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Marked #2
Marked By Pain
Twelve marks, twelve powers, and the deadly risk that the twelfth mark brings... is having all that power worth it? What if the price is destroying the world?
Kenzie's twelve marks have caused her nothing but trouble since she was blessed with them. From getting her treated differently at school, to getting her kidnapped by rebels, her marks have caused chaos in her life.
When a familiar face shows up in the warehouse she is being kept in, Kenzie doesn't know who to trust, or what to believe anymore.
With time running out to escape, and the threat of the rebel’s plans looming over her, can Kenzie overcome these challenges?
Love and destruction comes at great price. A price that is marked by pain.
Kenzie's twelve marks have caused her nothing but trouble since she was blessed with them. From getting her treated differently at school, to getting her kidnapped by rebels, her marks have caused chaos in her life.
When a familiar face shows up in the warehouse she is being kept in, Kenzie doesn't know who to trust, or what to believe anymore.
With time running out to escape, and the threat of the rebel’s plans looming over her, can Kenzie overcome these challenges?
Love and destruction comes at great price. A price that is marked by pain.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2018
1484 people are currently reading
843 people want to read
About the author
Cece Rose
42 books716 followersCece Rose is the proud owner of one dog, two cats, two turtles, and one annoying boyfriend.
She hails from Devon in the South-West of England, but dreams of sunny skies and sand between her toes. Although, whenever abroad, she'll moan about the heat and the sand that gets everywhere.
She has largely convinced all who know her that she's a vampire, mainly due to her nocturnal habits and tendency to bite. In reality, it's because her creativity only ever strikes when the sky is dark and the stars are shining. (Plus, it's actually quiet enough to concentrate on writing when everyone else in the world is sleeping.)
Website: www.ceceroseauthor.com
Contact: cece_rose_author@outlook.com
If you want to keep up with everything she's doing, please join her Facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/44633...
She hails from Devon in the South-West of England, but dreams of sunny skies and sand between her toes. Although, whenever abroad, she'll moan about the heat and the sand that gets everywhere.
She has largely convinced all who know her that she's a vampire, mainly due to her nocturnal habits and tendency to bite. In reality, it's because her creativity only ever strikes when the sky is dark and the stars are shining. (Plus, it's actually quiet enough to concentrate on writing when everyone else in the world is sleeping.)
Website: www.ceceroseauthor.com
Contact: cece_rose_author@outlook.com
If you want to keep up with everything she's doing, please join her Facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/44633...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
February 11, 2018
Who even are you anymore?
"Who even are you anymore?" See how awkward that sentence sounds? That's how I felt about this entire book. I enjoyed book 1, the premise and lore are such good ideas, but this book just fell flat to me. The h, while I realize she is young, just felt so oblivious and ridiculous. The sex scenes were barely blips and seemed incredibly rushed and not fulfilling. We seem to barely learn anything about the characters and they're already telling each other I love you. I really wanted to love this book, but even with the good ideas it had going for it, the lack of character and world building and the rushed feeling to it all leaves me saying no to book 3.
"Who even are you anymore?" See how awkward that sentence sounds? That's how I felt about this entire book. I enjoyed book 1, the premise and lore are such good ideas, but this book just fell flat to me. The h, while I realize she is young, just felt so oblivious and ridiculous. The sex scenes were barely blips and seemed incredibly rushed and not fulfilling. We seem to barely learn anything about the characters and they're already telling each other I love you. I really wanted to love this book, but even with the good ideas it had going for it, the lack of character and world building and the rushed feeling to it all leaves me saying no to book 3.
April 20, 2018
Cliffhanger ending.
I really enjoyed book 1 but I found myself losing interest in book 2. I’ll try book 3 though.
CG Feb Book Challange: Read an Amazon freebie
I really enjoyed book 1 but I found myself losing interest in book 2. I’ll try book 3 though.
CG Feb Book Challange: Read an Amazon freebie
April 26, 2018
Yeah. Okay. I have definitely been Marked by Pain.
Well, apparently I had read a good portion of this book back when it came out and DNF'd it, but never made a note. And I can see why.
It. Was. Not. Good.
The main character remains a bloody mess, making nonsensical decisions just to drive the plot where the authors wanted it to go. In fact, that was the MO of most of the story - forced, contrived plot and a jumbled confusing mess.
Honestly, I disliked this one enough that I got past the point of even being able to work up a good rant about it. I am just...drained.
And, it ended on another bloody cliffhanger just as it had the potential to improve. So, between that and my OCD, I will at least give book 3 a shot. Better be a trilogy though, because I can't deal with this series much more.
Can't recommend this one to anyone. Enzo is really the only saving grace, though I kinda liked East, Locke and Logan too (even if they were all mostly undeveloped cardboard cutouts).
Just... MEH.
UPDATE PROGRESS NOTES:
79.0% "Yep...SOOO predictable"
77.0% "Why is it, when you just want a book to end already dammit , it drags on interminably? But when you love it, it is over so damn fast?! *sigh*"
76.0% "Dry it with air you moron. Actually this whole thing is ridiculous. Hate this MC :/"
71.0% "Doesn't occur to you all that everyone is better staying together? That this info may have been purposefully leaked to try to clear as many fighters from the school as possible so Kenzie is vulnerable at the school? Duh!"
