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Finding Sanctuary #2
Marked by the Gods
Just how far would you go to protect those you love?
Join Nesrin on a thrilling journey of love, loyalty, and discovery in this captivating shifter romance novel.
Nesrin’s life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that she is part of a powerful bloodline that has caught the attention of the gods. As she delves deeper into the mysteries of her lineage, she finds herself on a perilous journey to uncover the identity of those who seek to end it. Along the way, Nesrin encounters fierce enemies, powerful magic, and devastating losses. But she also forges unbreakable bonds of friendship and discovers an inner strength she never knew she had. As she fights to protect her family and save her people from the looming threat, Nesrin must confront the darkness within herself and decide what she is willing to sacrifice for the greater good. As the luna she will stop at nothing to protect her pack and the man she loves. But when an unexpected threat arises, the love and loyalty of those around her will be tested.
Filled with epic battles, thrilling magic, intriguing romance, and unforgettable characters, this fantasy novel will transport you to a world of wonder and danger where one young woman's courage and determination will change the course of history.
The Finding Sanctuary series is a gritty, sexy, action-packed urban fantasy, and paranormal shifter romance. Marked by the Gods is a full-length novel recommended for mature readers due to language, sexual situations, and graphic fighting scenes.
Join Nesrin on a thrilling journey of love, loyalty, and discovery in this captivating shifter romance novel.
Nesrin’s life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that she is part of a powerful bloodline that has caught the attention of the gods. As she delves deeper into the mysteries of her lineage, she finds herself on a perilous journey to uncover the identity of those who seek to end it. Along the way, Nesrin encounters fierce enemies, powerful magic, and devastating losses. But she also forges unbreakable bonds of friendship and discovers an inner strength she never knew she had. As she fights to protect her family and save her people from the looming threat, Nesrin must confront the darkness within herself and decide what she is willing to sacrifice for the greater good. As the luna she will stop at nothing to protect her pack and the man she loves. But when an unexpected threat arises, the love and loyalty of those around her will be tested.
Filled with epic battles, thrilling magic, intriguing romance, and unforgettable characters, this fantasy novel will transport you to a world of wonder and danger where one young woman's courage and determination will change the course of history.
The Finding Sanctuary series is a gritty, sexy, action-packed urban fantasy, and paranormal shifter romance. Marked by the Gods is a full-length novel recommended for mature readers due to language, sexual situations, and graphic fighting scenes.
460 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 2023
8 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 4, 2023
4.75/5 stars
First I would like to say thank you to Natasha Madden for the ARC of this book and for also sending me Chosen by Destiny, the first in the series, since I had not read it already.
Now, about this book, I fell more in love with this story with every page. By the time I was 75% through it, I was beginning to feel sad that I would finish it in just two sittings. I did not want this book to end. The book is 460 pages, so it isn’t short, but I took advantage of the windy, rainy Memorial Day weekend and decided to read it before its release on June 2, 2023.
This story picks up exactly where it left off in the first book. If you haven’t read Chosen by Destiny, the first in the series, then don’t read this review any further and go grab yourself a copy. There will be spoilers for those who haven’t read the first one. There aren’t any spoilers for this particular story.
This book brings more Nesrin, Lukas, Leila, Zee, Astra(ea), Gods, mythical creatures, magic, fun, adventure, love, sadness and triumph. It is fast paced, engaging, magical & unforgettable. The writing & editing (even in the ARC) have improved and I was very impressed with this second in the series.
We are dropped right in where the first book left us, meeting Hades, God of the Underworld. I do love that guy, he might be one of the only Gods I actually like and I love how Natasha brings him to life, just as I have always pictured him. Natasha does such a wonderful job of bringing each character to life, she is descriptive, imaginative and thorough in her character development. She equally creates loveable and despisable characters. While there was all of the above in the first book, it just gets better in this one.
Nesrin continues to grow into her magic & learn more about her bloodline. Her bond with Lukas grows stronger, as well as the bond with the rest of the pack. She continues to explore & grow her relationship with Leila and to earn the loyalty and love from the most unlikely sources. Oh, she isn’t finished collecting “strays” either. She and Astra have an affinity for the lost souls of all kinds and Zee has a way of making it comical.
There are so many challenges throughout this book, all part of the journey to figuring out who is behind the mission to destroy Nesrin and all those standing in the way of that goal. There were highs and lows along this journey. I shed tears while reading this book, tears of sadness, grief and tears of joy. I became 100% emotionally invested in these characters. I think you will too. The Puca becomes my favorite character, I can’t even fully explain why, but he was something else and you can see for yourself by reading this book. I sure wish these reviews were interactive because I want to know who your favorite character is after this second installment.
Last, but not least, I will mention the magic. I didn’t mention it in my review of the first book mostly due to my desire to not give away spoilers. I even messaged the author and asked her if she works with energy, such as Reiki, Xi Gong, etc. She was so spot on with her description of how some of us in the energy healing community experience and see the energetic connection, what some will refer to as magic. The colors, the connections, the ability to see, sense and feel energetic changes. The feeling of energy flowing throughout your body and through the bodies of those seeking energetic balance and healing. She did an amazing job of describing it without being a Reiki practitioner or Master. Her intuitive knowledge of that world is uncanny and I felt so connected to this part of Nesrin.
Grab yourself a copy of this series and let’s give Natasha Madden another reason to continue this story. I can’t wait to see what additional storylines get their own books and to watch Astra grow up.
First I would like to say thank you to Natasha Madden for the ARC of this book and for also sending me Chosen by Destiny, the first in the series, since I had not read it already.
Now, about this book, I fell more in love with this story with every page. By the time I was 75% through it, I was beginning to feel sad that I would finish it in just two sittings. I did not want this book to end. The book is 460 pages, so it isn’t short, but I took advantage of the windy, rainy Memorial Day weekend and decided to read it before its release on June 2, 2023.
This story picks up exactly where it left off in the first book. If you haven’t read Chosen by Destiny, the first in the series, then don’t read this review any further and go grab yourself a copy. There will be spoilers for those who haven’t read the first one. There aren’t any spoilers for this particular story.
This book brings more Nesrin, Lukas, Leila, Zee, Astra(ea), Gods, mythical creatures, magic, fun, adventure, love, sadness and triumph. It is fast paced, engaging, magical & unforgettable. The writing & editing (even in the ARC) have improved and I was very impressed with this second in the series.
We are dropped right in where the first book left us, meeting Hades, God of the Underworld. I do love that guy, he might be one of the only Gods I actually like and I love how Natasha brings him to life, just as I have always pictured him. Natasha does such a wonderful job of bringing each character to life, she is descriptive, imaginative and thorough in her character development. She equally creates loveable and despisable characters. While there was all of the above in the first book, it just gets better in this one.
Nesrin continues to grow into her magic & learn more about her bloodline. Her bond with Lukas grows stronger, as well as the bond with the rest of the pack. She continues to explore & grow her relationship with Leila and to earn the loyalty and love from the most unlikely sources. Oh, she isn’t finished collecting “strays” either. She and Astra have an affinity for the lost souls of all kinds and Zee has a way of making it comical.
There are so many challenges throughout this book, all part of the journey to figuring out who is behind the mission to destroy Nesrin and all those standing in the way of that goal. There were highs and lows along this journey. I shed tears while reading this book, tears of sadness, grief and tears of joy. I became 100% emotionally invested in these characters. I think you will too. The Puca becomes my favorite character, I can’t even fully explain why, but he was something else and you can see for yourself by reading this book. I sure wish these reviews were interactive because I want to know who your favorite character is after this second installment.
Last, but not least, I will mention the magic. I didn’t mention it in my review of the first book mostly due to my desire to not give away spoilers. I even messaged the author and asked her if she works with energy, such as Reiki, Xi Gong, etc. She was so spot on with her description of how some of us in the energy healing community experience and see the energetic connection, what some will refer to as magic. The colors, the connections, the ability to see, sense and feel energetic changes. The feeling of energy flowing throughout your body and through the bodies of those seeking energetic balance and healing. She did an amazing job of describing it without being a Reiki practitioner or Master. Her intuitive knowledge of that world is uncanny and I felt so connected to this part of Nesrin.
Grab yourself a copy of this series and let’s give Natasha Madden another reason to continue this story. I can’t wait to see what additional storylines get their own books and to watch Astra grow up.
May 30, 2023
I absolutely fell straight back in love with Nesrin and Lukas. The way Natasha builds their world will make you feel like you have a front row seat to all the action. There is not a single character in this book that is lacking. I feel Natasha has captured them all so perfectly, that I've become so attached to every single one.
This story did not leave me disappointed in anyway. I've laughed, cried, fell in love, had my heart broken, been scared to death and on the edge of my set screaming 'nooooo'. The list goes on and on.
If you're ready for a series that is greek mythology crossed with little red riding hood and filled with all the best characters, then what are you waiting for?!
This story did not leave me disappointed in anyway. I've laughed, cried, fell in love, had my heart broken, been scared to death and on the edge of my set screaming 'nooooo'. The list goes on and on.
If you're ready for a series that is greek mythology crossed with little red riding hood and filled with all the best characters, then what are you waiting for?!
July 5, 2023
Right up from book one then had twists I did NOT see coming! I liked Nesrin’s journey and all of the magical creatures living together. I cannot wait for the next!
May 28, 2023
Marked by the gods is a action packed urban fantasy novel by Natasha Madden and is book 2 in the finding sanctuary series.
This book was a page turner from the very first chapter, which had me hooked from the start.
The novel follows Nesrin on a journey of love, loyalty and discovery.
I loved the story and the twists & turns of the book. I found the main character 'Nesrin', strong and brave because of what she is willing to sacrifice for the greater good. The book is filled with action, battles, magic, romance and brilliant characters. Everything that I could want in a fantasy novel and more.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more by the author.
💖I received a arc e book copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
This book was a page turner from the very first chapter, which had me hooked from the start.
The novel follows Nesrin on a journey of love, loyalty and discovery.
I loved the story and the twists & turns of the book. I found the main character 'Nesrin', strong and brave because of what she is willing to sacrifice for the greater good. The book is filled with action, battles, magic, romance and brilliant characters. Everything that I could want in a fantasy novel and more.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more by the author.
💖I received a arc e book copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
May 31, 2023
I want to thank Natasha for giving me the opportunity to read these wonderful books, I really fell in love with Nesrin and Lukas. These stories are just packed with love and friendship. These books are not short but I read them too fast and now I miss them and cannot wait for the next one.
June 15, 2023
Sequels are often hard follow ups to amazing book ones but Natasha delivers book two and leaves you with a bang!
Nesrin can’t seem to catch a break from literal gods showing up on her doorstep to accidentally growing her pack. It’s a twisty winding journey from start to finish. And after reading book one, I definitely shed a few tears as I walked beside Nesrin.
Natasha does an astonishing job continuing Nesrin’s story. Both Nesrin and Lucas are well developed characters and Natasha writing makes you feel as though you are next to them every step of the way.
Did I mention this book is stuffed full of shifters, witches, vampires and a baby dragon? Exactly, run for your copy today! This is not a standalone so be sure to have read Chosen by Destiny before you dive in!
**I received an advanced reader copy directly from the author in exchange for my honest review***
Nesrin can’t seem to catch a break from literal gods showing up on her doorstep to accidentally growing her pack. It’s a twisty winding journey from start to finish. And after reading book one, I definitely shed a few tears as I walked beside Nesrin.
Natasha does an astonishing job continuing Nesrin’s story. Both Nesrin and Lucas are well developed characters and Natasha writing makes you feel as though you are next to them every step of the way.
Did I mention this book is stuffed full of shifters, witches, vampires and a baby dragon? Exactly, run for your copy today! This is not a standalone so be sure to have read Chosen by Destiny before you dive in!
**I received an advanced reader copy directly from the author in exchange for my honest review***
June 7, 2023
book one chosen by destiny was amazing, for a debut novel i love all the elements that went into this story from characters to plot, its definitely a must read and now that book two is finally out readers can happily dive right in!
book two … what a huge jump this book was- loaded with everything from riding an emotional roller coaster to seeing nesrin harness her power like the Luna she is!! i loved seeing her develop and i adore the family circle nesrin and lukas have built around them! romance was on fire- the love these two show each other is everything, i am so glad this book didn’t hold back on action and adventure! Natasha did everything to make this gripping! what an amazing story.
bring on more !!!
book two … what a huge jump this book was- loaded with everything from riding an emotional roller coaster to seeing nesrin harness her power like the Luna she is!! i loved seeing her develop and i adore the family circle nesrin and lukas have built around them! romance was on fire- the love these two show each other is everything, i am so glad this book didn’t hold back on action and adventure! Natasha did everything to make this gripping! what an amazing story.
bring on more !!!
June 7, 2023
Marked by the Gods is book two in the Finding Sanctuary series and continues the story of Nesrin and Lukas. It absolutely blew book one out of the water. Everything was kicked up a notch and the story was action packed from start to finish.
With everything from Gods and Goddesses to mythical and magical beings of every kind, Marked by the Gods was such an immersive story set in a fantastical world that draws you in from the get go. There is so much going all the time so even though it is quite a long book, you are never bored.
This is a fantastic debut series and I can't wait to read more from this author.
With everything from Gods and Goddesses to mythical and magical beings of every kind, Marked by the Gods was such an immersive story set in a fantastical world that draws you in from the get go. There is so much going all the time so even though it is quite a long book, you are never bored.
This is a fantastic debut series and I can't wait to read more from this author.
May 31, 2023
Read Chosen by Destiny, First, It is important! This Second book was absolutely Fantastic. Magic, Shifters, Gods, Vampires all come together to live together and become friends and family. This story captivated from the start, this is an action packed book, that took me along with Nesrin, Lucas and everyone else, leaving me with a happy for now ending. I really want more and I Loved These character sand this Story!!! No Spoilers! Red it for yourself.
June 5, 2023
Loved this so much
This was a great sequel to the first book. It has plenty of space and action, plus a few twists to keep it interesting and unpredictable. Hoping for more with some of the other characters.
This was a great sequel to the first book. It has plenty of space and action, plus a few twists to keep it interesting and unpredictable. Hoping for more with some of the other characters.
Read
June 17, 2023Wow, Natasha has done it again. Can't wait to read more books in this series.
There is so much left unsaid about the others in the book. Zee, Gabe, Leila where are your stories. The Gods need to do more too.
There is so much left unsaid about the others in the book. Zee, Gabe, Leila where are your stories. The Gods need to do more too.
July 7, 2023
I absolutely could not wait for the book to come out and let tell you it did not disappointment. This book is a must read it has you hooked as soon as you open it.
The writer has a gift of drawing you in and bringing you into Nesrins world.
The writer has a gift of drawing you in and bringing you into Nesrins world.
May 5, 2024
Marked by the Gods didn’t disappoint.
Following on with Nesrin’s story we meet new fascinating characters and twists in the story that keep you on the edge of your seat.
I look forward to the rest of the series.
Following on with Nesrin’s story we meet new fascinating characters and twists in the story that keep you on the edge of your seat.
I look forward to the rest of the series.
December 26, 2024
Even though I have a dog named Hera… I still loved this book. Always betting on a kick ass FMC.
Devastated about Asena, I almost threw my book.
Lukas, Zee, Nikolas - swoon over all the sexy men who are written so well I can almost taste them
Devastated about Asena, I almost threw my book.
Lukas, Zee, Nikolas - swoon over all the sexy men who are written so well I can almost taste them
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2023
Love, love, love this series. Funny one liners, a few tears, and what feel like true friendships later, I'm wanting more!! Awesome job Natasha
July 1, 2023
What a fantastic read. Picks right up from where book 1 left off. It leaves you unable to put the book down, jam packed full of action. Absolutely loved it
October 16, 2023
This was an awesome follow on from book one, loved the development of Nesrin’s character and finding out more/increasing her powers which worked in ways you definitely weren’t expecting! Also more mythical creatures, twists that you don’t predict, battles, romance (with a bit more spice 👀). Also definitely spotted a friends quote or too 🤣. Love Natasha’s style of writing, can’t wait for the next instalment!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews