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The Mark #2
The Vision
Cassie Renfield knows the mark tells her when someone is going to die and that she can intervene and attempt to change fate. But she still doesn't understand the consequences, especially whether saving one life dooms another. With no family left to offer guidance, Cassie goes in search of others like her. But when she meets Demetria, a troubled girl who seems to have the power of the Fates, Cassie finds the truth isn't at all what she expected. And then there's her heady new romance with bad boy Zander. Dating him has much graver repercussions than Cassie could ever have imagined, forcing her to make choices that cut to the essence of who she is and what she believes. Jen Nadol offers readers a romance with big stakes and an ethical dilemma with no easy answers in this riveting sequel to The Mark . Paranormal fans who love the psychological thrill of Lisa McMann's bestselling Wake trilogy will flock to this series.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2011
8 people are currently reading
1435 people want to read
About the author
Jen Nadol
3 books198 followersJen Nadol grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania and graduated from American University with a BA in literature. She's lived in Washington DC, Boston, NYC and now, an old farmhouse north of the city with her three sons. When she's not writing, she's probably tending to the farmhouse or the sons, reading, cooking, skiing, or sleeping.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 25, 2011
This book is the sequel to her first book which was called "The Mark". And I must admit that I actually liked "The Mark" better than I liked this one. This one left me confused. I guess maybe with book three coming out next year, it would probably help me understand it more.
Cassie has this special ability to see glowing mark around someone who is on their last day on earth. In other words, she can tell when someone is going to die. And she was hoping to find others like hers. But you'll never know what you'll find when you're searching for something you're not so sure of.
While making new friends and having an odd job, she gets the attention of the hottest boy in school. He wants to be with her and basically he's claimed her. But he has his own reasons behind wanting to be with her. And soon, Cassie discovers exactly what she's looking for. But the question is, she really ready to face that what she believes in is not exactly other people's beliefs? Because although she finds Zander, (her new boyfriend) she finds something very important about him that she can't comes to terms with. Zander isn't who she thinks he is. He's her complete opposite. I personally didn't like Zander. So what do you do when two people are complete opposites?
I really like Jen, Damaris and I met her at a book signing. And I swear she is the sweetest person ever. She took tons of pics and chatted with us until they basically had to close the bookstore on us. She's a blast. When I read her first book, I was hooked. I really liked the revelation of how Cassie finds out what exactly the mark means and how she handles it. But with this book I can't say I enjoyed as much as the first. Maybe because I kind of had the same expectations from her last book. But she took this one a different route. I will continue to finish the series because I have to know how it finishes. And as much as I really like Jen and I loved The Mark, I have to give this book a 3.5 stars. However, if you've already read "The Mark" then you should read this one because you get a learn more about the history of how the mark came about.
Cassie has this special ability to see glowing mark around someone who is on their last day on earth. In other words, she can tell when someone is going to die. And she was hoping to find others like hers. But you'll never know what you'll find when you're searching for something you're not so sure of.
While making new friends and having an odd job, she gets the attention of the hottest boy in school. He wants to be with her and basically he's claimed her. But he has his own reasons behind wanting to be with her. And soon, Cassie discovers exactly what she's looking for. But the question is, she really ready to face that what she believes in is not exactly other people's beliefs? Because although she finds Zander, (her new boyfriend) she finds something very important about him that she can't comes to terms with. Zander isn't who she thinks he is. He's her complete opposite. I personally didn't like Zander. So what do you do when two people are complete opposites?
I really like Jen, Damaris and I met her at a book signing. And I swear she is the sweetest person ever. She took tons of pics and chatted with us until they basically had to close the bookstore on us. She's a blast. When I read her first book, I was hooked. I really liked the revelation of how Cassie finds out what exactly the mark means and how she handles it. But with this book I can't say I enjoyed as much as the first. Maybe because I kind of had the same expectations from her last book. But she took this one a different route. I will continue to finish the series because I have to know how it finishes. And as much as I really like Jen and I loved The Mark, I have to give this book a 3.5 stars. However, if you've already read "The Mark" then you should read this one because you get a learn more about the history of how the mark came about.
October 9, 2016
WHAT WHAT WHAT WHAT....just happened?
December 1, 2011
My Thoughts: It has been quite a while since I read The Mark, the first book in the series. I believe I read it in February 2010, almost 2 years ago. And, I remember that I loved it. So when I heard the next book in the series was coming out, I was pumped.
We are back with Cassie who has realized she has abilities and can see a glow around someone when they are about to die. She calls it the mark. Cassie can still see the mark and is constantly in an argument with herself. Should she tell the person or should she keep it to herself? If she tells them and change things, than another person will die in their place. One life for another. Its a slippery slope on who to save and who to let go.
Cassie has came to a new town and is staying with a friend. She meets a few new guys. The first guy is Ryan. Ryan works at the funeral home with her. He really adores her and seems like he's in it for the right reasons.
The other guy is Zander. Zander also has something very special about him. She discovers through him that they both have a big role dealing with the fates and being a descendant of the Fates and she has a much bigger role than she thought. With Zandar's help she finds out more and more about why she can see the Mark and what is behind his secret ability. They make quite the pair, even though she tries to fight it.
Than we are introduced to her new best friend Liv. Liv was very outspoken and had a mind of her own. She really does care about Cassie and tries to be there for her when things get rough.
My favorite parts are when she finds out Zander's back story and when she gets caught lurking by Ryan. Very funny moments.
I really liked all the characters and the plot was interesting.
I'm excited to read the third book in the series and see where things head. It could get very interesting.
Overall: The Vision is a good second book but it still falls a little bit underneath The Mark. It was easy to read, and interesting enough to keep reading but I don't believe it was as good as the Mark. I did enjoy it a lot.
Cover: It's ok but I don't like it near as much as the cover for The Mark. Not sure why it's so different really.
