Blood Mark

by J.P. McLean

What if your lifelong curse is the only thing keeping you alive? Abandoned at birth, life has always been a battle for Jane Walker. She and her best friend, Sadie, spent years fighting to survive Vancouver’s cutthroat underbelly. That would have been tough enough without Jane’s mysterious an intricate pattern of blood-red birthmarks that snake around her body and vivid, heart-wrenching nightmares that feel so real she wakes up screaming. After she meets the first man who isn’t repulsed by her birthmarks, Jane thinks she might finally have a chance at happiness. Her belief seems confirmed as the birthmarks she’s spent her life so ashamed of magically begin to disappear. Yet, the quicker her scarlet marks vanish, the more lucid and disturbing Jane’s nightmares become—until it’s impossible to discern her dreams from reality, and Jane comes to a horrifying The nightmares that have plagued her since childhood are actually visions of real people being stalked by a deadly killer. And all this time, her birthmarks have been the only things protecting her from becoming his next victim. Blood Mark is the first in a brand-new paranormal thriller series by JP McLean, author of The Gift Legacy series and whose writing has been described as “. . . deftly crafted, impressively original, and inherently compelling from first page to last.”

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

326 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2021

About the author

Welcome to my Goodreads page.

I'm very fortunate to live in a writer's paradise on one of the small northern Gulf Islands off the eastern shore of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The rugged beaches and towering fir and arbutus trees that surround me often end up in my stories. When I'm not pouring my imagination into my computer, I'm futzing in gardens, making a mess of the kitchen or hiking local trails. I write stories that entice you to believe the impossible and escape the everyday for a while. Enjoy the read!

I'm also on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/JPMcLeanBooks

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talisman
Mixing a thriller with a measure of supernatural flavouring has my full attention. But like all dishes, too much of an ingredient and the taste can be ruined, too little, and you wonder why you bothered. JP McLean has delivered the perfect recipe in her latest book Blood Mark. The story was refreshingly unique and a great blend of pace, taut psychological thriller, and intrigue, as we ponder who can be trusted, who is the threat, and why can’t I put the book down.

Jane Walker was born with a birthmark that encircled her whole body and displayed an Aztec symbol when she lay in the foetal position. Port wine or blood-red stains they were described as, and often as a source of ridicule growing up, they left Jane feeling self-conscious and resentful. Her best friend Sadie had been with her through childhood foster care, and they now lived together, hand to mouth, in a tiny bedsit. Jane is extraordinarily cautious and suspicious of everyone and hates Sadie’s job, bringing her into contact with unsavoury people. Jane’s dreams seem all too vivid as she appears to be a fly on the wall watching a woman under duress from a doctor. She wakes heart-racing from these dreams, and as her friend can attest, she is catatonic and cannot be woken. What is disturbing is that Jane realises she has a connection with the people in her dreams, and even Sadie will appear.

Jane discovers more about her birthmark from Aztec experts, however, as she approaches her twenty-fifth birthday, the birthmarks start to disappear. What seemed to be a curse now appears like protection – but from What? Who and Why? This aspect of the story was fascinating, and the way JP McLean weaved together the paranormal element with great storytelling and characters that mashed together all levels of suspicion, argument and help was impressive.

Blood Mark was a book I was immersed in, and it would have been perfect only for a few questionable stretches in the plot and how the characters sometimes managed situations. I highly recommend reading this book and will be reaching for the next in the series when it is released. I want to thank BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for providing a free ARC in return for an honest review.

[Sally Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent psychological, paranormal thriller that will keep you turning the pages to discover more of the story as it unravels.

The present day and the past are entwined in the intricate pattern that has wound itself around the body of a girl who believes that she was abandoned and been cursed all her life.

Her interactions with even her closest friend is impacted by her reticence to allow anyone to see her markings as she tries to make sense of dreams that vividly involve her night after night. The reader becomes totally engaged with the daily struggle to maintain some form of normality within a world that is judgemental of those who are different.

It is fast paced wth little padding to distract from the story which maintains the tension right to the last page.

The characters are very well portrayed and easy to take an instant dislike or liking too. As the mystery of the markings is unravelled, the pace of the story heats up bringing all the strands of the past and present together in a final heartstopping finale.

The author has done a great job in creating both the concept for this thriller and its execution and I can highly recommend.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

This was a refreshing new take on the paranormal thriller genre. The integration of Inca mythology into a modern-day thriller was engaging and thought-provoking, giving readers a wonderful blend of mythology and gritty crime thriller. The author’s own writing was outstanding, delivering a very descriptive and creative balance of imagery and character growth that felt very cinematic as a whole.

The characters themselves were so captivating to read. Each character brought a complex and emotional background to the narrative, and the mature setting and tone of the storyline really allowed the author to explore the nuances and thoughtful approach to the character’s arc. Jane was a well-rounded new heroine in this paranormal thriller and did an excellent job of creating a bond between the reader and the narrative overall.

The Verdict

A magical, haunting, and entertaining read, author J.P. McLean’s “Blood Mark” is a brilliant new paranormal thriller! The pacing and chilling atmosphere the author crafts, along with the heartbreaking backstories and gripping action that takes place make this a standout read, and will leave readers eager to devour more books from this author.

[Nikita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Stars

One of the best books I have read this month!
Highly recommend it! I only leave positive feedback and reviews when I love the book.
Feel free to ask anything regarding this book.
A must read for sure.
I'd recommend this book to everyone who would like to read an amazing book.
The book is written in a very interesting way .
A must read for sure

With that in mind, we’re counting Blood Mark
by JP McLean one of our favorite supernatural thriller. This paranormal tale is sure to unsettle even the most hardened thriller fan. Get ready.
I've raved enough about JP McLean that you should know how I feel about him: that his writing is stunning and poetic; that his horrors are unmatched, unsettling, and terrifying; that his plotting is strong, but his characters are even better; that, in short, he's one of the best writers of recent times working today in the thriller OR paranormal genres, and that you should be reading him.

Look: by now, it shouldn't be a surprise that I loved a JP McLean book. It's beautifully crafted, it's surprisingly wonderful, it's genuinely terrifying, it's unputdownable, it's richly detailed and fleshed out. Its characters are brilliant and complex, its plotting satisfying, its storyline is rich, its world unnerving and yet instantly recognizable. It's another brilliant entry in the best paranormal thriller series in existence, and you should be reading it.

JP McLean portrays a chilling humanity in his characters, both good and evil, giving the book depth while keeping the reader unsettled to the end. Another great addition to a popular series that will please its many fans.

Highly Recommended!

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The answer to this year’s boredom, JP McLean’s novel is a fresh and original mystery thriller with a side of budding romance.

Read full review in the 2021 Holiday issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Elena Linville-Abdo]

DNF at 25%

I'm sure there is a good story somewhere in there, since a lot of people seem to like this book. Unfortunately, I'm not engaged enough to stick around and find out.

I don't know if it's the style in which the story is told, or the fact that I could barely tolerate any of the characters which POVs I had to follow, but I just couldn't get into this book. Most of the characters are rather dislikeable and make plenty of stupid decisions just to keep the plot going. I also wasn't particularly engaged with the main mystery here - Jane's marks and why they are disappearing.

Heck, I started and finished 2 other books while I tried to read this and barely made it to 25%. I find myself constantly making excuses to read something else, so why torture myself?

PS: I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Giselle Roeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the heatwave, I had started to read a book that is not even "out" yet, but available for pre-order:
“Blood Mark” by J.P. McLean, acclaimed author of the science fiction "Gift Series." Wow! Where does the inspiration for the incredible stories come from? Does J.P. McLean live in a fantasy world? How does she develop the people, each one intriguing, and how can she write in such a way that she plunks you right into the setting? Again, like the “Gift Series,” fantastic reading. Hold your breath, yes, but don’t forget to breathe again! I sat in my finally ‘cooler’ living room during the heatwave for 2 nights and read… and couldn’t stop until my eyes gave up. And when I finished, I was “unsatisfied.” I wanted more… Yes, I know, more is coming… I was lucky to be able to read this new book, the beginning of another series, as one of her ARC readers. If you want to flee reality, get a copy!

[Sop · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got a free copy from Netgalley all opinions are my own.

This review may contain spoilers.

I liked the short chapters, it often makes books so much easier to read. We also have changing POV's. There's is Jane the MC, Sadie her roommate and Dick, sorry I meant Rick🥴

I got really tired of the changing POV's around the 35% mark.

This book also had some characters that really made my blood boil, which just shows that McLean knows how to write douche characters, which is good. Not that I liked reading about them lol.

I knew from the moment that we met him that Rick was a slimey guy, and I was not wrong. I hate men like him.
I didn't really like any of the characters at all.
I understood the reasons for their actions and how they behaved but it still annoyed me. And it still made me not like them.
I know that our main girls had a hard life growing up, but Sadie just really annoyed me with her choices.
And Sadie is supposed to be street smart, but why is she so stupid then??

The plot was interesting, and I don't think that it was excecuted badly, but the book wasn't that much for me. Like I said the ever changing POV's got to tiring.
The plot did keep me hooked enough to want to finish this book and find out the ending. But I didn't particularly enjoy the book.
I think that this book is great as a standalone, so I won't be continuing with this series.

I liked the ending.

And yeah this book is at most 3 stars from me. But fret not, since so many other people have given this 5 stars. It's not a bad book. It just wasn't for me.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book introduces you to Jane Walker who is on a rescue mission, saving her drunk roommate from her 'keen' companion.

With "Blood Mark", JP McLean has once again created a thrilling combination of mystery, paranormal, myth, and a touch of romance. Despite this intro which is admittedly similar to my Gift Legacy reviews, it is as different as Jane and Emelynn (Gift Legacy) are. It is a very compelling read centred on Jane, Sadie, and Rick, drawing you very close to Jane. JP McLean paints a clear picture of the main characters' mindsets while the story evolves. In this first thrilling story of a new series, I felt immediately very close to Jane - like an invisible friend and ally; trying to find out the truth about her marks and her dreams. Jane is complex, the other characters are also skillfully elaborated and of sufficient depth, believable with their flaws and virtues. The story is a very nicely woven combination of several genres, has a wonderful flow; it was easy to get hooked. I had a great time reading "Blood Mark". Reading the first book in this series was simply fantastic.

This is a book for you if you like excellent story-telling, mysteries with a touch of myth and romance, and believable characters, and some violent events.

