Review: Carve The Mark by Veronica Roth

Title: Carve the Mark (Carve the Mark #1)
Author: Veronica Roth 
Genre: Science Fiction 
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: January 17th 2017

Summary: 
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.




***I did end up DNFing this book. So this isn't a typical review because I can't really review something I didn't finish.***


I think everyone was excited last year when Roth released the news that she had another novel coming out in the winter of 2017. I know for sure that me, Jessica, and Emily where buzzing with excitement! We loved the Divergent series and love Roth's writing so we were sure we were going to love Carve the Mark just as much. Now, I won't speak for my co-bloggers because we all like something different, but I was kind of disappointed. 

I never read reviews before I read a book, and if I do its when a book is so hyped up. Just like Carve the Mark. The reviews varied, some readers loved the book and others didn't. I also came across a lot of the same conversation about Cyra, and the chronic pain she experiences because of her current gift.

The biggest reason I DNFed Carve the Mark though is because it was slow. I got bored, it took me two weeks to read up to 43% and by that point it was a page here and a page there. The world building was also extremely heavy and just when I thought I finally had a grip on the setting, Roth threw in a new detail that was essential to remember. Also, though I really liked the ideas of the currents and current gifts I really did wish they were explained in more detail. They played a big enough roll in the novel, that at some points I was confused.

In the end I wish I did end up loving this book and that it didn't have some of the negativity surrounding it. I know that it is going to be a duology so I *might* give it another shot when the second book comes out. But for now, I just wasn't into it. 

                                                                                             

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