenomenal adult book.
Marked is full of intense action scenes, gripping suspense, and a swoon-worthy romance. Each emotion is carefully entwined within the story to make this book absolutely incredible. Sarah Fine has broke the bar with Marked...I can't even begin to imagine how amazing the sequel will be. I can't wait to delve deeper into the characters and learn more about the rest of the Ferry family. There are some mind-blowing twists at the end of Marked that I never even fathomed could happen.....but they did....and it makes me want the next book SOOOO bad!!!
.....oh and the cover of Marked....is seriously incredible....WOW!!!!!!
http://curling-up-with-a-good-book.bl...
supernatural factions battle for human souls."
Ah...I wasn't sure that I could love another book as much as I loved Sarah Fine's Guard of the Shadowlands series...BUT....I not only loved Marked...I am completely and utterly obsessed with it. I literally could not put this book down. I read the entire book in one day.
Marked is an adult paranormal romance that is takes place in a post-apocalyptic Boston. There is desert land everywhere and water is a scarce commodity due to an environmental collapse. The main character, Cacia Ferry, (also known as Cacy) is a paramedic by day and by night she ferry's the dead to the Afterlife. Cacy's entire family are Ferry's who escort souls to either Heaven or Hell after they have passed from this world. The Ferry's are the only ones who can enter The Veil, which is the place between life and death. There are also supernatural entity's called Ker whom the Ferry's have to deal with. The Kere are the ones who "mark" the humans for death and basically choose how they die. Some of the Kere are kind and use their skill to end the suffering of people in pain but most of the Kere are cruel and mean and enjoy inflicting very painful deaths on their targets.
I loved Cacy's character because she was a strong female heroine who knew when to express her emotions and when to contain them. She is dedicated to her job and to her family and would do anything to protect them. Her father, Patrick Ferry, is the head of the family and also known as the Charon. She has two brothers, Rylan and Declan and one sister, Aislan.
"Eli stared at the woman, whose gaze remained on her father. It was such a protective expression, which was funny because she looked too soft and sweet to do much damage. Still, there was something ferocious in her eyes, a warning, a promise."
Cacy's new partner, Eli Margolis, has just moved to the city and lives with his sister, Galena. Eli is everything a woman would want in a man..... kind, strong , protective, and incredibly handsome. Eli is loyal and fiercely protective over the people he loves. Cacy and Eli have an instant connection the moment they meet. Their chemistry is obvious to everyone around them and causes a lot of tension within the workplace. Their relationship sets of a chain of events that affects everyone around them.
"I don't believe in deserving. You haven't deserved most of what happened to you. But it happened anyway. So did we. We happened, Eli. I'm so thankful for that. I love you."
Sarah Fine has a remarkable skill with her writing in how she connects the reader to her characters. Her writing is so full of emotion and I literally feel like I am experiencing every wonderful moment and every heart-breaking moment with the characters. I began reading Marked without realized it was written as an adult paranormal romance and WOW did I learn quickly.....I am a huge YA fan but every now and then it is nice to venture over to the adult genre and Marked was an refreshing, phenomenal adult book.
Marked is full of intense action scenes, gripping suspense, and a swoon-worthy romance. Each emotion is carefully entwined within the story to make this book absolutely incredible. Sarah Fine has broke the bar with Marked...I can't even begin to imagine how amazing the sequel will be. I can't wait to delve deeper into the characters and learn more about the rest of the Ferry family. There are some mind-blowing twists at the end of Marked that I never even fathomed could happen.....but they did....and it makes me want the next book SOOOO bad!!!
.....oh and the cover of Marked....is seriously incredible....WOW!!!!!!
http://curling-up-with-a-good-book.bl...
October 17, 2015
Due to his scientist sister's brilliance, EMT Eli and his sister get the opportunity to leave the lawless desserts of Pennsylvania for a new life and new jobs in the canal city of Boston. Eli' s new partner is Cacia Ferry, who is both sister to the Chief and a member of the wealthy and powerful Ferry family - Cacia also secretly carries out her family's sacred duty of leading the recently deceased through the Veil to their final destination of either heaven or hell. But when Cacia's father, the head of the family business, is murdered, Cacia suspects that there may be plots afoot.
