Flawed (Flawed, #1)

by Cecelia Ahern

[Kelly]

Following the storyline of Celestine, readers are introduced into a society that breeds perfection. Those deemed less than are branded as Flawed and made an example of. It reminded me of The Giver with that aspect, an introduction to dystopian without delving into intricate details. Celestine lives the perfect existence. She's intelligent, with a bright future and is dating her long time friend and son of Judge Bosco, the head of the Guild. Her only misdemeanor is her nightly rendezvous with Art, where the two teens sit atop the mountain and watch the world go by. It's her sister Juniper who has always had the rebellious streak, so when an elderly Flawed passenger on the bus needs assistance, it's Celestine who breaks the law and rushes to his side.

Reminiscent of the warfare between Katniss and President Snow, It's Judge Bosco who is facing an inquiry between his fellow members of the Guild who want to make an example of the seventeen year old. In order to ensure her freedom, Celestine will need to plead her innocence and sentence an already Flawed man to what may be an early death. The system of the Guild law is itself Flawed. Open to not only interpretation to suit each case but also to be abused by those in power and Celestine is about to discover what a dangerous game she's playing. Telling the truth means risking it all. Her relationship, her family, her status as a model citizen and faces the wrath of Bosco.

The barely there romance made little impact to the storyline, as Art lacked any real personality or character development. It was Carrick who was being held in the next cell who captured my attention. With little interaction, his character was far more interesting than Art and has already asserted himself as a possible love interest for Celestine. But it was the morality behind Flawed that captivated me. A panel of self appointed and wealthy citizens that decide the fate of those posed with moral dilemmas from crime, cheating on a partner to something as small as aiding a Flawed citizen to a chair as in Celestine's case and the corruption behind the kangaroo court method of justice.

Flawed was a great introduction to dystopian or for those who are hungry for a new and entertaining read that will sate your need for the genre. Apart from a few snippets of information exchanged between characters, the history of the Guild wasn't fully explored but hoping book two features greater world building than it's predecessor.

With a few minor issues, Cecelia Ahern has created a successful transition into the young adult genre. With more emphasis needed on world building and character depth, the Flawed series is a new and exciting series from a much loved adult author.