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Birthmarked #2.5
Ruled
The bracelet sits in his pocket, patiently waiting to be slipped around Gaia’s wrist. Leon needs to see her again. He finds out that Gaia is delivering a baby in the village, and he makes the trip to visit the sixteen-year-old midwife—only to find that the birth is not going too well. The bracelet—and what it means to the both of them—will have to wait.
This short story takes place during the time between the second book in the Birthmarked trilogy (Prized) and the final book (Promised) and offers a rare glimpse into the mind and heart of Leon Grey.
This short story takes place during the time between the second book in the Birthmarked trilogy (Prized) and the final book (Promised) and offers a rare glimpse into the mind and heart of Leon Grey.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2012
23 people are currently reading
4272 people want to read
About the author
Caragh M. O'Brien
20 books2,209 followersCaragh M. O'Brien is the author of the BIRTHMARKED trilogy and THE VAULT OF DREAMERS series, both from Macmillan/Roaring Brook Press. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Ms. O'Brien earned her BA from Williams College and her MA from Johns Hopkins University. Once a high school English teacher, she resigned to write young adult novels. For more information, visit http://www.caraghobrien.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
May 14, 2015
Just marry him, Gaia!
October 9, 2012
Ruled is a short story set between Prized and Promised. It's told from Leon's point of view. And I adore Leon. I'm still upset about the second book in this series; Prized. But I did love the first one, Birthmarked. Disliked Prized because of stupid love triangles, like all books have these days. But still. Super excited for book three, which I'm starting today :) Anyway. Time for my review of Ruled :) Won't be very long, since the short story isn't that long.
I'm not sure how to feel about this short story. I love Leon. I adore him. He's so kind and gentle and sweet and loving. But I hate Gaia. I really do. She has no feelings in her heart at all. I don't think she cares for Leon. Not really. And that does break my heart. Because Leon deserves so much love. He's an amazing guy, and I hate that she treats him like this. It isn't fair. Not at all. And I'm not happy about it. Doesn't make me love the books. It just makes me heartbroken. But still. I love Leon.
And I love reading from Leon's point of view. Kind of wish the books had been from his point of view. Cause he really is an amazing character. I didn't like the beginning of this short story. Because Peter is there. And I don't like him. Not much. Plus, he's annoying. I actually didn't like this short story very much. It's only heartbreaking and sad. But still giving it four stars. Because I loved Leon so much, and this story is interesting :) You should read it if you have read the other books. Truly.
This is my favorite quote from this short story: "The more he thought about it, the more Leon hated being on a string. He wondered why it wasn’t the other way around. Why was he always the one who was begging? He didn’t actually beg. He never would. But it felt like that." I love it because it's true. Gaia was such a fucking asshole in book two. She should be BEGGING him to be with her. And she isn't. Asshole. I am still not forgiving her :\ Leon is too good for her. Sigh. Too much drama.
And this quote. "He would never hurt her now, but still she didn’t care enough for him. He didn’t know if she ever would. He couldn’t understand this sick thing inside him that made him love her so intensely even when she kept holding back the last sliver of herself." My god. I am HATING Gaia. Sigh. Do not understand why I'm still reading this series :\ Oh, well. I do love the story :) And the writing. And I love Leon. And oh. If Gaia doesn't make up for it in book three I will not be happy.
I'm not sure how to feel about this short story. I love Leon. I adore him. He's so kind and gentle and sweet and loving. But I hate Gaia. I really do. She has no feelings in her heart at all. I don't think she cares for Leon. Not really. And that does break my heart. Because Leon deserves so much love. He's an amazing guy, and I hate that she treats him like this. It isn't fair. Not at all. And I'm not happy about it. Doesn't make me love the books. It just makes me heartbroken. But still. I love Leon.
And I love reading from Leon's point of view. Kind of wish the books had been from his point of view. Cause he really is an amazing character. I didn't like the beginning of this short story. Because Peter is there. And I don't like him. Not much. Plus, he's annoying. I actually didn't like this short story very much. It's only heartbreaking and sad. But still giving it four stars. Because I loved Leon so much, and this story is interesting :) You should read it if you have read the other books. Truly.
This is my favorite quote from this short story: "The more he thought about it, the more Leon hated being on a string. He wondered why it wasn’t the other way around. Why was he always the one who was begging? He didn’t actually beg. He never would. But it felt like that." I love it because it's true. Gaia was such a fucking asshole in book two. She should be BEGGING him to be with her. And she isn't. Asshole. I am still not forgiving her :\ Leon is too good for her. Sigh. Too much drama.
And this quote. "He would never hurt her now, but still she didn’t care enough for him. He didn’t know if she ever would. He couldn’t understand this sick thing inside him that made him love her so intensely even when she kept holding back the last sliver of herself." My god. I am HATING Gaia. Sigh. Do not understand why I'm still reading this series :\ Oh, well. I do love the story :) And the writing. And I love Leon. And oh. If Gaia doesn't make up for it in book three I will not be happy.
December 3, 2015
Great, quick read!
Read
October 9, 2012MUST. HAVE. THIS. BOOK. PRONTO. UGH!
September 20, 2012
Marry him!
November 19, 2016
Yes, she should just marry him!
February 7, 2016
This review is of the trilogy as a whole as well as per book/short story. Enjoy!
I went into this series expecting the same old drivel we have come to know as YA dystopian fiction, happily I was surprised. The themes in this story are quite on point when we speak about people's rights bridging this topic across gender rights, to parental rights to caste systems. These are the themes that really gripped me. They were extremely well developed, much more so than one would expect in YA fiction.
The first part of the trilogy, we are focused on a patriarchal society with strict caste systems. The elite exist in the Enclave and the serfs exist outside the Wall. The main character is a teen-aged midwife whom according to their society must take the first three babies from the mothers she assists and "advance" them to the Enclave. Do not worry this isn't Soylent Green. They are "advanced" to join the elite families. We see how this theme comes into play when Gaia must "advance" her first baby. This scene was emotional and heart wrenching but almost fell flat for me. As a new mother, you would have to kill me before taking my child. And while the mother was sufficiently upset, I felt like Gaia got away too easily. I suppose that goes to show just how downtrodden these women were.
Personally, I was not very fond of the characters. I found them flat and wanting of a metaphorical burger. The only character who gained any depth was the main character, Gaia. The other characters went through various hardships which increased their interest for me but they just didn't do anything that made them special to me. I presume this was to keep the story focused around Gaia Stone and the issues she becomes aware of. To name a few of the issues that you see in this first book and carried through to the end:
Genetic diversity
Parental rights
Medical care
Societal responsibility
Resource management
Environmentalism
Caste Systems
Government Corruption
Big Brother/Eye in the Sky
While she started out trying to save her parents (like so many stories of this ilk), it becomes about these issues. Her soul purpose I feel is to humanize the issues for us by coming into contact with the various, yet plain characters in situations where these issues rule their lives.
To conclude the first installment of this trilogy, Gaia ends up in the Wasteland on a veritable suicide mission. Do not fret this is not really a spoiler as we all knew this was going to happen. What I really appreciated is that this book can stand alone! The additional books are great but if you found out you didn't really like this trilogy you don't feel like you HAVE to read it to the end. I found it incredibly satisfying.
Tortured picks up where we left off in Birthmarked but from a different point of view, Leon's.I feel like this bridge story was good except that it was exceptionally short. The one thing I really didn't like is that the other promotional material after this story was larger than the story itself! Story-wise, I really did enjoy getting the perspective of Leon. Personally, I feel like we missed out learning more about the Protectorat, his staff and his family. Granted torture is really horrible but I would have liked to see if his Stepmother/Mother, Genevieve came to him before finally helping him. Whether his siblings ever tried to help. I also eventually would love to see more from Myrna Silk. She has such potential to be an amazing character. Overall, very enjoyable and currently available for free on Amazon!
In the second part of this trilogy, Prized, leads us into a matriarchal society! I was really excited about this because so often we hear of patriarchal societies in fiction going bad it was interesting to see the flip side. There are many parallels to the society of the Enclave, probably because that is our judgement point. Just like in the first story we have a leader that is out of control. Gaia, of course, can't help herself and blows up their society through her lack of integration. This is a double edged sword as far as I am concerned because it is through her lack of respecting their society she causes many incidents. While many of these incidents were good in that they had to happen for the story not only to progress but also to discuss the various issues, they didn't have to happen that way. If she had even a slight respect for the new society, she would have been less careless, and caused less harm. This book in particular shows how while most YA fiction has a coming of age story, this one doesn't. Although Gaia does become older and goes on to take on responsible roles. I do not feel as if she has really grown. It's more of a by accident or happen stance that she progresses at all. There are a few exceptions to this thought, such as the baby she saves in the first book, but there aren't many. There are many more parts of this story that show she is the same from beginning to end, such as her interactions with Leon and her other beaus.
The second bridge story really brings the romance in this trilogy to the front. I loved how Leon came to love Gaia in a more complete adult way. However this also shows Gaia's immaturity when you view her actions in their relationship. I feel like her most adult action in their relationship is to not agree to marry him right away. She shows she isn't ready over and over again. This story though shows that Leon definitely is getting there. This story was much more enjoyable than the other bridge story. However this one has the same problem, the promotional materials are longer than the story. I like this story more for the fact that it feels more complete.
