Incipient: A Dark Paranormal Romance

The Marked #6

by Bianca Scardoni

Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.
Welcome Back to Season Two of The Marked Saga

My name is Jemma Blackburn and my life's just been turned on its head again. With my boyfriend back from the dead, and the vampire I'm bonded to being forced to shut his emotions off, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse arriving in town is really just the beginning of my problems.

As with all ancient prophesies, the clock is ticking, and time is running out for all of us. Mostly because of that parting gift Lucifer so kindly left us with. My best advice at this point? Hang on tight because it's going to be one hell of a ride.

INCIPIENT is the highly anticipated sixth book in The Marked Saga. A fast paced YA paranormal romance full of steam, supernatural adventure, and jaw-dropping twists that will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Perfect for fans of The Vampire Diaries, Twilight, and Fallen Angel Romances.
Reader Discretion: this book contains graphic language and sexual content and is not suitable for readers under 17.

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

346 pages, Paperback

First published December 8, 2020

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

[Vanessa Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

May contain spoilers! Read at ur own risk!

The author is a fabulous writer! The book was good but not my favorite. I really needed time to cool down before I did my review. I def didn't want to be a petty reader. I may go in a rant because My emotions are all over the place. That speaks volumes in how good this writer is to invoke strong emotions from her readers!

If you are a Trace fan you will absolutely love this book. If your a Dominic fan you absolutely will feel gutted or at least I do. I felt like all of Dominic character build was completely erased in this book. There was a lot that happened in this book that I couldn't stomach. Jemma basically confirmed that Dominic is 2nd best! Whaaaaaaat!?...... Like he didn't rock her world?! Like he didn't make her feel like herself without judgement?! He accepted her for who she was and wanted to better himself to be the man she would want and need.

Then there was the attempted rape scene! Ugggh! That broke my heart and soul for his character!!! This right here is the reason why I truly believe Trace is end game. How do you even come back from that? Dominic is going to be so tormented when he gets his humanity back. I can't see Jenna being ok with his touch after that. I can see her forgiving him but not much else.

I truly believe Dominic is the one for Jemma. He always put Jenna feelings ahead of himself. Once he found out Trace was alive he pumped the breaks on his and Jemma physical relationship. He wanted to be the better man and didn't want her to regret a single moment with him. Then here's Trace he doesn't give 2 craps of her having a "boyfriend" who then goes evil he still wants to win her over while her emotions are all over the place and confused.

I'm not sure what the author has in store for us but with Trace saving Dominic in the end means Dominic still has a huge/key roll to play in this.I hope he can redeem himself and I hope it's Dominic and Jemma in the end but I highly doubt that would happen.

This was my rant. I still love the author and i'll continue emotional rollercoaster we are on at the moment. I would definitely check out other projects she would work on because her writing is exceptional.

Bianca I have to thank you for making feel so many emotions in a series! I have never felt so emotionally attached to a character as a reader before.Not a lot of author could do that! You have a gift! Keep writing and please keep giving us fabulous stories to read. You are the reason I got back into reading.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh- story is getting boring and dragging. Ended up skimming parts. Too many things keep getting added in and no resolve for current problems. Jemma is unrelatable (still) and frustrating. Don't even get me started on the love triangle. I am kind over this series.

[Casha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers

I finished this book in a day, so why the 3 stars I'll tell you! Book 5 Jemma sleeps with Dominic and they're together AWESOME ( Team Dominic), this book Jemma sleeps with Trace I understand they're soulmates but she didn't have to sleep with him b/c she still has unresolved issues with Dominic. A girl who was a virgin a few months ago isn't going to just give that up to another so quickly ...Also nothing got resolved with Dominic he's still not connected with his emotions. I really thought this book would be resolving that, Jemma brings Dominic back to himself and then the conflict would be who is Jemma gonna choose while stopping Nikki's baby from being born.

[Brandi Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa... this one was steamy! 😳 but such a great book! I loved getting more scenes with who I “ship” - no spoilers. So that was a welcomed change from the past 2ish books!
Now I have to wait another almost year again! Ugh! Another great job Bianca!

[Lizzie McNally · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved this series

[TT · Rating 3 out of 5]

کل این کتاب حول محور حفظ یک سری راز که آخرش برملا شد، چرخید
خوب بود.

[Aaliyah Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have no words to express how much I really both hate and love Jemma in this series. She is very back and forth with Trace and Dominic and I don't really understand how she can be so selfish. Love triangles are so overdone and this one has to be the worst one I have ever read. But I read this series because the story hooks me in so that I can't wait to see what happens next. I am also hoping for Trace and Jemma to have their happy ending. So much bad happens to them both, and they deserve to have a break. I have been rooting for her and Trace since the very beginning and it broke my heart when she moved on so fast after he died. However, this book gave me just what I needed, a lot of romantic moments with Jemma and Trace. Personally, I just don't see how Dominic and her fit. I don't think they have chemistry and Trace is supposed to be her soulmate, so shouldn't that mean they are meant to be?

I have so many questions that need answered. Why did alt Trace save Dominic? Did Trace really see her and Jemma walking down the aisle? Or it that somehow from a different timeline? I can't wait for September 2021!!

One thing I also have to mention is the book doesn't end on as big of a cliffhanger as the rest of them have in the past. I couldn't be more grateful for that. In the past, the author usually likes to drop a bomb on us at the very end with a cliffhanger so big, I want to scream in frustration. But this one is just enough to leave me wanting more.

I will be eagerly waiting for the next two books and I can't wait to see how all this will end!!

[Leah Reise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still loving this series. This sequel was particularly spicy. 🙃

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

How can I like the series as I do and not care for the heroine, her actions or self-control?

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was really fluff. It felt like the author was throwing a bone for all Team Trace fans (especially with all the (UNNECESSARY) sex scenes). And it’s definitely looking like it’s going to end up as Team Trace anyway. Especially with the scene in the woods with Dominic. There’s no recovering from that. And, really, why would she want to now that Trace is back? She only settled for Dominic once Trace was gone.

But, once again, Trace is Trace and turns his back on her instead of hearing her out whenever things look ugly. I never liked him with her and although I liked him better in this book, his actions at the end - both with Nikki and after hearing the truth about his so-called ‘accident’ - just made me dislike him all over again. First, he knows Jemma is being tormented and abused by her ex. So why wouldn’t he assume that’s what he’s seeing on Nikki’s video? (Also, how can anyone even tell it’s HER?) Second, wouldn’t you be like ‘what?! I didn’t really have an accident and amnesia? I was in-dwelt by Satan and Jemma killed me?!’ That seems hard to believe. I doubt he’d simply just disappear. I mean, Ben was with them. Wouldn’t he ask Ben questions? It’s just typical stupid teenage behavior.

And speaking of teenage behavior, it’s disturbing that Trace was still trying to win Jemma over when she’s just had someone she loves (Dominic) have a complete personality change and constantly BETRAYING and ABUSING her. I suppose it doesn’t speak any better of Jemma, but she’s been one lost and confused girl since book 1. And lastly, these kids are in high school. But they’re all going around having sex, parties, no parents, and oh! They’re also supposed to be responsible enough to slay demons and vampires WHILE also staying on top of homework? Yeah. Right.

I wish I’d never started this series. It’s too dark and angsty and disturbing. Also, there were SO.MANY.TYPOS. I couldn’t stand it. Some were grammatical errors, others were misspellings, others were the wrong words completely. It’s seriously subpar editing and proofreading.

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

It finally happened! There will be **spoilers** below. Also, there are quite a few typos in this which was a little frustrating because I was totally immersed in the book and it would happen and I would have to back track to figure out what it was meant to say or what was left out.





I really didn't care for Trace in prior books, his jealousy was so overwhelming that it masked everything else. I have loved Jem and Dom since book one and how he has called her Angel, and always, ALWAYS risked it all for her. He was patient, loving, sarcastic, enjoyed life, fiercely protective for and of Jemma. Which makes me so glad that bitch Sire of his got her head cut off. Heads are rolling! Lol.

Trace being back, he doesn't have that overbearing jealous shit going on. I actually enjoyed Jem and Trace being together in this book. Also, not exactly sure how she lied to him about being Lucifers vessel but it wasn't brought up prior to that. Everyone kept it from him. So if it was a lie by omission, then everyone lied to him. Anyways, Trace and Jemma FINALLY had sex. I love how it all was loving and primal, all encompassing but not enough. Which is how it was with Dominic too.

Did anyone else notice that the last two times they had sex, a condom was not mentioned... I am wondering if Jemma is going to end up prego.

12 more days until the next release!! So far away!!

[Shreepriya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've waited an eternity for this book. But.. Sadly,
This book didn't do it for me. All the others were literally so perfect that I wouldn't have it any other way. But incipient, disappointed me in ways I can't imagine. I expected so much. But I felt like there wasn't much character development and the love triangle kept getting worse. I totally ship Dominic and Jemma. Forever and always. The two of them worked wonders in all the five books before this one.
There was romance, spiciness, and sarcasm and all the other stuff but just not in the right quantity according to me. The plot was getting too complicated.
Having said that, I'd still not regret reading this. It will has two other sequels so.. Things might pick up just well.
I'm just hoping the book seven, irreverent, isn't like this and has some the magic all the first five books had.

[Dusty Lu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blergh. The inevitable happened. Trace. He's so yawn. I don't know how she enjoys Trace after Dominic.

This book was a bit boring compared to the last couple I thought. Probably because I just spent the whole time wanting Jemma to focus on Priscilla and dealing with Dominic.

Can we stop with the good, rainbow and butterflies side of Jemma? The dark side (aka Dominic side) is so much more fun and exciting! There was a little bit of it in this and those were the moments I loved and seriously died to.

Sometimes I love Jemma and sometimes I truly hate her. She's bloody frustrating especially in this book.

Bring back Dominic. Please. Please. Please.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much Trace! That was what I needed. Please let that vision come true.

Not a lot advanced in this story. We haven’t really moved any further with the horseman. Nikki is psycho as usual. I continue to be frustrated with Jemma’s poor choices and indecision. I really want Trace and Jemma to be endgame.

[inad_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 actually.
I can’t imagine that this is the last book before the next one is released. I was trying to read the books as slow as possible and tryna keep them till September. But I OBVIOUSLY couldn’t. They are so good I can’t even explain. Oh yeah and defo underrated. These books were with me the past 2 months and I CANT imagine waiting 6 months for the next one. It doesn’t feel right. So can someone be my Trace and go to the future and give me the next book please. I rlly would appreciate it.

[Brianna Gonyou · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHHHH I have been waiting for this book FOR SO LONG AND ITS FINALLY HERE!!! I absolutely loved this one, and so many twists and turns had me feeling ALL the feels!! I just wish there was a little more Dominic, but thats just because I cant get enough of him! Lol. My mind is in shambles from legit just finishing it, but I simply cannot wait until the next book!!! :D

[CJ Marx · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

Another amazing addition to the marked series. I can not wait to see where this story goes. suspenseful with all the romance you were waiting for.

[Jocelyn Bock · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Trace less Dominic!

I was starting to get super disappointed in the series because the love triangle was way past its sell by date.The chemistry between Dominic and Jemma is non existent and her constant loyalty to him was starting to get super annoying. Thank God Trace is back because WOW.... that is chemistry. I can't wait to see where they go from here!

[Diana Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

I enjoyed reading this storyline. It was suspenseful, thrilling and romantic. I loved the tension brewing between Jemma and Trace.

[Gina Rose-Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this one a high rating because I am hooked on the series but I am totally bent out of joint on this one. It's not going the way I had hoped with Dominic because his character has deteriorated so much that I don't see how he can be brought back. I had also hoped that the series would be wrapped up and I could move on with my life but nope, that's not happening as there are two more books projected. Alas, I will have to wait nearly a year to find out what happens next and I hate having to wait. I'm getting really grumpy about it too. This is why I never start a series that isn't complete anymore. I have no patience for the waiting. I'm in despair and I'm not sure I want to continue reading the series but of course, I'm a glutton for punishment so I most likely will. Please, Bianca, you're killing me here! Dominic must be redeemed or I will never forgive you.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wait was worth it for this book. I told myself. I wasn't going to devour this book, and I did the exact opposite. I love the vulnerability Jemma showed in this book regarding D. That she was literally under his thumb, and god did I hate him in this book. I was always teetering between Dominic and Trace, but shit. Trace took it over by a LONG shot. The way he was with Jemma in this broke my heart. The ending to this book was a blindside, I swear to god I died. I kept saying, "no. No this isn't it. There has to be more. Where's the next page?!" I'm already counting down the days to book 7. And knowing we are just drawing closer and closer to the end makes my heart ache in a bittersweet way.

[Anu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well....5 stars for the end part. Still confused about why trace alt saved him. What had happened that he had to come back in the past and fix it.ah....i am for team tremma.i request Bianca Scardoni to get trace and jemma together. It felt like they are meant for each other. They should end up together and as jemma wanted Happily Ever After. He will give that light to her life.these series are just Mind Blowing.Can't wait for book 7.

[Olive Chimwaza]

l love this book.4.5 stars..I thought Jemma had chosen it seems like she doesnt know what she wants,which is making me confused as hell( l mean l thought we had the hots for Domic)...Am always team Dominic am sad though l ddnt get to see him much...I miss You Dom...Am rooting for you buddy coz l feel like he knows the real Jemma..With Trace jemma pretends & tries hard..Thanks Bianca for the good work

[hamdasbookshelf · Rating 2 out of 5]

i literally forced myself to read this mf book and it was a waste of time LOL

[Cecilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the series.
I am really impressed with the pace and she makes it an exciting book to read.

This book deals with us finding out a little more about the horsemen ,focused on Trace and Jemma together and having her deal with a crazy Dominic. But, besides that, not a lot of huge things happened to move the plot along. This book kind of felt like a little bit of the calm before the storm kind of book.

In this book Trace and Jemma were wonderful together while Dominic had his emotions turned off.
BUT, i really wish that she could end up with both hahaha. But, this is not that kind of book.
Although this whole love triangle in this book makes me not like Jemma all the time. I mean IF she truly felt that Dominic was the one she loved most she would wait for him while he is crazy- because she knows with his emotions off that he is not himself right?
So, in a way she is playing with Trace's feelings. What will happen when Dominic get's his emotions back on? ( this whole thing is Vampire Diaries vibes lol)
I do have a feeling Trace might die at the end- since's Trace's alt from the future saved evil dominic from being killed- so theres a reason for that. Who knows. But, either Trace or Dominic will die.
Another thing, is I am happy to find out there are only 2 books left in this series- only because i don't like when some series go on forever with multiple spinoffs

Jemma gets attacked multiple times by Dominic and almost raped since he is crazy now and has his emotions off. She goes back and forth with her feelings for Trace and has sex with him. Nikki is preggars with Lucifer's child. At the end Jemma kills Dominic's sire and everyone incapacitates him so he won't hurt her until they can figure out how to turn on his emotions. And, Trace finds out the truth that Jemma killed him when Lucifer was in her and he was made she lied to him. ohhhh to save Jemma from Dominic's compulsion Gabriel forms a bond with Jemma but then get's sick and bloodlust and attacks Jemma one day, and is super sad about it.

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

well let me start by saying that i started reading this book full of questions from book 5. now that i stated that i will include spoilers spoilers and spoilers!!!


i love that team trace and jemma is back on. i don't like that we all lost Dominic and Gabriel almost to the blood lust because of jemma. i mean we have this strong female character who takes stupid decision over and over again. she doesn't really use her brain because if she did she wouldn't have did that to Gabriel just to be released from Dominic command. she is still dragging trace on the floor along with her. if she would have been honest with him with the future. all she did was lie so i understand he walked away from her at the end. Nikki is still crazy and super pregnant and is more evil then ever before. the part where jemma could be a one of the horsemen is a good idea and as soon as i read that she killed one of them. i screamed! i had a feeling that was gonna happen. the ending really took me by surprised because jemma is now without the necklace and i'm thinking that she may have absorbed up the powers from the necklace since she is full of different powers. that is something we might see in the next book and i sure hope so because that would make so much sense if she did. I AM SO GLAD SHE KILLED DOMIMICS SIRE. when her head hit the floor and the boys looked towards jemmas direction while the head just rolled towards the floor.


i love jemmas moments with caleb, ben and carly
looking forward to the next book

[Maria Banales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Series Ever..

First off this series is so so good, the suspense, action, love, & heartbreaks but in the end a true family and friendships.. But I gotta say this, Bianca Scardoni you are truly gutting me with all this brokenness, heartbreak and sadness between Jemma and Trace.. When they are together they are just so good together and he makes her feel safe, at home and at peace.. Dominic doesn’t give her that same feelings and yes she loves him because he was always he go to person when things were bad or dangerous, but Trace would have been the same thing for her if she would have only gave him a chance, but Jemma being Jemma she was always trying to keep Trace safe by lying to him all the time, that she never realized that she was the cause of bad things happening to him, and that just truly breaks my heart.. This series is always making me cry.. So please let the Soulmates (Trace & Jemma) get their true happy ever after please and at the same time bring Dominic’s soulmate into the picture so he will have his own happiness.. Please.. Because I really can’t take this sadness anymore and if you keep Trace and Jemma apart it’s going to ruin my view on true love, happiness and soulmates..

[Jennifer Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I have enjoyed the series, I often just want to shake Jenna and ask why she doesn’t learn or grow up? She is very selfish and switches between Dom and Trace like one would switch deodorant on a warm day. I am trying to understand Alt Trace and his now two random appearances. Let’s remember the first one shared that Jenna was not amongst the living. He seems to be working to keep her alive but is he the end game or is it Dom? Both Dom and Trace are swoon worthy lovers who give her everything and only get half of her in return. I feel so conflicted on who I want her to end up with because they both deserve better than Jenna.

The amulet is broken, the anti-Christ child is on his way, Dom is spiked (not like good punch), and Trace is now awake to her long list of lies so I mean where could the next book go now? I guess I dive in and find out.

I agree with many other readers about the need for better editing by the publisher.

[Cara Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowsers

I devoured this book, eager to be back in Jem's world and even more eager to get my Dominic fix. I'll always be team Dom and it was hard to see him being cruel and vicious to Jem. Trace was his usual steady and endearing self, determined to place himself back into Jem's life, no matter her protests. I really felt for Jem in this book, as she fought to keep her distance from Trace and how she coped with losing the Dom she loved and needed. In the midst of this love triangle there is more danger and an end of the world scenario that has poor Jem having to consider sacrificing everything again for the greater good. Scardoni delivered again, this book was a roller coaster of emotions and twists and I was gripped from beginning to end. Loved every second and I am now impatiently waiting the next book .

[Lindsey Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! If you haven’t yet you must read this series!!!

Finally they are together at last!! The roller coaster in this one was killer. Dominic turning his emotions off. Gabriel saving Jemma in a way not expected and the unholy fowl of Nikki. Wow. And that ending Trace just left and his Alt saved Dominic. Hmmmm wonder why!!! I can’t wait for the final book to come out! I’m looking forward to a conclusion! I’m still keeping my fingers crossed that one of Jemmas angelic strengths will be wings maybe some for Trace too. I’m also still hoping Taylor will make a sudden angelic appearance when Jemma needs her most. That would be amazing and maybe Ben will finally be happy. Poor guy was ripped to shreds and finally seems to be finding happiness again with the growing friendship bond between him and Jemma.