Carve the Mark
Ratings58
Average rating3.6
Fans of Star Wars and Divergent will revel in internationally bestselling author Veronica Roth’s stunning new science-fiction fantasy series. On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not—their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world? Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power—something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows. Akos is from the peace-loving nation of Thuvhe, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Though protected by his unusual currentgift, once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive—no matter what the cost. When Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. They must decide to help each other to survive—or to destroy one another.
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2 primary books4 released booksCarve the Mark
Carve the Mark is a 4-book series with 2 primary works first released in 2016 with contributions by Veronica Roth.
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So I have read this book in its entirety. I held off on reading this when it first came out due to all the controversy surrounding it and just a general lack of interest as a result. I then decided it was best to listen to the audiobook rather than read it. That being said to me this book was a prequel. It was a lot of information dumping and attempted world building. We basically gained nothing in this book other than figuring out who the true enemy is.
This book heavily focuses on the two societies on the same planet. Especially considering Cyra comes from the powerful society whereas Akos is the peaceful side. The clear delineation between the two societies did bother me because no society is that black and white and while Roth attempted to show the diversity within each society, I think it was possible to do a better job. Looking back at the Divergent Series she did the same thing, each faction was very black and white in terms of their characterization, the only people who truly differed were Divergents in disguise which just adds to the almost cookie-cutter aspect of the societies.
I honestly do not think I would have been able to get through this book if not for the audiobook, the plot, if you can even call it that, drags in many places. The final few chapters are a rush of events that set up so many questions about what is truly going on and how the characters all fit together. I'll probably read the sequel eventually but it'll have to be the audiobook again I think. Hopefully the sequel has a better plot where I can see the purpose of characters actions and see how everything connects.
Chronic pain conditions aren't a “gift,” and it's pretty shitty to use your friends who suffer from them as your inspiration porn. (Citation: http://www.npr.org/2017/01/14/509650409/veronica-roths-carve-the-mark-is-a-fantasy-inspired-by-chronic-pain )
Fun science fiction with magic. The characters have texture, the plot is compelling, the world is interesting. There are a few things that bug me - like whole worlds having a single language and government...but not enough to take away from the story. I look forward to the next one.
