Shadow Marked is a continuation of The Shadows of Salem series. In this novel, both authors find a wonderfully enticing flow with their words. Readers who have enjoyed reading any of either authors’ work, will be mesmerized by this paranormal fantasy series as well. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a rare type of magic flowing through your veins? To be the instant talk of the supernatural community? Detective Brooke Chandler has already figured out that life can be pretty tough, getting by in the real world after her transfer to Salem PD—but she is just starting to learn about the supernatural realm that no one knows exists right under their noses. As if vampires weren’t enough, how will Brooke deal with the witch covens, ghost haunts, and fae lords, too?
After the death of Father James and her fiancé, Tom—Brooke Chandler becomes filled with guilt. Her partner, Detective Baxter, was supposedly the brother of Father James—even if it was a ruse, fictitious memories planted to aid the wrong-doings of the evil warlock who was after her magical energy. It doesn’t change the fact that it is now what he believes to have always been true. The hurt in his eyes alone, as he tries endlessly to find evidence that just isn’t there…it eats away at her conscience. With the help of a fae lord, Maddock, Brooke is beginning to understand her powers and use them—the training that has long since been denied to her by her Uncle Oscar as a way of protection after her parents were murdered. She has been given quests to accompany Maddock on occasion to find four powerful artifacts, but she doesn’t quite understand what his intentions are for them yet. With an uninvited guest visiting her apartment, requesting that Brooke now repay her debt, providing the artifacts to her instead—Brooke is at an impasse. As if that is not enough, the local coven—her mother’s coven—has set to blackmailing her to join their coven under pretense of outing her deep dark secret to the world about what really happened to her fiancé and Father James on the night of their death. Can she keep her secrets and appease all parties that want something from her, or will the end come quickly?
Both authors, Walt and Hamilton, have really shown that they can work quite well together. They have formulated a wonderful story line with superb character development and an interesting world. The pace of this novel is fast, making it easy to read; however, there are some spelling and grammatical errors throughout the read. Since this is an advanced reader copy, these may have been cleaned up upon further proofreading, but if not, this should not hinder enjoyment of the novel at all. It is recommended that the first in the series is read prior to reading Shadow Marked, since there are various quips and explanations that would not be understood without previously reading Shadow Born. If you are a reader of paranormal suspense and fantasy, this may be perfect for you.
A copy of this book was provided to Turning Another Page by Rebecca Hamilton, but this in no way affects our honest opinion of the book or the review that has been written. We provide a five-star rating for Shadow Marked by Rebecca Hamilton and Jasmine Walt.