What I'd Give It: 4/5 Cupcakes
_____
Review Based On Hardcover Edition
Taken From Princess Bookie
www.princessbookie.com
We are back with Cassie who has realized she has abilities and can see a glow around someone when they are about to die. She calls it the mark. Cassie can still see the mark and is constantly in an argument with herself. Should she tell the person or should she keep it to herself? If she tells them and change things, than another person will die in their place. One life for another. Its a slippery slope on who to save and who to let go.
Cassie has came to a new town and is staying with a friend. She meets a few new guys. The first guy is Ryan. Ryan works at the funeral home with her. He really adores her and seems like he's in it for the right reasons.
The other guy is Zander. Zander also has something very special about him. She discovers through him that they both have a big role dealing with the fates and being a descendant of the Fates and she has a much bigger role than she thought. With Zandar's help she finds out more and more about why she can see the Mark and what is behind his secret ability. They make quite the pair, even though she tries to fight it.
Than we are introduced to her new best friend Liv. Liv was very outspoken and had a mind of her own. She really does care about Cassie and tries to be there for her when things get rough.
My favorite parts are when she finds out Zander's back story and when she gets caught lurking by Ryan. Very funny moments.
I really liked all the characters and the plot was interesting.
I'm excited to read the third book in the series and see where things head. It could get very interesting.
Overall: The Vision is a good second book but it still falls a little bit underneath The Mark. It was easy to read, and interesting enough to keep reading but I don't believe it was as good as the Mark. I did enjoy it a lot.
Cover: It's ok but I don't like it near as much as the cover for The Mark. Not sure why it's so different really.
What I'd Give It: 4/5 Cupcakes
_____
Review Based On Hardcover Edition
Taken From Princess Bookie
www.princessbookie.com
September 28, 2011
The Vision starts off a couple of months after The Mark leaves off. Cassie has spent some time with Jack (the boy she came home to last book), but when she realizes that she can't trust him with her secret, she decides to leave and search for answers. In her new town she meets Zander, and they enter into a whirlwind relationship. But things get complicated when Cassie finds out that Zander has secrets of his own. Then she has to decide what she believes, and if she has what it takes to follow through.
I liked The Mark quite a bit, and I was looking forward to the next chapter of Cassie's life. I have to say, I didn't care for The Vision as much as The Mark. I thought that The Mark seemed really original and fresh, but that The Vision felt like any other paranormal romance. I felt like it was lacking the deeper philosophy which made the first book so interesting. That being said, I did still enjoy it. There was a mystery to this book that was fun to discover, and a lot more focus and explanation of the Greek Mythology behind Cassie's abilities.
Zander was a great new character, one of those you don't know how you feel about until the end. Their romance was fast and furious, but also strange and unsettling. I didn't care for the way that Cassie seemed to lose herself when she was around Zander, constantly making excuses for his behavior. I felt like she was so unsure of herself, and I just wanted her to find confidence. I also felt like we got jipped out of her relationship with Jack. The whole last book, I wanted her to find her way back to Jack, and when she finally did, the book ended. This time, when the story picked back up, she had already had her relationship with him, and was moving on. But, hey....there's always book 3, right?
Overall, I thought that this book was good, but not as good as the first. If you enjoyed the first one in the series, you'll probably want to pick this one up too, though. One of the good things about these books is that they both have their own story arc, and could easily be stand-alones. If you're a fan of Greek Mythology, Philosophy, or Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers Series, you might like these books!
Andye
I liked The Mark quite a bit, and I was looking forward to the next chapter of Cassie's life. I have to say, I didn't care for The Vision as much as The Mark. I thought that The Mark seemed really original and fresh, but that The Vision felt like any other paranormal romance. I felt like it was lacking the deeper philosophy which made the first book so interesting. That being said, I did still enjoy it. There was a mystery to this book that was fun to discover, and a lot more focus and explanation of the Greek Mythology behind Cassie's abilities.
Zander was a great new character, one of those you don't know how you feel about until the end. Their romance was fast and furious, but also strange and unsettling. I didn't care for the way that Cassie seemed to lose herself when she was around Zander, constantly making excuses for his behavior. I felt like she was so unsure of herself, and I just wanted her to find confidence. I also felt like we got jipped out of her relationship with Jack. The whole last book, I wanted her to find her way back to Jack, and when she finally did, the book ended. This time, when the story picked back up, she had already had her relationship with him, and was moving on. But, hey....there's always book 3, right?
Overall, I thought that this book was good, but not as good as the first. If you enjoyed the first one in the series, you'll probably want to pick this one up too, though. One of the good things about these books is that they both have their own story arc, and could easily be stand-alones. If you're a fan of Greek Mythology, Philosophy, or Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers Series, you might like these books!
Andye
April 30, 2013
Today's review is on The Vision by Jen Nadol
The Vision is the second installment in Nadol's The Mark series, and though I enjoyed it, there were some times where I was a bit lost. It was as if there was something missing, some explanation of why, who, and how come.
Cassie Renfield is able to tell when someones last day of life will be. That person(s) has a glow around them that Cassie calls "the mark", but she has no idea what to do about it. does she warn the person(s) or does she let nature take its course? After her grandmother dies; in book one, she finds that she's a descendant of the Fates, and with that comes her ability.
Wanting to find someone like her, Cassie leaves everything behind; including her boyfriend, and moves to a more populated area. She begins working at a local mortuary/funeral home to try to learn more about death and enrolls in high school.
Trying to stay under the radar, Cassie begins to feel increasingly lonely until she meets Liv and two of her friends. She even catches the eye of the most handsome boy in school, Zander.
The attraction to Zander is unbelievable, and when he touches her she feels it all the way down to her toes. Zander is the yin to her yang. She sees the mark while he guides the soul. Their abilities are meant to work together but Cassie begins to question why, and how he can be so cold about the whole thing.
The Vision left me with a lot of unanswered questions. Does Ryan get over Cassie? What happens to Petra if Cassie goes back home? What about Nick and Demetria? More importantly, what is Death, (Zander) going to do next? Does he actually care about her or does he only want her so that he can do his "job"?
I don't think that The Vision is anything special, but I do like the fact that it's something different, and that is why I will keep reading the series. I just don't expect greatness.
3 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
The Vision is the second installment in Nadol's The Mark series, and though I enjoyed it, there were some times where I was a bit lost. It was as if there was something missing, some explanation of why, who, and how come.
Cassie Renfield is able to tell when someones last day of life will be. That person(s) has a glow around them that Cassie calls "the mark", but she has no idea what to do about it. does she warn the person(s) or does she let nature take its course? After her grandmother dies; in book one, she finds that she's a descendant of the Fates, and with that comes her ability.
Wanting to find someone like her, Cassie leaves everything behind; including her boyfriend, and moves to a more populated area. She begins working at a local mortuary/funeral home to try to learn more about death and enrolls in high school.
Trying to stay under the radar, Cassie begins to feel increasingly lonely until she meets Liv and two of her friends. She even catches the eye of the most handsome boy in school, Zander.
The attraction to Zander is unbelievable, and when he touches her she feels it all the way down to her toes. Zander is the yin to her yang. She sees the mark while he guides the soul. Their abilities are meant to work together but Cassie begins to question why, and how he can be so cold about the whole thing.
The Vision left me with a lot of unanswered questions. Does Ryan get over Cassie? What happens to Petra if Cassie goes back home? What about Nick and Demetria? More importantly, what is Death, (Zander) going to do next? Does he actually care about her or does he only want her so that he can do his "job"?
I don't think that The Vision is anything special, but I do like the fact that it's something different, and that is why I will keep reading the series. I just don't expect greatness.
3 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
September 25, 2011
So I'm about halfway through this book when Damaris at GCR tells me, "You know that that's the 2nd book in a series, right? Have you read The Mark?" Of course, because I'm me, I didn't have a clue that this was even part of a series!
My cluelessness aside, I think that Jen Nadol did a great job of making sure that you didn't even need to read the first book to enjoy The Vision. In fact, this book was so good that I plan on going back and reading The Mark, especially because I would love to read more about Cassie as she first learned of her gift/curse.
What you do learn in this book (for all those who are unfamiliar with the story) is that Cassie has the power to see a mark on a person's forehead - 24 hours before they die. She knows that she can stop that person from dying, but she also believes that if she saves one person from death, she condemns another. So how do you choose? How can you possibly walk by a person knowing that they're going to die and not be able to say anything?
On the other side of the story, Cassie is also juggling multiple men in her life and her heart. There's Jack - a character we barely see in this novel - who we know that Cassie is deeply in love with. He lives in an entirely different town. Then there is Ryan - he works at the same funeral parlor that Cassie does, and she doesn't seem to notice how much he's in love with her. Finally, there is Zander - the hot guy that Cassie is warned off against from the very beginning, but who she can't seem to stay away from. Zander actually turns out to be more than Cassie bargained for, and in the end, I'm not sure I even like him anymore.
I definitely recommend this book to everyone out there - even if you haven't read The Mark. My only complaint is that I wish Cassie had seen the mark more times throughout this book.
4 out of 5 stars
Maria @ GoodChoiceReading.com
My cluelessness aside, I think that Jen Nadol did a great job of making sure that you didn't even need to read the first book to enjoy The Vision. In fact, this book was so good that I plan on going back and reading The Mark, especially because I would love to read more about Cassie as she first learned of her gift/curse.
What you do learn in this book (for all those who are unfamiliar with the story) is that Cassie has the power to see a mark on a person's forehead - 24 hours before they die. She knows that she can stop that person from dying, but she also believes that if she saves one person from death, she condemns another. So how do you choose? How can you possibly walk by a person knowing that they're going to die and not be able to say anything?
On the other side of the story, Cassie is also juggling multiple men in her life and her heart. There's Jack - a character we barely see in this novel - who we know that Cassie is deeply in love with. He lives in an entirely different town. Then there is Ryan - he works at the same funeral parlor that Cassie does, and she doesn't seem to notice how much he's in love with her. Finally, there is Zander - the hot guy that Cassie is warned off against from the very beginning, but who she can't seem to stay away from. Zander actually turns out to be more than Cassie bargained for, and in the end, I'm not sure I even like him anymore.
I definitely recommend this book to everyone out there - even if you haven't read The Mark. My only complaint is that I wish Cassie had seen the mark more times throughout this book.
4 out of 5 stars
Maria @ GoodChoiceReading.com
March 6, 2012
After finishing this one, I spent some time trying to work out my thoughts on it. I was not too fond of the first half of the book; I felt lost, like I didn't quite know what was going on. (I even re-read parts of the Mark just to prevent this from happening.)
I came to a conclusion: I don't like Cassie.
The supporting cast was great, they worked out beautifully and made sense in the scheme of things. What didn't was Cassie. Because you see, Cassie has a gift she can see when a person has 24 hours left to live. But Cassie does not like this gift.
Enter Zander. Zander, the bad boy, the Greek, the one she is attracted to. From him she learns more about her gift, but that doesn't mean she has to like it.
Okay. So, I get that. I get that she doesn't have to like her gift. I understand her frustration, I really do. She now has this knowledge about how she is to fully utilize her gift but doesn't want to. She wanted to know about it, but now that she does she is pissed. So confusing!
With that said, I really enjoyed the last half of the book. I especially liked the philosophical and religious debates over death, reincarnation, the afterlife, etc. And of course the Greek Mythology <3
I am curious if there will be a follow up, or if the series is finished. Either way, I'd be happy, and looking forward to the 3rd! But ugh I wish I could make Cassie do what she needs to do, and not what she wants to do. Make her stop running and face her destiny! But on the other hand, I guess that is the crux-she is a seventeen year old girl with the weight of life or death on her shoulders. How would you handle it?
I came to a conclusion: I don't like Cassie.
The supporting cast was great, they worked out beautifully and made sense in the scheme of things. What didn't was Cassie. Because you see, Cassie has a gift she can see when a person has 24 hours left to live. But Cassie does not like this gift.
Enter Zander. Zander, the bad boy, the Greek, the one she is attracted to. From him she learns more about her gift, but that doesn't mean she has to like it.
Okay. So, I get that. I get that she doesn't have to like her gift. I understand her frustration, I really do. She now has this knowledge about how she is to fully utilize her gift but doesn't want to. She wanted to know about it, but now that she does she is pissed. So confusing!
With that said, I really enjoyed the last half of the book. I especially liked the philosophical and religious debates over death, reincarnation, the afterlife, etc. And of course the Greek Mythology <3
I am curious if there will be a follow up, or if the series is finished. Either way, I'd be happy, and looking forward to the 3rd! But ugh I wish I could make Cassie do what she needs to do, and not what she wants to do. Make her stop running and face her destiny! But on the other hand, I guess that is the crux-she is a seventeen year old girl with the weight of life or death on her shoulders. How would you handle it?
May 11, 2012
For me this was a 4.5 star read. It did take me a little while to get back into Cassandras story (maybe because I read the first book over two years ago :P) But once I was in, I was hooked. Ms Nadol writes a story where you're torn between which guy you want her to be with intense scary Zander, a good friend that could be more Ryan or the loveavle, childhood best friend Jack. I loved how at the beginning of this book she was lost and by the end she had found her self (a corny thing to say, but true non-the-less). I havent read many books on Greek mythology including Fates and the Angel of Death and I loved the idea of her having the power to decide whether to warn someone they only had 24 hours to live and if they remained safe, they could possibly avoid it. The sad twist is that someone else will take their place - perhaps someone less deserving of death. At first Zander seemed so yummy to me, but as the book progressed I found him to be closed off, nasty and controlling. Cass acted all love struck for a good 100 pages of this book, which was annoying to read. She kept telling us that she loved Jack, but the pull to Zander was too strong. I hope we find out what becomes to the pregnant mental patient who tried to kill herself. I just want to go off track here and say that who ever decided to re-design the cover from how the first book was... You should be ashamed of yourself. Its hideous!!! I am eargerly awaiting book 3 and definately wont leave it sitting on the shelf collecting dust like I did to this sequel. A great read - keep up the good work Ms Nadol. I like your stuff :)
February 8, 2013
Wow. Read this in around 2 and a half hours. Loved it.
I really like the main character. She has her flaws and she has her strengths, all of which are very typical and yet unique in today's society. Although she's gone through multiple boyfriends, most of which seemed to be the wrong guy for her, I liked the way those relationships added to her finding herself and her beliefs. They also contributed in telling the story and ideas a bit better.
Misunderstandings and little puns here and there really helped lighten up the atmosphere. That made this book a combination of intense, deep, though-provoking, moving, weird, funny as heck, humorous, disgusting, shocking, and so much more all in the span of 200 pages. Wonderful use of atmosphere.
The ending was one of the most satisfying endings I have ever read in a long time. It was an ending that made me smile and think "aaaaw". Ending comments:
A few weaker points were the really limited information and depth on the Greek stuff. Would've been more interesting to read more about that. There was also a huge time jump between the first book and this one, explained in a few paragraphs, but I think it was explained adequately. Wonderful job overall!
I really like the main character. She has her flaws and she has her strengths, all of which are very typical and yet unique in today's society. Although she's gone through multiple boyfriends, most of which seemed to be the wrong guy for her, I liked the way those relationships added to her finding herself and her beliefs. They also contributed in telling the story and ideas a bit better.
Misunderstandings and little puns here and there really helped lighten up the atmosphere. That made this book a combination of intense, deep, though-provoking, moving, weird, funny as heck, humorous, disgusting, shocking, and so much more all in the span of 200 pages. Wonderful use of atmosphere.
The ending was one of the most satisfying endings I have ever read in a long time. It was an ending that made me smile and think "aaaaw". Ending comments:
A few weaker points were the really limited information and depth on the Greek stuff. Would've been more interesting to read more about that. There was also a huge time jump between the first book and this one, explained in a few paragraphs, but I think it was explained adequately. Wonderful job overall!
January 1, 2016
I wish I remembered The Mark better than I do, because I think I’d have enjoyed The Vision more if I had. And, honestly, I feel kinda bad for not having liked it as much as I wanted to. Jen Nadol is such a sweetheart and someone who’s given me a couple of guest posts. I almost feel like I’m letting her down by not being blown away. I really do think that the biggest problem is that it’s been too long – and too many other books – since I read The Mark.
I found Cassie annoying this time around. Her strange attraction – or whatever it was/is – to Zander was just weird. I didn’t get it – especially since she didn’t seem to really want to be with him. I don’t know how to explain that without ruining the book, so that’ll have to suffice. I will say, however, that she does grow a bit and – as she says herself – “find herself” through the course of the events in this novel. Growth is good. Very good. She still appears to struggle with her ability, but also seems to be coming to terms with that.
I was disappointed by what happened with the Demetria plot line, and felt like that could have been so much more. Even if it still turned out the way it did, I think it could have been used more to enrich the plot.
One small complaint is that I want to know what – if anything – happens with Jack. I felt like one or two more chapters would have been enough to close that door. I know there’s one more book coming, The Touch, and am holding out hope that it’ll have those answers.
I found Cassie annoying this time around. Her strange attraction – or whatever it was/is – to Zander was just weird. I didn’t get it – especially since she didn’t seem to really want to be with him. I don’t know how to explain that without ruining the book, so that’ll have to suffice. I will say, however, that she does grow a bit and – as she says herself – “find herself” through the course of the events in this novel. Growth is good. Very good. She still appears to struggle with her ability, but also seems to be coming to terms with that.
I was disappointed by what happened with the Demetria plot line, and felt like that could have been so much more. Even if it still turned out the way it did, I think it could have been used more to enrich the plot.
One small complaint is that I want to know what – if anything – happens with Jack. I felt like one or two more chapters would have been enough to close that door. I know there’s one more book coming, The Touch, and am holding out hope that it’ll have those answers.
September 21, 2011
I tried really hard to like this book because the first in the series, The Mark, was super, fresh, and unique. The Vision just paled in comparison to it. It took me a long time to finish reading it because I would keep sitting it down and picking others up thinking I was just not in the right frame of mind for this particular type of read but sadly my feelings never changed until the ending. The last couple of chapters were the best in the entire book.
The first problem I encountered was I felt cheated out of Cassie's relationship with Jack. As the story begins she has already had it and broken up with him to move away to Bellevue because she doesn't trust him enough to tell him about her secret but then she winds up falling for a new guy, Zander, who has deadly secrets of his own. Although creepy and a user I really enjoyed the introduction of Zander and hope to see him in a future book.
Another thing for me it was just to slow moving and got to bogged down with the retelling of The Mark and all the religious traditions and customs. While tidbits of it were interesting I just didn't understand the point in it all as it didn't help Cassie at all with her questions?
If you've not read The Mark I say read it it's really good but The Vision can certainly be read as a stand alone book. It's not "that" bad of a story at all it's just after having read The Mark I guess my expectations were really high for the second book.
November 11, 2011
This book wasn't bad, per se. Predictable, kind of. Angsty, yes. But there was enough going for it I was annoyed every time I had to put it down.
One of my favorite books is Putting Makeup on Dead People which made me view funeral preparation in a whole new light, and the way the Nadol dealt with it was just very offhand in comparison which honestly bothered me. I feel like she really doesn't go into depth about anything in this book except for Cassie's guilt and confusion, which was kind of unsatisfying.
This also meant essentially 5 people had decent characterization: Cassie, Zander, Jack, Petra, and Liv, but she's even a stretch.
Nadol once again created a male character who I really didn't enjoy very much-Zander is everything I avoid in a person. And Jack, being slightly more present in this book, actually developed very nicely. I was glad that he didn't just let Cassie walk all over him-that was kind of the vibe I had gotten from him in The Mark.
The philosophical dilemma on Cassie continues in this sequel, but without the rationality of philosophy theories being brought up, so sometimes it honestly came off as kind of whiny and repetitive. And Zander just made it worse, because we got caught up in his mythology, and not necessarily learned anything new about Cassie.
The ending is actually pretty cute, and open enough for another sequel but final enough for this to be the end of the series. Let's see where it goes!
One of my favorite books is Putting Makeup on Dead People which made me view funeral preparation in a whole new light, and the way the Nadol dealt with it was just very offhand in comparison which honestly bothered me. I feel like she really doesn't go into depth about anything in this book except for Cassie's guilt and confusion, which was kind of unsatisfying.
This also meant essentially 5 people had decent characterization: Cassie, Zander, Jack, Petra, and Liv, but she's even a stretch.
Nadol once again created a male character who I really didn't enjoy very much-Zander is everything I avoid in a person. And Jack, being slightly more present in this book, actually developed very nicely. I was glad that he didn't just let Cassie walk all over him-that was kind of the vibe I had gotten from him in The Mark.
The philosophical dilemma on Cassie continues in this sequel, but without the rationality of philosophy theories being brought up, so sometimes it honestly came off as kind of whiny and repetitive. And Zander just made it worse, because we got caught up in his mythology, and not necessarily learned anything new about Cassie.
The ending is actually pretty cute, and open enough for another sequel but final enough for this to be the end of the series. Let's see where it goes!
November 6, 2011
The Vision doesn’t quite leave off where The Mark ends, although you do get an explanation of the what and the why.
I was a little mad at Cass for leaving Ashville again. I understood why she wanted to, but at the same time it just felt like she was running away. She doesn’t have anyone to turn to concerning her gift and it’s wearing on her. If she’d just look around, there are a few people that I think she could confide in.
Cass has moved on from her infatuation with philosophy and settled with the fascination of death and religion. She even goes as far as getting a job at a funeral home. Which for a seventeen year old girl does seem a little bit morbid, but for Cass it just works.
We’re introduced to some new characters. Specifically the character of Zander. He’s dark, mysterious, handsome and a little bit more than Cass is expecting.
I don’t want to go into too much of what we discover this time around with Cass, just in case you haven’t read book one. I will tell you that she does discover a few more things about her gift. Not precisely her gift but more about what it could ultimately mean.
I think readers of the series will enjoy this installment, but I know that I was hoping for a little more. I have high hopes for book three!
And on a little side note: I LOVE JACK!
I was a little mad at Cass for leaving Ashville again. I understood why she wanted to, but at the same time it just felt like she was running away. She doesn’t have anyone to turn to concerning her gift and it’s wearing on her. If she’d just look around, there are a few people that I think she could confide in.
Cass has moved on from her infatuation with philosophy and settled with the fascination of death and religion. She even goes as far as getting a job at a funeral home. Which for a seventeen year old girl does seem a little bit morbid, but for Cass it just works.
We’re introduced to some new characters. Specifically the character of Zander. He’s dark, mysterious, handsome and a little bit more than Cass is expecting.
I don’t want to go into too much of what we discover this time around with Cass, just in case you haven’t read book one. I will tell you that she does discover a few more things about her gift. Not precisely her gift but more about what it could ultimately mean.
I think readers of the series will enjoy this installment, but I know that I was hoping for a little more. I have high hopes for book three!
And on a little side note: I LOVE JACK!
October 16, 2011
Cassie decides to move away from the home she shared with her Grandmother in order to learn more about her gift. Before she leaves she, and Jack break up and the break up gets explained throughout the book in flashbacks, but Cassie spends the whole book missing him. Even her new whirlwind romance with Zander doesn't completely erase the thoughts of Jack.
