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A Crooked Mark
"A dark, twisting coming-of-age sure to leave readers glancing over their shoulder for the Devil. Kao perfectly illustrates the struggles of choosing your own path through a lens of fire and knives, and you won't want to put it down." —Andrew Joseph White, New York Times bestselling author of Hell Followed With Us
A dark and sinister debut YA novel about a teen boy who must hunt down those marked by the devil - including the girl he has fallen for.
Perfect for fans of Neal Shusterman and Kendare Blake.
Rae Winter should be dead.
Some say that walking away from the car crash that killed her dad is a miracle, but seventeen-year-old Matthew Watts knows that the forces of Good aren’t the only ones at work. The devil, Lucifer himself, can mark a soul about to pass on, sending it back to the land of the living to carry out his evil will.
Matt has grown up skipping from town to town alongside his father hunting anyone who has this mark. They have one purpose: Find these people, and exterminate them.
After helping his father for years, Matt takes on his own Rae Winter, miracle survivor. But when Matt starts to fall for Rae, to make friends for the first time in his life, he’s not sure who or what to believe anymore. How can someone like Rae, someone who is thoughtful and smart and kind, be an agent of the devil? With the lines of reality and fantasy, myth and paranoia blurred, Matt confronts an awful truth....
What if the devil’s mark doesn’t exist?
A dark and sinister debut YA novel about a teen boy who must hunt down those marked by the devil - including the girl he has fallen for.
Perfect for fans of Neal Shusterman and Kendare Blake.
Rae Winter should be dead.
Some say that walking away from the car crash that killed her dad is a miracle, but seventeen-year-old Matthew Watts knows that the forces of Good aren’t the only ones at work. The devil, Lucifer himself, can mark a soul about to pass on, sending it back to the land of the living to carry out his evil will.
Matt has grown up skipping from town to town alongside his father hunting anyone who has this mark. They have one purpose: Find these people, and exterminate them.
After helping his father for years, Matt takes on his own Rae Winter, miracle survivor. But when Matt starts to fall for Rae, to make friends for the first time in his life, he’s not sure who or what to believe anymore. How can someone like Rae, someone who is thoughtful and smart and kind, be an agent of the devil? With the lines of reality and fantasy, myth and paranoia blurred, Matt confronts an awful truth....
What if the devil’s mark doesn’t exist?
355 pages, Hardcover
First published June 20, 2023
27 people are currently reading
3908 people want to read
About the author
Linda Kao
1 book32 followersLinda Kao writes stories about young people finding hope in a world that can be a bit strange. Her debut novel, A Crooked Mark, was an Amazon Best Young Adult of the Month and received a starred review from Publisher's Weekly. She lives in southern California with her family, where she enjoys reading, running in the sunshine, and discovering new bakeries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
July 24, 2023
3.5⭐️
This was a fun supernatural thriller! It definitely has a Supernatural TV show vibe, but a lighter YA version. While there is some darker content, it did feel on the younger side of the YA range. I appreciated Matt’s internal struggle and discussions about good vs evil. I felt like he was old enough to that he should probably have had more questions and pushed back more on some things because they seemed obviously a bit sus but I can’t say more than that without giving things away. There were some things I predicted but several that took me by surprise. The story also held my attention, but did leave me with questions on some plot points. I think it could have been edited back to be a tad shorter, but it was entertaining.
I split time on this between physical and audio and would recommend either format, but a warning that the narrator is really good but a very slow talker.
Thanks @penguinteen and @prhaudio for the finished copy and ALC!
This was a fun supernatural thriller! It definitely has a Supernatural TV show vibe, but a lighter YA version. While there is some darker content, it did feel on the younger side of the YA range. I appreciated Matt’s internal struggle and discussions about good vs evil. I felt like he was old enough to that he should probably have had more questions and pushed back more on some things because they seemed obviously a bit sus but I can’t say more than that without giving things away. There were some things I predicted but several that took me by surprise. The story also held my attention, but did leave me with questions on some plot points. I think it could have been edited back to be a tad shorter, but it was entertaining.
I split time on this between physical and audio and would recommend either format, but a warning that the narrator is really good but a very slow talker.
Thanks @penguinteen and @prhaudio for the finished copy and ALC!
August 14, 2025
“I don’t know how it feels when the Devil scratches a soul. My father says He must have the lightest touch, because no one ever notices His crooked claw leave a stain on something that should belong only to them… By the time anyone notices something is wrong, it’s too late. Lucifer has already won"
Unfortunately... to me, this whole thing was just a bit awkward. Awkwardly crafted to the point of, an even bigger sin in my book, being boring.
The whole premise is fundamentally flawed because it makes Matt into a creepy stalker/serial killer while absolutely nothing happens. The set up of the book requires a slow paced narrative because Matthew is required to wait and watch to see if the target ever goes "bad." Even though it's interesting when Matt has his suspicions about Rae, and that sometimes factors into the romantic plot, ultimately the book is primarily made up of little accidents and coincidences that we're supposed to think are a big deal. I get that they have a deeper meaning in the story, Lucifer's mark and all, but that doesn't change that it makes for a fundamentally boring novel.
And then in the end when it's revealed to the school what he's been doing to Rae they all think he's a creepy stalker, which is obviously fair from their point of view, but the fact that the author let that go on for so long just proves how awkward this whole thing is-- like why would his friends ever take him back after they found that notebook, and especially why would Rae take him back.
Also the main conflict of the book, or what I thought should have been the main conflict of the book, was whether or not the The Sweep was real. It should have been the most interesting and most explored aspect of the novel- the psychological trauma Matt must have endured thinking this whole time that he and his dad were one part of an entire organization, sanctioned to kill for a righteous cause, when the whole time they were just two serial killers under his father's delusions. Maybe that's a bit too deep for a YA novel but that's what I would have liked to be explored.
Instead, the author spends too much time flip flopping between each possibility that neither gets the due time it deserves. What should be time spent contemplating the possibility that the whole organization is fake, is instead consumed by a material, more easily digestible villain in the form of Kendrick, who is a real and present danger for Matt to fear, when it would have been harder narratively but ultimately more rewarding to focus on the larger picture, and have Matt reconcile with all of the bad things he's done
Maybe this is just me projecting, but I really wanted the reveal to be that it wasn't real, and that's what it was trending towards for the whole book, but then in the end to just swoop in during the hospital room scene to confirm it's all real? That seemed cheap to me. Maybe if the threads were stronger, but the fact that it's two random people from the town I didn't even really remember is just not okay. Again, maybe it's just a me thing because I really wanted this book to be something it wasn't but for me that just cheapened the whole psychological trauma he was only starting to go through.
Plus that definitely set up for a second book, but I could also see this being a standalone? I think this would work well as a standalone, not everything needs to be wrapped up neat and tidy especially in a fantasy situation, but there's definitely more material there if the author wants to go there.
And finally, I will admit, the main reason I picked this book up was because of the Supernatural parallels. My favorite type of fanfictions to read from the show are pre-cannon growing up fics so this seemed right up my alley (I do go through different phases, but I'm sorry, the au destiel fics that dominate a03 just aren't my thing). Although from scrolling through some of the top reviews it seems that other readers picked this one up for the same reasons, I hesitate to compare it to the show because it is its own distinct work that the author put lots of effort into, but at the same time it's undeniable.
