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*The individual installments are no longer in publication. Please see Cold Mark (Mark, #1) at this link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... *

USA Today bestselling author, Scarlett Dawn, scorches the pages with her fourth installment of The Cold Mark Saga, where secrets are revealed and heinous acts jump to life...

Braita Valorn has found herself in another precarious situation. A battle rages on the shores of Joyal and the Mian are shaking the sand with their war cries. Trapped below ground inside the President's bunker, Braita isn't even safe.

When steel doors are blown and gunfire erupts, Human blood floods the ground. The Mian won't stop. They'll never give up the fight until they're satisfied.

Judgments are made, an archaic stand within Mian laws, and Braita finds herself charged with treason. But never one to sit during a battle, she risks her last chance of release on one set of Plumas. Will Braita find herself in more trouble of her own making or will she rise past atrocity to obtain her freedom?

86 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 10, 2015

17 people are currently reading
320 people want to read

About the author

Scarlett Dawn

49 books2,548 followers
New York Times bestselling author and award-winner, Scarlett Dawn, is the mastermind behind the Forever Evermore fantasy series, the Origin paranormal dystopian stories, the Vampire Crown paranormal romance thrillers, the Mark science fantasy saga, and the Lion Security contemporary romance series.

She lives in the Midwest, adores her music loud, and demands her fries covered in melted cheese.

Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/4X1rv

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5 stars
268 (29%)
4 stars
304 (32%)
3 stars
262 (28%)
2 stars
74 (8%)
1 star
15 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for kiki.
76 reviews
May 17, 2015
It would be very nice if this one is looonnnngggg. You know like 150 pages the least. I'm fed up for being teased.
Two stars for this not because its bad but because its just too short and i'm starting to forget what happen in the other books.Before i started reading my kindle was already showing that i finished 5% of the book that's just nonsense.
Profile Image for Marianne.
1,315 reviews154 followers
April 15, 2015
I was hoping for a triumphant return to Killeg & Phila (and a smoldering hot night of passionate petting; Phila-style *smirk*) Unfortunately for Braita, her Plumas aren't quite as forgiving as she had hoped they would be. Not even a welcome home kiss:'(
Being isn't quite as romantic!

However: I did enjoy the interesting twist regarding Braita's heritage, and the enigmatic alien in pursuit of another human girl; Madeleine... This could very well be the spin-off I've been hoping for!

... But back to the Plumas. I loved the foresight one set of Plumas demonstrated towards the end of this installment. *Gleefully rubbing my hands together in anticipation*

Just for the record: The Plumas of the have MUCH better taste when it comes to pets! I'd pick dog lovers over lavano pet owners any day! LOL.

The lack of a proper Pluma menage, made this a 4.5★ for me, and the weakest installment thus far. I'm praying that little oversight *cough* will be rectified in the final installment. Oh how I wish there were more than 5 parts. I'm not ready for this to end yet!

On a side note: Given the short installments, I fear the ending will be rushed. How will Braita manage to - not only choose - but also be initiated into the pleasures of the flesh with her chosen Mian in 60 pages or less?

There had better be a MFM or even an MMFMM moment in the last book. I'm dying here, Scarlett!

PS: #TeamKillegandPhilaFTW
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,818 reviews634 followers
April 19, 2015
Welcome back to Braita’s life and the world she must try to exist in. Scarlett Dawn pulls out the stops and kicks in a few twists that I didn’t see coming, but as usual she pulls it off with her dynamic flare for filling just a few pages with a lot of action! Rise opens with turmoil and ends with turmoil, but in between? That’s where the real meat and potatoes are. Braita has made a mess of things, no surprise there, but come on, it’s all in the name of freedom-hers! The Mian warriors are out for blood, anyone’s blood, if they get in their way and have deemed Braita a traitor. She must risk her life to seek refuge with one set of Plumas, but will they welcome her back with open arms or will Braita have to rely on another to escape to freedom? Is it possible she will never be free? What about that little gem of her heritage?

Scarlett Dawn has shown great restraint in not divulging too much before the final “reveal.” Watching the changes in Braita as she comes of mental and emotional age has been worth the journey, and the wait to see how her journey ends is killing me! Flat out, Scarlett Dawn has done it, again! Signature action, signature kinks, it’s all here in a quick read that fits perfectly into a tight schedule!

I received this copy from Scarlett Dawn in exchange for my honest review.

Series: Cold Mark - Book 4
Publication Date: April 9, 2015
Publisher: Scarlett Dawn
ISBN-13: 9781511703925
Genre: Science Fiction | Suspense | Fantasy
Print Length: 86 pages
Available from: Amazon  | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

Profile Image for Amanda.
154 reviews11 followers
February 28, 2017
2.5 rating.

This has to be my least favourite book out of the four. I'm used to the extremely short installments by now so I expected that but I thought the story was just underwhelming and a bit baffling at times.

There were a few moments in this book where I did think wtf?!

1.The scene where Leo punched Braita at the beginning just seemed a bit over the top and out of character for a couple who were happily buying her a pet and pleading for another chance last time round. Call me crazy but a guy punching a girl is a bit of a romance killer. Phila and Killeg have always treated Braita with honesty and respect which I can't say her own Pluma's have.

2. Braita's revelation about the Pluma's of the east. I never saw that one coming. It felt like I'd missed something. I'm guessing the references to white hair have been hints towards this?

3. Rule who went from okay guy to crazy torturer.

4. The randomness of Geo and Madeline who I can only guess are going to be part of another serial.

It's hard to believe there's one book left in the series when the story is far from resolved.
Profile Image for Kelly Clare.
Author 63 books3,277 followers
Read
July 12, 2016
I didn't feel this one. And I am so gutted about it. Scarlett has never let me down before! To me, the plot line has gone in a completely different direction from what I expected. SD does this in most of her books and it ALWAYS works. I'm on the fence this time. I'm beginning to dislike Braita, and the way the Pluma of the West are acting seems contradictory to their past behaviour. Rule, who Braita was sparking up a friendship with at the end of book three, then acts crazy mean, making me feel I've been purposely misled just so I could be surprised. And again, too short for my liking. Normally I moan about the Cold Marks being too short because I love them. This time it was too short because it fell short.
Profile Image for Jennifer Duman.
13 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2015
So let me start off by saying I absolutely love Scarlett Dawn... her writing is superb. Her characters and worlds make me wish I was in the story. Her imagination is off the charts amazing! If you are looking for something paranormal/sci-fi NA, Scarlett Dawn is a one stop shop.

I want to give this book five stars soooooo bad, but I just can't. Where as I loved everything that actually happened in the book, this book seemed more of a stepping stone between previous events and the following book... which is fine, necessary even.

For the love of gawd... the books in the series are getting shorter and shorter. I read a ridiculous amount of books yearly, all from this same genre, and this series is the one I most look forward to. But as I said, they keep getting shorter and shorter with a crazy amount of time between releases.

Also, S.D. said that this series would have 5 books. Uummmm. This was the fourth book. I can't possibly see how the next (final) installment with have a satisfying ending for readers unless its roughly 300 pages.

I LOOOOOVVEEDDD the first two books of the Forever Evermore series. There aren't even words invented to describe how in love I fell with the two books of that series. King Tomb, while it did have an HEA for Lily and Ezra, was rather disappointing and left me wanting. I still enjoyed it, but it didn't grab me any where near as much as the first two books did.

Following the above example and the fact that with the Cold Mark series, the books keep getting shorter, I feel like the next book is going to be very heartbreaking and disappointing. Please don't let us down S.D.
Profile Image for Jeanny.
2,078 reviews173 followers
April 11, 2015
This is easily my fave serial read. I hate the cliffhangers & waiting but the story is amazing.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
Author 5 books111 followers
April 30, 2015
Review to come...

