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Trimarked #1
Trimarked
Her life is forbidden.
The realms of Terra, Heldu and Gypsum share the Earth. They’ve been separated by the gossamer power of the Veil for thousands of years, like words on either side of a page. Two decades ago, the Veil malfunctioned over the town of Trifecta. Fae and Witches living in the same space within their realms were forced from home and into the human realm. The Veil hardened, creating an impenetrable bubble around Trifecta where all three races found themselves trapped and forgotten.
At seventeen, Ember has always lived in Trifecta. Born of a human mother, Witch father and birthed on Fae soil, her existence is forbidden. All that keeps her safe is the Binding Ink tattoo the Fae gave her at birth to block her from potential powers. The Trimark.
Yet Ember’s power may be beyond containment. She has sway over the barrier, can even open a door for a brief time. Her systems of safety start to dissolve in a moment of self defense, when throwing out a human boy has consequences beyond the Fae.
And when someone carves their way through the barrier into their secluded town, events unfold that threaten her existence.
For fans of The Hunger Games, The Darkest Minds, An Ember in Ashes, and the Darker Shades of Magic trilogy.
The realms of Terra, Heldu and Gypsum share the Earth. They’ve been separated by the gossamer power of the Veil for thousands of years, like words on either side of a page. Two decades ago, the Veil malfunctioned over the town of Trifecta. Fae and Witches living in the same space within their realms were forced from home and into the human realm. The Veil hardened, creating an impenetrable bubble around Trifecta where all three races found themselves trapped and forgotten.
At seventeen, Ember has always lived in Trifecta. Born of a human mother, Witch father and birthed on Fae soil, her existence is forbidden. All that keeps her safe is the Binding Ink tattoo the Fae gave her at birth to block her from potential powers. The Trimark.
Yet Ember’s power may be beyond containment. She has sway over the barrier, can even open a door for a brief time. Her systems of safety start to dissolve in a moment of self defense, when throwing out a human boy has consequences beyond the Fae.
And when someone carves their way through the barrier into their secluded town, events unfold that threaten her existence.
For fans of The Hunger Games, The Darkest Minds, An Ember in Ashes, and the Darker Shades of Magic trilogy.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
212 pages, Paperback
Published December 6, 2020
308 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
C.K. Sorens
5 books65 followersC.K. Sorens is a USA Today Bestselling author of Defiant Fantasy, creating dark fantasy and romantasy that challenge fate, choice, and resilience. Her character-driven stories invite readers into worlds where defiance shapes destinies. A certified life coach with a B.S. in Family and Child Development, she brings depth and insight to her narratives. Follow for the latest releases and exclusive content!
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 8, 2020
I’ve been a follower of Carrie’s writing for a number of years now. Always hoping she’d release a novel, knowing that her story telling is always magical, captivating and written with her own unique style that is a step above many writers' simpler styles.
Trimarked is focused around Ember Lee. Ember is called the Trimarked Child because she was born half human, half witch, and forbiddenly born in Fae Territory which brings it’s own set of magical powers in itself. However being the only 3 way mix, her powers are subdued and bound by a magical tattoo given to her at birth. She is a young girl struggling to survive in a place where she doesn’t really fit in or belong anywhere, nor does she particularly want to either, preferring to keep to herself, yet she seems to always be watched, and monitored, and we learn all about her not only from her own perspective, but the perspective of the other main characters in the novel who are more directly connected to her, as each chapter is written from the perspective of a different main character including Ember herself.
This story is made more unique in that it appears to take place in modern times. There are cars, and cell phones, yet it takes place under a magical dome where no one can leave, and no one can enter. All the main characters in the story were born within the confines of the dome, and so even though they heard stories of life before the dome, the dome is all they know and thus we learn about life in the dome through their perspectives.
The story begins with an introduction to the main characters, and life under the dome beginning with the humans, however as the story progresses, we learn more about the unique differences between Human, Witch, and Fae territory, as well as how Witch and Fae magical powers differ. I loved learning about the different territories and their perspective of life under the dome, of each other, and of course, of Ember. There is also a centre where those who don’t fit in meet and mingle and we meet some characters from this place as well who are also connected to Ember.
The story itself focuses on Ember, and her binding tattoo, and how it should hold the capacity to bind her magic, and yet it becomes clear that despite this Ember has a magical ability. Ember had kept this hidden from everyone, however as the story progresses more characters learn about her power. The story ends in way that sets the story up for the next book, and I look forward to reading the challenges having more people aware of her magical ability is going to bring her in book 2.
