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

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.

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.

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.