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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
I had trouble getting into this book while reading the physical book but had no trouble getting into it with my fantastic audiobook. I enjoyed this book very much.
Really couldn't get in to this. I was very disappointed as I've enjoyed other books by the author. The problem might well lie with me. Sadly dnf
I'm not usually a fantasy fan, but this book was great! Yes, I would consider it YA with a little bit of romance, but I felt that the overarching themes were loyalty to family and country, and understanding that family is not always morally right. I loved that Cyra went from just someone with so much pain, to a revolutionary. The book got confusing in the middle at times, but I was able to hang on and enjoy it. There was also a large amount of death and torture for a YA novel, which made it feel more adult. I think the world building was great and complex. I recommend this one!
I WANT ANOTHER BOOK SO BAD PLEASE MAKE ANOTHER ONE THE AUTHOR ITS THAT GOOD
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.