The characters themselves were not interesting enough. I was more than halfway through and wondering when something was going to happen. What happens next is a very long bit of filler about Akos's time in the Shotet soldier camp, honing his fighting skills and chatting with Cyra about their countries, their powers, or just their favourite colours. Carve the Mark opens with Shotet soldiers murdering Akos's father and capturing him and his younger brother. Cyra's violent and evil brother is the ruler of the Shotet and he uses Cyra's power - the power to deliver intense pain - to further his plans and torture his enemies.Īkos, on the other hand, is one of the gentle Thuvhe people. Most people find their gifts useful, but to some people - like Akos and Cyra - the gifts can be a burden, and a means by which others can use them for their own gains. The story is set on a distant planet where people develop unique powers known as currentgifts, bestowed by a magical current that runs through the galaxy. Why even bother setting it in space if you're not going to make the most of that? Though I guess there's a definite possibility that the second book will reveal that the characters have actually been in Brooklyn all along, tripping on acid. The world-building was lacking and the space aspect left undeveloped. It's set in space, and I've heard other reviewers talking positively about how it doesn't feel like it's in space, so maybe that will also seem like a positive for you, but I felt like this story could have been set literally anywhere. In this book, though, I spent the majority of it wondering where the actual plot was. Sure, a lot of the world made absolutely no sense, and I still find that whole 'I'm Dauntless so I jump off moving trains' thing so ridiculously laughable, but I found it really entertaining. Let's be honest, I actually liked Divergent for what it was - a fast-paced, exciting YA adventure that demanded very little of me.

Will they help each other to survive, or will they destroy one another?Ĭarve the Mark is Veronica Roth's stunning portrayal of the power of friendship-and love-in a galaxy filled with unexpected gifts.

Then Akos is thrust into Cyra's world, and the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. 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. Protected by his unusual currentgift, Akos is generous in spirit, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. 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.Īkos is the son of a farmer and an oracle from the frozen nation-planet of Thuvhe. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power-something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. In a galaxy powered by the current, everyone has a gift.Ĭyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people.

Carve the mark veronica roth