In addition to the story itself, I also loved the style and pacing of this book. The first few chapters are focused on the Humans and I found myself finding the setup of the scenario took me a bit to settle into, but once I moved past the early chapters and got into the story, it hooked me in and kept me coming back to read more.
Carrie writes with a style that feels fast paced yet still details things beautifully without seeming rushed. It’s a style that allows those like myself who tend to speed read to get past the wordy, too much detail bits to actually read every word at a more comfortable pace. It’s a well crafted, thought out, and polished book. It’s a style that is uniquely her’s and I love the freshness of it after reading so many books by new and established authors who haven’t really developed their own unique story telling voice. She’s definitely a writer to watch out for, as I know there will be more to come from her.
Trimarked is focused around Ember Lee. Ember is called the Trimarked Child because she was born half human, half witch, and forbiddenly born in Fae Territory which brings it’s own set of magical powers in itself. However being the only 3 way mix, her powers are subdued and bound by a magical tattoo given to her at birth. She is a young girl struggling to survive in a place where she doesn’t really fit in or belong anywhere, nor does she particularly want to either, preferring to keep to herself, yet she seems to always be watched, and monitored, and we learn all about her not only from her own perspective, but the perspective of the other main characters in the novel who are more directly connected to her, as each chapter is written from the perspective of a different main character including Ember herself.
This story is made more unique in that it appears to take place in modern times. There are cars, and cell phones, yet it takes place under a magical dome where no one can leave, and no one can enter. All the main characters in the story were born within the confines of the dome, and so even though they heard stories of life before the dome, the dome is all they know and thus we learn about life in the dome through their perspectives.
The story begins with an introduction to the main characters, and life under the dome beginning with the humans, however as the story progresses, we learn more about the unique differences between Human, Witch, and Fae territory, as well as how Witch and Fae magical powers differ. I loved learning about the different territories and their perspective of life under the dome, of each other, and of course, of Ember. There is also a centre where those who don’t fit in meet and mingle and we meet some characters from this place as well who are also connected to Ember.
The story itself focuses on Ember, and her binding tattoo, and how it should hold the capacity to bind her magic, and yet it becomes clear that despite this Ember has a magical ability. Ember had kept this hidden from everyone, however as the story progresses more characters learn about her power. The story ends in way that sets the story up for the next book, and I look forward to reading the challenges having more people aware of her magical ability is going to bring her in book 2.
In addition to the story itself, I also loved the style and pacing of this book. The first few chapters are focused on the Humans and I found myself finding the setup of the scenario took me a bit to settle into, but once I moved past the early chapters and got into the story, it hooked me in and kept me coming back to read more.
Carrie writes with a style that feels fast paced yet still details things beautifully without seeming rushed. It’s a style that allows those like myself who tend to speed read to get past the wordy, too much detail bits to actually read every word at a more comfortable pace. It’s a well crafted, thought out, and polished book. It’s a style that is uniquely her’s and I love the freshness of it after reading so many books by new and established authors who haven’t really developed their own unique story telling voice. She’s definitely a writer to watch out for, as I know there will be more to come from her.
December 9, 2020
It's been a long time since I've read fantasy, particularly anything close to dark fantasy, and so when I got my hands on Carrie's novel Trimarked, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. You first meet Ember Lee as she watches the humans batter themselves against a barrier that encircles their town, Trifecta. Immediately, you realize she is separate from this human existence and not at all accepted by those she closely watches. One moment though, one interaction with one of the humans, sets this story off in a direction that changes the course of Ember's life, the lives of everyone in Trifecta, and far beyond.
Ember is an intriguing character and I related to her in how she didn't feel like she fit in. She was born of a witch father, a human mother, and born on fae soil. She has an interesting relationship with Nicu, who positions himself as both a mentor and protector in the beginning. Each person within this story is impacted by Ember's existence and it's so interesting to see them all respond to that.
The character and world development in this book are really, really strong. I felt so immersed in this world and it was obvious the author put so much detail and thought into this. In addition, the pace is absolutely fantastic! It went by so fast and I kept wanting to read on and on to see what happens (always a good sign!).