It isn't long before Cassie realizes that Zander not only has secrets of his own, but he knows more about her and her gift than she ever imagined. It never occurred to Cassie that although she may find people that know about her abilities that their views on the subject may not be something she agrees with. Cassie battles between her feelings for Zander vs. her feelings about what is right and wrong regarding her abilities and Zander's point of view throughout the book.
Overall, the book is good, but I found myself feeling a bit gipped in the Jack/Cassie relationship. I loved when they got together at the end of The Mark (not a spoiler), and then The Vision picks up after they've broken up and she left. Boo! The whole time I was reading The Vision I just kept hoping Cassie would find her way back to him, and realize that she CAN trust Jack with her secret.
If you liked The Mark you will like The Vision. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
It isn't long before Cassie realizes that Zander not only has secrets of his own, but he knows more about her and her gift than she ever imagined. It never occurred to Cassie that although she may find people that know about her abilities that their views on the subject may not be something she agrees with. Cassie battles between her feelings for Zander vs. her feelings about what is right and wrong regarding her abilities and Zander's point of view throughout the book.
Overall, the book is good, but I found myself feeling a bit gipped in the Jack/Cassie relationship. I loved when they got together at the end of The Mark (not a spoiler), and then The Vision picks up after they've broken up and she left. Boo! The whole time I was reading The Vision I just kept hoping Cassie would find her way back to him, and realize that she CAN trust Jack with her secret.
If you liked The Mark you will like The Vision. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
October 1, 2011
First Impression:
The Mark left off with a bit of a reveal about Cassie's past and why she is the way she is and it intrigued me greatly. When I heard there was a sequel coming out, I had to pick it up.
While Reading:
I was hoping for more depth into Cassie's past, but it definitely wasn't jumping out at the beginning of the novel. The book slides back into her normal day: going to school, trying to find another like her, etc. And, of course, another guy interest. Only this one is more obsessed than Lucas, but for different reasons. Poor Cassie cannot seem to win on the guy front. Zander is all bad boy and into her for some reason. She keeps seeing him hanging around a girl at this hospital who she thinks can see the mark like she does. It's fishy and it draws her closer to Zander.
I'm not going to ruin anything but let's just say it starts to wind into a dark path from here. Zander isn't the guy Cassie thought he was and she starts to question why he is really interested in her. She has to decide what path she wants to take in life and how to deal with seeing this mark and what it truly means.
Verdict:
I have to say this book started off just kinda so-so and as it went deeper I was drawn more into the story. Fans of the first one will probably dig into this one with no problem, but if you felt iffy about the first novel, you'll probably get the same feeling from this one.
The Mark left off with a bit of a reveal about Cassie's past and why she is the way she is and it intrigued me greatly. When I heard there was a sequel coming out, I had to pick it up.
While Reading:
I was hoping for more depth into Cassie's past, but it definitely wasn't jumping out at the beginning of the novel. The book slides back into her normal day: going to school, trying to find another like her, etc. And, of course, another guy interest. Only this one is more obsessed than Lucas, but for different reasons. Poor Cassie cannot seem to win on the guy front. Zander is all bad boy and into her for some reason. She keeps seeing him hanging around a girl at this hospital who she thinks can see the mark like she does. It's fishy and it draws her closer to Zander.
I'm not going to ruin anything but let's just say it starts to wind into a dark path from here. Zander isn't the guy Cassie thought he was and she starts to question why he is really interested in her. She has to decide what path she wants to take in life and how to deal with seeing this mark and what it truly means.
Verdict:
I have to say this book started off just kinda so-so and as it went deeper I was drawn more into the story. Fans of the first one will probably dig into this one with no problem, but if you felt iffy about the first novel, you'll probably get the same feeling from this one.
February 3, 2012
I am giving this book 3 stars because I am not sure if I liked it or not. I am still deciding :) This is a weird, interesting, kind of weird, dark subject but told in such a way that it feels like it's an everyday thing, and did I mention weird. That probably made no sense but this really is a weird book. The whole Greek mythology part of the story, I don't think, is talked about enough and so I felt it was almost a good story but the Greek element just wasn't talked about enough. It would be talked about and was just thrown into sections of the story. The religious discussions of the story were kind of meant to be deep or thought provoking but I didn't get what they had to do with Cassie's understanding death and why she thought that would help her. And the funeral home descriptions really weren't needed and were honestly just gross. There was a lot of things I felt had nothing to do with the story but I kept thinking that they were part of the story and then they didn't go anywhere or even matter to the story. This book has the makings of a really cool subject and story that is different than what I have been reading lately, but if didn't quite get there. I really liked the way it ended though and I do want to read the 3rd book to see where Cassie goes and what she ends up doing.
January 2, 2012
I loved the first in the series. And while I'm use to the sophomore book tending to me inferior to the first, I struggled with this one way more than I normally do.
My biggest problem was the amount of time this book spends in the funeral home. And, I really feel this might be a personal issue with me. I'm not overly fond of the idea of death. So reading about all her work in the funeral homes was just NOT for me. I do understand why she was doing it. And I enjoyed what she learned about the different beliefs on what happens when we die. And also the idea of changing your "destiny" is discussed in different contexts which I found fascinating.
I liked Cassie's interactions with the girl in the mental health hospital. While the other girl never says anything, I think it shows a lot about what Cassie is trying to learn. She's really trying to get a handle on what's the right thing to do. Which brings us to Zander. I enjoyed learning who he is and what he can do in relationship to what Cassie does. But, as a character, I intensely disliked him. I really wanted to Cassie to stay far away from him.
So, really mixed feelings about this book. I hate saying it was a let down, but I just didn't have the same feel as the first book.
My biggest problem was the amount of time this book spends in the funeral home. And, I really feel this might be a personal issue with me. I'm not overly fond of the idea of death. So reading about all her work in the funeral homes was just NOT for me. I do understand why she was doing it. And I enjoyed what she learned about the different beliefs on what happens when we die. And also the idea of changing your "destiny" is discussed in different contexts which I found fascinating.
I liked Cassie's interactions with the girl in the mental health hospital. While the other girl never says anything, I think it shows a lot about what Cassie is trying to learn. She's really trying to get a handle on what's the right thing to do. Which brings us to Zander. I enjoyed learning who he is and what he can do in relationship to what Cassie does. But, as a character, I intensely disliked him. I really wanted to Cassie to stay far away from him.
So, really mixed feelings about this book. I hate saying it was a let down, but I just didn't have the same feel as the first book.
September 21, 2011
3.5 out of 5 rating
I'm glad that I read The Vision right after reading The Mark, but at first there seemed to be some jumping around (Jack, the move to a diferent city..although it is explained later on in the book). Once again, I really liked Cassie's character. I loved how she was trying to figure out what the right thing to do really was, not just going off of the history of what she was told to do.
And there were some great secondary characters. I really liked Liv, her new best friend. I loved her personality and how she was sarcastic with Cassie, but completely there for her. And then you have the two new guys: Zander and Ryan. At first, I didn't get what Cassie's attractiong to him was, but that's explained too. I liked Ryan. He seemed so sweet and eager to please Cassie.
I do feel that its kind of weird that Petra would divulge patient info to Cassie but it did make it an interesting side story but I wish there was more of a conclusion with that patient.
This book had a teeny tiny cliffhanger, and I'm eager to see what's going to happen next in the third book in the series, The Touch.
I'm glad that I read The Vision right after reading The Mark, but at first there seemed to be some jumping around (Jack, the move to a diferent city..although it is explained later on in the book). Once again, I really liked Cassie's character. I loved how she was trying to figure out what the right thing to do really was, not just going off of the history of what she was told to do.
And there were some great secondary characters. I really liked Liv, her new best friend. I loved her personality and how she was sarcastic with Cassie, but completely there for her. And then you have the two new guys: Zander and Ryan. At first, I didn't get what Cassie's attractiong to him was, but that's explained too. I liked Ryan. He seemed so sweet and eager to please Cassie.
I do feel that its kind of weird that Petra would divulge patient info to Cassie but it did make it an interesting side story but I wish there was more of a conclusion with that patient.
This book had a teeny tiny cliffhanger, and I'm eager to see what's going to happen next in the third book in the series, The Touch.
October 26, 2011
The thing that set "The Mark" apart from the glut of paranormal fiction out there was the way it looked at Cassie's responsibility to those she knew were about to die. There was reasoned, intelligent, philosophical debate about whether or not she should tell the doomed about their impending demise. I loved it. I wasn't a fan of the twist at the end that turned a philosophical book into a mythological one, but still I had hope. Then came "The Vision." I'm not going to say the book was bad, because I'm sure it wasn't. But I don't feel it did a thing to further the series. Cassie has left home to learn more about her ability. I loved that she immersed herself in the study of the traditions that surround death, but it seemed that plot thread sort of fizzled. At the book's end, what has she learned? That reapers exist (hot, of course) and she's got one stalking her. But nothing more about what she does, or how to better handle it. And as for intelligent debate? Nothing but a lot of angsty-whining. Disappointing.
April 27, 2012
The Vision was a good sequel, it kind of reminded me of the first book of Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers series without all the screaming LOL. But really I thought it was good, Cassie's character grew a lot learning about how to deal with her power and how it actually works, how she is even supposed to make the decision to tell someone they are going to die that day. She realizes that when one door closes another opens...yes it's cliche but it's true...but also sometimes the door needs to remain shut and to go no futher.
What can I say about the other characters Jack, Zander, Demetria, Liv, not much except that I liked Liv, she's a really good friend to Cassie and Zander, well he's really arrogant and he and Cassie have a connection that I didn't expect. Jack is just not in the picture as much as I'd like and she doesn't learn really anything from Demetria. She learns more from her boss than anybody really. So I'm looking forward to reading the third book How to Touch a Dead Girl out some time 2013.
What can I say about the other characters Jack, Zander, Demetria, Liv, not much except that I liked Liv, she's a really good friend to Cassie and Zander, well he's really arrogant and he and Cassie have a connection that I didn't expect. Jack is just not in the picture as much as I'd like and she doesn't learn really anything from Demetria. She learns more from her boss than anybody really. So I'm looking forward to reading the third book How to Touch a Dead Girl out some time 2013.
August 26, 2012
4.5 stars for this book.
Is it possible to love the plot but be unsure about the characters? I felt that way with this book. First of all, Cassandra is never assertive enough. She let Lucas push her around in The Mark and the same thing happened in The Vision. The development of the characters was significantly better in this book. As for the whole who is worthy, who is not dilemma, I liked the way she discovered herself in this book. Though I still didn't like her running away from her doubts and problems, it was good to know she finally wakes up and asks the right questions - the ones she should have asked from the start. Overall, this book is intense in many parts and makes you really think about your current perception of faith and religion.
Is it possible to love the plot but be unsure about the characters? I felt that way with this book. First of all, Cassandra is never assertive enough. She let Lucas push her around in The Mark and the same thing happened in The Vision. The development of the characters was significantly better in this book. As for the whole who is worthy, who is not dilemma, I liked the way she discovered herself in this book. Though I still didn't like her running away from her doubts and problems, it was good to know she finally wakes up and asks the right questions - the ones she should have asked from the start. Overall, this book is intense in many parts and makes you really think about your current perception of faith and religion.
March 6, 2012
I liked The Mark when I originally read it (a year and a half ago?) It was a quick read that really made you think about the consequences of actions. I wasn't expecting a sequel at all, and was pleasantly surprised when I saw one pop up here on Goodreads. Books these days usually end in such a cliffhanger that there is obviously going to be a next book, and the wait is so long that you don't care anymore by the time it gets here. But I was never expecting another one to this series, so it was a nice surprise and picked back up perfectly.
