Reviews with content warning for Bullying - A Mark on My Soul

I gave this a 4.75

It was such a wonderful story. Honestly, it was so sweet and then the heartbreak. I knew it wasn’t going to be happily ever after about half way.

I was sad when they broke up but I was utterly devastated with Parker died. I knew his parents were going to hurt him worse than anything.

I cried while Noah reading Parker’s letter and his finale visit to his grave.

I hope to learn that Noah is okay. I know he will never forget Parker but still. I felt that it just ended and I wish for more closure a bit.

But that’s life, I guess. I am still going to read the second book but thank you for making me ugly cry.

Content Warnings

stackedboxes's review against another edition

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emotional slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

The problem that I have with this book comes partially from the book itself and partially from the author.

This is definitely an emotional read and deals with very real topics, however, I just can’t escape the odd writing style that feels somewhat elementary.

Additionally, there are many times when casually racist moments occur. At times the book even feels homophobic in that it excludes other identities that aren’t skinny gay white men. Examples of this are littered throughout this book and even more so in the author’s other titles. In his other works, the black best friend is almost exclusively referred to as “sassy” EVERY TIME.

The pacing also falls short for me. There are many times when the author focuses on things that feel unnecessary or like they were left in for padding.

I just can’t excuse the harm that this book may do or the weird writing style/tone it uses. The story itself was decent but I can’t help but dislike it overall because of the aforementioned issues.

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evelynyle_88's review against another edition

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Okay.. A Mark On My Soul. Another 5⭐.

At first, I thought this book and the story was cheesy and I was giggling through the reading experience. But, as soon as I deep dive into the story more and more, the doubt of Noah of coming out to his parents and how they would react, I can feel it.

But, it turned out to be all okay. I love Noah's parents so much. But, on the other side... for Parker, wasn't that easy. To have such outdated, conservative, homophobic family... I can feel him, too. It's stressful enough for him and it was really really draining.

In the reading process... I often stop, then continue. Stop, then continue. I just wanted to finish this amazing book. But, I know this is the most draining out of the three Jordon's books I've read before. It turned out to be all sad and devestated.

It's surely has a devestated ending, but... one thing I know... I will keep Parker Lee Evans inside my heart. I will never forget him. If he's Noah's mark on his soul, it means... Parker was also a mark on my soul.

Thank you, Jordon for this beautiful devestating story and Parker, thank you for existed. I will forever remember and cherish your life and legacy. You are loved, Park. Remember that. Many people support you.

Content Warnings

cai_10969's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

All I will say is Jordon is an amazing author and this book is one of my favourites. If you cry easy have tissues

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