Overall, if you want to read a dark fantasy book with tons of strong, well-developed characters, you will want to pick up a copy of Trimarked.
Ember is an intriguing character and I related to her in how she didn't feel like she fit in. She was born of a witch father, a human mother, and born on fae soil. She has an interesting relationship with Nicu, who positions himself as both a mentor and protector in the beginning. Each person within this story is impacted by Ember's existence and it's so interesting to see them all respond to that.
The character and world development in this book are really, really strong. I felt so immersed in this world and it was obvious the author put so much detail and thought into this. In addition, the pace is absolutely fantastic! It went by so fast and I kept wanting to read on and on to see what happens (always a good sign!).
Overall, if you want to read a dark fantasy book with tons of strong, well-developed characters, you will want to pick up a copy of Trimarked.
December 10, 2022
Y'all, this book, tho.
I think I've been drafting a review since I finished the first chapter.
C.K. Sorens' writing LEVELS. YOU. UP. as a reader -- so you best be in top form and ready to enjoy all the ways Sorens' prose makes language fit together like the strands of the magic she's created in this world trapped behind a veil.
I so thoroughly enjoyed meeting the characters -- all who became real and as complex as the world Sorens builds, with anticipation for the next novel, and the next one, and the next.
I am definitely along for the ride and looking forward to reading Afflicted. Thank you, C.K., for reminding me what it feels like to be a keen and astute reader who can appreciate sharp, structured, and lyrical language in a written work. Brava!
I think I've been drafting a review since I finished the first chapter.
C.K. Sorens' writing LEVELS. YOU. UP. as a reader -- so you best be in top form and ready to enjoy all the ways Sorens' prose makes language fit together like the strands of the magic she's created in this world trapped behind a veil.
I so thoroughly enjoyed meeting the characters -- all who became real and as complex as the world Sorens builds, with anticipation for the next novel, and the next one, and the next.
I am definitely along for the ride and looking forward to reading Afflicted. Thank you, C.K., for reminding me what it feels like to be a keen and astute reader who can appreciate sharp, structured, and lyrical language in a written work. Brava!
October 28, 2022
Dark fantasy. Urban fantasy. It’s a win all around if those are your genres. I felt for Ember, and I’ll be reading book 2 immediately to find out what happens next!
August 24, 2021
5 stars plus more
This was such a great read.
The characters, the storyline,the mysteries…all twisted seamlessly together to come to the finale…
I love the way things become clearer throughout the book at different intervals, some not until the very end while others intermittently throughout….
Fae, witches and humans altogether for reasons somewhat explained, but then again maybe not fully….
Cannot wait to see how this continues…
Such a great interesting read….
This was such a great read.
The characters, the storyline,the mysteries…all twisted seamlessly together to come to the finale…
I love the way things become clearer throughout the book at different intervals, some not until the very end while others intermittently throughout….
Fae, witches and humans altogether for reasons somewhat explained, but then again maybe not fully….
Cannot wait to see how this continues…
Such a great interesting read….
March 9, 2025
This book has a fascinating plot, which was the main reason i continued reading. I wanted to know what was going on. But the writing is awful. The author kept trying to be clever by being imaginative when writing sentences. But it made it very unclear to me what exactly was happening or who the characters were conversing with. This made it difficult to follow. Such a shame because the plot was quite unique and interesting.
August 16, 2025
"Trimarked" by C. K. Sorens is the first in series of a well-written urban fantasy in which human, fae, and witch worlds have been smashed together. Sorens does a great job of creating a culture of forced tolerance for those caught in the Veil, an impenetrable bubble separating the town of Trifecta from the rest of society. The fae are sleek, powerful, and tricky with their words, seeming like the puppet masters in some ways. The witches and wizards are more wild, independent, and focused on restoration. The humans are typical: foolish, utterly convinced they'll one day be able to challenge other towns in football, and minimally useful in creating new resources to live. Unfortunately, because of the Veil amd the Fading of connection to other realms, they're all stuck with each other.
I found the main character, a young woman cursed by her own birth circumstances, to be a good one; she is resourceful, stubbornly independent, and resilient in a community bonded entirely by their resentment of her. It is frustrating, as her ability to make choices about her future are limited, but she still strives to do so. Her struggle simply to survive is confounded by a wide variety of people who range from nefarious to possibly friendly, and the politics of the Veil are more complex than they initially seem.
