Fans of Star Wars and Divergent will revel in internationally bestselling author Veronica Roth's first title in a stunning new science-fiction fantasy series. Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra's current gift 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 current gift, 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. Will they help each other to survive, or will they destroy one another? Carve the Mark is Veronica Roth's stunning portrayal of the power of friendship - and love - on a planet where violence and vengeance rule.
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[HUSHFLOWERS ALWAYS BLOOMED WHEN the night was longest]***
(@HarperCollinsCh, 17 January 2017, 528 pages, ebook, #popsugarreadingchallenge 2020, a book with a made-up language, borrowed from @GlasgowLib via @OverDriveLibs)
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I've never actually read a Veronica Roth book before. I've seen all of the Divergent films but have never read the books. I must get on it. It would seem this book is a bone of contention judging by the mixed reviews on GoodReads. Well, I'll throw myself to the wolves and declare that I enjoyed this book. There's nothing really original about it and the plot more than echoes the X-Men. That doesn't bother me. I found this book entertaining. The world building isn't great and I had no idea until I'd almost finished the book that it was set in space. This was an easy red, digestible without much effort. The characters are quite racist at times but this is fiction so I never saw an issue with this. I liked the warring cultures and the cold brutality of it all. This worked for me.
