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The Marked #8
Illusory
The line between good and evil is seldom pure and never simple...I used to think the truth was as clear and pure as my heart. Now, nothing is certain. Not the love I feel for two men--one reborn in darkness, the other clawing his way back to me. And certainly not the prophesy telling me that I'm destined to become the Fourth Horseman.
The Order has given me my fulfill my destiny by destroying Lucifer's unborn child and the girl carrying it. But destiny has never felt so wrong. Every instinct is screaming that this child isn't the monster they say it is. That it's something else entirely--something terrifyingly familiar.
What if the real danger has been right in front of my eyes all this time?
The deeper I dig, the more the world twists around me. Illusions masquerade as truth and all of it tastes like a carefully woven lie. I still don't know what to do, who to love, or which side to trust.
All I know is that one choice will break me.
The other one might doom us all.
Either way, I'm going to lose everything.
ILLUSORY is the highly anticipated eight book in The Marked Saga, a fast-paced paranormal fantasy romance series full of heart-pounding steam, supernatural adventure, and jaw-dropping twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Please note, this is a massive 180K double feature book that ends on a cliffhanger.
Reader this book contains graphic language and sexual content and is not suitable for readers under 17.
The Order has given me my fulfill my destiny by destroying Lucifer's unborn child and the girl carrying it. But destiny has never felt so wrong. Every instinct is screaming that this child isn't the monster they say it is. That it's something else entirely--something terrifyingly familiar.
What if the real danger has been right in front of my eyes all this time?
The deeper I dig, the more the world twists around me. Illusions masquerade as truth and all of it tastes like a carefully woven lie. I still don't know what to do, who to love, or which side to trust.
All I know is that one choice will break me.
The other one might doom us all.
Either way, I'm going to lose everything.
ILLUSORY is the highly anticipated eight book in The Marked Saga, a fast-paced paranormal fantasy romance series full of heart-pounding steam, supernatural adventure, and jaw-dropping twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Please note, this is a massive 180K double feature book that ends on a cliffhanger.
Reader this book contains graphic language and sexual content and is not suitable for readers under 17.
620 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2025
284 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Bianca Scardoni
12 books1,555 followersBIANCA SCARDONI is a paranormal fiction writer who resides on the East Coast of Canada with her family. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading, eating junk food, and staying up too late.
For upcoming book releases, bonus material, and additional information on the author, please visit her website: www.biancascardoni.com
For upcoming book releases, bonus material, and additional information on the author, please visit her website: www.biancascardoni.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
July 19, 2025
🥲 So. Pissed. Off. 🥲
I owe anyone I recommended this to an apology. If I had known that it would go this way, I wouldn’t have bothered starting it and I say this with my whole chest even as someone who adored these books since my early twenties. This lazy fan-service lacks in all departments, but the most disappointing change comes from the characters that were honestly the only reason I even continued the series after book 3.
I’m mad I waited 3 years for this, I’m mad I paid $7 for this, I’m mad my favorite characters are unrecognizable for the sake of writing smut. Bianca became a sell-out to all the porn-addicted BookTokers that won’t read anything that doesn’t have a sex scene in every chapter.
I hoped for better for this series. And look, I know the author spent the past two books trying to make a certain character likeable, (you know who I’m talking about,) but I am a devout hater and I can’t stomach this nonsense anymore after 8, eventually 9 books. This resolution was lazy, and the author herself marketed this as a love-triangle since Day 1. Not a why-choose. Bianca needs to take a moment to reflect on what it means to be loyal to her brand and most importantly, her readers.
Oh, and the “conclusion” (if we can call it that,) was so convoluted I was in denial for like an hour. I had to take several minutes to come back to Earth. I can’t turn a blind eye to all the inconsistencies and plot holes that have somehow made their way into the entire premise of the book. It’s not the series it used to be. DNF, won’t continue.
I owe anyone I recommended this to an apology. If I had known that it would go this way, I wouldn’t have bothered starting it and I say this with my whole chest even as someone who adored these books since my early twenties. This lazy fan-service lacks in all departments, but the most disappointing change comes from the characters that were honestly the only reason I even continued the series after book 3.
I’m mad I waited 3 years for this, I’m mad I paid $7 for this, I’m mad my favorite characters are unrecognizable for the sake of writing smut. Bianca became a sell-out to all the porn-addicted BookTokers that won’t read anything that doesn’t have a sex scene in every chapter.
I hoped for better for this series. And look, I know the author spent the past two books trying to make a certain character likeable, (you know who I’m talking about,) but I am a devout hater and I can’t stomach this nonsense anymore after 8, eventually 9 books. This resolution was lazy, and the author herself marketed this as a love-triangle since Day 1. Not a why-choose. Bianca needs to take a moment to reflect on what it means to be loyal to her brand and most importantly, her readers.
Oh, and the “conclusion” (if we can call it that,) was so convoluted I was in denial for like an hour. I had to take several minutes to come back to Earth. I can’t turn a blind eye to all the inconsistencies and plot holes that have somehow made their way into the entire premise of the book. It’s not the series it used to be. DNF, won’t continue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2025
Are you KIDDING ME?!
Disappointed is too loose a term for how I am left feeling.
I have been with this series since Day 1. I have been a fan of Trace's since that day and hated Dominic since then, too. But I am over this series now, it has been nothing but a big let down. I truly thought the author would end this ridiculous love triangle WAY earlier on so we could actually enjoy the main character in a healthy, sexy relationship while she faced all the troubles heading her way. But no. Dominic was forced on us repeatedly, and this book made the situation worse...
**SPOILER ALERT**
This story turns into a reverse harem, something that is sickening and not at all what readers sign up for from Book 1. It's so gross that we came from such a high of Trace and Jemma in Book 1 & 2 to this... Beyond disappointing that this is what has happened to characters I truly loved and held in high regard at one point. It is just a mess with a writer who cannot make up her own mind about who her MC should end up with. How it's even a debate is astounding as Dominic has *forced* himself on her more than once, and apparently, we are romanticizing that nowadays. (Excuse me while I go throw up).
If you're skimming comments to find out if this series is for you, well, here is a tip: If you don't like wishy-washy main characters who fall in love with horrible men that force themselves on the MC this isn't the series for you. If you don't like reverse harem, this isn't for you. If you love a soulmate storyline, this series isn't for you.
What's more, we waited YEARS for this book to come out and it's the 2nd to last book and the MC still cannot make up her mind. The storline has been dragged out when this series could have wrapped up after book 3.
Thank you Kindle Unlimited, so I didn't have to actually spend money on this book and could return it. All I wasted, unfortunately, was years of my time on this series.
Disappointed is too loose a term for how I am left feeling.
I have been with this series since Day 1. I have been a fan of Trace's since that day and hated Dominic since then, too. But I am over this series now, it has been nothing but a big let down. I truly thought the author would end this ridiculous love triangle WAY earlier on so we could actually enjoy the main character in a healthy, sexy relationship while she faced all the troubles heading her way. But no. Dominic was forced on us repeatedly, and this book made the situation worse...
**SPOILER ALERT**
This story turns into a reverse harem, something that is sickening and not at all what readers sign up for from Book 1. It's so gross that we came from such a high of Trace and Jemma in Book 1 & 2 to this... Beyond disappointing that this is what has happened to characters I truly loved and held in high regard at one point. It is just a mess with a writer who cannot make up her own mind about who her MC should end up with. How it's even a debate is astounding as Dominic has *forced* himself on her more than once, and apparently, we are romanticizing that nowadays. (Excuse me while I go throw up).
If you're skimming comments to find out if this series is for you, well, here is a tip: If you don't like wishy-washy main characters who fall in love with horrible men that force themselves on the MC this isn't the series for you. If you don't like reverse harem, this isn't for you. If you love a soulmate storyline, this series isn't for you.
What's more, we waited YEARS for this book to come out and it's the 2nd to last book and the MC still cannot make up her mind. The storline has been dragged out when this series could have wrapped up after book 3.
Thank you Kindle Unlimited, so I didn't have to actually spend money on this book and could return it. All I wasted, unfortunately, was years of my time on this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2025
I’ve been a huge fan of this series and Bianca since nearly the beginning. That’s the only reason I’m giving it 2 stars instead of 1. I really dislike giving books bad ratings especially when they’re written by one of my favorite authors but I can’t in good conscience give this a high rating.
After nearly 3 years of being promised this book with several delays, I am so disappointed. I feel like after spending almost 10 years on this series I was tricked into reading a reverse harem when it was always marketed as a love triangle. I am not a fan of RH books personally. I feel like In trying to appease her fans it has done the exact opposite.
I also have been a part of her Facebook fan group for many years and with the release of this book her and her mods were deleting comments and posts that had even a whiff of criticism. I’m not saying it’s okay to attack an author but expressing disappointment in the author’s choices when you as a reader have invested nearly a decade into this story is reasonable and understandable. Once you put yourself out there as a creator you open yourself up to criticism and that’s just the way it is.
Blatant bait-and-switch aside the book is just bad. The writing is repetitive and sloppy and the plot is like a game of tug of war. Nearly the entire story is spent on Jemma whining and crying about not being able to choose a guy. I get she is 17 but it was nearly unreadable.
I feel like turning into it a RH is just lazy storytelling, a total cop-out. Honestly, I would’ve been less upset if she chose the guy I WASN’T rooting for. At least then a decision would’ve been made. Not to mention the two guys despise each-other and never in the 7 other books would they have agreed to share her. It goes against both of their characters.
I tried getting over the RH aspect and thought maybe we would get some good threesome scenes but nope. They were relatively tame and lame. At least give your fans some good action if you’re going to piss them off.
After nearly 3 years of being promised this book with several delays, I am so disappointed. I feel like after spending almost 10 years on this series I was tricked into reading a reverse harem when it was always marketed as a love triangle. I am not a fan of RH books personally. I feel like In trying to appease her fans it has done the exact opposite.
I also have been a part of her Facebook fan group for many years and with the release of this book her and her mods were deleting comments and posts that had even a whiff of criticism. I’m not saying it’s okay to attack an author but expressing disappointment in the author’s choices when you as a reader have invested nearly a decade into this story is reasonable and understandable. Once you put yourself out there as a creator you open yourself up to criticism and that’s just the way it is.
Blatant bait-and-switch aside the book is just bad. The writing is repetitive and sloppy and the plot is like a game of tug of war. Nearly the entire story is spent on Jemma whining and crying about not being able to choose a guy. I get she is 17 but it was nearly unreadable.
I feel like turning into it a RH is just lazy storytelling, a total cop-out. Honestly, I would’ve been less upset if she chose the guy I WASN’T rooting for. At least then a decision would’ve been made. Not to mention the two guys despise each-other and never in the 7 other books would they have agreed to share her. It goes against both of their characters.
