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Poe: Death's Mark
The much-anticipated follow-up to Rest in Peace, Death's Mark finds Poe, Frost and Trina healing and seeking a new normal to found their lives on. But for Poe, there may never be a "new normal." The only other direct descendant of Edgar Allan Poe, a twenty-year-old girl named Tori, is seeking answers about her lineage, answers Poe only wishes she had. Meanwhile, Poe’s former foster-father has grown progressively more volatile and his actions are crushing his submissive wife to the point of threatening her very existence. Poe can hardly protect herself and her new patchwork family from Jonathon Aaron, much less find a way to rescue her helpless foster-mom from the clutches of the curse, and must choose between the people she loves most. Concluding with an epic final stand-off between Poe and the man who destroyed her childhood, Death's Mark depicts the tragic heroine's first hope for a future and her battle to hold onto that hope.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2024
About the author
Rachel M. Martens
13 books43 followersRachel M. Martens is the writer of the "Poe" gothic thriller series, as well as the short horror collection "Midnight Hour"(2017), the YA paranormal romantic thriller "Metalhead"(2019), and the political thriller "Patriots' Dance"(2024). Martens resides in Wisconsin and travels extensively, taking inspiration from the locales she has visited and the books she has read along the way. Her favorite time to write is in the midnight hours with a storm as background music and a mug of tea close at hand.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 4, 2026
I was ready to compliment this book and express my admiration that the writing seemed to be improving in this one. I will still do that, especially because I want to encourage an unknown writer, not crush them.
Here's what went well: the addition of Trina and Tori helped reduce the repetition of some of the earlier books, and actually made it feel like the plot was moving forward. Giving Poe more people to interact with an exploring the differences between their relationships (including a more nurturing side when it came to Trina but a callous and even cynical view of Tori) was so refreshing.
Additionally, the relationship issues with Poe and Frost, while still present and often echoes of past scenes, actually built to something instead of the constant stop-go in the past. Seeing Poe actually take steps forward to accepting love in her life and being happy even for the small moments was one of the things I wanted most from the series.
So here is my big complaint and I will try my best to talk about it in a way that doesn't spoiler everything. There is a single scene the entire book builds to. It is a moment that could have carried a lot of power and emotion, but Poe hears about it in a single paragraph secondhand (thirdhand?) after Frost makes a phone call. She then compares it to the original "Black Cat" by quoting the actual story for almost a full page. This juxtaposition of a disappointing scene and then a much better example of that exact same scene actually made me so upset I had to put the book down and walk away. I felt cheated.
But again, I want to say. I think this is a vast improvement over the past two and I definitely think this shows the skill and potential Martens has. I'm not writing this to say this series is unsalvageable. I just wish it had gone through a couple more rounds of editing.
Here's what went well: the addition of Trina and Tori helped reduce the repetition of some of the earlier books, and actually made it feel like the plot was moving forward. Giving Poe more people to interact with an exploring the differences between their relationships (including a more nurturing side when it came to Trina but a callous and even cynical view of Tori) was so refreshing.
Additionally, the relationship issues with Poe and Frost, while still present and often echoes of past scenes, actually built to something instead of the constant stop-go in the past. Seeing Poe actually take steps forward to accepting love in her life and being happy even for the small moments was one of the things I wanted most from the series.
So here is my big complaint and I will try my best to talk about it in a way that doesn't spoiler everything. There is a single scene the entire book builds to. It is a moment that could have carried a lot of power and emotion, but Poe hears about it in a single paragraph secondhand (thirdhand?) after Frost makes a phone call. She then compares it to the original "Black Cat" by quoting the actual story for almost a full page. This juxtaposition of a disappointing scene and then a much better example of that exact same scene actually made me so upset I had to put the book down and walk away. I felt cheated.
But again, I want to say. I think this is a vast improvement over the past two and I definitely think this shows the skill and potential Martens has. I'm not writing this to say this series is unsalvageable. I just wish it had gone through a couple more rounds of editing.
April 30, 2024
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Poe has really been put through the wringer in this series, but I’ve loved every bit of it. Her personal growth is astounding from where she started at the first page of book one to the last page, so far, of book three. I hope this isn’t the end of her story, but I wouldn’t be disappointed if it is because of how much she’s grown.
Poe has really been put through the wringer in this series, but I’ve loved every bit of it. Her personal growth is astounding from where she started at the first page of book one to the last page, so far, of book three. I hope this isn’t the end of her story, but I wouldn’t be disappointed if it is because of how much she’s grown.
May 19, 2016
I was given an advance copy by Rachel M. Martens for my honest review.
No spoilers, since Death's Mark isn't a standalone read, you'll have to read Nevermore and Rest in Peace to understand this one.
Be warned this series is not for the faint of heart. It's a first person contemporary suspense thriller with elements from paranormal, horror and romance mixed in and your in for a wicked ride reading this series.
Death's Mark is the third of a six book series. Paranormal not a typical genre that I read, the tie in with Edgar Allen Poe caught my attention, and got hooked by the likable Eleanora Allison Poe character.
My only complaint with this one. Why couldn't Poe have made it to Frost gun, when her Foster Father attacks her in their apartment verse what actually happened.
Death's Mark has many of the things I like in a story. It's fast paced, tension filled, action packed, full of suspense, gripping, twist and turns, builds to a great conclusion and unforgettable nasty characters.
Martens writes a good story, she grabs and holds your attention and puts the reader right their in the pages. With the continued saga of Poe and Frost as they recovery emotional and physically from tragedies they suffered, they finally are able to consummate their relationship, and everything seems well for them.
As Poe trusts Frost lets him more into her sheltered world, makes friends with Liz, she also has a loving relationship with Frost's kid sister Trina, adopts and takes care of Church, gets a job at Bookends, also befriends her distant cousin Tori and just seems to be getting her life back.
Then a tormentor from her past gets jealous of Poe. He's been stalking her, sees she's in a loving relationship, has a cat, a job, worried that she'll rescue someone that he's abused most of Poe's life and gets mad that everything is perfect for her.
Martens does an excellent job with her characters, both Poe and Frost are likable, Trina just adds to the storyline between the two, the additions of Tori, both Liz and Jason having a bigger role in the storyline all make Death's Mark a really good read.
The bigger storyline is Poe's foster parents Jonathan and Abigail Aaron. The book is dedicated to 1300 victims of domestic violence who died during the year it took to write the book.
It's hard reading what Mr. Aaron does to his wife, what he did to his foster daughter Poe but I feel the author accurately portrait's a domestic violence situation, how easy it is for them to get away with it and in this case it was the lose of a daughter that triggered the whole situation.
Sadly it seems like the system needs to be tougher, restraining orders should put abusers in jail to protect the victim, but even scarier as a avid fan of all the reality police shows on TV, are all the girlfriends, Wives, boyfriends that refuse to cooperate with law enforcement in domestic cases and just let it continue. That needs to change, people need to stand up for themselves, be brave, realize that they shouldn't be treated that way and put a stop to it.
Death's Mark is a worthy read, do give it a try, start back at the beginning with Nevermore, and then Rest in Peace. Discover Rachel M. Martens, she's a young talented author, with a great future and she'll end up being your new favorite author.
No spoilers, since Death's Mark isn't a standalone read, you'll have to read Nevermore and Rest in Peace to understand this one.
Be warned this series is not for the faint of heart. It's a first person contemporary suspense thriller with elements from paranormal, horror and romance mixed in and your in for a wicked ride reading this series.
Death's Mark is the third of a six book series. Paranormal not a typical genre that I read, the tie in with Edgar Allen Poe caught my attention, and got hooked by the likable Eleanora Allison Poe character.
My only complaint with this one. Why couldn't Poe have made it to Frost gun, when her Foster Father attacks her in their apartment verse what actually happened.
Death's Mark has many of the things I like in a story. It's fast paced, tension filled, action packed, full of suspense, gripping, twist and turns, builds to a great conclusion and unforgettable nasty characters.
Martens writes a good story, she grabs and holds your attention and puts the reader right their in the pages. With the continued saga of Poe and Frost as they recovery emotional and physically from tragedies they suffered, they finally are able to consummate their relationship, and everything seems well for them.
