Birthmarked (Birthmarked, #1)

Sep 09, 2011 Clare Cannon rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: 13 years - adults

Recommended to Clare by: Rated Reads

Shelves: young-adult, adults, 13-15yrs, favorites

I cannot wait for the sequel! I thought this would be a heavy read, but I was so wrong. It is everything a gripping dystopian should be, but has wonderful characters who grow through adversity and whose experiences afford powerful insights into what is most important in life.

A dark future world is divided between those who live inside the wall, and those - like sixteen year old Gaia Stone - who live outside. Gaia was trained as a midwife by her mother, and it's now her job to "advance" a quota...more

I cannot wait for the sequel! I thought this would be a heavy read, but I was so wrong. It is everything a gripping dystopian should be, but has wonderful characters who grow through adversity and whose experiences afford powerful insights into what is most important in life.

A dark future world is divided between those who live inside the wall, and those - like sixteen year old Gaia Stone - who live outside. Gaia was trained as a midwife by her mother, and it's now her job to "advance" a quota of infants from poverty into the walled Enclave. Gaia has always been an obedient citizen, but when events reveal new information about the Enclave Gaia is determined to find out the truth and protect those she loves.

Gaia had a wonderful upbringing; her parents' depth and wisdom nourished her character so that she was ready to face difficulties with courage and selflessness. I loved the flash-backs to her childhood which show a beautiful relationship with both parents and the profound moral wisdom they passed on to her. On one occasion someone has stolen their animals, and her father surprises her by not being angry but forgiving the thieves, who "must have been very hungry". On another Gaia's mother is regretting having given her first two children to the Enclave as required by law; Gaia would excuse her for not having had a choice but her father corrects her: "You always have a choice, Gaia, you can always say no."

After ploughing through the self-serving false heroism of The Hunger Games series I felt like shouting this advice to the four winds. If only we heard it more often.

With a bad physical scar from a childhood accident, Gaia struggles to not only accept her appearance, but to acknowledge that the pity she loathes in other's eyes may in fact be sympathy; she sees she must learn to trust herself to others and not keep a barrier around herself.

There's a beautiful respect for life, maternity, newborn babies and children, and for so many other qualities like the dignity of work, of relationships, and the rich beauty of a multitude of characters choosing what is right.

The relationship between Leon and Gaia is realistic but perfect: their love grows for all the right reasons, they learn so much about each other and their flawed but earnest characters are the antithesis of Edward/Bella sentimentalism and Katniss/Peeta falseness. These two truly demonstrate sacrifice.

Younger readers should be aware of a few slightly confronting birth scenes (one right at the start), though I considered the realism a fitting setting for the weighty themes, giving life-like depth to the characters. There are also references to a serious occurrence in Leon's past that requires maturity and objectivity and may be misunderstood by younger readers. The context shows that Leon's actions were not culpable but there were still serious consequences including the suicide of a mentally ill young teen. Yet I thought even this event was treated with delicacy and dignity, and stimulated further growth in the characters.

The story itself is original, tightly written and moves at a fast pace, and truth be told it's impossible to put down. Once finished, the long wait for the sequel begins. What a surprise to find a contemporary dystopian that's rich and deep and inspires such hope in adversity.

www.portico.com.au * www.GoodReadingGuide.com (less)

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Sep 10, 2011 karen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: why-yes-i-ya, dysto-teque

the fact that i can't think of a single thing to say about this book should be review enough, right? and yet, that could be misconstrued as one of those "if you don't have anything nice to say" remarks. and that's not it. it was a "good" "read," i am just having difficulty saying anything interesting tonight.

i will just sit here and hope the votes pour in without any effort on my part...

yes??

no??

okay, i will give it a go.

yes, yes, it is another YA dystopia. (half of you have officially tuned ou...more

55 likes · like · see review

Sep 17, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip marked it as to-read-i-own-it

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews, trt-gold-star-award-winner, series-bk-1, teen, ebook-jen-owns, not-lendable, apocalyptic-dystopian

Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com

Gaia (Guy-ya) Stone is following in her mother's footsteps. She has been training to be a midwife for years and is ready to accept her role in the community. For as long as she can remember, life on the outside of the wall has been this way.

