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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
[b: CARVE THE MARK|30117284|Carve the Mark (Carve the Mark, #1)|Veronica Roth|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1462467867s/30117284.jpg|44736077]
[a: VERONICA ROTH|4039811|Veronica Roth|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1363910238p2/4039811.jpg]
RELEASED; 17TH JANUARY 2017
READ; 14TH AUGUST 2017. FINISHED; 19TH AUGUST 2017.
INITIAL REACTION; Okay, for a moment I thought Veronica Roth wouldn’t bring in another book. Then she brings one in and I’m like hang in there, this might actually be better than the divergent series. So then, I’m all eager and then get my copy.
FINAL REACTION; I was definitely not disappointed. Here’s why;
SUMMARY; the galaxy is ruled by a current, that gives gifts which are sometimes helpful or detrimental to the receiver and/or those around them. Cyra and Ryzek having been brought up in the more ‘savage’ nation of Shotet have conflicted fates leading to Ryzek’s tyrannical rule and determination to prevent his fate. Akos a young boy from Thuvhe, Shotet’s arch enemy nation is kidnapped alongside his older brother, Eijeh per Ryzek’s orders. Akos’s fate comes to light when he is forced to be Cyra Noavek, Ryzek’s younger sister’s help to reprieve her of her currentgift sometimes.
Later, as seasons roll by, Cyra and Akos realize that there is more to life than their fate and strive hard to help each other survive. But with all other obstacles between them, will they ever succeed?
SETTING; according to what I have been able to fathom, the book is practically set in the galaxy, consisting of different planets. The main setting however is one particular planet shared by two nations, Thuvhe and Shotet. These two nations are separated by The Divide, a field of feathergrass which somehow distinguishes both nations.
In the beginning, we are introduced to Hessa, Akos’s town, where he was born. For a second there, all I could imagine was pure snow and ice, covering every single part of the town. Incidentally, I couldn’t help likening this particular setting with that of Avatar (the animated version) especially the harsh weather and fur coats that are worn.
Suddenly, we are thrust into the world of the Shotet, Thuvhe’s enemy nation. Whereas Thuvhe is more placid and quiet, Shotet somehow manages to be the exact opposite. I wouldn’t blame the people, I blame the ruler.
To be honest, I enjoyed this setting as much as I enjoyed the Divergent setting. It was quite…beautiful even though the Shotet nation almost destroyed that feeling for me what with their past and current rulers.
My only problem is, I feel I wasn’t given the opportunity to enjoy both nations no matter how poor or savage they might be. For Voa, Sohet, the sojourn took over almost the whole part of the book or might I say, Akos’s stay in Shotet when he was grown up. For Hessa, everything happened all in the blink of an eye. On the other hand though, I believe everything should have happened exactly the way they did. So, I’m quite okay with the outcome. Veronica Roth’s settings are always impeccable.
CHARACTERS; in a way, the characters were fun, I enjoyed reading about them. However, while some left me with lasting impressions, others didn’t seem to make much of a difference to me even though they caused some major changes. These include; Teka, Jorek, Jyo, Isae, Cisi even Vas who I was supposed to hate.
The main characters, however, did their jobs well. I felt various emotions while reading about them especially Ryzek.
Cyra’s character was one that I really absolutely relate to. I felt her pain, her anger. I understood her and mostly, I loved her dedication to Akos even when she had the opportunity to kill her older brother Ryzek. Later, when I learnt that her character was supposed to portray a woman with chronic pain, I understood her currentgift. I’m particular impressed with her character considering the inspiration behind it.
Akos’s character was quite relatable as well though I was surprised that after everything that happened, he still believed he could save Eijeh especially after Eijeh couldn’t, wouldn’t save him from Ryzek. I don’t like that he killed but survival makes anyone do anything so I’ll let that pass.
I’m not really sure who to hate in this book and I have no idea who to blame. I want to blame Sifa for not protecting her family but she has valid reasons for doing so. I want to blame Ryzek for what he’s become but I’m considering that since his father was partly to be blamed for teasing his son. It’s not like anyone could change fate.
