Tuesday 10 July 2012

Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

Carrier of the Mark (Carrier Trilogy, #1)Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

Add it: Goodreads
Source: Won
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Paperback, 342 pages
Release Date: October 4, 2011

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.

Although backed up by an interesting idea, Carrier of the Mark ultimately fell short for me for several reasons.

I've said it before and I have no doubt that I'll say it again: I am a character person. While I didn't have a problem with most of the supporting characters (one huge exception), I could not stand the main character. Megan came across to me as so weak and selfish, and she was way too clingy to Adam for my liking. Speaking of Adam, I wasn't too huge a fan of his either. While I can sort of see his motives, he seemed controlling and condescending for a large chunk of the novel.

I don't think (and please, correct me if I'm wrong) that I'm generally one to rant about insta love in my reviews but wow, this book. I rolled my eyes so. many. times. while reading this book. Megan and Adam become inseparable and willing to destroy the world to be together after probably a maximum of a few months. Yet, I don't really recall them doing much talking or interacting beyond make-out sessions and a few behind-the-scenes get-togethers. If there is going to be such a strong connection and pull in a couple, I want to actually be witness to them bonding together. In this case, I felt like one second they were staring at each other across the room and the next they were in pain when they weren't together for an hour.

The lore of this novel was one part that managed to capture my attention for the most part. It was all interesting information and I was quite eager to learn more about the history of how Megan and Adam came to be. That said, I do wish the information had been a bit more staggered in its delivery. It was at times a lot to take in after a long period of pure romance and such with Megan and Adam. There were also parts of the plot that made absolutely no sense to me in that they sound so implausible... but I guess it's called fiction for a reason.

Unfortunately not a book for me.

Cover Comments: Looooove this cover! The stormy colours and large, classic font work so well for the mood of this cover. And then the image itself of Megan is stunning... I love all of the details and how she's suspended in air like that. Awesome!

2/5

14 comments:

  1. Yeah I didn't really like this book. Too Twilight for me (I really hate comparing it to Twilight but I couldn't help it) . . . but I did love the myth side of things. Nice and honest review!

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    1. I really didn't want to mention Twilight in my review but OMG ERIN. Every other thing in CotM reminded me of Twilight. I'd thought people were exaggerating before about the similarities but it was like Twilight goes to Ireland.

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  2. Awwww Sonia, sad that you didn't enjoy this book! When I first saw the cover of Carrier of the Mark, I was IN LOVE. It's GORGEOUS and I completely agree with your cover comments! When I read the book, I was disappointed. I still liked it, but it didn't live up to my expectations. I agree with you on the insta-love thing. I usually don't mind insta-love but this one felt a bit too rushed! I do liked the lore and the concept behind the novel. It was definitely interesting!

    Anyway, awesome and honest review, Sonia! ♥

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    1. I'm sad too :( YES, the cover. I should have just stared at it instead of reading....

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  3. Aw, it's a shame. I'm a character person too, and I don't think Megan is someone I could really connect too. Plus, I really don't like insta-love... Will leave this one for a while. Thanks for the review! :)

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    1. I honestly can't see this one being something you would enjoy, Liz... BUT if you do read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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  4. It's a shame you didn't enjoy this one very much! I totally see what you're saying about the characters and insta-love (I did notice!) but....I fell for the romance. It made me all insane mushy and ASGHFKJADL. I should probably be ashamed and annoyed but I can't help it with this book haha. Very excited to explore the mythology more :)

    Lisa | Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me

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    1. YOU'RE CUT. THERE'S THE DOOR.

      :P I'm glad you enjoyed it! I hate not liking the books I read. And what's better than feeling all insane and mushy over a romance? Hope the sequel lives up to your expectations! :)

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  5. Oh, damn. I've seen this opinion mirrored a LOT in reviews (save for that crazy person named Lisa above :P). Which is a real shame because the mythology DOES sound awesome! It isn't often I see Irish mythology explored in YA. The insta-love sounds extremely groan-worthy and unfortunately the characters aren't appealing to me either. I can totally understand all your issues with this, though it's a shame they existed at all. Stil, fantastic review!

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    1. I know, I tried to go in with an open mind but there was that drama with Leigh Fallon and from then I just heard a lot of the same. Hopefully that didn't affect my opinion at all...

      I actually wish there had been more Irish focus. Like, the Irish names were mentioned and a couple of Irish places... but I feel like it's such a cool, uncharted (in YA) culture that we could have gotten a lot more from!

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  6. I didn't even finish this book,and you were definitely more tactful in your review than I was!! I really, really didn't like this and I agree it's a total shame cause the mythology was excellent



    Cait x

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    1. Just read your review! Nah, it's not that bad :P Or maybe it's just because I was busy nodding along to everything. I feel like for the genetics thing, they explained it and I understood, but then when it started not making sense or being really random, it was like, 'well we don't have EVERYTHING figured out!'

      SIGH. What can you do.

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  7. The cover was what attracted me to read it in the first place :p, but the outside is much prettier than the inside.. It was like you said: annoying main character, instant love without bonding, blablabla. I liked the idea, but it wasn't well-written enough to keep me entertained. And like the first comment: Twilight all over again..

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  8. Damnnnnn. So sorry this didn't happen for you, Sonia... I KNOW you're not alone with this one, though... I've heard a few complaints. Le-sigh. Can't win them all, but seriously, I thought you reviewed perfectly *hugs*

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