“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 his survival, he recognises that Cyra is also fighting 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. When the time comes, will they choose loyalty or love?”
What is the book about?
Cyra Noavek and Akos Kereseth both live in the same divided planet but live in enemy countries. They are both from fate favoured families and have been stared at their whole lives. Cyra developed her currentgift far earlier than usual, an extraordinarily dangerous power to transfer pain to anyone with one touch. When Akos is kidnapped by Cyra’s brother, Ryzek, and forced to serve Cyra by keeping her pain at bay with his own currentgift that cancels other gifts, he realises that Cyra is just as trapped as he is. Ryzek sees his sister only as a weapon he can use to his advantage. But, despite her reputation as Ryzek’s Scourge, Cyra’s true power is her resilience and her ability to survive. Their world is on the brink of chaos with their countries close to war, and Akos and Cyra must decide if they will fight for what they believe in and betray their families and countries in the process. When the time comes, will they chose to stay loyal or fight for what is right?
What were your initial thoughts on the book?
When I first saw the book I was immediately excited about reading it. Carve the Mark is by the same author as Divergent, and I absolutely loved Divergent and am completely obsessed with it, so I sure that Carve the Mark would be just as incredible. After I read the blurb, I was even more intrigued in knowing what the book would be like and I was really interesting in joining Cyra and Akos in a new magical world. When I started reading, I was a bit disappointed because the book started quite slowly and wasn’t as amazing as I has thought. However, after reading a few more chapters, I started to enjoy the book a little more and found that, although it wasn’t as wonderful as Divergent, it was still a really good book.
Who was your favourite character and why?
My favourite character was definitely Akos because of how, despite everything he went through, he still had hope. Throughout the whole book, Akos never gave up on his brother, Eijeh, even when everyone told him that he was gone and it wouldn’t be worth saving him because he wouldn’t be himself anymore. Another reason why I really liked Akos was because of how he saw the good in people even when they didn’t think there was any. He proved this when he helped Cyra see that she was not just a tool for Ryzek to use, that she was her own person. Because of Akos, Cyra’s currentgift changed and she started to believe in herself more. He saw that she wasn’t a murderer like everyone thought and that she was really in just as much pain as everyone else, maybe more. The best thing about Akos was that, even though he knew what his fate was, he didn’t let that stop him from doing what he wanted and being with whom he loved, and he never gave up on anything or anyone.
What was your favourite part of the book and why?
My favourite part of the book was probably when Cyra’s currentgift changed because it was when she finally saw that her power was not a curse like she had always thought. This part is when Cyra truly accepts herself and begins to see why her ability is called a gift. I also liked this part because Akos is the one who helps her see the strength her currentgift has given her and how she has learnt to deal with the pain it causes her. He shows her that she can do anything and that she is strong enough to bear the pain without having to share it with anyone. Once Cyra realised that she had the strength to survive, she was able to pull back and keep Akos from experiencing the pain she knew he didn’t deserve. Even though she had to go through excruciating pain to keep Akos safe, Cyra knew she could survive through it, since survival was one of her best skills. I loved how Cyra’s love for Akos really shone in this part and how she knew that he deserved to be free from her brother even if it meant that she would most likely die; Cyra wanted to risk her life for Akos and knew that it was worth it.
What was your overall impression of the book?
Overall, I think that the book was really good and I really enjoyed reading it. One thing that I really liked about the book was that we got to hear from both Akos and Cyra and understand their thoughts and feelings in certain situations. I also liked that the book was split into 4 parts, showing and highlighting the different sections of the story. Another thing that I both liked and disliked was that sometimes the book changed perspective and left me wanting to know more about a certain person. This was really effective of the author as it kept me, as the reader, hooked and waiting to know more, but also very annoying for me as I was very impatient to discover what would happen next. One thing that really made the book stand out was how the whole book was based in whole new galaxy created by the author with planets all incredibly distinct and magical. I loved how I got to travel around in a universe that doesn’t even exist, but while reading Carve the Mark it was as real as Earth. Reading Carve the Mark really made me think about the main reason I love to read: to be able to travel the world and have adventures with incredible characters in places that don’t even exist but are real to me, all from the comforts of my own home. I really liked reading Carve the Mark and cannot wait to read the sequel: The Fates Divide.
Would you recommend this book?
I really enjoyed Carve the Mark and recommend it for anyone over 12. If you have read Divergent I am sure you will enjoy Carve the Mark, although it isn’t as incredible. I am sure any readers who enjoy fantasy, thriller and a bit of romance will love reading this book.
Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)
An out of this world, incredible read full of brutal but wonderful twists.
Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego
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