I really liked Marked (Servants of Fate Book 1) it's Urban Fantasy Romance with a good balance of romance, mystery and good world building - dystopian with a myth based foundation. And I really liked both of the leads, especially the hero, Eli, who is a winning mix of fighter and protector, with a touch of 'I am not worthy' - because of the difference in 'station' between him and Cacia and some 'history' - to keep him from being too perfect. The story is told effectively alternating (3rd person pov) chapters which follow Eli and Cacia. And there is good set up for both the larger future story arc and the next starring pair.
Marked, was a winner for me and I've already wishlisted the next book, Claimed, which I think is out in March.
ARC via NetGalley 1/1/15
I really liked Marked (Servants of Fate Book 1) it's Urban Fantasy Romance with a good balance of romance, mystery and good world building - dystopian with a myth based foundation. And I really liked both of the leads, especially the hero, Eli, who is a winning mix of fighter and protector, with a touch of 'I am not worthy' - because of the difference in 'station' between him and Cacia and some 'history' - to keep him from being too perfect. The story is told effectively alternating (3rd person pov) chapters which follow Eli and Cacia. And there is good set up for both the larger future story arc and the next starring pair.
Marked, was a winner for me and I've already wishlisted the next book, Claimed, which I think is out in March.
ARC via NetGalley 1/1/15
Read
May 26, 2015I just couldn't get into it at all.
I had just finished an amazing UF PR series before I started this book and I am not sure if that this book look more mediocre or that book its self was just plain mediocre.
It didn't hold my attention, I hated the beginning and I do not feel that things were explained well.
I had just finished an amazing UF PR series before I started this book and I am not sure if that this book look more mediocre or that book its self was just plain mediocre.
It didn't hold my attention, I hated the beginning and I do not feel that things were explained well.
February 21, 2016
2.5 Stars. This book would have been better if it didn't mention somebody getting hot and bothered Every. Single. Page. It is hard for me to take the dire situations seriously if they go from near death to wanting to hump the other every five minutes (we get it, we don't need to be bashed over the head with it). Not to mention I guessed the villian/plot twist from the get go.
Fine's YA series is way better and stronger than this.
Fine's YA series is way better and stronger than this.
February 21, 2025
I have mixed feelings about this one. This novel is set in Boston in a future that has been ravaged by environmental damage. Eli has just moved to the city with his sister hoping they will have a better life here than they did in the wilds of Pittsburgh. Eli's sister is a scientist who is trying to help people stop dying all the time from diseases. Eli is a paramedic who's new partner happens to be the wealthy Cacy. Cacy has a secret in that she ferries dead people to the afterlife. The two of them have an instant spark and a romance begins but Eli knows that there is something different about Cacy. People start dying who shouldn't be dying and Eli and Cacy team up to figure things out as well as protect Eli's sister.
There is a lot going on in this novel. At first I did enjoy the setting and the direction it was taking. The romance was solid. However, I lost interest halfway and it never really recaptured my attention. This was only ok for me.
There is a lot going on in this novel. At first I did enjoy the setting and the direction it was taking. The romance was solid. However, I lost interest halfway and it never really recaptured my attention. This was only ok for me.
December 25, 2015
Male MC is sex on a stick, best buddy is gay. Female MC is very hot. Check, check and check. Fairly stereotypical paranormal romance? Surprisingly, not so much.
Fate marks people for death and our female main character, Cacia, and her family, the Ferrys, then help the souls of the dead to heaven or hell.
Title song for this book: "Don't Pay the Ferryman" by Chris de Burgh.
The setting is a dystopian, flodded Boston, surrounded by a country ravaged by climate change and disaster. Our heroes are members of emergency medical services, struggling to save lives.
I really like the world Sarah Fine came up with, although the world building ultimately left me unsatisfied. There are quite a few holes , that only get filled very slowly or late into the book. Some part did not really work for me and I kept wondering how they could exist at the same time in the same setting. What is there, is good though. New ideas, not the same old, same old. Well described, easy to visualize.
About 10% into the book my thoughts were: "I could like this book just as a climate fiction with a dash of mystery and romance, no need for the paranormal elements."
I liked the alternating POV, switching from Cacy to Eli and back. It kept the narrative lively.
The side characters were vivid and believable and some of them were even more interesting than Cacia's family members. I actually struggled a bit to tell her two brothers apart at times. And two of the Kere that kept popping up I couldn't keep straight till the end.
The romance built up slowly, in a fairly mature way. A third into the book I hadn't winced once--paranormal romance is not really my genre. Nice amount of subtle humour.
She folded her arms over her chest. "I have trouble thinking when I'm not wearing pants."
Eli laughed, a deep, husky sound, and took a few steps back. "I guess we have that in common. I also have trouble thinking when you're not wearing pants."
Eventually it got a bit more saccharine sweet, but the main characters did not loose their minds completely. They actually behaved like adults, which was refreshing. Halfway into the book they were in lust with each other, but in typical romance novel manner not communicating well. A little mystery, murder and suspense thrown in and I was entertained, despite all my misgivings about some of the world building.
Even the eventual sex was mature, no swords, rods or sheaths in sight.
And then the last part of the book happened. Flipping heck. The story really took off. Fantastic plot twist that I did not see coming. Followed by more awesome plot developments. All of a sudden the paranormal element was great and the action just went wham, bang, thank you, mam! I was glued to the page and couldn't read fast enough. I wish the whole book had been like that. Awesome stuff. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series!
Even the bad guy grew on my. I hope there will be a lot more of him. This story has a lot of potential. Almost five stars, small deductions for world building.
Thank you NetGalley for this great, free and wholeheartedly appreciated read!
Fate marks people for death and our female main character, Cacia, and her family, the Ferrys, then help the souls of the dead to heaven or hell.
Title song for this book: "Don't Pay the Ferryman" by Chris de Burgh.
The setting is a dystopian, flodded Boston, surrounded by a country ravaged by climate change and disaster. Our heroes are members of emergency medical services, struggling to save lives.
I really like the world Sarah Fine came up with, although the world building ultimately left me unsatisfied. There are quite a few holes , that only get filled very slowly or late into the book. Some part did not really work for me and I kept wondering how they could exist at the same time in the same setting. What is there, is good though. New ideas, not the same old, same old. Well described, easy to visualize.
About 10% into the book my thoughts were: "I could like this book just as a climate fiction with a dash of mystery and romance, no need for the paranormal elements."
I liked the alternating POV, switching from Cacy to Eli and back. It kept the narrative lively.
The side characters were vivid and believable and some of them were even more interesting than Cacia's family members. I actually struggled a bit to tell her two brothers apart at times. And two of the Kere that kept popping up I couldn't keep straight till the end.
The romance built up slowly, in a fairly mature way. A third into the book I hadn't winced once--paranormal romance is not really my genre. Nice amount of subtle humour.
She folded her arms over her chest. "I have trouble thinking when I'm not wearing pants."
Eli laughed, a deep, husky sound, and took a few steps back. "I guess we have that in common. I also have trouble thinking when you're not wearing pants."
Eventually it got a bit more saccharine sweet, but the main characters did not loose their minds completely. They actually behaved like adults, which was refreshing. Halfway into the book they were in lust with each other, but in typical romance novel manner not communicating well. A little mystery, murder and suspense thrown in and I was entertained, despite all my misgivings about some of the world building.
Even the eventual sex was mature, no swords, rods or sheaths in sight.
And then the last part of the book happened. Flipping heck. The story really took off. Fantastic plot twist that I did not see coming. Followed by more awesome plot developments. All of a sudden the paranormal element was great and the action just went wham, bang, thank you, mam! I was glued to the page and couldn't read fast enough. I wish the whole book had been like that. Awesome stuff. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series!
Even the bad guy grew on my. I hope there will be a lot more of him. This story has a lot of potential. Almost five stars, small deductions for world building.
Thank you NetGalley for this great, free and wholeheartedly appreciated read!
February 2, 2015
This was 3.75 stars for me. It was a good start wish a fresh conception of the way the dead are "Ferry"ied to the afterlife in a pretty original world.
I liked it and am interested to see how this series will play out.
I liked it and am interested to see how this series will play out.
July 23, 2015
Questo non è il primo libro di Sarah Fine che leggo.
Ho conosciuto questa autrice con Shadow-La terra delle anime perse. Quel libro non mi aveva fatto impazzire ma Marked ci è riuscito in pieno.
Bellissimo, emozionante, pieno di colpi di scena, con una trama originalissima e personaggi riuscitissimi.
Cacy è una protagonista forte, disinibita, sicura di sè.
Eli è la sua controparte maschile, forte e dolce nello stesso tempo. E bellissimo.
L'attrazione tra i due si percepisce da subito e il fatto che venga dato sfogo a questa passione mi ha colpito molto, perché spesso nel primo libro di una serie si tende a non infiammare troppo gli animi delle lettrici, facendo allungare loro il collo fino ai libri successivi.
Eh no! La storia tra Cacy e Eli si sviluppa subito e subito la temperatura sale. Ma non è una passione fine a se stessa. Non è un amore facile, eppure va avanti, tra morte e sofferenza e colpi di scena.
Non è una storia mielosa e l'attrazione tra Cacy e Eli all'inizio è molto fisica.
Tutti i personaggi sono ben caratterizzati, dai fratelli di Cacy ai colleghi del pronto soccorso, da Galena ai Ker, Moros e Trevor.
Che ci fosse un tradimento e un traditore lo avevo intuito e, ahimè, ho quasi subito capito chi fosse.
Colpa della Stevens e della saga de La Signora dei Cimiteri che ha preceduto questa lettura e che, coincidenza davvero singolare, mi aveva fatta entrare nel mondo di mezzo, il mondo del Velo in cui vivono le ombre, il mondo in cui operano i Ker e i Ferry, per cui il velo non è stato una novità per me.
Ma il modo in cui Cacy varca il velo, attraverso il medaglione, il modo in cui le anime vengono fatte passare al di là, con l'indicazione tra inferno e paradiso, il modo in cui i Ker marcano le loro vittime, la comparsa della tetha rivelatrice del tocco che solo un Ferry può vedere tramite il medaglione, mi hanno catapultato in un distopico pieno di elementi fantasy e paranormal davvero senza precedenti.
Di questo libro ho adorato il linguaggio di Cacy, a volte sboccato per una signorina del suo rango e della sua eleganza, la dolcezza e la forza di volontà di Eli, anche nel resistere a Cacy, il rapporto tra fratelli dei protagonisti, fatto di simpatie e antipatie e di amore puro, l'atmosfera che si respira nel pronto soccorso che mi ha dato spesso l'impressione di trovarmi sul set di E.R e l'originalità della trama mai scontata.
E soprattutto il rapporto tra Cacy ed Eli. L'uno vuole l'altra ma ognuno vuole proteggere l'altro da sé stesso.
Ecco Eli quando Cacy lo allontana:
«Dimmi come faccio a starti lontano quando l’unica cosa che voglio è starti vicino. Come faccio a uscire da quella porta quando desidero solo stringerti fra le braccia. A non preoccuparmi per te quando non riesco a fare altro! Per favore spiegamelo, Cacy, perché io non ci capisco niente».
Ed ecco Cacy quando è Eli ad allontanare lei:
«Tu provi ancora qualcosa per me».
Eli guardò altrove, incapace di sostenere il suo sguardo.
«Mi vuoi». Gli posò le mani sul petto, ma ne percepì il calore solo un istante, perché lui fece un salto indietro come se lei lo avesse bruciato.
Le puntò un dito contro. «Non farlo. Non provocarmi, Cacy. Non voglio ferirti».
Ho adorato questo libro.
