The Ancillary's Mark by Daniel Cohen

Title: The Ancillary’s Mark

Author: Daniel Cohen

Publisher: Black Rose Writing

Publication Date: November 4, 2010

Pages: 246

Source: Author

From Goodreads:

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.

***

The premise of this story intrigued me from the moment I was asked by the author to review The Ancillary’s Mark. I like reading about legends and folklore and this book delivered on those points.

Jacob, or Cob as he is know throughout the book, is about the strangest, oddest MC I have ever encountered. Honestly, if he was a real person he would be labeled the biggest dork EVER. And yet, I loved his uniqueness and his zest for life. He didn’t care what people thought of him, or what should be considered “normal.” He did what he liked, and that was just the way it was. How many of us wish we could be like that sometimes?

Bonus points to the author for incorporating a library and enthusiastic librarian into the story. I know I can remember going to my local library in the summers and just curling up in a chair and reading for hours. And while I never encountered a librarian quite like Mr. Maddock, I really wished I had! And speaking of Mr. Maddock, the secondary characters in this story really added a great element and excitement to the book. If I had to pick a favorite, it would have to be Clark. Who wouldn’t love a Superman-obsessed and language-genius Tibetan J

For any of you thinking you want to read The Ancillary’s Mark – please do, but this is a perfect example of not judging a book by its cover. No offense to the author, but the cover completely lacks in telling the true elements of the story. Just skip the cover and get to the good part!

Rating:

I accepted this review request from the author in exchange for an honest and fair review.