65.0% "Yeah, I STILL don't get why a remote cabin out in the woods is safer than the main buildings. Not in the least."
53.0% "Alright, now I REALLY no longer like Daniels. Been headed that way all book, but now... UGH."
50.0% "There are few villains I have hated more than Alaric and Verity. There isn't a redeeming quality between them. Utter psychotic evil. :/ Hate when antagonists aren't given any sort of balance."
37.0% "And we are back to the stupid secret-keeping and dumb decisions. Way to go Kenzie."
27.0% "Okay, the first 25% of this book has been the worst, most frustrating, most stressful, most awful to date. Nearly enough to make me DNF this series. But finally, it may have turned the corner here, so I will give it a little more time."
15.0% "Why the hell would he let himself be taken instead of flying overhead and following them to base? I just don't get this...."
12.0% "God...even here, hostage and needing every scrap of information she can get her hands on, she still can't be bothered to listen or learn anything. KENZIE. IS. A. SELF-ABSORBED. LAZY. MORON."
9.0% "Why the hell didn't she run like East told her to when she switched to wolf form? *grumbles again about idiot MC's*"
3.0% "Oh yeah...now that little revelation is making it hard for me to want to continue reading :/"
3.0% "Yep, starting right off with an annoying 'bang'...another prologue that is a scene from later in the book that gives far too much away. I. HATE. THAT."
Well, apparently I had read a good portion of this book back when it came out and DNF'd it, but never made a note. And I can see why.
It. Was. Not. Good.
The main character remains a bloody mess, making nonsensical decisions just to drive the plot where the authors wanted it to go. In fact, that was the MO of most of the story - forced, contrived plot and a jumbled confusing mess.
Honestly, I disliked this one enough that I got past the point of even being able to work up a good rant about it. I am just...drained.
And, it ended on another bloody cliffhanger just as it had the potential to improve. So, between that and my OCD, I will at least give book 3 a shot. Better be a trilogy though, because I can't deal with this series much more.
Can't recommend this one to anyone. Enzo is really the only saving grace, though I kinda liked East, Locke and Logan too (even if they were all mostly undeveloped cardboard cutouts).
Just... MEH.
UPDATE PROGRESS NOTES:
79.0% "Yep...SOOO predictable"
77.0% "Why is it, when you just want a book to end already dammit , it drags on interminably? But when you love it, it is over so damn fast?! *sigh*"
76.0% "Dry it with air you moron. Actually this whole thing is ridiculous. Hate this MC :/"
71.0% "Doesn't occur to you all that everyone is better staying together? That this info may have been purposefully leaked to try to clear as many fighters from the school as possible so Kenzie is vulnerable at the school? Duh!"
65.0% "Yeah, I STILL don't get why a remote cabin out in the woods is safer than the main buildings. Not in the least."
53.0% "Alright, now I REALLY no longer like Daniels. Been headed that way all book, but now... UGH."
50.0% "There are few villains I have hated more than Alaric and Verity. There isn't a redeeming quality between them. Utter psychotic evil. :/ Hate when antagonists aren't given any sort of balance."
37.0% "And we are back to the stupid secret-keeping and dumb decisions. Way to go Kenzie."
27.0% "Okay, the first 25% of this book has been the worst, most frustrating, most stressful, most awful to date. Nearly enough to make me DNF this series. But finally, it may have turned the corner here, so I will give it a little more time."
15.0% "Why the hell would he let himself be taken instead of flying overhead and following them to base? I just don't get this...."
12.0% "God...even here, hostage and needing every scrap of information she can get her hands on, she still can't be bothered to listen or learn anything. KENZIE. IS. A. SELF-ABSORBED. LAZY. MORON."
9.0% "Why the hell didn't she run like East told her to when she switched to wolf form? *grumbles again about idiot MC's*"
3.0% "Oh yeah...now that little revelation is making it hard for me to want to continue reading :/"
3.0% "Yep, starting right off with an annoying 'bang'...another prologue that is a scene from later in the book that gives far too much away. I. HATE. THAT."
August 20, 2018
So much angst and action! This kept me on the edge of my seat.
Another cliffhanger. I can't spend time writing a full review now. I have to dive right in to book 3!
Audible: I added the whispersync audible narration to this kindle book. The narrators did a great job. This is enjoyable as an audiobook.
Another cliffhanger. I can't spend time writing a full review now. I have to dive right in to book 3!
Audible: I added the whispersync audible narration to this kindle book. The narrators did a great job. This is enjoyable as an audiobook.
Read
May 1, 2018Nope. Can't keep going with this.
February 8, 2018
I liked this one better than the first one. I don't know if it's the writing, or the story itself, but I felt more connected to everything that was taking place, more in tune.
The beginning was nuts! I kept thinking "what the hell? Did everyone lost their marbles , or something?", because I just couldn't wrap my head around everything that was happening and the actions the characters were taking. By the end of the book I was exhausted from trying to keep track with everyone's allegiances and from simply trying to remember who's on which side.