To conclude this trilogy we have the matriarchal society joining the patriarchal society which are both dying out from lack of genetic diversity. For the patriarchal society, this is due to the age old problem of the pigs being more equal than the other farm animals (See Animal Farm). The Enclave sees themselves as high above those outside the wall and backed themselves into a genetic oubliette. Their answer is to increase the children coming in from outside the Wall. For the matriarchal society, this comes from environmental contamination and strict social roles that require "perfect" families. They backed themselves into dying out through fear of change and the accepting that they were just going to die out. After many, many more confrontations and conflicts they do merge as a complete society and our enemies get their comeuppance which is great. There was one particularly dreadful part of this book just before the end that will haunt me forever. As you get to the end you will immediately know to that which I speak. For the person going into reading this, be prepared and don't eat anything while reading the very end. I frequently had to put the book down to deal with my own reaction. Once that scene was over we finally get our happily ever after/beginning.
Overall this story gains a four rating not for its characters, but for its story telling and gripping themes. The style, themes, and feel remind me directly of The Handmaiden's Tale by Margaret Atwood. In fact, I would treat this trilogy as a companion to Ms. Atwood's book as many of the themes were similar in both. I found that this trilogy focused on so many issues in complex ways was fantastic, but I fear I am noticing a new trend in YA fiction. I fear YA fiction may be moving away from dense multi-dimensional characters with great plots and themes to a series of transparent characters that are disposable stand-ins for displaying themes and opening a discussion of issues. The lack of depth in the characters really made the last book of this trilogy a struggle to complete. Not because it wasn't good, it just wasn't emotionally rich enough to keep me wanting more. Even that scene to which I spoke, wasn't as emotional for the character as I feel it should have been. Looking back, I can say that I certainly felt enough for both the character and myself for that scene! All together this trilogy is definitely worth reading and even more so if you are part of a book club or have an interest in human rights. These themes will give you ideas and you will want to talk/debate them out. Happy reading!
Read more reviews at http://flyingofftheshelves.blogspot.com
I went into this series expecting the same old drivel we have come to know as YA dystopian fiction, happily I was surprised. The themes in this story are quite on point when we speak about people's rights bridging this topic across gender rights, to parental rights to caste systems. These are the themes that really gripped me. They were extremely well developed, much more so than one would expect in YA fiction.
The first part of the trilogy, we are focused on a patriarchal society with strict caste systems. The elite exist in the Enclave and the serfs exist outside the Wall. The main character is a teen-aged midwife whom according to their society must take the first three babies from the mothers she assists and "advance" them to the Enclave. Do not worry this isn't Soylent Green. They are "advanced" to join the elite families. We see how this theme comes into play when Gaia must "advance" her first baby. This scene was emotional and heart wrenching but almost fell flat for me. As a new mother, you would have to kill me before taking my child. And while the mother was sufficiently upset, I felt like Gaia got away too easily. I suppose that goes to show just how downtrodden these women were.
Personally, I was not very fond of the characters. I found them flat and wanting of a metaphorical burger. The only character who gained any depth was the main character, Gaia. The other characters went through various hardships which increased their interest for me but they just didn't do anything that made them special to me. I presume this was to keep the story focused around Gaia Stone and the issues she becomes aware of. To name a few of the issues that you see in this first book and carried through to the end:
Genetic diversity
Parental rights
Medical care
Societal responsibility
Resource management
Environmentalism
Caste Systems
Government Corruption
Big Brother/Eye in the Sky
While she started out trying to save her parents (like so many stories of this ilk), it becomes about these issues. Her soul purpose I feel is to humanize the issues for us by coming into contact with the various, yet plain characters in situations where these issues rule their lives.
To conclude the first installment of this trilogy, Gaia ends up in the Wasteland on a veritable suicide mission. Do not fret this is not really a spoiler as we all knew this was going to happen. What I really appreciated is that this book can stand alone! The additional books are great but if you found out you didn't really like this trilogy you don't feel like you HAVE to read it to the end. I found it incredibly satisfying.
Tortured picks up where we left off in Birthmarked but from a different point of view, Leon's.I feel like this bridge story was good except that it was exceptionally short. The one thing I really didn't like is that the other promotional material after this story was larger than the story itself! Story-wise, I really did enjoy getting the perspective of Leon. Personally, I feel like we missed out learning more about the Protectorat, his staff and his family. Granted torture is really horrible but I would have liked to see if his Stepmother/Mother, Genevieve came to him before finally helping him. Whether his siblings ever tried to help. I also eventually would love to see more from Myrna Silk. She has such potential to be an amazing character. Overall, very enjoyable and currently available for free on Amazon!
In the second part of this trilogy, Prized, leads us into a matriarchal society! I was really excited about this because so often we hear of patriarchal societies in fiction going bad it was interesting to see the flip side. There are many parallels to the society of the Enclave, probably because that is our judgement point. Just like in the first story we have a leader that is out of control. Gaia, of course, can't help herself and blows up their society through her lack of integration. This is a double edged sword as far as I am concerned because it is through her lack of respecting their society she causes many incidents. While many of these incidents were good in that they had to happen for the story not only to progress but also to discuss the various issues, they didn't have to happen that way. If she had even a slight respect for the new society, she would have been less careless, and caused less harm. This book in particular shows how while most YA fiction has a coming of age story, this one doesn't. Although Gaia does become older and goes on to take on responsible roles. I do not feel as if she has really grown. It's more of a by accident or happen stance that she progresses at all. There are a few exceptions to this thought, such as the baby she saves in the first book, but there aren't many. There are many more parts of this story that show she is the same from beginning to end, such as her interactions with Leon and her other beaus.
The second bridge story really brings the romance in this trilogy to the front. I loved how Leon came to love Gaia in a more complete adult way. However this also shows Gaia's immaturity when you view her actions in their relationship. I feel like her most adult action in their relationship is to not agree to marry him right away. She shows she isn't ready over and over again. This story though shows that Leon definitely is getting there. This story was much more enjoyable than the other bridge story. However this one has the same problem, the promotional materials are longer than the story. I like this story more for the fact that it feels more complete.
To conclude this trilogy we have the matriarchal society joining the patriarchal society which are both dying out from lack of genetic diversity. For the patriarchal society, this is due to the age old problem of the pigs being more equal than the other farm animals (See Animal Farm). The Enclave sees themselves as high above those outside the wall and backed themselves into a genetic oubliette. Their answer is to increase the children coming in from outside the Wall. For the matriarchal society, this comes from environmental contamination and strict social roles that require "perfect" families. They backed themselves into dying out through fear of change and the accepting that they were just going to die out. After many, many more confrontations and conflicts they do merge as a complete society and our enemies get their comeuppance which is great. There was one particularly dreadful part of this book just before the end that will haunt me forever. As you get to the end you will immediately know to that which I speak. For the person going into reading this, be prepared and don't eat anything while reading the very end. I frequently had to put the book down to deal with my own reaction. Once that scene was over we finally get our happily ever after/beginning.
Overall this story gains a four rating not for its characters, but for its story telling and gripping themes. The style, themes, and feel remind me directly of The Handmaiden's Tale by Margaret Atwood. In fact, I would treat this trilogy as a companion to Ms. Atwood's book as many of the themes were similar in both. I found that this trilogy focused on so many issues in complex ways was fantastic, but I fear I am noticing a new trend in YA fiction. I fear YA fiction may be moving away from dense multi-dimensional characters with great plots and themes to a series of transparent characters that are disposable stand-ins for displaying themes and opening a discussion of issues. The lack of depth in the characters really made the last book of this trilogy a struggle to complete. Not because it wasn't good, it just wasn't emotionally rich enough to keep me wanting more. Even that scene to which I spoke, wasn't as emotional for the character as I feel it should have been. Looking back, I can say that I certainly felt enough for both the character and myself for that scene! All together this trilogy is definitely worth reading and even more so if you are part of a book club or have an interest in human rights. These themes will give you ideas and you will want to talk/debate them out. Happy reading!
Read more reviews at http://flyingofftheshelves.blogspot.com
April 1, 2017
Very sweet story from Leon's point of view. You really see how much he adores Gaia!
October 14, 2012
2.5 stars - Hmmm... This novella was kind of weird...
First of all, it took me a while to remember which brother Peter was... And once I did, the whole scene with Peter and Leon was just odd and misplaced. I didn't get the feeling that they were pals, but it didn't really seem like they were rivals either.
It was kind of cool that we got to watch a quick scene with a childbirth, considering what Gaia does. But Adele's reaction to Leon was also a little strange, and I couldn't tell if it was because she was delirious after childbirth or if it was because of a previous grudge. And the novella offers no explanation, leaving us to wonder.
And it was weird because after the childbirth, one minute Peter was there, then Leon sat down and closed his eyes, and I don't know how long passed before Gaia appeared, but we didn't really see Peter leave the scene, though I assumed he did. I'm going go guess he's wandering around or that he's sitting on the canoe waiting for Leon to show up to go back?
But we saw a sneak peek romantic scene with Leon and Gaia, so I guess we'll see how Promised will turn out.
First of all, it took me a while to remember which brother Peter was... And once I did, the whole scene with Peter and Leon was just odd and misplaced. I didn't get the feeling that they were pals, but it didn't really seem like they were rivals either.
It was kind of cool that we got to watch a quick scene with a childbirth, considering what Gaia does. But Adele's reaction to Leon was also a little strange, and I couldn't tell if it was because she was delirious after childbirth or if it was because of a previous grudge. And the novella offers no explanation, leaving us to wonder.
