Monday, April 26, 2010

The Mark review/giveaway


You may remember me mentioning The Mark, a very fun book that I got to write an endorsement for a couple of months ago. It is the first book of author M.R. Bunderson, and when she asked me to participate on her blog tour, I was thrilled to help her get the word out.

Here's the blurb:
It's a secret that's been hiding in plain sight. Tori's just your average teenager, or so she's always thought. But one day she discovers that what seemed like an ordinary birthmark on her wrist is really a set of tiny strange-looking symbols. And when Tori meets others with the same mark, they soon realize they'll need to work together to save their real homeland, an ancient culture that's been hidden for centuries. Now Tori and her friends must find their way home, master their new found powers, and save the land they are destined to rule. Filled with fantasy, suspense, and romance, The Mark is a spellbinding thrill ride you won't want to put down.
I liked the mystery part of The Mark, where Tori and her new friends try to figure out where their similar birthmarks came from and what they might mean. Science was never my best subject, but the explanation behind it seemed reasonable enough to me. And I also thought the pacing of the suspense was great, keeping me wondering about the outcome almost until the last page.
But the best part for me was the romance. I don't want to give too much away, but Eric and Tori have a very interesting and different kind of relationship. It was nice to see them work through some of the obstacles to their being a couple, and I was definitely rooting for them to end up together. By the end, many of the loose ends were tied up, but there was still plenty of material for a satisfying sequel. (Hint, hint. Please, Marilyn!)
I have a copy of The Mark to give away, and I was going to set up something spectacular. But then I had a flashback to the contest with Sarah last week... and I thought that I'd really better keep it simple. So here it is-- leave a comment if you're interested in winning the copy. Every person gets one entry. Contest closes at midnight on Saturday, May 1st, and the winner will be posted on the following Monday. Even I can't screw that up. Probably.
For more information on The Mark or to follow Marilyn on Twitter, go here:
Good luck, y'all, and happy commenting!
P.S. The only bad thing about the LDStorymakers Conference is that it comes but once a year. It was such fun seeing old friends and making new ones, and I even cut down the time I spent cowering in the bathroom. In fact, next year I may be REALLY courageous and vacate the stall entirely! Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this event a success. If you're interesting in writing at all, you really should start saving now for next year. And the Whitney Awards were unbelievable. I can't say enough good things about the enormously talented people I got to rub shoulders with for the evening. Congratulations to all the winners!

11 comments:

Krista said...

I remember reading about THE MARK somewhere several months ago and I was intrigued. I would love to win a copy! Thanks for the contest!

Fenwick Family said...

That sounds so interesting!!!

Stephanie Black said...

Oooh, me! Me! I want to win a copy! It was great to see you and Marilyn at Storymakers.

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

Marilyn was at my boot camp table and she is such a sweetheart! I wish my bookstore money hadn't disappeared so quickly!

This book sounds right up my alley and if I don't win it I'll definitely be buying it. Soon. After our finances recover from this trip anyway... =P

And it was so lovely to see your lovely self!

Elizabeth Morgan said...

The Book sounds amazing!

Kimberly Job said...

I sat by Marilyn at the Storymaker's dinner. I'd love to read this!!

Jenn Adams said...

I actually had the book in my pile at the conference bookstore on Friday, but I had to put it and a few others back because I really just couldn't afford them. It looks sooo good, though, so I would love to win a copy!!

brendajean said...

I'd love to win this book! I have it on hold at the library but just can't wait! Thanks for the giveaway :)

Julianne said...

Me me pick me! I love a good suspense filled novel! Can't wait to see you Saturday!

A.J. said...

I saw the link to this contest at Marilyn Bunderson's blog. I would love to enter!
Thanks for the giveaway! :)

msdarcy said...

Please pick me!! I can't wait to read this book!!! (I love a good romance)