Harbinger of Books

Mark of the Witch is a new series about Indira a witch and Tomas a priest. Indira has been having a series of reoccurring nightmares about being sacrificed in Babylonian 3500 years ago. At first she thinks it is just weird until she starts to wake up with scars and marks on her skin. Indira has been having trouble with her faith and has turned away from Wicca but now she needs to find out if she she should turn back. Meanwhile Tomas has been a practicing priest for a Gnostic sect but recently he is having a lot of trouble continuing on his current path. Especially when his mentor tells him it is his duty to stop a witch from releasing a demon from hell. The issue is further complicated with Tomas and Indira come face to face and it becomes clear they have been together in a past life but things are not what they seem.

The book is really interesting and I liked the mystery. While at times things were a little predictable I did not necessarily expect them to unfold the way they did not to mention I also really enjoyed the way the history and relics came together. Another bonus of the story was the relationship between a witch and priest, their relationship is complicated both by their shared past but also their own inner turmoil and struggle with their beliefs.

What was not so great was the switching POV. Especially because personally it made Tomas look weak and really unsure not to mention I am not sure what was gained by doing it that way. The other issue I had was the end, I mean the book just cut off not like a cliffhanger but a WTH?? am I missing pages?? The other issue I had was the lack of history around the Gnostic sect I was interested in what Tomas was struggling with and his role, I guess it was not really paramount to the story line but still it would have been nice.

So as a first in the series it is off to a good start and I am curious about the next book.
3.5 stars.