Carve the Mark (Carve the Mark Series #1)

I couldn't put this book down! Carve he Mark is a beautifully written book and from the jump to Allegiant and now this book Veronica's Roth has definitely grown in her skills as a writer! Fans of her Divergent Series will definitely enjoy this and fans of sci fi will as well definitely have some fun reading this book!

First, let me say that the title "Carve the Mark" refers to literally carving a mark in one's arm to commemorate the death of another, often a murder or sanctioned killing. If I had grasped that beforehand, I probably would never have started this book. As much constant arm carving as goes on throughout the story, only one character seems to have any moral qualms about it, which I found disturbing. I realize "dark" is the thing right now in literature and television, but this story is borderline depressing. Initially, almost all of my brain power went into grasping what the heck was going on. The setting, the character names, the mysticism, and the ways of life of the two peoples are all so foreign that I couldn't get a feel for what the author wanted me to "feel." I assume we readers are meant to root for main male protagonist, who is the first character introduced. However, his introduction is brief and then we don't hear from him for an extremely long time, and on top of that, his narrative is in third person, which naturally distances him from the reader. I could not comprehend a purpose for the change from first person to third person POV. That being said, I will freely admit that Roth is astonishingly creative. The worlds she created in the Divergent series and here are extremely interesting, if a bit contrived (such as a dead bird on a planet covered entirely with water - - why would humans even attempt to live in such a place?) Once I started it, I had to finish, only because I can't stand to not know the ending. I just hope this time around Roth gives her characters a happier ending (R.I.P. Tris Pryor).

Just as good as the Divergent series. I can't wait for the next book!

I loved it. But with the conversation online I'm wondering now what was controversial about this?? I considering myself a minority found noting within this book that was harmful to me nor that from what I could see be harmful to anyone else. I literally couldn't find any tropes in it as I was reading this but it must just be me

Slow at the beginning but once u get going u cant put it down

Looks interesting.

Looks interesting.

Carve the Mark is similar to Divergent, with its concepts of separate groups of people with one group wanting control, as well as themes of family and friendship that was present in Divergent. Veronica Roth's writing has improved, as I found this book more mature and graphic than the Divergent series. Carve the Mark does involve the use of self-harm, which is part of the tradition of one of the groups. The unique names of the characters and places, as well as the language, can be a bit hard to get used to at first, but by the end of the novel I had a basic idea of who is who and what is what. The story didn't drag on, but it wasn't fast-paced at the same time. Things moved on and flowed pretty smoothly, in my opinion - things only started to get interesting after the 4th part. Also I have heard how "controversial" this book is about dealing with racism, mental illness, drug use, etc., but honestly I didn't notice it nor saw it as that, but rather viewed it as part of this world that probably takes place in a galaxy far, far away from ours with different ways of life that is foreign to our own. I don't think Ms. Roth was trying to give off the idea of race superiority, but instead focus on other things like family, friendship, strength, and other themes I mentioned before; so readers should focus on those themes as well. (And before people start accusing me of whatever, I might as well just say here that I am not white, but filipino). Anyways, the main female protagonist, Cyra, is incredibly strong despite her obvious flaws. I believe that those of you looking for that strong female character will find her very admirable. And as for the main male protagonist, Akos, he is not exactly Tobias but he still has his own good qualities. Overall, I enjoyed this story. I wasn't hooked into it like I was with Divergent, but Carve the Mark was intriguing nonetheless and I will be reading the sequel when it comes out.

This book was thrilling, and such a great read. I honestly could not put the book down, and despite the words that I probably mispronounced, the book was so fluid and artistic. I can't wait until the next one!

I loved this book! I've been in a reading rut for the past few months and this book got me out of it. I couldn't put it down. This book really showed how much Roth has grown as a writer. Totally recommend!