It's John and Dean on the road if Sammy was never born, replete with the father's friend/mentor who's in on the world (Kendrick/Bobby). I mean Kendrick even has Bobby in his name, it's an intentional nod, no? The truth is we don't know if Kao had the show in mind when she was writing this, but it was fun to think of the parallels. It was interesting how even though Matt is totally a Dean, he kind of turned into a Sam near the end when we find out all this time he's been marked and his father has been keeping an eye on him, just like Sam is metaphorically "marked" by the demon blood when he's six months old. I thought that was an interesting twist.
Overall though, this doesn't get as in depth or dark or deep as Supernatural, which partially is understandable because this is a standalone book and Supernatural is (literally) a decades spanning tv series. And it's definitely YA, as mentioned earlier, and while it's frustrating to me that I can't enjoy it like I used to, I also recognize it's not for me any more. But I do think some of the author's choices precluded this book from getting a bit deeper when it could have. Instead of focusing on the mundane silly actions like tripping someone, make the actions more serious or give the characters more complex motivations. It took up more time than it needed to.
So overall, this is three stars. I feel like I've literally been ragging on this book the whole time, and to a point that's fair because I feel like, as I said, the premise of this was fundamentally flawed, but there were some parts that I really liked, like Matt's developing relationship with his landlord (though again that got weird when everyone thought he was a stalker) or even the stuff with Kendrick though at times it got too archetypal supervillain-y). I would hesitate to read a sequel to this if that's the plan because of how it ended, but I'd give it a try if I'm still interested in the year or so it would take to write. But mostly, it just made me crave more Supernatural fics.
______________
pre-review:
WINCHESTER VIBES FR
Unfortunately... to me, this whole thing was just a bit awkward. Awkwardly crafted to the point of, an even bigger sin in my book, being boring.
The whole premise is fundamentally flawed because it makes Matt into a creepy stalker/serial killer while absolutely nothing happens. The set up of the book requires a slow paced narrative because Matthew is required to wait and watch to see if the target ever goes "bad." Even though it's interesting when Matt has his suspicions about Rae, and that sometimes factors into the romantic plot, ultimately the book is primarily made up of little accidents and coincidences that we're supposed to think are a big deal. I get that they have a deeper meaning in the story, Lucifer's mark and all, but that doesn't change that it makes for a fundamentally boring novel.
And then in the end when it's revealed to the school what he's been doing to Rae they all think he's a creepy stalker, which is obviously fair from their point of view, but the fact that the author let that go on for so long just proves how awkward this whole thing is-- like why would his friends ever take him back after they found that notebook, and especially why would Rae take him back.
Also the main conflict of the book, or what I thought should have been the main conflict of the book, was whether or not the The Sweep was real. It should have been the most interesting and most explored aspect of the novel- the psychological trauma Matt must have endured thinking this whole time that he and his dad were one part of an entire organization, sanctioned to kill for a righteous cause, when the whole time they were just two serial killers under his father's delusions. Maybe that's a bit too deep for a YA novel but that's what I would have liked to be explored.
Instead, the author spends too much time flip flopping between each possibility that neither gets the due time it deserves. What should be time spent contemplating the possibility that the whole organization is fake, is instead consumed by a material, more easily digestible villain in the form of Kendrick, who is a real and present danger for Matt to fear, when it would have been harder narratively but ultimately more rewarding to focus on the larger picture, and have Matt reconcile with all of the bad things he's done
Maybe this is just me projecting, but I really wanted the reveal to be that it wasn't real, and that's what it was trending towards for the whole book, but then in the end to just swoop in during the hospital room scene to confirm it's all real? That seemed cheap to me. Maybe if the threads were stronger, but the fact that it's two random people from the town I didn't even really remember is just not okay. Again, maybe it's just a me thing because I really wanted this book to be something it wasn't but for me that just cheapened the whole psychological trauma he was only starting to go through.
Plus that definitely set up for a second book, but I could also see this being a standalone? I think this would work well as a standalone, not everything needs to be wrapped up neat and tidy especially in a fantasy situation, but there's definitely more material there if the author wants to go there.
And finally, I will admit, the main reason I picked this book up was because of the Supernatural parallels. My favorite type of fanfictions to read from the show are pre-cannon growing up fics so this seemed right up my alley (I do go through different phases, but I'm sorry, the au destiel fics that dominate a03 just aren't my thing). Although from scrolling through some of the top reviews it seems that other readers picked this one up for the same reasons, I hesitate to compare it to the show because it is its own distinct work that the author put lots of effort into, but at the same time it's undeniable.
It's John and Dean on the road if Sammy was never born, replete with the father's friend/mentor who's in on the world (Kendrick/Bobby). I mean Kendrick even has Bobby in his name, it's an intentional nod, no? The truth is we don't know if Kao had the show in mind when she was writing this, but it was fun to think of the parallels. It was interesting how even though Matt is totally a Dean, he kind of turned into a Sam near the end when we find out all this time he's been marked and his father has been keeping an eye on him, just like Sam is metaphorically "marked" by the demon blood when he's six months old. I thought that was an interesting twist.
Overall though, this doesn't get as in depth or dark or deep as Supernatural, which partially is understandable because this is a standalone book and Supernatural is (literally) a decades spanning tv series. And it's definitely YA, as mentioned earlier, and while it's frustrating to me that I can't enjoy it like I used to, I also recognize it's not for me any more. But I do think some of the author's choices precluded this book from getting a bit deeper when it could have. Instead of focusing on the mundane silly actions like tripping someone, make the actions more serious or give the characters more complex motivations. It took up more time than it needed to.
So overall, this is three stars. I feel like I've literally been ragging on this book the whole time, and to a point that's fair because I feel like, as I said, the premise of this was fundamentally flawed, but there were some parts that I really liked, like Matt's developing relationship with his landlord (though again that got weird when everyone thought he was a stalker) or even the stuff with Kendrick though at times it got too archetypal supervillain-y). I would hesitate to read a sequel to this if that's the plan because of how it ended, but I'd give it a try if I'm still interested in the year or so it would take to write. But mostly, it just made me crave more Supernatural fics.
______________
pre-review:
WINCHESTER VIBES FR
June 26, 2023
This was really enjoyable if not a slightly different take on John and Dean Winchester sans Sammy. The idea of a group of people who champion for good by taking out those who’ve been afflicted with Lucifer’s mark is a questionable thing, a righteous few who decide whether you’ve been marked or not.
There’s a fine line between coincidence and evil and young Matt will learn this when he meets a girl, a target, who causes him to doubt whether the mark is real or not.
Definitely a chilling supernatural ya thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed!
My thanks to Penguin Teen for this gifted DRC!
There’s a fine line between coincidence and evil and young Matt will learn this when he meets a girl, a target, who causes him to doubt whether the mark is real or not.
Definitely a chilling supernatural ya thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed!
My thanks to Penguin Teen for this gifted DRC!
December 27, 2023
this was so good omg i loved the metaphors and allegories and layers omg
October 10, 2023
A haunting devil thriller just in time for Spooktober.
Sometimes horrible accidents happen, and someone will miraculously come out unscathed. Is that the work of a miracle? Or some much darker being?
The marked are people who have survived a horrible accident but are then are marked by the devil to continue to spread evil throughout the world. The Sweep is an organization that exists to find these marked and eradicate them from our world.
Seventeen year old, Matthew, is tasked with his first solo project. He must assess the project, and through his reports decided whether or not she is marked by the devil.
Throughout our novel we watch Matt struggle with the sweep and his task to properly evaluate the project.
This book had me begging for more, trying to decide whether or not to cheer for our main character? If this was a boy I knew in real life, I think I’d want to stay far far away… the dissonance of what the book wants me to feel and my own true opinions on the matter added an extra layer of stress to this thriller!
Sometimes horrible accidents happen, and someone will miraculously come out unscathed. Is that the work of a miracle? Or some much darker being?
The marked are people who have survived a horrible accident but are then are marked by the devil to continue to spread evil throughout the world. The Sweep is an organization that exists to find these marked and eradicate them from our world.
Seventeen year old, Matthew, is tasked with his first solo project. He must assess the project, and through his reports decided whether or not she is marked by the devil.
Throughout our novel we watch Matt struggle with the sweep and his task to properly evaluate the project.
This book had me begging for more, trying to decide whether or not to cheer for our main character? If this was a boy I knew in real life, I think I’d want to stay far far away… the dissonance of what the book wants me to feel and my own true opinions on the matter added an extra layer of stress to this thriller!
March 27, 2024
really cool idea, but not great execution.
felt like more of a first draft because of poor worldbuilding... sometimes creative license is fine and Book Conflict is to be expected, but soooo many things here were thin. I genuinely wanted to see it through, but did end up skimming a good portion of the middle due to there being NOTHING there to even miss. there are many (many) pages dedicated to Going Through The Motions of a given day, but typically in a way that felt lifeless despite all of the description. part of my issue could be that this seems to be for a slightly younger audience than I expected, but again, still not great.
Probably something I'll still recommend to a middle grade reader, with the understanding that it's more about suspense and less about environment, mystery, or payoff. sometimes you read a book just to be taken on a ride! I wanted more of an experience here, so it wasn't for me.
felt like more of a first draft because of poor worldbuilding... sometimes creative license is fine and Book Conflict is to be expected, but soooo many things here were thin. I genuinely wanted to see it through, but did end up skimming a good portion of the middle due to there being NOTHING there to even miss. there are many (many) pages dedicated to Going Through The Motions of a given day, but typically in a way that felt lifeless despite all of the description. part of my issue could be that this seems to be for a slightly younger audience than I expected, but again, still not great.
Probably something I'll still recommend to a middle grade reader, with the understanding that it's more about suspense and less about environment, mystery, or payoff. sometimes you read a book just to be taken on a ride! I wanted more of an experience here, so it wasn't for me.
April 1, 2025
Wow. He's in this secret organization that murders people because they think they're marked by Lucifer. But he starts to doubt it and things get really dark... It was incredible. Would definitely recommend. Some parts had me freaking out.
August 12, 2025
I dont know It was good but boring a little.
June 27, 2023
4.5 stars I could not put this book down!
Tense, mysterious, A Crooked Mark pulled the rug out from under me and kept me guessing till the very end.
Matt and his Dad spend their time hunting Marked, people who have had near death experiences and miraculously survived. Marked must be burned and killed before they bring about death and destruction in their wake, but it isn't always easy identifying them. Matt gets his first solo assignment and a chance at a normal teenage life while he tries to get close to his "project", but it isn't long before he is questioning everything he has been raised to believe. (It doesn't help that his "project" is nice, helpful, AND beautiful!)
Matt's journey through this book as he struggles to form his own beliefs after being told to look for evil everywhere is so profound. His paranoia and fear of not knowing who to trust had my heart racing on multiple occasions. Once he starts building relationships and actually living for the first time, his viewpoint and thoughts slowly start to shift. It's difficult to see the light at the other end of the tunnel when you've been told to only look at the dark for so long.
What happens if you let your grief swallow you whole and never move on? How far would you go to protect your loved ones? Everyone in this story is dealing with some type of grief and loss. Be it a parent who perished too soon, or a wife who freakishly passed away, not everyone manages their pain and loss in a healthy manner. Anyone who has ever lost someone will resonate with the struggles they face, and understand that lashing out is normal and not always a sign of a deeper issue. When you have loved ones and a support system, it really does change the way you grief and deal with difficult situations.
My favorite character was Mr. Garrett, something about seemingly curmudgeonly old men who are actually quite the opposite always gets me in the feels. Characters like his were a welcome respite in a tense story. The friendship and banter that Matt forms at school was sweet to read, I loved how everyone was so supportive and understanding of Rae.
I would read a sequel immediately, I feel like there is so much more to uncover and I want to know more!
Thank you so much to Penguin for this ARC!
Tense, mysterious, A Crooked Mark pulled the rug out from under me and kept me guessing till the very end.
Matt and his Dad spend their time hunting Marked, people who have had near death experiences and miraculously survived. Marked must be burned and killed before they bring about death and destruction in their wake, but it isn't always easy identifying them. Matt gets his first solo assignment and a chance at a normal teenage life while he tries to get close to his "project", but it isn't long before he is questioning everything he has been raised to believe. (It doesn't help that his "project" is nice, helpful, AND beautiful!)
Matt's journey through this book as he struggles to form his own beliefs after being told to look for evil everywhere is so profound. His paranoia and fear of not knowing who to trust had my heart racing on multiple occasions. Once he starts building relationships and actually living for the first time, his viewpoint and thoughts slowly start to shift. It's difficult to see the light at the other end of the tunnel when you've been told to only look at the dark for so long.
What happens if you let your grief swallow you whole and never move on? How far would you go to protect your loved ones? Everyone in this story is dealing with some type of grief and loss. Be it a parent who perished too soon, or a wife who freakishly passed away, not everyone manages their pain and loss in a healthy manner. Anyone who has ever lost someone will resonate with the struggles they face, and understand that lashing out is normal and not always a sign of a deeper issue. When you have loved ones and a support system, it really does change the way you grief and deal with difficult situations.
My favorite character was Mr. Garrett, something about seemingly curmudgeonly old men who are actually quite the opposite always gets me in the feels. Characters like his were a welcome respite in a tense story. The friendship and banter that Matt forms at school was sweet to read, I loved how everyone was so supportive and understanding of Rae.
I would read a sequel immediately, I feel like there is so much more to uncover and I want to know more!
Thank you so much to Penguin for this ARC!
August 27, 2023
“I don’t know how it feels when the Devil scratches a soul. My father says He must have the lightest touch, because no one ever notices His crooked claw leave a stain on something that should belong only to them. … By the time anyone notices something is wrong, it’s too late. Lucifer has already won. - from ‘A Crooked Mark’ by Linda Kao.
I am usually a little wary of novels that are marketed for a Teen/YA readership. However, even though ‘A Crooked Mark’ is a coming of age tale with a seventeen-year-old lead, I was delighted to find it a highly engaging read.
Matthew Watts’ father is part of a shadowy organisation that monitors those suspected of having had their souls marked by Lucifer. It usually takes place when the subject has had a miraculous escape. The process involves covertly monitoring the subject for signs of the mark activating. If after twelve months they are fine, then the Sweep leave them be - apart from yearly check-ins. However, if the mark begins to manifest then the subject is summarily dispatched with fire. Extreme!
