Step into the vibrant cosmos of Carve the Mark, a thrilling science fiction duology by Veronica Roth that blends interstellar adventure with deeply human stories. Set in a galaxy where a mystical force called the current grants unique powers, this series follows Cyra and Akos, two young souls from warring nations, as their fates collide in a tale of resilience, identity, and unexpected bonds.
With its fast-paced plot and richly imagined worlds, Carve the Mark invites readers to explore a universe where every choice carries weight and every power comes with a price. Perfect for fans of Star Wars and Divergent, this series is a must-read for anyone craving a sci-fi saga with heart!
How Carve the Mark Began
Veronica Roth, the bestselling author of the Divergent trilogy, unveiled Carve the Mark in 2017, inspired by her love for science fiction and a desire to craft a new kind of story. After the global success of Divergent, Roth wanted to explore a galaxy far beyond dystopian Chicago, blending space opera with themes of fate and personal struggle. Announced in 2015 through a two-book deal with HarperCollins, the series was eagerly anticipated, with its stunning cover and title revealed in May 2016, sparking buzz among fans.
The Heart of Carve the Mark
The Carve the Mark duology consists of two books: Carve the Mark (2017) and The Fates Divide (2018). In the first book, we meet Cyra Noavek, a Shotet warrior whose currentgift causes her constant pain but also makes her a weapon for her tyrannical brother, Ryzek. Akos Kereseth, a Thuvhesit captive, has a gift that neutralizes others’ powers, making him both valuable and vulnerable. As their paths intertwine on the divided planet of Thuvhe, they challenge their destinies and uncover hidden truths.
The Fates Divide picks up the stakes, diving deeper into the galaxy’s political intrigue and the characters’ evolving bond. Roth’s worldbuilding shines, with nine distinct planets, each with unique cultures, from the icy Thuvhe to the watery Pitha. The series tackles heavy themes like trauma, redemption, and the cost of power, wrapped in a narrative that balances action, romance, and moral complexity. Cyra’s first-person perspective and Akos’s third-person chapters create a dynamic storytelling style, though some readers found the worldbuilding dense.
The series also includes two short stories, ‘The Armored Ones’ and ‘The Transformationist,’ in Roth’s collection The End and Other Beginnings, offering extra glimpses into this universe. Fans of character-driven sci-fi will love how Roth crafts flawed, relatable heroes who grow through pain and hope.
Why Carve the Mark Resonates
Carve the Mark made waves for its bold mix of sci-fi and fantasy, earning praise for its intricate world and compelling characters. While some criticized its pacing or controversial tropes, others lauded its exploration of identity and resilience, sparking debates about diversity and storytelling in YA fiction. The series’ focus on defying fate and finding strength in vulnerability resonates with readers, cementing Roth’s knack for crafting emotionally charged narratives.
Its legacy lies in its ability to inspire conversations about power and privilege, while its vivid galaxy invites fans to dream of new worlds. Though not as massive as Divergent, Carve the Mark remains a gem for sci-fi enthusiasts seeking a fresh, thought-provoking adventure.
- Publication Years: 2017–2018
- Number of Books: 2 (plus 2 short stories)
- Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult
- Publisher: HarperCollins
Grab Carve the Mark and blast off into a galaxy where fate is just the beginning!