The remarkable first book in JP McLean's new series!

Highly recommended! A book to read again.

[Julio Carlos · Rating 4 out of 5]

JP McLean is definitely one of our favourite writers of romance, not only for her amazing ability to create intriguing and complex stories that challenge us readers, but because of her skill when it comes to narrative and character creation, structuring realistic dynamics between the characters, which always give them a more realistic, solid and palpable feel to them, and this time is no different with this great title: Blood Mark.

Before we start off with this review though, we invite you to check her previous book reviewed by us, that is one of the most original paranormal books that we have this year, with some serious dark humor, Secret Sky.

So, Blood Mark. Here we have our main character, Jane Walker, trying to live a normal, inconspicuous life, only to find that at every turn, her past comes back to her and her irremovable blood red marks remind her on how they can be a hindrance to everything she calls normal or sane. Then there are the dreams that show her bits of reality, another person’s reality and experiences in a third-person perspective, these inescapable, paralyzing dreams that cling to her everyday, growing stronger and more vivid in details and sensation while letting her know nothing about what she needs to do about them, or any other clue that will help her help these people, or herself.


She starts to dream about a psychic yard, a woman called Rebbeca, that is taken there and apparently has visions about people as well, and a doctor that is still trying to understand her as a patient thinking that the visions are not real, and yet, a bigger question looms: What does this Doctor have to do with our main character?

Although Jane wished to be rid of these marks, they seem to have a meaning and a role in her life, and Jane starts to get worried when they start to disappear on their own at an alarming rate, for no apparent reason.

Then we have Sadie, her roommate and best-friend since ever that is a prostitute and starts seeing a very suspicious, demanding and manipulative man that wants her, and only her, that is getting too close to Sadie and starts posing a serious treat to both her and Jane that wants to keep her relative anonymity as both try to keep take care of each other, when money is becoming an issue and this client seems to have means to take Sadie of this dangerous world of prostitution, but every favour comes with shackles.

So many mysteries to solve, so much to know and to discover at once, told in a gripping narrative that adds texture to this book while the mysteries are slowly unfolding and piece after piece of the puzzle is shown as the abilities of our MC evolve without apparent reason, but we get a feeling that the level of danger is, just like the mystery of things, slowly escalating towards epic proportions specially when we put into consideration all the power games in this novel, that all decisions made change the plot in conflicting ways. It’s very interesting to read. The novelty and originality of the take upon ancient rituals and “abilities” of characters, some characters, is refreshing.

Blood Mark, is a very interesting title, not only because it has a powerful introduction of, a woman with strange blood red marks all over her body, but also because of the gripping narrative of JP McLean that fishes us directly to the bottom of the action as soon as the book starts. It doesn’t take you long to know that we have a badass female main character and that she is into more trouble than she can imagine just by having those blood marks that are with her since birth. 3 Pages is all that it takes for us to be fully invested in this intriguing, action packed and dark story, and we can’t wait to find out more about everything!

The dynamics of chapters and the progression of the book is very organized. We have chapters that locate us in a “static” and clear way because they are the names of the characters that are currently the focus of the narrative instead of the usual continuous narrative where everything blends in and out. We see, and understand why JP McLean did this. She did this because there are details that she wants us to remember while she keeps the pace and reading speed of the book up to make it more thrilling, which worked out fabulously. The straightforward type of organization when it comes to the book pays off overall, nice touch.

It’s refreshing to see how the story actually finishes and the things we discover on the late chapters of the book that make the whole experience even more special just with the addition of a few details that we couldn’t have guessed, as JP McLean knows how to do best. There isn’t a plot-twist per se, but the author does throw a lot of shocking revelations on the last chapters without mercy. I enjoyed the read and found Blood Mark to be a very pleasant read that all readers will enjoy, especially those into mysteries with some action and loads of romance and thrilling scenes.

Pros:
Excellent character construction and dynamics
Excellent character interaction
Excellent plot
Great storyline with time-related events and consequences dynamics
Great dialogue between characters and subtle cues and events
Not everything got “solved” on the book, not everything was “put back how it was”, and that added a layer of reality
The lack of control on the main character’s ability added a layer of substance to the book inching it a little closer to reality
Consistent narrative and plot-line without plot-holes or incongruences
A solid example towards women when it come to be independent and self-reliant

Cons:
Personally, the whole “inheritance” thing, was a slight setback for the book, but this is just me as reader, it didn’t affect the quality of the whole story.

Favourite Character: Jane Walker

Cover Score: 9.1/10

Book score: 8.5/10

Original review @ - https://scribblesworth.wordpress.com/...

[Deena Schoenfeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

In all the years I have been reading, I have never read a book like this. The storyline and premise is the most original I have come across in decades.

I have to say, I have been know to read explicit romance, blood guts and gore, non-fiction biographies, epic historically based fiction, and everything in-between. Blood Mark is by far the most unique story I can remember reading.

The story centers on Jane/Joyce, an orphan just shy of her 25th birthday. Jane was born with port wine birthmarks that were on various swaths of her body and the ability to dream of incidents in peoples' lives who she comes into contact with. Similar to premonitions but these deal with events that have happened in the past.

When she starts having dreams of a young woman who had tried to commit suicide she is intrigued when she finds out the woman - Rebecca - had the same ability she (Jane) does.

Because of the dreams and what happens to her when these visions appear, Jane is on a mission to find Rebecca to see if she has learned a way to control them.

Jane does meet a professor of Inca studies who is able to shed light on the birthmarks with are mysteriously disappearing and eventually that the dreams she has been having make her "A Witness".

I don't want to give too much away, but although this book is considered horror or occult it really is suspenseful and full of mystery. There is a love interest and there is implied sex but there is no explicit sex or sex on the page.

Recommend?
I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery and is open to the unexplained being part of our world.

Disclaimer
I borrowed this book via the OverDrive/Libby app from the Harris County Library system. It was read as a Kindle Book.

This review appeared on my website.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twenty-five-year-old Jane and her best friend, Sadie, haven’t had easy lives. Growing up in foster care and surviving group homes has taught them some skills, but new challenges force both to make decisions that could change their lives, for better or worse. Jane’s situation is more complicated than Sadie’s. One issue revolves around the disfiguring birthmarks she was born with and the other’s about terrifying nightmares that are becoming more vivid. When her nightmares and reality begin to merge, and revelations about those birthmarks come to light, Jane’s life becomes far more dangerous than she could have imagined.

Despite their rougher edges, both characters have vulnerabilities and big hearts, making them fully well-rounded and likeable. In fact, all of the characters in this thriller have interesting backgrounds or situations that contribute to this compelling read.

Written from three different points of views, the chapters are short and laden with tension, both subtle and direct. The story unfolds in a perfect pace of action and narrative. As Jane and Sadie try to solve their problems, the suspense becomes so intense that I stayed up late turning pages as fast as I could until the heart-stopping end. Blood Mark is a first-rate paranormal thriller that fans of the genre will love.

[Melina Lobo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Mark is the first book in the paranormal thriller series by JP McLean.

It's a fast-paced, creative, and thrilling book that keeps its reader hooked with every page turned. While the overall plot of the book is fascinating, the main mystery of the book, i.e., what is the story behind the unusual mark on the main character's body, is one that unravels with time and is the reason one might keep reading. It's such a curiosity that even though the answer might be the simplest of explanations, it kept me wondering, firstly, why it was so significant and, secondly, how they got there. But the entire plot kept me wanting more because there were twists, even though they felt predictable.

The ending was unexpected, but I loved it!

Jane is pretty badass, and I love her for it! She does have a few moments where I rolled my eyes because she makes stupid decisions at times, but without those stupid decisions, the book would have been smaller.

My main issue is with the editing of the book and certain characters. I wasn't a fan of most characters; I wish there were more I could root for. I will, however, say that because there were a handful of negative characters, it made the book a little bit different from other books.

Overall, it's a good book, and I'm a fan of the concept, so if you're a fan of thrillers, I would recommend it.

🦄

Rated 8/10
Melina L.

[Eleonora Piazzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this captivating urban fantasy, McLean superbly ties together past and present events, magical elements, real life threats, and the evergreen debate of how changing something in the past during a time-travel may have an unknown repercussion on the present as we know it.

The plot is brilliant: complex but well managed by the author, who knows where the characters are at any given time where, what they are doing and why. There isn’t a single event out of check. Veil after veil, the plot is slowly uncovered and exposed, but in a majestic non-expositional manner, meaning the deus-ex-machina represented by the narrator or writer is very well hidden throughout.

The prose is neat, clear, fresh and well-paced, never a dull description or a useless adjective. It builds up until the reader finds out who Rick Atkins is and what he wants. The only flaw, if we were to be very picky, is the tension build-up: McLean could have perhaps pushed even more and let the mystery unravel at the end with a big bang instead of a very loud pop.

It still works great anyway, making the book a “I-need-to-reach-the-end-quickly” read. We guarantee it will keep you with your nose stuck to the page until the very end.

[Nicki Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood Mark was a fun read with an intriguing plot and engaging characters. The story kept me interested throughout and there was plenty of tension within the fast-paced action. The world building mostly worked well, although I still had a few unanswered questions when the book ended. I believe there is a sequel, though, so perhaps my queries will be answered then. The multiple POVs also came across well, letting us see different aspects of the tale. Perhaps the ending felt a little 'easy' after all the build up, but that is only a minor niggle for me. Overall, this was an enjoyable paranormal thriller and I can recommend it to fans of that genre. It gets 4 stars from me.

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Elinor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an intriguing idea for a novel -- a heroine born with a chain of blood red birthmarks that act as her armour against an evil killer. JP McLean has an inventive mind, to put it mildly, and here she writes another paranormal thriller that will satisfy not only fans of the genre, but anyone who enjoys a gripping read.

Like the heroine of her first seven-book series, The Gift Legacy, who learned purely by accident that she could fly, this new heroine looks and acts like everyone else. It isn't until her birthmarks mysteriously begin to vanish that she comes to understand and embrace her secret powers.

Full disclosure: I met the author during the creation of her first series, and she provided me with a free Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would describe this as a supernatural thriller, with elements of romance and Peruvian/Incanfolklore. The concept was interesting with the main character having these "birthmarks" and dreams relating to the past linked to these marks. I liked the plot, it kept me reading although some of it was fairly obvious. The characters were a bit meh, and needed a bit more fleshing out to truly feel anything for them.
All in all this was on OK read but I'm in no rush to continue the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you to Netgalley, BooksGoSocial and the author.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Mark
by J.P. McLean
Review for Creative Edge Publications. Blood mark sent by JP McLean the author for review. The book is an amazing connection between Inca tradition and Jane's port wine birthmarks. In the underbelly of Vancouver two young orphans are learning that crime and criminal activity are not only dangerous but life threatening. Jane although very capable, is challenged to the limit of her ability. The mystery of her life has left her with many questions, and difficulties. It is a wonderful paranormal thriller looking at nature of magic and human ability. What is our responsibility for the events of the past, and the future.

[Mary Moltman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully written story. I love that it takes place in Vancouver and places that are familiar. I devoured it in 2 days. There are many twists and turns that keep you guessing - I thoroughly enjoyed every word!

[Delaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always cool to read a book that takes place at home.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m definitely a fan of romance books and this one is on my list of favorites now. McLean mixed romance with some fantasy/ paranormal, mystery, and thriller all in the same story and it turned out amazingly well.
The characters are so well written and I absolutely love the main character, Jane Walker. Jane hasn’t had the easiest life. She was abandoned at birth, has had to survive on the Vancouver streets, and has a large red birthmark that covers a large portion of her body that repels most people. If that isn’t enough, she also has horrible nightmares that come with sleep paralysis. Because of her birthmark, her hard upbringing, and everything else in between, Jane has built a wall to keep everyone out. I mean, it’s easier to reject than be rejected right. So, when she meets a professor that has an interesting theory about her nightmares and their meanings Jane isn’t quite sure if she should reject this too. But it’s too interesting to not think about. Maybe there is a meaning to them and her birthmark and maybe it’s not a birthmark like she thought. The people that play into her life even the closest of people can’t always be trusted and Jane is out on a mission to figure out the mystery revolving around her, her dreams, and her birthright. I don’t want to give too much away but Blood Mark is such a great book and I truly recommend it! I will be patiently waiting for the next in the series and any other books by JP McLean as well!

[Scribble's Worth Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

JP McLean is definitely one of our favourite writers of romance, not only for her amazing ability to create intriguing and complex stories that challenge us readers, but because of her skill when it comes to narrative and character creation, structuring realistic dynamics between the characters, which always give them a more realistic, solid and palpable feel, and this time is no different with this great title: Blood Mark.

Before we start off with this review though, we invite you to check her previous book reviewed by us, that is one of the most original paranormal books that we have this year, with some serious dark humor, Secret Sky.

So, Blood Mark. Here we have our main character, Jane Walker, trying to live a normal, inconspicuous life, only to find that at every turn, her past comes back to her and her irremovable blood red marks remind her on how they can be a hindrance to everything she calls normal or sane. Then there are the dreams that show her bits of reality, another person’s reality and experiences in a third-person perspective, these inescapable, paralyzing dreams that cling to her everyday, growing stronger and more vivid in details and sensation while letting her know nothing about what she needs to do about them, or any other clue that will help her help these people, or herself.

She starts to dream about a psychic yard, a woman called Rebbeca, that is taken there and apparently has visions about people as well, and a doctor that is still trying to understand her as a patient thinking that the visions are not real, and yet, a bigger question looms: What does this Doctor have to do with our main character?

Although Jane wished to be rid of these marks, they seem to have a meaning and a role in her life, and Jane starts to get worried when they start to disappear on their own at an alarming rate, for no apparent reason.

Then we have Sadie, her roommate and best-friend since ever that is a prostitute and starts seeing a very suspicious, demanding and manipulative man that wants her, and only her, that is getting too close to Sadie and starts posing a serious treat to both her and Jane that wants to keep her relative anonymity as both try to keep take care of each other, when money is becoming an issue and this client seems to have means to take Sadie of this dangerous world of prostitution, but every favour comes with shackles.

So many mysteries to solve, so much to know and to discover at once, told in a gripping narrative that adds texture to this book while the mysteries are slowly unfolding and piece after piece of the puzzle is shown as the abilities of our MC evolve without apparent reason, but we get a feeling that the level of danger is, just like the mystery of things, slowly escalating towards epic proportions specially when we put into consideration all the power games in this novel, that all decisions made change the plot in conflicting ways. It’s very interesting to read. The novelty and originality of the take upon ancient rituals and “abilities” of characters, some characters, is refreshing.

Blood Mark, is a very interesting title, not only because it has a powerful introduction of, a woman with strange blood red marks all over her body, but also because of the gripping narrative of JP McLean that fishes us directly to the bottom of the action as soon as the book starts. It doesn’t take you long to know that we have a badass female main character and that she is into more trouble than she can imagine just by having those blood marks that are with her since birth. 3 Pages is all that it takes for us to be fully invested in this intriguing, action packed and dark story, and we can’t wait to find out more about everything!

The dynamics of chapters and the progression of the book is very organized. We have chapters that locate us in a “static” and clear way because they are the names of the characters that are currently the focus of the narrative instead of the usual continuous narrative where everything blends in and out. We see, and understand why JP McLean did this. She did this because there are details that she wants us to remember while she keeps the pace and reading speed of the book up to make it more thrilling, which worked out fabulously. The straightforward type of organization when it comes to the book pays off overall, nice touch.