**FULL REVIEW**

“You brought war here.” “No. Technically, the President did that. His greed did too.”

In the continuation of Braita’s story we are learning some new and interesting things…her tolerance for one is exemplary. And her thirst for revenge…let’s just say she has a little evil streak in her. (Yes, I’m smirking).

I can’t tell you how much I enjoy each little tidbit of information I get from these serials. Honestly, I hope that when they are done, Dawn will publish them as a set because I would love to re-read them all together. The detail, the character development, even the plot twists are just so perfect and perfectly timed that I can’t get enough. So what that I have to wait longer than I’d like for the next part of this story. Scarlett makes the wait worth it, and again, I am floored by how she has pulled me in and hooked me from page one all the way past the ending…I cannot wait for the next installment!

**4 Cushy Prison Stars**
Profile Image for ✰  BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰.
3,054 reviews12 followers
April 13, 2015
Another quick installment of the Cold Mark series from Ms Dawn, and again, I am left hanging at the end. But I know to expect this, so it does not really bother me.

Following on from part 3, we are again taken along for the ride with Braita and Jax.

There are a couple of events that I really did not expect. One of the characters, Rule, seemed to have a bit of a personality transplant! I am still not sure what to feel about Jax.

This installment felt more like a stepping stone between books 3 and 5,and there is so much that we need to know, I hope it can all fit in book 5.

Looking forward to seeing how it all ends.



description Smokin Hot Book Blog Email
Profile Image for Lucy.
443 reviews31 followers
May 23, 2015


2.5 stars (eARC reivew)

I felt somewhat conflicted with this installment, on one hand I was happy with the story moving forward, on the other hand I was left with so many more questions. And just like previous installments of the series, a lot of random things happened in this one as well, where they seem to came out of nowhere. I am really curious how the next and last installment would tight up all the loose end.

I didn't particular liked Braita's Souls, and after this installment I think I really despise them. It would seem to me their personalities have really changed, or maybe we never really know what they were like from the beginning.

I still enjoyed Braita's interactions with Phila and Killeg, and I really hope she would get to choose the ones she want in the end. The one that actually respect and were always honest with her. I would hate to see Braita ended up with her current, awful "Souls".

Happy Reading!! XO
Author 3 books91 followers
April 11, 2015
Rise is another amazing book in this serial. You will get to see Braita "rise" and try to get what she's always wanted... her freedom... but will she get it?

Her life is shambles, lies, issues, jail... you name it she's gone through it... but what will happen in the end?

I enjoyed Rise and the ability to see Braita grow. I feel she's becoming a strong and amazing woman and I can't wait to see what will happen next! I'm eager to find out if Leo/Malik will get their girl... or not!!!!

And then that twist has me wondering what exactly is going on.... I won't elaborate, but I'm dying to know what will transpire from it!

Grab Rise today! You won't be disappointed you did! Don't worry about the length. Each book/serial in this is the same in length just about. :)

5 "Cow" stars!
Profile Image for Karen.
90 reviews
May 21, 2015
Starting to feel this series is a big "fuck you" to the readers due to brevity of the book (more like 2 chapters) and for the series taking forever.

Dear Authors,

If you are going to do short series like these, please release them every two weeks or not at all. Otherwise it feels like you had no real end plan and are just money grabbing.

2.75 stars bc the writing is decent minus the mini rant above
Profile Image for Dayna Wadge.
59 reviews4 followers
Read
February 10, 2015
This is such an enjoyable read. Can't wait till this is out !!!
Profile Image for Laura.
262 reviews960 followers
April 11, 2015
3.5 stars

I love these novellas but just wish they were longer! Each only takes about 20 mins to read so just by the time I have got into the swing of the book it is over.
Profile Image for Tamika.
337 reviews
August 8, 2022
It was a nice little novella. Super short and funny with violence to boot. If you're sensitive, you may wanna steer clear, there's graphic scenes of a woman being tortured and what might be considered as physical abuse in a relationship but is explained away...
Otherwise an okay book.
Profile Image for phoebess.
1,521 reviews99 followers
August 4, 2018
I thought I had this story figure out and once again, it knocked me on my ass again. Damn, what a great twist!
Profile Image for Lillian.
1,085 reviews69 followers
June 12, 2015
I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Note: If you haven't read the previous books of this series, there are some unavoidable minor spoilers. Read ahead at your own risk!

I'm heartbroken!!! I adore...no I LOVE this series and have since Fall but this installment just didn't meet expectations for me :( In Rise, Braita and Jax are taken into custody by the Plumas after their joyride to and treason on Joyal. Faced with the death penalty, Braita does the only thing she knows will work and reaches out to Phila and Killeg for the help she so desperately needs.

This installment we see a different Braita and I was both horrified and heartbroken and just overwhelmed for her. After all she's been through with the Plumas and all her misplaced trust, she is literally broken both physically and mentally and you can't help but cringe with her.

So I'll admit with this being the next to last book in the series :::sobs::: I thought some of the loose ends in the plot would start tying together. I thought wrong!!! Major plot twist with the possibility of a spin-off series was thrown into this story and now all I can think is HOW will Scarlett be able to sum up this series in one more 80~ page book?!?!

As I already stated, I'm heartbroken that I didn't love this installment as much as I have the others! I felt like this book was a filler and building up to the finale. There was little romance, lots of violence and more questions than answers leaving me worried that the last book will be rushed. Of course it wouldn't hurt my feelings any though if the author decides to extend the series a little ;) If you enjoy science fiction, new adult paranormal romance, than I highly recommend the series. It's full of everything I love in just over 80 pages :D

Review in a Gif:

Profile Image for SecondBite.
164 reviews26 followers
June 10, 2015
As all the previous installments have, Rise pulled me in straight away – and held my rapt attention until I reached the dreaded “end of installment” point. The writing is excellent, and I honestly think I would be happy with never leaving this world at all, but sadly this serial is coming to an end. I love Scarlett’s world building, and how she still manages to surprise me. In this installment there were two huge revelations in particular that caught my interest. 1. Hybrids. Holy wow. I did not see that one coming. It also raises all kinds of questions (fingers crossed we’ll get them all answered in Soar!) 2. We were introduced to some new characters, and guess what! We are getting a spin-off!! *throws confetti*
Oh, and there was one particularly entertaining interrogation/therapy session involving the Plumas of the west. It was awesome.

I did think this installment was somewhat on the shorter side, and a lot of time was spent “waiting”, which made this installment seem a little less eventful than the previous ones. Which is essentially why I removed one star from my rating. I haven’t checked a word count or anything, but I do think it’s about the same length as the others so I think it was mostly due to the way this installment was set up. I felt a little bit like it ended right when I was thinking things would really get going. (**ETA: I checked my kindle, and according to the locations of where the previous installments end, Rise is actually a page or two longer than all of them, except Fall (Cold Mark, #1) which was decidedly longer.**)

I did really enjoy the development in the dynamic between the different characters, and I’m intrigued to find out how everything will wrap up in the next installment! I can hardly believe that one single installment will be able to pull everything together – but I’m so excited to see how Scarlett Dawn will execute it!
520 reviews14 followers
April 12, 2015
I have mixed feelings about this book. I'm kind of disappointed in a way because I was expecting more for Braita's character development. I'm not sure where her character disappointed me but it did. I have no problem with how short or not short this book was, it's more on the story development and the characters.

The only thing I like about this book is that Braita will have the chance to choose whom she want to be with but I hate how she's so dramatic over her freedom at the same time, her not so okay attitude towards her Vaq is taking way too long. And like I said what's the point of her being a Soul to her Vaq if she's having feelings towards the other Plumas. In a way, she is kind of a hypocrite herself when she discovered about her Vaq since she also kind of have an intimate relationship with the other Plumas.

I also find her selfish in which she uses the weakness of the other Plumas for herself. She's taking an advantage of her situation to both Plumas in a selfish way is what I mean.

I am also wondering about her friend Jax. After being separated from him not much was said about him.

The author also had another twist to the story near the ending and I wonder if there will be another story arc after this series since she introduced a new character who is a Kireg and he's looking for another human girl. That's kind of interesting.

Well, I can't wait to see how she wraps this story up. So far, I really have no clue who Braita will choose. But like I mentioned, why complicate her relationship with her Vaq with the other Plumas.

I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jessica Johnson.
80 reviews
May 1, 2015
Such an addicting story I just wish there was more every time I finish.

The characters are hard not to love, Braita is such a strong female lead I love reading every minute of her crazy adventure. I have decided that I am not meant to read books that only release in short snippets. I get so into the story and then it feels like its over before it even begins. Yes it is nice that you can finish each story in one sitting but for some reason reading such short pieces of a story makes it harder for me to retain and understand what is happening in the next installment.

As a whole piece I love this world Scarlett Dawn has created, it has such a unique feel to it. I have never been disappointed in her work, each world she creates is unlike anything else I have read, each uniquely her own. I would give this series as a whole 5 stars, but in pieces like this I would say there is almost not enough to go off of. I will continue to read this series because I do enjoy it, but if you're like me and like a little more to the story I would wait for all the books to release and read them all at once. The final installment to the Cold Mark Saga, Soar, is expected to release June 20th.
Profile Image for Jennifer Treviño.
555 reviews5 followers
May 28, 2015
A short visit to one of my favorite worlds!
Rise is action packed & full of drama. I have absolutely loved every single book Scarlett Dawn has released although I found myself in a bit of a pickle this go round. This series has been one I've loved every minute of from the beginning, but this last installment had me questioning whether or not I am still a fan of Braita. And one of my other favorite characters, Rule, seemed to have jumped ship into a whole new tale while going to a much darker place. I truly never saw that coming. For a moment it was as if we were thrown into an episode of Criminal Minds (Scarlett style of course). While neither of these issues ruined it for me entirely I felt like everything I "knew" about these characters was wrong. The new characters & plot twist got my attention back & has some real potential. Scarlett's writing is still superb & I am looking forward to the next! Here's hoping that Braita & her fab 4 can get back on track. I have really enjoyed them. http://jenisbookshelf.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,321 reviews20 followers
April 10, 2015
OMG Scarlett picks up right where the last one left off and without and problems brings us right back into the story. I personally couldn't believe how long poor Jax and Braita had to wait to find out their fates, but I loved the drama and descriptions of what happens while they wait lol. When Rule steps into the picture I have to say I'm a bit disappointed. ...I actually liked the basted lol...but I loved the outcome. ..Totally rocked! Also new character ..Geo...yummy. I guess the more violent they are the better I love em'!! I am so impatient right now awaiting the next installment that I physically threatened the author.....not that I would really do it haha...to shake her till the words for the next book come spewing out! I rated Rise in at 5 hearts because I love how the story is coming along and even though the outcome is up In the air at this point I'm curious what will happen!!!
6 reviews
April 30, 2015
Rating: 2.5


I must say I feel like I was cheated with this installment. Since this is the fourth one I am definitely used to the short length but somehow I feel like this one was anti-climactic. The prior novella Stop left me on the edge of my seat feeling nervous and anxious about what was to happen next and then I read this book and was like oh. Somehow the just kind of stalled in this installment. I mean I know there were several things that happened but somehow it just seemed like a bit of a let down. I still definitely want to know what's going to happen with Braita and the different Plumas but I don't feel like the matter is as pressing anymore. Considering the next installment will be the 5th and last installment I really hope that things pick back up and I don't feel as listless while reading it.
Profile Image for Susan Davis.
58 reviews3 followers
April 12, 2015
Omg! I loved it but these are never long enough!

So good! Scarlett Dawn is one of my favorite authors! This serial has been a very fun read I really love the characters and Scarlett is a master at world building! My only criticism is that they are pretty short and the time in between is just enough to make me forget some important details from one installment to the next so sometimes I'm a bit confused. Ill probably have to go through and read them all back to back once the last installment is released to pick up stuff I might have missed. P.S. if this is your first experience with Scarlett's work do yourself a favor and go read king hall! The Forever Evermore series is not to be missed!
Profile Image for Eye Candy Bookstore.
571 reviews124 followers
April 14, 2015
I have enjoyed each book in this series, watching Braita and Jax through their journey to a new planet. I still love Braita's smart mouth, she has no fear of her Vaq or the Plumas in her life, they both offer her different things. After both her and Jax escape you get to truly see her strength and courage. She stands up for herself against Rule. Her mouth and knowledge helps keep her alive as she is one tough cookie. She knows she has decisions to make, East or West. You can clearly see that both sides care deeply for Braita but it's down to her ego she chooses, she has a few tricks up her sleeve to gain her freedom.

Looking forward to more!




4 Stars

Amy
Eye Candy Bookstore (Manager)
98 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2015
All I can say is F**k off!
So I am inhaling this book, in the middle of the night, and it's just so unbelievably good....and then it just finishes and I am ready to throw my ipad. I am so engrossed in the story that I don't even think about the fact it's a serial, and before you know it the ride is over, and it's devastating. It's like you have been kicked out of the story.
Never again will I read a serial if it's as good as this, because the short length of brilliance and the too long a wait of 2 months in between books, makes me want to sob!
So is it amazing? Oh hell yes!!! But if you're like me, maybe wait for all of them to come out.
Profile Image for Jillian Ashe.
Author 18 books84 followers
April 28, 2015
I hate how short these are. I had to reread them to read this one. I wish she would publish them closer together. If I had my way it would be every week like a serial, or monthly. Oh well, I know how difficult it can be to focus.

I feel like this one was more all over the place than the first few serials. I'm confused as to where this story is going, and I really don't think her pluma should be subjected to her lies and betrayals. I get it, but at the same time they're trying. Braita kind of seemed like a spoiled brat in this one and the last one. I hope the next one gives us a direction.

I have Kindle Unlimited so I definitely plan to read the next one.
Profile Image for Arianna.
1,480 reviews6 followers
April 14, 2015
I received this ebook directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love this serial but not serial in generis. Every chapter is always too short for me. And, at the end, this start a sort of rage-dissapointment induced haze for me.
In this chapter, Baita finally chose to act like a grown up and show a modicum of intellect. I love, as always, all my Vaqs and the Jax/Stiller couple. I think the characters are really perfect. But... I feel there is too much to say to this serial to end in only a chapter. I'm a bit anxious. Let's pray that Ms Scarlett doesn't muck up the ending, which is not her strong suit.
Vote: 3.5 stars
Profile Image for Janine Orlando.
66 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2015
Braita is having a really bad week. After running from her Plumas, she ends up back on Joyal only to be betrayed by the President. She's then found guilty of treason, put in prison, kidnapped from prison and tortured. Through it all, she's still fighting for her freedom. I love the way this author builds her worlds and characters. There's a lot of visual word crafting that I haven't come across that often. Its brilliant. This novella was frustratingly short but it really moved the storyline along. It also introduced new characters who I hope will have their own story told. All told, this was an excellent read.
580 reviews17 followers
October 21, 2016
OMG!!! This book about killed me. Braita is freaking AMAZING! No, AMAZE-BALLS! No, there is no word to express how strong this chick is. I am DYING for the last book now!!!!

If there has been a gut-wrenching installment, this is it. The wickedness of people (I'm using the term loosely as this is alien/paranormal) is put on full display here. And It. Is. Sickening. It's books like this that make me want to hug fictional characters. The emotional connection (if you found lacking prior, though I did not) is cemented between reader and character here.

My Scarlett Dawn addiction is now at the point of un-rehab-able (that is now a word).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews