Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth is told through the eyes of two main characters, Akos and Cyra. These two teens live on a world with two adversarial nation-states: Thuvhe and Shotet, and are on opposite sides of the conflict. Tuvhe, Akos’s land, is peaceful, but the Shotets are known for their brutality. Confounding these political issues is a force known as the current, which has a great influence on people of this world. It provides a different power to each person when he or she comes of age, but also gives oracles, one of whom is Akos’ mother, the gift of prophesy. But don’t overestimate this gift; prophesies are fluid and there can be different paths. The only thing which cannot change is the future of a person who is “fated.” Akos and Cyra are two of these people.
Near the beginning of the book, Akos and his brother are kidnapped and taken to Shotet’s cruel, dictatorial ruler Ryzek, who wants to use them because of their fates. Cyra is Ryzek’s sister, but unlike him, she is kind and hates hurting people. Unfortunately, her current power is pain, and she can inflict pain on another person with just a touch. Ryzek knows this and forces her to torture his enemies.
Cyra and Akos are thrown together because his power is to interrupt the current, so he can relieve her of her own constant pain. However, as they get to know each other, a friendship develops which could alter the political structure of the world in which they live.
Carve the Mark is a very engaging book with a satisfying ending. There is no mention as to whether it is the beginning of a series, but there are questions left unanswered, so there is definitely room for a second book. Though there are a lot of characters, they are easy to keep track of, and Akos and Cyra show a great deal of growth. Veronica Roth does an amazing job creating a new world with sympathetic characters. I hope to see more of them.