Carrier of the Mark

Review Time! Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon was another one of the 2011 left behinds. I intended to read the debut last year but there was so much to read and so little time, I just never got round to it! Luckily I managed to squeeze it into February so now I can review it for everyone else! ;) Thanks to Harper Collins for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Their love was meant to be. 

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRÍs. 

But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.

The Short Story? - Nothing like Twilight. Next time you meet anyone who says "Carrier of the Mark is like Twilight" tell them "Badass Bookie says you're a moron". Carrier of the Mark is a beautifully written debut with an extraordinary plot and wonderful characters. Fantastic characterisation and culturally enriching, Fallon has written a remarkable paranormal romance to be enjoyed by all!

The Long Story? - Comparing Carrier of the Mark to Twilight is like comparing McDonalds to a three course gourmet meal. Firstly just so EVERYONE understands - Twilight did not INVENT the "forbidden love plot" hence do not compare every "forbidden love plot" book to Twilight! Carrier of the Mark wasn't perfect but it doesn't deserve to be compared to Twilight ( unless you're looking at it through a positive light). The novel has an extraordinary plot with a unique setting. I loved how Fallon weaved celtic myths with fiction. Not only is it culturally enriching, it's enjoyable as well! The novel started out really well, I loved the plot and the complex idea of "Carrier of the Mark" and how it's related to all the the elements. My only "complaint" is that I thought the ending was rather an anticlimax ( like Twilight) - there was this huge build up and I expected a huge showdown and when it didn't happen I was left a little bit disappointed. Nevertheless, very enjoyable - Fallon writes beautifully!

 Same goes with characterisation. Adam isn't a sparkly vampire - I ACTUALLY like him and Megan is a fantastic protagonist who can stick up for herself and well, let's just say she doesn't whine. I adored Megan as a character, she had a sense of humour, she was sweet without being too sweet, she could stick up for herself and she could make her own decisions. Adam was a huge sweetie, I can't help but picture him as the perfect boyfriend - all chivalry and caring! However the one who stole my heart was Rian! Rian is Adam's brother and he completely nails the "bad boy" role and you know what? I'm a sucker for the bad boys... Overall, fantastic characterisation and again - nothing like Twilight!

In a nutshell - Carrier of the Mark was a pleasure to read! With fantastic characters and a wonderful plot, Fallon has written a remarkable debut that I enjoyed cover to cover! I can't wait to see what the sequel brings because I need another fix of the brilliant romance and Rian ;) Exciting, captivating and original - Carrier of the Mark is not to be missed!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck


Badass Bookie xx