Cinque stelle meritate una per una.
Ho conosciuto questa autrice con Shadow-La terra delle anime perse. Quel libro non mi aveva fatto impazzire ma Marked ci è riuscito in pieno.
Bellissimo, emozionante, pieno di colpi di scena, con una trama originalissima e personaggi riuscitissimi.
Cacy è una protagonista forte, disinibita, sicura di sè.
Eli è la sua controparte maschile, forte e dolce nello stesso tempo. E bellissimo.
L'attrazione tra i due si percepisce da subito e il fatto che venga dato sfogo a questa passione mi ha colpito molto, perché spesso nel primo libro di una serie si tende a non infiammare troppo gli animi delle lettrici, facendo allungare loro il collo fino ai libri successivi.
Eh no! La storia tra Cacy e Eli si sviluppa subito e subito la temperatura sale. Ma non è una passione fine a se stessa. Non è un amore facile, eppure va avanti, tra morte e sofferenza e colpi di scena.
Non è una storia mielosa e l'attrazione tra Cacy e Eli all'inizio è molto fisica.
Tutti i personaggi sono ben caratterizzati, dai fratelli di Cacy ai colleghi del pronto soccorso, da Galena ai Ker, Moros e Trevor.
Che ci fosse un tradimento e un traditore lo avevo intuito e, ahimè, ho quasi subito capito chi fosse.
Colpa della Stevens e della saga de La Signora dei Cimiteri che ha preceduto questa lettura e che, coincidenza davvero singolare, mi aveva fatta entrare nel mondo di mezzo, il mondo del Velo in cui vivono le ombre, il mondo in cui operano i Ker e i Ferry, per cui il velo non è stato una novità per me.
Ma il modo in cui Cacy varca il velo, attraverso il medaglione, il modo in cui le anime vengono fatte passare al di là, con l'indicazione tra inferno e paradiso, il modo in cui i Ker marcano le loro vittime, la comparsa della tetha rivelatrice del tocco che solo un Ferry può vedere tramite il medaglione, mi hanno catapultato in un distopico pieno di elementi fantasy e paranormal davvero senza precedenti.
Di questo libro ho adorato il linguaggio di Cacy, a volte sboccato per una signorina del suo rango e della sua eleganza, la dolcezza e la forza di volontà di Eli, anche nel resistere a Cacy, il rapporto tra fratelli dei protagonisti, fatto di simpatie e antipatie e di amore puro, l'atmosfera che si respira nel pronto soccorso che mi ha dato spesso l'impressione di trovarmi sul set di E.R e l'originalità della trama mai scontata.
E soprattutto il rapporto tra Cacy ed Eli. L'uno vuole l'altra ma ognuno vuole proteggere l'altro da sé stesso.
Ecco Eli quando Cacy lo allontana:
«Dimmi come faccio a starti lontano quando l’unica cosa che voglio è starti vicino. Come faccio a uscire da quella porta quando desidero solo stringerti fra le braccia. A non preoccuparmi per te quando non riesco a fare altro! Per favore spiegamelo, Cacy, perché io non ci capisco niente».
Ed ecco Cacy quando è Eli ad allontanare lei:
«Tu provi ancora qualcosa per me».
Eli guardò altrove, incapace di sostenere il suo sguardo.
«Mi vuoi». Gli posò le mani sul petto, ma ne percepì il calore solo un istante, perché lui fece un salto indietro come se lei lo avesse bruciato.
Le puntò un dito contro. «Non farlo. Non provocarmi, Cacy. Non voglio ferirti».
Ho adorato questo libro.
Cinque stelle meritate una per una.
November 14, 2015
I have heard such great things about Sarah Fine's books and although I have her YA series already in my shelves and Kindle library, once I got approved for the eARC of the sequel, I decided to start her first adult series!
Marked is fantastic mix of different genres, since it's got mythology, dystopian, paranormal, urban fantasy and some quite awesomely done romance.
