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Mar King #1
Mar King
"Forget the night, it was her sadness that darkened Dexter’s world."
A savage apocalypse throws Dexter into isolation, where he agonizes over Sara Mar King’s death, his unresolved childhood love. Ready to end the years of torment without her, Sara barges through his camp wielding an arcane power and harboring a deep hatred for him.
She’s there with a single, deadly goal.
Dexter commits himself to helping Sara reach Mount Verta by crossing dangerous forest wastelands riddled with lethal elements just for a second chance with her. But, she has a disturbing secret that will prevent them from ever being together.
She knows how to end the apocalypse. And he must stop her.
A savage apocalypse throws Dexter into isolation, where he agonizes over Sara Mar King’s death, his unresolved childhood love. Ready to end the years of torment without her, Sara barges through his camp wielding an arcane power and harboring a deep hatred for him.
She’s there with a single, deadly goal.
Dexter commits himself to helping Sara reach Mount Verta by crossing dangerous forest wastelands riddled with lethal elements just for a second chance with her. But, she has a disturbing secret that will prevent them from ever being together.
She knows how to end the apocalypse. And he must stop her.
382 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2020
51 people are currently reading
1259 people want to read
About the author
Nicolette Beebe
16 books594 followersNicolette is a Bay Area author of alluring romances that span from dark contemporary to the depths of the apocalypse. Outside of the all-consuming obsession to write, she is in love with being a full-service editor. She taught the fourth grade for five years, and is now a part-time substitute. During downtime, she enjoys knitting and crocheting while watching video game playthroughs with her hubby and fur baby.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
February 26, 2021
Just wow! This book had no right to make me cry so much!
I didn't know what to expect when first reading it, and didn't know what Dexter and Sara's first meetings would lead to, but I was surprised on how the progression was from start to finish.
Dexter and Sara's story was moving, and not what I expected from reading a Dystopian story. The pain, the trauma, and the absolute love these two characters experienced was both beautiful and painful.
Usually, in a dystopian type novel, there will be pain, there will be suffering, and there will be freedom. But the way this book lays all of it out, is that yes, to be free and to live life, you have to suffer sometimes. And what both Sara and Dexter go through on their own, and together, is proof that what they are given is well worth the ending.
There are a lot of books I've read that have made me cry with joy, pain, and whatever other emotion is out there, but this one, Mar King--I'm still crying but with so much happiness! Please read this book. You definitely won't forget it.
I didn't know what to expect when first reading it, and didn't know what Dexter and Sara's first meetings would lead to, but I was surprised on how the progression was from start to finish.
Dexter and Sara's story was moving, and not what I expected from reading a Dystopian story. The pain, the trauma, and the absolute love these two characters experienced was both beautiful and painful.
Usually, in a dystopian type novel, there will be pain, there will be suffering, and there will be freedom. But the way this book lays all of it out, is that yes, to be free and to live life, you have to suffer sometimes. And what both Sara and Dexter go through on their own, and together, is proof that what they are given is well worth the ending.
There are a lot of books I've read that have made me cry with joy, pain, and whatever other emotion is out there, but this one, Mar King--I'm still crying but with so much happiness! Please read this book. You definitely won't forget it.
August 22, 2020
What an incredible, unique story! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Mar King and from the first chapter I couldn't stop reading. The world this author created was vividly terrifying. I felt as if I was taking this journey with these protagonists and wondering what would happen next with every page. This story is not just a love story. though. It is a tale of healing from childhood trauma that was told unlike any that I've read in a very long time. I'm so excited to read more from Nicolette Beebe in the future, and would definitely recommend this book!
***TW: Sexual Assault, Childhood Trauma, Abandonment***
***TW: Sexual Assault, Childhood Trauma, Abandonment***
February 3, 2021
Loved it!
You've never read a dystopian novel like this one. It was sooooo dark with complicated characters that pull at your heartstrings. I felt so much for Sara and Dexter. Their past haunts them. We see it throughout every chapter as they travel through the desolate wilderness to save the world, indirectly saving each other. I laughed, and I cried while reading this story. I did not expect this book. I knew there would be a journey, but I was not prepared for the journey of self-discovery I'd go on with them. It resonated so deeply. Bravo to Nicolette Beebe. Five stars well deserved!
You've never read a dystopian novel like this one. It was sooooo dark with complicated characters that pull at your heartstrings. I felt so much for Sara and Dexter. Their past haunts them. We see it throughout every chapter as they travel through the desolate wilderness to save the world, indirectly saving each other. I laughed, and I cried while reading this story. I did not expect this book. I knew there would be a journey, but I was not prepared for the journey of self-discovery I'd go on with them. It resonated so deeply. Bravo to Nicolette Beebe. Five stars well deserved!
January 10, 2021
I’m a sucker for second chance romances, and the dystopian, apocalyptic world that Nicolette has created, coupled with the character development, is remarkable. There are some pretty heavy issues that the characters face, and I love how she developed the main character to be fearless and strong. The love story between Sara and Dexter is beautiful.
This book is fast-paced and full of vivid details that will immerse you in her world. I’m really looking forward to the second book!
This book is fast-paced and full of vivid details that will immerse you in her world. I’m really looking forward to the second book!
January 22, 2021
Divergent meets Maze Runner.
Mar King has so many of the great dystopian elements I love; diseased ones, post apocalyptic creatures, immune ones, refugee camps teeming with their own sub-cultures, the strong survivors and their pre-apocalyptic memories, and the ultimate of young love guiding our hero’s journey to save the world.
The story is fast paced from start to finish with no holds barred when it comes to scenes of danger, devastation, and desire.
If you’re a fan of dystopia, I think you’ll love Mar King.
Mar King has so many of the great dystopian elements I love; diseased ones, post apocalyptic creatures, immune ones, refugee camps teeming with their own sub-cultures, the strong survivors and their pre-apocalyptic memories, and the ultimate of young love guiding our hero’s journey to save the world.
The story is fast paced from start to finish with no holds barred when it comes to scenes of danger, devastation, and desire.
If you’re a fan of dystopia, I think you’ll love Mar King.
June 23, 2020
One of the most fulfilling reads I have ever read. This book has everything from romance to the thrilling action, Nicolette keeps you on your toes. I struggled to not binge the whole thing in one day and had to savior each word because they were so uniquely chosen. Nicolette doesn't just tell a story or write, she takes you into her world and draws you in with the characters. They become personal to you! I swear, I'm still talking about each one to this day. Not to mention the events that transpired pull you in! The creatures in the novel as well are unique and important to each event. I could go on about Mar King forever. I really recommand this book to anyone who loves steamy romances, adventure and overall just a well developed story.
Read Mar King, you will not regret it.
10/10 would read this book again and again.
Read Mar King, you will not regret it.
10/10 would read this book again and again.
August 16, 2020
I am glad to say that it does pay off to throw darts once and awhile because there are times you will land on the bullseye. Which is exactly what happened for me here. I read the tag line “ A girl like you should be dead in a place like this”. That’s all it took for me . I have to say if your goal is to be thoroughly entertained when you read look no further. We have all the ingredients. A quest, a lost love, bad decisions, paranormal powers, a bad guy, humor, Twists and turns ... This story teller will take you along for a ride that has a pay off at the top of a mountain. I am hoping that there may be another book to keep this universe alive.
December 5, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! The writing was great, the world vivid and imaginative and the characters... oh the characters! I absolutely fell in love with Sara and Dexter and I loved watching the relationship that developed between them. Their story was beautiful, I was hooked from the first chapter and I really cared about them. If you want to read a truly beautiful love story that you can completely buy into and that gives you all the feels, then this is the book for you!
May 16, 2021
This is such an amazing, unique story! The writing and style is spot on and the characters really pulled me in! Nicolette Beebe is a talented storyteller. I can’t wait to read more of her work!
November 28, 2021
This story is incredible and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I love the characters and rooted for them on every step of their journey. DEFINITELY a must read!
February 7, 2021
Wow! This book. . . Well done and hard to put down. I love love love the relationship building, the journey, the creative world. You won’t be disappointed— can wait to continue the journey!
November 13, 2020
This book pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
From beginning to end, Mar King was fast-paced, full of action, and incredibly emotional. I loved Sara as the main character, loved seeing her inner turmoil and strength. The way that Beebe has written her character is incredible – you feel everything, see everything Sara does as if you were right there with her. Beebe also manages to give you an incredibly vivid and raw look at the effects of trauma in young people through flashbacks, conversations, and dreams – and how those events can still trigger and shape people years later. Not only with the victims but those around them too.
That brings us to Dex – the incredibly refreshing love interest. I don’t want to give away too much, but it has been a long time since I’ve read a romance like Dex and Sara. It was brutal and raw. Sweet and beautiful and so very relatable. There was no insta-love, no perfect relationship from the get-go – Beebe has given the reader a truthful take on a big love story.
The plot, world-building, and romance aspects of the story were all deeply fascinating, twisting on themselves in ways that I’ve never come across before. All building to a heart-pounding crescendo that left me screaming at the final pages, demanding that more materialized so that I didn’t have to leave the world Beebe created so beautifully.
I went into this book thinking that I knew how it would go – the world ends, the girl has to save it, oh – a hot guy too! BUT I WAS SO WRONG.
Mar King is so much more than the typical post-apocalyptic paranormal romance. And although many of those familiar elements are there, Beebe has somehow given us something original and incredibly real to sink into.
I honestly cannot wait to see what she brings to the table next – I'm sure it will be epic, just like Mar King.
From beginning to end, Mar King was fast-paced, full of action, and incredibly emotional. I loved Sara as the main character, loved seeing her inner turmoil and strength. The way that Beebe has written her character is incredible – you feel everything, see everything Sara does as if you were right there with her. Beebe also manages to give you an incredibly vivid and raw look at the effects of trauma in young people through flashbacks, conversations, and dreams – and how those events can still trigger and shape people years later. Not only with the victims but those around them too.
That brings us to Dex – the incredibly refreshing love interest. I don’t want to give away too much, but it has been a long time since I’ve read a romance like Dex and Sara. It was brutal and raw. Sweet and beautiful and so very relatable. There was no insta-love, no perfect relationship from the get-go – Beebe has given the reader a truthful take on a big love story.
The plot, world-building, and romance aspects of the story were all deeply fascinating, twisting on themselves in ways that I’ve never come across before. All building to a heart-pounding crescendo that left me screaming at the final pages, demanding that more materialized so that I didn’t have to leave the world Beebe created so beautifully.
I went into this book thinking that I knew how it would go – the world ends, the girl has to save it, oh – a hot guy too! BUT I WAS SO WRONG.
Mar King is so much more than the typical post-apocalyptic paranormal romance. And although many of those familiar elements are there, Beebe has somehow given us something original and incredibly real to sink into.
I honestly cannot wait to see what she brings to the table next – I'm sure it will be epic, just like Mar King.
November 8, 2020
Read it
A great story that keeps you engaged and doesn’t let go. Had so much fun following the story and how it would change perspectives. Made for a great and fresh way to tell the story.
A great story that keeps you engaged and doesn’t let go. Had so much fun following the story and how it would change perspectives. Made for a great and fresh way to tell the story.
July 28, 2020
I cannot say enough about this book! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of Mar King and was excited, to say the least, at the prospect of reviewing a post-apocalyptic romance (a genre I had, until now, never explored). What I didn’t expect was to end up binging the entire book in a day and a half, too immersed in the story to put it down.
From the very first sentence, I was drawn into the struggle of the protags. Nicolette Beebe is an artist with her characters, shaping them with believable dialogue and spot-on banter at a pace that had my eyes flying across the pages. You FEEL their struggles, both internal and external, as the author carries you on a wild flight across a wasted land, both characters racing against the clock as an old love rekindles despite adversity and troubled pasts. Nicolette Beebe delivers emotion on a raw level and tempers it with a love that can literally survive the end of the world.
Excitement, adventure, a dash of fantasy, and an enduring love make Mar King one of the most entertaining novels I have read in a long time. Not to mention a healthy dose of heat that will attract any fan of the genre. I’ll be adding Nicolette Beebe to my list of authors to follow!
From the very first sentence, I was drawn into the struggle of the protags. Nicolette Beebe is an artist with her characters, shaping them with believable dialogue and spot-on banter at a pace that had my eyes flying across the pages. You FEEL their struggles, both internal and external, as the author carries you on a wild flight across a wasted land, both characters racing against the clock as an old love rekindles despite adversity and troubled pasts. Nicolette Beebe delivers emotion on a raw level and tempers it with a love that can literally survive the end of the world.
Excitement, adventure, a dash of fantasy, and an enduring love make Mar King one of the most entertaining novels I have read in a long time. Not to mention a healthy dose of heat that will attract any fan of the genre. I’ll be adding Nicolette Beebe to my list of authors to follow!
January 26, 2021
It is a post apocalyptic romance that's written in one of the most simple and magnificent way for a reader. This book hooks you from page one and only gets better. The chemistry between Sarah Mar King and Dexter is written so beautifully. Nicolette has a way with her words. She spins it carefully and comes up with some of the most gorgeous descriptions and scenes that transport her readers to a different realm. Her character's are strong, likable and relatable and her world researched even to the tiniest details. If I could go on and on about this book, I would. Infact, I aim for a second read later in the week.
If you are someone who likes a good book (even better if you are looking for an apocalyptic book) then don't even hesitate.
"Mar King" - A spectacular debut by a wonderful and talented author.
If you are someone who likes a good book (even better if you are looking for an apocalyptic book) then don't even hesitate.
"Mar King" - A spectacular debut by a wonderful and talented author.
June 24, 2020
Why is this book so good though? All the action centers around Dexter and Sara, two fiercely independent survivors in a savage apocalypse. They're thrown together from the start, and the tension between them builds and changes throughout the book so much that it's difficult to put down. I love their relationship and how much they evolve individually. Sara is the scrappy warrior I wish I could be, and Dexter is the rugged man beast who steams up your reading glasses. I want a Book 2.
April 27, 2021
This book is so good!!! The worldbuilding absolutely hooked me. I wasn’t sure what to make of the main characters at first, but as the book progressed, they stole the show. The ending just blew me away. This is one of those books just keeps getting better and better as you read. I can’t wait for Sir Bennet!
January 31, 2021
From beginning to end I never knew what to expect from this book! The world building was very cool and unique to anything I’ve read before! I can’t wait to see what happens to the characters in Sir Bennet!
July 4, 2021
5 Ravens! (stars)
This one’s a keeper! I’ve read a lot of romances in my life, and this one was well…different—in a good way. I loved it.
It pulled me in from the first page. The post-apocalyptic landscape wasn’t like any I’ve ever imagined, and it was easy to become immersed inside of it—addicting in a sort of weird way.
Dexter and Sara were great. She’s feisty and tough, vulnerable and kind. He’s stoic and hardened, selfless and loving. Their romance was hot, full of nuance, conflicted, and sweet all at the same time.
I’m a romance addict, and I’ve probably read thousands of them. So, it’s rare when one actually surprises me—even when there are “twists” in the plots. This one *really* surprised me—*twice*. I definitely didn’t see either plot twist coming, and I’ll bet nobody else will either.
This one’s a keeper! I’ve read a lot of romances in my life, and this one was well…different—in a good way. I loved it.
It pulled me in from the first page. The post-apocalyptic landscape wasn’t like any I’ve ever imagined, and it was easy to become immersed inside of it—addicting in a sort of weird way.
Dexter and Sara were great. She’s feisty and tough, vulnerable and kind. He’s stoic and hardened, selfless and loving. Their romance was hot, full of nuance, conflicted, and sweet all at the same time.
I’m a romance addict, and I’ve probably read thousands of them. So, it’s rare when one actually surprises me—even when there are “twists” in the plots. This one *really* surprised me—*twice*. I definitely didn’t see either plot twist coming, and I’ll bet nobody else will either.
December 15, 2020
Lots of twists and turns and action in this post-apocalyptic romance/adventure story!
The characters' stories are well-developed and often given to the reader in fantastic flashbacks which help you feel like you are getting to know the characters instead of being told about them.
The book is also well-paced so you can sit down and keep turning the pages for hours.
A fantastic debut novel for the author and I already have the sequel marked on my TBR!
The characters' stories are well-developed and often given to the reader in fantastic flashbacks which help you feel like you are getting to know the characters instead of being told about them.
The book is also well-paced so you can sit down and keep turning the pages for hours.
A fantastic debut novel for the author and I already have the sequel marked on my TBR!
November 9, 2020
Nicolette did an outstanding job with this well-written, fast-paced, apocalyptic tale! Mar King was one of those books that had it all: Well-drawn characters, a fun and tough heroine with mystical abilities, a hero who would stop at nothing to protect her, true to life dialogue and interpersonal conflict, and the right amount of romance. And the way she writes her scenery really puts you in the characters' world, making it so that you can sense the danger lurking around every corner, describing it in a way that you can almost smell the mold spreading across the earth. Be warned going into this read that it is dangerously captivating! I don't remember ever reading a 370 pages that quickly! And it gets a little dark at times, which is fine because this is the apocalypse, but Nicolette does a stellar job reminding us that humans are capable of great evil even before the world descends into chaos. I am beyond hype for book 2.
10/10 recommended this book to all Post-apocalyptic readers!
10/10 recommended this book to all Post-apocalyptic readers!
November 18, 2020
Mar King is unquestionably a five-star read. Grammatically clean, well-formatted, and sporting a very attractive book cover, I was excited to dive right in. Being a lifelong fantasy reader while new to the romance genre, I was totally thrilled with Mar King's opening chapters. I could tell right away that a relationship was building between the two main characters, and yet I was thrust into a deadly post-apocalypse. The apocalyptic setting works well with the story. There have been some tragedies in the lives of Sara and Dexter, and now in this tragic setting, they are faced with a second chance. As we move on from there, however, things get even better. As the story moves forward, I find myself wondering WHY we are in a post-apocalypse, along with a few other pressing questions. As it moves, the questions fester. As their relationship builds, both characters absolutely leap off the pages, and then, when the pressing questions are answered, everything changes. This is a very fascinating mythos. I'm not sure I've read anything quite like it. How it impacted the characters and story was very impressive to me. Without trying too hard to be, I am totally invested in these characters. I love them. I feel for them. I'm rooting for them, sad for them, impressed by their decisions. I simply cannot wait for Book 2, and I've only just discovered this author! Give her some love. You will not be disappointed.
September 1, 2021
Mar King is an intriguing, thrilling adventure that left me questioning what was real and what wasn’t.
Dexter Bennet and Sara Mar King reconnect after four years surviving in the mouldy, dystopian world crawling with vicious creatures and terrifying people. Following instruction from a strange, malevolent voice in Sara’s head, they together make the dangerous trek to Mount Verta and cling to a second chance at romance.
I was admittedly a little sceptical at their initial meeting, but soon fell in love with Sara and Dexter. Both are fighters, and Beebe does a fantastic job at portraying just how trying the last four years have been. Dark, buried secrets eventually emerge and only added to the love I felt for the characters, particularly Sara, who had been thrust into the heart of hell itself and still emerged fighting. Their charming, fun banter was a wonderful addition to an otherwise dark, decaying environment, and only added to the warmth of their relationship.
The story is original and utterly intriguing, with a brilliant pace. I read this book in the space of three days – which, for a book of this length, is incredibly fast for me. Beebe throws you in the middle of the action and doesn’t let go: either you’re engrossed in the events of their next obstacle or fight, or in the tender interactions between Dexter and Sara. Such a combination acts as a real page turner! The ending was utterly satisfying, yet I still question what I *think* I know, especially given there is a sequel.
Beebe has done a remarkable job of making the world feel…wrong – which is exactly what you want in a dystopian world. The world itself is incredibly unique and had my skin crawling. While disturbingly beautiful, I did feel the worldbuilding only scratched at the surface, especially regarding the infection and the mist – which I still have questions about (but these might be answered in the following books).
Overall, Mar King was a thrilling, enjoyable ride and I highly recommend.
Dexter Bennet and Sara Mar King reconnect after four years surviving in the mouldy, dystopian world crawling with vicious creatures and terrifying people. Following instruction from a strange, malevolent voice in Sara’s head, they together make the dangerous trek to Mount Verta and cling to a second chance at romance.
I was admittedly a little sceptical at their initial meeting, but soon fell in love with Sara and Dexter. Both are fighters, and Beebe does a fantastic job at portraying just how trying the last four years have been. Dark, buried secrets eventually emerge and only added to the love I felt for the characters, particularly Sara, who had been thrust into the heart of hell itself and still emerged fighting. Their charming, fun banter was a wonderful addition to an otherwise dark, decaying environment, and only added to the warmth of their relationship.
The story is original and utterly intriguing, with a brilliant pace. I read this book in the space of three days – which, for a book of this length, is incredibly fast for me. Beebe throws you in the middle of the action and doesn’t let go: either you’re engrossed in the events of their next obstacle or fight, or in the tender interactions between Dexter and Sara. Such a combination acts as a real page turner! The ending was utterly satisfying, yet I still question what I *think* I know, especially given there is a sequel.
Beebe has done a remarkable job of making the world feel…wrong – which is exactly what you want in a dystopian world. The world itself is incredibly unique and had my skin crawling. While disturbingly beautiful, I did feel the worldbuilding only scratched at the surface, especially regarding the infection and the mist – which I still have questions about (but these might be answered in the following books).
Overall, Mar King was a thrilling, enjoyable ride and I highly recommend.
June 28, 2022
*Originally rated this book four stars, but that feels too low, so I'm upping it to five!*
This was a story that was gritty yet tender, with strikingly vivid writing, and characters with depth and layers.
Dexter and Sara were fascinating and well-written leading characters. It’s easy to root for them to succeed both separately and together. The history between them was revealed perfectly, with just enough being shared at a time that it added to the story rather than taking away from it and not too much that there was any info dumping.
The post-apocalyptic world was done well and was explained simply enough that even I understood with my brain that simply can’t process more science-fiction-y aspects of stories.
There were many moments that were seriously intense and others emotional. I got choked up and teary eyed during the scene at the top of Mount Verta, and at another scene, I was so enthralled that when I came out of it, I had totally forgotten where I was!
I really wanted to give this one five stars, but there was a lot of language and two or three sex scenes I skimmed over.
The whole ending wrapped up so well that I’m nervous to read the sequel, but I’m sure it will be just as good as the first. It’s on my TBR!
This was a story that was gritty yet tender, with strikingly vivid writing, and characters with depth and layers.
Dexter and Sara were fascinating and well-written leading characters. It’s easy to root for them to succeed both separately and together. The history between them was revealed perfectly, with just enough being shared at a time that it added to the story rather than taking away from it and not too much that there was any info dumping.
The post-apocalyptic world was done well and was explained simply enough that even I understood with my brain that simply can’t process more science-fiction-y aspects of stories.
There were many moments that were seriously intense and others emotional. I got choked up and teary eyed during the scene at the top of Mount Verta, and at another scene, I was so enthralled that when I came out of it, I had totally forgotten where I was!
I really wanted to give this one five stars, but there was a lot of language and two or three sex scenes I skimmed over.
The whole ending wrapped up so well that I’m nervous to read the sequel, but I’m sure it will be just as good as the first. It’s on my TBR!
December 29, 2020
Wow.
What to say about Mar King?
A beautifully touching second chance romance in an apocalyptic future that will hook you from the start, have you rooting for the two MCs, and then take your heart and break it apart over and over again in the third act. It had me bawling.
I had been planning to spread this read out over a week, but I read it in two days instead because by the time Sara and Dexter set off on their journey there was no way I was putting this book down.
This book is so cinematic. I'm so glad that there is a sequel. I can't wait for 'Sir Bennet'!
Highly recommended. Absolutely among my very favourite reads of 2020!
What to say about Mar King?
A beautifully touching second chance romance in an apocalyptic future that will hook you from the start, have you rooting for the two MCs, and then take your heart and break it apart over and over again in the third act. It had me bawling.
I had been planning to spread this read out over a week, but I read it in two days instead because by the time Sara and Dexter set off on their journey there was no way I was putting this book down.
This book is so cinematic. I'm so glad that there is a sequel. I can't wait for 'Sir Bennet'!
Highly recommended. Absolutely among my very favourite reads of 2020!
September 26, 2020
Wow! Where do I start?! Mar King by Nicolette Beebe pulled me in from the beginning. The imagery and world building painted a beautiful picture of Nicolette’s world and I found myself hung on every word. From their relationship together to their own personal journey individually, Dexter and Sara are two characters that were so beautifully crafted. This story will hook you from the first sentence! I highly recommend!
June 22, 2020
Loved the characters and the story line! Sara is such a kick-ass protagonist, and her journey (both emotional and physical) is very captivating. Good flow and descriptive writing. Couldn't put it down. My only critique is that it ended. What's next?! Looking forward to more books from this author.
December 12, 2020
I breezed through this book within a few days! It is a quick read. The story is unique and the characters have depth. I loved the ending! It is the kind of book that will stick with you and make you think back to certain parts.
February 25, 2021
“Mar King” is my first deep dive into the romance genre, and Nicolette Beebe has done a great job selling me on the story’s relationship dynamic. The perspective of Dexter Bennett opens this story with a dour and cynical perspective, punctuated by the grim, dystopian world that surrounds him. But a ray of light quickly draws him out of his stupor, and that light is his former friend, Sara Mar King. Sara has a great introduction; she’s confident, snarky, and willing to do what it takes to survive in this apocalyptic world. Dexter, immediately re-infatuated with her, pledges to accompany her on the quest to save the world while the pair rekindle their lost love for one another.
The heart of the story is solely based around Dexter and Sara, their relationship is what Beebe focuses on the most and you can tell she poured her heart into it. The relationship and their past history are remarkably wholesome despite the darker secrets that gradually bubble to the surface. Dexter is 100% supportive and kind to Sara when she needs it most while Sara tries her best to remember the sweet girl she used to be, providing a beacon of hope for Dexter.
Beebe has also done a remarkable job in establishing a unique dystopian world while not bogging the reader down with copious world-building details. She keeps things simple, which is refreshing. There are savage human clans, pterodactyl-like monsters, desolate environments, and supernatural powers that come from a very surprising source.
The ending was truly something to behold and relies heavily on the emotional build up of their relationship. Avoiding spoilers, there is a surprising twist that hooks your attention for the finale.
There are a few things that did not sit well with me and could’ve been expanded upon. The middle of the book slows down too much and could’ve used a bit more variety than walking and talking. It lacks the urgency of the quest. A lot of Dexter and Sara’s interactions in the book’s middle come across as filler fluff and become repetitive. There are also a few moments when Sara’s character doesn’t remain consistent, particularly when she falls for a very obvious trap when she’s supposed to know better if she’s been surviving solo for four years. Lastly, I think “Mar King” would have benefitted from a few more characters being part of the main quest. There are maybe a handful of side characters in the book, and only one gets more than a chapter to interact with the main characters.
Overall, the first few chapters gripped me with a unique premise and wholesome characters, making “Mar King” easy to pick up and read. Though there were some pacing issues and repetitive moments, the heart of the story is what drove me forward. Dexter and Sara are very well-written characters, and I eagerly await to see what happens next.
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