I loved the characters in fact. Majority didn’t make a difference to me but I guess they made the novel what it is.
PLOT; I read a few reviews after I had read the whole book and by the looks of things, the plot is everyone’s main concern. Everyone’s problem is, the plot was slow and boring. Well, sorry guys but I would have to disagree on that one.
I started out this book and all of a sudden I am hooked to the book. The setting did it and later the people and the way of life. As it went on, I was hoping to get bored, stop and continue after twenty years. Surprisingly, that’s not what happened. I actually went on to read it. And enjoy it.
Unfortunately, this finally caught up on me when I was down to a few pages. I know there was supposed to be tension but I didn’t feel any of that. My theory is I was probably exhausted and on getting to those few chapters I felt somewhat immune to any emotions regarding the book.
I’m satisfied though. At least it didn’t happen in the middle or worse, at the beginning of the book. I loved it though. I felt every single chapter, word and paragraph needed to be there.
OVERALL REACTION; absolutely well written. I loved every Izit of this book. And her adoption of certain words to make it her own [(Izit, seasons) I think I would be using them now]. It made it worth reading. I am definitely getting book two. I would really like to know what Ryzek meant by what he said to Cyra.
OVERALL RATING; Solid 5 star rating, it had its own falls but majority was excellent.
[a: VERONICA ROTH|4039811|Veronica Roth|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1363910238p2/4039811.jpg]
RELEASED; 17TH JANUARY 2017
READ; 14TH AUGUST 2017. FINISHED; 19TH AUGUST 2017.
INITIAL REACTION; Okay, for a moment I thought Veronica Roth wouldn’t bring in another book. Then she brings one in and I’m like hang in there, this might actually be better than the divergent series. So then, I’m all eager and then get my copy.
FINAL REACTION; I was definitely not disappointed. Here’s why;
SUMMARY; the galaxy is ruled by a current, that gives gifts which are sometimes helpful or detrimental to the receiver and/or those around them. Cyra and Ryzek having been brought up in the more ‘savage’ nation of Shotet have conflicted fates leading to Ryzek’s tyrannical rule and determination to prevent his fate. Akos a young boy from Thuvhe, Shotet’s arch enemy nation is kidnapped alongside his older brother, Eijeh per Ryzek’s orders. Akos’s fate comes to light when he is forced to be Cyra Noavek, Ryzek’s younger sister’s help to reprieve her of her currentgift sometimes.
Later, as seasons roll by, Cyra and Akos realize that there is more to life than their fate and strive hard to help each other survive. But with all other obstacles between them, will they ever succeed?
SETTING; according to what I have been able to fathom, the book is practically set in the galaxy, consisting of different planets. The main setting however is one particular planet shared by two nations, Thuvhe and Shotet. These two nations are separated by The Divide, a field of feathergrass which somehow distinguishes both nations.
In the beginning, we are introduced to Hessa, Akos’s town, where he was born. For a second there, all I could imagine was pure snow and ice, covering every single part of the town. Incidentally, I couldn’t help likening this particular setting with that of Avatar (the animated version) especially the harsh weather and fur coats that are worn.
Suddenly, we are thrust into the world of the Shotet, Thuvhe’s enemy nation. Whereas Thuvhe is more placid and quiet, Shotet somehow manages to be the exact opposite. I wouldn’t blame the people, I blame the ruler.
To be honest, I enjoyed this setting as much as I enjoyed the Divergent setting. It was quite…beautiful even though the Shotet nation almost destroyed that feeling for me what with their past and current rulers.
My only problem is, I feel I wasn’t given the opportunity to enjoy both nations no matter how poor or savage they might be. For Voa, Sohet, the sojourn took over almost the whole part of the book or might I say, Akos’s stay in Shotet when he was grown up. For Hessa, everything happened all in the blink of an eye. On the other hand though, I believe everything should have happened exactly the way they did. So, I’m quite okay with the outcome. Veronica Roth’s settings are always impeccable.
CHARACTERS; in a way, the characters were fun, I enjoyed reading about them. However, while some left me with lasting impressions, others didn’t seem to make much of a difference to me even though they caused some major changes. These include; Teka, Jorek, Jyo, Isae, Cisi even Vas who I was supposed to hate.
The main characters, however, did their jobs well. I felt various emotions while reading about them especially Ryzek.
Cyra’s character was one that I really absolutely relate to. I felt her pain, her anger. I understood her and mostly, I loved her dedication to Akos even when she had the opportunity to kill her older brother Ryzek. Later, when I learnt that her character was supposed to portray a woman with chronic pain, I understood her currentgift. I’m particular impressed with her character considering the inspiration behind it.
Akos’s character was quite relatable as well though I was surprised that after everything that happened, he still believed he could save Eijeh especially after Eijeh couldn’t, wouldn’t save him from Ryzek. I don’t like that he killed but survival makes anyone do anything so I’ll let that pass.
I’m not really sure who to hate in this book and I have no idea who to blame. I want to blame Sifa for not protecting her family but she has valid reasons for doing so. I want to blame Ryzek for what he’s become but I’m considering that since his father was partly to be blamed for teasing his son. It’s not like anyone could change fate.
I loved the characters in fact. Majority didn’t make a difference to me but I guess they made the novel what it is.
PLOT; I read a few reviews after I had read the whole book and by the looks of things, the plot is everyone’s main concern. Everyone’s problem is, the plot was slow and boring. Well, sorry guys but I would have to disagree on that one.
I started out this book and all of a sudden I am hooked to the book. The setting did it and later the people and the way of life. As it went on, I was hoping to get bored, stop and continue after twenty years. Surprisingly, that’s not what happened. I actually went on to read it. And enjoy it.
Unfortunately, this finally caught up on me when I was down to a few pages. I know there was supposed to be tension but I didn’t feel any of that. My theory is I was probably exhausted and on getting to those few chapters I felt somewhat immune to any emotions regarding the book.
I’m satisfied though. At least it didn’t happen in the middle or worse, at the beginning of the book. I loved it though. I felt every single chapter, word and paragraph needed to be there.
OVERALL REACTION; absolutely well written. I loved every Izit of this book. And her adoption of certain words to make it her own [(Izit, seasons) I think I would be using them now]. It made it worth reading. I am definitely getting book two. I would really like to know what Ryzek meant by what he said to Cyra.
OVERALL RATING; Solid 5 star rating, it had its own falls but majority was excellent.
I may be in pain, but I am not weak.
3 Stars
So how many people saw that someone called this book racist and decided to jump on the bandwagon and also call this racist? I'm sorry but this was not racist. Trying to make it seem like black vs. white when that was not how it is at all. Yes Cyra is darker skinned. Yes Akos is lighter skinned. But all the Shotet are not dark skinned. Cyra's brother is said to be pale skinned, and he's the bad guy. Please guys, read the book and form your own opinions.
Now why didn't I give the book a higher rating? The beginning was sooooo slow I almost wanted to DNF it. I was bored and wanted to do read anything else. The second half is a lot better and picks up a bit, but still it is slow. Things were a bit predictable, nothing really stood out to me as new and unique. This story has been told before. Will probably read the next one, but it won't be high on my list to read. Overall read it yourself, form your own opinions, don't rate unless you've read or tried to read it.
You want to see people as extremes. Bad or good, trustworthy or not. I understand. It's easier that way. But that isn't how people work.
3 Stars
So how many people saw that someone called this book racist and decided to jump on the bandwagon and also call this racist? I'm sorry but this was not racist. Trying to make it seem like black vs. white when that was not how it is at all. Yes Cyra is darker skinned. Yes Akos is lighter skinned. But all the Shotet are not dark skinned. Cyra's brother is said to be pale skinned, and he's the bad guy. Please guys, read the book and form your own opinions.
Now why didn't I give the book a higher rating? The beginning was sooooo slow I almost wanted to DNF it. I was bored and wanted to do read anything else. The second half is a lot better and picks up a bit, but still it is slow. Things were a bit predictable, nothing really stood out to me as new and unique. This story has been told before. Will probably read the next one, but it won't be high on my list to read. Overall read it yourself, form your own opinions, don't rate unless you've read or tried to read it.
You want to see people as extremes. Bad or good, trustworthy or not. I understand. It's easier that way. But that isn't how people work.
Full review can be viewed here.
The galaxy is powered by the current, and everyone has a gift.
Cyra, one of our main characters, has a currentgift that causes pain, pain to her and those who dare to lay a hand on her. Cyra doesn’t see it as a gift. She hates it! Cyra is also the sister os a brutal tyrant, who rules the Shotet people. Her brother is misusing Cyra’s powers to torture his enemies.
Akos is the son of a farmer and an oracle from the frozen nation planet of Thuvhe. Akos is generous in spirit and has crazy loyalty to his family. When Akos and his brother are captured by the enemy Shotet soldiers. Akos desperately wants to get his brother out alive.
When Akos is thrust in Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable.
Will they help each other to survive or will they destroy one another?
You may have heard about this book, mostly because of the racism ect. This review contains MY point of view. MY opinion on this book. Keep in mind that racism isn’t really a thing in the Netherlands. We don’t really care about anyone’s skin color, we care more about your personality.
Back to the review!
So, yes, the Shotet people can be cruel and they have a darker skintone. The Thuvhe people are “innocent” and have a lighter skintone , but they mention it once, only in the beginning of the book.
Cyra’s gift is to cause pain, not only to those who touch her, but also to herself. Her touch can be lethal. But thank god, Cyra isn’t anything like Juliette from the Touching Juliette series (gosh Juliette is number one in my top 5 of annoying main characters). Cyra hates it more than anything. She doesn’t see it as a gift, not at all! If she could get a chance to change her currentgift, she would, without doubt.
When she meets Akos, he is the only one who can take away her pain. Because that is Akos’ currentgift, he can ‘take’ away her currentgift.
The galaxy is powered by the current, and everyone has a gift.
Cyra, one of our main characters, has a currentgift that causes pain, pain to her and those who dare to lay a hand on her. Cyra doesn’t see it as a gift. She hates it! Cyra is also the sister os a brutal tyrant, who rules the Shotet people. Her brother is misusing Cyra’s powers to torture his enemies.
Akos is the son of a farmer and an oracle from the frozen nation planet of Thuvhe. Akos is generous in spirit and has crazy loyalty to his family. When Akos and his brother are captured by the enemy Shotet soldiers. Akos desperately wants to get his brother out alive.
When Akos is thrust in Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable.
Will they help each other to survive or will they destroy one another?
You may have heard about this book, mostly because of the racism ect. This review contains MY point of view. MY opinion on this book. Keep in mind that racism isn’t really a thing in the Netherlands. We don’t really care about anyone’s skin color, we care more about your personality.
Back to the review!
So, yes, the Shotet people can be cruel and they have a darker skintone. The Thuvhe people are “innocent” and have a lighter skintone , but they mention it once, only in the beginning of the book.
Cyra’s gift is to cause pain, not only to those who touch her, but also to herself. Her touch can be lethal. But thank god, Cyra isn’t anything like Juliette from the Touching Juliette series (gosh Juliette is number one in my top 5 of annoying main characters). Cyra hates it more than anything. She doesn’t see it as a gift, not at all! If she could get a chance to change her currentgift, she would, without doubt.
When she meets Akos, he is the only one who can take away her pain. Because that is Akos’ currentgift, he can ‘take’ away her currentgift.
Nothing outstanding, but a solid ya fantasy/sci-fi. It’s an easy read and the characters were all interesting as was the storyline.
Carve the Mark tells the story of a people who have become tyrants in the eyes of the rest of the world. They are seen as overly vicious and a war bringing people. This story specifically follows the life of two important characters on the opposite sides of a deep rooted war. Cyra Noavek is the second child of the ruling family and is ruled by her deliberating pain of her gift and her brother. Akos is the third child of an oracle who has seen the breakdown and rebellion that arises out of Akos and Cyra’s actions.
I’m not going to lie, I was hesitant to buy and read this novel after the “controversy” about Carve the Mark was released and discussed. There were a lot of people upset with how the author set up some of the main characters and felt like there was a clear trend of racism present within this novel. There have been videos and reviews and articles written about Carve the Mark and whether or not racism and other sensitive topics.
Controversies:
Racism
The first controversy that erupted was about racism. I read through the novel and to be honest didn’t look for any specific instances of racism that might have been present in the novel. And after finishing the novel I have to say that I didn’t see anything that striked me as racist. The characters are briefly described in small snippets and to be honest, I don’t usually pay too much attention to character descriptions anyways. But no where in the novel did I see an instance where there were a group of similar looking people being characterized a certain way that was different from everyone else.
Instead I don’t think the author differentiated people from each other, every society was described as a range of different colors and descriptions. No characters were set apart because of how they looked and I think several of the families that were actually described with any particular detail has siblings that had different types of hair and skin tones.
Conclusion: At least to my understanding of Carve the Mark, there isn’t any racism present in this novel and to say that there were, would be a huge stretch and generalization of characters. You would have to really assume a lot of things that aren’t depicted in this novel to make it about racism and that’s just not how it is read.
Chronic Pain
One of the other controversies mentioned in this novel was how Veronica Roth depicted chronic pain in Carve the Mark.
I personally don’t have experience with chronic pain but when I read the novel I didn’t see the pain Cyra was in as a representation of this thing that affects a lot of people. Instead I took it at it’s value within the novel, which was part of Cyra’s currentgift. While it could definitely be related and start a great healthy conversation on the importance of realizing and understanding chronic pain, I didn’t see it as the author trying to represent people who do deal with this disease in a negative way.
Conclusion: From how I read Carve the Mark, there can definitely be a link to how Cyra’s currentgift affects her with those who deal with chronic pain. The parallels aren’t so direct that I could say that this was the author’s intention and people deal with pain in completely unique ways. To say how pain was represented in the novel was wrong would be misleading because I felt like Cyra became stronger throughout the novel through the pain she was in which is a common theme in young adult fantasy.
Self-Harm
The final controversy that came with the publication of Carve the Mark was the topic of self-harm. Cyra’s society has this tradition of marking oneself for every kill or loss that they experience. Once again I think this aspect has to be taken with the concept of the novel in mind. This is not some ostracized practice that leads to suicide or is used in an unhealthy way to deal with pain. Instead this is a custom that society follows and therefore has to be examined within that context. There are many societies who do similar things within our own world so to say that this novel is a pathway to saying it is okay to self harm, or misrepresents cutting is just very outside the scope of the novel.
Conclusion: This novel does not endorse self-harm but instead could open an avenue for a healthy discussion about self-harm as well as traditions of other societies. Keeping the scope of these issues to that of the novel becomes important because of how the action is described as a tradition of one’s society instead of an unhealthy way to relieve pain.
In Other Words
I know most of this review revolved around the controversies of Carve the Mark, but I felt like it was important because these things made me hesitant to start a great novel by an even better author. I loved these characters and their story and I know Roth will create a follow up book that will change everything in this series and knock me for a loop as she has done in all of her other series. Don’t miss out on a great read because of what other people found. Take opinions with a grain of salt and find your own truth because this novel is worth it.
I’m not going to lie, I was hesitant to buy and read this novel after the “controversy” about Carve the Mark was released and discussed. There were a lot of people upset with how the author set up some of the main characters and felt like there was a clear trend of racism present within this novel. There have been videos and reviews and articles written about Carve the Mark and whether or not racism and other sensitive topics.
Controversies:
Racism
The first controversy that erupted was about racism. I read through the novel and to be honest didn’t look for any specific instances of racism that might have been present in the novel. And after finishing the novel I have to say that I didn’t see anything that striked me as racist. The characters are briefly described in small snippets and to be honest, I don’t usually pay too much attention to character descriptions anyways. But no where in the novel did I see an instance where there were a group of similar looking people being characterized a certain way that was different from everyone else.
Instead I don’t think the author differentiated people from each other, every society was described as a range of different colors and descriptions. No characters were set apart because of how they looked and I think several of the families that were actually described with any particular detail has siblings that had different types of hair and skin tones.
Conclusion: At least to my understanding of Carve the Mark, there isn’t any racism present in this novel and to say that there were, would be a huge stretch and generalization of characters. You would have to really assume a lot of things that aren’t depicted in this novel to make it about racism and that’s just not how it is read.
Chronic Pain
One of the other controversies mentioned in this novel was how Veronica Roth depicted chronic pain in Carve the Mark.
I personally don’t have experience with chronic pain but when I read the novel I didn’t see the pain Cyra was in as a representation of this thing that affects a lot of people. Instead I took it at it’s value within the novel, which was part of Cyra’s currentgift. While it could definitely be related and start a great healthy conversation on the importance of realizing and understanding chronic pain, I didn’t see it as the author trying to represent people who do deal with this disease in a negative way.
Conclusion: From how I read Carve the Mark, there can definitely be a link to how Cyra’s currentgift affects her with those who deal with chronic pain. The parallels aren’t so direct that I could say that this was the author’s intention and people deal with pain in completely unique ways. To say how pain was represented in the novel was wrong would be misleading because I felt like Cyra became stronger throughout the novel through the pain she was in which is a common theme in young adult fantasy.
Self-Harm
The final controversy that came with the publication of Carve the Mark was the topic of self-harm. Cyra’s society has this tradition of marking oneself for every kill or loss that they experience. Once again I think this aspect has to be taken with the concept of the novel in mind. This is not some ostracized practice that leads to suicide or is used in an unhealthy way to deal with pain. Instead this is a custom that society follows and therefore has to be examined within that context. There are many societies who do similar things within our own world so to say that this novel is a pathway to saying it is okay to self harm, or misrepresents cutting is just very outside the scope of the novel.
Conclusion: This novel does not endorse self-harm but instead could open an avenue for a healthy discussion about self-harm as well as traditions of other societies. Keeping the scope of these issues to that of the novel becomes important because of how the action is described as a tradition of one’s society instead of an unhealthy way to relieve pain.
In Other Words
I know most of this review revolved around the controversies of Carve the Mark, but I felt like it was important because these things made me hesitant to start a great novel by an even better author. I loved these characters and their story and I know Roth will create a follow up book that will change everything in this series and knock me for a loop as she has done in all of her other series. Don’t miss out on a great read because of what other people found. Take opinions with a grain of salt and find your own truth because this novel is worth it.
Meh
This book was pretty dull and uninteresting my original thoughts on the author were right she writes the most boring books ever. In this book characters die and do not so good things and I felt nothing for any of them they were all so forgettable so I have nothing to say about them. The plot was like a train wreck and I could not look away also could not wait for it to end. I was confused for several big chunks of the story since it just throws you in these situations and expects you to understand everything. So a horrible group is terrible to another people are tortured for no real reason other things happen and I just don't care. I will not be reading anymore of this series it is not worth my time.
This book was pretty dull and uninteresting my original thoughts on the author were right she writes the most boring books ever. In this book characters die and do not so good things and I felt nothing for any of them they were all so forgettable so I have nothing to say about them. The plot was like a train wreck and I could not look away also could not wait for it to end. I was confused for several big chunks of the story since it just throws you in these situations and expects you to understand everything. So a horrible group is terrible to another people are tortured for no real reason other things happen and I just don't care. I will not be reading anymore of this series it is not worth my time.
This book really confuses me, I don't really know if I like it or not. The writing style was good but I had difficulties with how slow it was at sometimes. It took 257 pages for something really to happen and after that not much spectaculair happened. It got tense in the end but not THAT tense so that it caused me to fall out of my chair. Something that was said at the end makes me curious about the second book but I don't think I'm gonna buy it unless it's really mind blown and tense. I'll just have to wait for the reviews. I'm just gonna stay a bit confused for as of right now.
Too bad it wasn't as good as Divergent because that is REALLY good and one of my favourite series ever.
So, I actually read this book for a project on using literary criticism and I wanted to analyze this book to figure out whether or not it is truly racist as some people are claiming. I have only finished my first reading of the book and haven't started my analysis of it yet but I will say this, the project is going to be a little more complicated than I thought. I think there are a lot of blurred lines and some that shouldn't have been crossed but it is going to be very interesting to critique.