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Monday, November 28, 2016

Carve the Mark ARC Review, Starting Booktube, and More!

Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books/HarperCollins
Pub. Date: Jan. 17, 2017
Pre-Order it: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Fans of Star Wars and Divergent will revel in internationally bestselling author Veronica Roth’s stunning new science-fiction fantasy series.

On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not—their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?

Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift 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 currentgift, 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. They must decide to help each other to survive—or to destroy one another.
Hey, guys! So before I get into the written part of the review . . . I STARTED A YOUTUBE! In fact, my first video, a review of Carve the Mark, is up now! If you want to check that out, here it is!



However, if you simply want to read the written review of Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth, keep scrolling! ^_^

NOTE: One of my favorite things about this book is how it tackles themes of overcoming prejudice. However, some readers have found aspects of this book to be problematic, so please keep that in mind if you're considering reading it :) Here are some links with information regarding the issues in this book: 



After reading Allegiant, the final book in Veronica Roth's Divergent trilogy, I was incredibly hesitant to pick up Carve the Mark. In fact, this book sat on my shelf for a couple of weeks before I decided to read it, and as soon as I did, I couldn't put it down. If you combine Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi with Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, with a sprinkling of Divergent, then you would get Carve the Mark. I wasn't in love with the dual POVs, and the world building needs more work, but all in all, I really enjoyed this book. Most importantly, there is a swoon-worthy ship coupled with a fast-paced plot, filled with constant twists and turns.

The fact that I loved this book so much makes me kind of concerned though, because this is duology, meaning that Roth still has time to break my heart, just like she did with Allegiant . . . but, it's too late for me.


This book was great, and I think that most Divergent lovers will think so too.

1) The plot was incredibly fast-paced. I read this book in one sitting and stayed up until 2AM to finish it because I simply couldn't put it down. Each page had me on the edge of my seat and desperately needing to know what happens next.



2) I truly loved the growth and progression of the romance between Akos and Cyra. Generally, when you have a book with dual girl/guy POVs, you already know that (surprise, surprise) they are going to become a couple. However, I was happy and impressed with how their relationship developed. These two didn't just see each other and just *boom* FALL MADLY IN LOVE. They actually were conflicted, struggled with how they should feel, and had multiple hurdles to overcome before they ultimately began to realize how much they cared for one another.

3) If you ever need tips on how to torture anyone physically or mentally, go to Veronica Roth because . . .




She has NO problem putting her characters through a ton of pain and turmoil . . . and I loved it! The stakes in this book were extremely high and it put me through an emotional rollercoaster.

4) Sibling relationships play a huge role in Carve the Mark, and it's great! Anyone who has siblings knows that these relationships are extremely complicated, regardless of whether the relationships are good, bad, or somewhere in-between. I love how much Roth plays with sibling dynamics.
1) World-building. The sci-fi elements seemed like they were simply thrown in there to make this world more than just a dystopian novel. There weren't enough sci-fi aspects to make me feel as if this was actually a sci-fi book. It felt more like a dystopian with minor sci-fi aspects, despite the setting being in space. 

Note: The spaceships/planes in this book are called "floaters." Now maybe I'm just weird, but as soon as I read, that all I could imagine was that the characters were traveling in flying poops.

2) As I previously mentioned, Carve the Mark is told in alternating dual POVs of Akos and Cyra. Although their separate POVs offered a broader picture of the plot, the characters' backgrounds, and their interactions, Akos and Cyra's voices sound much too similar. The main difference between their POVs is that Akos' sections are written in third person, and Cyra's are in first person. For me, that wasn't enough to separate the voices, and if anything, it made the story feel disorienting.




71 comments:

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    1. I actually enjoyed the story and how skill fiction mixed into imaginary in such a fluid, comprehensible way. The typescripts were really my favorite portion, Cyra and Akos be situated quite stimulating. Their stories were very exclusive and fascinating, dragging me in from the actual first chapter. I am essay writer and providing UK based essay writing services. Thanks for sharing Carve the Mark ARC review and more. Appreciate such post and happy to read book review.

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  2. WOWOWOW congratulations on your YouTube channel!

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  3. omg I'm sooo excited to read Carve the Mark, and even more so now! Great review, and spoiler free too.

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    1. That makes me so happy! And I tried really hard not to spoil anything. Thank you so much for your kind words and for watching my review ^_^

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  4. I'm definitely more excited then I was before to read Carve the Mark. It sounds wonderful. I'm also really loving your new blog design. It's so cute!

