Marked by P.C. & Kristin Cast

If I were still 14, like I was when this was published and initially read it, this would have been an easy 5 stars. Very nostalgic read, very reminiscent of the time, which I don’t think is a black mark against it. Yeah, other people knew better than to use specific words, but teenagers didn’t and the main character is a teenager. I think it’s authentic to the time and age it was created in. Does that make the use of slurs acceptable? No. But, in later books, the authors do acknowledge how harmful the use of slurs can be especially when done in ignorance. We allow others to grow and change, it’s only fair we allow the same of authors who realize and apologize for their mistakes. 

Anyway, it’s a cheesy “friendship wins over everything, follow the good in your heart” book, but I think that’s why it’s so endearing. There are parts that are obviously misguided, but were common ideals at the time. 

Relatively slow paced, but a nice little weekend read. House of Night will always have a special place in my heart and I like to give myself the reminder every few years or so that books don’t have to be serious and life changing. They just need to make you feel something.