Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien

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.

This dystopia novel has been on my wishlist for some time.  It’s no secret that dystopia books are some of my favorites.  This one didn’t disappoint.

The world created was fascinating, I found myself wanting to know more and more.  Gaia is a strong heroine.  I loved her attitude, sort of a “won’t take no for an answer” one.  The compassion Leon Gray showed Gaia kept me guessing.  The only thing that bothered me about Gaia was her lack of accepting a compliment.  I get why, but it annoyed me a bit.  She always assumed the worst in everyone she met, even after they’d proven to show some sort of compassion, in my eyes anyway.

I did find myself with unanswered questions that had little to no explanation.  I’d have loved if Gaia had been able to get some answers from her mother.  Such as why she tattooed every baby.  The reasoning the book gave didn’t feel like the truth to me.  The ending was set up so that it was open for a sequel, I’m hoping there will be one to tie up some of the loose ends I’m feeling were left.