The Marked

By: Eve Langlais

Narrated by: Marie Smith

In a futuristic society, fate is decided by genetics, and love is only for the elite.

The mark appeared while I slept and can’t be ignored. I must present myself to the consulate, and from there, I don’t know what happens. While I’ve been taught the mark is an honor, I have no idea what it means. Questioning isn’t encouraged. I must obey.

My change in status exposes me to a violent side of society that I never suspected. Brings me to a strange and wondrous place known as the "surface", where I am immersed in a different way of living. I discover pleasure. I am involved in intrigue and learn about lies and different perspectives of the truth.

I must also make a choice between a man who is part of the caste system and the one who would destroy it.

©2022 Eve Langlais (P)2022 Eve Langlais

Futuristic

The world was practically destroyed by humans and the new order has a strict class system. It's not a nice place for many people. The best part was watching the two main characters change into better versions of themselves.

Very Interesting!

I liked the whole premise of this story. I would have loved to have read more with these characters and in this world. It was too short!

Good story with some drawbacks

The story had an engaging premise so I stuck with it until the surprising end. However, the reader’s habit of saying bu’’on instead of button and other similar pronunciation quirks was very distracting. The lovemaking scenes were sometimes laughable (he ‘denuded’ her!) and some of the vocabulary the main character used was out of character for her origins. But all in all en enjoyable enough listen. Not sure I would have continued with it had it been longer, though.

Interesting story, but…

The writing isn’t terrible, but it has some significant shortcomings:
- too on the nose too often
- immature and abrupt in emotional expression
- rash and callous in its use of sex
Too many conflicts resolve unsatisfactorily. The main antagonist starts sly and interesting but ends weak minded and whiny.
I would love to see a sequel that fleshed out the world and lead characters in a more satisfying way. Perhaps with less of an elitism-based moral.

Could be a future not so science fiction someday

Nice twists with the characters. Wish there were more available men like the commander. Then Match wouldn’t be necessary. Who wouldn’t like a strong loving powerful man good in bed to rescue the gray lady in the cave. A new twist on Cinderella story. I listened all the way thru . Didn’t want to turn it off. Great book.