The first three babies of the month are advanced to the Enclave to be adopted and live their life inside the wall. While the pain of losing a child is great, the mothers know that their baby will be living in a...more

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Mar 23, 2012 Melissa rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 60-books-in-2011

I wanted to like this book, I really did. The premise seemed really interesting, but the book just fell flat. Gaia was just boring and the rest of the characters were flat and underdeveloped. I honestly didn't understand why everyone was risking their life to help her because she wasn't inspiring and her cause for the most part helped only her, no one else (saving her parents). I also didn't understand the need to separate the people from the Enclave and those outside the wall, since the Enclave...more

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Feb 08, 2012 Cici rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, dystopia, top-favorites

This is a story made 300 years into the future. The main character is Gaia, a scarred, 16 year old midwife, taught by her mother. They live on the outside of the wall of the Enclave. They live to serve the Enclave.

The first three babies of each month, from each midwife(I believe there is three midwives, though I'm not 100% sure) will be advanced to the Enclave to have a better life. You should feel honored to have your baby advanced.. Well, some things start to change and Gaia starts to questio...more

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Nov 21, 2011 Stacey (prettybooks) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-after-university, dystopian-or-post-apocalyptic, read-in-my-twenties, young-adult-fiction

Gaia Stone lives in a dystopian society that's split in two: the rich, privileged members live inside the walled Enclave while the rest, including Gaia, live in poverty Outside. It is an acquiesced law that the first three babies born every month will be "advanced" into the Enclave to be brought up by the elite. Gaia happily serves the Enclave as a midwife, alongside her mother, until she comes home one night to find that her mother and father have been arrested. Gaia has been told that her pare...more

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Aug 09, 2011 Reynje rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2011, young-adult, dystopia

This book and I got on a plane together, and if it hadn’t been for the fact that we were both trapped in a small space with little else to do, we might have parted ways early on.

I didn’t step smoothly into the first few chapters of Birthmarked. My reading experience sort of tripped, stumbled, almost face-planted. At first the writing seemed quite dense and strangely... formal? I had some difficulty getting my head into the world – possibly due to some pre-conceived ideas I had about the book, w...more

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May 28, 2010 elissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recommended to elissa by: Captiol Choices

Shelves: youngadult, sciencefiction, my_10s_reads, 2010favorites

Definitely had a good start, but I found it to be slightly uneven. Dystopic futuristic atmosphere was very good, and reminded me of Handmaid's Tale, partly because of the reproductive aspects involved in the plot. World building good, characters interesting, plot was compelling and moved the reader along. I guess sometimes the coincidences didn't always work for me (like when the main character meets just the person who can help her in an alley--a man who she's never met before--right when she n...more

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Mar 28, 2012 Erin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: march-read-challenge

This is a good start to an interesting dystopian story. The concept is unique; the first 3 children born outside the Enclave each month must be handed over to live within the walls of the privileged society. Mothers give up their babies knowing that they will be living in the safety and comfort of the Enclave. But is the Enclave, supposedly the better, healthier, and cleaner version of the outside, really as great as it seems to be?

A few of the things I liked about this story:
-Gaia, the heroine...more This is a good start to an interesting dystopian story. The concept is unique; the first 3 children born outside the Enclave each month must be handed over to live within the walls of the privileged society. Mothers give up their babies knowing that they will be living in the safety and comfort of the Enclave. But is the Enclave, supposedly the better, healthier, and cleaner version of the outside, really as great as it seems to be?

A few of the things I liked about this story:
-Gaia, the heroine, is strong-willed and brave despite everyone seeing her as a freak because of her facial scars. She stands up to her enemies and holds her head high even though it crushes her to know what they think of her.
-The plot is original, and despite a few slow areas it really kept my interest. I was fascinated with the message that they had to decode to find birth parents, and the concept of the 'freckles' on the babies. There are some interesting twists when it comes to who's who once they decipher the message, and it definitely seems like there's more behind the message on the ribbon.
-I loved Gaia's relationship with Leon. It was subtle and grew on me as the story progressed. Leon has that sexy bad-boy feel to him, so I was rooting for Gaia to get him all along! =) The chemistry wasn't pulse-racing, but they are sweet together in that they are both so desperate to have someone love them for who they really are.
-There are some pretty unsettling events behind the walls of the Enclave, and the threat of danger to Gaia really made her grow up and see the world differently. She carries so much pain with her, and it broke my heart that she never seemed to catch a break.

That ending...oh, it was like climbing up a mountain only to realize everything below was burned by a wildfire. There is hope for her, but not without loss and ever-present danger.

