MARKED BY SHADOWS

"This is a very strong opening—the mystery, supernatural atmosphere, missing mother, mysterious mark, and Kael’s final revelation create a great hook. I especially like how the tension keeps building from the first whisper to the forest and finally the arrival of the four men. To make it even better, you could slow down slightly around the discovery of the mark and give Elara a little more emotional reaction to Kael calling her his “mate,” while also gradually revealing why the First Queen’s bloodline is so dangerous."