10 December 2012

Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien

Striking out into the wasteland with nothing but her baby sister, a handful of supplies, and a rumor to guide her, sixteen-year-old midwife Gaia Stone survives only to be captured by the people of Sylum, a dystopian society where women rule the men who drastically outnumber them, and a kiss is a crime. In order to see her sister again, Gaia must submit to their strict social code, but how can she deny her sense of justice, her curiosity, and everything in her heart that makes her whole?

I read this right before Outpost by Ann Aguirre and the similarities made the books clash a lot.  Where Outpost was boring in its description of an overly-religious post-apocalyptic isolated society, Prized was full of action.  The interpersonal conflict and defiance really made the story clip along.  Gaia had a good bit of character development, and we meet a lot of great new people for her to interact with.  On the other hand, the romantic tension and issues between Gaia and Leon seemed a little contrived and was harder to get behind.  However, I was okay with the love triangle (square?  pentagon?) because in this case it seemed to make sense and worked out well and without the usual drama-angst.  The climax of the book is great, and the ending is closed but with enough promise that the next book will be amazing!  I can't wait to get my hands on it!

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