N is for Nandana's Mark by Heidi Garrett

Nandana's Mark

Kindle Summary:

Melia longs to fly like the full blood faeries.

Her mortal father plots to bring war to the Enchanted World.

Her faerie other practices black magic behind closed doors.

Overshadowed by her parent's obsessions, Melia had become an outcast. She seeks aid from the mysterious illustrator, who makes a strange mark on her forehead. The mark is meant to draw the help of a green-eyed stranger from distant lands.  Before he arrives, a tragic accident destroys what's left of Melia's already fractured family.  Her mother is unforgiving.The punishment she metes out will leave her middle daughter torn between guilt and ecstasy - and will complicate Melia's relationship with the green-eyed stranger.

Nandana's Mark is now republished as book 1 of Half Faerie

My review:

So first let me apologize. I've had Nandana's Mark on my kindle for a while now. AND before I decided to review it for the A to Z challenge I didn't go and check out the links on Amazon or Goodreads. So I didn't know that it had been republished as book 1 of Half Faerie. I'm still going to review it. Mainly because I'm behind schedule and I don't want to rush read a different 'N' book and then half-ass a review.  But also because I really enjoyed the book and since it's not been taken off the market, just combined with the next book in the series I think reviewing it is ok since if you are interested in reading it you can still access it by getting the updated version.

I really liked Nandana's Mark.  The story is a mystery adventure and a romance all rolled in to one. By the end I was dying to find out what was going to happen to the world and it's inhabitants that Garrett has created.

Let's start with the story and world that the author has brought to life. I got the impression when I first started reading that it wasn't going to be as deep as it was. But Garrett's story has so many layers to it. The way she has woven them altogether is truly talented. The book is about so much more than just Melia and her family. Yes, it is their story, but it is also the story of the entire enchanted and mortal world. The author's descriptions bring the landscape itself to life. Whether it's the eternal summer of the faerie's world or the island Melia's father lives on in the mortal realm. It really feels as if you're right there. Plus as the book progresses more and more of the rich history and legends of Garrett's world is revealed. I was incredibly impressed with how well everything was woven together and the way the author decided to reveal the secrets of Melia, her family and her world with each page. 

The story is intriguing and holds the reader's attention from beginning to end. The author reveals just enough to keep the momentum going. But she does it in such a way that you don't become frustrated over the fact that at the end of the book everything hasn't come close to being resolved.  

The characters that inhabit Garrett's world are just as intriguing. Whether they are the main players or only supporting ones briefly crossing the stage, they all have their own story that they bring with them. Their own histories and mysteries that make you want to find out more about them. Throughout Nandana's Mark some of their stories are revealed and some are not, but the author works it all in such a way that they don't hinder the main story, only enhance it. There are quite a few supporting characters that I hope make an appearance in the rest of the series so that I can find out more about them. 

The book does end on an edge. Not all the problems have been resolved and not all the questions have been answered. But it sets it up perfectly as a lead in to the next book in the series. Even though it ends that way it doesn't leave the book feeling incomplete.  It's a solid start to what looks to be an amazing series. I highly recommend it and give it 5 out of 5 stars. 

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This post is part of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. 

Click here to find out more and to visit the other blogs participating in the challenge.

I got this book from Amazon because it was on sale and decided to review it for this event. All opinions in this fair and honest review are my own.