Description: 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.
My Thoughts: The Mark of the King is an incredibly well written book that grabs a hold of your attention and wont let go. Detailing the struggles underwent by the original colonists of New Orleans, the novel follows Julianne through a life of heartache as she learns that only God's opinion of her matters and only following his will is able to bring her joy. This message is woven into the history of the colonies, a time when faith was heavily regulated by the church.
Green's research into the time period is astounding, as she truly brings this colony to life. Though I already knew a few of the details she uses, other facts were completely new to me. I am always impressed when an author is able to impart so much history without beginning to read like a textbook.
My one complaint is that the conflict which arises toward the end was one that could have been avoided if the characters had not kept secrets from each other. Though their reasons are understandable, they also showed a lack of trust in the other. I would also like to warn that this is not an easy book to read. Some of the events portrayed are stomach churning and I would not recommend it for teenagers or those who dislike reading about some of the more horrifying aspects of history. That said, I will personally be looking for any upcoming works by this author.
I have provided an honest review after having received this book through Litfuse.
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