I thought Sorens' writing style was smooth reading, well balanced between action and dialogue. It was a little hard sometimes to imagine the world of the Veil, as it is so shoved together and still segregated, making me wish I had a map! Overall, I enjoyed this YA story despite not typically reading urban fantasy, and definitely respect what Sorens has started with this book. If you enjoy urban/contemporary YA fantasy, you might try this out!
I found the main character, a young woman cursed by her own birth circumstances, to be a good one; she is resourceful, stubbornly independent, and resilient in a community bonded entirely by their resentment of her. It is frustrating, as her ability to make choices about her future are limited, but she still strives to do so. Her struggle simply to survive is confounded by a wide variety of people who range from nefarious to possibly friendly, and the politics of the Veil are more complex than they initially seem.
I thought Sorens' writing style was smooth reading, well balanced between action and dialogue. It was a little hard sometimes to imagine the world of the Veil, as it is so shoved together and still segregated, making me wish I had a map! Overall, I enjoyed this YA story despite not typically reading urban fantasy, and definitely respect what Sorens has started with this book. If you enjoy urban/contemporary YA fantasy, you might try this out!
March 2, 2022
Book Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trimarked is an Urban Fantasy story set in our world (or one similar to ours), where three races get locked in a magical bubble and are forced to co-exist with one another. Fae, witches and humans.
The world-building in this book is rich, and detailed. From the sets they live in to their culture. For a shorter fantasy book, I didn’t think I missed out on the details of the world or why things are the way they are.
We got multiple POV’s in this story as well, which is not usually something I prefer, but it worked so well here I was eager to keep learning from the world from each one of them.
I really empathized with Ember, and the crappy situation they forced her into. I felt her frustration, and it was very interesting to see that world through her jaded eyes. She expected people to want something from her, even her friends. Or not want her at all.
So heart breaking. And don’t let me get stared with her mother—😤
This feels a lot like a “found family” is building up, and that is one of my favorite book tropes.
Nicu was also very interesting. He felt cold, and for most of the book, I wasn’t sure what his deal was. We know Ember’s birth affected him, but as the book progressed, the layers of what makes him get peeled away. The horrifying reality of what truly happened that tied them together—well, let’s just say, it had me reading non-stop until the book was done.
The book’s third act is where it’s at. It’s great, and I LOVED what the villain got what he deserved in the end, because let’s be real. I hated his guts.
This was a fun read, and I can wait to dive into its sequel.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trimarked is an Urban Fantasy story set in our world (or one similar to ours), where three races get locked in a magical bubble and are forced to co-exist with one another. Fae, witches and humans.
The world-building in this book is rich, and detailed. From the sets they live in to their culture. For a shorter fantasy book, I didn’t think I missed out on the details of the world or why things are the way they are.
We got multiple POV’s in this story as well, which is not usually something I prefer, but it worked so well here I was eager to keep learning from the world from each one of them.
I really empathized with Ember, and the crappy situation they forced her into. I felt her frustration, and it was very interesting to see that world through her jaded eyes. She expected people to want something from her, even her friends. Or not want her at all.
So heart breaking. And don’t let me get stared with her mother—😤
This feels a lot like a “found family” is building up, and that is one of my favorite book tropes.
Nicu was also very interesting. He felt cold, and for most of the book, I wasn’t sure what his deal was. We know Ember’s birth affected him, but as the book progressed, the layers of what makes him get peeled away. The horrifying reality of what truly happened that tied them together—well, let’s just say, it had me reading non-stop until the book was done.
The book’s third act is where it’s at. It’s great, and I LOVED what the villain got what he deserved in the end, because let’s be real. I hated his guts.
This was a fun read, and I can wait to dive into its sequel.
June 11, 2022
*This is a spoiler-free review.*
Ember walks a line too fine to balance -- she is the only living being who is Trimarked: A half-human/half-witch born on fae soil. All three worlds spurn her, and she is under constant watch by beings ready to snuff the life out of her if she shows signs of destroying the world in some unknown way.
A world that consists of a literal 'bubble' containing all three races in the 'Trifecta'.
Struggling to find her place in a world that does not want her brings her a plethora of enemies, but through the story of Trimarked she also meets someone who could become her first true (no-strings-attached) friend.
Watching Ember's journey as a woman destined to be invisible but desperate to be seen and accepted moved me deeply. While she pushes the boundaries imposed on her, wanting freedom, she never quite spurns the responsibility for the very races who loathe her.