Their latest subject is Rae Winter, who had walked away from a car accident in which her father died. It is decided by the higher ups that this will be Matthew’s first solo assignment and as such he will be monitored as well by an unknown third party. His dad is on another assignment though checks in regularly.
Matt is enrolled in the same high school as Rae. Yet it isn’t long until the inevitable happens and Matt starts to fall for Rae. He also begins to make friends after years of skipping from town to town. It has a profound effect upon him and he starts to question the nature of their work.
Overall, I felt that ‘A Crooked Mark’ ticked plenty of the boxes of what I seek in supernatural horror. Matt was a likeable protagonist and his coming to terms with the nature of the life that he was living, including his uncertainty was well chronicled.
I certainly would recommend ‘A Crooked Mark’ to horror fans of all ages. It was an impressive debut and will look forward to the author’s future projects.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
I am usually a little wary of novels that are marketed for a Teen/YA readership. However, even though ‘A Crooked Mark’ is a coming of age tale with a seventeen-year-old lead, I was delighted to find it a highly engaging read.
Matthew Watts’ father is part of a shadowy organisation that monitors those suspected of having had their souls marked by Lucifer. It usually takes place when the subject has had a miraculous escape. The process involves covertly monitoring the subject for signs of the mark activating. If after twelve months they are fine, then the Sweep leave them be - apart from yearly check-ins. However, if the mark begins to manifest then the subject is summarily dispatched with fire. Extreme!
Their latest subject is Rae Winter, who had walked away from a car accident in which her father died. It is decided by the higher ups that this will be Matthew’s first solo assignment and as such he will be monitored as well by an unknown third party. His dad is on another assignment though checks in regularly.
Matt is enrolled in the same high school as Rae. Yet it isn’t long until the inevitable happens and Matt starts to fall for Rae. He also begins to make friends after years of skipping from town to town. It has a profound effect upon him and he starts to question the nature of their work.
Overall, I felt that ‘A Crooked Mark’ ticked plenty of the boxes of what I seek in supernatural horror. Matt was a likeable protagonist and his coming to terms with the nature of the life that he was living, including his uncertainty was well chronicled.
I certainly would recommend ‘A Crooked Mark’ to horror fans of all ages. It was an impressive debut and will look forward to the author’s future projects.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
April 26, 2024
I knew that this book was going to be an interesting read the moment I saw the grammar error in the second sentence on page 1. The concept is interesting. The story begins with Matt and his dad burning their most recent project Ms Polly. Then Matt is given a solo project in which he must survey Rae Winters who miraculously survived a car crash that killed her father. Matt needs to ensure that she is not marked by Lucifer otherwise he must burn her. Lucifer apparently marks people who are in near death accidents but somehow survive. This mark manifests within a person and they start to do bad deeds which can eventually lead to them killing others even if by accident. The person doesn’t know they are marked but somehow the organization the sweep finds out about these people and makes their members go watch them. Matt ends up falling in love with Rae and enjoys his time as a normal high schooler. However his fake uncle Kendrick keeps pressuring him to burn her before it’s too late. We find out that Kendrick killed Matt’s dad and is trying to kill Matt because he thinks he is marked since he survived an earthquake his mom didn’t. Kendrick goes rogue and tries to kill Rae as well but Matt stops him and saves her. The story ends with Matt being contacted by someone from the Sweep proving to Matt that the organization is real and not made up by Kendrick. The sweep tell him to finish his year of surveillance of Rae in Mills Creek where he is adopted by his landlord Mr Garrett. Overall the book is incredibly boring for such an interesting concept. The book focused too much on Matt’s mundane day to day and it felt like everything was rushed at the end. The ending was also rushed in the sense that Matt finds out this man Matt always saw as an uncle figure killed his father and he just kinda seems to shrug and move on. I almost wish that the Sweep wasn’t real, that it was all made up by Kendrick. I think that would have made way more sense and probably would have packed a harder punch that everything Matt and his dad did was informed by a lunatic man they fell for. I feel like the book is purposefully being set up for a sequel however I will not be reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2023
Corny af ending. Soured the whole thing for me lol
June 1, 2023
Matthew Watts and his father have the daunting task of hunting down those who should already be dead, or rather, those allowed to survive. When a soul is about to pass on, Lucifer himself can mark a soul, and return it to the land of the living to carry out his evil will. That's just it though, maybe they're marked, and maybe they aren't, the only way to find out is to investigate and wait for the evil to manifest, and when it does, the only way to purge it is by fire. Rae Winters is the sole survivor of a car accident, and Matt's first solo project for The Sweep (the secret organization he and his father work for). The closer Matt gets to Rae, the more he starts to fall for her and question everything he's ever known.
I would have loved this when I was a teenager. In my Supernatural obsessed teenage days this would have been right up my alley. In reading it now though, it comes across like a slightly diet version of one of my favorite TV shows. A father and son hunting down the supernatural through a secret network/society, moving from town to town, the entire vibe of the book felt like a bit like a Supernatural fic. I admit that I really didn't like the naming of "The Sweep" and the idea of burning someone alive because bad things happen around them seemed a little flimsy. Especially since it seemed like all of Matt's elders were gung-ho for murder with little to no evidence. It just didn't seem fully fleshed out to me. Why would Matt's dad not question ever seeing anyone else from the society and just take to arson because someone else told him to? Why no one went to the police for anything also didn't make sense to me. There are a lot of other questions I had by the end of the book, but I can't discuss them without giving away spoilers for the novel. Ultimately, I take some of these questions with a grain of salt because I genuinely think teen me wouldn't have really thought about it that much, and the audience is for teens.
The ending did twist in a way I didn't expect which was really nice and the story did hold my attention the whole time, I just think I wished for more answered questions and less plot holes. It was an enjoyable read overall, and for that I will rate it three stars.
I would have loved this when I was a teenager. In my Supernatural obsessed teenage days this would have been right up my alley. In reading it now though, it comes across like a slightly diet version of one of my favorite TV shows. A father and son hunting down the supernatural through a secret network/society, moving from town to town, the entire vibe of the book felt like a bit like a Supernatural fic. I admit that I really didn't like the naming of "The Sweep" and the idea of burning someone alive because bad things happen around them seemed a little flimsy. Especially since it seemed like all of Matt's elders were gung-ho for murder with little to no evidence. It just didn't seem fully fleshed out to me. Why would Matt's dad not question ever seeing anyone else from the society and just take to arson because someone else told him to? Why no one went to the police for anything also didn't make sense to me. There are a lot of other questions I had by the end of the book, but I can't discuss them without giving away spoilers for the novel. Ultimately, I take some of these questions with a grain of salt because I genuinely think teen me wouldn't have really thought about it that much, and the audience is for teens.
The ending did twist in a way I didn't expect which was really nice and the story did hold my attention the whole time, I just think I wished for more answered questions and less plot holes. It was an enjoyable read overall, and for that I will rate it three stars.
March 4, 2024
This page-turner is a delightful thriller-romance that despite its quirky premise, feels believable and clutches you in its claws from start to finish.
Matt is a 17-year-old raised in a sort of cult, a trained serial killer or (if you like) an accepting conspiracy theorist. But in this coming-of-age story, as he develops feelings for his teen target Rae, his acceptance is coming apart and he begins to long for whatever a normal life might be. Not that the evil powers apparently directing him would allow that to go unpunished.
Everything that seemed so clear when I got up this morning shivers and blurs, Dad’s lessons slipping from my mind like sand. The certainty I’m reaching for won’t come, the questions howling too loudly to ignore. I can’t hold on to the teachings, can’t see Lucifer when I view the world through Rae’s eyes.
Nothing – no web pages, no articles, not even a wayward comment in a chat – even hints at the Sweep’s existence, which is exactly what I would expect from an organization fighting to remain secret. Or one that doesn’t exist.
Despite allusions to the devil, there’s no religion in this novel. It’s simply an intense, gripping read with incredibly well-sculpted characters and ever-rising stakes. The cold, all-business relationship between Matt and his father is heart-wrenching; the blooming romance with Rae, and Matt’s first-ever experience of acceptance by quite lovably-drawn, often funny schoolfriends is heart-touching. The high school scenes, supporting characters and teachers feel entirely authentic, while the ever-present suspense in this “thriller light” keeps the reader’s spine tingling. The writing itself is good (not outstanding) and the novel deals sensitively with grief.
The dialogue gets a little dry at times, and more use of humor would have been welcome, but for an author’s first novel, it’s a remarkable achievement, and let’s hope we get many more from her.
Note: This review also appears at https://yadudebooks.ca/
Matt is a 17-year-old raised in a sort of cult, a trained serial killer or (if you like) an accepting conspiracy theorist. But in this coming-of-age story, as he develops feelings for his teen target Rae, his acceptance is coming apart and he begins to long for whatever a normal life might be. Not that the evil powers apparently directing him would allow that to go unpunished.
Everything that seemed so clear when I got up this morning shivers and blurs, Dad’s lessons slipping from my mind like sand. The certainty I’m reaching for won’t come, the questions howling too loudly to ignore. I can’t hold on to the teachings, can’t see Lucifer when I view the world through Rae’s eyes.
Nothing – no web pages, no articles, not even a wayward comment in a chat – even hints at the Sweep’s existence, which is exactly what I would expect from an organization fighting to remain secret. Or one that doesn’t exist.
Despite allusions to the devil, there’s no religion in this novel. It’s simply an intense, gripping read with incredibly well-sculpted characters and ever-rising stakes. The cold, all-business relationship between Matt and his father is heart-wrenching; the blooming romance with Rae, and Matt’s first-ever experience of acceptance by quite lovably-drawn, often funny schoolfriends is heart-touching. The high school scenes, supporting characters and teachers feel entirely authentic, while the ever-present suspense in this “thriller light” keeps the reader’s spine tingling. The writing itself is good (not outstanding) and the novel deals sensitively with grief.
The dialogue gets a little dry at times, and more use of humor would have been welcome, but for an author’s first novel, it’s a remarkable achievement, and let’s hope we get many more from her.
Note: This review also appears at https://yadudebooks.ca/
July 9, 2023
What worked: Psychological thriller with the creepy factor of Stephen King. Add a sprinkling of doubt throughout on what is truth and what isn't.
Chilling with a teen protagonist who is tasked with burning the latest person with a mark of evil. In this case, a so-called 'miracle' is anything but that. When a person survives a traumatic event that should have killed them, Sweepers, instead feel they are turned evil and have to take them out before they harm others.
Seventeen-year-old Matthew has helped his father with finding those unfortunate enough to survive those events with one goal-exterminate them. Matt gives off a Sammy Winchester vibe from Supernatural here only in this novel's case it's his father and not the brother who recruits him on this deadly task. I really liked the subtle terror throughout this novel and added points for a protagonist who questions his purpose in this organization.
When Matthew has to infiltrate a high school for his target-Rae-that's when his doubts resurface big time. Rae was the sole survivor of a car crash and grieves the death of her beloved father. Matt can't see how she might be in fact now really under the Devil's mark. His father tells him to get close to Rae and that causes more than doubt.
I really liked how Matt shows the pressure of a teen living a double life. The paranormal elements are hinted at and not over the top. Plus, Matt has never been in a public high school and the awkwardness of trying to fit in is authentically portrayed.
Good pacing and characters that might not be who they seem to be. This novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats wondering along with Matt if the Devil's Mark is real or really just a conspiracy theory with deadly results.
Supernatural meets the Devil's Mark where not all is what it seems. Perfect read for those who love psychological horror novels that keep you guessing.
Originally posted at: https://www.yabookscentral.com/a-croo...
Chilling with a teen protagonist who is tasked with burning the latest person with a mark of evil. In this case, a so-called 'miracle' is anything but that. When a person survives a traumatic event that should have killed them, Sweepers, instead feel they are turned evil and have to take them out before they harm others.
Seventeen-year-old Matthew has helped his father with finding those unfortunate enough to survive those events with one goal-exterminate them. Matt gives off a Sammy Winchester vibe from Supernatural here only in this novel's case it's his father and not the brother who recruits him on this deadly task. I really liked the subtle terror throughout this novel and added points for a protagonist who questions his purpose in this organization.
When Matthew has to infiltrate a high school for his target-Rae-that's when his doubts resurface big time. Rae was the sole survivor of a car crash and grieves the death of her beloved father. Matt can't see how she might be in fact now really under the Devil's mark. His father tells him to get close to Rae and that causes more than doubt.
I really liked how Matt shows the pressure of a teen living a double life. The paranormal elements are hinted at and not over the top. Plus, Matt has never been in a public high school and the awkwardness of trying to fit in is authentically portrayed.
Good pacing and characters that might not be who they seem to be. This novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats wondering along with Matt if the Devil's Mark is real or really just a conspiracy theory with deadly results.
Supernatural meets the Devil's Mark where not all is what it seems. Perfect read for those who love psychological horror novels that keep you guessing.
Originally posted at: https://www.yabookscentral.com/a-croo...
July 16, 2024
Kao’s A Crooked Mark presents a chilling premise: what if people who survive near-death experiences are marked for death by the devil? And what if there were people tasked with hunting them down?
Matt, the compelling 17-year-old protagonist, finds himself entangled in an underground network that believes it’s their duty to annihilate or “burn” these “marked” and dangerous individuals. Mentored by his father, Matt embarks on his first solo mission to monitor a girl named Rae Winter for signs of being marked…and to take her out if necessary. When Matt falls for Rae, he begins to question the nature of his mission and upbringing, and he soon discovers that questions are not welcome.
The novel skillfully explores ethical dilemmas like sacrificing a few for the greater good, as well as questioning and possibly abandoning inherited and problematic belief systems. Matt’s journey is filled with confusion, fear, and moral ambiguity as he grapples with falling in love with a marked individual and trying to reconcile everything he has been taught. His struggle mirrors that of someone seeking to break away from a cult or unhealthy religious institution, and there are prices to pay for deviation.
The diverse cast of young characters adds depth to this gripping story, enriching the plot. Kao’s ability to paint such a sensory picture of Matt’s experience is one of the book’s greatest strengths. Kao pulls readers into Matt’s world, making them question the nature of “truth” and morality.
A Crooked Mark is a thought-provoking read that challenges us to reflect on our beliefs about justice and the human condition long after putting the book down. A great read for fans of dark, thrilling stories.
Matt, the compelling 17-year-old protagonist, finds himself entangled in an underground network that believes it’s their duty to annihilate or “burn” these “marked” and dangerous individuals. Mentored by his father, Matt embarks on his first solo mission to monitor a girl named Rae Winter for signs of being marked…and to take her out if necessary. When Matt falls for Rae, he begins to question the nature of his mission and upbringing, and he soon discovers that questions are not welcome.
The novel skillfully explores ethical dilemmas like sacrificing a few for the greater good, as well as questioning and possibly abandoning inherited and problematic belief systems. Matt’s journey is filled with confusion, fear, and moral ambiguity as he grapples with falling in love with a marked individual and trying to reconcile everything he has been taught. His struggle mirrors that of someone seeking to break away from a cult or unhealthy religious institution, and there are prices to pay for deviation.
The diverse cast of young characters adds depth to this gripping story, enriching the plot. Kao’s ability to paint such a sensory picture of Matt’s experience is one of the book’s greatest strengths. Kao pulls readers into Matt’s world, making them question the nature of “truth” and morality.
A Crooked Mark is a thought-provoking read that challenges us to reflect on our beliefs about justice and the human condition long after putting the book down. A great read for fans of dark, thrilling stories.
June 14, 2023
I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect when I started this, but I enjoyed it. The concept of Lucifer’s Mark and the Sweepers who watch and eliminate people who they believe are afflicted by his mark before they can cause more harm to society was really interesting and unique. This was definitely a darker YA story. The Sweepers committed multiple murders and burned individuals they deemed marked by the devil.
Matt the main character is given his first solo assignment by the mysterious Sweeper organization. He is assigned to follow Rae a local High school girl who recently survived an accident that killed her father. After near death experiences the Sweep believe people can be marked. This is where the plot gets a little silly because this random organization just happens to take it upon themselves to murder people they think are marked by the devil and ended up assigning a kid to do one of the killings. I wish there had been more on the organization and who they were and how they were started. Matt has to follow and get close to Rae but he starts to fall for her. He struggles a lot with his internal doubts and feelings. Does he have enough clues to prove Rae is marked? And can he be the one to end her life? Those questions weigh heavily on Matt and I appreciated the twists and turns this book has.
Overall, this was a creepy YA story that made me question all the characters motives and nothing was as it seemed. It had a decent balance of not just being a supernatural thriller but also a coming of age story and dealing with grief.
Thank you Penguin Young Readers Group, Razorbill and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC
Matt the main character is given his first solo assignment by the mysterious Sweeper organization. He is assigned to follow Rae a local High school girl who recently survived an accident that killed her father. After near death experiences the Sweep believe people can be marked. This is where the plot gets a little silly because this random organization just happens to take it upon themselves to murder people they think are marked by the devil and ended up assigning a kid to do one of the killings. I wish there had been more on the organization and who they were and how they were started. Matt has to follow and get close to Rae but he starts to fall for her. He struggles a lot with his internal doubts and feelings. Does he have enough clues to prove Rae is marked? And can he be the one to end her life? Those questions weigh heavily on Matt and I appreciated the twists and turns this book has.
Overall, this was a creepy YA story that made me question all the characters motives and nothing was as it seemed. It had a decent balance of not just being a supernatural thriller but also a coming of age story and dealing with grief.
Thank you Penguin Young Readers Group, Razorbill and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC
September 23, 2023
Matthew has grown up on the road with his father working cases for the Second Sweep, a mysterious organization that hunt the souls Marked by Lucifer. At 17, Matt is sent on his first solo project to prove he is fit to be part of the organization. His project, Rae, survived a car accident the killed her father. Matthew enrolls in her school, as many of her classes as he can, finds a way to be part of the friend group, and begins to see what a normal teenage life could have been. This leads him to question all that he has been told with his father off on his own project and their mentor watching Matt like a hawk. He didn't expect to have feelings for Rae as he looks for the signs of a Marked - accidents that can be simple or complex and leave others hurt or dead. The varying views of grief and how people try to deal with it are shown through the lens of Rae. her younger sister, and their mother. And this leads Matthew to question everything even more. His character is well drawn, even when he begins to question everything he has been told and himself. Rae is believable in her grief, her personality and what she is willing to fight for, but most of the other characters are weak and get lost in the violent action scenes that fill the pages. Hand to fans of supernatural thrillers and action.
June 21, 2023
A miracle survivor or someone marked by Lucifer and brought back to this world to carry out his will? That is what Matt and his father must figure out. They hunt anyone who has been marked and eliminate them before they can do their evil. Matt, now seventeen, is on his first solo mission. He has to see if Rae Winters is marked or not.
However, soon Matt starts struggling with his mission, what to believe, and to make matters worse he's falling for his project and making friends. Something he's never done. But the consequences of his actions will have lethal results. This book is called a "dark and twisted coming-of-age" and that is so accurate.
Wow, did I freaking love this book. It was a non-stop thrill ride!!! This book was so fun to read. I couldn't t stop I read most of it in a day.
I don't usually read books from a male pov, but I loved Matt! There were times I just wanted to reach into this book and pull him out and protect him!
The cast of characters were all so lovable. This book pulled on my hearts strings! I was not prepared to have those emotions.
This book reminded me of why I love YA. It was dark, fast paced, full of twists, and moments that make you tear up a little.
I highly recommend this book! 5 stars!
However, soon Matt starts struggling with his mission, what to believe, and to make matters worse he's falling for his project and making friends. Something he's never done. But the consequences of his actions will have lethal results. This book is called a "dark and twisted coming-of-age" and that is so accurate.
Wow, did I freaking love this book. It was a non-stop thrill ride!!! This book was so fun to read. I couldn't t stop I read most of it in a day.
I don't usually read books from a male pov, but I loved Matt! There were times I just wanted to reach into this book and pull him out and protect him!
The cast of characters were all so lovable. This book pulled on my hearts strings! I was not prepared to have those emotions.
This book reminded me of why I love YA. It was dark, fast paced, full of twists, and moments that make you tear up a little.
I highly recommend this book! 5 stars!
July 14, 2023
Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
When a soul is about to pass on, Matt and his father believe that Lucifer can "mark" it, and send it back to Earth to do his evil bidding. For years, Matt has been apart of 'The Sweepers'. He has followed his father from town to town, hunting and exterminating the marked by burning them alive. He has just been tasked with a solo mission, to eliminate a girl named Rachel, marked after a car crash that killed her father. Matt thinks it will be easy, until he spends more time with Rachel and realizes he's falling for her.
I enjoyed this enough, but I don't think it was anything spectacular in my opinion. It was fun while it lasted, but I don't think it was memorable. I liked Matt for the most part, I thought his back and forth with believing and not believing that Rae was marked got a bit old pretty quickly. His constant wining about not wanting to hunt Rae got annoying after awhile... just say you don't want to do it and move on. I was originally going to give it a 2, but the final twist made me give it a bonus star, as it went in a direction I wasn't expecting.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review*
When a soul is about to pass on, Matt and his father believe that Lucifer can "mark" it, and send it back to Earth to do his evil bidding. For years, Matt has been apart of 'The Sweepers'. He has followed his father from town to town, hunting and exterminating the marked by burning them alive. He has just been tasked with a solo mission, to eliminate a girl named Rachel, marked after a car crash that killed her father. Matt thinks it will be easy, until he spends more time with Rachel and realizes he's falling for her.
I enjoyed this enough, but I don't think it was anything spectacular in my opinion. It was fun while it lasted, but I don't think it was memorable. I liked Matt for the most part, I thought his back and forth with believing and not believing that Rae was marked got a bit old pretty quickly. His constant wining about not wanting to hunt Rae got annoying after awhile... just say you don't want to do it and move on. I was originally going to give it a 2, but the final twist made me give it a bonus star, as it went in a direction I wasn't expecting.
July 17, 2023
Like most of the books I read, I went into this one totally blind. It was a relatively recent release, the sentence or two of summary I read didn't sound like something I would absolutely hate (romance novels typically give themselves away, but I'm not always as lucky with, say, ideological passion projects), so I gave it a go.
I was worried at first that we were going down some weird theology rabbit hole, but it was (thankfully) not to be. Instead, it was like an alternate reality Sam Winchester high school prequel. Or something like that. I'd clean that up if I were pitching the book for real.
So take early season Supernatural skeptic Sam Winchester, stick in him high school, remove Dean, and viola. So if Supernatural is your jam, you'll likely enjoy this book.
It had a couple good twists, too. One was super obvious projected early, but the more important ones I didn't see coming.
It also helps that while there is the obligatory YA romance stuck in it (if that's a spoiler, you've never read a YA novel), it was well done and sweet. Much more along the lines of what I'd expect from a high school couple than some of the stuff thrown out there.
Now to the next book I picked up blind. It probably won't be a good as this one.
I was worried at first that we were going down some weird theology rabbit hole, but it was (thankfully) not to be. Instead, it was like an alternate reality Sam Winchester high school prequel. Or something like that. I'd clean that up if I were pitching the book for real.
So take early season Supernatural skeptic Sam Winchester, stick in him high school, remove Dean, and viola. So if Supernatural is your jam, you'll likely enjoy this book.
It had a couple good twists, too. One was super obvious projected early, but the more important ones I didn't see coming.
It also helps that while there is the obligatory YA romance stuck in it (if that's a spoiler, you've never read a YA novel), it was well done and sweet. Much more along the lines of what I'd expect from a high school couple than some of the stuff thrown out there.
Now to the next book I picked up blind. It probably won't be a good as this one.
September 24, 2023
This book was so not what I expected, and I’m still not sure if this is a good or bad thing.
It starts out seeming like it’s going to be paranormal, because it’s about a boy who has spent his whole life helping his dad hunt down and burn people who are marked by Lucifer.
BUT, halfway through the book, he realizes…what if none of this is real? What if his dad, and his dad’s mentor who is the only other person who is part of this he actually knows of, are crazy, and came up with the whole thing/were recruited for it easily because of how much grief they had?
Suddenly, the book turns from paranormal into a contemporary about a boy who didn’t realize he was in a cult his whole life and none of the things he’s been told his whole life are real. And that’s something that really happens to people.
As I kept reading, I wasn’t sure which one I hoped was true. Did I want it to turn out to be real, and this to be a paranormal book, or did I want it to turn out that his dad’s mentor was unhinged and his dad was crazy? Either one would probably make me mad, I thought. But somehow, the end actually tied things together so that both were kind of true, and it worked really well.
So overall, a solid book, even if it’s really hard to pin down what genre it actually is.
It starts out seeming like it’s going to be paranormal, because it’s about a boy who has spent his whole life helping his dad hunt down and burn people who are marked by Lucifer.
BUT, halfway through the book, he realizes…what if none of this is real? What if his dad, and his dad’s mentor who is the only other person who is part of this he actually knows of, are crazy, and came up with the whole thing/were recruited for it easily because of how much grief they had?
Suddenly, the book turns from paranormal into a contemporary about a boy who didn’t realize he was in a cult his whole life and none of the things he’s been told his whole life are real. And that’s something that really happens to people.
As I kept reading, I wasn’t sure which one I hoped was true. Did I want it to turn out to be real, and this to be a paranormal book, or did I want it to turn out that his dad’s mentor was unhinged and his dad was crazy? Either one would probably make me mad, I thought. But somehow, the end actually tied things together so that both were kind of true, and it worked really well.
So overall, a solid book, even if it’s really hard to pin down what genre it actually is.
June 12, 2023
A Crooked Mark is a dark ya debut by Linda Kao. Matthew has spent his life helping his dad hunt down those cursed by the devil with a crooked mark. Sent on his own mission for the first time his target is none other than Rae Winter, a survivor of a deadly car crash. As Matthew gets closer to Rae and a life he's never had he begins to question his very way of life and is posed with the daunting question - is the mark even real?
This book was super unique to anything that I normally read! I think the plot line of the novel was interesting and it really made me want to keep reading as the book went on.
I enjoyed reading about Matthew and his experiences turning his entire world upside down and what he was going to do about the consequences. I was genuinely surprised by some of the things that happened!
I'd recommend A Crooked Mark to anyone who wants to read a dark ya novel.
Thank you to Penguin Teen for an eARC of this novel. All thoughts and opinions contained within this review are my own.
This book was super unique to anything that I normally read! I think the plot line of the novel was interesting and it really made me want to keep reading as the book went on.
I enjoyed reading about Matthew and his experiences turning his entire world upside down and what he was going to do about the consequences. I was genuinely surprised by some of the things that happened!
I'd recommend A Crooked Mark to anyone who wants to read a dark ya novel.
Thank you to Penguin Teen for an eARC of this novel. All thoughts and opinions contained within this review are my own.
January 30, 2024
Matt is a member of a group called the Second Sweep, a sort of vigilante group that investigates people for signs that they are marked by the devil after surviving close calls with death. In the past, Matt has assisted his father with these investigations, but now he is finally old enough to handle his own case. He is assigned to a teenage girl named Rae who lives in the small community of Mills Creek. Rae and her father were in a terrible car accident. Her father lost his life but Rae walked away without a scratch and the Sweep believes she may be Marked. It is Matt's job to determine if that is true. But as Matt gets to know Rae and her friends better and becomes invested in his life at Mills Creek High School, he begins to question whether the Mark is real at all.
"Maybe when all you do is look for signs of Lucifer, that's all you see."
I really enjoyed this highly inventive novel and it didn't feel like YA to me at all. The ending actually threw me for a loop and for YA I think it was pretty dark. I'd love a sequel to this and will definitely seek out more by Kao.
"Maybe when all you do is look for signs of Lucifer, that's all you see."
I really enjoyed this highly inventive novel and it didn't feel like YA to me at all. The ending actually threw me for a loop and for YA I think it was pretty dark. I'd love a sequel to this and will definitely seek out more by Kao.
March 31, 2024
This book is noted to be YA, but I think the only thing really YA about it is that most of the characters are high school students. It has such a dark theme.
We start meeting Matthew and his Dad. They work as a crew that follows certain people that ,Amy be marked by Lucifer. If they decide- after careful study- that a soul is marked- they burn that person. Like, they literally seal windows, enclose the person and burn them up.
Matthew isn’t totally sold on this but it’s all he’s ever known. When he turns 17 he is given his first solo project, a girl close to his age. We follow as Matthew gathers information, and discovers that determining who is and isn’t marked isn’t very clear cut at all. What follows is a chain of events, each increasingly tragic and concerning, ending in a wild climax that brings home a message that despite our marks, flaws and pre-dispositions, we still have control over our futures.
I wasn’t one hundred satisfied with the ending, but it was definitely a thought provoking read, and one I’ll be thinking about for quite some time.
We start meeting Matthew and his Dad. They work as a crew that follows certain people that ,Amy be marked by Lucifer. If they decide- after careful study- that a soul is marked- they burn that person. Like, they literally seal windows, enclose the person and burn them up.
Matthew isn’t totally sold on this but it’s all he’s ever known. When he turns 17 he is given his first solo project, a girl close to his age. We follow as Matthew gathers information, and discovers that determining who is and isn’t marked isn’t very clear cut at all. What follows is a chain of events, each increasingly tragic and concerning, ending in a wild climax that brings home a message that despite our marks, flaws and pre-dispositions, we still have control over our futures.
I wasn’t one hundred satisfied with the ending, but it was definitely a thought provoking read, and one I’ll be thinking about for quite some time.
November 4, 2023
“Everyone has a Lucifer in them; it’s part of being human.”
😈
Matthew Watts and his father travel around looking for those that Lucifer has marked, making sure to exterminate them before they could spread evil. Matt doesn’t like the job, but it’s all he’s ever known. When he’s given his own assignment: Rae Winter, he finds himself getting attached to her and her friends. She’s grieving the loss of an accident that killed her father, but had her walking away without a scratch. The more Matt learns about Rae, the more he likes her and wishes he didn’t have to carry out his duties.
😈
I really liked this YA paranormal book by @lindakaowrites It was based more in realistic fiction, which is why I connected with it more than the other speculative fiction books I’m reading, as that’s my favorite genre. I got Buffy vibes, which is always my favorite!
CW: death of a parent, adoption, violence, murder, death, car accident (off page), hospitalization
😈
Matthew Watts and his father travel around looking for those that Lucifer has marked, making sure to exterminate them before they could spread evil. Matt doesn’t like the job, but it’s all he’s ever known. When he’s given his own assignment: Rae Winter, he finds himself getting attached to her and her friends. She’s grieving the loss of an accident that killed her father, but had her walking away without a scratch. The more Matt learns about Rae, the more he likes her and wishes he didn’t have to carry out his duties.
😈
I really liked this YA paranormal book by @lindakaowrites It was based more in realistic fiction, which is why I connected with it more than the other speculative fiction books I’m reading, as that’s my favorite genre. I got Buffy vibes, which is always my favorite!
CW: death of a parent, adoption, violence, murder, death, car accident (off page), hospitalization
March 26, 2025
3 stars.
TS quote:
"Devils roll the dice,
Angels roll their eyes,"- Cruel Summer (Lover
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, I'm branching out of YA Fantasy to try out some psychological thriller :)
I don't exactly know how to feel about this book since I didn't know what to expect but the suspense had me dying till the end.
Until the end kinda did a crash and burn.
Sadly, I came up with more interesting plot lines for the ending than what happened in the actual ending.
Also, Rae x Matt wasn't working for me, it felt too on the nose, like the second they met as people the readers knew, I wanted it to be more "Let me find out who you are inside"
Also, the reveal of the notebook was very disappointing.
Would I read it again? no
Did I like how it kept me on edge? YES THAT'S WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THRILLERS
TS quote:
"Devils roll the dice,
Angels roll their eyes,"- Cruel Summer (Lover
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Yes, I'm branching out of YA Fantasy to try out some psychological thriller :)
I don't exactly know how to feel about this book since I didn't know what to expect but the suspense had me dying till the end.
Until the end kinda did a crash and burn.
Sadly, I came up with more interesting plot lines for the ending than what happened in the actual ending.
Also, Rae x Matt wasn't working for me, it felt too on the nose, like the second they met as people the readers knew, I wanted it to be more "Let me find out who you are inside"
Also, the reveal of the notebook was very disappointing.
Would I read it again? no
Did I like how it kept me on edge? YES THAT'S WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THRILLERS
April 12, 2025
Umm, this book was a little weird, but we like weird books... right? The house burst out in flames as he watched; the screams inside had stopped. Matthew Watts lived with his father, and while they stayed together, they were watching people for the mark. The Mark was something Lucifer put on a soul so they could carry out his evil deed, and Matthew, a part of the Second Sweep (A group where you burn people to death if you think they have a mark) was sent to have a solo task to become a true member of the Sweep. He gets assigned Rachel Winter, a girl who was in a car crash that killed the other people in the car. Of course, he already knows everything about the crash, but he doesn't act like it. Matthew takes on the nickname Matt and does everything in his power to get close to Rae, but she doesn't know his intentions...
January 21, 2024
Rating: pg: some kissing and heart throbbing including a gay crush. No profanity very little profanity, mainly in a metaphysical sense “the damned”. Violence and danger is the whole premise.
Recommend: jh? This book deals with some pretty dark topics, but for the kids looking for the spooky, this one is pretty innocent. The method of death is disturbing: the marked must be burned, and the description of ms. Polly’s death is … a lot and recurring.
The concept of this book was pretty fascinating, but I’m not a Supernatural fan, so I haven’t really run in to this before. I think the plot development was fine, the twists were pretty great, and I was content with the ending. There was nothing to really say YES BUY THIS BOOK but nothing to say NOPE either. So… think about it. ;)
Recommend: jh? This book deals with some pretty dark topics, but for the kids looking for the spooky, this one is pretty innocent. The method of death is disturbing: the marked must be burned, and the description of ms. Polly’s death is … a lot and recurring.
The concept of this book was pretty fascinating, but I’m not a Supernatural fan, so I haven’t really run in to this before. I think the plot development was fine, the twists were pretty great, and I was content with the ending. There was nothing to really say YES BUY THIS BOOK but nothing to say NOPE either. So… think about it. ;)
March 17, 2024
What a fantastic debut novel!
I was instantly hooked by the opening idea… victims of near death experiences are marked by the devil and go on to create more awful events and the deaths of others.
But the story becomes much more than that - it develops into a coming of age tale, and what it means to fit in a feel accepted in your difficult teenage years. There’s also similarities to children who are raised in a strict religious / cult family who start to question the ideals they’ve been raised with.
About 50 pages before the end there’s a clever twist which I didn’t see coming. And the pace really picks up in the closing chapters.
350 pages flew by, I consumed this in a day,
I hope to see more from this author as I would 100% read more from her
I was instantly hooked by the opening idea… victims of near death experiences are marked by the devil and go on to create more awful events and the deaths of others.
But the story becomes much more than that - it develops into a coming of age tale, and what it means to fit in a feel accepted in your difficult teenage years. There’s also similarities to children who are raised in a strict religious / cult family who start to question the ideals they’ve been raised with.
About 50 pages before the end there’s a clever twist which I didn’t see coming. And the pace really picks up in the closing chapters.
350 pages flew by, I consumed this in a day,
I hope to see more from this author as I would 100% read more from her
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