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Populations Crumble #4
Marked
Demy has been on the run since she was thirteen years old. Mysterious men in black cloaks have been chasing her, and so far she's evaded them. Something, though, has changed since she turned eighteen. Their attempts to capture her have gotten closer and closer, until she's only got one option left: turning herself over to the NLC, for the compulsory marriage program.
She doesn't want to get married, but with her would-be captors on her heels, she's got no choice but to hope the NLC's strict security protocols will be a safe haven. Marriage is a small price to pay for her life, after all. And maybe, just maybe, she'll finally have the space to discover why she's being hunted.
***
Marked is a new entry point in the Populations Crumble world, but many familiar characters will be present from the original trilogy.
She doesn't want to get married, but with her would-be captors on her heels, she's got no choice but to hope the NLC's strict security protocols will be a safe haven. Marriage is a small price to pay for her life, after all. And maybe, just maybe, she'll finally have the space to discover why she's being hunted.
***
Marked is a new entry point in the Populations Crumble world, but many familiar characters will be present from the original trilogy.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2023
306 people are currently reading
3688 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Gandy
19 books120 followersK. A. Gandy was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She is married with two babies of her own. K. A. has worked as a restaurant hostess, library book shelver, ranch hand, tour guide, Realtor, tech whiz, landlord, and small business consultant, all in addition to pursuing her passion of writing. As a person of many interests, her life has never been boring.
She likes to write late in the evenings and thinks drinking hot tea and baking great cookies fuels hopes and dreams.
She likes to write late in the evenings and thinks drinking hot tea and baking great cookies fuels hopes and dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 23, 2023
This was my first book by the author, and it hooked me into her world. Not only do I want to read the sequel when it comes out, but also go back and read the original trilogy set in this dystopian reality.
The world set-up was my favorite part, I think. After a birth control product goes horribly wrong, humanity's ability to reproduce is decimated. The future rests on the shoulders of the few women who can still have children, hence the set-up of the story. Add in the heroine dealing with her own serious issues- like being stalked by her parents' killers, and the stakes are high. But the pacing is comfortable.
I liked the heroine and her relationships with the other girls. It was also fun to revisit the dystopian young adult love triangle dynamic from my teenage years. Our girl has three prospective matches she has to sort through. Right now, I think she favors one while I prefer the other, but we'll see how things go in the next book.Which you'll definitely need to read if you read this one since it ends in a cliffhanger.
If you like dystopian with lower violence and more romantic elements- or are, like me, nostalgic for your YA dystopian days- this book is for you!
Note to more sensitive readers: There is a little foul language sprinkled throughout, though I don't remember many instances. There is also a mention of a murder-suicide that happened in the past and isn't shown on-screen.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
The world set-up was my favorite part, I think. After a birth control product goes horribly wrong, humanity's ability to reproduce is decimated. The future rests on the shoulders of the few women who can still have children, hence the set-up of the story. Add in the heroine dealing with her own serious issues- like being stalked by her parents' killers, and the stakes are high. But the pacing is comfortable.
I liked the heroine and her relationships with the other girls. It was also fun to revisit the dystopian young adult love triangle dynamic from my teenage years. Our girl has three prospective matches she has to sort through. Right now, I think she favors one while I prefer the other, but we'll see how things go in the next book.Which you'll definitely need to read if you read this one since it ends in a cliffhanger.
If you like dystopian with lower violence and more romantic elements- or are, like me, nostalgic for your YA dystopian days- this book is for you!
Note to more sensitive readers: There is a little foul language sprinkled throughout, though I don't remember many instances. There is also a mention of a murder-suicide that happened in the past and isn't shown on-screen.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
March 25, 2023
This book was great! It was a quick read, mostly because I couldn’t put it down! After reading this book I realized it is a spin off from another series.