I tried getting over the RH aspect and thought maybe we would get some good threesome scenes but nope. They were relatively tame and lame. At least give your fans some good action if you’re going to piss them off.
July 10, 2025
Book 8 in The Marked Saga - Illusory by Bianca Scardoni
2 maybe 3 years in wait for this book, I understand and my heart goes out to the author that was dealing with a lot of personal stuff so I don't hold that against her, however it is breaking my heart to say that I am disappointed in the route she has gone with the MFC and the love interest. I feel she fell into the "SMUT SELLS" so let me just go down that route to sell this book. I have loved this series for so long , it has always been one of my go to book series when I am in a slump to get back into reading but this, has rendered me with an eh feeling.
I am not one to bash any author because for one this is her work and I'd hate for someone to come to my job and bash what I do but I have to be honest with myself and anyone that I may have recommended this series to... 601 pages for that 😑😑 ., I feel under whelmed and just a tad disappointed. This also could have been 100% cut in half , it was convoluted and sometimes felt like parts that should have and would have been deleted got added back on last minute.
I overall do love the storyline, I love the Dominic, Jemma, & Trace, dynamic well until she decided to instead though not badly written just crappy and kind of lazy not to mention endless chapters of the back and forth and way too fucking slow build up- Yes, me not liking the slow build up is a first but that is because there is slow and then there was this a bunch of repeating chapters. I don't totally hate the choice made with the 3 main characters, hell I'll even admit it was 🥵and not what I saw coming, guess I had rather it went another route.
My final thought because I overall love the series I want to be kind with my rating but I also want to be fair. so 3/5 stars . Hopefully the last book gets better editing and cleaned up after this mess.
Tropes:
Love Triangle
Prophecy
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ at least form me (towards the end)
2 maybe 3 years in wait for this book, I understand and my heart goes out to the author that was dealing with a lot of personal stuff so I don't hold that against her, however it is breaking my heart to say that I am disappointed in the route she has gone with the MFC and the love interest. I feel she fell into the "SMUT SELLS" so let me just go down that route to sell this book. I have loved this series for so long , it has always been one of my go to book series when I am in a slump to get back into reading but this, has rendered me with an eh feeling.
I am not one to bash any author because for one this is her work and I'd hate for someone to come to my job and bash what I do but I have to be honest with myself and anyone that I may have recommended this series to... 601 pages for that 😑😑 ., I feel under whelmed and just a tad disappointed. This also could have been 100% cut in half , it was convoluted and sometimes felt like parts that should have and would have been deleted got added back on last minute.
I overall do love the storyline, I love the Dominic, Jemma, & Trace, dynamic well until she decided to instead though not badly written just crappy and kind of lazy not to mention endless chapters of the back and forth and way too fucking slow build up- Yes, me not liking the slow build up is a first but that is because there is slow and then there was this a bunch of repeating chapters. I don't totally hate the choice made with the 3 main characters, hell I'll even admit it was 🥵and not what I saw coming, guess I had rather it went another route.
My final thought because I overall love the series I want to be kind with my rating but I also want to be fair. so 3/5 stars . Hopefully the last book gets better editing and cleaned up after this mess.
Tropes:
Love Triangle
Prophecy
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ at least form me (towards the end)
March 22, 2025
I received an arc copy of this book at 8:45 PM on March 21 and I finished it on March 22 at 1:35 AM. The situation between the three main characters was so beautifully concluded that I could not have pictured a better solution for them. This book is starting to tie things in for the very final book that set to release sometime in the next year. This book did not feel how most books series at this point feel where it’s rushed and you can tell the author ran out of idea ideas. You can tell the author took her time and it’s so worth it. She’s trying very well to make sure there’s no loose ends and everything is wrapped up beautifully. It takes A LOT to get above 3 stars for me, the plot, characters, and storyline have to be there for me to rate it above 3 and this book does all of those things beautifully. I think some readers are just made because they had a set idea of how the book is “supposed” to end and Bianca made it her ending (obviously because it’s HER characters and series). After reading this book I can see why she had to break the final book into 2. Definitely worth the wait.
April 6, 2025
Dear Bianca, Please don’t make us wait so long for the final book. Yours Sincerely. P.S. Thank you this masterpiece
March 26, 2025
AMAZING!
I absolutely love this series! Wish I would have read a tad slower to make it last longer… Can’t wait for the final book!
I absolutely love this series! Wish I would have read a tad slower to make it last longer… Can’t wait for the final book!
March 31, 2025
I waited all this time... for THIS?! I'll just pretend book 4 (? I don't even know anymore) was the end. Also, the author bullying someone for a review that she didn't like??? Well, here's mine 😗✌🏽
July 8, 2025
Illusory started off slow and dragged a bit in the beginning, but once the story gained momentum, I was completely hooked. The twists, emotional moments, and that ending made it all worth it. Despite the pacing issues, this was a strong sequel that set up the final book perfectly, I just know the wait for it will be worth it!
P.S: Dominic is my favorite character in the whole series and I loved all the scenes with him in this book!! ✨
P.S: Dominic is my favorite character in the whole series and I loved all the scenes with him in this book!! ✨
March 28, 2025
worth the wait!
I drank this up like it was water and I was a dehydrated person who just found water. Am I surprised? Nope, as I did the same with the other books. I will not give any spoilers as I am sure plenty of other people have.
Jemma stayed true to herself. Loved that we got all of her through her being still torn between Dominic and Trace. That in this book made me cry for her heartbreak. I loved how that ended up in this book. I hope it stays the same for the next one.
My favorite scene in the series had been the truth or dare with Trace since it was so cute. Has officially been replaced by one in this book. Again not giving spoilers. Those of us who read many genres as well as many in this genre are going to be able to smell some things whilst reading this, that we wonder why the characters are not picking up on. This book is not full of a bunch of action for the big battle we know will happen. Yet it is all good plot and character growth. That if it was rushed for the main battle to happen we wouldn’t have been along for that character growth, and been feeling cheated of that experience. Oh how I want the next book to be here now, I know these things take time.
I drank this up like it was water and I was a dehydrated person who just found water. Am I surprised? Nope, as I did the same with the other books. I will not give any spoilers as I am sure plenty of other people have.
Jemma stayed true to herself. Loved that we got all of her through her being still torn between Dominic and Trace. That in this book made me cry for her heartbreak. I loved how that ended up in this book. I hope it stays the same for the next one.
My favorite scene in the series had been the truth or dare with Trace since it was so cute. Has officially been replaced by one in this book. Again not giving spoilers. Those of us who read many genres as well as many in this genre are going to be able to smell some things whilst reading this, that we wonder why the characters are not picking up on. This book is not full of a bunch of action for the big battle we know will happen. Yet it is all good plot and character growth. That if it was rushed for the main battle to happen we wouldn’t have been along for that character growth, and been feeling cheated of that experience. Oh how I want the next book to be here now, I know these things take time.
April 5, 2025
This book!........ This series!!!......
Dominic is doing his best to put emotional distance between himself & Jemma. However Jemma doesn't know or understand why he seems to have gone cold towards her. Trace is also pushing her away though Jemma thinks it's because he hates her for having him turned. Gabriel is his steadfast if bossy self while Tess does not seem herself.
This book seemed to focus more on the emotional aspects between the three main characters & there wasn't much in the way of steamy scenes though the bits we do get were hot. I found a huge lump in my throat for the most part with watery eyes a couple of times. The plot line didn't move much this time round but I think that's because it was focusing on Jemma discovering what she really is, what her abilities are & how to control & master them alongside the relationships of Jemma with not only Trace & Dom but with Gabriel, Tess & Jackie. The cliffhanger ending had me screaming at Jemma for being so obliviously impulsive & watery eyed wondering if this would be the end of her as we know her & if she'll forget everyone?......
As usual I feel it needs an improved editing but it wasn't as bad as previous books & I can forgive the errors due to the bulk. I love a lot of pages & this was perfect. I both look forward to & dread the final book. Thank you Bianca.
Dominic is doing his best to put emotional distance between himself & Jemma. However Jemma doesn't know or understand why he seems to have gone cold towards her. Trace is also pushing her away though Jemma thinks it's because he hates her for having him turned. Gabriel is his steadfast if bossy self while Tess does not seem herself.
This book seemed to focus more on the emotional aspects between the three main characters & there wasn't much in the way of steamy scenes though the bits we do get were hot. I found a huge lump in my throat for the most part with watery eyes a couple of times. The plot line didn't move much this time round but I think that's because it was focusing on Jemma discovering what she really is, what her abilities are & how to control & master them alongside the relationships of Jemma with not only Trace & Dom but with Gabriel, Tess & Jackie. The cliffhanger ending had me screaming at Jemma for being so obliviously impulsive & watery eyed wondering if this would be the end of her as we know her & if she'll forget everyone?......
As usual I feel it needs an improved editing but it wasn't as bad as previous books & I can forgive the errors due to the bulk. I love a lot of pages & this was perfect. I both look forward to & dread the final book. Thank you Bianca.
March 24, 2025
Absolutely worth the wait!
This book could not have been any better if it tried! I couldn't put it down and was not disappointed. I have loved these characters for so long and will always cherish them even when it's over! You are an amazing author B.S! Don't let anyone say different! That being said bring on book 9 baby! I am ready!
This book could not have been any better if it tried! I couldn't put it down and was not disappointed. I have loved these characters for so long and will always cherish them even when it's over! You are an amazing author B.S! Don't let anyone say different! That being said bring on book 9 baby! I am ready!
March 27, 2025
Oh my gosh.. just like the rest of the series, this book did NOT disappoint. I could not put it down. I am beyond excited to read the next one. I don’t ever want this series to end! I’m not gonna say anything else so as not to spoil it, but JUST READ IT! Bianca girl, you are a creative artist!
March 25, 2025
Oh the way this book had a hold on me. Woof. You guys I have no words other than I finished it in like 4 hours because I could not come up for air. The characters growth throughout this book kept a smile on my face. If only I could read it for the first time again. So so good. Definitely worth a read if you liked this series from the beginning.
March 27, 2025
Loved it….just sad I have to wait for the finale!
April 3, 2025
Personally....and I know others won't agree with me...but I LOVED where she went with this. Some people have commented on how they didn't like the conclusion she chose, which I don't get as there isn't a conclusion yet. There is one more book yet to go!
I read this series because it has my favorite vampire character, so I am totally biased toward anything that involves more of him. I just am not as much of a fan of the other love interest. He was too hard on the mc early in the series...imho. He does apologize for that later on...but Dominic never made her feel bad for anything she did. I love him for that.
That being said, and without giving away any spoilers, I don't see anything wrong at all with the way the author went. In fact, I secretly hoped it would go there. So there's my two cents!
