Hello friends! I read and edited C.K. Soren’s book Trimarked in 2020 and I never shared my review! I’m resolving that today, y’all. Although I got to edit the book and I’m friends with the author, I will be offering an honest review. Okay, let’s dive in!
Rating: 4 Stars
Synopsis
The realms of Terra, Heldu, and Gypsum share the Earth. They’ve been separated by the gossamer power of the Veil for thousands of years, like words on either side of a page. Two decades ago, the Veil malfunctioned over the town of Trifecta. Fae and Witches living in the same space within their realms were forced from home and into the human realm. The Veil hardened, creating an impenetrable bubble around Trifecta where all three races found themselves trapped and forgotten.
At seventeen, Ember has always lived in Trifecta. Born of a human mother, Witch father and birthed on Fae soil, her existence is forbidden. All that keeps her safe is the Binding Ink tattoo the Fae gave her at birth to block her from potential powers. The Trimark.
Yet Ember’s power may be beyond containment. She has sway over the barrier, can even open a door for a brief time. Her systems of safety start to dissolve in a moment of self-defense when throwing out a human boy has consequences beyond the Fae.
And when someone carves their way through the barrier into their secluded town, events unfold that threaten her existence.
TRIMARKED is for fans of The Hunger Games, The Darkest Minds, An Ember in Ashes, and the Darker Shades of Magic trilogy.
What I Enjoyed
Sorens knows how to create a powerful cast. Rather than just following Ember, we get to follow the major players who represent the Witches, Fae, humans, and hybrids. The story is set up that you could empathize or root for a certain group or character and watch the chess game unfold. It definitely feels like everything can change with each truce—made and broken.
The worldbuilding is also a strength. Sorens really thinks of everything when it comes to what it’s like being in Trifecta after the Veil arrives and forces everyone to play nice. It felt like I was walking the streets myself while following Ember into various territories.
I would say that Soren’s author voice is very lyrical and rich. It means that you can’t tear through this book like any other YA novel. I’d recommend taking things slow or you might miss things.
My Final Thoughts
The world of Trifecta is rough; it buffs and polished the denizens until they shine. It might be a little too rough for some readers who aren’t ready for it. For example, Ember’s relationship with her mother was hard to witness; Sorens depicts PTSD in a heartbreaking and beautiful way. Sorens has an excellent reader’s advisory on her website if you’re interested in learning more. I’ll just say that the town holds a lot of trauma, hardship, and struggles. It’s ideal if you’re a fan of dystopian aesthetics.
Hopefully, I shared enough to pique your curiosity. Want to get reading? If so, I highly recommend you look up C.K. Sorens on social media:
Now’s actually a great time to pick up Trimarked. The sequel, Afflicted, is coming out next year!
If you’re interested in seeing all my other book reviews, check out our Book Reviews tab. If you’d like me to review your book, you can contact us.
[…] friends! Recently, I shared my book review for Trimarked in by C.K. Sorens. Well, Afflicted came out on March 1st! Travis and I got to help with the editing […]