I enjoyed Birthmarked more than I thought I would, but it's not one of those great stories that's going to stay on my mind long after I've read it. The characters were dynamic and interesting, the plot was exciting enough to keep me reading, and the setting made for a unique concept. The ending leaves you on the hook for more of the story, so I'm going to read the sequel before I decide for sure about this series!(less)

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Jan 08, 2013 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own

I really, really enjoyed this book!
GOOD:
Characters--I loved so many of the characters in the book. The auther had a way of letting you understand and know each and every character, even if they only said or did minuscule things.
Writing style--It was just nice. It flowed beautifully.
Description--I was able to envision everything clearly.
Concept--The concept of this dystopian society was unique, and therefore nice to read.
BAD:
World--the world itself was pretty good--once you got used to it. At fi...more

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Dec 14, 2012 Rachel Fisher rated it 4 of 5 stars

Follow my reviews at www.rachelefisher.com

Title: Birthmarked
Author: Caragh M. O'Brien
Rating: 4 stars

Amazon Summary: In the future, in a world baked dry by the harsh sun, there are those who live inside the walled Enclave and those, like sixteen-year-old Gaia Stone, who live outside. Following in her mother’s footsteps Gaia has become a midwife, delivering babies in the world outside the wall and handing a quota over to be "advanced" into the privileged society of the Enclave. Gaia has always bel...more

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Dec 03, 2011 Mackenzie (Oh, For the Love of Books!) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: awesome-series, must-read

Just as good the second time!!

Blog Review: http://yainfatuation.blogspot.com/201...

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 l...more Just as good the second time!!

Blog Review: http://yainfatuation.blogspot.com/201...

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.
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Oct 22, 2012 Beckie rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Dystopian

Shelves: favorites, library, paperback, would-love-to-own, ya-dystopian

My Review: I read Birthmarked some time ago but waited to do my review because I wanted to read the next books in the series before hand. I really have trouble finding the words to describe my feeling for this book. Why? Well because I find it hard to tell other of it's sheer perfection. I know that some of my book friends have told me how amazing the book truly is but I have also heard other say they did not care for it so I was somewhat apprehensive to try it but WOW. I am super glad I did. I...more Book Review @ Bittersweet Enchantment

My Review: I read Birthmarked some time ago but waited to do my review because I wanted to read the next books in the series before hand. I really have trouble finding the words to describe my feeling for this book. Why? Well because I find it hard to tell other of it's sheer perfection. I know that some of my book friends have told me how amazing the book truly is but I have also heard other say they did not care for it so I was somewhat apprehensive to try it but WOW. I am super glad I did. I have read a number of Dystopian novel in the past couple year but Birthmarked is by far the most unique and inspiring one. There was never a dull moment; such a total page-turner to the very end.

Birthmark takes place in the distant future where the world as we know it is quite different from our own. The population is slowing dying in this post apocalyptic setting. Gaia and her parents live among outer wall of the city of Enclave. Both Gaia and her Mother are midwifes. Gaia mother has taught her everything she knows. Including the harsh protocol in which they must give the three newborn babies each month of the woman outside the wall to the families which dwell inside Enclave. Gaia and her family must do this to survive life on the outside, until one day her parents are taken and put under arrest in Enclave. Now Gaia must find away inside to rescue her parents and fight to understand what strange events that are taking place in Enclave. Her world will soon be turned upside down with the knowledge she finds and will question everything she knew to be right and safe. As the story progresses she will not only come to find everything she once new is wrong but also finds true love on this unexpected journey for the truth.

I just adored everything bit of Birthmarked. The world building was amazing, the character's are so real and beautiful. The story itself was wow, just WOW! I mean I must have cried at least 5 times while reading it. Gaia is a strong heroin with such passion and she really makes the book come alive. I so totally feel head or heels in love with Leon (he is Gaia's love interest in the book). I just could have not asked for a more perfect story. The ending was sublime and I was thinking about Birthmarked days after I read it. Caradh M. O'Brien is a most brilliant writer and she really knows how to take the reader and make the fall in love with with her story. To anyone who has been debating on reading this book and the series. I would so yes please do so. I can not stress this enough, go now and borrow or buy Birthmarked. You will be glad you did. (less)

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Apr 25, 2011 Emily (Book Jems) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: released, kindle, dystopian, young-adult, all-time-favorites, cover-love, favorite-authors, fantasy, obsessed, romance, science-fiction, signed

I wasn't sure I was going to like this. I hoped and prayed that I would. I've read some really awful dystopian novels lately, so I was losing faith that I'd find one that I would absolutely adore. But I found it.
This book had me hooked from the beginning. I couldn't put it down. I'd tell myself I'd only read to chapter ten, but it got so good, I didn't even realize when I had passed it.
Gaia's story is heartbreaking and eye-opening. This books feels so real that you wonder if this could actually...more

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Nov 03, 2011 papalbina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: in-english, kindle

I stayed away for this book for a long time based on stupid suppositions. One was the ugly cover, the other a deja-vú feeling haunting me telling that I've already read the book. Because of that I started the book with low expectations. Funny that the expectations and what I got don't have anything in common :P

One of the strong points in this book is the main character. Gaia may be innocent and naive but she's strong-minded edging stubbornness, and brave, a bit too light-headed, if you think she...more I stayed away for this book for a long time based on stupid suppositions. One was the ugly cover, the other a deja-vú feeling haunting me telling that I've already read the book. Because of that I started the book with low expectations. Funny that the expectations and what I got don't have anything in common :P

One of the strong points in this book is the main character. Gaia may be innocent and naive but she's strong-minded edging stubbornness, and brave, a bit too light-headed, if you think she gets into the Wall without having a plan, and for once she's not the most beautiful girl alive. Not that I think the burn is a good thing, but gives the character another approach to everything.

As for the (almost) love story, even if I like Leon and I love any kind of love story (ok, not the cheesy ones), I must admit that this one was a bit weird in the development. Gaia was too preoccupied with other themes to think about it, and Leon's point of view was never shown (even if it would be very interesting to read the development of his feelings) and the reader just catches glimpses now and then in his behaviour toward Gaia.

The ending was kind of a cliff-hanger that left me craving for more. (view spoiler) Sadly the synopsis of book 2 and the reviews I read so far cut all the desire I once had. I prefer to wait for book 3 to come out in 2013 and perhaps then I will continue the series. Right now I'm not interested, even if book 1 was quite good.

Only thing that bothered me at the end and one of the few problems I think this book had is the explanation for no keeping records: (view spoiler)(less)

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Oct 12, 2010 Milly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dystopia, young-adult

I actually enjoyed this book despite the mix reviews it garnered. It helped that I had no preconceived notions or expectations upon reading it. I found the premise and the plot intriguing and refreshing as I've never encountered any dystopian book with the same themes especially with regards to the codes and cryptology in this book. I love mystery and code breaking and I felt that the codes in this book, though not as sophisticated and intricate as the ones in the DaVinci Code, were interesting...more I actually enjoyed this book despite the mix reviews it garnered. It helped that I had no preconceived notions or expectations upon reading it. I found the premise and the plot intriguing and refreshing as I've never encountered any dystopian book with the same themes especially with regards to the codes and cryptology in this book. I love mystery and code breaking and I felt that the codes in this book, though not as sophisticated and intricate as the ones in the DaVinci Code, were interesting enough that I found myself guessing page after page and relentless until the codes were finally revealed. It definitely got me hooked and intrigued.

I also like the idea of a teenage midwife and her duty to advance or hand over a quota of babies she delivers every month. It brings up an ethical dilemma between her duty to her state/country and what is morally right and allow the mother of the baby to keep it. There are other moral and ethical issues brought up in this book that are polarizing and that kept me constantly thinking what I would have done if I were in our female protagonist's shoes. And speaking of our female protagonist, Gaia, I felt that despite her brave and courageous character, I found her a little flat and restrained. I found myself waiting to find her with more life, color, and personality. There was just something lacking or missing about her, making her unmemorable. It does make you wonder how a guy like Leon could find Gaia unforgettable in the book when the only memorable thing about Gaia is her scarred face and perhaps her bravery. Gaia's character is definitely a weak link in this book. Fortunately for me, I love the plot's twists and surprises, Leon's character, and O'brien's writing. I found her writing almost flawless and fluid. I'm definitely a fan of her writing ability!

I am for sure eager for the sequel! What happened to Leon? Odin? What waits past the Wastelands? What's in the cards for Maya and Gaia? Is her grandma living or not? Is there going to be a war? And is Gaia finally come out of her stoic phase? Can't wait!(less)

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Jul 06, 2010 Kristen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dystopian, youngadult, arc, own-it

Why I read this: I am just loving dystopian fiction lately, and it's a debut novel.

Plot: Gaia is the daughter of a midwife and destined to be one herself someday. That day arrives too quickly when her parents are arrested for reasons unsure to her. Bravely, she decides she must try to help them - even if it means breaking the rules she has followed her whole life.

Birthmarked had a fantastic plot with a few twists, dramatic moments, and even some underlying romance.

Characters: Gaia surprised me....more

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Jul 27, 2010 Miss Clark rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of dystopian literature

Shelves: futuristic-and-or-dystopian

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 28, 2010 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars

wow...great pick for BWB. full review to come..WOW. Recommend this book to friends who liked Hunger Games or Maze Runner.

Gaia lives on the outside and helps her mother with delivering babies.Both of her brothers have both been advanced to help the Protectorate. Gaia does her first delivery and she advances her first child , which to her is helping the community. She comes back to her home and finds that her parents have been taken away to jail. Gaia also has a scar on her face, which she believe...more wow...great pick for BWB. full review to come..WOW. Recommend this book to friends who liked Hunger Games or Maze Runner.

Gaia lives on the outside and helps her mother with delivering babies.Both of her brothers have both been advanced to help the Protectorate. Gaia does her first delivery and she advances her first child , which to her is helping the community. She comes back to her home and finds that her parents have been taken away to jail. Gaia also has a scar on her face, which she believes herself a freak.

Gaia at this time starts being questioned by Sgt. Grey and he is asking if she knows anything at all about records. She doesn't know anything , but she wants to see her parents. This city is color coded on status. The colors are red, white, black . She finds a way to get into the city by wearing a red cape. When she is there she see's a hanging of a pregnant woman. She saves the baby , and then taken into jail.

While in jail , she learns more about the city , and learns that its not so perfect. She is able to solve the coding from her mother because she kept a log of all the kids that were born on the outside and then advanced. Gaia mother gave all the kids a birthmark .

Gaia is also attracted to Sgt. Grey and with her solving the code..it was a relief to find out that they aren't related . Leon Grey is the protectorate son and a guard. He gives her little gifts through out the book. Gaia is able to break out of prison and find her mom. Her mom is also pregnant and Gaia delivers her sisters Maya.

Gaia is on the run and trying to solve the mystery of why certain kids are a certain way. Why only 1 midwife kept records of the births that she delivered is interesting.

As a parent I couldn't imagine giving up any of my kids. I don't think I could give up my child to someone just because it was law. This book kept me on my toes and many times I wondered why this society was this way. I have more questions about the parents, family members mentioned, whether Leon survived, and whats going to happen to Gaia. I will be reading the next book and its awesome.

Gaia does have some romance with leon and we learn more if his story . Gaia doesn't feel as pretty because of her scar on her face, and because of her actions or not knowing about the conclave, she becomes a hero or someone that help the city with knowing who the birth parents are to the kids in the city. She finds her brother . Gaia seems birthmaked for something big that help the future .
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Nov 29, 2009 Laura rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009-mt-bookpile

Set about 300 years in the future, after the "cool age" (which seems to represent both the time during which we were dependent on oil and possibly pre-serious global warming), this dystopian novel hits all the usual notes: babies born with genetic problems (here, due to inbreeding), a division between the haves and have-nots, babies taken from families are reared elsewhere, etc..

The Enclave's insistence on perfection is what ultimately saves Gaia (yep, the name is significant), who has a disfig...more

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Feb 24, 2012 Ela marked it as to-be-read-again

Darn library, taking my book before I had a chance to finish it again! Three weeks just isn't enough to read a book. Especially when a book that I've been waiting for a whole year is lying around (Hallowed), and when English homework requires another book to be read (Looking for Alibrandi). Bleh. Well. You shall be finished soon, Birthmarked....

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Dec 02, 2012 Shelf Talkers Anonymous added it · review of another edition

Birthmarked is an odd gem among the YA dystopias. It takes place in the desert that used to be the shores of Lake Michigan (now called Unlake Michigan), in the small society that has evolved in the aftermath of our world's destruction. There is the Enclave, the walled city on luxury and wealth and white, and the city outside called Wharfton, where people live in poverty, sacrificing three babies every month to the Enclave as payment for supplies and protection. Gaia is a midwife, advancing babie...more Birthmarked is an odd gem among the YA dystopias. It takes place in the desert that used to be the shores of Lake Michigan (now called Unlake Michigan), in the small society that has evolved in the aftermath of our world's destruction. There is the Enclave, the walled city on luxury and wealth and white, and the city outside called Wharfton, where people live in poverty, sacrificing three babies every month to the Enclave as payment for supplies and protection. Gaia is a midwife, advancing babies because it is her duty. But when her parents are arrested for crimes against the Enclave she discovers an enormous mystery that will lead her into the heart of the Enclave, towards her parents, her lost brothers, and maybe even love.

Birthmarked is intriguing as a YA dystopia because it is told in third person, a rarity now in this genre. Despite the distance that third person automatically creates, you are still very much in Gaia's mind and thoughts throughout the whole story. I never felt a lack of connection with her because of the point of view, which is a mark of truly good writing. Many YA authors rely on first person to create this intimate connection between reader and protagonist without having to put in more work themselves. Caragh proves that you can turn page after page and never feel any distance from your heroine.

The world of Birtmarked was intriguing and surprising. When the story starts you are outside the wall with Gaia, and her world seems almost 200 years behind. Her mother is a midwife as well and her father a tailor; all their work is done with their hands and they mostly live from the livestock they keep behind their house, and the crops and supplies that they can trade in the market. The one mark of technology in Wharfton is the Tvaltar (TV Altar), where the poor who live outside the city can watch movies and specials about how wonderful life is inside the Enclave. But once Gaia enters the Enclave technology abounds. At one point she secretly enters a house that has a television, computer, and all the other trappings of life that we have today. These sharp contrasts between inside the wall and outside the wall are somehow more striking than other YA depictions of poverty, because Gaia does not feel the lack of technology. She does not yearn for anything that living inside the wall would provide--really the only thing that she does remark on is the food. Her eyes cast over the televisions and computers without much of a second thought. This was a really interesting move for Caragh--to ignore the technology in favor of focusing on the other, more important parts of her world.

The heart of this story revolves around children and their genetics. Essentially the people of the Enclave have inbred too much and now they are searching for cures to genetic diseases generations in the making. And Gaia and her mother hold some of the answers. For Gaia the journey of this book is no only about rescuing her parents and learning the mystery of the coded ribbon her mother left for her, its also about figuring out what place she wants to have in this society. Unlike other dystopic heroines like Katniss and Tris who are aware from the first pages that they want to change things, or at least wish things were different, Gaia's realization that parts of her world are evil and corrupt is a slower process, and in a way it was more exciting to experience the horrors perpetrated by the Enclave--both loudly and publicly, and quietly and secretly--with Gaia, than for her to already know about them. What makes this process of realization even more moving is that it's tied up in the romance and Gaia's search for her parents. All parts of the conflict, both external and internal, weave together to form a solid whole, making this one of the better written dytopias I've read in months.

Birthmarked was a truly original and exciting start to a new series, and I am eager to get my hands on Prized, book two.(less)

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Jan 09, 2012 Joan Marco rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Título: Marca de Nacimiento
Autor: Caragh M. O'Brien
Traductor: Alberto y Nuria Jimenez Rioja
Editorial: Everest
Número de páginas: 495
ISBN: 978-84-441-4675-1

En un mundo futuro agostado por el sol inclemente, donde el agua es más valiosa que el oro, hay quienes viven dentro de las murallas del Enclave y quienes, como Gaia Stone, comadrona de dieciséis años, viven extramuros. Gaia siempre ha creído que su deber, como el de su madre, es entregar una pequeña cuota de bebés saludables a los residentes d...more

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Nov 29, 2011 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, dystopia

In this world the privileged live in luxury inside a large walled city. Around the walls lives a poor class. The poor have what is essentially a baby tax. The first three babies born every month are delivered to the wealthy sector for adoption and the birth parents have no further contact with them. Gaia and her mother are midwives. On the night Gaia delivers her first unassisted baby, both her father and mother are arrested and disappear. Gaia is determined to find out what happened to them. Th...more

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Aug 29, 2011 Clover (Fluttering Butterflies) added it

Review originally posted at Fluttering Butterflies

I was thrilled to hear that Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien would be published here in the UK. The book had been on my wishlist for ages as so many US bloggers seemed to have read it and loved it. I was really looking forward to reading it and while at first I found it difficult to get into, once Birthmarked hit its stride, I found myself completely lost in the story.

Birthmarked tells the story of a future world where a small village is divided by...more Review originally posted at Fluttering Butterflies

I was thrilled to hear that Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien would be published here in the UK. The book had been on my wishlist for ages as so many US bloggers seemed to have read it and loved it. I was really looking forward to reading it and while at first I found it difficult to get into, once Birthmarked hit its stride, I found myself completely lost in the story.

Birthmarked tells the story of a future world where a small village is divided by a wall. Those within the wall appear to live happy, carefree lives with no worries. Those that live outside the wall constantly fear for survival and enough food and water.

Gaia Stone, 16, lives outside the wall and has followed in her mother's footsteps as a midwife. Law dictates that as a midwife, Gaia, must advance a certain number of babies forward to live their lives within the Wall. The huge scar from a childhood accident that is visible on her face makes Gaia shunned from the pretty, happy people who live within the wall who only value beautiful things.

