Wow! I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed reading this book. After having been so disappointed with that crappy "Twilight" series, I was a little scared to try a new 'teen' vampire series.

This is done so well by this pair of authors. They don't candy-coat teenage behavior and there's actually swearing and sexual encounters that make it more believable. It's a very accurate representation of teen behavior that many adults don't like to admit to. I wasn't driven nuts either by any annoying teenage/vampire angst or a story where the vampires are so whiny they're almost neutered. At first, I did think the high school bullying was a bit much, but after some thought, it's quite believable. Especially when you add power to the mix and the fact that it can corrupt person's with sociopathic behavior.

I also really enjoyed the pagan rituals and lifestyles of the vampires. It made it even more interesting to read. The People of the Faith were a fair representation of how religious bigots would treat others who don't believe as they do. (We have, after all, seen it done for centuries now.)

Overall, this was really an excellent read and I'll definitely be looking for more by either author.

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MARKED begins a series that is uncomfortable mix of compelling action and appalling writing. On the one hand, the idea is superb and well executed: P. C. Cast shows her experience as she deftly weaves an intricate and entracing web of vampyre history and conflict.

On the other hand, a great story idea cannot completely excuse the cringe-inducing writing. It is the voice of someone trying too hard to be "hip" and "in," with complete disregard for how modern-day teenagers actually think, act, and speak. One should not overlook the fact that all the characters seem like they are amateur actors on in a bad horror movie, overdramatizing situations and playing at their trying-too-hard lines.

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