Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth

 

F

SciFi/Fantasy

ROT

In a system  of planets, a ribbon of energy called the Current, weaves around each planetary body giving its residents special abilities. For Cyra, sister of Ryzek, the sovereign of the warlike Shotet people, that gift leaves her constantly wracked with pain, which she can inflict on others with just a touch. Akos, from Thuvhe, the sworn enemies of the Shotet, however, can negate the effects of the Current with his gift. When tyrannical Ryzek kidnaps Akos and his brother, he orders Akos to serve Cyra, using his gift to alleviate her pain. But Cyra is horrified by Ryzek's violent thirst for control, and Akos is desperate to save his brother. Akos and Cyra find more solidarity than enmity. Carve the Mark is a brutal world of political intrigue and adventure with a slow-burning romance.