Nothing pleases me more than a fantastic book recommendation (come on, this is why we use Yelp and TravelAdviser when we’re checking out new venues, right?). And today, I’m pumped to share with you The Mark of the King. Not only did I learn history (the things we people do to each other) that I had no idea about, but I also wanted to read this book every minute of every day.
Full disclosure: I received The Mark of the King for free for the purpose of review. My opinions are my own.
Book Recommendation: The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green
First of all, this book wasn’t what I expected at all. If you’ve read even three books of the historical fiction genre, you kinda know how it’s going to go. Seriously. And that’s not bad because as readers, we want to know how this author is going to tell the story.
But, oh my goodness, Jocelyn Green blew my expectations right out of the water. She shared the harsh realities of colonial life alongside the beautiful truths that come out of those hardships. If you don’t want a challenging/inspiring read, move on because this book is for those of us who have struggled.
About The Mark of the King
Sometimes, I try to write my own version of the back cover, but I think you should read it here.
After being imprisoned and branded for the death of her client, twenty-five-year-old midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling 1720s French colony of Louisiana, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother, serving there as a soldier. To make the journey, though, women must be married, and Julianne is forced to wed a fellow convict.
When they arrive in New Orleans, there is no news of Benjamin, Julianne’s brother, and searching for answers proves dangerous. What is behind the mystery, and does military officer Marc-Paul Girard know more than he is letting on?
With her dreams of a new life shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous, rugged land, despite never being able to escape the king’s mark on her shoulder that brands her a criminal beyond redemption.
Confession: this book is perfect for vacation
The Mark of the King STRUGGLES
Nope, none. Usually, I share things in this section that really bothered me about the book, whether grammatical or plot line. However, I have no struggles with The Mark of the King.
However, you should be aware that the main character deals with some intense bodily harm and some minor sexual harassment. The unfortunate truth is that this is what happened in that day (and even in our day). I think that Jocelyn Green handled these moments with realism and yet a light hand.
The Mark of the King LOVES
This is my favorite section because I try to just share with you briefly what I loved about this book. Briefly is important because it’s too easy to gush about truly amazing stories. So here’s me…not gushing!
LOVED Julianne Chevalier, her strength and ingenuity.
LOVED the story line (with its unexpected turns and depth of story).
LOVED that this wasn’t solely a romance.
LOVED the Julianne’s struggle to move forward after her dreams shattered or another hard thing happened.
LOVED the history and the writing.
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On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, The Mark of The King by Jocelyn Green is peanut brittle. You know, crunchy sweet that threatens to break a tooth but has substance too.
She’s on a quest to reunite with her little brother in the French colony in the new world. However, at every turn, a new problem arises (not to mention when she arrives only to find out some terrible news about her brother). In such difficult and tough circumstances, what will she choose to do?
This historical fiction was eye-opening. Was this kind of thing really happening back in the day? How in the world did New Orleans even survive? How is it that “civilized” nations do such things?
I absolutely recommend this book if you love a good historical, enjoy little known history, and admire a fighter heroine.
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