We meet Eli once he's just moved to a new city with his sister Galena, we don't know much of their past or the world they live in, but we keep getting tidbits here and there. Eli is a paramedic and find himself paired with Cacia Ferry, who aside from a great paramedic is also the daughter of the most powerful man in the city. And that man and his family have a few mysterious secrets.
I loved how everything was so well described, from the futuristic work as paramedics with techniques even if the technology is different, to the dystopian/postapocalyptic setting and world, with climate changes and water shortages. Even if we don't get the full background story about how it came to happen, we get enough information for us to get a clear picture of the world.
And the most intriguing part is the Greek mythology that's woven into the story. How a family has the charge to help the souls of the dead cross to the place they ought to go (they Ferry them along...), the head of the family is the Charon and those who will die are "marked" by Fate and then the Kers are the one that make sure they die. I wasn't expecting that twist added and really loved it!
I love how the plot and the world building progressed pretty much in parallel, finding out more about the world as we try and unravel the murder mystery that is the linchpin to all the events to come! And at the same time we're trying to figure out things and make sense of the world and discover who's behind everything that doesn't make sense, we also see the relationship between Eli and Cacia develop, from an early attraction that both refuse to act on, to becoming partners at work and a big support through tough times to finally getting together. And boy, do they have chemistry! Chemistry enough to jump off the pages!
Both Cacia and Eli are complex characters that have many secrets that belong to the past that shapes them, but they discover that together they can find a way to go ahead accepting that past and stopping it to define who they are and who they can be.
My first Sarah Fine book was a complete success because I stayed up till 4 am reading till I finished the book, completely engrossed with it, its world, the plot and the amazing romance between Eli and Cacia! Very well deserved 4 stars!
Marked is fantastic mix of different genres, since it's got mythology, dystopian, paranormal, urban fantasy and some quite awesomely done romance.
We meet Eli once he's just moved to a new city with his sister Galena, we don't know much of their past or the world they live in, but we keep getting tidbits here and there. Eli is a paramedic and find himself paired with Cacia Ferry, who aside from a great paramedic is also the daughter of the most powerful man in the city. And that man and his family have a few mysterious secrets.
I loved how everything was so well described, from the futuristic work as paramedics with techniques even if the technology is different, to the dystopian/postapocalyptic setting and world, with climate changes and water shortages. Even if we don't get the full background story about how it came to happen, we get enough information for us to get a clear picture of the world.
And the most intriguing part is the Greek mythology that's woven into the story. How a family has the charge to help the souls of the dead cross to the place they ought to go (they Ferry them along...), the head of the family is the Charon and those who will die are "marked" by Fate and then the Kers are the one that make sure they die. I wasn't expecting that twist added and really loved it!
I love how the plot and the world building progressed pretty much in parallel, finding out more about the world as we try and unravel the murder mystery that is the linchpin to all the events to come! And at the same time we're trying to figure out things and make sense of the world and discover who's behind everything that doesn't make sense, we also see the relationship between Eli and Cacia develop, from an early attraction that both refuse to act on, to becoming partners at work and a big support through tough times to finally getting together. And boy, do they have chemistry! Chemistry enough to jump off the pages!
Both Cacia and Eli are complex characters that have many secrets that belong to the past that shapes them, but they discover that together they can find a way to go ahead accepting that past and stopping it to define who they are and who they can be.
My first Sarah Fine book was a complete success because I stayed up till 4 am reading till I finished the book, completely engrossed with it, its world, the plot and the amazing romance between Eli and Cacia! Very well deserved 4 stars!
March 11, 2015
An engaging, character-driven paranormal romance set in a future world post-environmental collapse. I really liked the twist on afterlife mythology. Cecy and Eli are strong lead characters and the chemistry between them is well-written. I did wish there was a little more focus on the plot rather than on the romance.
April 15, 2015
This book is pretty good. It was great to see a female role who isn't helpless and makes hard decisions. Cacy was fun to read about. Now Eli is a deep dynamic character. He has secrets that make him brave and heroic in my eyes. There was a little bit of sexy time which was fine but unneeded in my opinion. I am going to get started on the next book.
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