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Seeking Salem #1

Mark of Salem

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"I never thought my coven would turn their backs on me, I never thought I'd lose the only family I ever knew...”

Born to the darkest witch bloodline to ever step foot in Louisiana, Salem Barrow is one of the most hated witches in the French Quarter. She's marked by the Goddess, Albina. Only she doesn't know.

As the saying goes, a clueless witch is a dangerous witch; And clueless is exactly what Salem Barrow was. Betrayal has snatched Salem from her family, but she isn’t completely alone.

With the help of two familiars, a fellow warlock, a hellhound, and a shadow walker, Salem taps into her dark heritage to exact revenge on those who have turned against her. Now, it's up to these men to keep her from burning New Orleans to the ground in her thirst for vengeance.

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 11, 2019

348 people are currently reading
265 people want to read

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JL Hallow

5 books6 followers

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5 stars
114 (38%)
4 stars
76 (25%)
3 stars
56 (18%)
2 stars
37 (12%)
1 star
14 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica.
233 reviews8 followers
July 11, 2019

Okay guys, THIS book. This book is an AMAZING one!
I was so sucked into the world that Jodie has created, I had SUCH a hard time putting this book down...even when I had serious responsibilities. Salem and her boys are incredible. There is nothing better than a bad ass female character, with her equally bad ass men(that's more than one y'all! This is a reverse harem, full of amazing steam and sexy men!) who will do anything in their power to protect her.
Salem is an extremely powerful witch. In fact, the very last of her kind. Starting off the story, Salem doesn't in fact know the full truth behind her heritage, and because of this, she was clueless to how strong her powers truly are...and after being betrayed by her coven, she later finds out it is partly because of just how incredibly strong she is, and the hidden motives of other covens, that she still doesn't have the full answer to. Luckily Salem isn't alone. She has a harem of gorgeous men who are there to help her figure out how to take down, and exact revenge on those who harmed her.
I honestly don't know how I am going to make it until whenever book 2 comes out, because I am SO devoted to this series now, and after that cliffhanger, I just need MORE.
I happily give this book the 5 stars it deserves. Jodie created her own little world, with these intriguing characters that you cannot help but root for. I think that you should definitely give this book a chance, and read it ASAP. So, grab a blanket, get comfy on the couch or in bed, and get yourself immersed in Salem and her men. You won't regret it!
294 reviews5 followers
August 17, 2020
IF YOU GO TO BUY ANOTHER BOOK ☝"THIS IS THE AUTHOR TO GET! "😍

OH DEAR HEART ❤,TAKE THE SUGGESTION OF A PICKY READER AND BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍😊😀😀😀😀😀T T😀😀 I SPEND MY DAYS READING 📚 BOOKS! MY ADULT SON IS MY CAREG L AND I READ BOOKS 📚ON MY KINDLE FIRE 🔥! LOL WE LIVE OUT IN MIR😍
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,091 reviews121 followers
July 12, 2019
Attempted to read

Oh no no no, definitely not a book for me, can't really put my finger on one thing since there seems to be many disliking issues. Found myself skipping hoping for the best, stopping, checking the high reviews again, then yes resuming to read on only to stop again and realize no matter what I do the book is still bad. Dnf
Profile Image for Deborah Snowden.
136 reviews
August 16, 2019
This is the first book in the Seeking Salem series by Jodie Szarmach and it was amazing! I was hooked the minute I started reading and I couldn’t put it down. The book has a great story, sexy, and is full of awesome characters. Salem is a powerful witch and the last of her kind with the help of a Hellhound, Warlock, Shadow Walker and two familiars she has to learn to control her magic and get revenge on those who harmed her. Full of twists and turns this is a fast paced, action packed, steamy read and has everything I love in a paranormal reverse harem. If you I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
451 reviews24 followers
October 5, 2020
I found this book to be pretty average. The plot was good, I just couldn't get into the writing. The author kept using multiple characters in the first person. It was a little confusing. Plus you never got to know any of the characters.
Profile Image for Katie.
1,997 reviews16 followers
June 18, 2019
This was such a great story!!! Finished story in less than a day. I was captivated from first page. I love Salem!! Elijah is my new favorite character. This is a definite must read. I was sad when it ended. But yay there is a book 2. All her men sound so hot. I won't give away any spoilers but little sad towards end. Really cannot wait to see what happens in next book.
Profile Image for OneDayI'll.
1,601 reviews42 followers
September 21, 2019
Guts and glory, heavy on the guts.