As Poe trusts Frost lets him more into her sheltered world, makes friends with Liz, she also has a loving relationship with Frost's kid sister Trina, adopts and takes care of Church, gets a job at Bookends, also befriends her distant cousin Tori and just seems to be getting her life back.
Then a tormentor from her past gets jealous of Poe. He's been stalking her, sees she's in a loving relationship, has a cat, a job, worried that she'll rescue someone that he's abused most of Poe's life and gets mad that everything is perfect for her.
Martens does an excellent job with her characters, both Poe and Frost are likable, Trina just adds to the storyline between the two, the additions of Tori, both Liz and Jason having a bigger role in the storyline all make Death's Mark a really good read.
The bigger storyline is Poe's foster parents Jonathan and Abigail Aaron. The book is dedicated to 1300 victims of domestic violence who died during the year it took to write the book.
It's hard reading what Mr. Aaron does to his wife, what he did to his foster daughter Poe but I feel the author accurately portrait's a domestic violence situation, how easy it is for them to get away with it and in this case it was the lose of a daughter that triggered the whole situation.
Sadly it seems like the system needs to be tougher, restraining orders should put abusers in jail to protect the victim, but even scarier as a avid fan of all the reality police shows on TV, are all the girlfriends, Wives, boyfriends that refuse to cooperate with law enforcement in domestic cases and just let it continue. That needs to change, people need to stand up for themselves, be brave, realize that they shouldn't be treated that way and put a stop to it.
Death's Mark is a worthy read, do give it a try, start back at the beginning with Nevermore, and then Rest in Peace. Discover Rachel M. Martens, she's a young talented author, with a great future and she'll end up being your new favorite author.
June 14, 2016
We all walk though dark places in our lives, some darker than others. Eleanor Poe has been through vast deep darkness, and pain that is often kept well hidden. Poe's pain is still a bit too fresh, even raw in areas, and she is working so hard to heal. With the new challenges from the curse, and everything she has been through, the upcoming events in her life will make or break her. Major life choices have to be made, and consequences borne out.
Poe is now living with Frost, his little sister Trina and a very special little cat named Church. Poe's longing to be as normal as possible is stronger than ever. However, so are the the forces that wish to cause her complete demise. Tori is a new person in her life, and her concern for her foster mother hasn't left her alone. What keys do they hold to her life at this time? What curse is going to be brought to bear if she can't thwart it? This installment in this series is no less interesting than the prior books, and even more intense.
I really enjoyed this well written read, but I do have to give it a much needed warning label. One for being addictive! The other warning, for having very sensitive subject matter. Among other things, this book deals with child abuse, and rape. It contains three intimate scenes. They are handled with care, and are meant to help others understand where Poe is coming from. However, it could trigger anyone who has been through rape, and or abuse trauma.
I'm looking forward with anticiapation to the next book in this in-depth, well-written, creative and very intense series. Long live Poe, and may we continue to walk with her on her life's journey to break the curses, and be happy.
Poe is now living with Frost, his little sister Trina and a very special little cat named Church. Poe's longing to be as normal as possible is stronger than ever. However, so are the the forces that wish to cause her complete demise. Tori is a new person in her life, and her concern for her foster mother hasn't left her alone. What keys do they hold to her life at this time? What curse is going to be brought to bear if she can't thwart it? This installment in this series is no less interesting than the prior books, and even more intense.
I really enjoyed this well written read, but I do have to give it a much needed warning label. One for being addictive! The other warning, for having very sensitive subject matter. Among other things, this book deals with child abuse, and rape. It contains three intimate scenes. They are handled with care, and are meant to help others understand where Poe is coming from. However, it could trigger anyone who has been through rape, and or abuse trauma.
I'm looking forward with anticiapation to the next book in this in-depth, well-written, creative and very intense series. Long live Poe, and may we continue to walk with her on her life's journey to break the curses, and be happy.
May 21, 2016
I have recived an advance copy as a beta reader. You start the Book knowing that Poe has a black side, then you read: "You know what's he capable of. There's isn't a way that won't be bloody" and you can't leave it until you finished the last page. As always... Breathless.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews