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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
Everyone is giving this book a lot of shit, but I like it. I think it's attempting to tell a story, and everyone is judging it before it begins. I also think that if she ends this how she ended the Divergent series, we're going to have issues.
An enjoyable read, but I never felt true connection with the leads.
The world building was amazing, I loved reading about the different planets, and the people who lived on them.
I will continue the series, but I might wait until it's complete before reading the next book.
The world building was amazing, I loved reading about the different planets, and the people who lived on them.
I will continue the series, but I might wait until it's complete before reading the next book.
I was hesitant to start this book until the series was finished. I just didn’t want to invest in another series like I did with Divergent only to be gutted by a terrible ending. But at alas, I couldn’t help myself so I got the audiobook.
I came in with an open mind and avoided all reviews. This book was alright, nothing super engaging. The characters are an alien planet where there are various factions vying to rule their planet. There are the Shotet people who are currently in power and subjugation the other faces such as the Thuvhe people using their magical powers. Each race has unique powers, but only one race has the ability to raise Oracles. The oracles are useful because they can be used to predict the future. The current Shotet ruler, Ryzek,invaded Thuvhe to get one of their oracles in order to know what to expect or how to anticipate his enemies moves.
The main characters are Akos, who was kidnapped along with his younger brother who is a budding oracle and Cyra, whose brother tyrannical ruler Ryzek wants Shotet to dominate all the races on their planet. Akos and Cyra are pawns and when it is discovered that their individual magical talent complements the other, Akos is forced to move in with Cyra as her slave. Then they begin to get to know each other and see what the effect of Shotet rule is having on their planet and the citizens. They had to decide how to deal with their individual family dynamics, their feelings and their society as a whole.
The story was slow in developing but it is a book 1. I did like the characters Akos and Cyra but I wish they were developed a little more. Also, I realize there are a number of controversies regarding the racial stereotypes, many reviews address this issue. I do think the author should have done a much better job on that issue.
At the end of the day I found Akos and Cyra as a couple as well as the storyline to be a bit boring. I was interested in enough to see how Ryzek would be defeated because he was terrible. I was interested to see how Akos would rescue his brother. Akos and Cyra were not as engaging but I am glad they found love together.
It was okay but nothing memorable. Though I may read book 2 when it comes out.
I came in with an open mind and avoided all reviews. This book was alright, nothing super engaging. The characters are an alien planet where there are various factions vying to rule their planet. There are the Shotet people who are currently in power and subjugation the other faces such as the Thuvhe people using their magical powers. Each race has unique powers, but only one race has the ability to raise Oracles. The oracles are useful because they can be used to predict the future. The current Shotet ruler, Ryzek,invaded Thuvhe to get one of their oracles in order to know what to expect or how to anticipate his enemies moves.
The main characters are Akos, who was kidnapped along with his younger brother who is a budding oracle and Cyra, whose brother tyrannical ruler Ryzek wants Shotet to dominate all the races on their planet. Akos and Cyra are pawns and when it is discovered that their individual magical talent complements the other, Akos is forced to move in with Cyra as her slave. Then they begin to get to know each other and see what the effect of Shotet rule is having on their planet and the citizens. They had to decide how to deal with their individual family dynamics, their feelings and their society as a whole.
The story was slow in developing but it is a book 1. I did like the characters Akos and Cyra but I wish they were developed a little more. Also, I realize there are a number of controversies regarding the racial stereotypes, many reviews address this issue. I do think the author should have done a much better job on that issue.
At the end of the day I found Akos and Cyra as a couple as well as the storyline to be a bit boring. I was interested in enough to see how Ryzek would be defeated because he was terrible. I was interested to see how Akos would rescue his brother. Akos and Cyra were not as engaging but I am glad they found love together.
It was okay but nothing memorable. Though I may read book 2 when it comes out.
5/5, A+
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book!! Often when I read a book with two main characters I latch on to only one of them; This book not the case at all, I loved Cyra and Akos both.
I had some difficulty keeping track of all the fantasy names at the beginning because we were introduced to so many (Cisi, Aoseh, Eijeh, Sifa, Ori, Ryzeck ect)!! But after about the p100 mark, I was fully invested and read the rest of the book in one sitting.
The lore and world that Veronica has created is really interesting and I would love to see it explored more, (perhaps in other books??) especially the other planets.
The two protagonists are great, but so are the supporting characters (save one that makes me want to tear my hair out)!! Their journeys are compelling, and I'm really excited to see where the next book goes, especially with some things that come to light throughout the book.
Veronica's writing has gotten so much better, credit to her :)
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book!! Often when I read a book with two main characters I latch on to only one of them; This book not the case at all, I loved Cyra and Akos both.
I had some difficulty keeping track of all the fantasy names at the beginning because we were introduced to so many (Cisi, Aoseh, Eijeh, Sifa, Ori, Ryzeck ect)!! But after about the p100 mark, I was fully invested and read the rest of the book in one sitting.
The lore and world that Veronica has created is really interesting and I would love to see it explored more, (perhaps in other books??) especially the other planets.
The two protagonists are great, but so are the supporting characters (save one that makes me want to tear my hair out)!! Their journeys are compelling, and I'm really excited to see where the next book goes, especially with some things that come to light throughout the book.
Veronica's writing has gotten so much better, credit to her :)
I enjoyed this book, thought it was interesting although written at a slow pace. which didn't make it a bad story! the book definitely had its own voice and pacing which I enjoyed. I always try and read reviews to see what others thought about the book and I was shocked by what I saw... racism? really? but... how? I read numbered lists of all the reasons why it was racist and nope. I disagree. for one, the main character speaks the shotet language (meaning I think he's from there) so... how can this theory hold water. also most people calling out for blood have the skin tones incorrect. honestly, I could go on but I'm excited to start a new book... y'all are reaching. it's terrible today how these things just get decided and others follow suit or risk not being culturally aware enough... it's a sci-fi story about 2 cultures that each have different ways of remembering history. obviously there are people of all skin tones in both areas. most frustrating reviews I've ever read.
Veronica Roth's [b:Divergent|13335037|Divergent (Divergent, #1)|Veronica Roth|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1328559506s/13335037.jpg|13155899] has always brought up contradictory feelings within me: Roth's world-building was severely lacking, yet the book itself was action-packed and impossible to put down. Interestingly enough, I feel completely the opposite about Carve the Mark: the world is intriguing (albeit a bit unoriginal), but the pacing is excruciatingly slow.1.5 stars
On the planet of Thuvhe, where everyone has a special power, two sides are fighting for control: the brutal Thuvhesit, who currently rule the planet, and the peaceful Shotet, who are tired of the Thuvhesit’s harsh rule.
Cya is the sister of the merciless Thuvhesit tyrant. Akos is the son of one of the Shotet's leaders. When Akos is captured and taken taken hostage by the Thuvhesits, he is forced to ally with Cya to escape.
Cya is a decent protagonist, even if she isn't secondarily original. She is fierce and tough, and has a tremendous amount of inner strength. However, she holds some undeniable similarities to many other YA heroines (especially Juliette from [b:Shatter Me|10429045|Shatter Me (Shatter Me, #1)|Tahereh Mafi|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1310649047s/10429045.jpg|15333458]) and I wish her characterization was a bit more original.
Akos is a wonderfully written character. He is loyal and faithful to his family and his vulnerability and peaceful nature is written in perfect contrast to Cya's character.
Ultimately, though, the story itself felt rather long-winded and the pacing was extremely slow. Despite being nearly 500 pages, not much happens throughout the entire book and it becomes tedious rather quickly. Roth spends so much time introducing us to her new world and doesn't spend nearly enough time on the characterization, action scenes, or plot development of the story. (Strange, because one of the best things about [b:Divergent|13335037|Divergent (Divergent, #1)|Veronica Roth|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1328559506s/13335037.jpg|13155899] was the never-ending action scenes).
Ultimately, Carve the Mark was definitely flawed, but I am curious to see what fans of [b:Divergent|13335037|Divergent (Divergent, #1)|Veronica Roth|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1328559506s/13335037.jpg|13155899] have to say about it. If you're looking for a well-written series set in space, I'd highly recommend [b:Ender's Game|375802|Ender's Game (Ender's Saga, #1)|Orson Scott Card|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1408303130s/375802.jpg|2422333], [b:Illuminae|23395680|Illuminae (The Illuminae Files, #1)|Amie Kaufman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1443433956s/23395680.jpg|26653661], or [b:These Broken Stars|13138635|These Broken Stars (Starbound, #1)|Amie Kaufman|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1383578978s/13138635.jpg|18315607] instead.