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    1. YAY! I hope you love it.

      And thank you, I'm adore it *heart eyes*

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  5. Congratulations on your YouTube Channel!! And awesome review :) I'm super excited for Carve the Mark and really glad you like it! I love the Matryoshka dolls rating <3 And the quotes are so beautiful!

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    1. Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope you love Carve the Mark!

      I love my matryoshka dolls ^___^

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. This book looks amazing! I love those quotes, and congrats on the YT channel :)

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  7. Omg I'm so relieved that you liked it and it's good!! I mean, I DID like Allegiant (haha, I'm probably one of the very few who did) but I kind of felt the writing was always a bit flat/unemotional. So I've been a bit worried about Carve the Mark...but high stakes? And good romance? And good characters?? I'M SOLD AND SO READ FOR THIS. 😜 Also I looove the Babushkas! THEY ARE THE CUTEST OF EVER.😍

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    1. I'm relieved and terrified that it was good because of how I felt about Allegiant BUT I hope that I'll love the sequel to this. I think you will love this book, I will be shocked if you don't, actually haha.

      Babushkas? I think you mean my matryoshka dolls for the rating, right? I think that's what you mean 😅 . Either way, I loooooove them!

      Thanks for stopping by ❤️

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  8. Beautiful post! I can't wait to read this. Congratulations on your YouTube channel!!!!!!!

    Raffle name: Artemis Giote

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  9. I'm really hoping to get hooked with this series , high stakes ?i'm ready.
    Congrats on your youtube channel!

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  10. Thank you for the chance. Carve The Mark is high on my list of most anticipated releases and duh.. it's Veronica Roth. Her Divergent series was awesome and I can't wait to read another book of hers.

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    1. Good luck on the giveaway! Either way it's a great book and if you love Veronica Roth then I think you will ^_^

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  11. I LOVE this layout. I think I need your friend to make me one. :) Also this review was the first one that made me want to read this book. And I've seen quite a few.

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    1. Thank you so much, I love it too ^__^ And that makes me really happy that it was my review that made you want to read Carve the Mark, that's awesome. Thanks for stopping by!

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  12. Congrats on starting your new channel! I honestly hadn't read the synposis for this book until just now. It sounds good, but I'm REALLY big on my world building especially in scifi/fantasy.

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    1. Thank you! I'm having so much fun with it.

      World building is a big deal especially in sci-fi and fantasy but you should definitely give it is a shot still. Maybe it'll be good for you!

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  13. Can't wait to read Carve! It's on my wish list. And one of my favorite genres.

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    1. That's awesome, I hope it exceeds all of your expectations!

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  14. You are a Youtube natural! Congrats on your first video! I am so glad to hear that you loved this book because I am super hyped for it!! :)

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    1. Thank you so much! You're so sweet ^_^ I hope you enjoy Carve the Mark!

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  15. I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed Carve the Mark. I had been hesitant to read it after Allegiant, but you've definitely got me excited now. Congrats on the YouTube channel too!

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    1. I was really hesitant too, Carve the Mark sat on my shelf for probably two weeks before I picked it up because I was worried we'd get another Allegiant. Hopefully, we don't! *fingers crossed*

      Thank you!

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  16. Yaaaay! Even though I'm not a BookTube person, I love watching other people's videos. Looking forward to future content from you!

    I'm so excited for this series. I loved Roth's writing in DIVERGENT (and Four is my baby), but ALLEGIANT tore me to shreds. Here's to hoping she doesn't kill us all over again.

    --Anastasia

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    1. Thank you so much. I wasn't sure that I was a booktube person until I tried but the channel isn't going to be strictly a booktube so hopefully you'll like my other content as well!

      Allegiant absolutely broke me and ruined the trilogy for me. So here's to hoping that this doesn't happen <3

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  17. Congrats on your Youtube channel! I loved your first video, those memes had me laughing non-stop! ♥

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    1. Aaah and yes I love your design! Gonna miss the old one, but yes, this one is so pretty!

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    2. Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed all of the memes ^__^

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    3. And I'm glad you love my new design. I have to say that I don't miss the old design at all though because I've pretty much always hated it haha. I just needed the right designer to bring my vision to life and thankfully I did!

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  18. Wow . . . You really piqued my curiosity, I'll have to add this book to my endless list!
    Thanks for reviewing it, and congratulations on your YouTube Channel! :D

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    1. Yay! You won't regret it.

      Thank you so much for stopping by!

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  19. Congrats on the youtube channel! I wish you the best of luck.
    I wasn't a huge fan of Allegiant, but I think I'll still give this one a try
    Aneta @ Angelic Book Reviews 

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    1. Thank you so much!

      You should definitely give it a try, I wasn't a fan of Allegiant and I loved this one!

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  20. I'm a little hesitant to pick up Roth's books because I never got to finish the Divergent Series but this review made me think otherwise! I'm so happy you enjoyed this book!

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    1. Yeah, definitely give it a shot! Maybe this will be the one book that makes you like Roth!

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  21. Congrats on the youtube channel! Best of luck!
    And awesome review of Carve the Mark, I'm definitely excited to check it out and the quotes are awesome!

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  22. Great review! I'm glad you liked it, even if it has a few things that could improve! I am really looking forward to this because a fast paced plot, space and a swoony ship sounds amazing :)

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    1. I heard that they are going to be making some major changes so we'll see! But as it is, I really enjoyed it and I hope you will too ^_^

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  23. Congrats on your youtube channel!! I am definitely waiting for Carve the Mark!! I wasn't the biggest fan of the Divergent series, but maybe I will like this one? Who knows....
    hehe great review :)
    Prabhleen @ Booksarelife987

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    1. Exactly, you might love this one!

      Thanks for stopping by ^_^

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  24. Ah, I ADORE your new blog design! It's so so so gorgeous and I adore the color scheme! I'm so excited to read CARVE THE MARK; amazing review!! :)

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    1. Thank you!! I love it sooo much ^__^

      Good luck on the giveaway and thank you for stopping by!

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  25. I love fairytale themed designs! I am a huge Divergent trilogy fan, so I am excited for these books, almost beyond words. I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my son away from all the family drama. Ha ha. What could be better? I hope you had a great holiday, too. Thanks for the stellar giveaway. :)

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    1. Thank you so much! I didn't think about the fairytale theme but I can definitely see it now haha.

      I'm glad to hear you had a great Thanksgiving, and boo family drama. I had a great holiday, thank you very much! Good luck on the giveaway ^_^

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  26. I am so glad to hear you liked Carve The Mark. I was one of the few people who actually liked Allegiant, but I was still hesitant about this one for some reason, so I am so happy to hear its a good read. Great review!

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    1. My thing with Allegiant is that I felt the book as a whole was bad. It felt as if the characters had regressed, I wasn't a huge fan of the split POV, and I didn't agree with how Tris died. I think you'll like this one though because you enjoyed Divergent.

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  27. Congrats on your youtube channel! I love your new blog design. I'm so excited to read Carve the Mark. Thank you for the chance :)

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  28. First, I ADORE the new design! SO. PRETTY. Fairy Tales + Russian inspiration? YES. SO much yes. And congrats on the YouTube channel! That is awesome :) I end up not being able to pay attention to videos much, but I know so many people love them! Carve the Mark sounds good too, I am looking forward to what Veronica has done, but I am, like you, nervous because of Allegiant- that book disappointed me on SO many levels. Le sigh. Hopefully, this won't do that to us :D

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    1. Thank you so much! I love my new design, I can't believe it's mine ^_^ I'm really nervous about how this is going to end but it's too late for me haha. Hopefully it won't be like that.

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  29. Your blog is beautiful! I don't know how you did these designs, but they are stunning! Super excited for these books!! (And I had an excellent Thanksgiving, thank you for asking!)

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    1. Thank you so much! I didn't personally do them, I had a professional handle it haha but she took my idea and brought it to life and I'm so pleased ^__^

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  30. I LOVE this blog design so much! Congratulations!

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  31. Lovely blog - and great review :) I can't wait to read this!

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  32. "traveling in floating poops" omg xD
    BRITTANY YOUR NEW BLOG DESIGN *DIES FROM THE BEAUTIFULNESS*

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  33. Eee, gorgeous review Brittany :D SO glad you enjoyed Carve the Mark so much. <3 Yesss. I have waited forever to read it. My copies will be here soooon, I hope :D So excited to read it too. You just make me even more excited for it, lol :)

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    1. Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. I hope you enjoy it, and I can't wait to see what you think of it ^_^

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