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Carrier #2
Shadow of the Mark
Their love could destroy them all.
Through the ages, Marked Ones have harnessed the powers of the four elements: Water, Fire, Earth, and Air. Much about the elements is shrouded in mystery, but one thing is certain: A relationship between two Marked Ones has the potential to cause widespread devastation.
Megan and Adam—Air and Water—are determined to defy the risks.
But the power that swirls inside Megan is growing in twisted ways. And the closer she is to Adam, the closer Megan comes to unleashing a dark force that could spell destruction for the entire Marked line.
Through the ages, Marked Ones have harnessed the powers of the four elements: Water, Fire, Earth, and Air. Much about the elements is shrouded in mystery, but one thing is certain: A relationship between two Marked Ones has the potential to cause widespread devastation.
Megan and Adam—Air and Water—are determined to defy the risks.
But the power that swirls inside Megan is growing in twisted ways. And the closer she is to Adam, the closer Megan comes to unleashing a dark force that could spell destruction for the entire Marked line.
308 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2013
43 people are currently reading
5805 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Fallon
5 books1,071 followersIn short
I was born in South Africa, raised in Dublin, Ireland and moved to Cork in my 20’s. While living in beautiful Kinsale, Co Cork I discovered a love of writing. I write mainly for the young adult market. My current book, The Carrier of the Mark, prompted me to abandon my ‘riveting’ career in corporate treasury and have been writing ever since. I have another three books in the Carrier series and a few other projects I'm working on. My family and I now share our time between Ireland and the US.
The Extended Edition
I was born in Durban, South Africa. My parents moved back to Ireland while I was still very young. I grew up in the Dublin Mountains, just outside of Dublin city. I went to a convent school, with nuns, uniforms, gabardines and gym slips, we’re talking the works!
After school, I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I did a one year business course and got a good solid job in a bank while I was trying to figure out what direction I was going to take. Luckily, the bank was good to me. I made some great lifelong friends and moved around a bit getting loads of experience.
I then met the love of my life, a Navy man none-the-less and moved to Cork where he was based. I managed to worm my way into a treasury position in really good corporate multinational company and the world became my oyster. I did a diploma in accountancy and finance and for two years I travelled Europe working in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, England, Germany and Italy. It was an amazing experience. I met some wonderful people and had a chance to sample the culture and life of all those countries and their amazing residents.
After my second child was born, I decided to take a step back from the corporate world and travel, to a quieter more sedate life at home. Well at least I thought it would be quieter, but how wrong was I? It wasn’t long until I was gasping to get back to work and leave my adorable darlings in the safe hands of a childminder. But just as I was getting ready to take the corporate world by storm again, along came number three and four in one giant identical bundle. That put paid to any intentions I had of returning to work, but I think it was a blessing in disguise. It was the pure unrelenting torment of four children under the age of six that drove me to escapism, and that escapism manifested itself as writing. And for that, to my children, I will always be grateful.
My husband (no longer in Navy) was transferred with the company he was working for, to the US for a couple of years. So we have moved temporarily to Massachusetts, travelling back and forth between our homes here in the US and in Ireland. It’s a tough life, but sure somebody has to do it.
I was born in South Africa, raised in Dublin, Ireland and moved to Cork in my 20’s. While living in beautiful Kinsale, Co Cork I discovered a love of writing. I write mainly for the young adult market. My current book, The Carrier of the Mark, prompted me to abandon my ‘riveting’ career in corporate treasury and have been writing ever since. I have another three books in the Carrier series and a few other projects I'm working on. My family and I now share our time between Ireland and the US.
The Extended Edition
I was born in Durban, South Africa. My parents moved back to Ireland while I was still very young. I grew up in the Dublin Mountains, just outside of Dublin city. I went to a convent school, with nuns, uniforms, gabardines and gym slips, we’re talking the works!
After school, I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I did a one year business course and got a good solid job in a bank while I was trying to figure out what direction I was going to take. Luckily, the bank was good to me. I made some great lifelong friends and moved around a bit getting loads of experience.
I then met the love of my life, a Navy man none-the-less and moved to Cork where he was based. I managed to worm my way into a treasury position in really good corporate multinational company and the world became my oyster. I did a diploma in accountancy and finance and for two years I travelled Europe working in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, England, Germany and Italy. It was an amazing experience. I met some wonderful people and had a chance to sample the culture and life of all those countries and their amazing residents.
After my second child was born, I decided to take a step back from the corporate world and travel, to a quieter more sedate life at home. Well at least I thought it would be quieter, but how wrong was I? It wasn’t long until I was gasping to get back to work and leave my adorable darlings in the safe hands of a childminder. But just as I was getting ready to take the corporate world by storm again, along came number three and four in one giant identical bundle. That put paid to any intentions I had of returning to work, but I think it was a blessing in disguise. It was the pure unrelenting torment of four children under the age of six that drove me to escapism, and that escapism manifested itself as writing. And for that, to my children, I will always be grateful.
My husband (no longer in Navy) was transferred with the company he was working for, to the US for a couple of years. So we have moved temporarily to Massachusetts, travelling back and forth between our homes here in the US and in Ireland. It’s a tough life, but sure somebody has to do it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
May 24, 2013
Book 3 cover is out!
January 4, 2012
Let me guess....new moon right
Read
October 28, 2012Thy creativity knows no bounds, cover designers.
how-about-no
October 17, 2014Oooh, I know! In the third book cover, she'll be upside-down!
Read
September 25, 2012I critiqued Leigh's first draft and I can't wait to read the final book!!! Very seldom to I love a sequel more than the original, but now and then it happens, and this is one of those times. :)
hell-fucking-no
March 27, 2013Goshdamn. I have to read New Moon again this sequel to Carrier of the Mark so I know what shitty, ridiculously enjoyable incidents occur with Bella and Edward Megan and Adam.
August 27, 2013
Well gee would you look at that cover? I bet a lot of hard work was put into that. I mean...they had to change the color of her dress.
Whew, that can make you break a sweat!
Ok, where do I even begin?
So I remembered I enjoyed the series and got this book.
Number one problem? I forgot that I didn't enjoy the first book. As soon as I began reading about Megan there was a light bulb. I remembered that this was a copycat Twilight book.
Well I had checked it out for two weeks, so might as well use it, right?
At the begining, all Megan can do is swoon over her boyfriend, Adam. I get it. He's adorable. Now let's move on. Then her dad randomly worried about her being kidnapped and then Leigh Fallon decided to explain.
(FYI I'm still not getting the random kidnapping, but whatever.)
As we read, we learn that Megan is sucking people's powers out. Yeah, ok. And everyone just kind of accepts it.
Now it's time for me to fess up. The story is boring. So I decided to stop at chapter 11 and skip to an exciting part. Let's just say that in those pages, some sort of secret was revealed because soon someone was randomly involved in the whole mess.
I flipped back to figure out what had happened, but nothing. It was literally like Fallon threw the person into the story. Thanks!
Then after Adam and Megan did the "deed" she sucks Adam's powers out of him so it's like he is dead. What the heck? I just really don't understand this plot at all.
Later on, after Megan almost hurts herself and gives the power back, Fionn comes to tell Megan that she is basically evil and is forbidden to see the others.
Awwww! How sweet!
Aine had somewhere gained a weird power to read people's thoughts or something like that. So Megan hears Aine in her head asking for help. So she goes to the house with Chloe and Caitlin and then again gets kidnapped.
Are we seeing a pattern yet?
During the big fight scene, I am not even sure what happened. There was just too much vague describing and then soon the evil person died. I did not understand why at all.
The ending didn't make any sense. The entire book didn't make sense!
And there is going to be a third book?! No way am I reading that.
Whew, that can make you break a sweat!
Ok, where do I even begin?
So I remembered I enjoyed the series and got this book.
Number one problem? I forgot that I didn't enjoy the first book. As soon as I began reading about Megan there was a light bulb. I remembered that this was a copycat Twilight book.
Well I had checked it out for two weeks, so might as well use it, right?
At the begining, all Megan can do is swoon over her boyfriend, Adam. I get it. He's adorable. Now let's move on. Then her dad randomly worried about her being kidnapped and then Leigh Fallon decided to explain.
(FYI I'm still not getting the random kidnapping, but whatever.)
As we read, we learn that Megan is sucking people's powers out. Yeah, ok. And everyone just kind of accepts it.
Now it's time for me to fess up. The story is boring. So I decided to stop at chapter 11 and skip to an exciting part. Let's just say that in those pages, some sort of secret was revealed because soon someone was randomly involved in the whole mess.
I flipped back to figure out what had happened, but nothing. It was literally like Fallon threw the person into the story. Thanks!
Then after Adam and Megan did the "deed" she sucks Adam's powers out of him so it's like he is dead. What the heck? I just really don't understand this plot at all.
Later on, after Megan almost hurts herself and gives the power back, Fionn comes to tell Megan that she is basically evil and is forbidden to see the others.
Awwww! How sweet!
Aine had somewhere gained a weird power to read people's thoughts or something like that. So Megan hears Aine in her head asking for help. So she goes to the house with Chloe and Caitlin and then again gets kidnapped.
Are we seeing a pattern yet?
During the big fight scene, I am not even sure what happened. There was just too much vague describing and then soon the evil person died. I did not understand why at all.
The ending didn't make any sense. The entire book didn't make sense!
And there is going to be a third book?! No way am I reading that.
Want to read
January 24, 2013WoW! How original is this cover!
Can´t wait to readNew Moon Shadow Of The Mark...
Can´t wait to read
August 21, 2013
Quick review:
Cover: Pretty
Rating: PG-13
Thumbs Up: 3.5
Overall: The last sentence killed the book for me
Characters: Good
Plot: Rushing into trouble without thinking
Page Turner: Sure
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Not Sure Yet
Book Boyfriend: Adam
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
The book was far too predictable for my liking without the fast pace excitement to go with it. I guess I’m a little tire of the Romeo/Juliet set up. Still, it was interesting enough that I will continue on. I hope for a little more ingenuity in the next installment.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...
Audio Review
Nicola Barber does a good job with the narration and accents.
Cover: Pretty
Rating: PG-13
Thumbs Up: 3.5
Overall: The last sentence killed the book for me
Characters: Good
Plot: Rushing into trouble without thinking
Page Turner: Sure
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Not Sure Yet
Book Boyfriend: Adam
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
The book was far too predictable for my liking without the fast pace excitement to go with it. I guess I’m a little tire of the Romeo/Juliet set up. Still, it was interesting enough that I will continue on. I hope for a little more ingenuity in the next installment.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...
Audio Review
Nicola Barber does a good job with the narration and accents.
September 21, 2013
Uh, yeah, I don't really have the words to describe this one. My thought are pretty much the same as the first novel in the series. Disappointing, to say the least.
July 11, 2013
5 stars - Loving this one just as much as book one!
Some of my favorite paranormal books are elemental magic books. There's a reason for that. The idea of the 4 elements has so many wonderful possibilities that I can resist all the stories. I love the Elemental series by Brigid Kemmerer and The Protector series by M.R. Merrick and this series. All are fabulous stories based on the elements and all three of them are so very different. That's what I love about elemental magic.
I will admit that this one started a little slower than the first book, but there came a point where the pages couldn't turn fast enough. I read it in a day and totally loved it.
I wondered how the author would create the enviable tension between Adam and Megan. They love each other so much that it's hard to believe anything could tear them apart. And when the little weirdness between Megan and the other elementals didn't do the trick, I was wondering how she would do it. See that's really what's so cool about this book, I was wondering. I did a lot of wondering. I only figured out a few things - like who they could and couldn't trust. But the events, no clue. It all blindsided me. The ending has me sad and unhappy, which is the case with most book twos, I guess. I want to cry and scream and throw things. NO! This cannot be. And now I have to wait, impatiently, for book three to come and hopefully fix the unfixable. It seems this is a good book.
I love Adam and Megan's relationship. They love each other. They sacrifice for each other. They get each other. There isn't the angst between them. It's nice to have that kind of a relationship in a book. I just hated...never mind.
There is lose in this book. Some I was okay with and some I wasn't. It always seems to happen, that the pain of loss is part of paranormal stories. It's hard and I don't like it. I hope that it serves a purpose in the next book.
I loved a lot of the secondary characters. Aíne and Rían are particular favorites. I can't wait to see what happens with them in the next book. I really wasn't a fan of Chloe or Matthew. I guess Chloe is okay.
If you read book one, Carrier of the Mark, then you so need to read this one. But if you haven't started this series and you love elemental magic like I do, then make sure you pick this one up soon. It come out on Tuesday and is a great book.
This is clearly YA and while it has some sweet romance, it's great for all ages. Looking for that next great PRN, you just found it.
Want to read
March 18, 2012This series had a beautiful start! I can not wait to see what the future holds for this group of characters. Here to hoping it will get released earlier.
July 8, 2013
Review originally posted at Step Into Fiction
I feel like I've been waiting forever to read this book; in fact, I had to read my review as a refresher because details were a little blurry. Problems with reading 100+ books a year - never a bad problem to have. But one thing I can truthfully say is its worth the wait. It starts off right where Carrier of the Mark ends and the adventure just gets bigger.
Megan is adjusting nicely to her new powers for she is the carrier of the the air element and we saw just go badass she could be at the end of the first book. Believe me, that's only the beginning; we haven't seen anything yet.
Rian was a character I found myself attracted during the first book and even more so during this book. He's dark, mysterious, with a dry sense of humor. We get to know him a lot better and see that he's not the guy you might have thought he was.
The storyline is stronger in this book, I feel but some of the excitement I felt in the first book wasn't. Most likely it was because in the first book we were learning about these characters, their world and what was to come. Now that we know them, love them and understand the basics of their powers that excitement of the unknown was lost. We do learn more about how their powers work with each other and it seems like the more and more we know the more dangerous it becomes.
Shadow of the Mark was everything I hoped it to be. The romance between Adam and Megan grew and became steamier; the action was more frequent; new characters were introduced and we had to learn who we could trust and who couldn't - most likely guessing wrong. Not to mention a ton of heartbreak; especially one that my heart is still trying to heal from.
Read this book. It's a definite improvement over the first one and its a promise of how epic the third book will be. Finishing this book is making me drool for the next because its going to be fierce and dangerous and just full of everything I need and want. Fantasy fans, this is a read for you!
Thank you so much to BookNerd tours, Leigh Fallon and HarperTeen for allowing me to be a part of this tour, providing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
I feel like I've been waiting forever to read this book; in fact, I had to read my review as a refresher because details were a little blurry. Problems with reading 100+ books a year - never a bad problem to have. But one thing I can truthfully say is its worth the wait. It starts off right where Carrier of the Mark ends and the adventure just gets bigger.
Megan is adjusting nicely to her new powers for she is the carrier of the the air element and we saw just go badass she could be at the end of the first book. Believe me, that's only the beginning; we haven't seen anything yet.
Rian was a character I found myself attracted during the first book and even more so during this book. He's dark, mysterious, with a dry sense of humor. We get to know him a lot better and see that he's not the guy you might have thought he was.
The storyline is stronger in this book, I feel but some of the excitement I felt in the first book wasn't. Most likely it was because in the first book we were learning about these characters, their world and what was to come. Now that we know them, love them and understand the basics of their powers that excitement of the unknown was lost. We do learn more about how their powers work with each other and it seems like the more and more we know the more dangerous it becomes.
Shadow of the Mark was everything I hoped it to be. The romance between Adam and Megan grew and became steamier; the action was more frequent; new characters were introduced and we had to learn who we could trust and who couldn't - most likely guessing wrong. Not to mention a ton of heartbreak; especially one that my heart is still trying to heal from.
Read this book. It's a definite improvement over the first one and its a promise of how epic the third book will be. Finishing this book is making me drool for the next because its going to be fierce and dangerous and just full of everything I need and want. Fantasy fans, this is a read for you!
Thank you so much to BookNerd tours, Leigh Fallon and HarperTeen for allowing me to be a part of this tour, providing me a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2013
It was overall a very frustrating book. The love triangle was IMO very awkward. She loves one brother, but lusts all over the other brother and gets jealous when he's with his girlfriend, yet the first brother is hurt and still loves her, while the second brother is also lusting after her while he's with his girlfriend. It is not right...
And don't even get me started on Megan; she was...
- naive
- idiotic
- clueless
- selfish
- irresponsible
- inconsiderate
- self-pitying
- a complete bitch
The extent to which she pissed me off and the numerous times I wanted to stop reading the book because of her is just sad. I mean, a character should not be THIS dense. Also, I thought Adam should man up and I really didn't like Chloe. She is a strong character and had the potential to be kickass, but her actions and the way she was introduced pretty much diminished all that.
It was kind of like New Moon now that I think about it. But the forbidden love thing could be made better. Megan needs to be smarter and honestly, she needs to grow some balls.
The ending was okay though; that made me bump it up to 3 stars. It was sad, but at least Megan had begun to have some resolve. I just really wish she was a stronger heroine.
And don't even get me started on Megan; she was...
- naive
- idiotic
- clueless
- selfish
- irresponsible
- inconsiderate
- self-pitying
- a complete bitch
The extent to which she pissed me off and the numerous times I wanted to stop reading the book because of her is just sad. I mean, a character should not be THIS dense. Also, I thought Adam should man up and I really didn't like Chloe. She is a strong character and had the potential to be kickass, but her actions and the way she was introduced pretty much diminished all that.
It was kind of like New Moon now that I think about it. But the forbidden love thing could be made better. Megan needs to be smarter and honestly, she needs to grow some balls.
The ending was okay though; that made me bump it up to 3 stars. It was sad, but at least Megan had begun to have some resolve. I just really wish she was a stronger heroine.
September 23, 2014
This was a really frustrating read. Megan, the heroine, was so inconsistent in her decisions that it was distracting. She would say "No, I don't think we should go". Then Adam says, "But we have to go." And Megan: "You're right, let's go." There wasn't even a real argument, she changed her mind like this. And the plot was eerily similar to that of the Starcrossed series. I caught myself merging the two stories in my head several times. Another issue that I had was that, since the first book was released two years ago, I didn't really remember what had happened in the first book and this book didn't help much in helping me remember. I mean, there was no recap of any sorts. They mention a prophecy that seems big, but no further clarification is given (what does the prophecy say, for instance). And the relationships and actions felt so... Unreal. For instance, Petra and Megan's dad didn't read like a real couple, or even Rían and Chloe. Not sure I'll read the next one...
July 5, 2015
Usually the second book in a series can either be really good and keep you interested in reading the next book or it can be horrible and ruin the first book for you. I'm glad to say that this book is in the former category and that I actually liked this book better than the first. I love the characters in this series and I can't wait to read the next book!
February 28, 2025
Czy to była dobra książka? Nie
Czy poleciłabym ją komukolwiek? Nie xD
Czy super się bawiłam? I TO JAK
Czy poleciłabym ją komukolwiek? Nie xD
Czy super się bawiłam? I TO JAK
August 21, 2013
I read the first book in this series because I was in Inkpop then, and I wanted to show some solidarity with a fellow Inkie, the first among us who got published because of the site. I found that I liked the story, but had gripes with the familiarity of the plot and the development of the main characters. Nevertheless, I wanted to read the second book. I wanted to know where the story would go.
So, I'd just read Shadow of the Mark and I have to say that though I like where everything is going, I'm very frustrated with the execution of the story.
THE NEGATIVE
1) The writing. It wasn't impressive. Many times, especially with the first couple of chapters, the dialogue was boring and it was immediately evident that that these were supposed to subtly show foreshadowing details. Well, it was not very subtle. I knew immediately who the suspicious characters were. I wasn't racking my brains trying to figure it out.
2) Megan. I remember really liking her in the first book despite my gripes with her development as a character. In this one, I'm constantly annoyed or frustrated by her inner monologue or her actions. A lot of the time I found myself thinking that if she had just been smarter she would've found a way to fight back somehow. But as it happened, the bad guys were able to manipulate her and her emotions to do what they wanted. In fact, now that I'm thinking about it, this may be a symptom of the author wanting something specific to happen (as dictated by a Plot Chart, perhaps) but not taking the time to lead their characters there in a believable way. In other words, it felt contrived.
Now, I know Megan is not perfect. I know that she's flawed. But I struggled to sympathize with her. That's just it. There was even a part when Megan described one character a "conniving, manipulative cow" and I couldn't help but be reminded of the author's mean streak last year when she attacked a blogger for writing a bad review for the first book. That, in no way, influenced my review of this book. But still. I couldn't help but see the resemblance.
3) Other characters. This is just a minor thing. My biggest problems with the book were those two things. This third one is about how I don't remember who the minor characters were from the first book and how, in this book, I needed to be reintroduced to them but I wasn't. So, the whole time, I kept trying to remember why I should care about what happens to them. There's this one normal/best friend character who was endangered at some point in the story, and I'm just indifferent towards the situation.
THE POSITIVE
1) I really do care about what happens to the main characters. I know I said I didn't like Megan very much here, but I could agree that the things that are happening to her are COOL. I still like the concept of these kids as vessels of an element, as if these elements have a personality of their own to the point that they can make you do something you won't normally choose to do. I like the parts where Megan was overcome with the power of a certain element so much that she gravitated to it and at one point she even indulged in it. I was hoping that we'd see her embrace her dark side for a bit, and then come back to the good. It didn't happen though. But I guess it's points for the book when it makes me want to live the lives of the characters.
2) Adam. I don't remember a lot from the first book right now, but Adam is such a great boyfriend here. He's very loving and forgiving of Megan throughout the story. It's very comforting to know that someone's got your back no matter what, and that's Adam for Megan. He deals amazingly well after the whole Rian and Megan thing; and then, he was all supportive and let's break the rules together after he and Megan fought. There was also one part that made me laugh. It was when Adam dodged Temptress Megan, and Megan was all embarrassed and Adam played it cool. He's great, right? I wanted them to be happy, to be together. I sure hope the author doesn't do the whole we-have-to-stay-apart-in-the-first-couple-of-chapters-but-we'll-eventually-get-together-in-the-end plot for the third book--- because I just know that it'll be a happy ending.
3) As I mentioned before, I like where the series is going. I didn't like how it was executed, but I generally liked what happened. This time around, it's obvious that there's not a lot of people that the Marked can trust right now. People who they thought were on their side, aren't really on their side. People who they thought were not on their side, were really on their side all along. It's even more difficult, now that we know that there's going to be an internal rift between the four Marked because of the events in this book. So, I like that the action was elevated.
