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EverMarked #1

EverMarked

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Sienna has spent her entire life inside the DEZ, a glorified orphanage for the unwanted Marked Kids, but she’s only months away from graduation. For over a year she’s worked hard to prepare for life outside the DEZ, but being the arena’s champion isn’t always an easy task…even for the notorious Blaze. Fighting in the Underground isn’t about the thrill or the glory, though Sienna has achieved both, it’s about the money—and a way out.

When an explosion rocks the city of Cytos, the Marked Kids find themselves at the center of a brewing war. Desperation brings Sienna into the arena one last time, only her opponent, the Wraith, won’t be so easy to defeat. And for Sienna, failure is not an option.

Jayla’s a Watcher. She's been tasked with keeping her city safe from an enemy the citizens don’t even know exists. They’ve lived in peace for over 150 years, but a darkness has awoken, and even the shadows have gone quiet in fear. When Jayla fails to stop the explosion at the Genetics Lab, she and her team vow to find those responsible. Soon they find out that the Marked kids are at the Center of it all. And to figure out what is going on, Jayla will have to step back into the arena and become something she thought she’d finally left behind. She must become the Wraith, even if only for a night, to acquire an ally and a way into the DEZ. But can she do all that without losing herself again?

Peace has always been the goal, and they’ve succeeded for a long time, but at what cost? How long can a deadly secret be hidden from the world? This isn’t a fight for glory and riches…this is a battle of survival.

Unknown Binding

Published July 28, 2020

3 people are currently reading
117 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Eversley

16 books215 followers
As an avid reader from a young age, it only made sense that one day I would write my own stories. I grew up in a small town in central Alberta Canada where there wasn't much to do but read, cheer on the Oilers and attempt to enjoy the long winter months. 

​After high school, I attended college where I played 4 years of college basketball and eventually went into Recreation as a career. I stayed at the college I graduated from, before making the move to full-time writing.

​My first book series, The WATCHER Series, was self-published in 2017 and later picked up by Aelurus Publishing to be republished. The three-book series, along with a second four-book series EVERMARKED, set in the same world have been released in 2020. 

​Currently, along with finishing up the above series, I am working on my first YA Fantasy word titled THE SIX THRONES (check out a sneak peek in my blog at www.ajeversley.com) which I hope to have out soon as well! 

​Find out more about me on my Instagram, facebook or twitter page, or join my newsletter for instant updates!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for Anya Smith.
294 reviews152 followers
June 3, 2021
I received an ARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a huge disappointment. The premise sounded intriguing, and as a massive dystopian/sci-fi fan, I thought this would be right up my street. Sadly, this wasn't the case.

My main problem was the characters. Sienna and Jayla (the main characters) felt like the exact same person. Sure, they had combat skills and tragic backstories, but apart from that? There wasn't anything unique about either of them. If it weren't for the side characters mentioned, I wouldn't know which character's point of view I was reading.

This brings me onto the side characters. Both main characters had more chemistry with their girl best friend than they did with their actual guy love interest, but of course it wasn't cannon. The side characters had slightly more personality than the main characters, but not enough to entice me.

Because I didn't care about the characters, I then didn't care about the story. Did I think the world had potential? Yes. Was it compelling and strong enough to make me want to keep reading? No.

Overall, I wasn't a fan of Evermarked at all, which was such a shame because I had high expectations.
Profile Image for nico.
176 reviews2 followers
July 8, 2020
Okay first of all that cover is just chef's kisses

My biggest fear with EverMarked was that I would understand absolutely nothing because the plot seemed kind of confusing to me BUT fortunately that didn't happen!

Unfortunately,though, I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. The plot seemed to flow excitingly after the 70% of the book.

The story is told in two different POVs: Sienna's and Jayla's.

Jayla's POV was the one I enjoyed the most. I liked her character and the rest of the characters surrounding her(especially Em).

Sienna's though...not so much. She kind of reminds me of the "strong character with no other personality traits other than fighting". There was this certain scene where her best friend Vic wants to join them and find out what had happened after a terrible incident in the DEZ(the place they've been living for their entire lives) and Sienna just decides to say this:

“What if I just don’t give you a choice? What if we lock you in here until we get out and the threat is over?” Sienna tried



Bro....what and most importantly why

I believe this is going to be a series? I hope we can see some development of Sienna. This world and the story has the potential of a great book series and development.
Profile Image for elder_millennialnitemar_reads (Ashley).
207 reviews36 followers
February 5, 2024
This one just wasn’t my jam at all. I found it slightly cheesy, predictable, and immature. Clearly I’m in the minority based on the multiple high star reviews & that is awesome! I have no desire to read any more of this world or the characters but I don’t want to say I’ll never read this author again. The potential is def there!
Profile Image for Vanessa Gayle ⚔️ Fangirl Faction.
1,132 reviews853 followers
January 21, 2024
Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost from the publisher/author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I am leaving a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.

