ARC Review: Carve the Mark

Title: Carve the Mark

Author: Veronica Roth

Genre & Age Group: Science fiction, dystopian, fantasy, young adult

Goodreads Synopsis:

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.

Source: Thanks so much to Indigo Books & Music Inc. for providing me a physical ARC of this book!

How I Found Out About It: Blogging

Along with many other people, I am an avid fan of Veronica Roth’s Divergent series. I adored the action, the characters, and the premise, and I actually did not mind the ending of Allegiant. So, when I heard that Roth had a new book coming out, I knew I needed it immediately. The lovely people at Indigo headquarters sent it my way wrapped in brown paper with a silver ribbon, so I could tell right from the start how special it would be. 

I have to say that I liked many things about Carve the Mark, but to be fair, it did have its share of flaws, too.

To synopsize, this book revolves around the dual-POVs of Cyra and Akos. On the planet where they live, every citizen is provided with a currentgift, which acts as a special talent for them to use to their benefit. Unfortunately, though, Cyra and Akos’ currentgifts are not the best, and can be harmful to them in the long term. Through many adventures together, the two gain appreciation for each other, as well as learn to accept their currentgifts for what they are.

I really liked the strong character Cyra was, and I definitely felt like I could relate to her. I felt quite sorry for her as she went through all her struggles in the book, but I believed that they benefited her and made her an even stronger person. Akos for sure wasn’t as in-depth as Cyra was, as I don’t find myself remembering him too well. What I can remember, though, is the incredible bond Cyra and Akos had… SWOON!😍

The dual POVs of this book are probably what irked me the most… when it was Cyra’s POV, it was in first person, which was good, but then when it switched over to Akos, it turned into third person, which really annoyed me. It seemed like Veronica Roth just couldn’t choose which one to narrate from, so she decided to confuse us and use them both.

I liked the concept of the currentgifts and how the two protagonists’ gifts were flawed, but the storyline as a whole kind of confused me. A lot of events seemed to go on at once in addition to there being a lot of action, which may be amazing for the natural action lover, but not really for me, the fluffy contemporary lover. It was just a bit much- not to mention the large size of the book, which slowed things down even more!

All in all, Carve the Mark absolutely met my expectations of being a good read, but it definitely lacked in some areas, as well. I truly think I would have gotten more out of it if I usually devoured fantasies rather than contemporaries. In short, anyone who is a fan of lots of action, awesome world-building in outer space, and great writing will adore this book!

*I received an advanced reader copy of this book from Indigo Books & Music Inc. in exchange for an honest review.*