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Bianca Scardoni
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Inception (The Marked Saga Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Bianca Scardoni (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 7,103 ratings
Dive into the Amazon bestselling paranormal fantasy romance series that has readers captivated everywhere, and get ready to meet your next book boyfriends...

Welcome to Hollow Hills, where the beautiful are lethal, the monsters walk among us, and the secrets and lies are as thick as the fog that blankets the town.

My name is Jemma Blackburn, and I have a secret. I know vampires are real. I know because I watched one murder my father eight months ago. They tried to convince me it didn’t happen—that I’d lost touch with reality due to trauma—but I know what I saw was real.

Whisked away to live with my estranged uncle in a foggy little town off the coast of British Columbia, Hollow Hills is now the place I call home. It was supposed to be my chance at a normal life—a chance to bury the past and start over. But everyone around me is keeping their own secrets, whispering lies into my ears like promises. And one of them is about to turn my entire world upside down.

I thought I had it all figured out. I thought I knew who I was. The truth is, I didn’t know the half of it. There’s a reason these vampires are still after me, why they will always hunt me. And apparently, my blood is the key to all of it.

Because in a world where angels can’t always be trusted, and vampires aren’t the worst thing lurking in the shadows, choosing the wrong side—or the wrong guy—has never been so deadly.

INCEPTION is the enthralling first installment in The Marked Saga, a dark paranormal fantasy romance filled with swoon-worthy romance, angsty drama, cutthroat villains, and jaw-dropping twists that will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Perfect for fans of the following tropes:
🩸 Slow-Burn Romances
🩸 Morally Gray Antiheros
🩸 Enemies-to-Lovers
🩸 Fated Mates/Soulmates
🩸 Love Triangles/MFM
🩸 Soft/Flawed Heroines
🩸 Secret Supernatural Society
🩸 Unique Magic Systems
🩸 Vampire Blood-Play
🩸 Forbidden Love

*This book is YA/NA crossover and increases in steam throughout the course of the series.
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  1. Book 1 of 9
    The Marked Saga
  2. Print length
    396 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    September 30, 2015
  5. Reading age
    18 years and up
  6. File size
    6.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 9 books in this series.

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  1. The most dangerous enemy is not the one who lingers behind you in the shadows, but the one who walks beside you as a friend.
    Highlighted by 2,389 Kindle readers
  2. The stage had been set. The actors were in place. Everything was a lie, and I never saw it coming.
    Highlighted by 631 Kindle readers
  3. Taylor screamed at the sight of Trace. Like an actual balls out scream.
    Highlighted by 287 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

ONE UNSUSPECTING GIRL, TWO WELL-PLACED SUITORS
A SECRET SUPERNATURAL SOCIETY WHERE NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS
BINGE READ THIS DELICIOUSLY DARK VAMPIRE SERIES TODAY

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Bianca Scardoni can weave a tale. Blending the supernatural with teen angst, she crafted a riveting, read it in one sitting, book."
★★★★★ 125Pages

"Inception is an addictive must-read for all vampire, shifter, angel/demon, witch, and supernatural romance lovers."
★★★★★ Dreamer J

"A mixture of Twilight, Vampire Diaries! There is so much action, deception, drama, romance! I am in love!"
★★★★★ Cierra McCauley

"The ending is not what you ever expected and the passion is more than just words. Can you figure out the mystery of her blood?"
★★★★★ Ariel Smith

"Vampires, Angels and Nephilim oh my. Inception is a new series that will resonate with YA Paranormal fans everywhere. Sharp and smart, this is a series to anxiously await the next installment.
★★★★★ 125pages.com

"Terrific story very much in the mold of Buffy the vampire slayer. Vampires, demons a touch of time travel and so many variables I nearly twisted myself into a corkscrew."
★★★★★ Fleetwoodboy, Amazon Reviewer

"And that, my friends, is how you know you've read an excellent book. When hours later, it still affects you and you can't stop thinking about it."
★★★★★ Wendi L. Wilson, author of The Shadowed Series

"JAW DROP. I didn't see half of the things coming in this book! The story is well developed and the backstory is well explained, but is still mysterious - I'm anxiously awaiting the sequel!"
★★★★★ H. Bradshaw, Amazon Reviewer

"Completely engrossing and downright addicting."
★★★★★ Christina A. Mai, Amazon Reviewer

"I'm waiting with baited breath wondering what will happen next"
★★★★★ Amanda Arnold

From the Author

#53 in the entire Kindle store

Discover the bestselling vampire paranormal romance series that's captivating readers with an exciting new twist on an old favorite. If you enjoy reading about vampires, shifters, witches, and angels, and love slow-burn romances filled with angst and character growth, this series is perfect for you. One-click to meet your next vampire book obsession.

MILLIONS of pages read.
Thousands of copies sold each week.

#1 bestseller in Paranormal Romances
#1 bestseller in Time Travel books
#1 bestseller in Mysteries & Thrillers
#1 bestseller in Contemporary Fantasy
#1 bestseller in Dark Fantasy Horror
#1 bestseller in Teen & Young Adult Coming of Age Fantasy

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B015KOI7F0
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bianca Scardoni
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 30, 2015
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 6.1 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 396 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0994865113
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 9 ‏ : ‎ The Marked Saga
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 18 years and up
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 7,103 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Bianca Scardoni

Bianca Scardoni

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BIANCA SCARDONI is a paranormal fiction writer who resides on the East Coast of Canada with her family. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading, watching vampire shows, eating junk food, and staying up too late. For upcoming book releases, bonus material, and additional information on the author, please visit her website: www.biancascardoni.com

Join the Facebook reading group to chat about the series: https://www.facebook.com/groups/249117999170926

Signup to her mailing list to be the first to hear about new releases and bonus material: http://eepurl.com/bD4Ur9

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
7,103 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written with no grammar or spelling mistakes, and appreciate its huge plot twists throughout. They love the characters, with one review highlighting the strong female protagonist, and the book makes them feel all the angst. The pacing receives mixed reactions, with some finding it good while others say it's slow to build. The strength aspect receives negative feedback, with customers describing it as weak.

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284 customers mention "Readability"273 positive11 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as amazing and a must-read, with one customer mentioning they couldn't stop reading it.

"...This series so far is fascinating, a combination of paranormal and fantasy blended together...." Read more

"...That being said, this book is amazing...." Read more

"...And this makes the book start of really good...." Read more

"...They just are, and it’s beautiful. I hands down recommend these books for literally anyone...." Read more

265 customers mention "Suspense"220 positive45 negative

Customers enjoy the suspense of the book, praising its huge plot twists and interesting premise, with one customer noting it's a thrilling young adult fantasy novel.

"...Not quite what she was expecting. The first day goes interesting. She makes a friend, an enemy, and a creeper who can’t stop staring at her...." Read more

"...The guys are scrumptious and the friends are good. The battle between good and evil is intense...." Read more

"The suspense of the book was amazing! Spicy one minute then like what no way. Recommend this book to anyone looking for a romance and action" Read more

"...The characters are mysterious, yet believable. There a twists and turns aplenty and I found myself reading ravenously to find out what was going to..." Read more

81 customers mention "Character development"57 positive24 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, particularly appreciating the fresh and engaging storyline, and one customer notes the good chemistry between the two main protagonists.

"...The author does a great job in descriptions and character profiles. You feel what the main characters do, and she is describing or talking about it...." Read more

"...I got sucked in by all the other characters. The guys are scrumptious and the friends are good. The battle between good and evil is intense...." Read more

"...Also the discrepancy in the main characters personality versus what she does and her backstory is just not adding up...." Read more

"...The characters are mysterious, yet believable...." Read more

71 customers mention "Writing quality"51 positive20 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its well-crafted descriptions and absence of grammar or spelling mistakes.

"...The author does a great job in descriptions and character profiles. You feel what the main characters do, and she is describing or talking about it...." Read more

"...The story is well developed and well-written with very few typos (not enough to even blink an eye at, which is rare in self published books)...." Read more

"...-Poor execution of the beginning, I was not hooked -Overly grandiose language and simply far too many adjectives...." Read more

"...problems are worldly even for supernatural beings, and the writing is so easy to follow...." Read more

17 customers mention "Emotion level"14 positive3 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as heartache-inducing and making them cry when the protagonist cries.

"...Hot and cold, smoldering, and tormented from his own loss. Talk about swoon...." Read more

"This book made me feel all the angst and heartbreak of teenage romance all over again...." Read more

"...It is emotional and exciting. I had a hard time putting it down. I can’t wait to see what happens next." Read more

"...She makes you cry when she cries, shout when she shouts, and well... Just read it. You won't be sorry." Read more

63 customers mention "Pacing"29 positive34 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it good while others describe it as rushed and slow.

"...There are moments of hope but then she fails. She is immature, kinda stupid, and self absorbed. I got sucked in by all the other characters...." Read more

"...Wounded birds that kick butt. There are so many elements thrown into this series...." Read more

"...I am so sad that the writing was. So bad, it had so much potential. I am tempted maybe a long time into the future to continue the story...." Read more

"...The book had a good pace and was not too predictable. Good balance of action and interactions between characters...." Read more

11 customers mention "Strength"3 positive8 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the strength of the book, with some finding it weak, while one customer mentions it lasted forever.

"...She is naive, vulnerable and alone, and I see her actions very much how a typical girl her age and in her position would react...." Read more

"...She is kind of whiney, I thought, not much backbone, and it will be questionable If I read the next book...." Read more

"...-I see lots of potential in the world building -The foundation is sturdy -A decent variety of character types..." Read more

"...Jemma, the main character seemed weak and fragile even after she started training...." Read more

Audiobook was great
4 out of 5 stars
Audiobook was great
OK, I enjoyed the audiobook of Inception, great narration And interesting enough story. I hated the main character (She's an idiot) but loved the supporting characters. I gave this novel 4 stars because despite my on and off again disdain for Jemma, I enjoyed it. The end had a cliff Hanger but not so much that you would be disgusted with the Author. Also, the end came with Jemma finally showing a positive change. I believe that there is a strong and powerful girl under there and pray that she comes out in book 2 (which I am about to purchase although not on audible yet).
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Read-Love-Review Blog
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ya paranormal and fantasy with a heroine
    Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The preface of this book is profound. Jemma is a matching image of her father and brother. After six months in the psycho facility, she just moved in due to a mental break because of trauma. She managed to get released but still believes she saw her father murdered by a vampire. Jemma has a sister who seems close to her but is only 17 and needs a guardian.

    Her uncle doesn’t send to be the caring type; he is more aloof, not doing simple things like home tours and hugs. But he does provide a home for her in Hollow Hills, Canada, a very far away place from her town in Florida.

    She starts her first day at a new school in a new town at a pretentious academy. Not quite what she was expecting. The first day goes interesting. She makes a friend, an enemy, and a creeper who can’t stop staring at her. Things didn’t go as planned the first night she tried to have fun. Then her uncles got her a job where she was just asked to stay away from odd things. She is attracted to Trace, but of course, his hideous ex doesn’t help. But Dominic, in all his secretive behavior, is alluring too.

    Her uncle reveals a lot of confusing paranormal history. Telling her, she is a Slayer, a warrior descendent, meant to hunt and kill the revenants. The revelations will throw her. I’m left wondering what Dominic is and Trace since they both seem to be part of her new life. The answers are to come, and wow, what a surprise. They added in another hottie Gabriel who becomes a big part of the story.

    This book has shifted from dark paranormal romance to more fantasy. They have added in a reaper with time manipulation skills and portal skills. Trace is an extraordinary character, and I love to see the romance bloom. He does save her a few times, and she seems hazard-prone.

    All seems to be going well until it isn’t, and wow, they ended with a cliffhanger. I don’t love that the romance was torn to shreds, but I look forward to seeing what the next book holds. This series so far is fascinating, a combination of paranormal and fantasy blended together. The author does a great job in descriptions and character profiles. You feel what the main characters do, and she is describing or talking about it. It seems mostly from her point of view, but I kinda love that the perspective is jumping around. Our heroine slayer is newly in training and so unprepared for all the crisis she is thrust into. She really is a broken person with so much hurt, damage, and issues in her own life. Add bits of hazard to that, and you get a volatile, non-trusting person. But even at that, she ends up in some scary situations.

    The little bit for romance that was in this book was very YA. I loved every minute of it and the time the author took to describe her feelings. I was hoping it would last longer, but I’m anxious to see what happens next.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Slynn Bookster
    4.0 out of 5 stars Jemma bad, series good
    Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    World*****
    Main character*
    Other characters****
    Slow burn****
    Steam***
    Reader frustration****

    I have read and listened to this series going into the 3rd time. I can tell you that I have never grown to like Jemma and she never has personal growth. There are moments of hope but then she fails. She is immature, kinda stupid, and self absorbed. I got sucked in by all the other characters. The guys are scrumptious and the friends are good. The battle between good and evil is intense. There are twists in every book you don't see coming.

    The good and bad sides are fluid depending on the current objective but the ultimate evil is always detestable.

    If you can ignore Jemma and want a series that you can't put down then read on! If a bad main character is too much for you, don't even start.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Amanda
    5.0 out of 5 stars love it
    Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The suspense of the book was amazing! Spicy one minute then like what no way. Recommend this book to anyone looking for a romance and action
    Helpful
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  • Wendi Wilson, Author
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read! Can't wait for book 2!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I really, REALLY want to punch someone in the face right now. That being said, this book is amazing. I was a little thrown off at first by the descriptive verbiage- it seemed a little grandiose to me at the beginning- but soon, the feel of it swept me away into this world of magical and mythical beings mixed with high school drama. The story is well developed and well-written with very few typos (not enough to even blink an eye at, which is rare in self published books). The characters are mysterious, yet believable. There a twists and turns aplenty and I found myself reading ravenously to find out what was going to happen next.

