But Who Will Think of the Children?

Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien

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.

Review: A somewhat standard dystopian tale with the haves and have nots and someone discovering their world isn't all it's cracked up to be. The characters are what really help to bring this tale to life.

The relationship between those in the Enclave and those without is surprising to me. They willingly give up their babies for what they consider a better life and get nothing in return. Yet it appears that those without do well enough for themselves although they are poor compared to those in the Enclave. No one from without can go within the Enclave. Why aren't more people trying to sneak in and are there any policing for those without? Where's the resentment? I did like the history behind the Enclave and the current issues they are having because  it's a logical extension of what the Enclave is doing.

I suppose it's a natural reaction to such a shocking event, but I felt that Gaia went from liking the Enclave and being proud to serve it to hating it within a split second. It was heartening to see her devotion to her parents and how much she willing to risk for them. She always did what she felt was right and while she did make impulsive decisions, they did not feel like stupid or wrong decisions. I did feel that everything happened too easily for Gaia. I became emotionally attached to Gaia and Leon and am interested to see what happens to them in the next book.

Rating:

Recommendation: I would recommend this to fans of young adult dystopian fiction.