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth Book One of the Carve the Mark series Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books Publication Date: January 17, 2017 Rating: 3 stars Source: ARC sent by the publisher Summary (from Goodreads): 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. What I Liked: Carve the Mark is absolutely worth the hype and the excitement, and it's definitely worth your time to read this book if you've been looking forward to reading it. Chances are, it won't disappoint you. In many ways, I liked this book a lot. But there were several specific things that might seem small or insignificant in the grand schemes of things, that ended up really bothering me. Hence, the three-star rating. This story is told by two characters - Akos, a Thuvhe, and Cyra, a Shotet. The Thuvhe are a peace-loving people living on Urek. The Shotet are more aggressive nomadic people that conquer various nations and planets. When he is fourteen, Akos is captured, along with his brother, by the Shotet, who kill his father in front of him. They are taken to the Shotet stronghold of Urek, ruled by Ryzek Noavek, a ruthless tyrant and older brother of Cyra. They are stolen for their currentgifts - Akos's brother Eijeh is the next oracle of the Thuvhe. Akos grows into his currentgift - he can interrupt the current (he can cancel it out, turn it off, that sort of thing). Several years later, Akos is shaped into a warrior, but he has lost known of his humanity. He is not a killer, though he has killed to protect himself. He is brought to help Cyra Noavek, whose currentgift is inflicting pain on others with her touch. No one can touch her without feeling pain, but Akos can, because he interrupts the current (and all currentgifts are "fueled" by the current). Akos cooperates because he wants to rescue his brother and flee. But the more he and Cyra interact, the more they learn about each other, and the more they realize that they share common interests, interests that could incite wars. The beginning of the book was incredibly confusing (I'll talk about that in the next section), but once I (sort of) got a grasp of the world and everything going on, I started to get into the story and really sink into it. Read the rest of my review on my blog, The Eater of Books! - eaterofbooks DOT blogspot DOT com :)

Roth has created a beautiful world and fascinating characters. I read the book twice to ensure I got all the details and am prepared for The Fates Divide!

Followed along and kept me interested every single page

Interesting premise that was badly executed. Lots of problematic representation. DNFed it about 250 pages in :/

This book really leaves you hanging, so I'll be interested to see what the second book brings.

This was very unique and captivating! I loved it and can't wait for the sequel !

Not as great as Divergent but also not bad. Couple surprises and twists throughout. All in all a good read.

Meh. I wanted to like this but just couldn't seem to connect with the characters or their stories.

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth involves two peoples that have different beliefs and are enemies. Cyra ends up relying on and becoming friends with the enemy after he, Akos, is captured and forced into serving Cyra. Her brother thrives on hurting others and uses Cyra to accomplish this. Ryzek uses Cyra for everything he wants to gain through fear and intimidation. He wants to conquer all. Cyra and her servant Akos grow a friendship with trust and honesty which gives Cyra something she's never experienced before. Her family has always been manipulative and cruel. Cyra and Akos are captured and the wound Ryzek gives Cyra made me physically sick. Revenge is all that Cyra wants against Ryzek because of every harm he has ever inflicted on her. This first book in the Carve the Mark duology builds the world setting and the character's backgrounds and ends with an unfinished rebellion, leaving me ready for the sequel. 4 stars for this science fiction fantasy.

Really, would you expect anything less than the best from Veronica Roth?

This is going to be an amazing adventure

Having heard crossed opinions on this latest book, I wasn't sure whether or not I was going to enjoy this book or not. But man, Roth's style (coming out with the action in the first twenty pages) comes out zapping me and gluing my eyes to the book, and I end up finishing it 5 hours later! Now one of my favorite books of all time, it touches the heart the lessons of pain and brutality, and how even the most evil-seeming creatures can turn out completely different than what you expected (still waiting to see, though, if Cyra's "brother" will conjure up even one ounce of goodness from his wicked veins...). The one flaw in this book I will point out to readers out there: Cyra's POV is first person, and will quickly make you bond to her fast, but the thing I was disappointed in was Akon's POV: third person limited. Don't get me wrong, excellent develoment in Roth's writing makes Akon likeable to any person out there, BUT if his POV had been like Cyra's, it would've enriched the story more, and made Akon even more appealing than he already is. So, due to this flaw, an overall 4.75 rating on the book. Nevertheless, an delicious, vivid read for any sci-fi/fantasy reader out there!

Veronica Roth is well known in the YA world, of course. But her new novel really intrigued me. She has created a believable world with well developed characters. Cyra is a strong character who has had to learn to be independent despite her privileged upbringing. Akos is her opposite. Having been ripped away from his close knit family and taken hostage by the Shotet after watching his father die, he has every reason to hate Cyra and all she stands for. But, almost unbelievably, a sort of friendship grows between the two of them. One has to wonder how they will remain close to each other when they are facing so much animosity from all sides. Fast paced adventure with lots of twist and turns Roth has done an great job with this book - can't wait until Book 2 comes out.