Iniquitous

The Marked #3

by Bianca Scardoni

THE MARKED SAGA, BOOK 3

The end came at me jagged and skewed like puzzle pieces to a game I didn’t know I was playing. There was a distinct method to the madness, every move propagated to force my hand, to lure me out of hiding with the sweet promise of finality. I took solace in knowing that something better waited for me on the other side, something as pure and deep as the ocean itself.

But there was no end in sight.
No peace to be found.
The end was only the beginning.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Vampires, Romance, Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Magic

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2017

About the author

BIANCA 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

Reviews

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are really only two words for this book: Dominic...sigh

This was definitely my favourite of The Marked series so far - sure there were still a few overused phrases (lots of ticking chins and bouncing glances) but the story is so enthralling these little things are easy to overlook.

One of the great things about this instalment was the absence of all the high school drama - I'm sure Nikki will be back at some stage but the break from all the angsty bitchy stuff was welcome.

But the best thing about this book - Dominic! Oh, so much Dominic! And even better - way less Trace (who is seriously one of the most boring characters I've ever read, and I hate the way Jemma turns into a complete sap around him instead of the strong, independent, totally kickass character she usually is)

I won't give spoilers but to sum up, this book is basically 50% Dominic being awesome, 30% Jemma kicking butt, 15% Trace being a tool and Jemma being a sap, and 5% Jemma being totally naive.

One final thought - Jemma soooo better recover her memory of that scene in the next book! My heart was seriously breaking after she woke up and had no clue what had happened! 💔

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing it just keeps getting better and better it has surpassed all of my expectation so so good.

Just finished this book for the second time all ready for book 4 What an awesome series.


I HAVE READ EVERY BOOK IN THIS SERIES SO FAR AND LOVED EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM THIS SERIES IS THE CURE TO A READING SLUMP.

[Ali Book World · Rating 5 out of 5]

"شریر" جلد سوم از مجموعه "نشان شده" هم تمام شد...
بر خلاف دو جلد قبلی، حجم کمتری داشت اما هیجانش هم بیشتر بود...
جز معدود کتابهایی بود که از خط اول تا خط آخر با ریتم بالا و هیجانی قابل قبول پیش میرفت و اصلا خسته کننده نبود.
همونطور که گفتم، برخلاف دو جلد قبلی که هر از گاهی کند میشدن، اما این جلد واقعا اینطور نبود و پیشرفت قلم نویسنده نسبت به جلدهای قبلی رو میشد حس کرد.
خب، باید بگم که سورپرایزهای خوبی داشت و کشت و کشتارش هم خیلی خیلی بیشتر شده بود (البته تعداد کشته ها زیاد نبود اما کسانی مُردن که فکرشم نمیکردم😂)
دقیقا تا پنجاه صفحه‌ی آخر، خیلی خوب و هیجانی پیش میرفت و کاملا همونجایی که حس کردم "دیگه خب تمام شد و همه چی به خیر گذشت" یهو باز سورپرایزمون کرد🤨☺️ و در بدترین نقطه‌ی ممکن تمام شد. آخههه چراااا.. این چه وضعشه آخه😕
اگه یادتون باشه در مورد جلدهای اول و دوم گفته بودم که نوع قلم نویسنده جوریه که هر کتاب یکسری اتفاقات خفن می‌افته که در اوجش میره جلد بعدی و وقتی میری سراغ کتاب بعدی مشکلات حل میشه انتظار نداری خفن‌تر بشه و اما همه‌چی برعکس پیش میره و هر اتفاقی که گذشته نسبت به مشکلات بعدی هیچی نبودن، این موضوع در مورد همین کتاب هم صدق میکنه و فقط میتونم بگم خدا بخیر کنه😂🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[Sabina · Rating 1 out of 5]

There's nothing more heart warming then when authors switch the protagonists love interest for another while the original stays perfect. There really is nothing more amazing than when a protagonist breaks someone's heart that we've fallen in love with for two books. I sent it back & got my money back. So disappointing. Won't tell you any spoilers but if you love Trace be ready to be furious, cry, miserable & genuinely heartbroken this entire time. And if you love Dominic & clearly we're non invested in the first two, then you'll love this. If I could give it zero stars I would. If I could go back in time, I would've never read this series.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟

Holy cliffhanger....!!!! I need book 4 ASAP! I thought this was the last book in the series... SURPRISE- it’s not 😱😱 I felt so torn between Dominic and Trace this whole time.... I was sooo not expecting that ending!! ***ugly 😭 cry time ***

[Aleena Wilson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m very disappointed in this book. I’m tired of authors perpetuating the same useless love triangles that do nothing to showcase a heroines best qualities. I was very invested in this book and in the characters until this last installment. Jemma has literally no loyalty. She doesn’t mind causing the other characters in the novel pain with her selfish antics and drastic decision making. She constantly complains about her love interests treating her like a child and yet she never stops making decisions like one. Half of this novel was spent on her blood bond with Dominic who is a perfect example of a cliche character we see in every novel. I might find a vampire that bonds you to him (without consent) appealing at age 16, but in the world of modern dating his actions are reprehensible. There is nothing sexy about taking away a persons choice in their feelings. If he was really a heroic person he would’ve been a friend for Jemma rather than someone that seeks to destroy her happiness and confuse her already constantly confused brain. If she ends up with this brooding, vampire type rather than choosing a love that was built over two novels, I will lose all the respect I had for the author that I gained from these first two books. I’m willing to read the fourth in the hopes that Jemma actually develops as a person and a character and that she has a happy ending with the guy that the author originally made us fall in love with. Speaking from a perspective of someone who values self control and loyalty; I’m over love triangles.

[Maria Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely my favorite book in the series!! The author delivers so many twists and turns, making this third installment an absolute page turner. I could do without all the Trace scenes though. I'm totally for replacing them with more one-on-one time with Dominic ;) #TeamDominic here!! Let's talk about that ending... I just loved it!! I'm typically not a big fan of cliffhangers, but this one is super intense and has me really excited about the next book. Please say it's coming soon!!

[Vanessa Vargas · Rating 5 out of 5]

O.M.G!

I can't believe what I just read! I literally didn't put this book down until I was done. I need the next book out in like the next few minutes, I just can't deal with the end. My heart is shattered! I recommend this book to anyone who loves books period.

[sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4?

I just read these three books straight through really got into them but had no idea that book 4 wasn't released and doesn't look like anyone knows when it will be!?!? Uggggg it's the worst not knowing

[Kayla Silverss · Rating 5 out of 5]

My ship is sailing⛵️, I just need the next book immediately.

[Emilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowzers!

Jemma, you can have Trace. Gimme Dominic! Lordy (currently fanning myself).
Overall excellent read/series. I'm fiending for book 4!Please hurry!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenna was betrayed at the end of book 2, so she doesn't know who to trust. She finds herself a captive of Engel and Dominic is her only friend. Together they have to thwart Engel's plans for her and find a way to escape. Unfortunately, they cut things a little close and a spell is performed that weakens the barrier between realms or something - basically allowing vampires to hunt in the day and causing chaos. The good news is that Jenna's powers are activated and she is reunited with Trace. It is bittersweet as there is now a bond between Jenna and Dominic. Together, the trio comes up with a plan to close the breach by tracking down the witches that helped open it, but first, they need a few special ingredients to do it.

Ah, we are finally getting somewhere. This is my favorite in the series so far. Poor Jenna, everyone is out to get her and use her for their own purposes. Even when she is reunited with Trace, things are complicated, and they end even more complicated. I'm totally hooked at this point and will be reading the final book.

[❀ Crystal ✿ - PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not quite sure how I made it to the end of this book, #3. To be honest I am not sure if I have ever disliked the heroine as much as I disliked (Jemma I think her name was). It's like she always chooses the stupidest road to travel and always ends up getting hurt yet not dying all whilst I'm secretly hoping this will be her last. I won't even start on the crying fits or temper tantrums. The ending was just blah, more upsetting and like "come on, are you fuc*ing kidding me" than anything. I might have read the last book if it was out but at this point I can happily make up a less hateful ending in my head so that's what I'll go with.

[Kayla Brunson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Scardoni is back at it again! I devoured this book in one sitting and I’m already in need of more from this series. It kept me reading and wondering what was around the corner, and it really delivered. I know Trace is supposed to be her endgame but I am really falling for Dominic. He really surprised me in this book. And that ending has me begging for more. If you are a fan of these series, read it already!

[Bookssica · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 AMAZING STARS!!!

HOLY. GUACAMOLE. I absolutely love Bianca Scardoni’s books. They are amazing!!

This third book in the series largely focuses on Jemma being held captive by Engel and the Dark Legion trying to bring Lucifer. What makes this book stand out is the fact that there a various conflicts happening at once.

Jemma has a lot on her shoulders as she is right in the middle of everything. It pains me to see a seventeen year old teenager battling through so many struggles. But, it’s what shapes who she is. Jemma has progressed so much from the beginning of the series to the end of the third book. We see her powers growing as well as her beautiful development as a strong and brave heroine.

The relationship that develops between Dominic and Jemma in this book deserve its own praises. We get to see how much Dominic cares about Jemma. And let me just say that he cares about her a lot. There is this one page filled with quotes that stood out to me and made me shed a few tears. Here are some examples:

“Because I am ruinously in love with you.”

“...I am not just a monster, but a man telling a woman that he loves her.”

Honestly, those quotes are my favourite part of the book. Scratch that... Dominic is my favourite part. I ship him and Jemma so hard. Dominic accepts all of Jemma’s demons. Instead of standing in front of her, he stands beside her, fighting alongside her as Dominic knows that Jemma is capable of fending for herself. Trace cannot even compare. He is the opposite of Dominic. In fact, he is always shielding Jemma and standing in front of her, which illustrates that he is her guardian rather than her partner.

That being said, Scardoni is a fantastic writer. Her ability to write such complex characters and engaging storyline just shows how brilliant she is. I definitely recommend this series to every single person!!!

Happy Reading!

Cheers,
Jessica :)

[Deana The Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now Jemma finds herself in the hands of her worst enemy, Engel, after she was betrayed. The only one she has on her side is Dominic, who, at Engel’s right hand, continues to play both sides in an effort to save Jemma’s life. Engel wants not only the Amulet, but also Jemma’s powerful blood, both of which will help him in his ultimately evil plans - to open Hell’s gates.

For Jemma is a descendant of the Morningstar bloodline, thought to have been extinct. As an heir of the first fallen Angel, Lucifer, Jemma’s powers would be untold if only they manifested. But with Jemma having been starved, beaten, and nearly drained by Engel, her only hope is Dominic and his blood. But what happens to Jemma and Trace if she blood bonds to Dominic?

I love this book the best so far. Know why? Because it’s all about Jemma and Dominic. I adore seeing how their relationship changes and grows under horrid circumstances. I love seeing Dominic, who supposedly has no humanity, act more humanely to Jemma than anyone else. And I just get so many feels from their chemistry. He mis one of the best book boyfriends ever. I am Team Dominic!

[nitza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!! I just can't wait for the next book! Love the marked series, Bianca Scardoni, your are awesome, cliffhangers, twists, plot, characters your brilliant!!! Team Dominic all the way!!!!!

[Giulia China · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a fast-paced and page-turning series, even though it trips over one clichè after the other, following the classic ya fantasy story line. But it is so addicting that I still need the sequel! 3.5/5 stars

[Briana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so I have a question, why in the hell did it take HALF WAY THROUGH THE THIRD BOOK for it to get mildly good? That one revelation gets on my everlasting nerves. And then this didn’t even start in the best way either, it literally took me going through about 40% of this book to deem it a suitable read. ONLY THIS BOOK.

The characters are still naïve, childish, children.
There are still major Vampire Diaries vibes, and also any other vampire world you have read or seen.

BUT, I can FINALLY see Jemma falling through with some (not all) of her dark threats. It seriously took me THREE BOOKS to get the dark aspect amongst the characters. Three books. That’s a huge fucking problem. Just saying.

I actually want to keep reading because I want to and not out of obligation from starting a series and wanting to finish it.

Major cliff hanger, but it was actually written decently.

I’ll raise the star status on this book to 3.8 star rating. Hey, it’s coming up in the world at least.

[Dani-Marie Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know why it didn't really occur to me before, but why did no one bother to tell Jemma the exact wording of the prophecy?
She could have avoided following it exactly had she known, then the man she loves would not be the gateway to hell!
The team had better find a way to save Trace... I want he and Jemma to have the HEA ending that Bianca has been teasing us about for the last 2 books! <3

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Still hate Trace

The headline says it all... I still hate Trace. He’s toxic and insanely possessive and always pissed at Jemma instead of empathizing with her. And she’s too stupid to realize it. Personally, I hope she ends up with Dominic just so it isn’t Trace. At least Dominic admits he’s a monster instead of pretending to be all righteous while throwing temper tantrums like a Trace.

2 stars bc I liked that I didn’t have to see Trace for the first third of the book.

[Jana Gundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

YA paranormal at its best

This book started off where the second left and now Jemma is trapped with only Dominic for help. A lot goes down this time and we finally meet Jemma's mother. People say there's a love triangle but not really. The ending is a cliffhanger but a good one that will have you begging for more.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

kjeoruwor;wasjdf;klajwkefjsd;kjf ... That ending made me so damn mad. What the actual eff. Stop playing with my heart, Bianca! Geeezus. I'm having serious heart palpitations at the moment. There better be a way to save him!

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really after book one and two this is what’s its come down to.......I refuse to believe the bloodbond is the end game

[Lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

Recently, the first book in the series (Inception) popped up in a Facebook advertisement - I read the synopsis and thought it looked good and a nice easy read. When I started to read it, I realised that I had not only read Inception, but also the sequel Invidious. Maybe that was the warning sign that book 3 was not for me. Also the fact that the phrase "could care less" was used, rather than the correct phrasing "couldn't care less" should have been a big blaring "you are not going to like this book".

The book stats with Jemma starving, dehydrated, having Trace fantasies and spending her imprisonment pacing her cell slowly going insane.. not because she was starved, dehydrated and deprived of daylight and time perception, but because of her thoughts about her one true love blah blah blah. Oh and her friends, too - because they deserved a token mention during her internal monologue.

The characters felt repetitive, one dimensional or cliche with a complete lack of diveristy;

Jemma: Tace, tears, anger, angst, maybe likes Domonic, anger, tears, angst, trace, doesn't like Domonic, Trace, anger tears..oh hey mom, tears ,anger, tears.

Trace: Is perfect.

Domonic: Is good, is bad.. such internal struggle, is British so calls everyone "love". Basically a poor mans Spike from Buffy.

Gabriel: Self-Righteously doing nothing.

And as a result the description and plot just feels repetitive to the point where none of the plot is a surprise, the book isn't memorable and the characters aren't likable. Jemma is basically a simmering mess of love/hate/trace thoughts who goes from one dumb thing to another with zero character development. The rest of the characters are just a plot device.

I also feel like love triangles are seriously over-done by the genre, especially when they all seem to follow the same pattern. Maybe i'm just too old for this genre now but the whole concept of falling madly in love during high school with the perfect and< insert key characteristics here: popular, intelligent, queen/king of the school etc. etc.> guy/girl. But wait, a character who is flawed, a tortured soul, bad boy/girl is on an overt mission to get the protagonist to fall in love with him/her leaving the protagonist spending an entire saga of books going to and from each character to serve as many people in the fandom as possible and drum up suspense of who they will end up with.

The romance in Iniquitous just felt wrong; there's something that does not sit right when you read reviews of people who are "shipping" Domonic and Jemma. Seriously, he compelled her and took her blood whilst she begged him to stop. Not okay on any level and I appreciate that since she was compelled to forget, Jemma has no recollection and is carrying on as normal- I only hope when this sub plot is addressed, it is made clear that what happened was very wrong. Meanwhile she is absolutely besotted with Trace to the point where the amount of description eclipses the plot and it feels forced, confusing love with obsession.

I feel as though the plot is something that could have worked, had it been more of a focus. Instead it's like the book is about the romance and the plot is the added extra - Jemma is madly in love but unfortunately the apocalypse is interrupting it. Unfortunately, I don't think i can bring myself to read book 4.

[Lindsey Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to wait until I finished all four books until I left my review.

When to comes to YA books I struggle with my reviews . Often I have to remind myself that these Are intended for young readers, in order to not leave low ratings because they lack so much angst and steamy scenes that are only provided for us in Adult books.

Lately, I have struggled to find a good paranormal/fantasy book even though I have fancied reading them.

Lux series by J L Armentrout
Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Black dagger brotherhood by J R Ward
The dark Side Reverse Harem by Kirsty Cunning

Off my head those are the only books that I recall really enjoying when it comes to these genres. I haven’t read anything that’s kept me insterested or stopped me rolling my eyes since.

Until this series.

Though, it is a YA series I was hooked. I always know when I’m in love with a book/series because I can’t stop reading.

I loved all the characters. And I read in a few reviews about the similarities regarding Trace and Dominic whenever it comes to the gorgeous Damon and steffen Salvatore! Gah!! I couldn’t agree more!!

I hate conflicted romances!! If there is a love triangle brewing I like to hate at least one of the main characters fiends my mind to justify why incase vouching for the other two to become an item.
Sadly, in this case I didn’t hate any of them.

Currently, I have no idea what the ending will be because Bianca Scardoni hasn’t to finish this series, but I think I know where my heart is leading—Dominic.

Though I was *swooning* over Trace, Dominic was just the one for me.

Recalling my feelings when I watched Vampire Diaries—though I loved Steffen—I was team Damon Salvatore, so it was inevitable that I would be team Dominic in this series. I just loved everything about him, so I’m praying this ends the way I’m hoping.

Can’t wait to finish the final book.

Five DOMINIC stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This paranormal fiction is dark, disturbing and addicting. There is o so many twists and drama in this action packed book that it is impossible to put down. Every book we arch our heroine Jemma lose a piece of herself and gain more fantastical qualities. This book will leave you absolutely hooked with its cliffhanger ending and emotional story.

The preface did this book is intriguing but disturbing . Jemma begins this book in a desolate prison having been kidnapped by a revenant . She dreams of Trace and her freedom.

Engel is one hideous revenant and unfortunately is playing games with her .i find it interesting that Dominic is there and helping her but still has his own selfish reasoning . This book is action packed but also very dark . This book definitely has the love triangle trope going on and I almost feel bad for Jemma as she struggles with her own mind .

Dominic is a sick revenant . I can’t believe he would do that to her but then again we seem to see both his dark and knight in bloody armor side . Which ones wins remains to be seen ? In the meantime poor trace I can’t even imagine what he is going thru while all this takes place .

I love that Jemma is becoming smarter , stronger , fearless and yet still troubled . She has grown in the last few books slowly characters wise and watching her blossom into a badass heroine has been amazing .

Omg this book so doesn’t end as I expected it to and just wow as if this paranormal fiction could have anymore drama the author adds in a huge surprise at the end of this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't normally write reviews. It's hard to put into words how I feel about a book when I'm done. So bare with me.

I have read the first 3 books, so my review is for them all. No spoilers, I promise.

I'm not sure what drew me to this series, but I'm glad it did. While it can be a bit predictable at times (I'm also someone who can spoil any movie or show 10 minutes into it), it is still an amazing journey.

The best books, in my opinion, aren't the ones with proper grammar and punctuation, but the ones where the author takes you on a journey with the characters. You feel what they feel. Your heart starts beating quicker at the same moment the character's does. The stories that have you on the edge of your seat. The ones you can't quite put down, and you stay up until 4:00am so you can finish it. Those are the best books, and this is one of them. I read all 3 books in a few days.

I definitely recommend the series. As with all books, give it a few chapters to get going. By the end, you will be fully submersed into Hollow Hills.

[Nereid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cliffhanger ending

Finally Jemma starts to kick some vampire butt although she is still drawn to Dominic and his dark side. They have a moment when he confessed how he felt about her and then he promptly compelled it all away just like the Damon Salvatore and Elena moment in Vampire Diaries. I would have liked more backstory in this series as there was so little information about the Order and their history that it was hard to understand their actions when it came to Jemma. After being gone so long why wasn't everyone searching for Jemma when she just up and disappeared?
So much happens in the last few chapters that it feels rushed and the ending is definitely thought provoking. I am not sure if I will continue with this series as it just did not connect with me as other books have.

[Aundreya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap.....


The first two audible books were enjoyable but this one was AMAZING!

When Jemma was held captive by Engel I loved the bond that was formed with Dominic and how he took care of her.

But once she came back home and Dominic confessed he loved her and erased that moment from her memory I was sure my heart wouldn’t heal.


Although I am not shipping for Trace, I did NOT see this coming. The end was heart wrenching and made my stomach hurt but man oh man will it make for an exhilarating next book.

This my friends was a 5 star listen for me!!!!

Team Dominic but don’t completely kill Trace 😂😂😂