Book Review of "Birthmarked" by Caragh O'Brien

Title: Birthmarked (Birthmarked #1)
Author: Caragh M. O'Brien
Classification: YA Fiction, Dystopian
Source: Bought from Amazon

 

Overall Grade:

C+ / B-

I Thought...

Compelling characters and a unique premise were slowed down by a sporadic plot.


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Summary (from Goodreads):

In the Enclave, your scars set you apart, and the newly born will change the future.

Sixteen-year-old Gaia Stone and her mother faithfully deliver their quota of three infants every month. But when Gaia's mother is brutally taken away by the very people she serves, Gaia must question whether the Enclave deserves such loyalty. A stunning adventure brought to life by a memorable heroine, this dystopian debut will have readers racing all the way to the dramatic finish.

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My Thoughts: 

Although Birthmarked definitely had a unique premise and refreshing characters, the story and plot were too convoluted to make for a fast-paced read. What resulted is a mixed novel filled with intermittent mystery, heartbreak, romance, and suspense that makes me constantly change my mind about it. 

On the surface, I was not thrilled with this book, because it made me try to too hard as a reader to fall in love with the story. We would be presented with Gaia, a noteworthy heroine who is faced with terrible difficulty, only to be led to a stale plot device that slowed the narrative to a halt. 

Again, a love interest was introduced, complications arose, and yet again, the plot slowed and I felt like putting the novel down again and doing some knitting. Seriously. 

However, I must say that the last 50 or so pages of this book were like BAM--in your FACE awesome. Those last pages will probably carry me on to the next book in the series, Prized. But, I really hope that O'Brien picks up the pace in the next installment. 

If you have the patience for a narrative that is constantly up and down, Birthmarked is definitely a dystopian that is worth your time! The refreshing characters and interesting world are cause enough to give it a try.

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Overall Grade:

C+ / B-

I Thought...

Compelling characters and a unique premise were slowed down by a sporadic plot.

Add to Goodreads | Order from Amazon

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