Book Review- The Mark

By M.R. Bunderson

Published by Cedar Fort

Released on March 8th, 2010

Source- The Author

3.5 stars- I liked it

She's had it forever. A tiny mark on her hand. No big deal, right? But when Tori discovers that her ordinary freckle is really some kind of microscopic tattoo, she doesn't know what to think, especially after meeting Eric, a guy she feels strangely connected to--and not just because he has a mark too.

All too soon, Tori and Eric realize that their marks are only the first clue to a mystery that will change everything. And with each new discovery, Tori finds herself pulled deeper and deeper into a world she could never have imagined(quoted from Goodreads).

The Mark is a good, clean cut fantasy read, with mystery and romance. It follows the story of Tori and 4 other teenagers all brought together by their strange colored eyes, mysterious birthmarks and the strong connection to each other. This connection leads them to discover who they really are and where they came from, an elite and highly sophisticate society hidden away from the rest of the world for centuries.

I liked Tori's voice and how relatable she is. I really liked getting to know her wonderful best friend, as Shae was her voice of reason more than once. Then I met Eric, someone Tori felt an immediate connection with. I'll admit, that cliche bothered me with the story, but it also made sense, because of Tori's special ability. I don't want to say too much, as it will giveaway part of the plot. While Eric, Tori, Shae & Amanda are seniors, Miles is a college freshman and then there's the mysterious Sebastian. Five of the teens all have a special ability and connection. I liked that each of them has an unique ability which helps them on their journey to find the hidden land they were born in. Eric and Tori's instant connection made for a very strong relationship. Where Tori feels connections, Eric is a protector. Eric's ability comes in handy not just for Tori, but for the team, as someone is trying to stop them from discovering the truth into who they really are.

It took me awhile to really connect with The Mark and I'm not really sure why. Maybe it's because I wasn't whisked away into the story right away, or at times I felt the romance was a little too intense for two teens who just met. I did like that The Mark has a great history, a lush and vivid setting where the kids come from, and it's also set in urban America, where 4 of the 5 kids live. Each of the characters have real, relatable chemistry, and when they discover the truth about their past, they make responsible choices about their futures. The pace was a little slower than what I'm used to reading, but it fit with the plot, as Tori and her friends are trying to uncover the mystery of who they really are and where they came from. Had that been rushed, but it wouldn't have seemed very realistic.

I would recommend this books to fans of fantasy, who love a mystery, mixed in with a great romance and a fantastic cast of characters. I would definitely pick up a sequel to this story if there is one, as the ending is both satisfying and open to continue the story.

You can find out more about The Mark by visiting M.R. Bunderon's site here http://mrbunderson.blogspot.com/

and follow her on twittter at @mbunderson