I read this series because it has my favorite vampire character, so I am totally biased toward anything that involves more of him. I just am not as much of a fan of the other love interest. He was too hard on the mc early in the series...imho. He does apologize for that later on...but Dominic never made her feel bad for anything she did. I love him for that.
That being said, and without giving away any spoilers, I don't see anything wrong at all with the way the author went. In fact, I secretly hoped it would go there. So there's my two cents!
March 25, 2025
worth the wait
This book shattered any expectations I had while patiently (impatiently) waiting for this book. Bianca, the story you have set for these characters is incredible and every time Dominic gets a piece of my heart more and more!
This book shattered any expectations I had while patiently (impatiently) waiting for this book. Bianca, the story you have set for these characters is incredible and every time Dominic gets a piece of my heart more and more!
April 1, 2025
So worth the wait
I have been reading this series since the first book wss was released. Due to circumstances beyond the writer's control this one took longer than expected but it was definitely worth the wait. She makes you love these characters and I have since the beginning. I've watched them change and grow through out the series. Cheered for Trace at times and for Dominic at times but usually hated to see either one broken hearted if they weren't the one she loved most. This one not only deals with the whole being in love with two men problem but so much other problems for the characters to face. Bianca has made these characters come alive for us and her readers are truly connected to them. I can't wait for the next book because this does end in a cliffhanger of all cliffhangers but I also dread to see the series end and lose these wonderful characters that I've grown to love over the years. Great book! You have to read it and read the series if you haven't already.
I have been reading this series since the first book wss was released. Due to circumstances beyond the writer's control this one took longer than expected but it was definitely worth the wait. She makes you love these characters and I have since the beginning. I've watched them change and grow through out the series. Cheered for Trace at times and for Dominic at times but usually hated to see either one broken hearted if they weren't the one she loved most. This one not only deals with the whole being in love with two men problem but so much other problems for the characters to face. Bianca has made these characters come alive for us and her readers are truly connected to them. I can't wait for the next book because this does end in a cliffhanger of all cliffhangers but I also dread to see the series end and lose these wonderful characters that I've grown to love over the years. Great book! You have to read it and read the series if you haven't already.
March 25, 2025
That Ending Angels!!!
That’s all I have to say.
That’s all I have to say.
March 25, 2025
The best
I waited for this book for so long I told all my family about it coming out they thought I was crazy for being so excited over a book.
I waited for this book for so long I told all my family about it coming out they thought I was crazy for being so excited over a book.
April 4, 2025
Worth the wait!
Wow! What a rollercoaster! She has done it again!!!! This book is an absolutely amazing continuation of the series.The build up was amazing my heart couldn’t take much more. I was a crying laughing crazy mess and I loved every minute of it! Dominic& Trace!!!! Phew!!!! Can’t wait for the next one this is still one of my favorite series and I will be patiently waiting for the next one.
Wow! What a rollercoaster! She has done it again!!!! This book is an absolutely amazing continuation of the series.The build up was amazing my heart couldn’t take much more. I was a crying laughing crazy mess and I loved every minute of it! Dominic& Trace!!!! Phew!!!! Can’t wait for the next one this is still one of my favorite series and I will be patiently waiting for the next one.
April 27, 2025
I don’t think you understand how obsessed I am with Dominic. And this book made me love him even more. Bianca, you knocked this out of the park!!!
June 15, 2025
after waiting for several years for the release of this book, i was so excited to finally read it. in short, i'm not a big fan of Jemma, and tbh, never really been. i was here for Dominic and the plot. this book? it was a lot, A LOT, about Jemma-Trace-Dominic love triangle. i do love a book with a huge focus on the romance, it's honestly what i live for when i read a novel, it's the best part imo, but even for me this was too much. like 90% of the book was about Jemma and her indecisiveness between the two, and annoyingly so. they are facing an apocalypse, but reading this it didn't feel like it as they were stuck in a house and with each other for the most part.
and then love triangle turned into RH. like whaat... i mean i get it, it is a difficult decision but girl... and RH is not really my cup of tea.
and why are Gabriel and Tessa such a mystery? i wanna know more.
still, i'm going to stick around, i hate DNF-ing and would still love to know how this series ends.
what i was missing in this book?
1. never thought i'd say this but more plot and action, and less Jemma running back and forth between Trace and Dominic
2. i mean Dominic just got his emotions back, why didn't they ever sit down and talk about everything that happened when Dominic was "emotionless"? i thought it was a big deal as he was a walking red flag and Jemma discarded it as this "not being who he really is". i imagine Dominic having a hard time forgiving himself
3. maybe it's just me but i wish Trace was a liiittle more angry about his new...creature as he's become something he's hated his whole life and his alt-GF got him turned and he imo forgave her too easily but oh well
and then love triangle turned into RH. like whaat... i mean i get it, it is a difficult decision but girl... and RH is not really my cup of tea.
and why are Gabriel and Tessa such a mystery? i wanna know more.
still, i'm going to stick around, i hate DNF-ing and would still love to know how this series ends.
what i was missing in this book?
1. never thought i'd say this but more plot and action, and less Jemma running back and forth between Trace and Dominic
2. i mean Dominic just got his emotions back, why didn't they ever sit down and talk about everything that happened when Dominic was "emotionless"? i thought it was a big deal as he was a walking red flag and Jemma discarded it as this "not being who he really is". i imagine Dominic having a hard time forgiving himself
3. maybe it's just me but i wish Trace was a liiittle more angry about his new...creature as he's become something he's hated his whole life and his alt-GF got him turned and he imo forgave her too easily but oh well
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2025
⚠️ Warning Big Spoilers Ahead ⚠️
*************************************
Book Review: Illusionary Night by Bianca Scardoni (Book 8 of The Marked Saga)
After four long years of emotional damage, plot twists, and waiting like a character in a Regency novel staring out the window for a letter that never comes—Book 8 is finally here. And it delivered.
Let me set the scene: This series started as a YA paranormal romance that I fell into back in 2016. It was supposed to end at Book 8. But plot twist—Bianca Scardoni said “lol, nope” and split the finale into two parts. So now we wait (again) for Book 9. Am I mad? Maybe. But am I already counting down the days like it’s Christmas? Absolutely.
Now let’s talk about the twist. What was once a classic love triangle has officially gone full RH (Reverse Harem), and while some readers are clutching their pearls and screaming “betrayal!”, I’m over here thriving. The slow burn? Chef’s kiss. The spice? Seasoned to perfection. It grew up with us, got more mature, and Bianca didn’t hold back.
And then came the moment. The main character meets her dad in the spirit realm, and I? Sobbed. We’re talking ugly cry, snot, chest-clutching levels of emotional destruction. When he told her she’s loved these two men across lifetimes? I was ready to propose to the book.
Between the boys’ bickering-turned-bonding, the swoony birthday gifts, and the Ever After movie reference that summoned my inner teenage girl back from the dead—I was fully unwell in the best possible way. That line alone took me out. I was in high school when that movie came out, so yes, Bianca, take my soul.
I haven’t felt this way about a book since I read Darling Venom by Parker S Huntington. Well not a paranormal romance. It’s an age gap but that book had me in a chokehold.
I finished Illusionary last night. I stared at my ceiling, and immediately considered a reread. I’ve been emotionally held hostage by this series for years, and I’m not even mad about it now that I fished this. I decided to wait until the audiobook comes out so I can listen to all of them again and then listen to this one for the first time.
So yeah—Bianca didn’t just write a book. She lit a match, tossed it into my soul, and walked away. And I’ll be here, burning, until Book 9 drops.
If you didn’t vibe with the book, that’s cool—just keep scrolling. No need to rain on our fictional love parade. I read to escape, not to dissect every comma like I’m prepping for a literary thesis. If I wanted to analyze the great works of history, I’d dust off a classic and channel my inner scholar. But this? This is my fun, my fantasy, my emotional rollercoaster—and I’m not here for anyone’s unsolicited negativity. Let the rest of us sob, swoon, and spiral in peace.
*************************************
Book Review: Illusionary Night by Bianca Scardoni (Book 8 of The Marked Saga)
After four long years of emotional damage, plot twists, and waiting like a character in a Regency novel staring out the window for a letter that never comes—Book 8 is finally here. And it delivered.
Let me set the scene: This series started as a YA paranormal romance that I fell into back in 2016. It was supposed to end at Book 8. But plot twist—Bianca Scardoni said “lol, nope” and split the finale into two parts. So now we wait (again) for Book 9. Am I mad? Maybe. But am I already counting down the days like it’s Christmas? Absolutely.
Now let’s talk about the twist. What was once a classic love triangle has officially gone full RH (Reverse Harem), and while some readers are clutching their pearls and screaming “betrayal!”, I’m over here thriving. The slow burn? Chef’s kiss. The spice? Seasoned to perfection. It grew up with us, got more mature, and Bianca didn’t hold back.
And then came the moment. The main character meets her dad in the spirit realm, and I? Sobbed. We’re talking ugly cry, snot, chest-clutching levels of emotional destruction. When he told her she’s loved these two men across lifetimes? I was ready to propose to the book.
Between the boys’ bickering-turned-bonding, the swoony birthday gifts, and the Ever After movie reference that summoned my inner teenage girl back from the dead—I was fully unwell in the best possible way. That line alone took me out. I was in high school when that movie came out, so yes, Bianca, take my soul.
I haven’t felt this way about a book since I read Darling Venom by Parker S Huntington. Well not a paranormal romance. It’s an age gap but that book had me in a chokehold.
I finished Illusionary last night. I stared at my ceiling, and immediately considered a reread. I’ve been emotionally held hostage by this series for years, and I’m not even mad about it now that I fished this. I decided to wait until the audiobook comes out so I can listen to all of them again and then listen to this one for the first time.
So yeah—Bianca didn’t just write a book. She lit a match, tossed it into my soul, and walked away. And I’ll be here, burning, until Book 9 drops.
If you didn’t vibe with the book, that’s cool—just keep scrolling. No need to rain on our fictional love parade. I read to escape, not to dissect every comma like I’m prepping for a literary thesis. If I wanted to analyze the great works of history, I’d dust off a classic and channel my inner scholar. But this? This is my fun, my fantasy, my emotional rollercoaster—and I’m not here for anyone’s unsolicited negativity. Let the rest of us sob, swoon, and spiral in peace.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2025
Genre - paranormal, love triangle
Setting - inside the house
Appropriate Age - 18+ for sex
POV - FMC
First, the romance portion of this book is what kept me reading. I have always been a Dominic fan but I can live with how things turned out. No surprise really that it gets a bit spicy. Other than that though this is a 2.5. Almost the entire book takes place in the house and since Jemma is my least favorite character in the series I wanted to scream cause not much happens except her whining. There are pages and pages of her lamenting the situation with the guys. She eats like twice in the entire book because EVERYTHING makes her lose her appetite. Everyone can tell there is something drastically off about Tessa and Gabriel and even Jemma's own feelings but no one puts it together even when Morgan gives some big info that should make them worry. Jemma still does not grow as a person in this book. She is impulsive, reckless, and ignorant and that hasn't changed since book 1. If it wasn't for everyone else she would not be a hero. I am too invested at this point to not finish the series. This book had just enough story to provide a lot of information to help fill in the pieces for the next book. I hope to see more of her new powers. I really want Gabriel to get a HEA. We'll see what happens with the Horsemen. Dominic will always bring me back too.
Story ** World **
Main Character ** Side Characters ***
Story Emotions * Reader Frustration ****
Slow burn/reveal *** Steam ****
Violence * Ending **
Romance ****
Setting - inside the house
Appropriate Age - 18+ for sex
POV - FMC
First, the romance portion of this book is what kept me reading. I have always been a Dominic fan but I can live with how things turned out. No surprise really that it gets a bit spicy. Other than that though this is a 2.5. Almost the entire book takes place in the house and since Jemma is my least favorite character in the series I wanted to scream cause not much happens except her whining. There are pages and pages of her lamenting the situation with the guys. She eats like twice in the entire book because EVERYTHING makes her lose her appetite. Everyone can tell there is something drastically off about Tessa and Gabriel and even Jemma's own feelings but no one puts it together even when Morgan gives some big info that should make them worry. Jemma still does not grow as a person in this book. She is impulsive, reckless, and ignorant and that hasn't changed since book 1. If it wasn't for everyone else she would not be a hero. I am too invested at this point to not finish the series. This book had just enough story to provide a lot of information to help fill in the pieces for the next book. I hope to see more of her new powers. I really want Gabriel to get a HEA. We'll see what happens with the Horsemen. Dominic will always bring me back too.
Story ** World **
Main Character ** Side Characters ***
Story Emotions * Reader Frustration ****
Slow burn/reveal *** Steam ****
Violence * Ending **
Romance ****
March 26, 2025
I feel that people who rate a book becuase of “direction of the story” the author has taken are unfair.
It’s fine to review a book for its writing style, engaging plot lines, character growth, coherence in story telling.
However people who rate a book just because it’s not what they want it to end as, is quite similar to Amazon reviewers who downvote an author just because the physical copy arrived damaged.
For me, I do not like
***********Spoilers*********************
Throuple at all. It’s not my style. However I do applaud the author for doing this, it’s actually quite a brave thing to do. I liked Dominic and hated trace so it’s was super annoying for me to see trace as a love interest, however it just make sense in the story and the author has been foreshadowing this from book 3 that the female lead would never be able to decide.
In terms of the story itself I love urban fantasy, it’s a bit different to the “high fae” stories we get these days. Which is why I am curious to see what happens next.
I am giving this a 5 star, although I do know it’s not the best written book out there but it’s just so addictive. I mean the author kept delaying and delaying this book launch and I still hung on.
Sometimes maybe that’s what we need. This book is also my Covid comfort zone (I discovered this series during peak lockdown). So this has a very special place in my heart
It’s fine to review a book for its writing style, engaging plot lines, character growth, coherence in story telling.
However people who rate a book just because it’s not what they want it to end as, is quite similar to Amazon reviewers who downvote an author just because the physical copy arrived damaged.
For me, I do not like
***********Spoilers*********************
Throuple at all. It’s not my style. However I do applaud the author for doing this, it’s actually quite a brave thing to do. I liked Dominic and hated trace so it’s was super annoying for me to see trace as a love interest, however it just make sense in the story and the author has been foreshadowing this from book 3 that the female lead would never be able to decide.
In terms of the story itself I love urban fantasy, it’s a bit different to the “high fae” stories we get these days. Which is why I am curious to see what happens next.
I am giving this a 5 star, although I do know it’s not the best written book out there but it’s just so addictive. I mean the author kept delaying and delaying this book launch and I still hung on.
Sometimes maybe that’s what we need. This book is also my Covid comfort zone (I discovered this series during peak lockdown). So this has a very special place in my heart
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2025
I am sooooo disappointed. And furious.
This book was a filler and a complete waste of time.
All FMC did for like 30 chapters was complain, whine and repeat the same thing over and over again. I had to skip pages because it was sooo irritating, repetitive & boring.
I am all about smut, love triangles, reverse harem basically any trigger warning there is lol, but this was terrible. I am a huge fan of the series but this seemed like an excuse to drag out the series AGAIN and make it smutty and an attempt to have the whole slow burn trope start again which is unnecessary because they were already together.
The plot was soooo weak, all the character’s development regressed and for what? The WEAKEST UNNECESSARY “plot twist” if you can even call it that, at the end with William. Why would they even need to cast a spell on them to make them give into their unholy desires or whatever. Made no sense to me and just provided the most boring lead up to the reveal.
I was already mad about Jemma’s entire being in the last book and what she did to Gabe with the blood sharing etc.
This just made me hate her lol. And our baddass Tessa?? Like WTF happened? It sucked.
Some scenes were good but overall, terrible addition to the series and I will not be reading the (supposedly) last book because I don’t care anymore.
This book was a filler and a complete waste of time.
All FMC did for like 30 chapters was complain, whine and repeat the same thing over and over again. I had to skip pages because it was sooo irritating, repetitive & boring.
I am all about smut, love triangles, reverse harem basically any trigger warning there is lol, but this was terrible. I am a huge fan of the series but this seemed like an excuse to drag out the series AGAIN and make it smutty and an attempt to have the whole slow burn trope start again which is unnecessary because they were already together.
The plot was soooo weak, all the character’s development regressed and for what? The WEAKEST UNNECESSARY “plot twist” if you can even call it that, at the end with William. Why would they even need to cast a spell on them to make them give into their unholy desires or whatever. Made no sense to me and just provided the most boring lead up to the reveal.
I was already mad about Jemma’s entire being in the last book and what she did to Gabe with the blood sharing etc.
This just made me hate her lol. And our baddass Tessa?? Like WTF happened? It sucked.
Some scenes were good but overall, terrible addition to the series and I will not be reading the (supposedly) last book because I don’t care anymore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2025
What a fucking rollercoaster.
I'm torn because I ate it up so quickly. But also, disappointed in the direction it went.
I was absolutely loving it until the 70% mark but then I started getting a frustrated with everyone's lack of backbone. Jemma, Trace, Dominic, even Gabriel. We went round and round in a circle and not one character stood up for themselves and what they wanted. No decisions were made by anyone. It was insufferable.
I could not imagine Dominic doing the things he did in the last quarter of this book at all. Ever.
He started out being the possessive, assertive, snarky man we know and love with some AMAZING lines. He was doing all the right things and making the right decisions for Jemma. Showing once again he is the actual man in this story.
But then it all changed and I just couldn't believe it.
BUT THE END CAME and now I'm wondering if everything that happened in the end was just a momentary blip and we're going to go back to how the characters were in books 1 - 7?! Maybe that's wishful thinking on my part though.
I'm torn because I ate it up so quickly. But also, disappointed in the direction it went.
I was absolutely loving it until the 70% mark but then I started getting a frustrated with everyone's lack of backbone. Jemma, Trace, Dominic, even Gabriel. We went round and round in a circle and not one character stood up for themselves and what they wanted. No decisions were made by anyone. It was insufferable.
I could not imagine Dominic doing the things he did in the last quarter of this book at all. Ever.
He started out being the possessive, assertive, snarky man we know and love with some AMAZING lines. He was doing all the right things and making the right decisions for Jemma. Showing once again he is the actual man in this story.
But then it all changed and I just couldn't believe it.
BUT THE END CAME and now I'm wondering if everything that happened in the end was just a momentary blip and we're going to go back to how the characters were in books 1 - 7?! Maybe that's wishful thinking on my part though.
April 11, 2025
ehh
I really wanted to love this book — I was so excited for it to come out. I kept checking in with Bianca to make sure I hadn’t missed the release date. But when it finally came out, maybe it was the long wait that made me expect more, because I ended up feeling truly disappointed.
The entire book felt stretched out, and Jemma’s emotions were just cycling between Trace and Dominic — first one, then the other, then neither, then both at the same time. I get it, love triangles are complicated, but there was so much that needed to happen plot-wise, and instead the focus stayed almost entirely on her indecision. (It drove me up a wall, if you cant decide on which man, why don’t you focus on what needs to get done).
Also, Ive always been a fan of Trace, and I loved watching him battle his blood lust in this book — and I really appreciated that Bianca kept their soulmate bond. So maybe that’s part of why I felt even more hurt when it felt like Dominic was being pushed into the triangle even more than usual. They kind of turned his wild side into this “good guy” with “evil smirks” and deep emotions towards Jemma, willing to do anything to make her happy. I don’t know — he’s emotional depth side was just too much for me.
I really wanted to love this book — I was so excited for it to come out. I kept checking in with Bianca to make sure I hadn’t missed the release date. But when it finally came out, maybe it was the long wait that made me expect more, because I ended up feeling truly disappointed.
The entire book felt stretched out, and Jemma’s emotions were just cycling between Trace and Dominic — first one, then the other, then neither, then both at the same time. I get it, love triangles are complicated, but there was so much that needed to happen plot-wise, and instead the focus stayed almost entirely on her indecision. (It drove me up a wall, if you cant decide on which man, why don’t you focus on what needs to get done).
Also, Ive always been a fan of Trace, and I loved watching him battle his blood lust in this book — and I really appreciated that Bianca kept their soulmate bond. So maybe that’s part of why I felt even more hurt when it felt like Dominic was being pushed into the triangle even more than usual. They kind of turned his wild side into this “good guy” with “evil smirks” and deep emotions towards Jemma, willing to do anything to make her happy. I don’t know — he’s emotional depth side was just too much for me.
April 2, 2025
This book was by far my least favorite out of any. 95% of the book revolved around the love triangle with very little actual progression to the story. This whole book could have been completed in 10 chapters or less. The amount of repetition in the book was like nails on a chalkboard. "I shouldn't want them both, but I do, and I'm a terrible person for hurting them, I deserve to suffer" said in 100 different ways over the first 2/3 of the book. That being said, there were some extremely good scenes. The last 1/3 of the book was amazing! I will say I will probably not read another book by this author again. The wait since the last one was extreme (yes, I understand there were life issues), and I was just really deterred by the storyline in this one. There were very few feel-good moments and all angst. It also ends on a huge cliffhanger (again) with a release date a year out. After such a long wait, there was no sense of satisfaction with this read, only tension.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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