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Smudge's Mark
Fourteen-year-old Simon is an OWNO (Orphan with No Options), who lives with his deranged grandfather and a horrible housekeeper, Griselda, who punishes him by making him trim her toenails with his teeth; haunted by a recurring dream that seems to symbolize the parents he lost but whom he can't remember, Simon must regain his memory before it's too late.
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 9, 2009
4 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Osmond
3 books28 followersClaudia wrote her first novel, Smudge’s Mark, in a closet. (see http://www.themagazine.ca/2011/06/20/...)
She's an only child.
She's a Canadian.
She's married, has three kids, two dogs, and a bearded dragon.
She loves caramel apples!
She's afraid of snakes, sharks and spiders. And the letter "S".
She's an introvert who loves to read and write.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 26, 2016
Simon lives with his deranged grandfather and a horrible housekeeper, Griselda, who punishes him by making him do awful things. He has no memory of his childhood or family, but starts having these strange and terribly beautiful dreams. One night, an angel gives him a special object that magically comes through to the real world with him when he wakes up. Griselda sends him off to an orphanage while his grandfather is out and he finds a portal into a world he never knew existed. Now he must fulfill his hero’s journey and learn what is real and illusion.
Simon (Smudge) is a smart boy who doesn’t know why he can’t remember his parents and why he ended up with his grandfather and the horrible woman who is supposedly there to take care of the house. Smudge is inquisitive and loves to draw, but when he sketches his drawings start to tell a new and frightening story. This is a great and richly detailed story that pulls you in from the first sentence until you’re on the edge of your seat biting your nails as you reach the epic conclusion.
Simon (Smudge) is a smart boy who doesn’t know why he can’t remember his parents and why he ended up with his grandfather and the horrible woman who is supposedly there to take care of the house. Smudge is inquisitive and loves to draw, but when he sketches his drawings start to tell a new and frightening story. This is a great and richly detailed story that pulls you in from the first sentence until you’re on the edge of your seat biting your nails as you reach the epic conclusion.
September 1, 2009
This book was a great read! It kept me interested from start to finish! I can't wait for this author to write her second book!!
June 7, 2021
More of a 2.5 for me. I like the premise of this book and the lighthearted, kid-like quality to the writing style and was excited to start, but I felt like things happened too quickly with lots of details not fully explained, or just thrown away.
I wanted so much more out of the world-building but it felt as if there hadn't been much thought into the creation of Emogen except for where it advanced the plot. I also felt that the characters felt very one-note, and any development felt quite predictable.
I think the hardest part of this read for me was that there were lots of parts that caught my attention but as the book went on I felt myself getting less and less excited about new additions because they either ended up being left behind or resulting in exactly what you would predict them too.
Lots of good ideas, just need a bit more cohesion and follow through.
I wanted so much more out of the world-building but it felt as if there hadn't been much thought into the creation of Emogen except for where it advanced the plot. I also felt that the characters felt very one-note, and any development felt quite predictable.
I think the hardest part of this read for me was that there were lots of parts that caught my attention but as the book went on I felt myself getting less and less excited about new additions because they either ended up being left behind or resulting in exactly what you would predict them too.
Lots of good ideas, just need a bit more cohesion and follow through.
February 5, 2011
Smudges mark is about the adventures of a boy named simon. Simonis an orphan who has no memory of his past or of his parents. His grandfather is named Horace Mugford and is the only family he has and lives with him and his housemade Griselda. His grandfather has always made Simon draw pictures from his dreams into his notebook. All of a sudden Simon has a strange dream about a woman who he thinks is his mother, telling him that he has a important task to fulfill.Then things get strabger as a strange man who Simon calls the rat comes to look for simon and take him to Grimstown academy. Griselda without grandpa's permission( especially since he dissapears) Brings Simon against his will to the strange school. While at the school Simon meets Gilbert, a shy young boy who has a studde and Tessa,the rats lacky and school favorite who tells him everything. One day Simon and Gilbert got detention for pushing Tessa ito a locker and sent to clean room full of Garbage and other mysterious things when Simon and gilbert discover a portal leading to a strange new world called Emogen. It is there that a strange made called Drofgum tells Simon that the world is dying and that he is the only one that can save it from the evil Demlock. Tessa somehow is transported to Emogen and Gil Goes missing. It is up to Simon And Tessa To Save Emogen, find gil, find Simons mom, and get home.
Genre: Scifi/advenutre
I decided to get this book mostly because the name and the cover interested me.
Protagonist: Simon
Supporting characters:
Maximilian
Gilbert
Tessa
Drofgum
Rama
Quar
Heylas
Griselda
Yegra( Simons mom)
Melchior( Giant Eagle)
Central conflict: Man vs Self, Man vs. Man
Irecommend this book to everyone who likes a little mystery, action, adventure, and when the book takes place in strange new worlds.
Genre: Scifi/advenutre
I decided to get this book mostly because the name and the cover interested me.
Protagonist: Simon
Supporting characters:
Maximilian
Gilbert
Tessa
Drofgum
Rama
Quar
Heylas
Griselda
Yegra( Simons mom)
Melchior( Giant Eagle)
Central conflict: Man vs Self, Man vs. Man
Irecommend this book to everyone who likes a little mystery, action, adventure, and when the book takes place in strange new worlds.
February 5, 2011
When I started this book, I really did not think I was going to like it, but it turned out to be an outstanding book. Written in a style similar to the Magyk series, this is the story of yet another boy thrown into another world he knows nothing about who must save the world from destruction. However, there are some interesting twists that make this book different. Simon (nickname Smudge) is an orphan who has no memory of growing up. Evil forces are working to control the basic elements of the earth, and he is given part of the key to unlock the way to free the elements. He has no information on how to get there or what to do. The character development is great, including a very atypical grandpa, his friend Gill, and a very bratty Tessa who becomes a good friend. The story line is well done and keeps the reader's interest, although it took my a little while to get into the story. It is a classic tale of good vs. evil where good triumphs, but the stage is clearly set for the battle to continue--arggh--another series that is going to drive me crazy!
September 8, 2009
I must say, I was super excited to happen by a Canadian author here on goodreads. And not just any Canadian kind of author, but a writer of fantastical fiction to top it off!
I Absolutely LOVED this book! It was an original and altogether fascinating tale. I am completely enthralled by Claudia's genuine characters. Stories like Smudge's Mark remind me just why I can't get my head out of the children's section of a bookstore. I highly recommend it!
I Absolutely LOVED this book! It was an original and altogether fascinating tale. I am completely enthralled by Claudia's genuine characters. Stories like Smudge's Mark remind me just why I can't get my head out of the children's section of a bookstore. I highly recommend it!
December 30, 2009
It took me a little while to get through this book because of my school schedule, but I really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series. It held my interest, which is difficult to do when I am not able to read it quickly. The main characters were interesting and developed. The plot was easy to follow while quite detailed. All in all, I really enjoyed the book.
Anyone who enjoys the Series of Unfortunate events or other young adult fantasy will enjoy this book.
Anyone who enjoys the Series of Unfortunate events or other young adult fantasy will enjoy this book.
December 5, 2012
I ABSOLUTLY LOVE THIS BOOK!
I was sad when I was finished the book because I wanted MORE!!!!!
I love Simons charater and how he is brave but also a wimp~.
An awsome story for people who love adventures and a hint of backstabbing~
I hope to read more soon~
I NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENDS!!!!!
I was sad when I was finished the book because I wanted MORE!!!!!
I love Simons charater and how he is brave but also a wimp~.
An awsome story for people who love adventures and a hint of backstabbing~
I hope to read more soon~
I NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENDS!!!!!
February 24, 2014
Well, I honesty thought, 'not another teen book,they're so shallow or angsty!' but darn, this was a great book. I won't even describe it as I would do the story harm, you just gotta read it. It'll be worth it.
July 9, 2012
This one was hard to get into at first, but then surprisingly caught hold of me. Overall, the plot was nice and simple and I started to enjoy the characters, from Simon himself to his grandfather and the housekeeper. Definitely a surprising book all around. :)
December 16, 2014
Smudges Mark is great and interesting. I would read this book more then once. I love how he made different characters turn into people that you would never expect to happen. This author is great and I hope she makes a book two.
Want to read
March 2, 2010A First Reads win! Can't wait to read it.
December 11, 2013
I really liked Smudge's Mark because it was adventurist and it had a lot of action. I liked Smudge's character because he didn't give up he just kept trying.
May 24, 2012
I really liked this book. I wish there was a second one.
November 24, 2011
Absolutely love this story, from orphan to hero - always a good read, with lots of hope and desire
January 3, 2015
This is one of those "orphan-who's-not-really-an-orphan-but-has-a-HIGHER PURPOSE" books. You know right away that there's something wrong with Simon, since his grandfather's nuts, the housekeeper's an incredibly ugly tyrant and he can't remember anything earlier than seven months before. On his birthday he's given a "twencil" (a twig/pencil) that enables him to do some interesting things with his drawings; and, of course, when he's sent away to a hellish orphanage, you just know that he'll somehow find his true identity, save the girl/world and generally battle evil and Do Good.
The characters really were stock characters: the missing/unknown brother, the timid Edmund Pevensie-like friend, the dual roles of the school's head and the grandfather, etc.. The plot was equally stock, with nothing there that didn't feel slightly recycled.
The ending hints at this being a series, because that's the way these types of books are being written these days. It's not enough to write a good work of fantasy, you've got to write a series. In my opinion, with some judicious editing, this could have been a good stand-alone book (some of the passages just go on too long, and there are times I thought "enough, get to the point"; cutting those and wrapping up the action in one volume would have made this unique).
ARC provided by publisher.
The characters really were stock characters: the missing/unknown brother, the timid Edmund Pevensie-like friend, the dual roles of the school's head and the grandfather, etc.. The plot was equally stock, with nothing there that didn't feel slightly recycled.
The ending hints at this being a series, because that's the way these types of books are being written these days. It's not enough to write a good work of fantasy, you've got to write a series. In my opinion, with some judicious editing, this could have been a good stand-alone book (some of the passages just go on too long, and there are times I thought "enough, get to the point"; cutting those and wrapping up the action in one volume would have made this unique).
ARC provided by publisher.
September 5, 2009
Okay, so I gave it 5 stars in honor of what I learned:
1) Writing a book is no party at the beach. Unless, of course, you're attacked by sharks, step on a jellyfish, get a sunburn, and fall into the bonfire.
2) Editors are the ones who tell you that the waters are safe and to dive right in; tell you that no, silly, that only LOOKS dangerous, feel it with your toes - it's squishy; make the wooden lounge chair with slats for a seat look inviting and assure you that you're not the kind of person who has to worry about protecting yourself with sunblock; and convince you that you could totally clear that fire if you just take a good running start and picture a perfect landing.
3) Editors are also the ones who, when you buy into their confidence in you and take their advice, are there for you with all the surgery, anti-biotics, aloe vera, and polysporin you need to fully recover. You then believe they have been sent to you by God himself. (Which, by the way, they have been)
4) Readers make the whole terrifying, nerve-wracking, painful, yet oh so strangely satisfying experience totally worthwhile.
5) I'm so ready to repeat the above. Many times.
1) Writing a book is no party at the beach. Unless, of course, you're attacked by sharks, step on a jellyfish, get a sunburn, and fall into the bonfire.
2) Editors are the ones who tell you that the waters are safe and to dive right in; tell you that no, silly, that only LOOKS dangerous, feel it with your toes - it's squishy; make the wooden lounge chair with slats for a seat look inviting and assure you that you're not the kind of person who has to worry about protecting yourself with sunblock; and convince you that you could totally clear that fire if you just take a good running start and picture a perfect landing.
3) Editors are also the ones who, when you buy into their confidence in you and take their advice, are there for you with all the surgery, anti-biotics, aloe vera, and polysporin you need to fully recover. You then believe they have been sent to you by God himself. (Which, by the way, they have been)
4) Readers make the whole terrifying, nerve-wracking, painful, yet oh so strangely satisfying experience totally worthwhile.
5) I'm so ready to repeat the above. Many times.
February 3, 2023
.More reviews like this one on my blog Snapdragon Alcove
I don’t know how to describe Smudge’s Mark. At first it seems like a dark and spooky mystery, then shifting into the fantasy genre. Don’t worry the fantasy element is introduces early on. The story does start out creepy as well.
The plot starts out slow, later picking up one all the characters are established. This is the typical which is quickly. There is a fantasy quest with a few twist to it.
I like the relationship between all the characters and the sarcastic humor. The world build is basic, not must is said about Emogen. Another thing I don’t understand is why was Maximilien at the school and how did he end up talking to Smudge through the mirror.
The story ending is wrap up. There are hints that there could be a squeal.
This is a strange story that needs a chance to be known. I hope there a book two.
I don’t know how to describe Smudge’s Mark. At first it seems like a dark and spooky mystery, then shifting into the fantasy genre. Don’t worry the fantasy element is introduces early on. The story does start out creepy as well.
The plot starts out slow, later picking up one all the characters are established. This is the typical which is quickly. There is a fantasy quest with a few twist to it.
I like the relationship between all the characters and the sarcastic humor. The world build is basic, not must is said about Emogen. Another thing I don’t understand is why was Maximilien at the school and how did he end up talking to Smudge through the mirror.
The story ending is wrap up. There are hints that there could be a squeal.
This is a strange story that needs a chance to be known. I hope there a book two.
February 7, 2010
Simon has a problem with his memory, and according to his grandpa it is because he was in a terrible accident. One day while his grandpa was at work, Griselda sent Simon off to a school for orphans. There he meets and befriends Gil and leads his new friend into trouble and another dimension where they have to battle evil and save the world.
Smudge's Mark started off kind of slow and kind of weird. I felt that there was so much going on that it was just a mish mash of people and things, which caused me to dislike the book at first. Eventually things picked up and came together to make more sense. I really got into the story about midway through and was glad I stuck with reading it. With the way it ended it seems like this might be part of a series which would be great because I would love to get to know some of the characters better.
Smudge's Mark started off kind of slow and kind of weird. I felt that there was so much going on that it was just a mish mash of people and things, which caused me to dislike the book at first. Eventually things picked up and came together to make more sense. I really got into the story about midway through and was glad I stuck with reading it. With the way it ended it seems like this might be part of a series which would be great because I would love to get to know some of the characters better.
March 18, 2010
This is almost a 3--Osmond writes plots that unfold like a fever dream, and that's a good thing. Reasoning is not necessary here, it's just a scrim to keep the images rolling and each action bumpily bleeding into the next. The worlds in the book have rough scrapey edges and it's satisfying.
However...
I would have liked to see this be a one-volume, self-contained story. It almost gets there. The characters themselves are a little one-note. So it was just okay.
However...
I would have liked to see this be a one-volume, self-contained story. It almost gets there. The characters themselves are a little one-note. So it was just okay.
July 19, 2011
I will definitely not be interested in reading the sequel that the end of the book suggests is coming. Too many characters in Emogen to keep up with. I also could not stand Grandpa's accent. I get that he talks differently, but reading his speech slowed me down got to be rather annoying.
A lot of the lead-ins like the part where Smudge and Tessa go to face the Stone Dragon. It just seemed like something was missing and we jumped right into it.
A lot of the lead-ins like the part where Smudge and Tessa go to face the Stone Dragon. It just seemed like something was missing and we jumped right into it.
October 26, 2011
Good for: Younger readers who’ve run out of other stuff to read. Otherwise, it’s been done … Continue reading →
Want to read
May 29, 2010galley from BEA
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews