Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien

Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gaia continues to the Dead Forest to discover that there is civilization outside of the Enclave. Here she discovers information about her family, especially her grandmother and her role in this community. But every community has its problems and Slyum is no exception.

I really enjoyed Birthmarked, but, I loved Prized. It is a rare occurrence that a sequel is better than its initial in a trilogy, but Prized exceeds the standards O'Brien set in her first novel in this trilogy.

This book is exceptionally well-written, with exceptional character development. Gaia's character evolves further in this novel, suggesting that Birthmarked was only a small glimpse into Gaia's personality and strength. This dystopia sets up a promising conclusion to the trilogy that will combine the first and the second.

I really cannot say enough about how excellent this book is. So many dystopias miss an aspect--perhaps pushing the society, or a love triangle, but falling flat in some other aspect. While there was a "love square", O'Brien handled the romantic intrigue with great care so that it did not feel forced or as if Gaia's decisions and personality relied on the inclusion of a a boyfriend in order to complete her as a person.




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