And everything was happening at such a fast paced! I loved that, It gave the intensity to the story, gave it an edge. But it was so short, too! I swear, I blinked once and it was over.
I hope the third book won't take long to come out, cause I really want to see how the characters plan to get themselves out of this mess.
The beginning was nuts! I kept thinking "what the hell? Did everyone lost their marbles , or something?", because I just couldn't wrap my head around everything that was happening and the actions the characters were taking. By the end of the book I was exhausted from trying to keep track with everyone's allegiances and from simply trying to remember who's on which side.
And everything was happening at such a fast paced! I loved that, It gave the intensity to the story, gave it an edge. But it was so short, too! I swear, I blinked once and it was over.
I hope the third book won't take long to come out, cause I really want to see how the characters plan to get themselves out of this mess.
October 14, 2018
I didn't like this book as much as the first one (which I loved) but that's okay... I mean, I expected it to like less to be honest. I still want to finish the series to know the entire story. I won't be reading the book about Kelly though since I don't really care about her.
In Marked by pain, we follow Kenzie right after she got kidnapped. Alaric was a manipulative asshole who only wants to have Kenzie on his side for her power. We only learn what it is almost at the end of this book and I can say that I didn't expect that. I didn't have many theories to begin with though.
It ends on a cliffhanger and I'm a little curious to find out what's going to happen in the last book.
In Marked by pain, we follow Kenzie right after she got kidnapped. Alaric was a manipulative asshole who only wants to have Kenzie on his side for her power. We only learn what it is almost at the end of this book and I can say that I didn't expect that. I didn't have many theories to begin with though.
It ends on a cliffhanger and I'm a little curious to find out what's going to happen in the last book.
March 12, 2018
This one was better than the first! I really liked it! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
December 30, 2020
Kenzie is still arogant, bratty, petulent and basically full of crap. So she sleeps with everyone in this book, the sex felt like play and repeat with no difference between the guys. I comend her father for being quite clever, always a step ahead, turning Kenzie into exactly what he wants. I'm not going to bother reading the final book in this series, they never made an audio book for it and I don't care enough for the story to read it on text.
June 11, 2018
This book had some slow moments that made my eyes glaze over a bit but it did have lots of action and some brief but sexy moments....
I'm seriously hoping the 3rd book is a little bit better...
Overall rating:
3.5*~ An Okay Read👌
I'm seriously hoping the 3rd book is a little bit better...
Overall rating:
3.5*~ An Okay Read👌
February 11, 2018
🌟Actual rating 3,5*🌟
HOLY MOTHER OF GOD THAT ENDING!!😱😱😱
I don't know where to start but i liked this more than the first one and the feelings at the beginning
So much happend and i don't know how to survive until the third book, it's to much for me.... *faints
HOLY MOTHER OF GOD THAT ENDING!!😱😱😱
I don't know where to start but i liked this more than the first one and the feelings at the beginning
So much happend and i don't know how to survive until the third book, it's to much for me.... *faints
March 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I am surprised by all the mixed reviews, I enjoyed this one a little bit more than the 1st. I will admit I was little confused and angry reading the first 25% or so of the books but then all is cleared up and the book flows nicely.
I enjoyed finally learning what the 12th mark is and what made Kenzie so special because of it and now we know why. I know some people might think it is sexy that we still don't know Mr. Daniels first name, but since they have already had sex, I find that part a little strange.
I am eagerly looking forward to the release of the 3rd book because I still have many questions and hope they will be wrapped up nice and neat.
I enjoyed finally learning what the 12th mark is and what made Kenzie so special because of it and now we know why. I know some people might think it is sexy that we still don't know Mr. Daniels first name, but since they have already had sex, I find that part a little strange.
I am eagerly looking forward to the release of the 3rd book because I still have many questions and hope they will be wrapped up nice and neat.
February 21, 2018
As always
One of my favorite series to date! Unpredictable, twists and turns, everytime I think I have things figured out you ladies get me again! Hooked fro beginning to end. Always top of my tbr when a new one comes out
One of my favorite series to date! Unpredictable, twists and turns, everytime I think I have things figured out you ladies get me again! Hooked fro beginning to end. Always top of my tbr when a new one comes out
April 4, 2018
1.5 stars
I just need to rant a bit about this book.
So this book is the second one in “the marked” series. Let me tell you that the first one was bad enough and I don’t know why I convinced myself that the second one would be any different.
So for the plot; this book is about a very very special girl called Mackenzie. She lives in the society of the marked, a magic people that can harness elemental powers through the different symbols on their skin (this I by the way found way too similar to Cassandra Clare’s “the immortal instruments”). There are twelve different marks in total, with each representing an element. To get these marks you have to step into a magical pool that lays under an ancient school for the marked. So you step into the pool, get a certain number of marks (not all of them mind you) and then you go about into the school to learn all about your new powers. No one in history has ever gotten all of the twelve marks, except *gasp* our main character.
So Mackenzie gets all the marks, is appropriately shocked and is so uncomfortable with suddenly being the centre of everyone’s attention. She must now learn all about her new power, but she is just so powerful that this proves to be a challenge. And she is just so clumsy! All the time! So quirky! All the time! Please give me a break. This stuff mostly happens in the first book, but I thought I would rewind a bit.
Oh and did I mention that the marked have (for some convenient reason) fewer women than men, therefore they are completely fine with polygamy. This is very lucky for Mackenzie, as she doesn’t find two, not three, but five gorgeous men. Then there is something about rebels but I wasn’t really paying attention.
This book is so shallow. When I was reading it I just couldn’t put my finger on why I hated it so much......and then I realised. There is no depth. And I mean NO depth at all. The characters are exactly what they seem, the mean girl(s) are just mean, no reason behind it, the evil dad is just evil no (good) reason behind it and Mackenzie is just awesome and fantastic in every way, despite the fact that we see no evidence as for why. The plot is predictable down to the details. Everything is just so boring. So so boring and predictable. Or is it just my bad mood?
PS. The 0.5 star is for the hot twins.
I just need to rant a bit about this book.
So this book is the second one in “the marked” series. Let me tell you that the first one was bad enough and I don’t know why I convinced myself that the second one would be any different.
So for the plot; this book is about a very very special girl called Mackenzie. She lives in the society of the marked, a magic people that can harness elemental powers through the different symbols on their skin (this I by the way found way too similar to Cassandra Clare’s “the immortal instruments”). There are twelve different marks in total, with each representing an element. To get these marks you have to step into a magical pool that lays under an ancient school for the marked. So you step into the pool, get a certain number of marks (not all of them mind you) and then you go about into the school to learn all about your new powers. No one in history has ever gotten all of the twelve marks, except *gasp* our main character.
So Mackenzie gets all the marks, is appropriately shocked and is so uncomfortable with suddenly being the centre of everyone’s attention. She must now learn all about her new power, but she is just so powerful that this proves to be a challenge. And she is just so clumsy! All the time! So quirky! All the time! Please give me a break. This stuff mostly happens in the first book, but I thought I would rewind a bit.
Oh and did I mention that the marked have (for some convenient reason) fewer women than men, therefore they are completely fine with polygamy. This is very lucky for Mackenzie, as she doesn’t find two, not three, but five gorgeous men. Then there is something about rebels but I wasn’t really paying attention.
This book is so shallow. When I was reading it I just couldn’t put my finger on why I hated it so much......and then I realised. There is no depth. And I mean NO depth at all. The characters are exactly what they seem, the mean girl(s) are just mean, no reason behind it, the evil dad is just evil no (good) reason behind it and Mackenzie is just awesome and fantastic in every way, despite the fact that we see no evidence as for why. The plot is predictable down to the details. Everything is just so boring. So so boring and predictable. Or is it just my bad mood?
PS. The 0.5 star is for the hot twins.
February 22, 2018
Alright book two explains more of the problem. It’s hard to connect with the characters. It really is. I’m not crying, I’m not emotionally invested, I’m not dying to know who lives and who dies. If I’m not having an anxiety attack by the middle of the second book then I know it’s not a stellar series.
I AM DYING TO KNOW MR. DANIELS FIRST NAME THOUGH.
.... And that’s honestly the only thing keeping me going with this series. Can’t wait to find out it’s something totally predictable like Paul or David or Luke.
Who wants to start the betting?
Anyway, the action is a 6/10. The romance is like a 4/10. The character development can’t even be scaled because there is none.
Hoping the third book is better. Book 1 was a good start but book 2 did not please me.
I AM DYING TO KNOW MR. DANIELS FIRST NAME THOUGH.
.... And that’s honestly the only thing keeping me going with this series. Can’t wait to find out it’s something totally predictable like Paul or David or Luke.
Who wants to start the betting?
Anyway, the action is a 6/10. The romance is like a 4/10. The character development can’t even be scaled because there is none.
Hoping the third book is better. Book 1 was a good start but book 2 did not please me.
March 11, 2018
Kenzie's twelve marks have been nothing but a pain since she was blessed with them. Singled out at school, kidnapped by rebels, held against her will, threatened. When familiar faces start showing up at the rebel camp, Kenzie doesn't know whom to trust or what to believe anymore. Resist, escape, time is running out. Will Kenzie be the human's salvation or the cause of their destruction?
Marked By Pain was a bit of a disappointment following book one. I loved the first book and was excited about this one but unfortunately, this book didn't measure up. The story itself was fine but this book was rushed and lacked the detail of the first. That's not my biggest problem, however, Kenzie is. She's not as strong of a lead female as I had hoped. She's guilty of my #1 pet peeve; "the girl who feels that the guy betrayed her, yet she can't resist his sex appeal". REALLY?! The sense of betrayal should kill the attraction if you have any self-respect. Maybe you don't have all of the facts but until you know that the guy is on your side, that he's not actively trying to use you, you don't make out with him! Where is the pride, the self-respect? Beyond that major character flaw, there wasn't any growth on Kenzie's part. She still reacts out of jealousy, anger. She didn't gain any control over her abilities and was easily manipulated. I wanted a strong kick-ass Kenzie, instead, I got an overwhelmed, hormone-swayed girl. The guys didn't get equal time in this book. Mr. Daniels was featured and I was not a fan of his behavior or decisions for a good part of the book. Locke and Logan didn't get enough time. East and Enzo easily had the best moments in the book. Kenzie's brother Ryan didn't come across as likable, her father was a maniacal, cruel leader, and Verity was just too horrible.
This was a very fast-paced book with a major cliff-hanger. I wish that the authors didn't start out with a preface of the ultimate scene. Why make it predictable? It ruins the intensity-building as the action really starts heating up. I believe I will skip the preface in future books so that the suspense is there for me at the best time. With the cliffhanger book, three has huge potential. I hope it lives up to it. I would like to see Kenzie come into her own and quality time with all of the guys (if they deserve it!)
Marked By Pain was a bit of a disappointment following book one. I loved the first book and was excited about this one but unfortunately, this book didn't measure up. The story itself was fine but this book was rushed and lacked the detail of the first. That's not my biggest problem, however, Kenzie is. She's not as strong of a lead female as I had hoped. She's guilty of my #1 pet peeve; "the girl who feels that the guy betrayed her, yet she can't resist his sex appeal". REALLY?! The sense of betrayal should kill the attraction if you have any self-respect. Maybe you don't have all of the facts but until you know that the guy is on your side, that he's not actively trying to use you, you don't make out with him! Where is the pride, the self-respect? Beyond that major character flaw, there wasn't any growth on Kenzie's part. She still reacts out of jealousy, anger. She didn't gain any control over her abilities and was easily manipulated. I wanted a strong kick-ass Kenzie, instead, I got an overwhelmed, hormone-swayed girl. The guys didn't get equal time in this book. Mr. Daniels was featured and I was not a fan of his behavior or decisions for a good part of the book. Locke and Logan didn't get enough time. East and Enzo easily had the best moments in the book. Kenzie's brother Ryan didn't come across as likable, her father was a maniacal, cruel leader, and Verity was just too horrible.
This was a very fast-paced book with a major cliff-hanger. I wish that the authors didn't start out with a preface of the ultimate scene. Why make it predictable? It ruins the intensity-building as the action really starts heating up. I believe I will skip the preface in future books so that the suspense is there for me at the best time. With the cliffhanger book, three has huge potential. I hope it lives up to it. I would like to see Kenzie come into her own and quality time with all of the guys (if they deserve it!)
May 29, 2018
With the first book endning on a cliff hanger, I was ready to dive into this one. I really enjoyed this book, but a few things stood out to me. In the first book Kenzie wasn’t ready to have sex with any of the guys. And now, all of a sudden she is sleeping with them and having threesomes! It’s just such a drastic change in a short time span. The sex scenes also seemed a little bit rushed. I don’t want all of the details, but don’t make it seem rushed and without emotion. Another thing, SHE STILL DOESNT NOW MR.DANIELS NAME!! Am I the only one that’s bothered by this? She sleeps with him and is still calling him Mr.Daniels. I loved the guys and how their relationship grew. They are protective and playful. I want to see some more of Enzo and the twins though. :) Once again, we are left on a cliffhanger!! I can’t take it. Now I have to wait for the third book :(
February 20, 2019
This is not the best writing you’ll ever read, it’s all too convenient & easy, I mean does it not seem strange that all her friends suddenly join the rebellion? The dialogue is not entirely natural in some places & it’s so weird that everyone is still calling this guy Mr Daniels, I mean she’s banging the guy & still refers to him as Mr Daniels, that doesn’t seem right to me. But... it’s entertaining, it’s satisfying, & I want to read more.
March 4, 2018
Kenzie's older brother Ryan was knocked down and unconscious throughout most of the story. And the worst part I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
I might read more about this story but I really don't like
I might read more about this story but I really don't like
February 26, 2018
The story continues and is even more exciting! Kenzie has been taken by her brother, she feels so betrayed but that’s not even the half of it!
This story has twists and turns galore and is incredibly exciting to boot, well written I was glued to the page and am very excited for book three
This story has twists and turns galore and is incredibly exciting to boot, well written I was glued to the page and am very excited for book three
May 28, 2018
I like these three books (though it really could have just been one book).
September 24, 2024
I'll say 2.5. I'm still reading and moving on to finish up the series but nothing spectator about this book is the reason why.
February 9, 2018
Plenty of twists and turns in this second book. Lots of action and I was pleased to see the character’s relationships develop. Hopefully the next book won’t be too far away.
March 22, 2018
This author is going on my "Do Not Bother Reading" list. I hurt myself with my numerous eye rolls. No "pros" to list here, only "cons". The comma splice-fest continues, with the record being a whopping four full sentences all strung together with commas.
Events in the story continue to be predictable, especially since some of them are foreseen via divination.
The characters continue to be stupid or predictable. They forget they have these fantastic powers to use to dig UNDER a wall instead of running to find some tunnels somewhere else. Or they forget they can use air to dry off instead of treking back to their rooms to change clothes. They forget that things were foreseen. If I'd had visions like theirs, I wouldn't forget! The evil ones are predictably bad in the grand scheme of things. Can't Stella just be a mean girl without being a traitor too? And why doesn't Kenzie question why she's not upset about her parents dying? Gee. And why does Stella's uncle not just kick her out of his class like he did East? She doesn't need to be there since she's already passed her "exams".
Dialogue continues to be contrived. "There's so much you don't know." got SO OLD. Right, there's a lot Kenzie doesn't know because no one tells her anything and she's too distracted with her boys to ASK. How is it that Stella can taunt Kenzie about her multiple partner when that is the accepted norm in their culture? That makes no sense. It's a reversion to a mainstream typical societal construct that literally has no place in this novel. From the beginning, the cultural reverse harem has been the norm. So this taunting and provoking behavior from Stella ISN'T, unless you want to create drama regardless of the established norms in the novel. There's no explanation for why the cabin is "safer than the main buildings," or why Kenzie and her mom would go to the main buildings after this assessment. A headmaster says that Kenzie is 15-minutes late for class and she should get moving "before [she] miss[es] the whole thing." The whole class is 3.5 hours long. I doubt she's in danger of missing "the whole thing" at that point. Granted, she does miss the whole thing, but not because she took her time getting dressed.
Grammar and word choice continue to be problematic. No amount of country hopping will change an object pronoun into a subject pronoun. With all the sex act euphemisms, "sleeping with" someone doesn't match with the kitchen counter as being the location.
Events in the story continue to be predictable, especially since some of them are foreseen via divination.
The characters continue to be stupid or predictable. They forget they have these fantastic powers to use to dig UNDER a wall instead of running to find some tunnels somewhere else. Or they forget they can use air to dry off instead of treking back to their rooms to change clothes. They forget that things were foreseen. If I'd had visions like theirs, I wouldn't forget! The evil ones are predictably bad in the grand scheme of things. Can't Stella just be a mean girl without being a traitor too? And why doesn't Kenzie question why she's not upset about her parents dying? Gee. And why does Stella's uncle not just kick her out of his class like he did East? She doesn't need to be there since she's already passed her "exams".
Dialogue continues to be contrived. "There's so much you don't know." got SO OLD. Right, there's a lot Kenzie doesn't know because no one tells her anything and she's too distracted with her boys to ASK. How is it that Stella can taunt Kenzie about her multiple partner when that is the accepted norm in their culture? That makes no sense. It's a reversion to a mainstream typical societal construct that literally has no place in this novel. From the beginning, the cultural reverse harem has been the norm. So this taunting and provoking behavior from Stella ISN'T, unless you want to create drama regardless of the established norms in the novel. There's no explanation for why the cabin is "safer than the main buildings," or why Kenzie and her mom would go to the main buildings after this assessment. A headmaster says that Kenzie is 15-minutes late for class and she should get moving "before [she] miss[es] the whole thing." The whole class is 3.5 hours long. I doubt she's in danger of missing "the whole thing" at that point. Granted, she does miss the whole thing, but not because she took her time getting dressed.
Grammar and word choice continue to be problematic. No amount of country hopping will change an object pronoun into a subject pronoun. With all the sex act euphemisms, "sleeping with" someone doesn't match with the kitchen counter as being the location.
July 12, 2018
I just can't even with this book.
The writing isn't the greatest to begin with, filled with awkwardly constructed sentences, spelling mistakes and wrongly used words. All that I could overlook in the first book because that was entertaining at the very least. We got to find out about the marked and Kenzie's relationship with the guys was just getting started. Sure there was the token mean girl woman bashing, I mean Stella who as a character is just over the top ridiculous in her meaness. I figured it was a one off until this book. The woman bashing continues in this book with Verity, then Stella again. And that's not even mentioning the fact that Kenzie automatically decides she hates a girl for asking Mr. Daniels a question(during a class he's teaching) in book 1. In fact all women who are competition to Kenzie are either evil or just not mentioned. The only female who has a minor part in the story is Kelly, because not only does she have 2 marks to Kenzie's 12, but she's isn't competition because apart from a nice rack she isn't as pretty as Kenzie and she's interested in Kenzie's brother and therefore not interested in anyone else. Even all the super hot men around her who are into Kenzie.
Then there's the fact that all Kenzies boyfriends are already in love with her and she with them. I dislike insta-love as a trope. The bit where her parents meet her and her boyfriends and her mom. and I quote ''smiles at her knowingly'' creeped me the fuck out. No. Nope. Don't want to think about it.
The silliest part about this book is how Kenzie, Kelly and Enzo have all had visions about what is going to happen and yet none of them act on the visions, nor do they discuss it with anyone else. They just think to themselves, oh, that was weird, I wonder what that's about, before going back to do whatever they were doing.
So over this.
The writing isn't the greatest to begin with, filled with awkwardly constructed sentences, spelling mistakes and wrongly used words. All that I could overlook in the first book because that was entertaining at the very least. We got to find out about the marked and Kenzie's relationship with the guys was just getting started. Sure there was the token mean girl woman bashing, I mean Stella who as a character is just over the top ridiculous in her meaness. I figured it was a one off until this book. The woman bashing continues in this book with Verity, then Stella again. And that's not even mentioning the fact that Kenzie automatically decides she hates a girl for asking Mr. Daniels a question(during a class he's teaching) in book 1. In fact all women who are competition to Kenzie are either evil or just not mentioned. The only female who has a minor part in the story is Kelly, because not only does she have 2 marks to Kenzie's 12, but she's isn't competition because apart from a nice rack she isn't as pretty as Kenzie and she's interested in Kenzie's brother and therefore not interested in anyone else. Even all the super hot men around her who are into Kenzie.
Then there's the fact that all Kenzies boyfriends are already in love with her and she with them. I dislike insta-love as a trope. The bit where her parents meet her and her boyfriends and her mom. and I quote ''smiles at her knowingly'' creeped me the fuck out. No. Nope. Don't want to think about it.
The silliest part about this book is how Kenzie, Kelly and Enzo have all had visions about what is going to happen and yet none of them act on the visions, nor do they discuss it with anyone else. They just think to themselves, oh, that was weird, I wonder what that's about, before going back to do whatever they were doing.
So over this.
March 14, 2019
This series has turned out to be a huge disappointment. The concept was so fantastic, with unlimited possibilities but alas. no. NO NO NO. The wasted potential of this book has me spiraling into a dark depression. There was just way too much going on that wasn't developed, and to be frank, Kenzie sucked ass. I kinda wanted her to die. That's harsh, I know, but its what i was thinking the whole time. She just isn't a mc that i could root for. I also wanted mr. D to say adios as well. He also sucked ass. The rest of the boys were kinda stupid, but more likable than the others. The villains made no sense either. They were just kinda evil. Like really evil for marginal reasons. They weren't developed enough either.
February 25, 2023
First book was ok. Figured the second book would get better, but no. DNF @36%. I couldn't continue.
February 29, 2024
RH MMMMM/Superpowers/Academy
SYNOPSIS (of Trilogy): This story is set in a world where humans and the „Marked“ live side by side but humans are not aware. At the age of 17 the Marked go to the academy and find out how many marks they have been gifted. Each mark represents a power and there is a total of 12 - which no one has received in recent memory. The FC, Mackenzie, is gifted all 12 marks. That puts her in the middle of 3 factions, the Magic Council, the Rebels and those who want to kill her. Few people know exactly what the 12th mark does but the Rebels want to use her to take over Earth and reveal themselves to the humans. The books cover Mackenzie learning how to use her marks, developing relationships with 5MCs and fighting against the rebels.
🌶️🌶️/🍆 - There are only a few sex scenes and these are not over the top, lengthy or particularly hot.
This was an OK read with Book 1 being the best of the trilogy. I was skim reading by Book 3. There are quite a few typos and editing issues but they do not impact the story too much, they‘re just annoying. The characters are all young (17/19years) except for one teacher and they all act young. I found the FC came across as particularly childish and she never seemed to grow. It was hard to understand why she was the heroine as despite all her powers (and those powers being powerful) she never appears to be able to use them properly or learn how to use them. She is just constantly getting saved or beaten. As a result I didn’t particularly like her. It seemed like another FC who the author felt that just telling readers she was powerful and had all these men who thought she was amazing (despite any supporting evidence) would be sufficient to create a kick ass heroine. It didn‘t work for me and was all quite superficial. It was a shame as Book 1 started with promise.
The relationships happen quickly and there‘s no real development, its just insta attraction with the MCs just falling for the FC and going on about how pretty and amazing she was with no reason given for them to think so. There‘s a little bit of angst and mean girl bullying but it‘s quite minor.
This could have been much better. Books 2 & 3 are quite short (about 150 pages each) and rushed. There are a lot of plot holes and the climax felt too manufactured and lacking. There was limited information as to how everything was resolved and limited comeuppance.
On the whole average. I enjoy academy romances but the characters were just too young and the story lacked thought.
SYNOPSIS (of Trilogy): This story is set in a world where humans and the „Marked“ live side by side but humans are not aware. At the age of 17 the Marked go to the academy and find out how many marks they have been gifted. Each mark represents a power and there is a total of 12 - which no one has received in recent memory. The FC, Mackenzie, is gifted all 12 marks. That puts her in the middle of 3 factions, the Magic Council, the Rebels and those who want to kill her. Few people know exactly what the 12th mark does but the Rebels want to use her to take over Earth and reveal themselves to the humans. The books cover Mackenzie learning how to use her marks, developing relationships with 5MCs and fighting against the rebels.
🌶️🌶️/🍆 - There are only a few sex scenes and these are not over the top, lengthy or particularly hot.
This was an OK read with Book 1 being the best of the trilogy. I was skim reading by Book 3. There are quite a few typos and editing issues but they do not impact the story too much, they‘re just annoying. The characters are all young (17/19years) except for one teacher and they all act young. I found the FC came across as particularly childish and she never seemed to grow. It was hard to understand why she was the heroine as despite all her powers (and those powers being powerful) she never appears to be able to use them properly or learn how to use them. She is just constantly getting saved or beaten. As a result I didn’t particularly like her. It seemed like another FC who the author felt that just telling readers she was powerful and had all these men who thought she was amazing (despite any supporting evidence) would be sufficient to create a kick ass heroine. It didn‘t work for me and was all quite superficial. It was a shame as Book 1 started with promise.
The relationships happen quickly and there‘s no real development, its just insta attraction with the MCs just falling for the FC and going on about how pretty and amazing she was with no reason given for them to think so. There‘s a little bit of angst and mean girl bullying but it‘s quite minor.
This could have been much better. Books 2 & 3 are quite short (about 150 pages each) and rushed. There are a lot of plot holes and the climax felt too manufactured and lacking. There was limited information as to how everything was resolved and limited comeuppance.
On the whole average. I enjoy academy romances but the characters were just too young and the story lacked thought.
September 2, 2024
First of all. Ban spoiler prologues. That’s simply not what they’re for & have inspired a rogue wave of readers who avoid prologues entirely. A whole group of people forgoing important information in other books that are actually good and use prologues correctly.
Secondly, I’m usually inspired to the point of eloquence when reading something so bad. I typically find myself fired up after forcing myself to hope for the best, but I feel so defeated after reading this, that all I can say is it sucks.
We know next to nothing about anyone beyond what you’d learn from surface level small talk you’d gather from meeting them at a lackluster mixer event that belatedly hired a bartender due to the unanimous need for alcohol.
I couldn’t tell you a single reason any of the men wanted her beyond the fact that they were inexplicably drawn to her. It makes for some pretty awful potential vows of theirs when the omniscient reader can’t even conjure a reason for any of them to be together.
Speaking of conjuring, for this world to have 12 magics, it couldn’t be less magical. The main character was too powerful for her own good, had prior knowledge of all but one magics, yet was a complete bumbling idiot attempting any and all of them.
The authors even fumbled the twins trope, which is usually fun when the author chooses to go in depth in their innate differences to the point where the reader feels endeared when easily telling them apart, but they were only passively written as comedic relief. They even had a professor student relationship set up and did nothing with it beyond the vanilla scenes (which were a few paragraphs, tops) that everyone else in her harem got.
The writing itself is pretty awful. My brain just accepted the low quality early on and persevered out of curiosity. I wasn’t surprised to find the extensive list of other mediocre series by the same author promoted at the end, and wish that authors would take more time to invest themselves fully in a story before churning out more half assed passive writing.
Secondly, I’m usually inspired to the point of eloquence when reading something so bad. I typically find myself fired up after forcing myself to hope for the best, but I feel so defeated after reading this, that all I can say is it sucks.
We know next to nothing about anyone beyond what you’d learn from surface level small talk you’d gather from meeting them at a lackluster mixer event that belatedly hired a bartender due to the unanimous need for alcohol.
I couldn’t tell you a single reason any of the men wanted her beyond the fact that they were inexplicably drawn to her. It makes for some pretty awful potential vows of theirs when the omniscient reader can’t even conjure a reason for any of them to be together.
Speaking of conjuring, for this world to have 12 magics, it couldn’t be less magical. The main character was too powerful for her own good, had prior knowledge of all but one magics, yet was a complete bumbling idiot attempting any and all of them.
The authors even fumbled the twins trope, which is usually fun when the author chooses to go in depth in their innate differences to the point where the reader feels endeared when easily telling them apart, but they were only passively written as comedic relief. They even had a professor student relationship set up and did nothing with it beyond the vanilla scenes (which were a few paragraphs, tops) that everyone else in her harem got.
The writing itself is pretty awful. My brain just accepted the low quality early on and persevered out of curiosity. I wasn’t surprised to find the extensive list of other mediocre series by the same author promoted at the end, and wish that authors would take more time to invest themselves fully in a story before churning out more half assed passive writing.
February 18, 2018
The ending is a cliff hanger and I am interested to see how the authors take the story from here. Even though I also feel that some of the relationships in this book haven’t progressed in terms of “feelings” the characters have for each other with much authenticity. The first book did this much better with the majority of it from kenzies POV. I find it strange too how some of her classmates are shocked at kenzie “getting around” when the norm in society is to have multiple husbands due to the ratio of males to females.. also there is no mention of if she is experienced or not, before sleeping with some of her boyfriends, but the speed of which she seems to be one day kissing one of them for the first time, then they are in her (or should I say her other boyfriend’s) bed and she sleeps with them has me a bit confused. But also why is Enzo the one that misses out? He’s pretty much the one that has saved her life in the first book, and the only one who is considerate of the other men’s feelings. He’s meant to be “the bad boy” but I’m not convinced. This seems like a case of nice guys finish last. Maybe the authors are building up to Enzo? I hope so cause now that Locke has next to no personality in this novel, and Mr Daniels is some obnoxious ass with an alpha complexity, I’m gunning for Enzo for sure. Also I’m thinking that Mr Daniels first name must be something so utterly rediculous for us not to have found out by now.
I definitely rated book one higher than this one, but possibly this book was a bit of a filler, to get us to book 3?
I definitely rated book one higher than this one, but possibly this book was a bit of a filler, to get us to book 3?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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