It’s refreshing to see how the story actually finishes and the things we discover on the late chapters of the book that make the whole experience even more special just with the addition of a few details that we couldn’t have guessed, as JP McLean knows how to do best. There isn’t a plot-twist per se, but the author does throw a lot of shocking revelations on the last chapters without mercy. I enjoyed the read and found Blood Mark to be a very pleasant read that all readers will enjoy, especially those into mysteries with some action and loads of romance and thrilling scenes.

Pros:
Excellent character construction and dynamics
Excellent character interaction
Excellent plot
Great storyline with time-related events and consequences dynamics
Great dialogue between characters and subtle cues and events
Not everything got “solved” on the book, not everything was “put back how it was”, and that added a layer of reality
The lack of control on the main character’s ability added a layer of substance to the book inching it a little closer to reality
Consistent narrative and plot-line without plot-holes or incongruences
A solid example towards women when it come to be independent and self-reliant
~
Cons:
Personally, the whole “inheritance” thing, was a slight setback for the book, but this is just me as reader, it didn’t affect the quality of the whole story.

Favourite Character: Jane Walker

Cover Score: 9.1/10
Book score: 8.5/10

[Marie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say not to judge a book by its cover, but Blood Mark is a rare exception: the gorgeous moody cover is as intriguing as the story inside this edgy, paranormal thriller. Jane Walker is a tough, loyal character whose concern for her friend Sadie immediately draws in the reader. Emotionally scarred by the reactions of too many men to the blood-red birthmark that forms an intricate pattern snaking around her face and body, she is haunted by violent and uncontrollable nightmares. As those birthmarks begin to magically disappear, the nightmares escalate, and she learns their true significance as her past begins to intersect her present. The first of a new series, Blood Mark takes readers on a thrill ride through gritty, downtown Vancouver as McLean keeps us guessing to the last page.

[Book Him Danno · Rating 2 out of 5]

Never judge a book by the cover or the blub. This blub had me excited I hadn't read a book by J.P. Mclean, so I wasn't sure what to expect.

The story wasn't what I expected the author writing style was to jump from different point of views within the same chapter and at times from paragraph to paragraph. Can cause confusion for some reader and turn off others.

The story as a whole was interesting but not enough to get past the fact it is in need of more editing to help the flow of the story to keep readers from dropping off at about 25% mark in the story.

Thank you to Netgalley for the advance copy of Blood Mark by J.P. McLean.

[Bookreviews by Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some people find out as they get older that they were born with characteristics that worry them. This was the situation involving Jane Walker, a young lady, in the book Blood Mark. JP McLean guided us through the narrative, recounting Jane's struggles. Her face, hands, and feet have thick, blood-red birthmarks that have been there since birth. The mark was dubbed Port Wine Stains by the doctors. She was raised in ignorance of her biological parents. She was led to believe that the Walker family had adopted her as an abandoned infant. Regretfully, a fire broke out in their house one day, taking their lives. In the meantime, she has been having confusing nightmares in which she repeatedly sees a doctor and a woman named Rebecca Morrow. She pondered the reason behind the recurrence of these dream motifs. She was forced to investigate the significance and intent of these dreams as they persisted. Did she learn why she had these revelations and what the circumstances behind the visions were? Read the book to find out the truth.
I have to admit that the book is a thriller. I was reading about this young woman's fate with great interest. In spite of her crises, Jane has shown strength and resilience in becoming a stronger version of herself. She befriended Sadie, who had gone through a traumatic event when she was younger. They both lived to love and care for one another, teaching us to maintain friendly interactions with individuals we can trust. They were both involved in a hook-up business at first in order to make money for keep-up. In order for them to lead respectable lives, Jane made the decision to discontinue that company and urged her girlfriend Sadie to do the same. This is a positive friendship that we should all aspire to.
Strong and capable of self-defense, Jane used it to her advantage when Roderick Atkins abducted her and imprisoned her in a dog cage. She was free because of this ability. As individuals, we should use our self-defense skills, for which we should receive training, when the necessity arises. The information in JP McLean's book is organized so that people can read and understand it with ease. She achieved this by dividing the passages into eighty brief sections, each with a subheading pertaining to the character that would be covered, which resulted in an outstanding narrative.
I have to applaud Ethan's character for supporting Jane and being there for her when things got tough, along with Sadie. I've learned from this to be selective about the people I choose to maintain as friends since a friend in need is still a friend. When we refuse to change our dirty habits, most of the time, bad things happen. This was the situation with Rick, the doctor, who was determined to silence Jane because she knew what would land him in jail. Men hired by Cynthia tracked him down and tormented him. Cynthia, a cunning businesswoman, coerces Sadie into taking Rick up on his offer. Jane, a close confidante, assists in keeping her in check, even if she considers the tantalizing 50/50 bargain with Cynthia. This tells us to be selective about the people we hang around with.
The fact that I didn't find any parts of this book unpleasant to read or become sidetracked by mistakes indicates that the editing was done with great care. I give the book five stars because of the aforementioned praise. I heartily suggest the book to readers who like this genre of literature as well as young females who are dealing with unfavorable circumstances, aberrant qualities acquired from birth, or experiences of sexual assault.

[Mercy N · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a captivating book that takes readers on a thrilling ride through the intertwined lives of Jane, Sadie, and Rick. The book introduces us to Jane Walker, a woman with an unforgettable appearance, marked by birthmarks, and her determination to save Sadie and Buddy. Sadie Prescott, a character with a turbulent past, had an encounter with Rick, who was put in a troubling situation at his place. She got an offer she couldn't refuse. The financial incentive seemed too good to be true, setting the stage for gripping decisions and secrets waiting to be unraveled. A phone call from Nate, the professor, leads to a revelation about Jane's vanishing birthmarks. What are the mysteries yet to be unveiled?

This book was no doubt a great read for me. The author was well detailed in his write-up with simple grammar, leaving no room for confusion for readers. I loved the way the author masterfully weaves the destinies of the three protagonists by making their stories intersect through shared experiences and mysterious links such as their interactions in a high-end hotel, mysterious dreams, and more. This book is more than just a story; it's an adrenaline-infused journey that keeps you captivated until the final page. This book seems to blend elements of mystery and romance, which can appeal to readers who enjoy a mix of genres. The book covered themes of friendship, dreams, and the significance of unique birthmarks, which added to the depth of the book’s storyline. Given the mysterious and suspenseful nature of the book, I appreciated its unpredictability, as it hints at various elements without revealing too much. The book appears to feature various settings, from a downtown alley to high-end hotels and the workplace of the characters. This diverse backdrop led to a more engaging reading experience for me. I did not encounter any errors in this book, which shows that it was exceptionally well edited.

There were some aspects I felt should be worked on. Firstly, this book does not have a table of contents. Considering its lengthy nature, the table of contents is very necessary for reference purposes. I found it difficult to return to pages I stopped at in the course of reading the book. Also, it was written in third-person narrative, and virtually everyone being talked about was called by their names. So I found the use of the major protagonist's name as the heading for every chapter somewhat unnecessary. It's more of a personal preference, but I thought it could be improved by using chapter titles that offer readers a hint of what to expect, potentially enhancing the overall reading experience. Other than this, the book was a great read.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars due to the issues listed in the above paragraph. If you're a fan of mystery novels that keep you guessing until the very end, this book is a must-read.

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Imperfection is beauty’ - Anonymous

Canadian author JP McLean earned her degree from the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business. She initiated her writing career with her popular and awarded series THE GIFT LEGACY of six volumes, followed by LOVER BETRAYED and now adds BLOOD MARK. She is gaining a devoted audience for her provocative fantasy thrillers. She lives by the water on Denman Island, British Columbia.

McLean’s ability to create bizarre concepts in a manner that makes the fantasy seem credible is well demonstrated in this exquisitely crafted thriller. The central character, Jane Walker, gains the reader’s compassion, even in the opening lines of the drama: ’Jane Walker might have been the only person in Vancouver not afraid to be in a downtown alley at half-past midnight. Shadows clung to fissures and corners, morphing into nightmare shapes as she passed. A warm breeze stirred the scent of rotting garbage along with her gag reflex. Rescuing Sadie was getting old. One of these nights, Sadie’s unique way of punishing herself would be the death of them both. And maybe Jane’s bike. She parked next to Ethan’s Fat Boy in the hopes his reputation would spill over and protect her cherished Honda 500…’ With that mysterious atmosphere the story opens, and we discover Sadie and other members of Jane’s set.

The story is rich in character development and makes the fantasy seem credible. The storyline follows: ‘What if your lifelong curse is the only thing keeping you alive? Abandoned at birth, life has always been a battle for Jane Walker. She and her best friend, Sadie, spent years fighting to survive Vancouver’s cutthroat underbelly. That would have been tough enough without Jane’s mysterious afflictions: an intricate pattern of blood-red birthmarks that snake around her body and vivid, heart-wrenching nightmares that feel so real she wakes up screaming. After she meets the first man who isn’t repulsed by her birthmarks, Jane thinks she might finally have a chance at happiness. Her belief seems confirmed as the birthmarks she’s spent her life so ashamed of magically begin to disappear. Yet, the quicker her scarlet marks vanish, the more lucid and disturbing Jane’s nightmares become—until it’s impossible to discern her dreams from reality, and Jane comes to a horrifying realization: The nightmares that have plagued her since childhood are actually visions of real people being stalked by a deadly killer. And all this time, her birthmarks have been the only things protecting her from becoming his next victim.’

JP McLean has created yet another fascinating and strange character whose response to her ‘birthright’ makes for a very skillfully crafted thriller. Very highly recommended.

[W.L. Hawkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.P. McLean speeds us down a deftly drawn and dangerous new road in Blood Mark, the first book in her new paranormal thriller series. Baby Jane Doe was abandoned at birth at the Joyce Skytrain Station in Vancouver. Perhaps her mother couldn’t stomach the blood red birthmarks that snake around her body from head to toe; the marks that have caused her shame and humiliation and made her an object of study. But why are they there? Who are her parents? And why did they abandon her to the foster care system? Perhaps Jane’s mother had a premonition that her daughter would be gifted with a supernatural power impossible to contain.

Jane is a lucid dreamer. Her nightmares drop her back in time where she’s able to see and hear disturbing scenes: a woman held prisoner, a man murdered. McLean drops new characters into the narrative as Jane’s dreams become more advanced and the introduction of a merciless, narcissistic, psychologist spins the plot into overdrive.

But time travel is always problematic. When Jane realizes she can physically materialize within a dream as a kind of shadow and interact with objects, the stakes rise yet again. She could issue a warning or save a life. Change history. But should she? To manipulate an outcome could create a paradox; a causal loop that would effect the future and hence the past and on and on it goes.

Enter Ethan, a handsome bar manager who sees beyond Jane’s blood stripes to the beauty beneath. Ethan is the man we all pray is good because with Ethan, Jane’s birthmarks begin to disappear from the sole up. But is Ethan her chance at a normal life? Her soul mate? Or are his intentions more sinister?

Someone has been trying to murder Jane since she was born. McLean continues to flesh out Jane’s backstory through her lucid dreams even as the blood marks on her flesh diminish. What was their purpose to begin with? What will happen when they all disappear?

McLean’s writing is clear, gentle, relentless, and original. Triple viewpoints interweave— Jane, her best friend Sadie, and Rick, the twisted psychologist—and drive the plot like Jane drives her Honda Rebel 500. The language is gritty casual as befits a contemporary novel where one woman works as a prostitute (Sadie) and the other, in a greenhouse (Jane) and both seek solace in bars.

Yet McLean’s high octane concepts drive our intellect. We learn of lucid dreaming, cataplexy, and dabble in Inca myth and ritual. These are ordinary characters faced with extraordinary circumstances and the author keeps us guessing until the very end. McLean is the author of The Gift Legacy—a highly praised six-book series about a woman who learns she can fly. Odds are, Blood Mark will fly too … right off the shelves.

[Shubham Lakhina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review
My Ratings - 4.6/5

"Blood Mark" by JP McLean delves into the life of Jane Walker, a woman whose existence has been an uphill battle since she was abandoned as a baby. Set against the backdrop of Vancouver's gritty underbelly, the novel introduces us to Jane's enduring friendship with Sadie as they navigate the harsh realities of survival together.

What sets Jane apart are her blood-red birthmarks and haunting nightmares that feel terrifyingly real. These two seemingly unrelated aspects of her life take a pivotal turn when she meets a man who accepts her for who she is, birthmarks and all. With his arrival, Jane's birthmarks begin to fade mysteriously, igniting a glimmer of hope for a normal life. But with the disappearance of her birthmarks comes a sinister twist – her nightmares evolve into lucid visions of actual people in danger, stalked by a deadly killer. This revelation catapults Jane into a race against time to decipher her visions and protect potential victims.

As the lines between her dreams and reality blur, the tension and suspense heighten, pulling readers deeper into the intricate web of the story. McLean masterfully weaves together elements of the paranormal, mystery, and psychological thriller genres, keeping readers guessing until the final pages. The transformation of Jane's birthmarks from symbols of shame to vital protective marks adds a unique layer to the narrative, reflecting her growth and self-acceptance.

The author's writing style, described as "deftly crafted, impressively original, and inherently compelling," shines through in "Blood Mark." McLean skillfully builds the atmosphere, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Jane's world, feel her fears, and share her urgency. With a gripping premise and well-developed characters, the book sets the stage for a promising new paranormal thriller series.

In conclusion, "Blood Mark" is an enthralling journey into a world where the supernatural collides with the everyday, where curses and gifts intertwine, and where the battle for survival takes on new dimensions. JP McLean's storytelling prowess shines brightly in this captivating series opener, leaving readers eager for more

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heard about this from a coworker who lent me her copy to read. We tend to read fantasy/romantasy, but her (non reader) husband got this for her and she found she loved it so figured I might too. I mention and am starting out with this fact because it’s important to note I doubt I would’ve read this otherwise.

I’m obviously into reading paranormal/supernatural content, but the problem is I’m not much of a mystery/thriller reader. Beyond the Vancouver setting and related regional mentions (this Fraser Valley girl was pleasantly surprised by the throwaway Chilliwack line early on!) the Inca mythology subplot is what kept me going. It was the most interesting part of this book, but because this book is more about the “mystery” I don’t feel like I can round up my 3.5 star rating to 4. I guessed the biggest twist really early, like disappointingly early due to a persistent lack of using red herrings, and these characters were just not fleshed out enough to carry the rest of the story. Sadie’s stupidity got downright infuriating for someone who was supposed to be street smart, and for someone with such a wild past the Jane we saw fell flat for me. And don’t get me started on some of the writing and formatting choices! In no universe would an uptight doctor use the word “thou” in place of “thousand” when talking about money. I could’ve overlooked this if “thou” also weren’t used outside of character dialogue. The first time this came up I was legitimately confused why we switched to old English for a hot sec.

Anyways, if you’re into paranormal mysteries this might be up your alley. Especially if you’re a Vancouver/Lower Mainland local. I don’t regret the time I spent reading this but I don’t have any qualms with treating this as a standalone instead of the start of a trilogy (which it’s supposed to be? Or at least some kind of series). I do feel a little bad rating an indie author on this platform less than 4 stars but bare minimum this needed another round of editing to be cleaned up enough to personally warrant a 4th star.