In this book we meet Demy, our main character. She is on the run and has been for years. Ever since her parents were murdered, there have been men in black robes chasing her. She’s been running from city to city, never able to stay long for 6 years. Demy finally sees her opportunity to take a break. She signs up for the government pregnancy program. Essentially, she gets to live a life of luxury and pick from a group of suitors to find a man to procreate with.
Demy thinks she is finally going to catch a break, but then violence starts breaking out on the compound and Demy starts to wonder if she’ll ever be safe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this book we meet Demy, our main character. She is on the run and has been for years. Ever since her parents were murdered, there have been men in black robes chasing her. She’s been running from city to city, never able to stay long for 6 years. Demy finally sees her opportunity to take a break. She signs up for the government pregnancy program. Essentially, she gets to live a life of luxury and pick from a group of suitors to find a man to procreate with.
Demy thinks she is finally going to catch a break, but then violence starts breaking out on the compound and Demy starts to wonder if she’ll ever be safe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 7, 2023
Fast paced
Lots of action and diverse characters. This is a new series set after the Populations series which I also enjoyed. It's advertised as YA but if you're a fan of dystopian novels, as I am, you will savor this as well. This author knows how to write this genre!
Lots of action and diverse characters. This is a new series set after the Populations series which I also enjoyed. It's advertised as YA but if you're a fan of dystopian novels, as I am, you will savor this as well. This author knows how to write this genre!
May 11, 2024
I’m going with a 3 because I did enjoy most of the book. But it was kind of nonsensical with plot holes.
She had weirdly timed panic attacks that didn’t match with her background. I could understand it if she had them being enclosed in a room without an escape, but not in a room with doors and her closest friends celebrating a wedding. There were what? 7 people aside from the bride and groom in the room? Maybe more if you count the servers. But she was in a room with more than that many people the night she met all of her matches… and I guess the initial panic attack where she’s picking out a dress… but again, it just didn’t feel right.
It’s very odd to me that they’re not allowed weapons but after each training she has she asked to keep something and the instructor is like “I’m not supposed to… but oh well! Pick whatever you want!” Umm what? Lol it’s so dangerous to let someone that’s NOT TRAINED properly go off with weapons!
Nell not really hiding her relationship when they went through all that trouble to hide it initially was stupid.
The whole book felt really rushed.
Some of her reactions when something would happen were just so strange! She starts yelling at the director, demanding answers when she’s someone that doesn’t say a lot and tries to keep to herself so as not to be noticed. She actually does this kind of thing at least twice and it just feels super off from her character.
What’s with all the red? Lol and the gaudy shoes? If some dude bought me shoes that cost as much as or more than any house I’ve ever lived in, no way would I wear them. Especially being a woman that comes from literally $0 and rags for clothes and prefers comfort.
I don’t think I’ll be continuing this series after all that. I might if I get stuck in a book rut and I’m really bored. But it’s kind of a last ditch series read if anything. And I can’t really say I’d recommend it unless it’s maybe to a teenager.
She had weirdly timed panic attacks that didn’t match with her background. I could understand it if she had them being enclosed in a room without an escape, but not in a room with doors and her closest friends celebrating a wedding. There were what? 7 people aside from the bride and groom in the room? Maybe more if you count the servers. But she was in a room with more than that many people the night she met all of her matches… and I guess the initial panic attack where she’s picking out a dress… but again, it just didn’t feel right.
It’s very odd to me that they’re not allowed weapons but after each training she has she asked to keep something and the instructor is like “I’m not supposed to… but oh well! Pick whatever you want!” Umm what? Lol it’s so dangerous to let someone that’s NOT TRAINED properly go off with weapons!
Nell not really hiding her relationship when they went through all that trouble to hide it initially was stupid.
The whole book felt really rushed.
Some of her reactions when something would happen were just so strange! She starts yelling at the director, demanding answers when she’s someone that doesn’t say a lot and tries to keep to herself so as not to be noticed. She actually does this kind of thing at least twice and it just feels super off from her character.
What’s with all the red? Lol and the gaudy shoes? If some dude bought me shoes that cost as much as or more than any house I’ve ever lived in, no way would I wear them. Especially being a woman that comes from literally $0 and rags for clothes and prefers comfort.
I don’t think I’ll be continuing this series after all that. I might if I get stuck in a book rut and I’m really bored. But it’s kind of a last ditch series read if anything. And I can’t really say I’d recommend it unless it’s maybe to a teenager.
February 24, 2023
A very credible read about a world where fertility is very important for some. Demelza (Demy) is a teen who has been running for years (her parents were murdered) from some shadowy men in cloaks - she has just turned 18 and does not know how she can run anymore as the pursuers are increasing - so she seeks sanctuary by entering the matching program to become a spouse breeder.
There she is to chose her mate out of three pre-selected male matches……………. other females are in this program and despite her background and some prickly starts Demy is befriended by other females in the matching sanctuary.
Danger follows her and the 'cloaked men = CABAL' are ever present even though she is in this fortress. Maybe a MOLE.
This is the story of what happens. It is the first book in a series and it finishes with a cliffhanger………… which means I MUST read the next book to find out what happens to Demy, the 2 potential matches she is still dithering between, and her friends that she has made in the breached sanctuary.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There she is to chose her mate out of three pre-selected male matches……………. other females are in this program and despite her background and some prickly starts Demy is befriended by other females in the matching sanctuary.
Danger follows her and the 'cloaked men = CABAL' are ever present even though she is in this fortress. Maybe a MOLE.
This is the story of what happens. It is the first book in a series and it finishes with a cliffhanger………… which means I MUST read the next book to find out what happens to Demy, the 2 potential matches she is still dithering between, and her friends that she has made in the breached sanctuary.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Read
March 13, 2023I so enjoyed ready K. A. Gandy's new book, Marked. It was truly a delight. The entire idea of the book was so interesting to me. To think this could really happen to our world is crazy, and yet so possible.
From the very first page, I knew the writing and plot just worked. Our heroine, Demy, was such an interesting character and at each turn, you wanted her to find out more about the circumstances that set her on the run.
I loved the camaraderie between the female characters and the way they seemed to band together with one another, even though they had just met.
I liked how Gandy introduced the guys and how descriptive she was with each. I could really get a feel for each one's character and a picture of how they looked.
As an impatient reader, I didn't love the ending cliffhanger. NOT because it wasn't good, (it was the perfect hook for book 2) but because I want to know what happened and now have to wait… lol
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series to see what happens with our heroine and which man will be the one. Thank you again, K. A. Gandy, for a job well done.
Consider me a fan!
From the very first page, I knew the writing and plot just worked. Our heroine, Demy, was such an interesting character and at each turn, you wanted her to find out more about the circumstances that set her on the run.
I loved the camaraderie between the female characters and the way they seemed to band together with one another, even though they had just met.
I liked how Gandy introduced the guys and how descriptive she was with each. I could really get a feel for each one's character and a picture of how they looked.
As an impatient reader, I didn't love the ending cliffhanger. NOT because it wasn't good, (it was the perfect hook for book 2) but because I want to know what happened and now have to wait… lol
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I am looking forward to the next book in the series to see what happens with our heroine and which man will be the one. Thank you again, K. A. Gandy, for a job well done.
Consider me a fan!
February 25, 2023
I really, really enjoyed this book. It was a combination of The Bachelorette, The Selection, and a dystopian setting - some of my favorite things. I really enjoyed many of the characters at the forefront and saw many similarities to people I know in my real life.
As it turns out, this book ends on a cliffhanger and I’m already dying for book 2. What i didn’t know is that it’s a spin off of another of the author’s series, but can be read without reading that series first. It’s safe to say I’m probably going to bury my nose in my Kindle for the original series!
Thank you to @booksirens, @kagandyauthor, and Thigpen Gandy Publishing for the ARC!
DISCLAIMER: I was given this book as an ARC in exchange for my review. I was not compensated in any other way.
Cross-posted to: Instagram (brittmariereads_), @goodreads, @the.storygraph, @amazon, and @booksirens
As it turns out, this book ends on a cliffhanger and I’m already dying for book 2. What i didn’t know is that it’s a spin off of another of the author’s series, but can be read without reading that series first. It’s safe to say I’m probably going to bury my nose in my Kindle for the original series!
Thank you to @booksirens, @kagandyauthor, and Thigpen Gandy Publishing for the ARC!
DISCLAIMER: I was given this book as an ARC in exchange for my review. I was not compensated in any other way.
Cross-posted to: Instagram (brittmariereads_), @goodreads, @the.storygraph, @amazon, and @booksirens
March 29, 2023
I missed reading dystopian novels! Several years ago, books like the Hunger Games, Matched, and the Selection were all people talked about— so I was freaking excited when I read the blurb for this one. It was filled with great characters/friendships, captivating writing and a fast-paced plot. I was rooted to the story and hanging on to every word. I loved how the author introduced the 3 potential love interests (although I know who I want her to end up with) it was nice to see their different characterizations! Now let’s talk about our main character Demy. She was an easy character to love especially considering how her story started. She was constantly on the run so the intensity and action-packed of the story definitely raised the stakes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 3, 2023
❤😰 A very gripping dystopia!
On the run for a very long time, Demy, 19, still managed to narrowly escape the "man in black".
She had managed to refine her escape techniques, but that day, she was close to being captured or killed...
That day, she absolutely had to reach the bus that would take her away from here...
--------------------
The reader is embarked on a very gripping background plot in which we ask ourselves many questions.
The main character of Demy is a survivor who has found only one bewildering solution to survive.
Who? How ? For what ?
A very gripping dystopia whose evolution I absolutely had no idea...
I’m eagerly waiting for the sequel!
A must read for fans of the genre.
❤😰
On the run for a very long time, Demy, 19, still managed to narrowly escape the "man in black".
She had managed to refine her escape techniques, but that day, she was close to being captured or killed...
That day, she absolutely had to reach the bus that would take her away from here...
--------------------
The reader is embarked on a very gripping background plot in which we ask ourselves many questions.
The main character of Demy is a survivor who has found only one bewildering solution to survive.
Who? How ? For what ?
A very gripping dystopia whose evolution I absolutely had no idea...
I’m eagerly waiting for the sequel!
A must read for fans of the genre.
❤😰
July 12, 2023
I was sucked into this story very quickly, just as I was with the original series. Demy is tough but also scared when she enters the center and is pretty unaware of what is waiting for her there. The whole time I kept wondering who was the good guy between 2 of her 3 bachelors. The ending leaves you with a major cliff hanger and no answers whatsoever. I'm super eager to read the rest of Demy's story and see how everything turns out for her! I deducted one star for some of the verbiage. There was very minimal cussing but I just found some of the word usage odd in places. It was obviously nothing major as I read this whole book in one sitting!
December 13, 2023
I was excited to discover that the story wasn't over, especially after everything wrapped up so nicely in the last book. I just loved the overall concept of the story, don't get me wrong it is a terrible world to live in but it has great story potential. The problem with spin-offs is that they can lack the same excitement because you know how things end up or they go completely off the rails and decide not to follow the ending of the other book. That was not the case here, the story added to the world and was able to incorporate the characters we already love seamlessly without feeling forced. I'm excited to see where the story goes next.
December 8, 2024
I’ve never seen the Bachelorette, but from what I’ve heard, this book is like a dystopian version of it, with some action-adventure thrown in. It was an interesting read, and I enjoyed this take on the world’s future. But a few things baffled me, one being why (street smart?) Demy approached the one guard after he gave her unnerving vibes the first time she saw him. Also, I would’ve expected more security for Demy’s date at the end—or at least not held the date outside—since the facility had already been breached twice already along with a suspected mole. And argh, that ending was a definitely steep cliffhanger, cut off in mid-action to lead into the next book of the series.
March 1, 2023
Marked is Book 1 in the Population Crumble: Resurgence by K A Gandy. This story was surprising and it was a can't put down book. Demy is running for her life and she doesn't know why. Her parents are dead and she is alone. The human race is crumbling and girls are required to have babies. This SiFi/fantasy is so good. The characters are great the ending was NO!!! don't stop the story! I can't wait to read book 2. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
March 18, 2023
This was an awesome book! As soon as I saw the cover I knew it was going to be good. I was on the edge of my seat during the entire book. Fair warning it does end in a cliff hanger and you have three really hot guys that are trying to win Demy’s heart and place as her husband. Demy had so much going on that this isn’t not her focus but the guys bring fire and she is still trying to find out who is trying to kill her and why. You won’t be disappointed with this book!
February 10, 2024
reminiscent of the book Selection
I enjoyed this book. I have a few suggestions. You need a better copy editor as there were many little errors that should’ve been caught, such as the nail salon person’s name being both Maggie and Margie. It was a little odd to have Atlas have a section where he spoke with his point of view, especially when this has been in the first person of Demy’s perspective.
Overall, I enjoyed your story and I look forward to reading the next book. 😀
I enjoyed this book. I have a few suggestions. You need a better copy editor as there were many little errors that should’ve been caught, such as the nail salon person’s name being both Maggie and Margie. It was a little odd to have Atlas have a section where he spoke with his point of view, especially when this has been in the first person of Demy’s perspective.
Overall, I enjoyed your story and I look forward to reading the next book. 😀
May 3, 2024
Honestly I picked up this book because I needed something to read after finishing some great series and wasn’t expecting to like it since it’s not the same genre I’ve been in to lately but I can say I’m pleasantly surprised! I’m so happy to be able to add another fantastic book as one of my 2024 reads! If you like intense action, dating competitions, and girlhood friendships that will keep you laughing until the end, I 100% recommend Marked by K. A. Gandy!
August 26, 2023
cliffhangers are my downfall
Whelp, time to go read the next one. I can't stand cliffhangers...because it always has me reading the next book and the next and I lose hours of sleep reading because I MUST know there's a happy ending! I really liked the scenic development-not all books do this for me, but I could picture the scenery in my head. And I really liked that.
Whelp, time to go read the next one. I can't stand cliffhangers...because it always has me reading the next book and the next and I lose hours of sleep reading because I MUST know there's a happy ending! I really liked the scenic development-not all books do this for me, but I could picture the scenery in my head. And I really liked that.
January 10, 2025
Sultry & Super Action-Packed Dystopian Romance!!!
SUPER FUN to come back into this world and seeing familiar characters and getting to fall in love with new ones too!!:-). I ADORED how thrilling this adventure was with all of the action and twists and turns!!:-). Looking forward to seeing where this journey goes next!!:-). LOVED IT!!:-)
SUPER FUN to come back into this world and seeing familiar characters and getting to fall in love with new ones too!!:-). I ADORED how thrilling this adventure was with all of the action and twists and turns!!:-). Looking forward to seeing where this journey goes next!!:-). LOVED IT!!:-)
March 14, 2023
This is a really enjoyable story! A good mix of dystopian action with an almost thriller feel! Good levels of excitement & intrigue! It leans towards YA for sure but is a well written book that was a real pleasure! There is a twist which I did see it coming but overall a great escape!
April 13, 2023
What a fun book! I'm excited to see what comes next. Though I will admit that the mole was pretty obvious right from the start. I'm shocked Demy trusted them at all.
Can't wait to see Beckett shine! I loved him.
Can't wait to see Beckett shine! I loved him.
December 17, 2023
Great First Book
I found this book to be full of action and adventure.
The plot was starting to thicken, but I am hoping that increases in the next book.
