Burn Mark Blog Tour - Review

Today I'm excited to be a stop on the blog tour of Burn Mark by Laura Powell!

In a modern world where witches are hunted down and burned at the stake, two lives intersect. Glory is from a family of witches, and is desperate to develop her 'Fae' powers and become a witch herself, though witch-activity carries a threat of being burned at the stake. Lucas is the son of the Chief Prosecutor for the Inquisition with a privileged life very different from the witches he is being trained to prosecute. And then one day, both Glory and Lucas develop the Fae. In one fell stroke, their lives are inextricably bound together.

My Review

I so loved the concept of this book.  I loved that it was set in modern day (although I did have to keep reminding myself of that!) because it made me what if a lot: what if there were witches, what if I was a witch in this world, what if  my friend became a witch - on and on.  Now in terms of how that was handled in the the book - very well done! I could completely buy into a world where witches were real.  Sometimes a book with that premise doesn't work because the world building doesn't make it seem realistic.  This one was fantastic that way.  I could enter that world without a question.

Something else I really liked was that it went back and forth between the two main characters Glory and Lucas.  Their life experiences were so far apart that it was very interesting to see how they each dealt with and reacted to the life they were now handed.  I think I related to Lucas more because his fear was so real and strong.  It was closer to how I would've reacted.  Glory on the other hand had been expecting it, so he reaction wasn't as strong.  I think maybe I had hoped she'd react differently than she thought she would just to add some depth to her character.  As the story progressed further I really liked the two view points because I got a stronger understanding of what this world was like.  Another reason I liked the two main characters - it made the book one I could give to both boys and girls! Love when a book does that.

I few concerns I had with the novel involved the pacing.  Once both main characters get their fae I expected the story to kick into high gear but it didn't.  I guess I wanted more action right from the start and that didn't really happen.  Trust me it picks up great later in the book, but I had wanted it sooner.  I know there was a lot of information that needed to be shared about the family history of both main characters, but it did slow the story down for me.  To go a long with all that history - there were a lot of characters introduced.  I found myself confused at times as to who was who.  I stuck with it and figured them out, but that was a bit of a struggle.  At times I wished for a family tree chart or something!

The action in the second half of the novel definitely picks up and there was some great tension.  It was at that point that I really was hooked.  And it was at that point that I really started to like Glory more.  At first she wasn't my favorite character, but she great on me.  As for the very end, I will warn you though, if you like nice neat endings tied up in bows don't expect it! I personally like books that don't go out of the way to make it all perfect.  I find it unrealistic, so I was happy with the ending!

Final thought: Slow start that picks up to a satisfying conclusion
Best stick-with-you image: It's right at the start - but the witch burning in Glory's dream! Yikes!
Best for readers who: Like our world altered
Best for ages: 13+

For the Guys?  I think so yes! Lucas is a strong male character that I think boys would like.

For more on the tour and the book check out the 

FACEBOOK PAGE.

And you've got to see the trailer!!!