Rating: 5 out of 5
Summary
16-year-old Gaia Stone follows in her mother’s footsteps as midwife for her section of town. Every month they advance the first three babies they deliver into the Enclave, the unknown life behind the stone wall. When Gaia’s parents are taken by Enclave soldiers without explanation, however, Gaia sets off on a journey into the Enclave to rescue her parents. What she learns beyond the wall about the advanced babies, the Enclave, and all of their futures is more shocking than anything she could’ve imagined.
Review
Words fail to adequately describe how astonishingly completely Caragh O’Brien drew me into Gaia’s dystopian world in this debut YA novel. Holy cow! BIRTHMARKED is a layered and action-packed dystopian treat that just might satisfy readers eagerly awaiting the third and final installment of The Hunger Games series.
I am absolutely bowled over by how well-written this book is. Caragh O’Brien presents us with interesting characters that we want to follow through all their suspenseful adventures and encounters. From Gaia, the determined “everywoman” protagonist, to the alluring and quietly troubled Captain Gray, to everyone who helps or harms Gaia along the way…all are engaging and three-dimensional to capture our attention from the start and hold on throughout.
A dystopian novel is nothing without a well executed and faithfully imagined world-gone-wrong. Luckily, Gaia’s world is one of the best I’ve read about in a long time, high up there with Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games and Maria Snyder’s Poison Study. BIRTHMARKED starts with a bang in the first chapter and never lets up. There’s plenty of mystery, code-breaking, narrow escapes, and running to satisfy fans of action and adventure, and it’s all wrapped within a fully realized dystopia.
I don’t think my review was enough to express my admiration of and love for this book, but rest assured that if this sounds even mildly interesting to you, then you will NOT be able to put it down!
Similar Authors
Suzanne Collins
Catherine Fisher (Incarceron)
Maria V. Snyder (Poison Study)
Writing: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5
Cover discussion: 3 out of 5 - It's not...bad, I guess. But it's also not the best that I think it could've been. My favorite part is the colorful twisties in the center that kind of echo DNA.
Roaring Book Press / Mar. 30, 2010 / Hardcover / 368pp. / $16.99
ARC picked up at NCTE conference.
I don't think I've ever seen you so enthusiastic, Steph. xD I didn't know this one came out so soon! I will have to pick it up, especially since it has your ~seal of approval~
ReplyDeleteAND CONGRATS ON 1000 FOLLOWERS! Well-deserved. :D
Aw, Great review! I've been hearing of this book, but never in this way, like... enthusiastic and positive way. I think I should put it in my wishlist now.
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ReplyDeleteLooks awesome, I agree with the cover, could have been better, I definetely want to read it.
ReplyDeleteNice Review
AHH soo good, this one I love the look of...I cant wait to read it. Wonderful review!
ReplyDeleteOh, now I HAVE to read this one...I was wavering before, but now I am going to put it in my TBR pile! I'm almost done with "Incarceron" right now and if it's similar to that and "The Hunger Games" I'll definitely love it! Great review.
ReplyDeleteYay for dystopia! I've been excited about this one for what feels like forever, so I'm thrilled to hear such a positive review from you. Sounds like we have some awesome world-building to look forward to, and believable comparisons to The Hunger Games are always a good sign. I absolutely can't wait for this one.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. This sounds pretty good, and so far I've only heard good things about it. I love dystopian books, so this is definitely going on my wish list.
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I have this in my TBR pile, and I wasn't that interested in it. After reading this, though, I'm definitely going to pick it up. Thanks for the recommendation!
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ReplyDeleteYep, I'll be getting this. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI have given you an award here because I enjoy reading your content.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteI like your cover discussion-- "colorful twisties"!
*puts it on my TBR pile* You make me want to read dystopian novels now! Awesome review, thanks :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review! This one I have to read :D Especially since the writer is compared to Maria V. Snyder and Suzanne Collins :)
ReplyDeleteThis is the first I'm spotting this one, and I don't think I really made it much past "just might satisfy readers eagerly awaiting the third and final installment of The Hunger Games series." Say no more, Steph! Say. No. More. Off to find it. :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with the above comment! I can't wait for MockingJay!!! I loved your review. Anyone that reads your blog will be able to feel how enthusiastic about this book and the passion you have for it. I know I for one will be getting this book next after reading your review! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteThis one didn't really caught my eye before because of the cover, but after reading your review, I have to read it! It looks really interesting, and comparing it to the work of Collins, Fisher and Snyder is very convincing for me.
ReplyDeleteI just finished Poison Study, so seeing this book compared to Poison Study and Hunger Games-I must read now!
ReplyDeleteYour review convinced me, i'm really curious about this book and i'm adding it to my list, it sounds so great
ReplyDeleteThis sounds good! I'll have to check this out!
ReplyDeleteI love dystopian novels, and this one sounds amazing! And I love the author's picks! Thanks for the heads up!
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