    Back to the face punching. Oh my dear God in heaven, I never saw that coming. I am usually very, very good at predicting plot twists, but that....that left me screaming expletives that made me glad my kids weren't home. My heart is broken. Like seriously, thousand pieces on the floor broken. I am angry and yes, I know these are fictional characters in a fictional story but I feel very betrayed.

    And that, my friends, is how you know you've read an excellent book. When hours later, it still affects you and you can't stop thinking about it. Do yourself a favor and don't pass this one up.
    177 people found this helpful
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  • Rita Marie
    3.0 out of 5 stars There was so much potential
    Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book had a some really good premises. A deep backstory of more than just the main character, an intriguing lore that you could feel you just barely had scratched the surface of, some really good potential for development in the story and for the main character. And this makes the book start of really good. And then did take a Swan dive into a main character that just constantly makes the same mistakes over and over again. And constantly makes the most stupid decisions she can over and over again until the point of the grand finally ends up being silly, and even with a surprising twist that would have been good if you where just over how stupid you can get. (Because doing the same thing over and over again, and "expecting" a different result is just stupid. Not learning from your mistakes, when you done it several times, makes you stupid.)
    Also the discrepancy in the main characters personality versus what she does and her backstory is just not adding up. One minute she is this bad ass, and then 2 seconds later she is the biggest coward to ever exist, like really? It's like she has a multiple personality disorder, because that is just the only way to explain how different her personalities is at times.

    I am so sad that the writing was. So bad, it had so much potential. I am tempted maybe a long time into the future to continue the story. Because it has potential and I really wish and hope that the writing gets better. And if it does you can get a really good story that just had a rough start.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Michelle Johnson
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book reeled me in from the start.
    Reviewed in Canada on June 27, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This book reeled me in from the start. The dimensions of the writing made everything so damn addicting. I needed to know what was going to happen...like all the time. It's something beautiful and somewhat disturbing when a book can literally take over your thoughts to make you want more. It's almost like I developed this rocking twitch anytime I was away from the story.

    Jemma was a character that I absolutely loved. Her pain, irritations, insecurities and attractions were written out so beautifully you would swear I was feeling everything she was. I felt so bad for the girl. There's this gnawing twist that happens in the pit of your stomach when you're reading something and you KNOW everyone is keeping secrets from the main character. You want to scream out of frustration because you too are dying to know what the hell is going on but you're kept in the dark, having to wait - with the main character - for the truth to unravel itself. GAHHH! So frustrating, but so good!

    Low and behold, when the truth finally came to light, it made me so angry! The betrayal had me like...no, no, no, no, NO!

    Everything leading up to that point was such a struggle, because I wanted it to happen so bad and then my soared just to be smashed back down to the ground. Fingers crossed, in the next book hopefully it was all for a reason that I can be like - Yaaay! See? I knew you weren't that much of a douche!

    Anyhoosie, this book was absolutely fantastic and I can't wait to read the next!
    Report
  • Sheeba Dhillon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Really loved reading the book and the series as well
    Reviewed in India on September 3, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Really loved reading the book and the series as well. And, I particularly adore the story and everything.... I just couldn't stop reading it and hence bought the 2nd as well as the third book and I can't wait to read the final one... The story was captivating and enchanting in its mind-blowing way and I actually loved reading it :) Keep up the good work :)
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  • Amanda Rose
    5.0 out of 5 stars Can’t wait to read more
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 17, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I always enjoy reading series within this genre and this one did not disappoint. Described for those who like twilight and vampire diaries (although can definitely see some buffy in there). On this first instalment I personally don’t see any link to that of twilight but can see some hints toward vampire diaries but not much so don’t get too hooked on that description.

    Overall a great read as I read it in a day. It had a good pace and a good level of mystery with some twists that pleasantly caught me by surprise (don’t worry no spoilers here). I enjoyed the cross between angels and vampires and the background story of how they came to be. It’s all from our main girl’s perspective and perhaps a little naive at times, a girl who cares for others and is just trying to figure out who to trust in this new world she’s found herself in. I’m looking forward to the next book to see her character development.
    Report
  • That Bookish Girl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wowzers
    Reviewed in Australia on May 21, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    This book was all sorts of amazing. Delve into a new universe with vampires, half angels, witches and shapeshifters but in a completely different way than anything before it. I could not put this book down from start to finish I was on a whirlwind adventure and that cliff hanger oh my Lordy an excellent beginning to a new series
    Report
  • Sk91
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good read!
    Reviewed in Germany on April 6, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I'm a big fan of YA fantasy novels and read them whenever I can. Bianca Scardoni created a wonderful and well-thought-out world of magical creatures, and provided us with a book that's quick and easy to read while being smart and entertaining. I read the book in a day, and immediately bought and read the second (both of them on Kindle). I can't wait for the third one!
    Report

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