My only regret is that Demy didn’t get her last date with Fletcher lol…
I found this book to be full of action and adventure.
The plot was starting to thicken, but I am hoping that increases in the next book.
My only regret is that Demy didn’t get her last date with Fletcher lol…
October 10, 2025
GO. READ. THIS. BOOK.
It drew me in from the start, and I just COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!
Definitely the most underrated book I've ever read, but if you like The Selection, this is a great book you add to your TBR!
I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series soon!
It drew me in from the start, and I just COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!
Definitely the most underrated book I've ever read, but if you like The Selection, this is a great book you add to your TBR!
I'll definitely be reading the rest of the series soon!
October 15, 2023
Oh my god, this book is AMAZING. If you loved the first series, you will love this too. I cannot wait for book 2 to come out!!
April 7, 2024
Great series
I am really enjoying the continuation of the series. I can’t wait to see what else happens. I can’t wait to see Demy kick some tail!
I am really enjoying the continuation of the series. I can’t wait to see what else happens. I can’t wait to see Demy kick some tail!
May 26, 2024
great!
Great! Really liked it but I didn’t know this was the second series of the first set of books. Can’t wait to read the second part.
Great! Really liked it but I didn’t know this was the second series of the first set of books. Can’t wait to read the second part.
March 16, 2025
Really enjoying this second round of folks!
June 25, 2025
I read this during quiet spells at work. I enjoyed it but not the point I was eager to get back to it so easily read it over a long period of time
May 8, 2024
Amazing book. I couldn’t put it down. A new favorite author with the creativity put into characters, scenes and ever changing and guessing themes.
March 21, 2023
Absolutely loved it! It hooked me right from the start.
Full of mystery and intrigue. Demy has been on the run, since she found her parents murdered at the age of 13, I think, from men in black cloaks. Now she is just turned 18 and the cloaked men are getting closer. Only one thing she can do is join the NLC and find her compulsory husband. Yes you heard me right, the NLC is a compulsory marriage program with hopes to start having children.
Well written, so much so, that I didn't want to put it down. Kind of a dystopian story where fertility is important and once you join the program you are paired with different men to see if you are compatible enough to marry and produce children. Having not read the other series I found that I really didn't need to but now I want to read it. It will give more insight to the whole NLC program.
Again hooked right from the start and I thoroughly enjoyed the story line and characters.
I can't wait for the next book in the series since Marked ended on a cliffhanger. Full of mystery, intrigue and thrilling aspects to the story.
Highly recommend!
Full of mystery and intrigue. Demy has been on the run, since she found her parents murdered at the age of 13, I think, from men in black cloaks. Now she is just turned 18 and the cloaked men are getting closer. Only one thing she can do is join the NLC and find her compulsory husband. Yes you heard me right, the NLC is a compulsory marriage program with hopes to start having children.
Well written, so much so, that I didn't want to put it down. Kind of a dystopian story where fertility is important and once you join the program you are paired with different men to see if you are compatible enough to marry and produce children. Having not read the other series I found that I really didn't need to but now I want to read it. It will give more insight to the whole NLC program.
Again hooked right from the start and I thoroughly enjoyed the story line and characters.
I can't wait for the next book in the series since Marked ended on a cliffhanger. Full of mystery, intrigue and thrilling aspects to the story.
Highly recommend!
November 14, 2023
Marked is the first book in the Populations Crumble: Resurgence Series by K.A. Gandy. I’m so glad there’s more for us in this world, because I really wanted to know how things progressed after the last trilogy. What's changed? We do get to see some of those characters too, which really adds to the fun of this book, but Demy is a fantastic character all on her own. This was an introduction to her life, and I’m really curious as to what’s going on that we don’t know yet! Who’s after her?! Why!? What?! I can’t wait for more!
Marked by K.A. Gandy was kindly provided to me by Book Sirens for review. The opinions are my own.
Marked by K.A. Gandy was kindly provided to me by Book Sirens for review. The opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews