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The Scondeladian Chronicles #1
Marked for Darkness
Harlow leaves her fulltime teaching job in California to pursue her artistic passion back in New York. It was eleven years since she'd last stepped foot in her hometown. Eleven years since the accident that killed her parents. But it only takes a day before old acquaintances reappear—sexier than ever—and for strange things to start happening.
On the night of her twenty-fifth birthday, two monstrous creatures appear out of nowhere in the middle of the street. The one with striking golden eyes feels familiar to her. And instead of ripping her to shreds right there, it sniffs her, then lets her go.
Like it knows her.
She should have known it wouldn’t be that easy.
Because there was a reason she and her sister fled the east coast over a decade ago. According to old newspapers, she and her sister are supposed to be dead. Now, whomever she was supposed to be hiding from knows she’s alive and only the sexy, yet deadly Arian Kalvar can save her.
If only his eyes weren’t full of hate every time he looked at her, then maybe she’d be okay with being around the gorgeous, possessive male…
On the night of her twenty-fifth birthday, two monstrous creatures appear out of nowhere in the middle of the street. The one with striking golden eyes feels familiar to her. And instead of ripping her to shreds right there, it sniffs her, then lets her go.
Like it knows her.
She should have known it wouldn’t be that easy.
Because there was a reason she and her sister fled the east coast over a decade ago. According to old newspapers, she and her sister are supposed to be dead. Now, whomever she was supposed to be hiding from knows she’s alive and only the sexy, yet deadly Arian Kalvar can save her.
If only his eyes weren’t full of hate every time he looked at her, then maybe she’d be okay with being around the gorgeous, possessive male…
547 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2020
82 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Raven Woodward
17 books237 followersI'm a pumpkin-spice loving, scarf and boot-wearing romance writer. I enjoy the sweet, the steamy and the downright dirty. My family and I live in the southern hemisphere where we're surrounded by real-life fairytale beauty.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 1, 2020
My goodness, I devoured this book.
It had everything I love in a shifter novel; lots of eye candy, brooding males, badass females, romance and some hot and heavy scenes.
Raven’s world building and plot twists and turns are exquisite and I’m so glad I can read book two soon because that CLIFFHANGER OMFG! Struggling to write this review because I can’t form coherent thoughts currently so I may be back tomorrow to finish it off. 😅🤣
It had everything I love in a shifter novel; lots of eye candy, brooding males, badass females, romance and some hot and heavy scenes.
Raven’s world building and plot twists and turns are exquisite and I’m so glad I can read book two soon because that CLIFFHANGER OMFG! Struggling to write this review because I can’t form coherent thoughts currently so I may be back tomorrow to finish it off. 😅🤣
October 10, 2020
Guys! I devoured this book, like omg. I am obsessed.
This kinda had ACOTAR vibes.... but like, better? And more adult and by adult I mean, DAAAAAAYUMMM this book was smutsville but we love that for us so ya know, as I said, I devoured it.
The writing was really great and the plot was interesting and intriguing. I felt thoroughly entertained the whole way through.
If you love ACOTAR, smut, intrigue, fantasy filled worlds and morally grey, beastly men then you’ll absolutely love this one.
I’m so keen for the next one that comes out in December!
This kinda had ACOTAR vibes.... but like, better? And more adult and by adult I mean, DAAAAAAYUMMM this book was smutsville but we love that for us so ya know, as I said, I devoured it.
The writing was really great and the plot was interesting and intriguing. I felt thoroughly entertained the whole way through.
If you love ACOTAR, smut, intrigue, fantasy filled worlds and morally grey, beastly men then you’ll absolutely love this one.
I’m so keen for the next one that comes out in December!
March 17, 2020
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
I don't even know where to begin...but let's just start with that this book was freaking AAAAMMAAZZZIIINNNGGG!!!
Woah! I power-read the book through the entire night! This was the first paranormal that I've read in years, but it was amazing just the same.
I loved Harlow and totally adored Arian (or Dominicus as we put it). The antagonist were intriguing. I like Onoliza as much as an evil villain should be liked. The character of Rex was a bit of surprise, but I would love to see more of him.
Congratulations to the author on such a wonderful job.
I don't even know where to begin...but let's just start with that this book was freaking AAAAMMAAZZZIIINNNGGG!!!
Woah! I power-read the book through the entire night! This was the first paranormal that I've read in years, but it was amazing just the same.
I loved Harlow and totally adored Arian (or Dominicus as we put it). The antagonist were intriguing. I like Onoliza as much as an evil villain should be liked. The character of Rex was a bit of surprise, but I would love to see more of him.
Congratulations to the author on such a wonderful job.
March 10, 2022
◇ Alpha Role
◇ 18+
◇ Beauty and the beast
◇ magical
Harlot was just and ordinary girl living a ordinary quiet life when she decided to up root and move back to her home city New York, What awakened when she got there she was not expecting. Beasts were real? Magic was Real? She has a mate? All this was alot to take in but with the help from Arian and his clan she comes to grip her new reality.
Arian is the alpha of his clan of brothers but not all of his brothers agree with his motives, with clashes and fights between clans can he remain strong enough to protect what his.... his marked
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Starting this series i was so very dubious, it is third person and I'm not usually a third person reader.... how ever I urge you not to put this book down based on that and I know I couldn't! It's a beauty and the beast feel with magical edges to it, with Alpha roles / mating and marking of their "soul mate".
The spice was incredible as well I haven't read anything this spicy in a while it picked up massively in the last 8 chapters aswell though it was there all way through as well, I LOOVVEED it!! My only down fall was that I finished the book 😅 but thankfully I don't have to wait for the 2nd! So will be diving into that one tonight.
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 5/5
◇ 18+
◇ Beauty and the beast
◇ magical
Harlot was just and ordinary girl living a ordinary quiet life when she decided to up root and move back to her home city New York, What awakened when she got there she was not expecting. Beasts were real? Magic was Real? She has a mate? All this was alot to take in but with the help from Arian and his clan she comes to grip her new reality.
Arian is the alpha of his clan of brothers but not all of his brothers agree with his motives, with clashes and fights between clans can he remain strong enough to protect what his.... his marked
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Starting this series i was so very dubious, it is third person and I'm not usually a third person reader.... how ever I urge you not to put this book down based on that and I know I couldn't! It's a beauty and the beast feel with magical edges to it, with Alpha roles / mating and marking of their "soul mate".
The spice was incredible as well I haven't read anything this spicy in a while it picked up massively in the last 8 chapters aswell though it was there all way through as well, I LOOVVEED it!! My only down fall was that I finished the book 😅 but thankfully I don't have to wait for the 2nd! So will be diving into that one tonight.
☆☆☆☆☆ 5/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 5/5
January 20, 2021
‘Every molecule of his being split in half as he was ripped apart. His scream of agony was silent, but his mind was filled with her screams.
Then silence.’
Well heck, that was a crazy ride and now I need more ASAP.
So many thoughts I can’t put them all together so I might update this review later but long story short, I loved it.
Then silence.’
Well heck, that was a crazy ride and now I need more ASAP.
So many thoughts I can’t put them all together so I might update this review later but long story short, I loved it.
September 10, 2020
Marked for Darkness is a stunning start to a new series by Raven Woodward. I'm completely blown away by this book! The characters are great and the world building was fantastic. I can't even organize my thoughts right now because I'm riding that reader high that skirts the line of elation and withdrawal. deep breath OK, I think I can continue now...
I liked the FMC, Harlow. Her scenes as an artist were vibrant and immersive. I felt sucked into her paintings just as she was. I can't even pick a favorite MMC. I vacillated between two people for favorite, Arian and Rex. Now when I say vacillated it was in the completely polarizing way of going from absolutely hating someone to loving them and then back again. I won't give details to avoid spoilers, but I will say that my initial pick for fave is NOT the same fave that I had at the conclusion of this book.
As for that conclusion, I have NO WORDS! This book ends in a massive cliffhanger, an OMG give me book two immediately I need all the words now, level cliffhanger. One last comment, while this book is 547 pages, it never felt like 547 pages. I flew through this story and was engaged the entire time. I definitely recommend and look forward to the sequel!
February 13, 2020
Well this was definitely not what I thought it was going to be. However, it was a great book! There were so many twist and turns, it was crazy! It does have a slow build to it and there is a lot of action. Harlow was currently living in California and decided to move to New York. Only she has no idea what is in store for her. She meets Rex and feels an attraction to him which is crazy. However, she gets a mysterious message with a key and she ends up in a childhood home. Then everything goes crazy. Arian has been watching her for her entire life and now she is back in New York . This is not good but good. Harlow is a soul marked and Morovitz? Still trying to understand that one. Anyways as you keep reading you get more action. NOW lets talk about the ending. It was a cliffhanger and sad. However, I am intrigued to know what will happen next. Overall it is a good book and will bring you to the edge of your seat through out the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 11, 2020
Harlow and her sister moved to California after their parents were killed in a car crash. Eleven years later Harlow decided, on a whim, to return to New York to further her artistic talents. Right fro the word go strange things started happening. Strange creatures, gorgeous men and unexpected gifts all happened. She now finds herself very deep into something over which she has no control. She is a prisoner, but does she really want to escape this man who seems to be torn between hate and something else entirely?
August 28, 2020
Wow what a great book! I couldn't put the book down until I was done. Great paranormal romance. I loved the main character, Harlow, who didn't put up with anyone's crap. I was rooting for Rex in the beginning but quickly adored Arian. I can't believe how it ended and I really can't wait to start the next book. You won't regret reading this series. I just hope things work out in the end!
January 25, 2020
I Enjoyed everything about this book there was nothing I didn't like about the book.I like the setting,the writing style,the plot,the plot twists and the characters in the book were amazing.I would reread this again
March 31, 2020
Relocating to a new city can be challenging enough, but when you bring in aliens, magic and werewolves, things get just down right weird.
This is nominally a paranormal romance story, but it has a lot of other elements to it as well. The story is pretty well written and the characters are certainly diverse and interesting, but I kind of feel like the author through too much into the mix. It does get a little challenging to keep it all straight sometimes. The story also has a bit of tragedy and angst as well as a good bit of steam, which are negatives and positives for me, respectively. Overall, it was a mixed bag, but still enjoyable. I am on the fence as to whether I want to read further stories in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
This is nominally a paranormal romance story, but it has a lot of other elements to it as well. The story is pretty well written and the characters are certainly diverse and interesting, but I kind of feel like the author through too much into the mix. It does get a little challenging to keep it all straight sometimes. The story also has a bit of tragedy and angst as well as a good bit of steam, which are negatives and positives for me, respectively. Overall, it was a mixed bag, but still enjoyable. I am on the fence as to whether I want to read further stories in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
January 8, 2020
Hot, steamy and full of passion, I don’t know if I’m describing Arian or the novel here but they both have these qualities!
This is the type of book that once you start reading, it’s incredibly hard to stop. Chapter to chapter you feel on edge, and need to know what move Harlow makes next.
I want to keep this review spoiler free, so to sum it up this book is perfect for anyone who loves a steamy, tension built romance with other worldly creatures and whole new worlds in itself with a deep history. I can’t wait until the second novel, and once you read it you will know why 😭
Congrats to Britt for writing this so well, I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to get my friends on to reading it when it’s released ❤️
This is the type of book that once you start reading, it’s incredibly hard to stop. Chapter to chapter you feel on edge, and need to know what move Harlow makes next.
I want to keep this review spoiler free, so to sum it up this book is perfect for anyone who loves a steamy, tension built romance with other worldly creatures and whole new worlds in itself with a deep history. I can’t wait until the second novel, and once you read it you will know why 😭
Congrats to Britt for writing this so well, I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to get my friends on to reading it when it’s released ❤️
October 11, 2020
I am so glad the author decided to finish this book. It was well worth her headaches. Her world building and characters are amazing. Combining witches with aliens/beasts and wonderful romance and deep fear, this book takes you on a wild adventure. I hope this is not the last of Arian and Harlow's story.
April 29, 2020
Had me hooked from the first page!
I absolutely loved this book! It had me hooked from the first page! It was steamy but the steam didn't take away from the story. The world the author built was detailed and the magic system was really interesting. The end had my mind blown and I'm now desperate for book two! Those who enjoyed books like the A Court and Thorns and Rose's series will likely love this as well! It's definitely sexier and much of it takes place in our world but it gave me a similar vibe. Highly recommended!
I absolutely loved this book! It had me hooked from the first page! It was steamy but the steam didn't take away from the story. The world the author built was detailed and the magic system was really interesting. The end had my mind blown and I'm now desperate for book two! Those who enjoyed books like the A Court and Thorns and Rose's series will likely love this as well! It's definitely sexier and much of it takes place in our world but it gave me a similar vibe. Highly recommended!
Want to read
November 21, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/21/2020)! 🎁
March 29, 2022
Marked for Darkness – 5 stars
World building 5/5
Character depth 5/5
J/P males that have influenced her live from birth 5/5
Unpredictable outcome 5/5
This book starts out with a prologue explaining the history/lore of the shifters theres definitely a bit of paranormal/sci-fi vibes going on with the shifters being from off world. I love that we are given the history first.
My next surprise was the opening chapter is in the main villains POV Which I enjoyed.
Harlow our main h is bored with her job and hometown – she spontaneously rushes off to New York where she grew up before tragedy hit.
While in New York she reaches her 25th birthday and a number of mysterious things start – She meets a great guy and is kidnapped by another. Your left wondering who the main H is as you get both POV from the males.
They are both very jealous/possessive and claim “Mine” I love that I cannot predict where this is going I really enjoyed the two alpha males not wanting to share.
I’m not sure if this will end up an RH but I’m excited to find out – there is a possibility for more males to be on the scene in the next book. Oh my gosh that cliff-hanger! Its also worth noting I would consider this a slow burn.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. The world building was amazing, and the character depth was perfect. This is a full length novel with no time jumps, it reads very well and fully immerses you into the world. I have given this book 5 stars, I wouldn’t change or add to anything. I cant wait to read the next one.
World building 5/5
Character depth 5/5
J/P males that have influenced her live from birth 5/5
Unpredictable outcome 5/5
This book starts out with a prologue explaining the history/lore of the shifters theres definitely a bit of paranormal/sci-fi vibes going on with the shifters being from off world. I love that we are given the history first.
My next surprise was the opening chapter is in the main villains POV Which I enjoyed.
Harlow our main h is bored with her job and hometown – she spontaneously rushes off to New York where she grew up before tragedy hit.
While in New York she reaches her 25th birthday and a number of mysterious things start – She meets a great guy and is kidnapped by another. Your left wondering who the main H is as you get both POV from the males.
They are both very jealous/possessive and claim “Mine” I love that I cannot predict where this is going I really enjoyed the two alpha males not wanting to share.
I’m not sure if this will end up an RH but I’m excited to find out – there is a possibility for more males to be on the scene in the next book. Oh my gosh that cliff-hanger! Its also worth noting I would consider this a slow burn.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. The world building was amazing, and the character depth was perfect. This is a full length novel with no time jumps, it reads very well and fully immerses you into the world. I have given this book 5 stars, I wouldn’t change or add to anything. I cant wait to read the next one.
October 22, 2020
I got this ebook free from the August 2020 BaeCrate. The story started out ok but got better as it went along. I hate cliffhangers though and wish I had known there was going to be one.
February 18, 2020
More please!
Please please please say there is another book in the works. Just as you fall in love with the characters, the giant cliffhanger at the end hurts! I hope to see a book 2 soon!!
Please please please say there is another book in the works. Just as you fall in love with the characters, the giant cliffhanger at the end hurts! I hope to see a book 2 soon!!
February 15, 2020
Absolutely loved this well written Beauty and the Beast-esque story! It's definitely one that you make yourself read in one sitting so you don't feel like you miss anything. It immediately pulls you in and keeps you there. The character building and backstory were brilliant. Characters that I thought I'd hate I ended up loving and vice versa. This book constantly had me guessing with the plot twists. I can't wait to read the next book after seeing how this book ended.
February 16, 2020
Wow book 1! That cliff hanger dang!🤯 First off that covers amazing and this story is so well written! The character development is amazing and I need to know what happens next!!!!😘😍🤩🥰 Amazing job!
January 29, 2020
Alien Werewolf-ish Monsters!
Marked for Darkness is a gripping story mixing horror elements with scifi and my good-old-friend paranormal romance. It feels like a Beauty and the Beast story wrapped by werewolf lore and splashed by life in other planets; definitely a must read for scifi and paranormal romance lovers alike.
The characters are well developed with mostly tragic backstories that entwined with one another in some way. It was very easy to relate with Arian's story, mistrust the weird connection of Rex with Harlow, and get angry at said woman for pushing away her feelings for Arian time and time again.
And like every decent paranormal romance, the erotic scenes are crafted with such richly detail that one can't help but get hot by them; the two male protagonists looks don't help you in that point. Though I personally prefer Arian over Rex.
In the end, Marked for Darkness by Raven Woodward has all the promise to become an excellent reverse harem series. Hope to see more of Harlow, Arian and Rex soon.
**I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Marked for Darkness is a gripping story mixing horror elements with scifi and my good-old-friend paranormal romance. It feels like a Beauty and the Beast story wrapped by werewolf lore and splashed by life in other planets; definitely a must read for scifi and paranormal romance lovers alike.
The characters are well developed with mostly tragic backstories that entwined with one another in some way. It was very easy to relate with Arian's story, mistrust the weird connection of Rex with Harlow, and get angry at said woman for pushing away her feelings for Arian time and time again.
And like every decent paranormal romance, the erotic scenes are crafted with such richly detail that one can't help but get hot by them; the two male protagonists looks don't help you in that point. Though I personally prefer Arian over Rex.
In the end, Marked for Darkness by Raven Woodward has all the promise to become an excellent reverse harem series. Hope to see more of Harlow, Arian and Rex soon.
**I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
February 4, 2021
Wow! This book really threw me! The beginning was so moderately paced and slow steam that when the second part hit I was dumbfounded. I loved the uniqueness of this story plot and how twisted it was. This book was full of alphaholes and badass woman! Two of my favorites!
Also! Lots of people saying this has acotar vibes, but I definitely don't see that! Since I'm not a fan of acotar this was a HUGE win for me. I loved the slight connection to beauty and the beast but then again the story is just so unique on its own it doesn't need a comparable story!
Also! Lots of people saying this has acotar vibes, but I definitely don't see that! Since I'm not a fan of acotar this was a HUGE win for me. I loved the slight connection to beauty and the beast but then again the story is just so unique on its own it doesn't need a comparable story!
May 14, 2021
Ok so I am slowly getting into PNR books and this one was actually a pretty good one.
I first read Raven's contemporary dark romance and enjoyed that and was glad to get a chance to try her PNR writing, which she did first.
Raven is great with world building and writing strong characters that are interesting along with a storyline that keeps you turning the page.
Harlow wanted a major change in her life and that's what she sought when her squad pulled together and helped send her clear across the country.
What commences next is a battle of two different elements wanting their prize...Harlow.
Who wins? Guess you'll need to read and find out.
I look forward to continuing this series.
The narrator was perfect for how I imagine Harlow, young and full of life.
Audio ARC provided and I decided to leave an honest review.
I first read Raven's contemporary dark romance and enjoyed that and was glad to get a chance to try her PNR writing, which she did first.
Raven is great with world building and writing strong characters that are interesting along with a storyline that keeps you turning the page.
Harlow wanted a major change in her life and that's what she sought when her squad pulled together and helped send her clear across the country.
What commences next is a battle of two different elements wanting their prize...Harlow.
Who wins? Guess you'll need to read and find out.
I look forward to continuing this series.
The narrator was perfect for how I imagine Harlow, young and full of life.
Audio ARC provided and I decided to leave an honest review.
March 31, 2021
A decision to change her life, but she's warned not to. Of course she doesn't listen, and meets not one, but two sexy men. Who will she choose in the end, and what happens along the way? In depth storyline with a relatable female lead. Supernatural creatures, danger and mystery come together in this surprisingly quick read. Excited to read the next one!
May 13, 2021
Marked for Darkness is amazing and I completely devoured this book!!
Magic, shifter/aliens, steamy and so many twists that I did not see coming, great characters and the storyline is unique, this one definitely has me hooked. And that ending...GAH!! I need the next book!!
The audio narration does an excellent job bringing the story to life.
Magic, shifter/aliens, steamy and so many twists that I did not see coming, great characters and the storyline is unique, this one definitely has me hooked. And that ending...GAH!! I need the next book!!
The audio narration does an excellent job bringing the story to life.
March 10, 2020
It was a good book. Harlow was an interesting character. The details were good. The author did a great job writing the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2020
Love
What can I say about this book. It was beautifully put together. Loved it. Tears came to my eyes, especially when the heroine and hero, now really finding each other, is torn apart.
What can I say about this book. It was beautifully put together. Loved it. Tears came to my eyes, especially when the heroine and hero, now really finding each other, is torn apart.
January 21, 2025
This book took longer to read in between sneezing and sweating and shaking. But I managed. And I was hungry for more. The cliffhanger and the end of a bond was unbearable to read. The things there were being accomplished without consent was awful to read as well; I wonder if book two can reverse the damage, but I don't trust any handsome cruel man in this story, even the pub owner turned stupid.
Harlow has magic, is set to free a bunch of beastly men from their immortal fate laid upon them by a cruel conqueror Empress. But that's just the beginning. To get there her heart will fight her mind, she may or may not fall in love with someone's, but damn, the twists. I weeped. Rex has magic too, and he might be the one, but he was hard to enjoy to be honest. He seemed to only want pussy and not care much, after being brainwashed, that is, before that he was somewhat ok.
It's not hard to piece together that Arian and Harlow were to be an item (at least on book 1?). Arian isn't getting out of this judgmental reader too easily either. He went about this somewhat wrongly, but he's certainly caught the heart, but at what cost? Arian is fighting against family to get to his mate, but the end was awful, and what's to come is about reunion, but the plot is thick and so is the fog to see it (but that's just my imagination trying to get to read the book out of thin air, instead of purchasing it).
Harlow has magic, is set to free a bunch of beastly men from their immortal fate laid upon them by a cruel conqueror Empress. But that's just the beginning. To get there her heart will fight her mind, she may or may not fall in love with someone's, but damn, the twists. I weeped. Rex has magic too, and he might be the one, but he was hard to enjoy to be honest. He seemed to only want pussy and not care much, after being brainwashed, that is, before that he was somewhat ok.
It's not hard to piece together that Arian and Harlow were to be an item (at least on book 1?). Arian isn't getting out of this judgmental reader too easily either. He went about this somewhat wrongly, but he's certainly caught the heart, but at what cost? Arian is fighting against family to get to his mate, but the end was awful, and what's to come is about reunion, but the plot is thick and so is the fog to see it (but that's just my imagination trying to get to read the book out of thin air, instead of purchasing it).
January 27, 2021
A slow burn, urban fantasy/sci-fi/shifter romance. Tons of mystery and secrets, a unfulfilled prophesy, and sibling rivals.
My rating is all me, not the book.. I can't for the life of me get into 3rd person point of view. Well, I lie, it has to be written a certain way. I finished this book, so there's that, at least. I was told this was spicy and RH. Lies!! It's mild and I don't know if it's RH yet. I'm also a different type of reader, if the main couple doesn't specify that they are indeed together. I don't give two shits of the herione fucks her way to the love of her life. No judgment here. Maybe they talked to the author and got the deets. Who knows.
What I can say is, the story is rather unique. Shape-shifting, alien, magical beings. Plus witches. I think that's why I looked past the POV. I was interested to say the least. Also, there's tons of hot men running around growling. I can't help myself. I am who I am. Hence, why I finished.
You should probably scroll past this review and read another because I feel like a complete asshole for not rating this for it's concept and world building. You should probably read this because, again, I'm on one.
This review is a sad example of why someone shouldn't review. 🤣
My rating is all me, not the book.. I can't for the life of me get into 3rd person point of view. Well, I lie, it has to be written a certain way. I finished this book, so there's that, at least. I was told this was spicy and RH. Lies!! It's mild and I don't know if it's RH yet. I'm also a different type of reader, if the main couple doesn't specify that they are indeed together. I don't give two shits of the herione fucks her way to the love of her life. No judgment here. Maybe they talked to the author and got the deets. Who knows.
What I can say is, the story is rather unique. Shape-shifting, alien, magical beings. Plus witches. I think that's why I looked past the POV. I was interested to say the least. Also, there's tons of hot men running around growling. I can't help myself. I am who I am. Hence, why I finished.
You should probably scroll past this review and read another because I feel like a complete asshole for not rating this for it's concept and world building. You should probably read this because, again, I'm on one.
This review is a sad example of why someone shouldn't review. 🤣
February 13, 2020
TL;DR: I enjoyed the world-building, the plot, and most of the romantic elements, but the book needs more copy-editing.
Normally I don't feel too compelled to break book reviews out by element, but in the case of this book, it feels warranted, so:
Story: 4/5
World-building: 5/5
Romance: 4/5
Clarity of writing: 2/5 (but with the frustrating potential to be significantly better given relatively minimal changes)
Marked for Darkness is a paranormal romance. The protagonist, Harlow, is a virginal 20-something who quits her job teaching art to insufferable high-schoolers in California to move to New York City. She does this pretty much on a whim with only a slight nudge from her bestie. Weird flex, but okay. Anyway, the real plot gets rolling once she gets to NYC. There are hot guys, there are werewolf-ish dudes from another planet, there's magic, and there's destiny.
Other than the opening, which I found a bit hard to believe (She quit her job, then moved to NYC literally the next day? Her friend could afford to front her a next-day cross-country plane ticket on a teacher's salary?High schools still have real art classes? j/k), I enjoyed the story. I would've appreciated a bit more depth to the explanations of the paranormal elements, but it wasn't unreasonably shallow.
The things that really frustrated me were not the big picture elements; what frustrated me were the pervasive instances of clunky, awkward, or ungrammatical sentences. These elements pulled me out of the story and into the quality of the writing itself. Now, I'm aware that because I'm a writer (although not a fiction writer), I am more attuned to issues of writing style and clarity than the average reader. However, even if the average reader can't always articulate what causes them to lose the flow of a story, it's often things like puzzling over a sentence multiple times because it was unclear.
I actually reached out to the author with feedback similar to the above, and she was relatively receptive to the feedback, but her editor didn't have time for more than one editing pass before release time.
Disclaimer: I got a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Normally I don't feel too compelled to break book reviews out by element, but in the case of this book, it feels warranted, so:
Story: 4/5
World-building: 5/5
Romance: 4/5
Clarity of writing: 2/5 (but with the frustrating potential to be significantly better given relatively minimal changes)
Marked for Darkness is a paranormal romance. The protagonist, Harlow, is a virginal 20-something who quits her job teaching art to insufferable high-schoolers in California to move to New York City. She does this pretty much on a whim with only a slight nudge from her bestie. Weird flex, but okay. Anyway, the real plot gets rolling once she gets to NYC. There are hot guys, there are werewolf-ish dudes from another planet, there's magic, and there's destiny.
Other than the opening, which I found a bit hard to believe (She quit her job, then moved to NYC literally the next day? Her friend could afford to front her a next-day cross-country plane ticket on a teacher's salary?
The things that really frustrated me were not the big picture elements; what frustrated me were the pervasive instances of clunky, awkward, or ungrammatical sentences. These elements pulled me out of the story and into the quality of the writing itself. Now, I'm aware that because I'm a writer (although not a fiction writer), I am more attuned to issues of writing style and clarity than the average reader. However, even if the average reader can't always articulate what causes them to lose the flow of a story, it's often things like puzzling over a sentence multiple times because it was unclear.
I actually reached out to the author with feedback similar to the above, and she was relatively receptive to the feedback, but her editor didn't have time for more than one editing pass before release time.
Disclaimer: I got a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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