But Gaia's world changes drastically when one night, both of her parents are arrested and put in prison inside the Wall. It is thought that Gaia's parents have created a code which could explain the birth defects of those inside.

Gaia does everything she can in order to save her parents, even at great risk to herself. She's quite an interesting character, Gaia. Strong and capable and not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Her character goes through many changes throughout Birthmarked, at first believing wholeheartedly in the rules and regulations set aside for her and her family and then slowly becoming more aware of the injustices and the unfairness of one group of people living in luxury while the other lives in abject poverty. I think my favourite thing about Gaia is her relationship with Sgt. Grey. She really puts a lot of pressure and faith that other people (and by this I mean Sgt. Grey) will do the right thing. Make the difficult choices and her disappointment in Leon, even when he is a complete stranger to her was fascinating to watch.

There's quite a bit of science in this book. Lots of detailed descriptions of DNA and genetics all of which mostly didn't interest me. I was more focused on the relationships between the characters and the morality of the different concepts that were brought up. I think maybe I was hoping for a little more in that area, but I can see how that could be themes the reoccur throughout the rest of the books in the series. I found Birthmarked to be a very enjoyable read and I'm really excited to read more in this series.
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May 22, 2013 Betlehem Fekade rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I can't tell you how much I loved this book. It was fantastic in every possible level. Despite the fact that this book is 360 pages long I did not feel like I read more than a 100 pages. The story flowed naturally from one realistic disaster to another.

Many a times before I have complained that the female characters in the book are whiny and rather obnoxious. I was delighted to find that Gaia was none of the above. She was a delicious mix of brave, intelligent and still had the vulnerabilities o...more

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May 09, 2013 Kellie Lundin rated it 4 of 5 stars

It was inching towards time to begin my semester novels projects in my American Lit. class. However there was a dilemma. I hadn’t really given much thought to the book I would read. Looking through bookshelves and hearing suggestions, nothing caught my attentions. Finally I went to my sister, in hopes she would have the answer. She did. After just recently finishing Birthmarked by Caragh M. O’Brien, she could not quit telling me how amazing it was. It didn’t take her too long before I was convi...more
It was inching towards time to begin my semester novels projects in my American Lit. class. However there was a dilemma. I hadn’t really given much thought to the book I would read. Looking through bookshelves and hearing suggestions, nothing caught my attentions. Finally I went to my sister, in hopes she would have the answer. She did. After just recently finishing Birthmarked by Caragh M. O’Brien, she could not quit telling me how amazing it was. It didn’t take her too long before I was convinced.
Birthmarked is a dystopian novel. Dystopians are books where the society is believed to be perfect and that is what the citizens strive for, however things start to fall apart as the society can only do so much. Birthmarked takes place in a futuristic setting. On the contrary, the sectors that make up the country are very undeveloped, due to no running water or electricity. In contrast to the sectors there is the Enclave. The Enclave is surrounded by a massive wall, protecting the wealthy and powerful on the inside. In spite of the pampered life the Enclave citizens lead, they have one major problem. Because of the few numbers that are allowed to live inside the wall, people have begun to become infertile and inbred, causing hemophilia. Hemophilia has cause deaths of many children and young babies. Because of this disease wealthy people of the Enclave adopt babies from outside the wall.
Gaia Stone, the main character and her family live in Western Sector Three. Gaia’s mother is a midwife, she constantly delivers new born babies to the Enclave. There is a demand of three babies per sector a month that have to be delivered to the Enclave. Gaia’s father is a seamstress. He spends his days stitching up material and helping people in the community. Gaia has taken after her mother and become a midwife.
However, there is a major turn of events. Gaia’s parents are arrested and taken inside the wall for questioning. Gaia is left alone with no one to help her. She is deeply worried about her parents, but continued life without them for weeks. Always in the back of her mind are her parents.
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Apr 19, 2013 Megan Tsui rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have heard dozens upon dozens of recommendations for this book, but I never got around to reading it. When I was given the chance to read this novel for an English assignment,my eyes lit up like diamonds. I plucked it off the shelf in no time. This book teaches so much about perseverance and to always hold on to your last string of hope.It truly is, a good read.

Gaia Stone is the epitome of a heroine. Her character was crafted in a way that shows you her weak and strong characteristics. Every...more I have heard dozens upon dozens of recommendations for this book, but I never got around to reading it. When I was given the chance to read this novel for an English assignment,my eyes lit up like diamonds. I plucked it off the shelf in no time. This book teaches so much about perseverance and to always hold on to your last string of hope.It truly is, a good read.

Gaia Stone is the epitome of a heroine. Her character was crafted in a way that shows you her weak and strong characteristics. Every hero has their weaknesses. Gaia is flawed but earnest. The way she approaches problems is beyond admirable.When she fails, she strives for a better way to reach her destination. When Gaia is captured and put into prison, she does not stop at her journey to find her parents. She continues to imagine ways she can escape. She is not leaving the Enclave without being reunited with her parents.

One thing I found exceptionally interesting that made the book hard to put down was the relationship between Gaia and Sergeant Leon Grey.Their relationship is not the same as every other couple in a teen novel. They portray the unity of two people who are willing to sacrifice for each other.

What pleasantly amazed me was that the author, Caragh M. O'Brien, imagined Gaia as imperfect. Gaia Stone did not have a particularly lavish life. She lived in Wharfton, outside the Enclave walls. She was an ordinary citizen working hard along her mother to earn money to help feed the family. Gaia also was not perfect in looks. She had a scar along her face which made her self conscious all the time.However, the scar made her unique. This aspect of Gaia's life helped me realize the importance of personality over looks.

The book ended in the most suspenseful manner, yet it was comforting. My brain exploded at the thought of Leon not being able to be together with Gaia after everything they went through. I threw the book at the floor and yelled at it for hours. How could this happen? After calming myself down, I reanalyzed the ending. That was when I realized that Gaia was still happy. She could start a new life outside the Enclave and Wharfton, where no one knew who she was.

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Apr 19, 2013 Amy Wong rated it 3 of 5 stars

"Birthmarked" by Caragh O'Brien was a decently satisfying novel to read, but there was a slow start. If I did not need to read this book, I might have given up on it before getting to the conflict and change in the main character.

One thing I enjoyed immensely, was the setting of the story; the desert-land that had resulted from years of climate change. It may not be completely unique, but it is relevant to us as we are going through climate change right now. It serves as a warning as well as an...more "Birthmarked" by Caragh O'Brien was a decently satisfying novel to read, but there was a slow start. If I did not need to read this book, I might have given up on it before getting to the conflict and change in the main character.

One thing I enjoyed immensely, was the setting of the story; the desert-land that had resulted from years of climate change. It may not be completely unique, but it is relevant to us as we are going through climate change right now. It serves as a warning as well as an insight as to what might occur if what we are doing to cause this drastic change in the earth continues.

At some points, however, the bull-headed main character, Gaia Stone, lead me to feel simply frustrated. Her stubbornness is both her strength and her weakness. It makes her strong in the sense that she refuses to give up even when hope may seem lost. For example, even when being captured and isolated in the Q cell to prevent her interference, she still thinks of a way for her to escape and save her parents. However, there are situations that arise where she should accept the situation as it is and not interfere for her own sake as well as her parents', she cannot just stand by, complicating her plan to rescue her parents.

Aside from the setting and main character, the plot of the story was fairly unique as it takes a reader to a world where the government has gotten so corrupted that babies are being forcibly taken from their families. But, in the midst of all the ethnic issues and Gaia's goal to save her parents, an unexpected romance blossoms between Gaia and Leon, one of the soldiers that are supposedly against her.

Even though it started off awkward and abruptly, the writing style allows readers to easily follow the story without becoming lost, confused, and in the end frustrated with the book. The open-ended ending, however, was fairly disappoint as I wanted to be able to put the book down and let everything sink in. With this ending, however, I am tempted to read the second book, although I am not entirely interested.

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Apr 15, 2013 Danielle Morrone rated it 4 of 5 stars

Birthmarked is about a society where the people are seperated by a wall- literaly. Those inside have all the advantages of life, and those outside have none. Outside the wall, the first three babies delivered by a midwife per month that have no defects are sent inside the wall. Their parents have no say in the matter, and never know who their child becomes. In Birthmarked, Gaia Stone's parents are arrested for keeping records of the babies that her mother delivered, on the same night that Gaia d...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
So i need something new to read like this cuz im waiting for 5 books to come out and im bored to death!	18	114	Mar 01, 2013 01:24pm
Déjà vu (Spoilers!)	7	108	Feb 16, 2013 11:37am
Has anyone read this book? Thoughts?	16	91	Jan 09, 2013 02:15pm
Crazy for Young A...: Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien → Start Date: December 10, 2012	42	28	Dec 16, 2012 10:18am
characters: have to be 15-26 years old....PLEASE PARTICIPATE	4	35	Nov 21, 2012 09:36am

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