And it was weird because after the childbirth, one minute Peter was there, then Leon sat down and closed his eyes, and I don't know how long passed before Gaia appeared, but we didn't really see Peter leave the scene, though I assumed he did. I'm going go guess he's wandering around or that he's sitting on the canoe waiting for Leon to show up to go back?
But we saw a sneak peek romantic scene with Leon and Gaia, so I guess we'll see how Promised will turn out.
October 6, 2012
This brief interlude in between books two and three of the Birthmarked trilogy gives insight into Leon's desire to be accepted by the people of Sylum, and the continual frustration that he is not. We also see his longing to elicit Gaia's commitment to their relationship, and his efforts to be patient with her and with himself. In this brief episode nothing is achieved toward either goal, yet neither is anything lost. It does help us to understand Leon better, and gives some perspective to his seemingly rash attitude in book two. www.GoodReadingGuide.com
This book is published by Tor as a free e-book at http://www.tor.com/stories/2012/09/ruled
This book is published by Tor as a free e-book at http://www.tor.com/stories/2012/09/ruled
September 11, 2015
Ruled is yet another short novella, presumably written between books to keep interest in the series. In this one, Leon sneaks away from supervising the crims to see Gaia, who is out on the island tending to a childbirth. He runs into Chardo Peter, a former rival for Gaia's affections, who helps him reach the island. Leon helps with the childbirth, and...that's about it.
Honestly, there's not much here, and what is here is totally superfluous. It doesn't add to the series at all. The interaction between Peter and Leon is stilted and rather ridiculous, and Leon comes across as some jealous idiot. Meh.
Honestly, there's not much here, and what is here is totally superfluous. It doesn't add to the series at all. The interaction between Peter and Leon is stilted and rather ridiculous, and Leon comes across as some jealous idiot. Meh.
September 26, 2012
Really look forward to reading the final book. Just love leon!
October 14, 2012
2.5 maybe? I wasn't excatly expecting this but...well...I don't really know.
May 4, 2022
3.5 stars
This was alright.
* Basically, Leon wants to propose to Gaia (for what would apparently be not the first time), and Peter tells him that Giai has gone across to the island because Adele is in labour.
* Leon and Peter go over to the island so that Leon can see Gaia.
* Adele is in labour, and Leon gets roped into assisting.
* Leon doesn't get time to propose, but he knows that he loves Gaia, and that she is his.
* I'm not really sure what Leon was thinking, but interrupting a woman in labour?! Is he that selfish?!
* And I wasn't surprised that Adele was pissed about Leon being there as well, seeing as the last time she saw him he took Maya away from her (and she still hasn't had her back).
* I'm not sure why Gaia hasn't accepted Leon's proposal in the past, is this just a way for the author to continue with the love triangle/square?
This was alright.
* Basically, Leon wants to propose to Gaia (for what would apparently be not the first time), and Peter tells him that Giai has gone across to the island because Adele is in labour.
* Leon and Peter go over to the island so that Leon can see Gaia.
* Adele is in labour, and Leon gets roped into assisting.
* Leon doesn't get time to propose, but he knows that he loves Gaia, and that she is his.
* I'm not really sure what Leon was thinking, but interrupting a woman in labour?! Is he that selfish?!
* And I wasn't surprised that Adele was pissed about Leon being there as well, seeing as the last time she saw him he took Maya away from her (and she still hasn't had her back).
* I'm not sure why Gaia hasn't accepted Leon's proposal in the past, is this just a way for the author to continue with the love triangle/square?
April 22, 2019
Little bit of insight into Leon's thoughts, but not a whole lot. If you're looking for a deeper understanding of Leon and his characterization then you're looking in the wrong place. This is just a brief interlude with him interacting with Peter and even those interactions are very brisk. There is a semi-graphic birth scene but it's not a big deal, it just fits with the tone of all the books ("miracle of childbirth", holiest of all things human, etc.). This is kind of just a look at an on again-off again relationship from the man's point of view, but even that isn't really fair because Gaia had already committed to Leon at this point. There are no spoilers for Promised and only vague references to Prized.
October 7, 2017
So Ruled is the short story that takes place between the second and third book of Birthmarked. It is told in Leon's perspective and gives you an inside look on his head as he is conflicted about Gaia. He is feeling uncertain and unsure of her feelings for him. He does not need to be afraid, I suppose it's impossible to stop; when you love someone you can't help it at all really.
It is very sweet. I have issues with the shortness of it. I mean if you're going to make a book from the love interest of the protagonist couldn't she at least make a little more of a story so we can bask in more .... But oh well. I'll just have to be patient. It is good, 3 out of 5 stars.
It is very sweet. I have issues with the shortness of it. I mean if you're going to make a book from the love interest of the protagonist couldn't she at least make a little more of a story so we can bask in more .... But oh well. I'll just have to be patient. It is good, 3 out of 5 stars.
July 20, 2023
I liked being able to be inside of Leon’s head. It also helped to bridge the gap between the second and third book! (Mainly counting this so I can get my book count up lmao)
Trope: YA fiction, Dystopian societies
🌶️: 0/5
Trope: YA fiction, Dystopian societies
🌶️: 0/5
May 5, 2017
Much too short for my liking, but it was a good way to reacquaint myself with the characters before I start book 3.
April 22, 2020
This was kind of cute, but also a bit creepy... Leon is a bit obsessive about Gaia, ay.
December 1, 2021
This didn't really add much to the story
October 8, 2023
*Reread*
October 15, 2017
I loved this little story between the books. It gave a little more depth to Gaia and Leon’s relationship, and kind of let us know how things were between them during the years before their journey to New Sylum. I also enjoy a good birth story, so loved that it took place at a birth.
January 7, 2021
Not a bad book and I like the story but most of it is a preview for his new book.
Read
October 31, 2012I wouldn't recommend reading TORTURED before you've read BIRTHMARKED, which is the first book in Caragh M. O'Brien's trilogy. If you haven't read BIRTHMARKED, check out my review here.
TORTURED is a novella, Book 1.5, and features a scene that takes place between BIRTHMARKED and PRIZED. O'Brien's other novella, RULED, is Book 2.5, and I personally wouldn't read it until at least halfway through the final book in the trilogy, PROMISED. I started reading it earlier and had an element spoiled that I wished I hadn't seen early!
What I love most about these two novellas is the fact that they're both from Leon's perspective. In the novels, we only ever get a peek into Gaia's life. I loved getting into Leon's thoughts and emotions because he keeps them so close to his chest. TORTURED could have gone either way for me, because I read it after PRIZED and knew most of what was going on, so it didn't hold my interest as much as RULED did. I thought RULED focused on so much of the dynamic between Leon and Gaia that really shines through and gives you a glimpse at the way Leon perceives it. It was my favorite of the two.
There isn't really much I can say about either novella without giving major spoilers away, but I'll mention again that anyone eager for a first-hand account with Leon shouldn't miss either one of these. Read TORTURED before PRIZED if you can (It's a free ebook and comes at the back of the PRIZED paperback for free as well), and read RULED when you're late into PROMISED or after finishing it
TORTURED is a novella, Book 1.5, and features a scene that takes place between BIRTHMARKED and PRIZED. O'Brien's other novella, RULED, is Book 2.5, and I personally wouldn't read it until at least halfway through the final book in the trilogy, PROMISED. I started reading it earlier and had an element spoiled that I wished I hadn't seen early!
What I love most about these two novellas is the fact that they're both from Leon's perspective. In the novels, we only ever get a peek into Gaia's life. I loved getting into Leon's thoughts and emotions because he keeps them so close to his chest. TORTURED could have gone either way for me, because I read it after PRIZED and knew most of what was going on, so it didn't hold my interest as much as RULED did. I thought RULED focused on so much of the dynamic between Leon and Gaia that really shines through and gives you a glimpse at the way Leon perceives it. It was my favorite of the two.
There isn't really much I can say about either novella without giving major spoilers away, but I'll mention again that anyone eager for a first-hand account with Leon shouldn't miss either one of these. Read TORTURED before PRIZED if you can (It's a free ebook and comes at the back of the PRIZED paperback for free as well), and read RULED when you're late into PROMISED or after finishing it
March 14, 2016
Pour la seconde fois, l'auteure propose une mini nouvelle qui se déroule entre deux tomes afin de nous permettre d'entrevoir un rare aperçut des pensées et des sentiments de Leon Grey. Une fois encore, dans Bannie l'histoire étant du point de vue de Gaia, certaines choses sont gardées sous silence et elle ne comprend pas tous les sous-entendus des actions du jeune homme. Ruled est là en partie pour corriger cela.
Leon s'est endurcit, les choix de Gaia ainsi que les siens les ont éloignés l'un de l'autre... et pourtant ses sentiments pour la demoiselle sont toujours aussi forts. Il fait preuve de courage et son côté têtu refait surface, tout cela se montre parfaitement dans la scène de l'accouchement, où il donne un coup de main, un moment qui va le changer et sa façon de voir la vie.
L'autre personnage mis en avant est Peter, le rival amoureux de Leon, celui qui a réussit à prendre en partie sa place auprès de la belle. Bien qu'ils se chamaillent, se fassent des sales coups, on se rend compte assez vite que dans d'autres circonstances, ces ceux-là s'entendraient comme larrons en foire. Ils ont des personnalités assez semblables et leurs sentiments communs pour Gaia les rapprochent par moments.
En peu de pages Carag M. O'Brien nous refait tomber amoureuse du taciturne et mystérieux jeune homme. Il reste incompris, mais plus de la même façon, on en vient à le plaindre et à vouloir secouer la sage femme. J'ai hâte maintenant de savoir s'il va réussir à faire sa demande en mariage et si Gaia va aimer son bracelet rouge ! A lire bien évidemment pour ceux et celles qui voudraient en savoir plus sur Birthmarked !
Leon s'est endurcit, les choix de Gaia ainsi que les siens les ont éloignés l'un de l'autre... et pourtant ses sentiments pour la demoiselle sont toujours aussi forts. Il fait preuve de courage et son côté têtu refait surface, tout cela se montre parfaitement dans la scène de l'accouchement, où il donne un coup de main, un moment qui va le changer et sa façon de voir la vie.
L'autre personnage mis en avant est Peter, le rival amoureux de Leon, celui qui a réussit à prendre en partie sa place auprès de la belle. Bien qu'ils se chamaillent, se fassent des sales coups, on se rend compte assez vite que dans d'autres circonstances, ces ceux-là s'entendraient comme larrons en foire. Ils ont des personnalités assez semblables et leurs sentiments communs pour Gaia les rapprochent par moments.
En peu de pages Carag M. O'Brien nous refait tomber amoureuse du taciturne et mystérieux jeune homme. Il reste incompris, mais plus de la même façon, on en vient à le plaindre et à vouloir secouer la sage femme. J'ai hâte maintenant de savoir s'il va réussir à faire sa demande en mariage et si Gaia va aimer son bracelet rouge ! A lire bien évidemment pour ceux et celles qui voudraient en savoir plus sur Birthmarked !
November 28, 2012
Hilarious. This "book" (one short chapter) started out with the two boys that form the love triangle with main character Gaia; and as in Twilight when they're alone without the girl they fight over COMEDY GOLD ensues. The plot didn't progress, but it was a really funny glimpse into the minds of the characters we've only seen through Gaia's eyes so far.
Having the same trouble I had at the end of Prized, when the triangle began to resolve solidly into a duo: the favored beau Leon is very intent that Gaia should choose him and is pressuring her, even though the poor girl is only 16. It's like Twilight in reverse. Edward begged Bella not to hurry, not to make the decision, to realize that she was too young. ("Amen!" from the crowd.) Here, Leon's all, "Decide, Gaia! You love me, let's do this!" and I'm thinking, she's really young. So are you. Forever comes really soon anyway, give her just a bit of time.
Lots of childbirth, a little cute romantic interaction between Leon and Gaia, and my whistle is officially whetted for Ruled. Bring it on!
Having the same trouble I had at the end of Prized, when the triangle began to resolve solidly into a duo: the favored beau Leon is very intent that Gaia should choose him and is pressuring her, even though the poor girl is only 16. It's like Twilight in reverse. Edward begged Bella not to hurry, not to make the decision, to realize that she was too young. ("Amen!" from the crowd.) Here, Leon's all, "Decide, Gaia! You love me, let's do this!" and I'm thinking, she's really young. So are you. Forever comes really soon anyway, give her just a bit of time.
Lots of childbirth, a little cute romantic interaction between Leon and Gaia, and my whistle is officially whetted for Ruled. Bring it on!
December 24, 2019
So...
I wasn’t even aware of the existence of this little side story till I was reorganizing my bookshelves and one of the novels from this trilogy had fallen open to reveal this little jewel!
If you are wondering how that could happen, it’s because of the fact that while I do own the series, I preferred listening to the series on audiobook instead, and therefore never actually opened any of the books, which now I find was a mistake. I’ve already found another side story in a fellow book in the series and will soon fix the error of my ways.
Now, back to this particular side story...
First of all, I LOVE LEON!!!
I was rooting for him from the very beginning, and I remained faithful the ENTIRE TIME Gaia was a bit “iffy” about her feelings towards the opposite sex!
I like that the entire side story revolves around Leon and his love for Gaia, and I was glad to get some thoughts on his feelings towards, not only her, but how he feels when others are judging him. He’s just such a good person, and he’s always trying to do what’s best for this around him and looks out for everyone!
I will never understand why it took Gaia SOOOO LONG to realize how good she had it by capturing his attentions!
I wasn’t even aware of the existence of this little side story till I was reorganizing my bookshelves and one of the novels from this trilogy had fallen open to reveal this little jewel!
If you are wondering how that could happen, it’s because of the fact that while I do own the series, I preferred listening to the series on audiobook instead, and therefore never actually opened any of the books, which now I find was a mistake. I’ve already found another side story in a fellow book in the series and will soon fix the error of my ways.
Now, back to this particular side story...
First of all, I LOVE LEON!!!
I was rooting for him from the very beginning, and I remained faithful the ENTIRE TIME Gaia was a bit “iffy” about her feelings towards the opposite sex!
I like that the entire side story revolves around Leon and his love for Gaia, and I was glad to get some thoughts on his feelings towards, not only her, but how he feels when others are judging him. He’s just such a good person, and he’s always trying to do what’s best for this around him and looks out for everyone!
I will never understand why it took Gaia SOOOO LONG to realize how good she had it by capturing his attentions!
September 25, 2012
First, if you haven't read
or
, you must. It is a dystopian story. The societies in these two books are twisted, but what sets these books apart is the quiet stream of emotion that weaves around the story. Gaia is not your typical kick ass heroine. She doesn't fight with her fists, but rather by the strength of her convictions that gives her purpose and makes her brave and strong. This short is book 2.5. Here we get the POV of Leon Gray after living through the drama of Promised. This story reveals the emotional side of Leon. What we get to understand is his tenderness, insecurities, loneliness, and his need to feel special. Gaia has so many responsibilities, it is easy to see how he might feel like a second priority. Thanks to Caragh O'Brien for sharing this story. It adds another wonderful layer to complicated fellow, that is Leon Gray.
or
, you must. It is a dystopian story. The societies in these two books are twisted, but what sets these books apart is the quiet stream of emotion that weaves around the story. Gaia is not your typical kick ass heroine. She doesn't fight with her fists, but rather by the strength of her convictions that gives her purpose and makes her brave and strong. This short is book 2.5. Here we get the POV of Leon Gray after living through the drama of Promised. This story reveals the emotional side of Leon. What we get to understand is his tenderness, insecurities, loneliness, and his need to feel special. Gaia has so many responsibilities, it is easy to see how he might feel like a second priority. Thanks to Caragh O'Brien for sharing this story. It adds another wonderful layer to complicated fellow, that is Leon Gray. 
January 6, 2013
Ruled ist eine Kurzgeschichte, die zwischen dem zweiten und dritten Band der Birthmarked Trilogie spielt. Auf amazon.com kann man sie als kostenloses Kindle Buch herunterladen, in Deutschland leider nicht. Aber er Verlag hat sich auf seiner Internetseite zum Nachlesen.
Die Geschichte spielt 2 Spiele bevor die Bewohner von Sylum ausziehen wollen, um eine neue Zukunft in der Enklave zu beginnen. Wirklich viel passiert in dieser Geschichte nicht. Gaia arbeitet als Hebamme und Leon liebt sie noch immer. Jedesmal, wenn er sie jedoch fragt, ob sie ihn heiraten will, sagt sie nein. Nun hat er ihr ein Verlobungsarmband gebastelt und will es erneut versuchen. Leider ist Gaia gerade unterwegs zu einer Entbindung. Ihre Helferin ist keine Hilfe und so wird Leon eingespannt.
Gähn, nett, mehr nicht. Eigentlich total sinnlos, aber ein netter Marketinggag des Verlages und der Autorin, um das Interesse an der Reihe zwischen den Bänden am Leben zu erhalten.
Die Geschichte spielt 2 Spiele bevor die Bewohner von Sylum ausziehen wollen, um eine neue Zukunft in der Enklave zu beginnen. Wirklich viel passiert in dieser Geschichte nicht. Gaia arbeitet als Hebamme und Leon liebt sie noch immer. Jedesmal, wenn er sie jedoch fragt, ob sie ihn heiraten will, sagt sie nein. Nun hat er ihr ein Verlobungsarmband gebastelt und will es erneut versuchen. Leider ist Gaia gerade unterwegs zu einer Entbindung. Ihre Helferin ist keine Hilfe und so wird Leon eingespannt.
Gähn, nett, mehr nicht. Eigentlich total sinnlos, aber ein netter Marketinggag des Verlages und der Autorin, um das Interesse an der Reihe zwischen den Bänden am Leben zu erhalten.
October 14, 2012
I think it's just that I've grown out of this series. :( When I read the first one back in November of '11 I absolutely loved it, but back in May when I read the second I just . . . well, I couldn't stand it really. I didn't like novella #1.5 either, and this one did nothing for me either.
I have the third one checked out from the library (I put it on hold immediately when I saw they had ordered it, since I still want to know how O'Brien ends it all, even if I don't think I'll like it), so I sort of felt obliged to read this.
For those of you who are interested in reading this, you can use the link on the GoodReads page, or just click here.
I have the third one checked out from the library (I put it on hold immediately when I saw they had ordered it, since I still want to know how O'Brien ends it all, even if I don't think I'll like it), so I sort of felt obliged to read this.
For those of you who are interested in reading this, you can use the link on the GoodReads page, or just click here.
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