9Sarah Lotz, internationally acclaimed author of The Three, and Day Four, describes The Mark as: "An entrancing, truly original novel packed with twists you won't see coming and a heroine that breaks the mould. Unputdownable." In the future, the world has flipped. Ravaged by the Conflagration, the State of Mangeria is a harsh place where the sun beats down, people's lives are run by a heartless elite and law is brutally enforced. A mark at the base of the spine controls each person's destiny. The Machine decides what work you will do and who your life partner will be. Juliet Seven - "Ettie" - will soon turn 15 and her life as a drudge will begin, her fate-mate mate will be chosen. Like everyone else, her future is marked by the numbers on her spine. But Ettie decides to challenge her destiny. And in so doing, she fulfills the prophecy that was spoken of before she even existed.