We were also introduced to the Knights, tasked to protect the elements at all costs. And then we know a bit more about the past Marked fourth women that are in a similar situation as Megan. So, I also like the we get a thicker world this time around. We actually spend a lot of time being educated about the world. So, that's nice.
OVERALL
It was okay. It's not totally bad; but it's not a story that would linger in my mind.
So, I'd just read Shadow of the Mark and I have to say that though I like where everything is going, I'm very frustrated with the execution of the story.
THE NEGATIVE
1) The writing. It wasn't impressive. Many times, especially with the first couple of chapters, the dialogue was boring and it was immediately evident that that these were supposed to subtly show foreshadowing details. Well, it was not very subtle. I knew immediately who the suspicious characters were. I wasn't racking my brains trying to figure it out.
2) Megan. I remember really liking her in the first book despite my gripes with her development as a character. In this one, I'm constantly annoyed or frustrated by her inner monologue or her actions. A lot of the time I found myself thinking that if she had just been smarter she would've found a way to fight back somehow. But as it happened, the bad guys were able to manipulate her and her emotions to do what they wanted. In fact, now that I'm thinking about it, this may be a symptom of the author wanting something specific to happen (as dictated by a Plot Chart, perhaps) but not taking the time to lead their characters there in a believable way. In other words, it felt contrived.
Now, I know Megan is not perfect. I know that she's flawed. But I struggled to sympathize with her. That's just it. There was even a part when Megan described one character a "conniving, manipulative cow" and I couldn't help but be reminded of the author's mean streak last year when she attacked a blogger for writing a bad review for the first book. That, in no way, influenced my review of this book. But still. I couldn't help but see the resemblance.
3) Other characters. This is just a minor thing. My biggest problems with the book were those two things. This third one is about how I don't remember who the minor characters were from the first book and how, in this book, I needed to be reintroduced to them but I wasn't. So, the whole time, I kept trying to remember why I should care about what happens to them. There's this one normal/best friend character who was endangered at some point in the story, and I'm just indifferent towards the situation.
THE POSITIVE
1) I really do care about what happens to the main characters. I know I said I didn't like Megan very much here, but I could agree that the things that are happening to her are COOL. I still like the concept of these kids as vessels of an element, as if these elements have a personality of their own to the point that they can make you do something you won't normally choose to do. I like the parts where Megan was overcome with the power of a certain element so much that she gravitated to it and at one point she even indulged in it. I was hoping that we'd see her embrace her dark side for a bit, and then come back to the good. It didn't happen though. But I guess it's points for the book when it makes me want to live the lives of the characters.
2) Adam. I don't remember a lot from the first book right now, but Adam is such a great boyfriend here. He's very loving and forgiving of Megan throughout the story. It's very comforting to know that someone's got your back no matter what, and that's Adam for Megan. He deals amazingly well after the whole Rian and Megan thing; and then, he was all supportive and let's break the rules together after he and Megan fought. There was also one part that made me laugh. It was when Adam dodged Temptress Megan, and Megan was all embarrassed and Adam played it cool. He's great, right? I wanted them to be happy, to be together. I sure hope the author doesn't do the whole we-have-to-stay-apart-in-the-first-couple-of-chapters-but-we'll-eventually-get-together-in-the-end plot for the third book--- because I just know that it'll be a happy ending.
3) As I mentioned before, I like where the series is going. I didn't like how it was executed, but I generally liked what happened. This time around, it's obvious that there's not a lot of people that the Marked can trust right now. People who they thought were on their side, aren't really on their side. People who they thought were not on their side, were really on their side all along. It's even more difficult, now that we know that there's going to be an internal rift between the four Marked because of the events in this book. So, I like that the action was elevated.
We were also introduced to the Knights, tasked to protect the elements at all costs. And then we know a bit more about the past Marked fourth women that are in a similar situation as Megan. So, I also like the we get a thicker world this time around. We actually spend a lot of time being educated about the world. So, that's nice.
OVERALL
It was okay. It's not totally bad; but it's not a story that would linger in my mind.
May 20, 2017
Totally fell short of coming anywhere close to being as good as the first book. I hated how it ended. Bland, dry and confusing.
January 17, 2020
I like how Megan and Adam's relationship developed. The cover is beautiful.
November 9, 2021
I feel like there was possibly suppose to be a 3rd book to this series by how it ended but guess there isn't. Oh well
June 24, 2013
Who isn’t waiting on bated breath for this book? I ripped through it in about 4.5 hours giving my husband directions to feed the kids and take them outside when I needed to finish it. Nothing is worse than having to to read in the day and then when the end is upon you, you have to put the book down.
Let me tell you something, this book was worth the almost 2 years I waited to read it. Fallon amps up the mystery, drama, romance and action in SHADOW OF THE MARK! To think that the week her last round of edits were due she suffered in the hurricane and sat in her neighbors garage, typing while hooked up to their generator!
The story of Adam and Megan is heartbreaking and heart-stopping. The star-crossed lovers who are destined to be together but can not, is not new, we all know that. But the incredible way Fallon weaves her story will leave you feeling breathless and begging for more. Everyone wants to root for the underdogs, for them to find that one thing that will allow them to break a curse keeping them from what they really want and need, each other. I never tire of these kids of stories.
There were a few moments that felt familiar to me. Yet with Fallon’s incredible attention to detail, they were not the “familiar” that you might find annoying and toss out comparisons to other novels previously written, just familiar. Again, when you read as much as I do it is really difficult not to see a similar theme in things, especially when a love story is involved. There is only so much one can do with it – and I think Leigh Fallon for her unfaltering dedication to the mythology she puts behind hers, making her mark…if you will. (well, that was a bad pun….)
I really enjoyed watching the powers of each of the characters develop and grow through out. The few times I had to put SHADOW OF THE MARK down I found myself wishing I could control an element.
Speaking of, if you could control one of the elements, which would you choose? I think I would choose air. I imagine then I could fly a bit and even though I hate airplanes, flying on my own accord would be amazing.
I am currently back to waiting, as we do, for the next book AGE OF THE FIFTH due out next year. The ending of SHADOW left me jaw agape, heart pounding and DYING for more! Sadly, even knowing Leigh’s weakness for a Flake candy bar and my willingness to buy her the whole stinking company that makes them won’t get me any closer to the dramatic conclusion of this beautiful written series!
FOr more reviews, giveaways and other book stuff visit the blog at http://www.memyshelfandi.com
Let me tell you something, this book was worth the almost 2 years I waited to read it. Fallon amps up the mystery, drama, romance and action in SHADOW OF THE MARK! To think that the week her last round of edits were due she suffered in the hurricane and sat in her neighbors garage, typing while hooked up to their generator!
The story of Adam and Megan is heartbreaking and heart-stopping. The star-crossed lovers who are destined to be together but can not, is not new, we all know that. But the incredible way Fallon weaves her story will leave you feeling breathless and begging for more. Everyone wants to root for the underdogs, for them to find that one thing that will allow them to break a curse keeping them from what they really want and need, each other. I never tire of these kids of stories.
There were a few moments that felt familiar to me. Yet with Fallon’s incredible attention to detail, they were not the “familiar” that you might find annoying and toss out comparisons to other novels previously written, just familiar. Again, when you read as much as I do it is really difficult not to see a similar theme in things, especially when a love story is involved. There is only so much one can do with it – and I think Leigh Fallon for her unfaltering dedication to the mythology she puts behind hers, making her mark…if you will. (well, that was a bad pun….)
I really enjoyed watching the powers of each of the characters develop and grow through out. The few times I had to put SHADOW OF THE MARK down I found myself wishing I could control an element.
Speaking of, if you could control one of the elements, which would you choose? I think I would choose air. I imagine then I could fly a bit and even though I hate airplanes, flying on my own accord would be amazing.
I am currently back to waiting, as we do, for the next book AGE OF THE FIFTH due out next year. The ending of SHADOW left me jaw agape, heart pounding and DYING for more! Sadly, even knowing Leigh’s weakness for a Flake candy bar and my willingness to buy her the whole stinking company that makes them won’t get me any closer to the dramatic conclusion of this beautiful written series!
FOr more reviews, giveaways and other book stuff visit the blog at http://www.memyshelfandi.com
July 26, 2013
The Story-
This sequel takes place soon after Carrier of the Mark. We find Megan going to her first day of Fifth Year in Ireland. Adam and twin sister Aine are there too, but older brother Rian is off studying with the Dublin order. On the first day of school we meet knew student, Chloe. She quickly joins in with Megan and her friends, although Adam feels that she is hiding something.
Adam and Megan are working on their feelings for each other, and still hiding the fact that Megan's kisses affect Adam in a negative way. Things get worse when Megan begins to find herself attracted to Rian, and Aine begins holding Megan's hand. The four Marked are practicing for the alignment of their elements;, air, water, fire and earth. But, when they practice, Megan feels great, while the other three feel drained and listless.
Life gets even more complex when the truth about Chloe is revealed and the destiny of the four Marked is brought into question.
My Thoughts- (mild spoilers)
I loved this book, until I got to the end. The entire build-up is great. We have all four of the marked developing their powers. There is a fun twist with Megan suddenly thinking about Rian romantically and fighting her feelings. Great tension there.
We have Chloe, the mystery girl. And Petra, Megan's dad's girlfriend, who in this sequel comes out in a whole new light with a mystery attached. As a reader it is nice trying to figure out these two character's back stories.
And of course, the main arc of whether Megan and Adam can ever be together when a prophecy says they will destroy the world. All great story fodder. The problem was that the end got confusing. We learn that Megan has a new role to take among the Marked. And when the final climax of the book hits, nothing really happens. It was very disappointing and didn't make sense. Previously the Order has done all it could to stop the arrival of the 5th Marked- spirit. But, when it happens, all we see is that it gets split in half. Nothing dramatic, no end-of-the-world scenario, nada. Life just goes on as usual, in fact, Megan gives everyone their powers back and they go home. Something is really missing with this ending. As such, I have a hard time giving this one a rating. I like the story arc that is happening, and there is still more to come, but I think this ending failed to do justice to the great writing before it. 3 stars.
This sequel takes place soon after Carrier of the Mark. We find Megan going to her first day of Fifth Year in Ireland. Adam and twin sister Aine are there too, but older brother Rian is off studying with the Dublin order. On the first day of school we meet knew student, Chloe. She quickly joins in with Megan and her friends, although Adam feels that she is hiding something.
Adam and Megan are working on their feelings for each other, and still hiding the fact that Megan's kisses affect Adam in a negative way. Things get worse when Megan begins to find herself attracted to Rian, and Aine begins holding Megan's hand. The four Marked are practicing for the alignment of their elements;, air, water, fire and earth. But, when they practice, Megan feels great, while the other three feel drained and listless.
Life gets even more complex when the truth about Chloe is revealed and the destiny of the four Marked is brought into question.
My Thoughts- (mild spoilers)
I loved this book, until I got to the end. The entire build-up is great. We have all four of the marked developing their powers. There is a fun twist with Megan suddenly thinking about Rian romantically and fighting her feelings. Great tension there.
We have Chloe, the mystery girl. And Petra, Megan's dad's girlfriend, who in this sequel comes out in a whole new light with a mystery attached. As a reader it is nice trying to figure out these two character's back stories.
And of course, the main arc of whether Megan and Adam can ever be together when a prophecy says they will destroy the world. All great story fodder. The problem was that the end got confusing. We learn that Megan has a new role to take among the Marked. And when the final climax of the book hits, nothing really happens. It was very disappointing and didn't make sense. Previously the Order has done all it could to stop the arrival of the 5th Marked- spirit. But, when it happens, all we see is that it gets split in half. Nothing dramatic, no end-of-the-world scenario, nada. Life just goes on as usual, in fact, Megan gives everyone their powers back and they go home. Something is really missing with this ending. As such, I have a hard time giving this one a rating. I like the story arc that is happening, and there is still more to come, but I think this ending failed to do justice to the great writing before it. 3 stars.
June 19, 2016
I as given an ARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads Synopsis:
Their love could destroy them all.
Through the ages, Marked Ones have harnessed the powers of the four elements: Water, Fire, Earth, and Air. Much about the elements is shrouded in mystery, but one thing is certain: A relationship between two Marked Ones has the potential to cause widespread devastation.
Megan and Adam—Air and Water—are determined to defy the risks.
But the power that swirls inside Megan is growing in twisted ways. And the closer she is to Adam, the closer Megan comes to unleashing a dark force that could spell destruction for the entire Marked line.
Review:
The best thing about this book is that it is better than the first. So much so that I found myself wondering if this was the same person who wrote the first book. This book picks up where the first leaves off. The story continues on with the Marked preparing for the Alignment. It doesn't have all of the badly explained lore to confuse you, and not nearly so much insta-love and mushiness. It is far more interesting than the first book and it was easy to read without being so easily distracted. The characters don't get a whole better in this book. They are still pretty shallow feeling and hard to connect with, but I did find myself liking them more.
There are some interesting parts that keep your attention somewhat, but it is pretty predictable. I enjoyed Shadow of the Mark much better than Carrier of the Mark. I think that I would continue on in this series if there are more books. I will say that the ending was a bit frustrating because it was hard to tell if that was the end or if the series will continue. This isn't a series that I would highly recommend, but it is a decent and quick read.
Goodreads Synopsis:
Their love could destroy them all.
Through the ages, Marked Ones have harnessed the powers of the four elements: Water, Fire, Earth, and Air. Much about the elements is shrouded in mystery, but one thing is certain: A relationship between two Marked Ones has the potential to cause widespread devastation.
Megan and Adam—Air and Water—are determined to defy the risks.
But the power that swirls inside Megan is growing in twisted ways. And the closer she is to Adam, the closer Megan comes to unleashing a dark force that could spell destruction for the entire Marked line.
Review:
The best thing about this book is that it is better than the first. So much so that I found myself wondering if this was the same person who wrote the first book. This book picks up where the first leaves off. The story continues on with the Marked preparing for the Alignment. It doesn't have all of the badly explained lore to confuse you, and not nearly so much insta-love and mushiness. It is far more interesting than the first book and it was easy to read without being so easily distracted. The characters don't get a whole better in this book. They are still pretty shallow feeling and hard to connect with, but I did find myself liking them more.
There are some interesting parts that keep your attention somewhat, but it is pretty predictable. I enjoyed Shadow of the Mark much better than Carrier of the Mark. I think that I would continue on in this series if there are more books. I will say that the ending was a bit frustrating because it was hard to tell if that was the end or if the series will continue. This isn't a series that I would highly recommend, but it is a decent and quick read.
October 23, 2013
__There is SPOILING in this Review__
I do not know why, but I was drawn to Book Two at the Library.
Actually, I do know why. I give books a chance, even if I thought the first one was NOT something I would ever recommend nor would I pick up ever again for that matter.
Anyway, this book was A PINCH BETTER than the first.
For me, there was no darkness in Meghan's power. She was just taking Elements and then we find out at the end of the book WHY it was happening. And that wasn't even dark. It was what her element was Supposed to do.
Her Dad is actually worried about her? Oh, wait, but that is only in the BEGINNING of the book and when Meg creates the storm near the END of the book.
Okay, Meg. We all know Adam is The ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
I still felt like NOTHING was explained. And again, more information about the marked ones is in one long stretch.
And Again, Meghan is given everything so easily. And the characters are still the same, still making the same choices etc. No growth for them except Rian.
Plus, I hated how everyone was so "okay" after making a fuss. No one was really getting in any sort of trouble. Again, all handed to them.
The scenes I enjoyed were ONLY with Rian. He kept it interesting when he was with Meg. Yeah yeah yeah, we all know, she will still end up with her "beautiful and amazing Adam."
Thank you, Rian, for making a couple chapters interesting. You made this book bearable.
Wonder what comes next. I am really hoping it is better than book one and book two.
I do not know why, but I was drawn to Book Two at the Library.
Actually, I do know why. I give books a chance, even if I thought the first one was NOT something I would ever recommend nor would I pick up ever again for that matter.
Anyway, this book was A PINCH BETTER than the first.
For me, there was no darkness in Meghan's power. She was just taking Elements and then we find out at the end of the book WHY it was happening. And that wasn't even dark. It was what her element was Supposed to do.
Her Dad is actually worried about her? Oh, wait, but that is only in the BEGINNING of the book and when Meg creates the storm near the END of the book.
Okay, Meg. We all know Adam is The ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.
I still felt like NOTHING was explained. And again, more information about the marked ones is in one long stretch.
And Again, Meghan is given everything so easily. And the characters are still the same, still making the same choices etc. No growth for them except Rian.
Plus, I hated how everyone was so "okay" after making a fuss. No one was really getting in any sort of trouble. Again, all handed to them.
The scenes I enjoyed were ONLY with Rian. He kept it interesting when he was with Meg. Yeah yeah yeah, we all know, she will still end up with her "beautiful and amazing Adam."
Thank you, Rian, for making a couple chapters interesting. You made this book bearable.
Wonder what comes next. I am really hoping it is better than book one and book two.
August 15, 2013
Feeling excited to step into this world again, I found it very exciting with lots of action.
Plot: It leaves off where the last book left off, with Megan doing her best to control her powers. Not all is going well and not to mention that Megan is out of the loop a lot. I felt like the plot ran fast leaving the reader trailing behind. I did my best to catch up, but honestly, I hate being out on secrets.
Love: This part I enjoyed more cause of the tension that they give off. Megan and Adam are not only fighting their on powers but as well as another society. The development of their love and the movement of different forces against them, tested it. I’m hoping and crossing my fingers, more will be resolved in the next book.
Characters: More characters are added and this indeed brings new elements to the story. Also, some characters die. (Don’t worry, I won’t say) but in the end, it left me really sad. New characters answered questions and other characters just brought more in. I’m excited for the new characters cause this in fact, changes a lot of circumstances and things I thought I knew.
Overall, this book kept me on my toes. With every new chapter, the powers got stronger. Alliances were formed. Lies were revealed. I can’t wait to read the last book to see how it will all end. Shadow Of The Mark is a great sequel pulling the reader in for much excitement. An eventful story that doesn’t disappoint, Shadow Of The Mark is awesome!
Plot: It leaves off where the last book left off, with Megan doing her best to control her powers. Not all is going well and not to mention that Megan is out of the loop a lot. I felt like the plot ran fast leaving the reader trailing behind. I did my best to catch up, but honestly, I hate being out on secrets.
Love: This part I enjoyed more cause of the tension that they give off. Megan and Adam are not only fighting their on powers but as well as another society. The development of their love and the movement of different forces against them, tested it. I’m hoping and crossing my fingers, more will be resolved in the next book.
Characters: More characters are added and this indeed brings new elements to the story. Also, some characters die. (Don’t worry, I won’t say) but in the end, it left me really sad. New characters answered questions and other characters just brought more in. I’m excited for the new characters cause this in fact, changes a lot of circumstances and things I thought I knew.
Overall, this book kept me on my toes. With every new chapter, the powers got stronger. Alliances were formed. Lies were revealed. I can’t wait to read the last book to see how it will all end. Shadow Of The Mark is a great sequel pulling the reader in for much excitement. An eventful story that doesn’t disappoint, Shadow Of The Mark is awesome!
August 26, 2016
Megan is one of the Marked Ones and as a result there is a lot of pressure in her life. But to make matters worse she is in love with Adam, who is also marked, and according to the ancient rules romance between Marked Ones is forbidden because of its dangerous results. Megan and Adam are willing to do anything to protect their love—but at what cost?
I am honestly torn when it comes to Shadow of the Mark--I neither loved it nor did I hate it. It started out a little bit slower than I would have like. Once, however, the plot began to pick up the story improved. I really liked how Leigh Fallon builds up the drama in the story, but I wish this drama and action came a little bit earlier in the story because for a large portion of the story I felt like it was an episode of True Life. This said, however, Shadow of the Mark does end with a bang. It is for these reasons that I have shadow of the mark a 6.5; the story had a slow beginning but a great end. I think this is a good read for anyone looking for a story with supernatural elements, teen drama, and some Celtic influence
May 20, 2013
Shadow Of The Mark is the greatest sequel I have read in a long time. Fallon has a way with writing a story that grips you right from the very beginning and keeping you there to the end. This story is about love and so much more.
Megan and Adam are destined to be together or are they? How can a love be so right and so wrong? How can Megan love Adam and Adam love Megan knowing that they are both marked and the marked can never be with each other. If they do come together there will be dire consequences. With all these things hanging over their heads Adam and Megan are still determined to fight it through and be together.
But nothing is as it seems because people they thought they could trust they can't and people who were supposed to stay by them will turn their backs on them. Will Megan and Adam ever be able to be together? How hard will they have to fight to stay together? Who can they trust? Who is friend and who is foe? Megan and Adam go through so much but at the end of the day Fallon has you questioning is it all worth it in the end if they can be together?
Megan and Adam are destined to be together or are they? How can a love be so right and so wrong? How can Megan love Adam and Adam love Megan knowing that they are both marked and the marked can never be with each other. If they do come together there will be dire consequences. With all these things hanging over their heads Adam and Megan are still determined to fight it through and be together.
But nothing is as it seems because people they thought they could trust they can't and people who were supposed to stay by them will turn their backs on them. Will Megan and Adam ever be able to be together? How hard will they have to fight to stay together? Who can they trust? Who is friend and who is foe? Megan and Adam go through so much but at the end of the day Fallon has you questioning is it all worth it in the end if they can be together?
July 20, 2014
As this book's precursor, the action explodes at once and you can't stop reading until you are at the last page.
SPOILER (note to self):
4th royal blood is Clauin (Deception), meant to take the elements for herself
Orders wants to stop the full circle so the marked ones will carry on in the human blood as they don't want to lose power
An ciorcal imolan is the combination of 4 elements to call forth the fifth element (spirit) so the power will go back to Danu, as she intended
Petra, Hugh & Cu R part of de an ciorcal imolan grp
SPOILER (note to self):
4th royal blood is Clauin (Deception), meant to take the elements for herself
Orders wants to stop the full circle so the marked ones will carry on in the human blood as they don't want to lose power
An ciorcal imolan is the combination of 4 elements to call forth the fifth element (spirit) so the power will go back to Danu, as she intended
Petra, Hugh & Cu R part of de an ciorcal imolan grp
October 30, 2013
Oh, it was so great to see these characters again! Really enjoyed it, and I can't wait for the 3rd book, and what it means with the 4 names, and the 5th circle, and the 5th element, I wonder who the bad guy is? Can't wait!!
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