At first I wasn’t sure if I would like the book or not. The beginning just seemed, no quite dull, but not spectacular. Later it proved to be necessary but I think Roth could have done it more justice. As the story progressed I grew to really enjoy it and the characters within in it. I’m now eagerly awaiting the next book.
Sometimes, you have a premonition. You know, when you see something, or hold it, just how it will turn out. That's what it was for me in this case. I had it in my hands, and no matter what anyone else said, I just knew it would be okay, and it was.
Saying "okay" means that I found no reason to un-recommend it or dislike it. Still, I can't say I loved it or that it's my newest favorite book. But it was okay. Let my try to explain...
It was slow. That is the first thing that took away stars. It wasn't as if I was at any point desperate to get on with the story. No. Every time I read it, I had to say to myself, "Now, you will sit down and read Carve the Mark. No excuses." It wasn't pulling me along like I want books to do.
Second, there were no shocks, no surprises. Maybe that's me, or maybe it really is the book. I could see what was coming, and at no time did I have my heart in my throat with suspense. Unfortunately.
As for the good things, they were there. There was Akos Kereseth. Right now if you asked me which one fictional character I'd like to meet, it would be Akos. I don't think I'd even want to talk to him. I'd just want to sit on one side of the room and watch him, and see how he treats Cyra and his brother and his family and his friends. Akos was the best part. From the beginning I considered Akos "good, and Cyra, "bad". I loved him, because he loved the monster. He loved Cyra when she was unlovable. When no one loved her. He loved his brother, even as Eijeh turned more and more into Ryzek, and even when the hope grew less and less. Others believed there was no hope of Eijeh's return, but Akos never did. "To continue to love someone so far beyond help, beyond redemption, was madness." That's what Cyra thought of him at first. But later, "You saw me as someone better than I was.... You told me that I could choose to be different that I had been, that my condition was not permanent. And I began to believe you.... I wanted you to know that your friendship has ... quite literally altered me." Yes, that was true. Akos's love for Cyra made her a better person. She was the beast here. She didn't deserve what he gave her. She may not have chosen her family or her currentgift or what she had become but she was right when she said she was a coward not to have stood up against her brother before. But these kinds of stories where someone loves the enemy are some of my favorite kinds.
The other things I liked included the setting (some people complained about this, but I have nothing to say except that it was beautiful), the idea of the current and the currentgifts, the fates and futures, all the characters (including Ryzek), the plot and the assassination attempts, the rescues and escapes, and the rebellion...(other than it was slow and not surprising it was good and simple and easy to understand).
My conclusion is that it was okay. Three and a half stars. Would I recommend it? That depends on you. Go read the other reviews. If you really want to even after everything that has been said, then do. But if you are afraid that you will dislike it too, don't. There are better things out there. Still, I am happy I read it and I am happy it was okay for me. After all, it's Veronica Roth. She was a "first" for me in a few ways, so maybe I'm biased.
If you have any questions (like whether I'd recommend it to you in particular, or about content and such, or anything else) feel free to ask :D
Saying "okay" means that I found no reason to un-recommend it or dislike it. Still, I can't say I loved it or that it's my newest favorite book. But it was okay. Let my try to explain...
It was slow. That is the first thing that took away stars. It wasn't as if I was at any point desperate to get on with the story. No. Every time I read it, I had to say to myself, "Now, you will sit down and read Carve the Mark. No excuses." It wasn't pulling me along like I want books to do.
Second, there were no shocks, no surprises. Maybe that's me, or maybe it really is the book. I could see what was coming, and at no time did I have my heart in my throat with suspense. Unfortunately.
As for the good things, they were there. There was Akos Kereseth. Right now if you asked me which one fictional character I'd like to meet, it would be Akos. I don't think I'd even want to talk to him. I'd just want to sit on one side of the room and watch him, and see how he treats Cyra and his brother and his family and his friends. Akos was the best part. From the beginning I considered Akos "good, and Cyra, "bad". I loved him, because he loved the monster. He loved Cyra when she was unlovable. When no one loved her. He loved his brother, even as Eijeh turned more and more into Ryzek, and even when the hope grew less and less. Others believed there was no hope of Eijeh's return, but Akos never did. "To continue to love someone so far beyond help, beyond redemption, was madness." That's what Cyra thought of him at first. But later, "You saw me as someone better than I was.... You told me that I could choose to be different that I had been, that my condition was not permanent. And I began to believe you.... I wanted you to know that your friendship has ... quite literally altered me." Yes, that was true. Akos's love for Cyra made her a better person. She was the beast here. She didn't deserve what he gave her. She may not have chosen her family or her currentgift or what she had become but she was right when she said she was a coward not to have stood up against her brother before. But these kinds of stories where someone loves the enemy are some of my favorite kinds.
The other things I liked included the setting (some people complained about this, but I have nothing to say except that it was beautiful), the idea of the current and the currentgifts, the fates and futures, all the characters (including Ryzek), the plot and the assassination attempts, the rescues and escapes, and the rebellion...(other than it was slow and not surprising it was good and simple and easy to understand).
My conclusion is that it was okay. Three and a half stars. Would I recommend it? That depends on you. Go read the other reviews. If you really want to even after everything that has been said, then do. But if you are afraid that you will dislike it too, don't. There are better things out there. Still, I am happy I read it and I am happy it was okay for me. After all, it's Veronica Roth. She was a "first" for me in a few ways, so maybe I'm biased.
If you have any questions (like whether I'd recommend it to you in particular, or about content and such, or anything else) feel free to ask :D
I enjoyed the Divergent series and when I found this series I was excited. I listened to it on audiobook and found it challenging to keep track of supporting characters. I also had a more challenging time visualizing this world. I will continue on with the series.
2.5 Stars.
I am a Shotet. I am sharp as broken glass, and just as fragile. I tell lies better than I tell truths. I see all of the galaxy and never catch a glimpse of it.
Carve the Mark was... honestly, a little disappointing. I mean it was OK, but I had several issues with it.
For one, there was a lot of world building, especially at the beginning (it’s a lot to take in within the first few pages, this book does not start off easy) and yet there was still a bunch of stuff that didn’t make any sense to me. To avoid spoilers I’ll just mention one thing that happens at the very beginning: Akos gets kidnapped from his home of Thuvhe and taken to Shotet where he is held captive for two seasons, however long that is. During this time, he is obviously taught how to fight, allowed to train with the nations army and learn all their tactics and given strong special armour. Obviously.
But seriously - why on earth would they do that?! It doesn’t make any sense and it’s just skirted over like we’re just supposed to accept it?! Not only that, but Akos’s new ability to fight is quite a major plot point and we’re just never supposed to question why the nation who kidnapped him and held him as a captive slave would possibly teach him these skills??
Secondly, I really didn’t like one of the main characters. Akos was fine I guess but Cyra had exactly 0 redeeming qualities. She feels guilty about the awful things she (willingly, really) does and therefore we’re supposed to like her despite the fact that she is constantly horrible to literally everyone all the time.
It was also pretty slow and the plot was not particularly unique but despite this, there were some things I found interesting and I do want to know how things turn out so I’ll read the next one.
I am a Shotet. I am sharp as broken glass, and just as fragile. I tell lies better than I tell truths. I see all of the galaxy and never catch a glimpse of it.
Carve the Mark was... honestly, a little disappointing. I mean it was OK, but I had several issues with it.
For one, there was a lot of world building, especially at the beginning (it’s a lot to take in within the first few pages, this book does not start off easy) and yet there was still a bunch of stuff that didn’t make any sense to me. To avoid spoilers I’ll just mention one thing that happens at the very beginning: Akos gets kidnapped from his home of Thuvhe and taken to Shotet where he is held captive for two seasons, however long that is. During this time, he is obviously taught how to fight, allowed to train with the nations army and learn all their tactics and given strong special armour. Obviously.
But seriously - why on earth would they do that?! It doesn’t make any sense and it’s just skirted over like we’re just supposed to accept it?! Not only that, but Akos’s new ability to fight is quite a major plot point and we’re just never supposed to question why the nation who kidnapped him and held him as a captive slave would possibly teach him these skills??
Secondly, I really didn’t like one of the main characters. Akos was fine I guess but Cyra had exactly 0 redeeming qualities. She feels guilty about the awful things she (willingly, really) does and therefore we’re supposed to like her despite the fact that she is constantly horrible to literally everyone all the time.
It was also pretty slow and the plot was not particularly unique but despite this, there were some things I found interesting and I do want to know how things turn out so I’ll read the next one.