Review: Cold Marked

Author Scarlett Dawn

Format e-book

Print Length 429 pages

Publisher self

Published June 30, 2015

Subject Name: Braita Valorn

Race: Human

Sex: Female

Age: 18

Designation: Slave

Temperament: Hostile

Thrown head first into a barbaric world she knows nothing of, Braita Valorn must adapt to the dark life as a slave. Her survival hinges on it. With her freedom stolen, her existence is now controlled by the possessive Plumas of the West. But what they cannot control are her feelings and the other set of men who want her—and who are willing to use every trick they know to obtain her from their enemies. Only Braita never expected to fall for these two Pluma leaders of the East.

Braita is a fighter. She demands her freedom most of all. And this slave is willing to use her own tricks to get what she wants. Including her men...

My Opinion

*Due to some ideologies about relationships this book is recommended for the over 18 crowd.*

Briata was born on a planet similar to Earth but with less land called Joyal. She was placed on the Government track for her people. Those on this track typically grew to become the leaders some though are picked to go to one of the two nearby planets, once their own becomes unstable for the growing population. Briata and her bestie- Jax (a guy) are selected at random to go to Triaz, whose inhabitants are brutal.

Briata is a strong female from the get-go. She is trained physically as a fighter, she has linguistic capabilities. She is no weak link. Now is sweet, she cares about herself an about Jax. She is ignorant in the ways of intimacy. Intimacy includes any form of touch or real attachment, in fact her only attachment on Jovial is with her sparring partner, Jax. As they have been partners for their whole lives it makes sense that they have an attachment. When Jax is in danger, Briata will rise to the occasion. Even if it goes against orders, even if it catches the attention of the Plumas. Plumas are the rulers of Triaz. 

The thing I like best about this book was the even though her bestie was a guy, he was not the love interest. Most books make it so, and sometimes it feels forced. Here Jax was just her best friend. They would do anything for each other. Jax is strong, yet supportive. He does not try to solve Briata’s problem. He just stands by her.

The Plumas are interesting. Both sets. It is just hard to talk about them without giving anything away. Just know that on Triaz, people are soul tied together in triads- two boys, one female. The female is known as the “Soul”. They are often cherished and a lot of laws govern how they are to be treated.

Cold Mark was an interesting book that keeps the reader engaged. I enjoyed the world building and the formation of friendships/relationships. If the concept of an unconventional relationship bothers you, this is probably not the book for you.

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars 

Favorite Quote “You see, Oh Great Cows, that was a wrong move.”

Other People

Jax- Joyal, bestie to Briata

Stiller- Phila and Killeg’s bestie

Rule- negotiator