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Bloodmark Book Review: Bloodmark Saga Trilogy Book 1 by Aurora Whittet

I read a lot of paranormal themed novels--but, have really read only a couple with a werewolf focus.   My readers also know that romance novels are generally not at the top of my reading list.  The Bloodmark Saga Trilogy by Aurora Whittet probably doesn't seem to be a series that would catch my eye--as it's a saga revolving around werewolves--and a love story no less!  However; something about the cover art and the author's biography caught my interest and I offered to read and review the trilogy.  What did I think of Bloodmark, the first book from Whittet's Bloodmark series?

I received a complimentary copy of this book for use in my review.  All opinions are my own.

Quick Summary of Bloodmark (Bloodmark Saga Trilogy Book #1): Sixteen-year-old werewolf princess Ashling Boru is different from other wolves--she was able to shift to a wolf at birth. Rather than bringing pride to her family, it brings fear, and she is sent to live in Ireland's secluded countryside. Ashling's reputation is further blackened when she refuses her betrothed, defying the ancient laws. When her pack's oldest rivals begin to hunt her, she finds herself in the small town of York Harbor, Maine, far from everything she's known.

When she crosses paths with dark and rebellious Grey Donavan, something ignites within her soul. There's just one problem: Grey is human. Their instant connection turns into a passionate romance, and Ashling begins to believe she can create her own life outside of wolf laws. When she uncovers long-buried pack secrets that threaten to destroy all she holds dear, Ashling's courage and tenacity are tested. Will she choose her deep and enduring love for Grey or will she follow Old Mother's path to her destiny?

Bloodmark is a page turner. I read a lot. Bloodmark is one of only a handful of books that I have read this year that I couldn't put down. I had to know what happened next. The author throws in just enough action/adventure, and suspense to keep the book's fast pace through to the end--and she continually opens just enough secrets and mystique to keep readers wondering just where the characters are headed. I couldn't put the book down--and I had to immediately move onto the second book! 

Not an eye-rolling, teen werewolf romance novel. There were a few times, early on in the book, when I thought, "Oh, great...here comes the teen love story dialogue and same-old, same-old storyline"...but, it wasn't. The author did a really good job interweaving teenaged drama into the paranormal/ancient storyline surrounding the characters. The story is not the run-of-the-mill, teen werewolf story. Readers will actually find a story and depth beneath the actions and the behaviors of the characters. Additionally, there are a few violent, vicious scenes of werewolf violence--but, these aren't overly graphic nor are they the bulk of the book.

Readers will need to read the series. Do not expect much resolution at the end of the first book. The key conflicts remain unresolved in the last pages; but, the author leads readers very nicely to the second book of the saga!

Would I recommend Bloodmark by Aurora Whittet? This is the best paranormal novel that I've read this year. There is a mix of modern day with an ancient, traditional world that is well coordinated. There is a mix of teenage reality with the author's paranormal storyline. There is romance, action, adventure, drama, mystery, suspense--but, no one theme overpowers the storyline. I know little about werewolf lore--and I am not a romance fan. This book is the first paranormal romance novel that I can honestly say that I loved reading! I became immediately invested in the characters and their fates--and the book left plenty of loose ends to pull me into the second book of the series. I would recommend this book to paranormal romance fans--or to paranormal fans in general. I think the themes are a little mature for tween/young teens--but, I think both young adults and older adults would love the storyline and Whittet's writing style. Do plan to read the series!

Buy Bloodmark:  Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble  


Meet the Author: 
Aurora Whittet started out as a wild red-haired girl in Minnesota dreaming up stories for her friends to read. Mama’s Knight: A Cancer Story of Love is just the latest in a string of acclaimed works. Her first official writing endeavor became The Bloodmark Saga, featuring a werewolf princess-turned-ruler who falls in love with a human boy. 

Her first novel in the Bloodmark Saga, Bloodmark, came out in 2013, followed by Bloodrealms in 2014 and the final book Bloodmoon in 2016.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

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