Science Fiction and Dystopian are some of my favorite genres so I was excited to read this one.

I loved the original aspects of the world-building. This is one of those stories with a compelling plotline that keeps the reader engaged and wanting more. There are things that I didn't see coming so I was happy with the evolution of the story.

Some of the characters fell flat for me but overall I enjoyed them. Some were definitely more distinct than others. There was great character development while the events of the story unfolded. The characters have different backstories so it makes things interesting.

Overall, this was a unique, fast-paced dystopian story with plenty of action and suspense. This one ends in a cliffhanger so you will definitely want to have the second book on hand to continue this story. There is a lot to love about this book including found family themes, strong female characters, and a fascinating world.


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My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers.
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books2,133 followers
August 14, 2020
Sienna has spent her life in an orphanage for unwanted 'marked' kids. All she thinks about is a way out. Fighting in the Underground is her way out. But when an explosion rocks the city, she suddenly finds herself caught between two factions warring with each other. Loyalties are put to the test when she's forced to fight an enemy in the arena one last time. Can she defeat the Wraith and secure her freedom or will she lose everything she's worked so hard to attain?

Evermarked is a compelling dystopian fantasy I couldn't put down. The characters (both main and minor) are so well-written with each having their own backstory, I connected with them on various levels. Some I hated on sight and some I adored. I kept rooting for both Sienna and Jayla as they had their own agendas and motivations. The plot moves at a fast pace without being too complicated. At the center of the plot beats the heart of a coming of age story. Fans of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series will love this book and series. The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger but it sets it up for the next in the series. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the publisher in the hopes I'd review it.

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Profile Image for Tkeyah.
113 reviews9 followers
February 15, 2024
For this being my first Sci-Fi read, I genuinely enjoyed this book. It’s a dual POV where the characters started off seperate and then met in the middle and THAT is when the book really started to pick up. This book was intense and was an excellent build up for a second book.

There was just a hint of romance that was so perfect for this storyline as well although I am hoping it develops more in the next book because I am SHIPPING ALL OF IT.

It always amazes me reading first person dual or multi-povs that are this well written because it’s almost like I AM the characters which allows me to really put myself into the book and man was I INTO IT. I had so much fun trying to picture everything 🥹

The characters were great. Sienna was fiery and rebellious but SMART and Jayla was just as fiery and also smart. They were so similar yet different and I loved them both.

The ending? Left me dying to continue this story and see what happens next.

Thanks to AJ I will be adding YA Sci-Fi to my list of genres I like to read because again, this book was GOOD.
Author 13 books59 followers
September 5, 2020
5/5 Stars

EverMarked (EverMarked Series #1) by AJ Eversley

EverMarked is like The Hunger Games, but a thousand times better. Eversley has really outdone herself with this book and I can't wait for the next EverMarked Series book.

Sienna, a Marked Kid, isn't a normal kid. She isn't human, but she's not a Carbon. She's a mixture. Things aren't as she thought and it's getting hard for her. The quote I chose for Sienna is: “But that doesn’t make sense. What happens when we get out of here? Will they still fear us?”

Jayla, a Watcher, finds herself in the one place she doesn't want to be. She helps Sienna and Theo out when they find themselves in a tight spot. When things get bad Jayla turns to Cas. The quote I chose for Jayla is: “I haven’t forgotten, Em. I know very well what our job is, and that’s why I say we wait.”

This book is fantastic and I highly recommend it. Two girls, both afraid of the same thing.
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,788 reviews21 followers
September 6, 2020
This book is crazy good! I Love it! The story drew me in from the beginning and didn’t let go til the last page. The action and suspense that fill these pages is enormous! I really didn’t know what was going to happen next. The characters are different and interesting. We are dealing with six kids. They are marked, pur and/or Watchers. Sierra, Theo and Vic are the Marked. Jayla, Caspian and Em are the Watchers. When their worlds collide everything as they knew it goes up in smoke. I enjoyed each group and liked watching them bicker like siblings and change as the circumstances around them warranted it.

This is my first book by this author. The flow of the story is fast paced. It’s a wonderful dystopian story. It made me care and worry about the characters. It made me want to know more about the Void and what these Marked kids are doing. That ending?! Just WOWED me! I can’t wait for the next in the series!
317 reviews6 followers
July 4, 2020
This book got me out of a major book slump. It's a slight deviation from my normal genre (it's more sci-fi and I tend to go for more fantasy) but it was absolutely fantastic. I could not put it down from the time I picked it up and now I cannot wait for book 2.

The characters are all well written with complex motivations (and not always motivated for the common good). There are two POVs, and both of those characters are fantastic, but the side characters are also well written which is something I love in a book.

I highly recommend everyone reads this book, especially if you like dystopian books that aren't focused on a love story (not that there aren't relationships, but they aren't the focus of the book).
Profile Image for Liz.
1,327 reviews19 followers
September 4, 2020
I didn’t know what exactly I was getting myself into with EverMarked, but I knew I had to see what it was all about after spotting a few teasers and that fab cover art. I am new to AJ Eversley’s work but this was a perfect introduction. EverMarked is the first book in a new dystopian series from Eversley and is one that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat all the way up until the cliffhanger that will have you begging for book two NOW.

The idea of the ‘marked kids’ is a good one but is brought to life with the characters of Sienna and Jayla. Sienna has spent her whole life wanting to escape and be done with the orphanage she lives in for the marked kids. Her way out is to fight in the Underground but there is so much more that she is about to find in her path to freedom. This book will keep you guessing and wanting to know what will happen before it gets there. I can’t wait to see what unfolds in book two!
Profile Image for Jonell.
214 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2020
Wow, just wow. EverMarked by AJ Eversley, started out as a nicely paced story. I’m thinking yeah this is nice, I can just take my time with this. And really you can, until about halfway. From there on it’s a breakneck speed. I couldn’t put it down and when I got to the last page, I was lamenting the end of the book. I want to say there are two main characters Sienna and Jayla, but that’s not truly accurate because nearly every character in this book has a back story, stories within stories. Action, adventure, stress, and even romance. Did I mention I was inconsolable when the story ended? A great beginning to this series, I really cannot wait till the next one.
214 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2020
This was my first book by AJ Eversley. It was the type of book I get so excited about that I can’t put it down. Sienna has spent her entire life inside the DEZ, a glorified orphanage for unwanted Marked kids. Fighting in the Underground isn’t about the thrill or the glory, though Sienna has achieved both, it’s about the money and a way out. Jayla is a Watcher. She's been tasked with keeping her city safe from an enemy the citizens don’t even know exists. I can’t wait to see what she writes next, I love her writing style and how deep she writes these characters.
25 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2020
WOW!
This is the second sci-fi instalment I've read from AJ Eversley (Watcher was awesome too) and it did NOT disappoint!
Sienna and Jayla are both strong leads, each with their own close circle of friends that added a great dynamic to the story.
Lots of twists to keep me turning the page, and lots of great tension between characters that made me want to scream/cry at different parts. Genius. Can't wait for book two!
Profile Image for Finn Cunningham.
476 reviews9 followers
September 15, 2020
Holy cow am i happy i picked up this book! EverMarked by AJ Eversley is an absolute masterpiece in written form! I was captured from page one and just couldn't help but finish it in a day! I adore this genre of dystopian fantasy, and this author is no exception!! I loved both point of views of these characters, and i loved the plot, and well i loved everything about this book! I wholeheartedly recommend it and just cannot wait to read more from this author!!
682 reviews10 followers
August 21, 2020
A fantastic read that grabs you from the first page to the last. Its a fast past read with epic scenes, the scenes are written so well that I can picture them in my minds eye. This is a real page turner with twists and turns that keeps you enthralled with this read. This definitely a home run. I definitely recommend this captivating read. Its a must read.
Shauna Joesten
Profile Image for Katie Kearney .
1,121 reviews6 followers
September 16, 2020
EverMarked by AJ Eversley. This year I promised myself I’d step outside of my comfort zone in the reading world. This story falls in that category for me and I truly wasn’t disappointed. The storyline is well written and paced nicely, well thought out. The author builds a story world people would gladly be lost in for a few hours. It’s an interesting storyline that kept me intrigued and has me wanting more. The characters are complex and easy to connect with. I’m looking forward to more from this author and getting lost in another great book. Four stars and highly recommended.
Profile Image for Mimi.
164 reviews
September 17, 2020
Evermarked by A.J. Eversley is a fantastic read that keeps you interested from beginning to end. The action and suspense that fill these pages is phenomenal. The characters are interesting and different. I had no problems connecting with them and they brought the story to life for me. This book has all the feels and will leave you wanting to read more. I cannot wait to read the second book!
Profile Image for Em.
341 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2020
OMGoodness. I love AJ Eversley's book EverMarked. I started reading this novel when I was at a doctors appointment and couldn't put it down. I absolutely love the characters and how well the story is developed. EverMarked is not like any other book that I have read and should made into a movie. Young and old would love this novel and then some. Eagerly awaiting to read book two in the series.
12.7k reviews189 followers
July 28, 2020
What a story. Sienna is finally getting out of the orphanage for Unmarked kids. Unfortunately for her she has to fight one more time. Will she win. Loved the book.
Profile Image for Marlene Salmon.
25 reviews7 followers
June 29, 2020
This book was so much fun to read and impossible to put down! I love the twists and turns of the story and I'm dying for the rest as the ending was definitely a major cliff hanger.
Profile Image for Faith.
366 reviews7 followers
August 27, 2020
This is a fantastic start of a series for people who love action trilogies like these of this genre. This book starts off the first chapter showing you just how heroic these characters are in the world that is theirs starting with Sienna who is in the arena and battling as a mere human against others more powerful than she is but she proves herself worthy of a win. Things get even more interesting as Jayla who is set out to protect the city at large must return to the arena to uncover a hidden truth. This book is action-packed, unpredictable, inspirational with brilliant characters in an original setting. I loved reading each page of this one kept me guessing but also the origin about how the differences are apparent and molded together to complete a story that will leave you well entertained. I loved reading this one. Be sure to enjoy this one!
Profile Image for Bookish Coffee UK.
333 reviews20 followers
April 1, 2024
My honest thoughts..
I fully enjoyed this story. The actual storyline flows nicely throughout. Keeping me gripped within the pages!

The characters Sienna and Jayla are quite awesome I love how they can both work well within their teams and together.. they are very strong female leads who actually care for their friends and loved ones.

I loved how well the scenes were described so it was easy to visualise and get the vibes that were intended. I do really hope there's a book two coming soon because that ending exploded my mind!
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,401 reviews139 followers
February 26, 2024
Evermarked by A.J. Eversley.
The Evermarked series book 1.
Sienna has spent her entire life inside the DEZ, a glorified orphanage for the unwanted Marked Kids, but she’s only months away from graduation. For over a year she’s worked hard to prepare for life outside the DEZ, but being the arena’s champion isn’t always an easy task…even for the notorious Blaze. Fighting in the Underground isn’t about the thrill or the glory, though Sienna has achieved both. It’s about the money—and a way out. When an explosion rocks the city of Cytos, the Marked Kids find themselves at the centre of a brewing war. Desperation brings Sienna into the arena one last time. Only her opponent, the Wraith, won’t be so easy to defeat. And for Sienna, failure is not an option. Jayla’s a Watcher. She's been tasked with keeping her city safe from an enemy the citizens don’t even know exists. They’ve lived in peace for over 150 years, but a darkness has awoken, and even the shadows have gone quiet in fear. When Jayla fails to stop the explosion at the Genetics Lab, she and her team vow to find those responsible. Soon, they find out that the Marked kids are at the centre of it all. And to figure out what is going on, Jayla will have to step back into the arena and become something she thought she’d finally left behind. She must become the Wraith, even if only for a night, to acquire an ally and a way into the DEZ. But can she do all that without losing herself again? Peace hasn't always been the goal, and they’ve succeeded for a long time, but at what cost? How long can a deadly secret be hidden from the world? This isn’t a fight for glory and riches…this is a battle of survival.
Wow. It's a fantastic read. I loved the cover. I'm invested. I loved the main characters, Sienna, Theo, and Vic. I loved Ava. I loved how she was with Theo. Simon, I wasn't sure if I liked or hated. He was annoying. Yarik, the instructor. She grew on me slightly. Camilla and Blane, I really didn't like it. I didn't like how they treated Sienna.the things in this book and how they were described. Gave me shivers. The ending. I really can't wait for the next book and. 5*.

Blurb.
Sienna has spent her entire life inside the DEZ, a glorified orphanage for the unwanted Marked Kids, but she’s only months away from graduation. For over a year she’s worked hard to prepare for life outside the DEZ, but being the arena’s champion isn’t always an easy task…even for the notorious Blaze. Fighting in the Underground isn’t about the thrill or the glory, though Sienna has achieved both. It’s about the money—and a way out. When an explosion rocks the city of Cytos, the Marked Kids find themselves at the centre of a brewing war. Desperation brings Sienna into the arena one last time. Only her opponent, the Wraith, won’t be so easy to defeat. And for Sienna, failure is not an option. Jayla’s a Watcher. She's been tasked with keeping her city safe from an enemy the citizens don’t even know exists. They’ve lived in peace for over 150 years, but a darkness has awoken, and even the shadows have gone quiet in fear. When Jayla fails to stop the explosion at the Genetics Lab, she and her team vow to find those responsible. Soon, they find out that the Marked kids are at the centre of it all. And to figure out what is going on, Jayla will have to step back into the arena and become something she thought she’d finally left behind. She must become the Wraith, even if only for a night, to acquire an ally and a way into the DEZ. But can she do all that without losing herself again? Peace hasn't always been the goal, and they’ve succeeded for a long time, but at what cost? How long can a deadly secret be hidden from the world? This isn’t a fight for glory and riches…this is a battle of survival

Format – Kindle

Publisher –

Publication Date – 23rd November 2022

Genre – teen & Young Adult Dystopian Sci-Fi eBooks

Author – AJ Eversley

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Profile Image for Amorina Carlton.
Author 2 books38 followers
February 14, 2024
I struggled to put this book down. Like a cyberpunk blend of Divergent, Hunger Games, with a blend of Ender's Game, this was a wild ride from start to finish.

The end of this book ripped my heart out, and then stitched it back in like a back alley heart transplant I didn't ask for. But I mean that in the best possible way. Sometimes I feel like YA books have gotten so much harsher than they were in my day, but then I remember some of the things I read as a teen - and no, they haven't. This is right up there with some of the greats, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one! Adulting is hard sometimes. I miss the days when I could just hole up in my room and do nothing but read as much as I wanted on holidays/weekends/etc. Okay, wasn't quite that simple, but way less responsibility. We didn't know how good we had it!

This book features two trios of main characters. Quite an ensemble cast and I loved all of them in their own unique ways. As per usual, the "sidekicks" were my favorite. I know people love main characters. Intelectually, I know that's a thing. But I am always convinced that people write books in a way that I'm supposed to love the sidekicks more, right? Like it sure seems like it. But I guess that could just be my special. But the two pairs of "sidekicks" were my heart.

Like fantasy, sci-fi is a genre I frequently forget I enjoy. I always think, eh, when I see the description. And then I read the book and it's the best thing I've read in forever! Perhaps an exaggeration, but it kept me enthralled and I'm over here trying to figure out what comes next and freaking out about the massive cliffhanger we were left with.

I was left a little confused by the different "races" or "species." Throughout the book I couldn't quite figure out the difference between "Carbons" and humans and "genetics" and "Purs." I did a little research and realized there was a series set 150 years before this when the war that was mentioned from this one had happened. So maybe it was more explained in that one. It didn't really matter, per se, it was just something that I felt like I was missing. It felt like they were all humanoids with different flavors. Basically like elves vs humans and such in LOTR or something. But I was left a little uncertain.

When I find some extra time I will definitely check out the first series as well.

Who's It For?

If you loved Divergent, Ender's Game, Hunger Games or any of the wonderfully dystopian worlds created in the past few decades, you will love this book. I could also name some lesser known ones, but I feel like that would just be a flex of my YA breadth - or my age, one of the two. It tackles some rough subjects and is violent, so it is recommended for teens 13 and up, but I'd recommend paying attention and making sure your teen is mature enough. If they're sensitive, it might be a little much for them.

Content Warnings: Murder, Violence, War, Child Abuse, Torture, Adult Situations, Adult Language
1,012 reviews14 followers
September 10, 2020
Sienna is a young girl who is about to graduate from her school in the DEZ where she is living after being abandoned by her parents at birth, nothing seems too untoward about that, except that because of this she is one of the Marked. This means that she is not allowed outside of the DEZ and as such, not know what the outside world is like and she takes risks by actually going outside and into the arena in the city of Cytos, but she is doing it for a reason, she is preparing for life outside the DEZ, so as well as her studies during the week, she goes into the arena on a weekend so she can provide for herself and her friends when they do graduate.

Jayla is a Watcher and is part of a secret force who keep the citizens of Cytos safe from those they have no idea about, she stops those who would want to harm the population and maintains the secrecy that has been around for over one hundred and fifty year and she has done her job successfully until now.

This story begins with Sienna in the ring and fighting her opponent so that she can remain the Champion, although she has to cover up her marks and her face so that she is not recognised as one of the Marked. After she finishes the fight, she is confronted by her friend who has also sneaked out of the DEZ to find her, as they walk back together, they visit another friend on the way.

As both Sienna and Jayla go about their lives, there is an explosion at a genetics lab within the city limits and this event is a shock and mystery as the explanation is a gas leak, however, this is suspicious to both of them because of the use of robotics as a means to ensure the safety of the population.

As both parties decide to investigate what happened, they realise that something isn't right and that all is not well in the worlds they both live in. What they both don’t realise is that the challenges and barriers which will be thrown up in front of them, will be something that neither is expecting or anticipating.

What will happen once Sienna and her friends graduate? Will Jayla be able to figure out what the significance of the explosion is? Will either of them be able to carry on as they are, or will their futures be more than they are capable of facing?

The answers are in this fantastic book and they’re ready and waiting to be discovered as you are drawn into Jayla and Sienna’s worlds and lives. Be prepared for a rollercoaster ride of emotion, as you delve through this fast paced and exciting read.
Profile Image for Erin.
40 reviews
August 25, 2021
Set in a futuristic city where human-like machines, genetically modified hybrids, and humans live side-by-side, Evermarked is a fast-paced scifi novel that was exactly my jam. The story centers around two heroines, both trained for combat, but on opposite sides of the fence. Sienna is a Marked kid, a girl genetically modified for perfection. She was raised in the DEZ, an orphanage for other genetically modified kids. As she nears her graduation, it becomes pretty clear that the DEZ is hiding things. What is this mysterious test all Marked kids have to undergo? And why are they being trained for combat during peacetimes?
Meanwhile, Jayla, a Watcher, is hunting a group of rogue machines (Carbons) responsible for blowing up a genetic lab. All trails lead back to the DEZ and the mysterious Marked kids being held there.
Evermarked is filled with cool fight scenes and technology, and a touch of romance. I definitely feel like this is a genre-bending novel, because I’m feeling a touch of fantasy and thriller in here too.
What I Liked:
The World: It had me hooked. Watchers, Carbons (sentient androids with superpowers), and genetically engineered teenagers. Yes. All of this. I felt a little bit like I was catching up to the universe (there’s a ton of books in this universe), but that didn’t interrupt the story at all.
The Action: Right from page one, the heroines are fighting, investigating, slashing, and chasing bad guys. It never stops. I love that.
What I Didn’t:
Similar Heroines and Love Interests: There were some parallels between the heroines and their love interests that struck me as odd sometimes. Very similar personalities, histories, and abilities.
The Ending (kind of): I’m torn here. The ending leaves you on a cliffhanger (Cool!). It takes you to a place that you’ve been wondering about since basically the second chapter (Really cool). But. I felt like it was a little abrupt. I think I needed more answers and a bigger clash?
Would I Recommend?
If you’ve ever watched the old show Dark Angel, Evermarked is definitely giving off the same vibes. It’s a great read for fans of futuristic cities, dystopias, lots of action, and warrior female protags.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 2 books127 followers
August 25, 2020
A few years ago I read the Watcher trilogy by AJ Eversley and loved it. It was one of the best dystopian trilogies I had read. So when I saw this new series I knew I wanted to read it. EverMarked is the first book in the series and takes place about 150 years after the last events in the Watcher trilogy.

Once again, Eversley had me hooked from page one and I finished the book in a couple of days. There are two main characters in this series, Sienna and Jayla, or we can say two main couples. Once again, I was immersed in the world of Watchers and Carbons, although not as intensely as in the Watcher trilogy. This time the focus is on the Marked kids and the mystery that surrounds them. Why are they hidden from society and what happens to them once they graduate from the DEZ? The answer lies in something that occurred 150 years ago. The novel comes to a cliffhanger ending that had me searching to purchase the second book DeathMarked which will be released on Sept 8.

The female characters in Eversley's books are always strong but inwardly vulnerable. It's this combination that makes them not only interesting but relatable since most of the time they are kickass heroins that seem to overcome difficult situations with ease. This novel is escapism sci-fi that I enjoy for the pleasure of being transported to a different world with plenty of action, suspense and the scary unknown.

Although the Watcher series gripped me more emotionally than this one thus far, I thoroughly enjoyed EverMarked and I'm counting down the days to read the second book as the saga continues. If you haven't read the Watcher series, I highly recommend you do, although this new series is a stand-alone and can be read without having read the Watcher series.

If you're a fan of YA dystopian novels or just clean books with a great plot and fun characters, I recommend checking out AJ Eversley's books.
Profile Image for Courtney.
187 reviews5 followers
July 28, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and thought it was very well written! A.J. did a great job exploring her characters, and I found myself wanting to spend more time with side characters like Theo and Em—maybe even in novellas?—because she managed to capture them so well. The overall concept and world that A.J. created is interesting and not overly complicated/over-the-top, so it’s easily digestible. I liked that it was a dual-POV book, since it gave a wider view of the world. That being said, I thought that Sienna and Jayla had very similar and predictable love-interest arcs, so I would’ve liked to see that develop differently for both—or at least, one—of them, and I’m interested in seeing how things change as the story continues.

I did like that the romances weren’t the focal points of either story line, and that the majority of the characters were women! I won’t spoil anything, but the ending/epilogue was a nice flip, and it helped to set up a good transition for book 2, where I’m sure most of the story’s questions will be answered/elaborated on.

Fair warning that the book’s synopsis is indicative only of the beginning of the book, with most of it taking place within the DEZ and the city. I thought that Sienna’s fighting would drive the plot more than it did, but it helps to give some insight into Jayla’s backstory as well. Other than wishing the book moved a bit quicker—it took me a little while to fully get into it—by the end I wanted to keep going, and I’m looking forward to the next one!

*Received an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Angela.
8,582 reviews123 followers
September 7, 2020
4 Stars

EverMarked is the first book in The EverMarked Series by A.J Eversley. It is a young adult dystopian fantasy with sci-fi elements, action, adventure, suspense, romance, mystery, and so much more. This is the first book that I have read from A.J Eversley, so I really didn’t know what to expect from the story. But the cover drew me to the book and the blurb sealed the deal. I enjoyed the story, and even though it was a little slow at times and I didn’t fully connect with one of the two MC’s, I am invested enough to want to continue the series- as well as explore the “Watcher Trilogy” which is apparently set in the same ‘world’, only set much earlier in time- sounds intriguing.
Sienna is a Marked Kid, (and the whole concept behind that is incredibly original and interesting) who has spent her entire life in an orphanage. She dreams of being “free” and imagining what life will be like once she’s out. Fighting in the Underground is her means-to-an-end.
Jayla’s a watcher whose mission is to keep the city safe. But a threat has emerged, which will test them all. With the explosion rocking the city, Jayla is determined to track down the ones responsible. Discoveries are made, which places the Marked Kids in the middle of everything. What ensues makes for an interesting read.
Ending on a cliffhanger, I am intrigued by where this series is headed and what I might discover in the next book.

Thank you, A.J Eversley!
Profile Image for Laura Furuta.
2,047 reviews28 followers
August 25, 2020
EverMarked
By AJ Eversley
5 out of 5 stars

I loved reading the book EverMarked by AJ Eversley. It is a story that pulled me in from the very beginning and didn’t let me go until the final page. It is a book that includes action, mystery, danger, and even a bit of romance. I loved reading about the characters of Sienna and Jayla. Sienna is an intelligent, strong, and independent girl. She is one that will protect those she cares about. Jayla is a girl who is helping to keep the city that she lives in safe. She is one that has a fierce determination to understand what is going on around her and won’t stop until she finds the truth. I grew to care about what happens to Sienna and Jayla with each chapter the I read. You can’t help but root for them to succeed in whatever they need to accomplish. This is a story that had me turning pages wondering what was going to happen next. There are twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. The author does an amazing job of making both the storyline and the characters come alive on the pages. I felt like I was right there with them. Other additional characters are introduced. Some of them are helpful, some have hidden agendas, and then there are those who I wondered what their true motives were. Don’t miss out on a book that is intriguing and entertaining. I highly recommend reading it.
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