"Birthmarked" is a young adult dystopian novel written by Caragh M. O'Brien. Set in a future society, the story follows the protagonist, Gaia Stone, who is a midwife in the Enclave—a privileged and walled-off community. In this society, the privileged class demands that a certain number of infants be "advanced" to their ranks, while the rest are left to struggle in the outer, impoverished regions.
Gaia, dedicated to her duties as a midwife, begins to uncover unsettling truths about the Enclave and the advanced babies. When her parents are mysteriously arrested, Gaia is drawn into a dangerous world of secrets, rebellion, and a quest for truth. As she navigates this treacherous path, she grapples with the moral complexities of her society and her role in it.
The novel explores themes of identity, social inequality, and the consequences of blindly following authority. It combines elements of science fiction with a strong coming-of-age narrative as Gaia confronts the harsh realities of the world she thought she knew.
"Birthmarked" is the first book in a trilogy, followed by "Prized" and "Promised," continuing Gaia's journey and expanding on the dystopian world O'Brien has created. The series has gained praise for its engaging storytelling, thought-provoking themes, and well-developed characters.
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