Salem is, of course, a witch. How could she be anything else with a name like that? Born to one clan, raised by their rivals, marked by a goddess, it seems like a wondrous prophecy in the waiting. The part no one told her was that her high priestess was going to slit her throat and kill her before all the food stuff happened. Not that anyone ever told her about the good stuff. Or the prophecy. And she certainly found out about it all the hard way. But that's ok, because one good turn deserves another and finding out she has dark blood? Yeah, revenge is looking pretty good. Now to make sure she doesn't lose the light while on the warpath.

Spoilers ahead.
Everything is in place here. We have the unsuspecting good girl, the helpful good guy who saves her, her familiars to help balance her emotions, a shady character to provide shelter and an out of the blue 2 characters to assist other ways. It's all there and just waiting to be assembled into this amazing story. Something just doesn't quite gel, though. I never really bonded with Salem. There wasn't an emotional connection, as a reader. She never faced her death, she never worked at her relationships, she trusted much too easily and she barely worked at her magic. Gideon has been lurking for 4 years in her coven, but she barely notices him. He blows hot and cold, helping but withholding a lot of information on who she is. Her familiars, I'm not sure what their roles are. They don't seem magical beyond shifting. There's no discussion on what they're supposed to be for her, she just sort of adds them to the harem she's building like an afterthought. Elijah is supposed to be a terrifying hellhound but other than a few growls seems like a shy lapdog. We interact with his Butler, Arthur, more than him. And after his assholery (I made a word for his behavior) after his "moment" with Salem, I'm ok with less of him. The blurb lists a shadow walker, and we get to meet him close to the end. There's nothing really there to show he will be part of her family. She claims to love 4 of them, and will supposedly collect the 5th, but there's no pull. There's no bonding. The only racing hearts are because of stolen sexy times. And, yeah, a girl has needs, but there's no romance that matches those words being bandied about. The concept of 2hat she's saying and what I read don't gel into a loving HEA. A little more focus on her training, some cuddles, the guys pulling together as a team instead of infighting, some actual bonding, and those words would have more meaning. Right now it's like they're being lobbed after the first date. It's appreciated but doesn't feel like it's really there, you know? I liked all the characters, we just never really got to emotionally invest in them. No backstories, not really, no little vignettes, no personality quarks to fall for, they're 2 dimensional. There were a few other things that caught me:
*"Her pupils darkened at the edges"? Um, maybe irises? Because pupils are already dark.
*She is very accepting for a child who was orphaned, adopted and lost those parents and then lost the other woman who took her in. She doesn't seem sad, or curious about their deaths even though they're described as sketchy and possible murders.
*Her "birthmark" seems rather detailed to be just an ordinary birthmark but she never asks about it. She knows magic exists as a witch.
*Her magical senses don't seem very developed. At 25, and having been a part of a coven, she's supposed to be a great healer. But we never see her work for it, towards it. She doesn't sense heartbeats, she doesn't feel others pain, her magic is described as gentle zips and zaps. How is she great? Gideon pulls her back from death. That's great healing. We only ever see her replace what she took and some spot healing. The legend doesn't match the description.
*Aren't covens supposed to be close? Why isn't hers? Yeah, greedy priestess, but still, the others all seem more like a collection of abilities rather than a bonded group.
*The steam seems like a distraction rather than a chance at bonding. Things not going her way? Hunt down a guy and grab a few minutes then walk off. It would make more sense of she was still mourning her lost family members but she really isn't. There's no real reason for the emotional distance given. She doesn't seem to want to keep them away for their own protection. You know, because things could go bad and she might lose them. None of that. It's odd.
*I like Ember. Especially as she taunts Elijah, but knowing someone for a few decades is barely a reason to be so silly with them. He visits her shop. Not her home, no coffee or tea dates, no backstories about how they dated or she "adopted" him because she thought he was lonely. Just a silly nickname for him and we're supposed to accept that he trusts her for good reasons. Her quick friendship to Salem is equally as baffling.
*Her familiars live outside as cats. Why? That doesn't seem like an invested bond.
*It's bear the mark, not bare the mark. Unless it's hidden and she's revealing it.
I have so many questions still and will look for book 2.
Profile Image for M K.
42 reviews
June 28, 2019
There is a lot to love about this book, and there are some things that I felt weren't quite complete in their arc or felt a little out of place. Our leading lady is at once likeable but mercurial. I can't say her attitude in the story warmed me to her, but I held out, and I'm hoping we'll see more of her growth in the next book than we did here.

