Carve The Mark
Author: Veronica Roth
Published by: Harper Collins
Pages: 495
Format: Paperback
My Rating ★★★
Enemies at birth. Allies by choice. Together, can they defy their fates?
Cyra and Akos grew up in enemy countries on a vibrant yet divided planet. Cyra’s ability to transfer extraordinary pain with a simple touch makes her a dangerous weapon for her tyrannical brother. When Akos is kidnapped and forced to serve Cyra, it’s clear that their hatred is mutual. But, as Akos fights for hers, and that her true gift – resilience – might be what saves them both.
Their world is on the brink of political chaos, and Akos and Cyra must decide if they will fight for what’s right, even if it means betraying their families and countries.
Cyra and Akos grew up in enemy countries on a vibrant yet divided planet. Cyra’s ability to transfer extraordinary pain with a simple touch makes her a dangerous weapon for her tyrannical brother. When Akos is kidnapped and forced to serve Cyra, it’s clear that their hatred is mutual. But, as Akos fights for hers, and that her true gift – resilience – might be what saves them both.
Their world is on the brink of political chaos, and Akos and Cyra must decide if they will fight for what’s right, even if it means betraying their families and countries.
My thoughts
Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s ‘current gift’ 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 ‘current gift’, 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. I liked the darkness of the characters, and the backstory of Cyra was particularly interesting.
The author skilfully weaves the world-building and intricate web of characters seamlessly. I loved the vast world and attention to detail in Roth’s writing. However, because there is so much focus on all of the world-building elements, the plot did perhaps feel a little neglected at times.
After Allegiant, I honestly didn’t know whether to trust Veronica Roth anymore. I mean, that book… But, as someone who liked the first two divergent books a few years back, I was very intrigued to check Carve the Mark out for myself. It was refreshing to see the author take a whole new direction with this book. The result is a brand-new fantasy world that (mostly) really intrigued me.
Whilst I enjoyed the story overall, there were definitely some moments that seemed to drag. There were plenty of parts that interested me though, and I was relieved that the whole ‘love story’ element wasn’t pushed too hard. The growth between Cyra and Akos actually felt very natural and integral to the plot. This fantasy explores an unusual friendship between the two and takes readers on a galaxy-sweeping adventure.
It was a quick and very entertaining read. I only wish it was a bit less of a slow build.
Overall reaction:
Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s ‘current gift’ 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 ‘current gift’, 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. I liked the darkness of the characters, and the backstory of Cyra was particularly interesting.
The author skilfully weaves the world-building and intricate web of characters seamlessly. I loved the vast world and attention to detail in Roth’s writing. However, because there is so much focus on all of the world-building elements, the plot did perhaps feel a little neglected at times.
After Allegiant, I honestly didn’t know whether to trust Veronica Roth anymore. I mean, that book… But, as someone who liked the first two divergent books a few years back, I was very intrigued to check Carve the Mark out for myself. It was refreshing to see the author take a whole new direction with this book. The result is a brand-new fantasy world that (mostly) really intrigued me.
Whilst I enjoyed the story overall, there were definitely some moments that seemed to drag. There were plenty of parts that interested me though, and I was relieved that the whole ‘love story’ element wasn’t pushed too hard. The growth between Cyra and Akos actually felt very natural and integral to the plot. This fantasy explores an unusual friendship between the two and takes readers on a galaxy-sweeping adventure.
It was a quick and very entertaining read. I only wish it was a bit less of a slow build.
Overall reaction: