The Markings

The Markings Series, Book 1

By: Catherine Downen

Narrated by: Katrianna Paige

"My frail fingers curl around the jagged rock. I press it into the stone wall and drag it up and down until a small groove forms. I drop the rock and step back, glancing over all the lines I’ve made. It is day 2,436 of being in this prison with my mother and younger brother.”

Dather is an island that was once known as Ohau. A nation that rose from the ashes after an asteroid shower had divided itself when people began to discover their unique powers. At 16, Adaline sits in prison with her mother and younger brother, and today is Parting Day, where more prisoners will be executed. After seven years of being spared, Adaline’s luck has run out. But she won’t go quietly or easily. Her life depends on her ability to escape the grasps of the king and find a place of freedom.

Discovering her unique powers is the turning point Adaline needs to get a second chance at her freedom. In this thrilling novel of friendship, family, and secrets, Adaline runs for her life and learns the truth of her past along the way.

“My brain sees him as a threat, as the enemy, a guard at the castle, but my heart feels he is a friend. The question is, which one is right?”

©2020 Catherine Downen (P)2020 Catherine Downen

Told the emotions instead of showing them

Oof I wanted to like this one more than I did.

While I had some smaller issues (like the choice to overlap a brother and a lover figure (not actual incest, just weird mind magic)), my biggest issue with this was the balance between showing and telling. I was told about these deep, interpersonal connections, but I never saw it. I came in too late and was kept on the outside. I was told about grief, but I never got to see it or feel it. It kept me on the outside of basically all the feelings and connections, so I never, well, connected to it.

Also, I think it's always tricky to balance a story with future-sight, and this one is built on some characters knowing the future.

So solid, interesting ideas (I was really excited by the blurb) but not enough emotion to pull me in.

Exciting, sad, mysterious

You’re plunged into a dark world full of medieval misery and sadness, but the twists are numerous as you discover what year it actually is.
Downen pulls you in right away, and keeps you guessing with science, magic, and mystery.

My first audible novel

This was my first audible novel, although I have read the book I was excited to see what impact a voice put to the words,would be. I was pleasantly surprised. It surpassed my expectations. The reader did a magnificent job and I already knew the story was awesome. Her voice brought the words to life. I totally enjoyed the experience. I am so looking forward to the 2nd book in this series.

A fun first book

This book had a lot goin for it! I loved the dystopian world where the story takes place, and really appreciated the author’s creativity and dedication to showing the audience the ins and outs without slowing the story down at all. I liked the characters a lot, and watching their struggle to determine and rise to their unique destinies. I really enjoyed the strong female lead, and seeing a woman rise to reach her potential. I would absolutely recommend listening to this one and will be eager to listen to book two when it’s released!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

good clean reading

I like it is a ya fansty/dystopian & it post apocalyptic set in Hawaii where people who ar egifted are beening arrested and killed for their gifted. i didnt care much for the narration but the story what kept me listening. I enjoyed a it. if you like shatter me this be a good book for you.

Unique

I must say that I was on the fence with this audio. The author created a unique and interesting new world in which I thought to really enjoy the next release. Especially how it ended.
On the other side of that fence, I had a hard time liking both the MC's.
They were strong leads that whined and could not make up their minds.
Lots of twists and turns and the other characters were great.
This audio was given to me free and I voluntarily gave this review.

A great debut!

I was so surprised at how well done this debut was! So thoughtfully broken up into 3 neat parts with 10 even chapters to round out each section. For a detailed oriented stickler like me, it was as heavenly as The Hunger Games.

⚖️ Plot: Whilst the narrator didn’t thrill me at first, the underlying familiar tone of plots and traits that I love quickly had me getting over this. I know I’m invested when I can honestly say that I will definitely be reading the next books in the series.

🗺 World: Being quite dystopian, I did get some Red Queen and Shatter Me vibes, with the opening in prison reminding me also of Throne of Glass. But once more I was pleasantly surprised to find it really unique and truly holding its own.

💑 Characters: I just wanted to pause for a moment to appreciate our heroine’s name. How beautiful is Adaline?! I am absolutely looking forward to finding out what happens to my boy Alexander. I think their unenviable challenge of having to get to know each other all over again has the makings of an epic OTP!

A Brilliant Debut!

When I received this audiobook during a promotion by the author, I was not sure what to expect. It is a debut novel and the beginning of a trilogy. So, I approached it with caution, keeping my hopes in check. But, I’m pleased to say that I was not disappointed in any way! The plot, characters, and delivery of this story was brilliantly done by the author, Catherine Downen, and well narrated by Katrianna Paige.
The Markings is a Dystopian YA Fantasy book with a Red Queen meets Shatter Me storyline. I was instantly drawn to Adaline’s story and couldn’t wait to find out more about Dather. The worldbuilding is spectacular and I absolutely enjoyed the “force lifter” power Adaline possessed.
The first few chapters felt a little rushed but the plot tightened soon enough and relevant information was provided without making it look like an info dump.
The author, Catherine Downen, has done a wonderful job of keeping the readers engaged with the characters and the story via various trials and challenges our protagonist has to go through.
Overall, this was an interesting and enjoyable read. If you are into YA Fantasy and Dystopian books, definitely give this one a try. Suitable for ages 10 and above.
4.5/5 stars (rated up)