The Ancillary's Mark Review

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Title: The Ancillary's Mark
Author: Daniel Cohen
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Published: November 4, 2010
Genre: YA, Science Fiction
Pages: 246
Source: Author

The legend of the Ancillary flower has existed for centuries. Foretold to bring out the limitless potential of its bearer, the flower and the legend have been forgotten by many. Recently, strange events in a shrouded Tibetan town have sparked rumors among those who still believe.

Jacob Deer is a quirky young man, bound for college, with an eccentric old librarian for a best friend, an obsession with sitting down in elevators, and a strange birthmark on his hand that's shaped mysteriously like the markings on the Ancillary's petals. When Jacob's mentor Mr. Maddock reveals to him his connection with the legendary Ancillary, it sets in motion a series of events that sends Jacob and friends across the world. Alongside an alluring young woman, a marine-reject, and a Tibetan kid obsessed with comic books, Jacob must face off against a vengeful maniac for the fate of the flower, the legend, and all mankind.
Jacob Deer marches to the beat of his own drum, makes his own rules, and has a fascinating birthmark on his hand that bears an odd resemblance to the legendary Ancillary flower…a flower that gives the bearer access to unlimited potential. When his mentor tells Jacob about his true connection to the Ancillary flower, his future is set in motion as he travels to Tibet to find the truth of his destiny and the Ancillary flower, itself. Along with a beautiful girl named Sophia, his bodyguard named Diego, and a young Tibetan boy with an obsession with Superman, Jacob’s life is just beginning to get interesting – and dangerous.

Ok, remember when I discussed craptastic covers the other day (no offense, Dan!)? The Ancillary’s Mark is the epitome of this phenomenon. With a powerful premise, an intriguing cast of characters and a unique voice that manages to draw readers in and send them on a journey, The Ancillary’s Mark is FAR better than the cover implies. Daniel Cohen has created a masterful science-fiction tale that somehow manages to balance continuously changing perspectives through the story with a powerful myth of a legendary flower that fuels the story throughout.

The biggest strength of The Ancillary’s Mark was the characters. Jacob Deer has to be the most resonant and endearing MC that I’ve read of in a long time. I like his flaws, and I like that they are emphasized because they make him human and tangible. Even the secondary characters like Sophia and Diego are well-rounded and add to each element of the story. Plus, even with an unstoppable plot, the characters manage to successfully weave humour into every situation. I think that another strength was the balance of descriptions and dialogue within The Ancillary’s Mark. The descriptions are interspersed throughout, and each one is alive with detail – they never seem superfluous or redundant. Each one adds a little something to the story and brings it alive.

I couldn’t have been more surprised with just how great The Ancillary’s Mark was, and I urge you to look past the seemingly-adult cover. The singular qualm I had with the book was that it was too short. There were certain situations I wish would have been drawn out, but that’s personal preference. I give The Ancillary’s Mark a 4.5 out of 5, and I’d recommend it all fans of YA and even adult fiction, especially those who enjoy a good science-fiction and fantasy story.

I received this book free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

28 comments:

  1. Great review! I like this book as well. The cover doesn't do it justice.

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  2. Oh good! I have this one on my review pile, so glad to see you liked it:) I love that we get a fantasy novel that's not weighed down with superfluous information, that's what usually gets me in these type of books. I know there's a good story buried in there, but usually I can't wade my way through all the descriptions to get there and appreciate it. So glad it doesn't seem to be the case here!

    And yes, that cover is pitiful (sorry Dan!). It makes me want to email all self published authors and offer my design services so their covers do their stories justice!

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  3. Great review Melissa! I wouldn't have read this because of the cover (it's kind of bland) but your review has influenced me to get a copy:) Happy January,
    Danna
    http://friendlyreaderohyeah.blogspot.com/

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  4. I have been on the fence about this one, but it's definitely going on my TBR list now.

    Thanks Melissa!

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  5. I think the cover is strong. I don't know if it has much to do with the book and it doesn't stand out in the crowd but I like it. Great review..I do enjoy a great fantasy read

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  6. This is a great review and I will admit from the cover alone I would have never picked this book up but I'll have to look for it now.

    Thanks a bunch!

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  7. I don't think the cover is too bad, it just looks more adult than YA. I'm not big on sci-fi though so I'm not sure about this book. I like the sound of having to battle a "vengeful maniac" though.

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  8. The book sounds awesome . The cover doesn't matter when the plot seems so intriguing! It has such a unique premise. Thanks for the review!

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  9. Good point about looking past the cover. It would have turned me off. Great review :)

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  10. I agree 100% with you, Melissa. All the characters are so well-done and Jacob is truly an endearing character. The cover really does not do the book justice, but I hope some great reviews urge people to give it a shot :D

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  11. Hmmm... I'm don't read too much Sci-Fi and the cover is a bit of a turn off, but I love well thought out character development, and based on what you mentioned, these characters seem worth getting to know. Also, I'm a big fan of description, especially if balanced with dialogue.

    Thanks for reviewing this one, Melissa; otherwise, I would have discarded it.

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  12. I was so excited to read this review! I just agreed to review this one. I agree about the cover---it's a turn off for me.

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  13. Awesome!! Glad you liked it, its always great when a book suprises you. I just agreed to to review this so Im glad its a good!!!

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  14. Great review Melissa, unfortunately, while I liked the book I had a few problems with it and certainly didn't enjoy it as much as you did. My review is coming soon.

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  15. Oh your review sold me the book instantly.The cover is indeed far from exciting (made me think about my old geometry textbook) but if the content is ok I am in. Thanks for presenting your honest opinion!

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  16. I wouldn't even say it was an adult cover because it really doesn't appeal at all. However, props to Dan for delivering a great story! I need to read this one. I'm very curious about it now! :)

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  17. I liked the premise initially and since you enjoyed the book, I'll now be adding this one to my wishlist. Thanks for the review!

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  18. Yes I do confess, this cover gives me nothing, and it sure does nothing for me either.

    But glad to hear the book behind it is great

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  19. wow sounds like this one was unexpectedly awesome!!

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  20. Good to know that the book is better than the cover, haha. I definitely wouldn't have given this book a second look had a passed it in a bookstore. How unfortunate because the premise and characters sound great!

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  21. I think characters that have flaws are more appealing. Jacob sounds like my kind of character.

    I agree about the cover it doesn't really appeal to me. But after reading your review I am adding this to my wishlist.

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  22. Yay! I'm so glad you liked it! I received this book for review too, but this is the first review I have seen for it :) Now, I can't wait to start reading it!

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  23. I've never heard of this one before, and I have to admit that if I had, I probably would have over looked it because of the cover. Though, now with your great review, I'm definitely going to be picking it up. :)

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  24. My copy of this is on it's way and now I am really excited to read it! And good call on the cover...

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  25. I'm glad you mentioned the book is better than the cover. I wouldn't have bothered looking at this book based on the cover. It's boring and looks like adult fic. Your review makes the book sound really great though, so thanks!

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  26. Thanks for the review! This sounds interesting. Out of curiosity, why do you say it's sci fi? From the description it sounds more fantasy to me. Sci fi/fantasy seems like a fuzzy line sometimes. How do you distinguish the two?

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  27. This sounds really interesting! Added to my TBR list! Thanks!

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  28. I am so glad that you enjoyed this book. I have it on my shelf to read too, and can't wait to get to it! Love your review! :)

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