Carve the Mark

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

Roth has created an interstellar world where each planet has a different culture but they all depend on a currentstream that imparts energy to each being. As children come of age, they gain currentgifts that are either positive or negative in nature. Violence and power are a way of honor in Cyra's culture. Being the sister of the king should have it's benefits except her currentgift of taking on pain and transferring it to others makes her more of a weapon that her brother twists to his advantage. The only relief from pain she gets comes from a break in the current energy when Akos, who is kidnapped from his peaceful, zen-like planet, is near her. Akos has a talent for potions and his currentgift stops the stream's power from activating any gifts. Polar opposites of violence versus peace, honor versus self protection, drugs versus abstinence of substances, secrets versus transparency, pain versus being numb are weaved into the many plot twists and turns of this intergalactic thriller. Each character illicits some emotional reaction be it negative or positive. Divergent fans will be pleased with this new series.

Overall Book Score: very good