In a galaxy powered by the current,
everyone has a gift. Some may be helpful while others may be harmful.
Of the nine planets, the planet Thuvhe is divided; split between the
Shotet and the Thuvhesit. Order is kept by the Assembly, which is on
a large ship that holds all the leaders and associates. The current
is a mystical force that gives everyone a gift and it runs through
everyone and everything. Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who
rules over the Shotet people. All she has known is brutality and
pain. Her softness was taken away when her mother was killed, and
deep down she knows it’s her fault. 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 a blade in her bothers hand:
she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows. Akos
is the son of an oracle from Thuvhe, he is generous in spirit and his
loyalty to his family is limitless. Although protected by his unusual
current gift, Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet
soldiers. Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive; no matter
what it takes. Then Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, and the
enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable.
They could either help each other survive, or they could destroy one
another.
This is the
first book out of the Carve the Mark duology. This thrilling novel by
Veronica Roth is everything the name suggests and more. I think it is
a very good book for middle school boys and girls. One of the things
I love about this book is the way you can connect with the
characters. You feel their emotions and the reasons behind their
actions. For example, you can really understand and relate to Cyra
when she is trying to fight against her brother’s tyranny and the
same with Akos’s pain when his father died. I think Cyra is one of
the best characters and it is impossible not to like her. She is the
definition of brave and fearless, she does what she wants and stands
up for what she wants. Some of the characters are just so amazingly
developed and it just makes for an exciting read. The book was
extremely suspenseful, making it nearly impossible to put down. The
tropes were amazing, and I really enjoyed this book. If you like
dystopian themes, action packed thrillers, violence, and a little bit
of romance then this is the ideal read for you. If you enjoy this
then there is a sequel called The Fates Divide which was just
amazing.
Reviewed by Rachel L. 7th Grade