The males for their parts were interesting and dynamic, but I was a little frustrated with the way the warlock was set up into things - it interfered a bit with the suspension of disbelief. The warlock came into the story as not caring at all about our leading lady and only winding up in that situation because of his supposed best friend attending a nefarious and questionable meeting. After the events took place there, his "best friend" was mainly forgotten until the very end of the book and I had a hard time reconciling that along with his sudden devotion to our leading lady.

Now onto our hellhound banned from hell, and our shape shifting familiars. Hellhound, super awesomeness, most of my issues with those interactions centered on the FMC's inconsistency, not his. Our shape shifting familiars were a very interesting twist - interesting because it has not been done often, and because two males in this story are not automatically given overpowered superiority so that was a welcome surprise.

Then we have our shadow Walker- only vaguely introduced so still shrouded in mystery. He has a bit of an antagonistic twist to him in this book as he is at odds with our favorite hellhound, but it definitely leaves you with the desire to dissect where that is gonna go.

Overall, I will absolutely be reading the next book, definitely hoping for more of that character development I so crave from these characters, and a more cohesive arc to the way things play out. I almost never rate a book 5 stars, and the 4th star here was cost mainly due to my issues with the main female characters mercurial attitude that seemed less badass and more plain inconsistent, and the warlock male character and my explained issues above. It hurt me a little bit to leave 3 stars, but I adore this author, and have worlds of faith she'll wrangle the loose ends here and take us on a great ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Angelique .
323 reviews
June 20, 2019
Salem is the MC in this series, she has been living a lie but not by her own knowledge. She was not told of who her parents really were in order to save her life. Salem bares the Mark that hasn’t been seen in centuries and apparently this has caused fear in those who have the power and want to keep it. With a death note on her head she has to be put in hiding until she can learn to control her power and not suck the life of others around her. In her corner she has a Warlock Gideon who knows the truth about her but hasn’t been so forthcoming with it. Her two twin familiars who’s personality couldn’t be more opposite and Elijah who is my favorite and is a hell hound. Gideon is trying to figure out more about a Marked witch while the head of Salem’s old coven (whom is supposed to be light witches) is trying to find her so they could put her in the ground permanently.
I enjoyed the storyline of this book and can’t wait to see what happens in book 2. The characters are built up nicely and I always love the hard assholes so that is why Elijah is my favorite flavor in this book. There are other characters added in this witchy story but I will let you find out who they are as you dive into Salem’s World.
Profile Image for Kelly Bugler.
1,869 reviews7 followers
June 13, 2019
Just Wow! This book is fantastic. I have loved every minute of reading this. Jodie has done an amazing job telling Salem's Story. Her Characters are well written with amazing detail to them.
This book is well written and keeps you hooked the whole way through. I could picture what was happening as I was reading like I was in the story with them. I had so much fun reading this book. I had a smile on my face the whole way through (except some parts where I wanted to throw things... but that would be a spoiler!)
Salem is a Witch, part of a Coven who turn there backs on her in the most vicious way. She loses everything she has ever known. With the Help of her familiars, a warlock, shadow walker and a hellhound she struggles to find her place in the world. The chemistry between Salem and her men is amazing (also extra hot... Just for reference). I do have a favourite but that would be telling, wouldn't it!!
This Book is obviously the first book in the series and I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book. I am anxiously waiting for this. Jodie you should be Proud of what you have created here! well done!
Profile Image for Lauren.
717 reviews
September 17, 2020
Loved it

I’ve read books from this author before and I’m always impressed with her ability to craft a story with so much detail that I feel as if I’m watching it while reading. This series opener was no different. Her storytelling ability is fantastic and it was so easy for me to lose myself within the pages of this book.

Salem is quite a stubborn woman which I found to be admirable at times yet annoying on occasion. She has had to deal with a major change in her life but she is trying to roll with the punches, she falters sometimes but mostly she takes them in stride thanks to the people around her. Her relationships with the men in her life all seem to start off pretty hot and heavy with a heaping load of lust but as the book progressed, I could see the dynamics change from lust to love.

Definitely plan on continuing the series. After that disaster of a showdown with Evanora and Bron, I’m curious to see how Salem will end up coming out on top and whether she will be able to control the dark magic within her.
Profile Image for Bonnieville Liddell.
214 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2019
Wow. I was very very excited to read this book and it did not disappoint! It is amazing! It has everything you need, one sassy heroine, RH, magic, super sexy guys and an intriguing plot line. What an amazing book! Salem is the main character and is sassy, love able and takes no nonsense. Without spoiling anything I was outraged on her behalf! Then there is Briggs, Bryce, Elijah and Gideon. Holy hotness! I love all their personalities and the strength, kindness and sexiness they all have! Not going to lie it’s definitely got some sexy scenes, that don’t disappoint! Reading Mark of Salem I felt like I was part of Salem’s world. I really enjoyed this book and I’m so glad it lived up to the hype - I was super excited for this! I cannot wait for the second book to be released and the only bad thing about this book was that it ended! I definitely recommend Mark of Salem! An amazing book from an amazing author! One of my all time faves.
11 reviews
September 19, 2020
Great beginning to what I can only assume will be an amazing adventure.

I thoroughly enjoyed Seeking Salem book 1.

Salem starts out in this story feeling and sounding like an everyday young normal witch. She grows so much in the first book. I love seeing how far she has come by the end of the book. And I look forward to book 2 and seeing how much more she develops.

The storyline has all the info you need to be interested to keep you reading and leaves enough intrigue to get you to the next book.

The men in her harem sound delish. I do wish there were more detailed descriptions of them though.

The sex scenes are good but I would also love to see more description in them and to know more of what is going on in their minds leading up to the scenes.

All in all, I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a kick-ass female lead character and anyone who loves the "why choose?" aspect of every amazing reverse harem!
Profile Image for Charlotte.
3,992 reviews62 followers
July 1, 2019
*Spoiler Alert*
Is there life after death? Well there certainly is for Salem. When shes killed by a fellow witch her problems are just beginning. With the help of Gideon-a dark warlock but whose trying to be good, Brice & Briggs two brothers & more than that (im not giving that away yet, lol) & Elijah a growling, bad tempered hellhound with a bad attitude but also with a heart of gold. Plus a last guy who joins Salem's RH towards the end of the book (read it to find out find out who?) This book grips you from the gory beginning and doesnt let you go even after youve finished reading it. A brilliant book. Love, Love, Love all the characters. The guys are sexy as hell and Salem is a great MFC. Also the sex in this book is one of the reasons i liked it, lol. Not gonna lie. Roll on book 2
Profile Image for Leanne Stuart.
159 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2019
I loved this book it was wonderful!! It was a a fabulous literary world to enter!! Salem is an awesome FMC who is strong and tough and also a wicked powerful witch, who is the last of her kind. The beginning of the book starts with Salem discovering about her witch heritage and abilities as she doesn’t really know much about it. She ends up discovering it’s actually been kept a secret because she’s incredibly powerful, and the covens have their own hidden motives. Along the way we meet her Harem of men who help her with her discoveries and support her. Be warned it ends on a cliffhanger!! I had such high hopes for this book! It met every expectation!! Can’t wait for the next book!!
105 reviews
November 25, 2019
Torn

I have this book 4 stars because of the story, I liked the story. I didn't really care for Salem, the MC, she seemed sorta wishy-washy. She couldn't seem to pick an attitude or a personality. Now, the writing style itself, ugh, that drove me crazy!! Throughout the entire book the author switches thoughts from person to person...within the same paragraph!!...with no lead in!! Some parts were hard to follow along and I would have to go back and read again at a slower pace to see who was actually thinking or speaking. Will I read book 2? Yes, I want to know what happens. Do I recommend the book? Sure, just know going in that it's hard to follow along.
Profile Image for Mary.
162 reviews
December 8, 2019
Good storyline

I struggled with the characters in this one. I don’t know that I found the love between them all that believable. It seemed as though every conversation Salem had with one of her men was an argument. I also didn’t see enough development to believe that it suddenly transformed into love.

I did like the plot, and I think the author is a talented writer. I can see why it is so heavily recommended. World building is great, the settings vivid and the culture believable.

