Birthmarked (Birthmarked Trilogy, #1)

by Caragh M O'Brien

Just as good the second time!!

Blog Review: http://yainfatuation.blogspot.com/2011/12/birthmarked-birthmarked-1-caragh-m_04.html#comment-form

O how I love this book! This is one of the first books I read when I started the dystopia genre and I love it. The first time, I was hesitant because of the “midwife” part. I wasn’t exactly sure where this book would be headed but don’t fear! Mrs. O’Brien creates a brilliant, thought-provoking novel with great, interesting characters.

Gaia, the main character, isn’t perfect like most other main characters. The left side of her face is scarred and she has had to deal with this her whole life. She has a reason to feel insecure and while most of us probably don’t have scars like that, this at least makes her relatable (we’ve all felt insecure). Gaia doesn’t start off as some rebellious, kick-butt girl and she never really physically becomes that but does mentally.

She starts off as the docile, ignorant citizen who thinks that whatever the Enclave does is right. She is ignorant of the wrong-doings of her society and in turn she completes the baby quota each month. It takes the arrest of her parents to make her realize that the Enclave may not be as perfect as it seems. As the story progresses, Gaia becomes a determined young woman who loves life, making me fall absolutely in love with her.

And Leon….O Leon. First off, I’m a sucker for a man in uniform so I may be a little biased ;). I absolutely fell in love with Leon. Although he has a retained composure and sometimes comes across as cold, he has reason too. But underneath that is a kind, caring, respectful man whose just been through a lot. To me, he’s definitely swoon-worthy.

The plot was completely engaging and completely unique in its own ways. Not to mention thought-provoking. As with most dystopias, the characters start to question their society. However, what makes a really good dystopia is when the author can make both the characters and the readers not only question the society, but also understand the society. That is exactly what this book does. Although you may understand their intentions and why the Enclave is doing this, their execution sucks. This is a book that makes you both understand and condemn the Enclave.

Overall, this book was completely engaging and thought-provoking. It isn’t to fast or too slow. I definitely recommend it to fans of dystopia and it is a light enough dystopia for those just starting out on the genre.