Marked, but not remarkable

My next read was a bit of a let-down, which was even more frustrating since I spent my birthday reading it! Argh! Let's see what went wrong:

Title: Marked
Authors: P.C. & Kristen Cast
My start date: 11/5/10
My finish date: 11/7/10
Book Count: 69

Something about this book just didn't work for me. It is part of a series, and you might have noticed that, where I have been enjoying the first one in the series, I have continued on to the second to see if the vibe lasts. This one did not inspire me to pick up the second. Why?

One of my problems with this book was the way in which it tried way too hard. As a hopeful novelist myself, I have always wanted to explore ways in which I might instill positive lessons into my YA stories and write strong role models out of my characters. This novel showed how NOT to do that. They pushed several messages, but in a way that was way too abrassive and unappealing, but also unbelievable. It was like a permanent running public service message. The plot would be broken in order to plug in an awkward statement by the main character about how she knew was above sex, drug, alcohol, and so on. It was obnoxious and rather than making a reader want to emulate those admirable qualities, it made the character annoying and could even turn a reader away from wanting to be like her. At the same time that these service plugs were being shoved into the text, the authors included some very graphic and unnecessary things that almost suggested that the were ok with the opposite actions. For example, there were some very explicit sexual references that were simply gross and unnecessary. The plot could have been worked without them. So even though the character is saying, "Eww, I know better than to ever do that" as she witnesses the act, you are left wondering why the authors wrote it in the first place. It just didn't work and the overall feel of the novel is compromised through it.

My other big problem with this series lies with the characters. The lead is just plain annoying. Her bestfriend/roommate is an annoying cartoon of a "stereotypical" Oklahoman. Their other friends are equally designed as cartoons of stereotypes, i.e. "the gay male best friend", "the shallow-trendy girls", and so on. For that matter, every single character is a cartoon stereotype, including the popular but secretly great boy interest, and the evil female rival.

I think, bottem line, this book just tries WAY too hard. It wants to sound cool and teen, but in trying so hard it falls short. Better luck next time, but I doubt I will read it if there is a next time.

Grade: C/C-
Would adults enjoy reading this? I doubt it. Maybe if they wanted a laugh.

Onward, keep reading!
Sarah