Sorens truly captures what it means to need to fit in but have that impossible. There is no damsel in Ember; she is a confident and capable fighter. There are some companions who (for duty or other not-yet-revealed reasons) stick by her through the book, and some hints at potential romance at some point in a future book as well.
Politics, power, and self-confidence/acceptance are key points in this powerful YA urban fantasy novel. It was a quick, page-turning read, with great morals and a wonderful potential for future books in the series.
**Trigger Warnings: Assault, Racism, Coercion, Kidnapping**
Ember walks a line too fine to balance -- she is the only living being who is Trimarked: A half-human/half-witch born on fae soil. All three worlds spurn her, and she is under constant watch by beings ready to snuff the life out of her if she shows signs of destroying the world in some unknown way.
A world that consists of a literal 'bubble' containing all three races in the 'Trifecta'.
Struggling to find her place in a world that does not want her brings her a plethora of enemies, but through the story of Trimarked she also meets someone who could become her first true (no-strings-attached) friend.
Watching Ember's journey as a woman destined to be invisible but desperate to be seen and accepted moved me deeply. While she pushes the boundaries imposed on her, wanting freedom, she never quite spurns the responsibility for the very races who loathe her.
Sorens truly captures what it means to need to fit in but have that impossible. There is no damsel in Ember; she is a confident and capable fighter. There are some companions who (for duty or other not-yet-revealed reasons) stick by her through the book, and some hints at potential romance at some point in a future book as well.
Politics, power, and self-confidence/acceptance are key points in this powerful YA urban fantasy novel. It was a quick, page-turning read, with great morals and a wonderful potential for future books in the series.
**Trigger Warnings: Assault, Racism, Coercion, Kidnapping**
August 7, 2022
I listened to the audiobook version of this title, read by Jillian Yetter and Rob Brinkmann
I enjoyed this audiobook! Rob Brinkmann did a fantastic job with his narration. You’ll love it if you like a fast-paced YA Fantasy/Urban Fantasy. This book is definitely for a more mature audience 18+ (violence, no spice). Check the trigger warnings.
Ember Lee is an outcast that's trapped in a city that's cut off from the rest of the world. The veil has forced fae, witches, and humans to coexist. Though, they have boundaries that separate the different species.
Ember, being half-witch, half-human, and born in fae lands, has been marked as dangerous by all.
I loved following along as Ember’s powers emerged, and she had to fight to survive.
I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book!
I was given a code to review this title. However, this is my honest opinion.
I enjoyed this audiobook! Rob Brinkmann did a fantastic job with his narration. You’ll love it if you like a fast-paced YA Fantasy/Urban Fantasy. This book is definitely for a more mature audience 18+ (violence, no spice). Check the trigger warnings.
Ember Lee is an outcast that's trapped in a city that's cut off from the rest of the world. The veil has forced fae, witches, and humans to coexist. Though, they have boundaries that separate the different species.
Ember, being half-witch, half-human, and born in fae lands, has been marked as dangerous by all.
I loved following along as Ember’s powers emerged, and she had to fight to survive.
I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book!
I was given a code to review this title. However, this is my honest opinion.
December 5, 2021
A gripping fantasy tale with a feisty heroine.
Trifecta is a town trapped by magic and forgotten by the outside world. It is home to humans, fae and witches, but the uneasy peace negotiated between them is hardest of all for Ember Lee, a young woman born on fae territory to a human mother and a witch father. Being different shapes Ember’s life, but she is tough. Her story starts with a violent encounter on a night when the young people are making a sport of attempting to break through the invisible barrier surrounding the town. This encounter has consequences, both for Ember and Trifecta, making for a memorable read.
Ember’s story had me hooked right from the start, and I found this to be a fast-paced and exciting book that left me looking forward to the next instalment.
Trifecta is a town trapped by magic and forgotten by the outside world. It is home to humans, fae and witches, but the uneasy peace negotiated between them is hardest of all for Ember Lee, a young woman born on fae territory to a human mother and a witch father. Being different shapes Ember’s life, but she is tough. Her story starts with a violent encounter on a night when the young people are making a sport of attempting to break through the invisible barrier surrounding the town. This encounter has consequences, both for Ember and Trifecta, making for a memorable read.
Ember’s story had me hooked right from the start, and I found this to be a fast-paced and exciting book that left me looking forward to the next instalment.
December 21, 2024
What a great fantasy!
I don’t normally like apocalypse stories, which is what this one felt like in the beginning. But, no, not at all. I also had Stephen King’s Dome vibes while reading this with the city of Trifecta being encased in a dome, but in this one the only thing that can’t get out are people. Well, humans, Fae and Witches because all three races are trapped in this dome. Our story follows a young child who should not even exist—a human mother, wizard father and born on Fae land. This story is definitely character driven. We have the good, the bad and the ugly. We also have true friendship and caring. There’s a bit of everything here, from trust issues to just trying to survive. I truly enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
I don’t normally like apocalypse stories, which is what this one felt like in the beginning. But, no, not at all. I also had Stephen King’s Dome vibes while reading this with the city of Trifecta being encased in a dome, but in this one the only thing that can’t get out are people. Well, humans, Fae and Witches because all three races are trapped in this dome. Our story follows a young child who should not even exist—a human mother, wizard father and born on Fae land. This story is definitely character driven. We have the good, the bad and the ugly. We also have true friendship and caring. There’s a bit of everything here, from trust issues to just trying to survive. I truly enjoyed this story and can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
November 12, 2021
I got this book as a gift and I'm so happy!
This is only the first one of the series and already caught my attention. I have a clear picture of Ember in my mind, and it's heartbreaking. So many times I felt like punching the entire population of Trifecta in the face because of how horribly they treated her.
Fae, witches, and humans are forced to share a town and coexist as peacefully as possible. It reminds me of the time my parents left me and my siblings alone in the house: struggling to work together and not kill each other in order to prevent the collapse of civilization. And praying nothing exploded.
Only that in Trimarked, something explodes.
The world-building can be a little daunting at first, but I found solace in the description of magic and especially the witches' territory. Absolutely beautiful.
Looking forward to the next book!
This is only the first one of the series and already caught my attention. I have a clear picture of Ember in my mind, and it's heartbreaking. So many times I felt like punching the entire population of Trifecta in the face because of how horribly they treated her.
Fae, witches, and humans are forced to share a town and coexist as peacefully as possible. It reminds me of the time my parents left me and my siblings alone in the house: struggling to work together and not kill each other in order to prevent the collapse of civilization. And praying nothing exploded.
Only that in Trimarked, something explodes.
The world-building can be a little daunting at first, but I found solace in the description of magic and especially the witches' territory. Absolutely beautiful.
Looking forward to the next book!
October 31, 2023
What a fascinating world CK creates between the humans, fae and witches. All living under a dome. The storytelling is magical and captivating. The world building is rich. It has a feel of modern and yet old world at the same time. This urban fantasy takes you through the life of the trimarked child and all that lies in her future path as well as her past. Written in multiple POV's it gives you a view of each of the main characters and their own struggles in this world.
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Absolutely beautiful and a must read.
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Absolutely beautiful and a must read.
August 12, 2022
Just finished the first book in the Trimarked series and found it to be intriguing! It definitely left me wanting more, which was good because I had the second book already in line. I enjoy the story line and characters. The narration is amazing!! I could listen to Rob Brinkmann all day!! Jillian Yetter is so great at bringing emotion to the characters. Well done on bringing this book to life!!
October 4, 2023
~*~ Audiobook Review ~*~ Young adult fantasy is not my normal choice, but I really enjoyed this book! I chose it due to the narrator, Robert Brinkman, who is a favorite. The world is dark with lands and peoples divided and folded in on themselves. Great story - I'm on to the next book now. Excellent performances by Robert and a new narrator to me, Jillian Yetter. She is a great choice for the age, accent, and character journey. Adding her to my list.
June 3, 2021
A fascinating world is created between witches, fae, and humans. At the center is Ember Lee. As we follow her story and the mystery surrounding the trimark given to contain her magic, the story becomes even more intriguing. If you enjoy books featuring a unique magical world, you will not be disappointed by Trimarked.
January 1, 2022
A page turner!
Enemies become friends as friends become enemies in the engaging tale of Trimarked. Sorens seamlessly blends loyalty, bias, deception, and mystery into her page turning urban fantasy. I quickly became invested in the characters and look forward to adding the upcoming second book of the series, Afflicted, to my TBR.
