Birthmarked

Birthmarked
By Caragh M. O'Brien
Roaring Book Press, 2010. 362 pgs. Young Adult

Gaia successfully delivers her first solo birth as a midwife and takes the child to be advanced at the Enclave walls as part of her monthly quota. Already feeling uneasy, due to snatching the baby away from its mother, Gaia becomes horrified to learn that her parents have been arrested by the Enclave for unknown reasons. After weeks of waiting and not hearing anything, Gaia sneaks into the Enclave to find her parents. Inside this world so foreign to her, Gaia learns that all is not well (although those outside are led to believe so) within this seemingly perfect existence. Children are dying and her mother might hold the key to their future.

O’Brien has created an interesting new world, set in a future where there is no water in the Unlake Superior. Gaia is a great character; although quite naïve about the Enclave and the baby situation, she thinks quickly and makes decisions that are true to her principles. Leon, the young soldier who is following her, is another strong character; his intentions are ambiguous and that makes for a good read. This is definitely a book for Hunger Games fans, but be prepared for a sequel.

MN