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Marked

Name: Marked
ISBN: 9780312360269

by P. C. Cast, Kristin Cast

7.64 / 10 530K ratings

Language: English
Published: 2007
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Pages: 306
ISBN: 9780312360269

In a world where vampyres have always existed, sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird's life is permanently altered when a vampyre Tracker marks her with a crescent moon on her forehead. This mark designates her for the Change, a dangerous four-year transformation into an adult vampyre that not all survive. Forced to leave her family and friends, Zoey must move into the House of Night, a boarding school where she will learn the ways of her new kind. But Zoey is not a typical fledgling; she has been chosen by the vampyre goddess Nyx and possesses an affinity for all five elements, a magnitude of power unheard of in vampyre history.

At the House of Night, Zoey must navigate the treacherous social landscape of a new school while grappling with her burgeoning powers and an insatiable thirst for blood. She discovers that the leader of the school's elite clique, the Dark Daughters, is misusing her own goddess-given gifts. As she struggles to understand her unique abilities and the destiny that has been thrust upon her, Zoey must find the courage to embrace who she is meant to become. This journey will test her loyalties and force her to confront a darkness that could threaten not only her new life but the delicate balance between humans and vampyres.

Other editions (110)

What other readers say

Liked

Some readers found "Marked" to be an engaging and addictive read, hard to put down despite its perceived flaws. Proponents appreciated its fast-paced narrative, which included constant action, romance, and magical elements, offering a fresh take on vampire mythology by incorporating matriarchy, goddess-worship, and elemental powers. A few reviewers considered the storytelling top-notch and the characters more interesting and diverse than those in other popular vampire series, believing the book handled relevant teenage issues in a positive or impactful way. The inclusion of unique rituals and a dark, humorous tone were also highlighted as enjoyable aspects by a segment of its audience.

Disliked

Conversely, a significant majority of reviewers vehemently criticized "Marked," often labeling it as one of the worst books they had ever read. The writing style was frequently described as immature, repetitive, and riddled with forced teenage slang and excessive pop culture references, leading to a sensation of reading a poorly edited diary entry. The protagonist, Zoey, drew widespread dislike, being characterized as whiny, unintelligent, clumsy, and a "special snowflake" who was difficult to connect with. Critics pointed out numerous problematic themes, including extensive slut-shaming, body-shaming, fatphobia, homophobia, racism, and an overtly moralizing tone. The plot was largely dismissed as weak, pointless, and overly reliant on clichés and instant romantic connections, while the world-building was found inconsistent and the vampire mythology confusing or poorly executed. Specific scenes and dialogue were deemed offensive or unrealistic, notably a dismissively handled instance of non-consensual sexual activity.

In short

Overall, "Marked" elicits highly polarized opinions, with its popularity often attributed to its release during a surge in young adult paranormal fiction. It might appeal to readers seeking a quick, dramatic young adult story with a unique twist on vampire lore and a focus on high school social dynamics, particularly those who enjoy "trashy fun" or "over-dramatic early 2000s teen writing" and are willing to overlook substantial issues with character development, writing quality, and problematic themes. However, readers who prioritize well-developed narratives, nuanced characters, sophisticated prose, and a sensitive, thoughtful approach to social issues are strongly advised to avoid this book.

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