Book Review and Giveaway- The Ancillary’s Mark

30 Dec, 2010 by in book review 30 comments

The Ancillary’s Mark
By Daniel A. Cohen
Paperback, 246 pages
Published November 4th 2010
by Black Rose Writing
ISBN 1935605763
3 stars

Summary: 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.

I really wanted to like this book more than I did but for some reason I just couldn’t connect with it. The first few chapters were interesitng as we are introduced to main character quirky Jacob. He strikes me as a bit of a social misfit…super intelligent maybe with a touch of Asperger’s. He is born with a mark on his hand that is much more than just a birthmark. The plot picks up as he and three others take of in an unlicensed airplane headed for Tibet to find a magical flower. Here’s where I started to have a hard time. Evil antagonist Marrow is also on the trail for the flower and after the first couple of chapters dedicated to his point of view, I skipped right over his sections. Marrow’s plot line was too violent and graphic for me. As for setting, I was also expecting more of the traditional Tibet I have come to love through photography and lore, but that was gone, as the small village they visit has been technologically advanced.

I really enjoyed Sophie, the female protagonist and the idea of her old librarian grandfather Mr. Maddock. I found myself wishing more of the world building was done in Cob’s hometown with his childhood father-figure. All in all The Ancillary’s Mark didn’t come alive for me but it may for you!

Here are some other reader’s positive opinions of The Ancillary’s Mark on Goodreads.

The author Daniel A. Cohen is super nice and I’d like to give others the opportunity to read his book. So, I am giving away my author signed copy – it’s been read once with little wear. Simply comment below to enter. Giveaway ends January 29, 2011 and is open internationally.

30 Responses to “Book Review and Giveaway- The Ancillary’s Mark”

  1. Jessi E. (The Elliott Review)

    I’ve been seeing this book around! Thanks for offering!

    jlelliott08 AT gmail DOT com

    Reply

  3. buddyt

    From your review this book sounds like a bit of a mish-mash. But it does sound as if it might make a pleasant read although not something to rave about.

    So please enter me in the giveaway.

    Thanks

    Carol T

    buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

    I am a Follower via GFC.

    Reply

  8. Pisinat

    I’ve read only good reviews of this book… I would love to read it 🙂 Thank for the giveaway 🙂

    Reply

  14. Sharli

    First time I hear of this book but it siunds really good 🙂 Great review!
    Count me in for the giveaway

    entrelibros_blog at hotmail.com

    Reply

  17. Tracy.H

    Thank you so much at the chance to win this one…it sounds very interesting. And thank you for including international followers. :0)

    Reply

  19. ~The Book Pixie

    Thanks for passing on your copy! This one is fairly new to my wishlist and I’d love to get to read it. 😀

    ~Briana
    thebookpixie[at]yahoo[dot]com

    Reply

  20. xlacrimax

    Some time ago I heard about a flower which can bring powers to create great things during one of my literature lessons. Interesting! I would love to read this book.
    xlacrimax[at]gmail.com

    Reply

  23. lulilut

    Thanks for hosting the giveaway – I love the idea of the flower.
    d.septer at insightbb.com

    Reply

  24. Darlyn

    I’ve read some of good reviews of the book and it’s intriguing. I would love to read the book.

    Thanks for the giveaway =)

    darlyn225 at gmail dot com

    Reply

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