Editing-wise- Twice in the book the word “drown” instead of “drowned” and there were a couple of issues with dialogue tags being capitalised.
58 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2020
Interesting plot but characters annoying

I really tried to finish the book as the plot was interesting and I wanted to see how it all played out. I couldn’t get over how bratty the main character was acting - Salem had something happen to her and Instead of the characters addressing what happened Salem is worrying about using men’s shampoo and body wash. She seems to constantly be complaining and I can’t figure out why we are supposed to empathize with her. I’m addition the POV constantly is changing and while I usually like that, the way it is done in the book is confusing and at times it is unclear who is narrating.
Profile Image for Danyelle Williams.
974 reviews8 followers
July 14, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. You should read it

This book is about Salem who is the last witch of her line, not that she knows that. She is betrayed by those around her. Now she has to figure out who she is, and learn to fight back. But she has help from a dark witch, a hellhound, and two shifter brothers.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book...my favorite were Elijah and Kaysen. I like the role that the brothers hold for her. I'm excited to see these relationships develop and where the book goes in book 2.
Profile Image for K. Fisher.
Author 5 books13 followers
June 14, 2019
WOW!
I am a huge fan of paranormal romance and sexy reads, but I was not prepared for the world Jodie created. With lovable characters that are not only easily set apart from each other, but overwhelmingly lovable, to an evil you can't help but want to kick in the face, this book is a winner. An incredible start to a new series and a MUST READ for readers who are fans of the supernatural, paranormal, witchy, and downright sexy.

Can't wait for the next installment. WRITE FASTER!
Profile Image for Samantha Shaffer.
576 reviews
June 27, 2019
This book seemed simple in the beginning, but by the first few chapters I was hooked a warlock, two shape-shifting familiar twins, a hellhound ban from hell, and dare I say a possible shadow walker in the harem. I can't wait to see Salem and her guys take down the covens this is going to be one heck of a story I can feel it. Also man there is all the sexy time fun in this book holy cow. I didn't want the story to end.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
104 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2019
Seeking the next book!

I loved Salem!
She gets a bit of a rough ride but stands up for herself and doesn't become whiny and annoying! The men in this book are hot! And I'd love to take them home with me...
As always Jodie' s descriptions of the the places and people around the FMC are amazing. She always manages to make them seem just as real to me as the main ones. The 'villian' is truly evil and I need to know what will happen next!
Super book, can't wait for more!!
Profile Image for Alyrica.
555 reviews17 followers
July 12, 2019
This was the first novel I have read by this author but it won't be the last. I very much enjoyed this first installment. My favorite aspect was that the good characters weren't necessarily good and the bad characters weren't necessarily bad...that trope is like catnip to me. This novel was written in 3rd person which isn't my favorite because I have trouble connecting to the characters however the author did a great job of keeping the plot engaging. I can't wait for book 2!
70 reviews
July 13, 2019
I recieved an ARC copy for a honest review.

Y'all I couldn't put this book down! The action pulls you in from page one and doesn't let you go until long after you're done reading. It's hot and steamy (fans self). The characters are relatable and you just fall in love. Elijah is my new favorite character! I can't wait for the next installment in this series. It is definitely on my to look for list. Do yourself a favor and pick this book up today!
323 reviews
July 22, 2019
A tale of deceit and half truths woven with surprisingly deep connections in love, power and respect. FMC Salem finds herself in a whole lot of trouble not long after her 25th birthday, when her witchy powers start acting up. Will she be able to get control of herself before someone gets hurt, or killed? An adventure of self discovery for more than just Salem as she builds the team she will need to fulfill the curse of her mark. Recommended!
8 reviews
August 2, 2019
Well let’s see...... I have been waiting for this book to be released. I was pleased with the book and how it is different from the normal stuff.

The guys aren’t all over powering broody alphas really.

Honestly I don’t want to spoil the book, so try it take a peak. Give in a few chapters to get into it. There are some darker parts it’s not all unicorn farts and rainbows 🌈.

Also the only thing that pisses me off is the next one isn’t out yet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
4,910 reviews114 followers
May 3, 2020
Wow, oh wow. This book had me from the minute that I started reading and I could not put it down. The characters are so amazing and each of them is unique in their own way, that you cannot help but fall in love with them. The story is amazing and from the moment that you start reading you will be unable to put it down. This book needs to be read, there is no doubt about it. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Larissa.
73 reviews
June 20, 2019
OMG! We’re so I even start this book is amazing. It grabs you from the very beginning and doesn’t let go. I don’t even know how to put it in words how much I loved this book I couldn’t put it down. I loved watching how Salem grows and builds the family that she needs as she learns about were she comes from. I can’t wait till book two is out. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Vicki.
26 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are interesting and have mystery’s to be revealed to them. I’m on the fence about the FMC a want to like her but I’m a bit hit and miss with her at the moment. It may be down to this being written in 3rd person and being different pov’s so I’m not connecting to the main character as much. Looking forward to the next book. xxxx
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews

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