It can provide inspiration for sci-fi and fantasy writers looking for a universe that successfully fuses the two genres. Writers can follow her example to step out of the boundaries surrounding the traditional genres to write something entirely new and unique, as long as they hold to logical explanations of the combinations.Ĭarve the Mark is an intriguing novel and the story world is unlike any other. But Roth deftly melds them by adding elements of both without creating a conflict of interests. The magic of fantasy defies science, which normally makes the genres incompatible. Sci-fi focuses on science and technology in order for the characters to travel to other planets, build spaceships, etc. Science fiction and fantasy, which are both extremely similar and extremely different, are difficult to blend. Veronica Roth combines several genres, bridging the gap between them. It also shows that all people have both good and evil within them. Carve the Mark demonstrates that even the worst people have a backstory and a reason for their heartlessness-and that they can be redeemed by unconditional love. Veronica Roth does an exemplary job of helping readers understand, and even like, characters such as broken, cruel Cyra. Readers need only imagine the pain Cyra experiences to realize how dark the themes must be for her to have a successful character arc.

As the daughter and sister of bloodthirsty emperors, she becomes a tool for their use.

Cyra suffers constant, excruciating pain, which she is capable of sharing with others through a single touch. It is not recommended for readers younger than fourteen. Roth layers these literary elements over each other to form an unforgettable story world.Ĭarve the Mark explores many deep, even dark, themes. Yet, extraordinary abilities and prophesying exist alongside Roman coliseums, tyrannical emperors, and intentions of world dominance.

Spaceships, advanced technology, and foreign planets comprise a fantastic world full of complex cultures and beautiful imagery. It’s a mixture of fantasy, dystopian, light romance, historical reimagining, and, most strongly, science fiction. Veronica Roth, author of the Divergent Series, recently released her latest novel, Carve the Mark. When their identities and fates are revealed, the lives of these four intertwine in ways that no one, not even the oracles, foresaw. Cyra and her older brother, the children of a bloodthirsty emperor, also have fates. Akos and his brother have fates, which makes them dangerous, despite being only the children of a farmer and an oracle. Few have a fate, an inevitable future event in their lives. Everyone in the galaxy has a gift, similar to a magical talent, which develops during puberty.

Carve the mark characters