Prized (Birthmarked #2) by Caragh O'Brien

Publication Date: 11-8-2011

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Pages: 368

Format: e-book

Source: netGalley

Goodreads | Amazon

Goodreads Summary:

Striking out into the wasteland with nothing but her baby sister, a handful of supplies, and a rumor to guide her, sixteen-year-old midwife Gaia Stone survives only to be captured by the people of Sylum, a dystopian society where women rule the men who drastically outnumber them, and a kiss is a crime.  In order to see her sister again, Gaia must submit to their strict social code, but how can she deny her sense of justice, her curiosity, and everything in her heart that makes her whole?

Prized began where Birthmarked left off, leaving Gaia with little supplies left and trying to find a way to provide for her younger sister, who she is certain is going to die shortly without help.  She is brought into the city of Sylum, where she finds more than she bargained for.  Women are in charge yet they are outnumbered by the men.  A kiss could lead to a sentence of death or imprisonment, and the rules seem to ever change to accommodate those in charge.  Gaia doesn't understand a lot about this society, but she didn't try very hard to either.  I can't deny that she kind of upset me in this novel.  She took a step back and wasn't the strong heroine that I remembered.  She was stubborn, whiny, and made some crazy stupid decisions.  At the same time, I tried to remind myself that she is 16 and shouldn't be expected to always make the smartest decisions.

Her relationships with people she knew changed dramatically, and she causes a lot of trouble for those in town.  She doesn't conform the way they would like her too, but is constantly questioning and trying to change their laws and standards.  At times I thought she was doomed, but she ultimately surprised me and became stronger throughout the novel.  She seemed to come into herself more and figure out exactly what she was supposed to do to help this society, her sister, and those in the Enclave.  

I didn't find Prized to be as amazing as Birthmarked, but I think it's because it wasn't what I was expecting.  I knew things would change, but I didn't realize we would be introduced to so many new people and things.  There were a lot of new changes to get used to while engaging in it.   Overall, I liked Prized and can't wait to see what happens in the final book of this trilogy.  O'Brien has set this up in such a way that I can't even predict what will happen in book three.  I think that's why I'm so excited and just want to read it now!  There are a lot of ways this trilogy could end, but I have a feeling it isn't going to be any that I expect.  Anyway, I think if you enjoyed Birthmarked you will likely enjoy Prized (even if it's not as much), and you will certainly be looking forward to the third and final book in this series.

Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien

Publication Date: 3-30-2010

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Pages: 368

Format: Hardcover

Source: Purchased

Goodreads | Amazon

Goodreads Summary:

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

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This was a much anticipated novel for me.  I heard so many good things about it, and being in love with the dystopian genre certainly helped the hype.  I was finally able to get my hands on a copy and I don't even know how to begin to describe the emotions I felt reading this novel.

O'Brien made me feel anger, sadness, happiness, and everything in between.  Gaia is living in a world in which the Enclave rules.  As a midwife, like her mother, she must deliver 3 infants a month to the Enclave gates.  The community outside the gates is subject to providing children to those inside, yet they aren't allowed to go inside themselves.  They never see these children again.  Gaia's parents are taken away into the Enclave, and Gaia isn't sure why.  She decides to make her own way into the Enclave to help her parents and find out what is really going on.

She sees so many surprises inside those walls.  The people she trusted to care for them are not caring for them at all.  The ideas she had of the Enclave are greatly obscured.  Gaia's life is full of adventure once she is inside those walls.  She is fighting for her life and the life of her parents.  She is fighting for the lives of those outside the walls as well.  Gaia has a lot riding on her, and goes through experiences I couldn't imagine.  She has so much hope and strength.  She is more mature than any 16 year old that I know, and has a head full of knowledge on her shoulders.  Gaia is choosing what is best for her and those around her when she fights for life.  

I couldn't put this novel down.  Gaia is such an amazing heroine and a great character.  We learn more about her throughout the book and find out about how strong and hopeful she is.  We see the 16 year old side of her as well.  Gaia shows us the life she has lived and the cruelness others have shown her growing up.  Her family secrets are revealed and she needs to decide how to deal with them.  O'Brien writes in a way that keeps you guessing.  You never know what is going to happen to Gaia and what she will decide.  There might even be a romance brewing for this young girl.

The ending kept me on edge and I can't wait to read book 2, Prized.  This trilogy has proven itself in book one and I'm hoping that book two is just as good, if not even better!  Gaia Stone has a lot to show us in her world, and I can't wait to see how this life begins.