Enemies become friends as friends become enemies in the engaging tale of Trimarked. Sorens seamlessly blends loyalty, bias, deception, and mystery into her page turning urban fantasy. I quickly became invested in the characters and look forward to adding the upcoming second book of the series, Afflicted, to my TBR.
August 31, 2025
I wanted to like this more than I did. It was creative, it seemed intriguing, but for the whole book I felt like I had no idea what was going on. I’m not sure if it was the world building and characters, or the fact that the POV switched between so many different characters that I wasn’t quite sure who was who for a bit with each up, but I just felt like I was stumbling through the whole book.
September 27, 2021
Very enjoyable
So well written, I enjoyed this a lot. The characters are rich and developed. The setting is deep and detailed and I love how the three aspects intermingled. I will be awaiting the next part!
So well written, I enjoyed this a lot. The characters are rich and developed. The setting is deep and detailed and I love how the three aspects intermingled. I will be awaiting the next part!
April 30, 2022
captivating
Trimarked captured my attention from the very beginning. The story pacing was perfect, action packed but not forced. The characters were captivating, And left me wanting more. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Trimarked captured my attention from the very beginning. The story pacing was perfect, action packed but not forced. The characters were captivating, And left me wanting more. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
August 11, 2022
Concise writing and the ability to drag you into this new world with multiple POVs. A breath of fresh air to read a 200 page novel that could have been 600+ pages in this new fad of thick, over descriptive books. I do want more… and I’ll get it in book 2!
January 21, 2025
It was okay. But it did not have a good “flow” to the storyline. Rather choppy and difficult to follow the characters motives. Nearly discarded after the first three chapters. I’m invested now, so perhaps book two will enlighten me.
May 23, 2023
Review coming soon!
December 8, 2021
Sorens knows how to create a powerful cast. Rather than just following Ember, we get to follow the major players who represent the Witches, Fae, humans, and hybrids. The story is set up that you could empathize or root for a certain group or character and watch the chess game unfold. It definitely feels like everything can change with each truce—made and broken.
The worldbuilding is also a strength. Sorens really thinks of everything when it comes to what it’s like being in Trifecta after the Veil arrives and forces everyone to play nice. It felt like I was walking the streets myself while following Ember into various territories.
I would say that Soren’s author voice is very lyrical and rich. It means that you can’t tear through this book like any other YA novel. I’d recommend taking things slow or you might miss things.
The world of Trifecta is rough; it buffs and polished the denizens until they shine. It might be a little too rough for some readers who aren’t ready for it. For example, Ember’s relationship with her mother was hard to witness; Sorens depicts PTSD in a heartbreaking and beautiful way. Sorens has an excellent reader’s advisory on her website if you’re interested in learning more. I’ll just say that the town holds a lot of trauma, hardship, and struggles. It’s ideal if you’re a fan of dystopian aesthetics.
The worldbuilding is also a strength. Sorens really thinks of everything when it comes to what it’s like being in Trifecta after the Veil arrives and forces everyone to play nice. It felt like I was walking the streets myself while following Ember into various territories.
I would say that Soren’s author voice is very lyrical and rich. It means that you can’t tear through this book like any other YA novel. I’d recommend taking things slow or you might miss things.
The world of Trifecta is rough; it buffs and polished the denizens until they shine. It might be a little too rough for some readers who aren’t ready for it. For example, Ember’s relationship with her mother was hard to witness; Sorens depicts PTSD in a heartbreaking and beautiful way. Sorens has an excellent reader’s advisory on her website if you’re interested in learning more. I’ll just say that the town holds a lot of trauma, hardship, and struggles. It’s ideal if you’re a fan of dystopian aesthetics.
July 24, 2021
The story has intricate world building. I loved the concept of the Viel and the three distinct races trapped. The language is excellent, and easy to read. I loved reading 'Devi' and her magic. And I really felt sorry for the 'human mother'. The story has a contemporary and futuristic essence that I enjoyed immensely. The underlying theme is of acceptance, discrimination, suffering and manipulation of the innocent and also courage was my takeaway after reading. Can't wait to read the next book.
November 20, 2021
Trimarked has fantastic world building and a cast of characters that leaves you missing them when you put down the book. Your heart will break for Ember and you will cheer her on as she discovers her power.
Trimarked makes you want more of Trifecta, Ember and all the rest. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Trimarked makes you want more of Trifecta, Ember and all the rest. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
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