That being said, I was going to give this book 4 stars until Zander the Abusive Jerk showed his true colors and Cassie STILL was attracted to him. I hate stupid protagonists. So... 3 stars.
I see there will be another one, which is awesome because this story is fun. But this didn't end in such a way that the wait for the next one will be that bad - it'll just be a continuation to a story whenever I get around to reading it.
That being said, I was going to give this book 4 stars until Zander the Abusive Jerk showed his true colors and Cassie STILL was attracted to him. I hate stupid protagonists. So... 3 stars.
I see there will be another one, which is awesome because this story is fun. But this didn't end in such a way that the wait for the next one will be that bad - it'll just be a continuation to a story whenever I get around to reading it.
February 24, 2013
Wow. This was one of the most interesting stories I've read in a long while! Read 90% of it in one night just because I couldn't stop turning the pages.
The beginning was kind of boring, but it definitely stepped up in the middle, where she meets someone just like her. Then, for the last twenty pages, it got pretty boring again and finished with something expected as the ending.
The reason why it doesn't get a 5 from me is mostly because it didn't really tie up loose ends. There are plot holes and I would like a more proper conclusion.
Anyway, I enjoyed all the mythology and philosophy that was packed into this book. It was exactly the right amount I liked in a book - not too textbook-like and not too little.
I'm not sure what else to say other than I loved it, on the most part.
The beginning was kind of boring, but it definitely stepped up in the middle, where she meets someone just like her. Then, for the last twenty pages, it got pretty boring again and finished with something expected as the ending.
The reason why it doesn't get a 5 from me is mostly because it didn't really tie up loose ends. There are plot holes and I would like a more proper conclusion.
Anyway, I enjoyed all the mythology and philosophy that was packed into this book. It was exactly the right amount I liked in a book - not too textbook-like and not too little.
I'm not sure what else to say other than I loved it, on the most part.
October 15, 2011
Cassie seems so lost in this book. She moved to try to get answers to just what she is and thinks that Chicago, a city with a bigger Greek population, is just the place to start. She does find out some answers, but gets more questions too.
Cassie's new friends are fun. I found her new job to be the best part of the book. The talks that she had with her boss were very profound. There was potential with her co-worker, I wish that there would have been more with that. From the start I didn't like Zander, there was just something that seemed off with him. I was glad that Cassie was able to see things for herself.
I loved the ending! It was just what she needs and I look forward to see what these changes bring for the next book.
Cassie's new friends are fun. I found her new job to be the best part of the book. The talks that she had with her boss were very profound. There was potential with her co-worker, I wish that there would have been more with that. From the start I didn't like Zander, there was just something that seemed off with him. I was glad that Cassie was able to see things for herself.
I loved the ending! It was just what she needs and I look forward to see what these changes bring for the next book.
July 10, 2012
What was an interesting concept has been muddied by mythological myths and good vrs bad scenarios. The main character learned in the first book The Markthat she has the ability to see an aura around people who have less than a day to live. We see Cassie struggle with the moral dilemma to tell or keep her mouth shut. She grieves everytime she does nothing and that life is gone. In this book, she abruptly leaves her hometown to make a new life in Chicago. The author does a poor job of telling the read Cassie's decision and her breaking off with Jack. This book just didn't make it click for me.
December 25, 2011
I liked The Mark, so of course, I wanted to read the sequel, but when I was reading it, I didn't read it because it kept me interested, but because I don't like starting a book and not finishing it.
The whole thing with Zander and her, their romance/bond/whatever it was that they had together was intriguing, but Zander was just not cool. The book, the general idea of the story is unique, but personally, I just liked this book. I don't think I would recommend it to anyone because there's not much depth. I do want to read the next book in the series, but only because I'm interested to find out what happens between Cassie and Jack, not because the story is drawing me back in.
The whole thing with Zander and her, their romance/bond/whatever it was that they had together was intriguing, but Zander was just not cool. The book, the general idea of the story is unique, but personally, I just liked this book. I don't think I would recommend it to anyone because there's not much depth. I do want to read the next book in the series, but only because I'm interested to find out what happens between Cassie and Jack, not because the story is drawing me back in.
February 24, 2012
Didn't like this one as much as The Mark, particularly because I kind of stopped liking Cassie. (Stop trying to live your life according to someone else's guidelines, Cassie! And please stop trying to get with a guy who uses you - you don't need to be anyone's superhero!) However, I did like that the book added another Greek myth. Thanatos in combination with Cassie of the Fates was intriguing. This story might also appeal to those who liked the darkly attractive version of death's messenger found in Meg Cabot's Abandon.
January 21, 2014
This book was really interesting and it was different from book that talk about death. Usually when somebody dies in a book, there is a lot of grief and stress, but this book was about how somebody died. It talks about Greeks and how people know when they die or how they help people go where they deserve to go like heaven or hell. It also says that if you try to save someone's life if they're about to die, but they don't end up dying, death takes another life instead. It is very interesting because it shows a specific religion and how they believe in dath.
April 26, 2013
Wow. I just am so captured by this storyline. I was sad when the book ended. Thought she really ended it and am happily relieved to see that there will be a third book. I love the way the author deals with the complexities of decisions in life. I love her philosophical outlook. I love the tension and how we can see where her decisions take her and want to scream at her to make a different decision. Incredible story. It will stay with me.
March 20, 2014
This series was really good. I was glad Cass broke up with Lucas. But then she left Jack. Which was very devastating cause I liked that dude !!!! And then Zander... Now Zander I was very like iffy about. He was just like so...weird and yeah didn't really like him but then... AT THE END JACK COMES TO CASS'S HOUSE AND HE BE LIKE "can you come home ?" And she be like "yes." And I be like "YASSSSSSSSSSSSSS !!!" But yeah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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