Book Shelf: Carve the Mark (Carve the Mark #1) by Veronica Roth

In a galaxy powered by the current, everyone has a gift.

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 the son of a farmer and an oracle from the frozen nation-planet of Thuvhe. Protected by his unusual currentgift, Akos is generous in spirit, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get this brother out alive — no matter what the cost.
The Akos is thrust into Cyra's world, and the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. Will they help each other to survive, or will they destroy one another?

Carve the Mark is Veronica Roth's stunning portrayal of the power of friendship — and love — in a galaxy filled with unexpected gifts. 

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Review:

Carve the Mark by best selling author Veronica Roth is a thrilling YA sci-fi that brings to life world of deadly gifts, nations in the middle of war and a romance between two individuals from opposing sides who have the chance to change everything, forever….

Cyra is the sister of a brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people with fear and violence. In a world where everyone has a special gift known as a currentgift, Cyra’s gift is to feel brutal and incomprehensible pain; pain she can share by touching someone. Used as her brother’s greatest weapon, Cyra is an outcast amongst her own people, feared for what she can do. Akos is the son of a farmer and oracle from the frozen planet of Thuvhe. Generous of spirit, Akos is protected by his currentgift that makes him immune to the gifts of others. When the Shotet invade his planet, Akos and his brother are kidnapped by enemy soldiers and taken far across the galaxy. Akos is desperate to get his brother back home, but as time passes, escape becomes near impossible. Thrust into Cyra’s world, will Akos be able to see past the animosity between their two families and nations to see the person Cyra really is? Will they help each other survive in such a treacherous world? Or will they each be the other’s downfall?

Veronica Roth captured the hearts and imagination of readers with her debut novel Divergent and is back with a new exciting and thrilling novel in the form of Carve the Mark. Introducing readers to a dangerous world of magical gifts and otherworldly places, Carve the Mark was an exciting and forward moving story that wove elements of oppression, friendship, romance and discovery into its storyline. Admittedly, Carve the Mark took some getting used to as Veronica Roth dives straight into the story without explaining the world too much but Carve the Mark did pick up pace for me from the moment Cyra and Akos’s paths cross and doesn’t let up until the very end.

Roth has clearly thought very hard as she created this detailed world. Bringing to life another complex and layered world, Roth once more draws readers into a gritty and dynamical world. Personally I love the blend of advanced technology and civilizations that feature elements and characteristics of ancient times that we see within Carve the Mark. I'm very intrigued by the different nations and races Roth has created and interwoven together.

Told through the varying perspectives of main characters Cyra and Akos, Carve the Mark follows two very different, but well expressed protagonists. Cyra and Akos are literally from opposing nations and while their families have an interconnected future, they're enemies when broken down. Akos comes to Shotet a prisoner and it's as a prisoner that he is brought into Cyra's life. I genuinely loved both Cyra and Akos individually and as two people who begin to connect on an unexpected level throughout the story. Their friendship begins really effortlessly; they're both alone---Akos a captive of the Shotet people and Cyra an alienated member of her own race who is feared for her currentgift and the horrendous things her brother forces her to do.

 As Cyra and Akos begin to help end support each other, Veronica Roth writes a really endearing and sweet romance that blossoms between them. Though this is an undertone to the overall fast paced and action packed storyline, it is impossible not to enjoy the moments of support and assistance they offer each other. Cyra helps strengthen Akos and Akos in turn helps Cyra see she isn't the monster she believes herself to be.

With powerful moments of friendship, survival and unexpected losses, Carve the Mark comes to a stellar conclusion. Veronica Roth ends this first novel beautifully and leaves me ready to begin the sequel, The Fates Divide. Having come to this duology late, I plan to begin The Fates Divide straight away as I can't wait to once more immerse myself in this bewitching and enchanting intergalactic world!

Rating:
Source: Purchased by me
Publisher: HaperCollins Australia
Format: Paperback
Release Date: January 18th 2017
Purchase: Bookworld | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: A very enjoyable read; I'm looking to begin the next one straight away.