The Mark by Jen Nadol

Cassandra Renfield has always seen the mark—a glow around certain people reminiscent of candlelight. But the one time she mentioned it, it was dismissed as a trick of the light. Until the day she watches a man awash in the mark die. After searching her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person’s imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.

This book was definitely not a light read. It touched on a tough subject: if you knew someone was going to die that day and you had the chance of telling them or warning them, would you? A veritable stranger who would most likely look at you as if you were crazy or how about a loved one... what would you do? It really had my mind turning these thoughts the whole time I was reading it.

I really felt for Cass and the predicament she was in. I thought she was a great character that Ms. Nadol did an excellent job of fleshing out - suffering from not only the confusion of seeing the Mark but also the insecurities and naivete of a teenager.

I will forewarn, this is not an action-filled nor fast-paced read - instead you have to appreciate it for the unique premise and thought-provoking story that it is. It is about death, first love, disappointments; about internal struggle and self-discovery.

All in all, I think this is a great start for debut author, Jen Nadol, and I can't wait to see where she takes Cass (and us) next.